Full-Time Public Enemy-Chapter 699 - 505: Poison Nest_3

"Please accept my sincere apologies as well," Chairman White said. "I had no idea that Balermo, a lofty Seventh Energy Level, would secretly defect to the Digital Group!"

Chen Gu waved his hand. The Digital Group was profoundly clandestine and exceedingly crafty. He knew this well and thus held no grudge against Chairman White, who had also been deceived.

Chairman White continued, "Please, take a rest. The operation on planet Sol Star III still requires Captain Chen to turn the tide."

Chen Gu said calmly, "Is this also part of the deal?"

Chairman White said awkwardly, "Technically, you've already helped us resolve the crisis on Sol Star, and we shouldn't ask for more. The matter on planet Sol Star III... should come with additional payment for you. But we truly have no budget left."

After a pause, Chairman White gritted his teeth and said, "How about this: I'll personally decide that Captain Chen may have the first pick of any spoils of war from all operations.

"There might not be many spoils, but... please consider it a small token of our goodwill.

"The Digital Group is an enemy of all humanity. Captain Chen, please, you must help us."

Chen Gu nodded, took out the Celestial Position Number 4-11 artifact, handed it back to Chairman White, and then left with his team members.

Once all the members of the Confederation had left, Modric approached Chairman White and whispered, "Chen Gu also took the Deep Space Hand Cannon..."

Chairman White said calmly, "That is Captain Chen's spoils of war. Didn't you hear what I just said? He may take whatever spoils he pleases."

Modric frowned. Chairman White looked at him and said solemnly, "Sir, don't you have any other thoughts about the military secretly developing these weapons specifically targeting Professionals?"

Modric fell silent.

With the Prometheus Project leaked, the Bureau of Mystic Security would undoubtedly conduct targeted research to help all Professionals find ways to counter these weapons. This was a good thing for all Professionals. Chairman White, who was in charge of the Star State's Professionals, was particularly dissatisfied with the military's development of such weapons. The recent discussion between Chen Gu and Chairman White about "spoils of war" actually referred to these weapons. They understood each other without explicit words; Chairman White tacitly allowed Chen Gu to take these items back in return for Chen Gu helping to resolve the dilemma on planet Sol Star III.

Riding the battleship's internal orbital maglev to his assigned cabin, Chen Gu closed the door behind him and lay down on the tidy bed, fully clothed. He closed his eyes to rest.

He appeared outwardly calm, but only because he was on a Star State battleship and couldn't guarantee the security of information transmission, so he hadn't activated his account. However, he had already decided what to do upon his return. Why should all of humanity pay for the Star State's mistakes?

—But who truly deserved punishment for this incident?

Was it White? Indeed, White had persuaded him to join the Sol Star mission by arguing that the spores would eventually spread throughout the Star Sea, even reaching Confederation territory. But White could only be considered a keen observer, an unscrupulous, yet ultimately powerless politician. He had commanded the entire operation, but he wasn't the one who gave the actual orders.

Was it Gascolin Hondarei?

On the contrary, after interacting with him, Chen Gu found himself somewhat admiring the young man. Gascolin Hondarei indeed exhibited all the typical flaws of a rich heir: lecherous, lazy, unambitious, and unwilling to strive... But he also had some merits. At critical moments, he hadn't abandoned his companions. And he fought back in the face of danger instead of panicking. Someone like that, after experiencing such an ordeal, had the potential to change in the future.

Was it Joseph Hondarei?

The old man had lived his life with little conscience, but in this particular matter, was he wrong for trying to save his own son? He bore some responsibility, but he wasn't the main culprit.

Was it Richard?

That guy embodied all the most detestable qualities of the Star State's people. Yet, in an event of this magnitude, he was merely a minor figure. He had made mistakes, but he couldn't bear such immense responsibility.

There were two parties truly responsible for this incident:

First, without a doubt, was the Digital Group.

Second, was the Great Commander of the Star State.

I have my principles. Chairman White did persuade me to participate in this operation, but I won't remain silent because of it. I still intend to make those sinners pay!

The Digital Group is a separate matter; that's a long-term confrontation. As for the Great Commander of the Star State... I've certainly prepared a 'surprise gift' for him. Once I return to the Confederation, this gift will be delivered. Whether he can withstand this 'token of my regard' will depend on his capabilities.

The team assembled earlier, aside from Chen Gu, had already rushed ahead to planet Sol Star III.

"Without your leadership, Captain Chen, we assigned a Sixth Energy Level Potential Courier as the new team leader."

After resting for half an hour, Chen Gu returned to the battleship's command center, where he listened to Chairman White's briefing. Chen Gu stood with his arms crossed, one hand supporting his chin, scrutinizing the large holographic data display before him.