Blackstone Code-Chapter 681: Arms Sales and Deployment

Lynch was only joking, but Mr. Wadrick took it to heart.

“Gravel can’t hide the brilliance of a gem. Eventually, people will know the truth…” Wadrick said with a smile, continuing the joke, “…they’ll know everything you’ve done for this country and its people!”

Both were in good spirits. This phase had come to an end, and the next was about to begin. The storm had passed, leaving behind a rainbow that fair weather never offers.

“What’s the main topic of this meeting? I haven’t kept up with the situation in Nagaryll lately,” Lynch asked as they walked into a quiet corner. The others wisely didn’t disturb them.

“Arms sales and security,” Wadrick answered without hesitation.

“You know Nagaryll is about to be divided. Some recent incidents have people worried. If someone stirs up a mob and attacks our assets again, the losses will be huge.”

“The Ministry of Defense has issued a bunch of big orders lately. Those guys are desperate to clear out their stockpiles. You know how tough things are these days…”

Until new military procurement plans came in, the major arms manufacturers had halted mass production. While they continued developing new weapons, none were in large-scale production.

The Federation’s arms industry had yet to prove itself internationally. Most countries still used their own designs—there was no global standardization of weapon systems.

In such a fragmented market, exporting weapons was difficult. Sales were largely domestic.

But domestic demand had stalled, so there were no new production runs. Warehouses were filled with weapons developed in recent years focused on defense.

Then the winds changed. The Federation’s military doctrine made a 180-degree shift—from passive defense to active offense.

At first glance, that may not seem to affect weapons design much—but it does.

Defensive weapons emphasize sustained fire and stability, meaning bulkier, heavier systems with larger ammo drums, heavier mounts, and more components. Their value lies in being deployed in fixed positions as part of a defensive line.

Offensive weapons are the opposite—lightweight, easy to maintain, quick to reload, and designed for rapid maneuver and breakthrough tactics.

This shift rendered vast amounts of old equipment obsolete. Scrapping it all would be a huge financial loss.

So under the Defense Ministry’s lead, the plan was to dump these weapons into Nagaryll. The military was replacing a large share of its defensive gear anyway. If not sold, the old weapons would keep clogging up warehouses and racking up maintenance costs.

Nagaryll’s newly formed federation provided the perfect excuse to unload them.

After Wadrick’s brief overview, Lynch nodded slightly. “Looks like they’ve got the whole plan figured out.”

“They won’t risk our weapons being turned against us,” Wadrick affirmed. “At worst, the opposition is just veterans and local militias…” He hinted at the next part.

“A lot of troops have been cut from the army. Many can’t find work and have become a social problem. So they’re sending these ‘troubles’ to Nagaryll…”

Lynch understood. It was actually a smart move.

Even though employment rates had recovered from historic lows, the pace wasn’t fast enough. Many were still jobless.

Soldiers, trained only to kill, had no place on assembly lines. Capitalists aren’t in the business of charity. They hire skilled workers, not novices who need training.

Some veterans, desperate to survive, had joined gangs and criminal organizations—posing a growing threat to public safety.

More and more, the police found themselves outmatched. In skill and discipline, they were no match for ex-military personnel.

The problem had to be dealt with—and now, the Defense Ministry had a clever plan.

Use Nagaryll’s money to buy Federation weapons, hire Federation veterans to protect Nagaryll’s security. A genius move.

Since the plan required approval from the Joint Development Company, this gathering had been arranged.

“Nagaryll’s value to the Federation keeps rising. I hear some senators are even proposing annexing it,” Wadrick said with a sarcastic smile.

Lynch sneered. “A foolish idea.”

They shared the same view—now was not the time to annex Nagaryll. At least not before the next world war.

The reason was simple. Annexing it now would only trigger suspicion and hostility from others—hurting the Federation’s global interests. It was an arrogant and stupid proposal.

As they talked, Wadrick suddenly said, “You haven’t seen Severella recently, have you?”

Lynch was surprised. “What about her?”

Wadrick pulled out a cigarette, glanced at Lynch, then handed him one after Lynch kept staring.

After recent events, Wadrick had come to believe Lynch was worthy of being his son-in-law. Whether in ability or connections, he had earned his respect.

Bringing Lynch into the family was a tempting idea—but also a slightly awkward one.

“She’s been pouring herself into her business, lost a lot of weight, looks worn out. Even I need an appointment to see her.”

“As her father, I’m worried about her health—both physical and mental. But you know how it is, kids grow up and become distant. There are things I can’t say or ask.”

“But you can. You’re her friend. Friends don’t have the same boundaries, right?”

Lynch picked up on the subtext. He raised an eyebrow. “You want me to pursue her?”

Before Wadrick could answer, Lynch shook his head. “That’s not going to happen. We’re not right for each other.”

He added seriously, “It wouldn’t end well—for either of us.” 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Wadrick sighed. “You misunderstood…”

And just like that, he lost interest in continuing the conversation. Lynch was right.

Severella wasn’t suited to be a submissive partner in a relationship. She needed to be the dominant one, for her emotional and mental well-being.

Lynch was too strong-willed. Even if they got together, it would only lead to constant conflict.

After the two parted ways, someone approached.

“Mr. Lynch, hello. Let me introduce myself—Orne, Orne Hines…” The man appeared to be in his forties, fitting the typical image of a successful federal businessman.

His understated yet expensive coat, worn even in sweltering heat to maintain appearance, his textbook smile that felt insincere, and most importantly, his aura.

Lynch shook his hand. “Hello. Seems like you know who I am.”

“Of course. Who doesn’t know the ‘Billion-Sol Man’?” Orne’s smile and tone were infectious, as if everything he said and expressed was genuine.

Flattery is a peculiar feeling—even the most composed and rational people can be swayed. It’s a form of recognition from the outside world.

Lynch’s smile deepened. “Judging by your name, you must be connected to the Hines Group?”

Orne nodded and took a business card from his holder, handing it over. “I’m currently the CEO of Hines Group.”

Lynch accepted it. The card only had Orne’s first name, two phone numbers marked private, and nothing else.

Hines Group was one of the largest arms manufacturers in the Federation, supplying many weapons to the Federal Army and a key promoter of this meeting.

Just as most people don’t truly understand medical conglomerates, around 80% of the Federation’s population only knew Hines Group from seeing its logo in the bottom corner of a poster at a weapons store.

Beyond that, they knew very little.

In reality, Hines Group wasn’t just a weapons manufacturer. It had made major contributions in advanced technology, chemistry, and physics.

Lynch glanced at the card, then placed it in his card holder and handed Orne his own in return.

Orne got straight to the point. “I heard you have a good relationship with the governor of Magulana in Magulana. I want to sell weapons there. I might need your help.”

“Very direct,” Lynch said, pressing his lips together slightly. “So what do I get out of it?”

“A strategic partnership. I heard you’ve started a military equipment research institute?”

“Maybe we can find some common ground there.”

“And in addition—preferential terms.”