Just as Luo Shu finished stamping the documents and was about to call Megumi Kato to take them away, a sudden knock at the door made him pause.
Knock! Knock!
Luo Shu glanced at the office door before saying:
"Come in."
"Pardon the intrusion." Yukino Yukinoshita entered, looking up at Luo Shu before reporting, "Director, the Chinese consulate has sent a visit request. A Mr Lin Qi wishes to schedule a meeting with you."
"Lin Qi?"
The name gave Luo Shu pause:
"If I recall correctly, he's the head military attaché at the Chinese consulate... Why is he seeking me out?"
Frowning slightly, Luo Shu then asked:
"Did he specify a preferred time?"
"They said any time would be fine."
After saying this, Yukino Yukinoshita paused briefly before adding, "However, the person in question is already waiting at the reception desk on the first floor."
"So eager?"
Luo Shu expressed surprise before picking up the black landline phone on his desk and dialling the security office on the first floor:
"This is Luo Shu. Please inform Mr Lin Qi that we'll meet in the reception room on the third floor in three minutes."
After hanging up, Luo Shu smiled curiously:
"Let's go see what business this Mr Lin has with me."
...
Three minutes later.
Luo Shu met Lin Qi in the third-floor reception room.
The man appeared to be around thirty, though his hair was already greying. He sported a crew cut, wore a black suit, stood with impeccable posture, and exuded a sharp aura.
After exchanging handshakes, Luo Shu and Lin Qi took their seats on opposite sofas, naturally switching to Chinese:
"Meeting again, Mr Lin. I trust you've been well since we last met?"
"My apologies for this abrupt visit, Director Luo. I hope you'll forgive the intrusion."
After offering his apologies, Lin Qi got straight to the point:
"I've come unannounced today primarily for two matters."
"First, I wish to purchase information about Classes from the SDS."
"If you're willing, we're prepared to offer a price that would satisfy you."
Hearing this direct inquiry, Luo Shu showed surprise before shaking his head:
"While I'm not sure where you heard the false rumour that the SDS is selling Class information, that's irrelevant now."
"Because the SDS currently has no intention of selling Classes externally."
Though unsurprised that the Union had recognised the significance of Classes so quickly, Luo Shu was somewhat taken aback by their direct approach to being exploited.
But even if Lin Qi, representing the China Union, offered an astronomical sum, Luo Shu couldn't possibly agree to sell Class information now.
After all, position determines perspective.
As the current Director of the Hidden Management Department, Luo Shu naturally had to consider the department's interests.
Selling one piece of Class information might be simple, but if China bought it, wouldn't other Unions want the same?
How should it be sold? What price should be set?
These were matters for specialists to debate. Though Luo Shu held veto power, he wouldn't sell Class information before reaching internal consensus within SDS.
Even if it were just the most basic Common Class.
Lin Qi wasn't surprised by Luo Shu's refusal. In fact, the consulate had discussed this likelihood beforehand.
Their ambassador and experts estimated an over 80% chance that Luo Shu would refuse.
With this expectation, Lin Qi took the rejection in stride.
Moreover, Luo Shu had only said they currently had no plans to sell - who could say what might happen later?
As long as the American Union didn't get ahead on Class information, that was enough.
As Lin Qi's thoughts wandered, Luo Shu smiled and said:
"Don't worry, Mr Lin."
"If representatives from the American Union came to purchase Classes, SDS would give them the same answer."
Understanding immediately, Lin Qi shared a knowing smile with Luo Shu.
Although he hadn't managed to purchase a Class, Lin Qi felt somewhat relieved upon hearing that even the American Union couldn't obtain one either.
"Then let's set this matter aside for now."
"Let's discuss the second issue, which is actually the main reason for my visit today."
As he spoke, Lin Qi glanced at Luo Shu and tentatively asked:
"Mr Luo Shu, I wonder if you've ever heard of the Dragon's Legacy?"
Luo Shu looked somewhat surprised at this question. Accepting the black tea handed to him by Yukino Yukinoshita, he held the teacup and replied:
"I'm afraid I've never heard of such a thing."
Hearing this, Lin Qi immediately understood and said to Luo Shu:
"Then allow me to explain briefly."
"I'd like to hear the details." Luo Shu set down his teacup and spoke softly.
Lin Qi pondered for a moment before explaining:
"The so-called True Dragon Legacy is a special Abyss artefact accidentally discovered in Thailand."
"Its function is to bestow upon humans Class information called True Dragon Sorcerer."
