Chapter 1462: Chapter 1460: The Real Cooperation
“Refusing the Gold Master”
In the Holy City, this could be considered a major taboo.
It’s rumored that whatever the Gold Master desires, it must inevitably become theirs, even the Regiment Leaders rarely dare to refuse the Gold Master.
However.
Han Dong has now “refused” the Gold Master for the second time.
The first refusal occurred during the Knights’ Conference, where the Gold Master’s avatar extended an olive branch to him. But in the end, due to Captain Hugo’s influence, Han Dong chose to join the Secret Language Knight Order.
Subsequently, the Gold Master did not cause trouble, which Han Dong estimated had to do with Captain Hugo and the council’s covert handling of the matter.
Now, facing the Gold Master’s true form and their proposal, Han Dong still declined…
The reasoning was simple: conditions that may seem lucrative to others were, in Han Dong’s view, insignificant, unable to rival his own *time* in value.
“Gold Master, I must decline.”
As he delivered this response, Han Dong’s nerves tightened entirely… A structure of tentacles even began to emerge within his mind, readying for “Borrowing God.”
Considering the earlier warning from the Great Demon Leader near the elevator, it was entirely plausible that both the Gold Master and Mr. Newton might act against Han Dong.
Ha ha! Ha ha!
Echoing waves of laughter burst through layers of fat, accompanied by the clinking sound of large quantities of gold coins scattering across the floor.
Far from being angered by Han Dong’s refusal, the Gold Master appeared excessively amused.
“Truly worthy of being the knight whose contributions during the Big Expedition were monumental and decisive… It seems such ‘mundane’ terms are incapable of pleasing you.
No need for tension.
The proposal I just put forward was merely a test.
After all, neither Newton nor I directly participated in the Big Expedition; no matter how dazzling others’ descriptions of you might be, unless I witnessed it personally, I wouldn’t easily believe it.
Judging by your resolute rejection just now, I’d say 60% of the rumors about you are likely true.
Next, I need to verify the remaining 40%. If you truly live up to them, I will propose a highly beneficial deal—one that is guaranteed to satisfy you.”
“What?”
“In one minute, how much can you discern about me?
If you uncover nothing, then our conversation ends here today… Rest assured, we won’t interfere with you in any way, and your basic collaboration with the Steam Knights remains intact.
The timer has begun.”
Han Dong, though unclear of the Gold Master’s true intentions, could faintly sense the scent of opportunity.
Since the Gold Master had invited him to observe, Han Dong didn’t hesitate.
As the Demon Eye opened, the surrounding space began to subtly distort.
A sinister Black Whirlpool rapidly formed within his pupil.
The grey and murky visual effects extended like tentacles, penetrating the Gold Master’s golden membrane on the surface, seeping into the belly to catch a glimpse of the truth within.
“This is!”
Upon seeing what lay within, Han Dong was aghast, turning his head aside.
His gaze landed on another figure in the conference room, who had been standing dutifully by the door all along—Mr. Newton.
“Gold Master… is your creation, Mr. Newton?!”
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Clear applause echoed crisply throughout the conference room.
Mr. Newton revealed a smile utterly uncharacteristic of his usual demeanor—a smile born purely from within:
“13 seconds… It seems your Eye is truly exceptional. There likely isn’t a second one like it in the entirety of the Holy City.
Remember, this matter must remain confidential for me. Otherwise, according to the laws of the Holy City, revealing it would cost me a great deal of precious time.
As you’ve deduced, the Gold Master is indeed my creation.
The technologies and sacrifices involved originate from my life-and-death experiences within the Fate Space.
Ultimately, by using a [Developable World] Node as a foundation, I exhausted all the points I possessed at the time to finally bring the Gold Master into being.
To think you could actually uncover this truth… Your ‘existence’ has already transcended conventional definitions, making you a worthy candidate for deeper collaboration with me.”
Han Dong was utterly stunned.
This revelation was one no one could have anticipated.
The illustrious Grand Captain of the Steam Knights was actually Mr. Newton’s creation… Meaning the entire Steam Knights, the entirety of Steam City, and even the Holy Ring Organization currently superior to the council, were all managed single-handedly by Newton.
“Now, let’s discuss true collaboration.”
With an elegant gesture, Mr. Newton seated himself directly across from Han Dong.
A genuine contract, crafted from soft metallic material, was slid over.
“Time is the most precious commodity in the world.
The higher one climbs, the more invaluable time becomes… I understand that your time, Nicholas, can no longer be measured in monetary terms.
Thus, the collaboration we are about to establish will not consume your time. On the contrary, it will help save some.”
“[Steam Technology] has been my life’s pursuit; to me, it represents the technology branch with the greatest potential and value.
I’ve poured everything into it, even my very life.”
Newton’s tone had entirely shifted; no longer was there any pretense. His words were deeply heartfelt, treating himself and Han Dong as equals, engaging in the most earnest exchange.
“However, the level I’ve reached so far remains insufficient.
It isn’t enough to propel the Holy City to higher domains or safer regions with gears alone… I require further and more direct technical support.
I hope, Nicholas, that you can share the steam technologies currently at your disposal.
If possible, I also hope you could act as a ‘Middleman,’ arranging for me to meet Demon scientists specializing in steam gears—preferably a [Old King Level] individual.
In return, all research findings I attain will be shared with you unreservedly.
I’ll even dispatch my most elite Engineers to transfer relevant technologies and equipment to your estate, saving you substantial time.
Of course, none of this will restrict your freedom; it will merely be technical exchange, as it has always been.”
Hearing these words, Han Dong’s face lit up with a faint smile of contentment.
Throughout the conversation, the Demon Eye remained active… Newton’s passionate remarks contained not a trace of deceit. Han Dong could confirm that Mr. Newton always prioritized steam research and the Holy City’s progress above all else.
At the same time, he understood something new—why Mr. Black White unconditionally trusted Newton, even going so far as to accept the mechanical modifications he offered.
“That’s perfectly fine… However, Mr. Newton, I do have some questions.
Regarding acting as a go-between, I do have a relatively good relationship with the Demon faction.
But wouldn’t Captain Hugo, being a renowned former professor of the Mi University, also be capable of establishing technological partnerships with Demons? Why come to me instead?”
“You’ve heard about Hugo, have you?
If that’s the case, fair enough… Hugo is indeed assisting me. Certain Demon specialists in mechanical gears at the Mi University are already collaborating with us.
However, that relationship doesn’t extend to the Old Kings, and their attitude has remained aloof—they’re unwilling to fully disclose many things.
What I truly desire is your assistance, Nicholas, as well as the chance to establish direct contact with a [Old King Level] entity.”
“Very well.”