"The pinnacle of this Class is the evolution of the sorcerer into a True Dragon."
"According to the intelligence we've obtained, this True Dragon appears to be an Angel Rank existence."
"As for this so-called rank..."
At this point, Lin Qi couldn't help but glance at Luo Shu.
Although the Union's intelligence operatives in Thailand had gathered much information, the specifics about these ranks still lacked professional confirmation.
According to SDS's publicly available theoretical ratings, the highest went only up to Demigod Rank. The term Angel Rank remained unfamiliar to the Union, with only preliminary confirmation that Angels existed above Demigods - but how far above remained unknown.
Noticing Lin Qi's curiosity, Luo Shu paused before explaining:
"Above Demigod Rank are Apostles who wield partial authority, and beyond Apostles lies Angel."
"Angel Rank is also commonly called Divine Rank. Unlike Demigods who retain half-human nature, it represents a realm completely transcending humanity."
"Thank you for your explanation." Lin Qi expressed genuine gratitude.
Having Luo Shu, a Demigod and professional, provide answers meant this visit wasn't fruitless.
Naturally, having received Luo Shu's favour, Lin Qi felt obliged to reciprocate with valuable intelligence.
"Let's return to the True Dragon Sorcerer Class discovered in Thailand."
"According to intelligence, this Class appears to fall within the Top Tier category among the Common, High and Top Tier Class ratings."
"Due to its high level, the Class seems to be in an incomplete state."
"All this was information Thailand probed out, which we... accidentally obtained."
Luo Shu took Lin Qi's claim of accidental acquisition at face value - whether he believed it was another matter.
Now, Luo Shu was curious about one thing:
"If I may ask, how many parties have 'accidentally obtained' this information?"
Lin Qi wore a helpless expression:
"Given the capabilities of the Five Great Powers' intelligence agencies, China and America likely obtained Thailand's intelligence first, followed by the French Union."
"As for the British Union, they probably got it from spies planted within the French Union."
Lin Qi deliberately omitted mentioning the Russian Union, China's questionable ally, knowing Luo Shu would understand how they obtained the information regardless.
As for Thailand's laughable information containment, Luo Shu didn't know whether to laugh or cry:
"So all Five Great Powers have caught wind of this?"
They're given a Top Tier Class and can't even contain the leaks?
Given the opportunity, they're utterly incompetent!
Hearing this, Lin Qi smiled slightly:
"Now the SDS knows too."
Luo Shu then smiled in turn.
The implication - that China's Union regarded the SDS as an equal ally worthy of such intelligence - showed significant respect.
Being informed of good developments demonstrated excellent sincerity.
Seeing Luo Shu smile, Lin Qi also nodded and continued:
"Let's return to the topic of the True Dragon Legacy."
"Due to pressure from the American Union and our side, Thailand has decided to auction off the True Dragon Legacy."
"And the auction location will be in Akihabara, Tokyo."
Hearing this, Luo Shu immediately looked at Lin Qi with a very peculiar expression:
"Excuse me, but is the Japanese government aware of this?"
Lin Qi paused for a moment upon hearing this, then replied in an uncertain tone:
"Perhaps... the American Union notified them?"
'Well done. Bringing a fuse that could ignite a world war to Japan without even notifying the local authorities - what wonderful neighbours you are!'
The corner of Luo Shu's mouth twitched as he silently mourned for the Japanese government for a second. Then, thinking about the True Dragon Legacy, he frowned and said:
"So the competition for the True Dragon Legacy will take place in Tokyo?"
"Does this mean Mr Lin wants our SDS to assist in the competition for the True Dragon Legacy?"
"We did have that intention initially. However, just before my visit, the American Union sent over a letter."
As he spoke, Lin Qi took out a white envelope from inside his suit and handed it to Luo Shu.
Luo Shu accepted the envelope, opened it, and found an exquisitely crafted invitation inside.
On the invitation, the bold characters 'True Dragon Selection Battle' were clearly visible.
"This is...?"
Holding the invitation, Luo Shu looked at Lin Qi questioningly.
At this moment, Lin Qi said with a solemn expression:
"This is an admission ticket - a ticket to participate in the competition for the True Dragon Legacy."
He sighed and continued:
"It seems the American Union plans to openly invite all forces from the mystic side to compete for the True Dragon Legacy, with each organisation sending two representatives!"
Hearing this, Luo Shu was momentarily stunned before shaking his head in amusement. He placed the invitation on the table and remarked:
"Extraordinary events always have ulterior motives behind them!!!"