Arknights' Lock of Heaven

"However, you seem to have misunderstood one thing."

"When did I ever say I came here for your youngest son?"

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.

"Mr. Auster, the president of Meshko Industries, right?"

Have you ever compiled statistics on the number of people who died from overwork and illness in the factories and businesses you manage?

"Have you ever calculated how much of their hard-earned money you've embezzled to be able to live in such a large estate, in such a magnificent house?"

"You exploit them, you oppress them, haven't you ever thought that someone might not stand for it?"

"Is a good-for-nothing playboy worth making a trip for?"

His scarlet eyes fixed on old Auster. "I came here for you, Mr. Auster."

"Death has come to collect debts!"

"I..." Upon hearing this, old Auster was speechless for a moment.

"Didn't you accept those... orders?"

Didn't you accept a bribe? Why...?

Old Auster couldn't understand why someone would take the money but not intend to do anything.

"Ha, businessmen are businessmen after all," the clone chuckled. "Intrigue, bribery, framing, that's all you're good for."

"Shouldn't it be instinctive for a successful businessman like you to go back on your word?"

"Why do you think you can buy me with that little bit of money? Why do you think I can be bought off by you?"

Why would you think I would reason with you?

"What bribery? That's just wishful thinking on your part."

The clone chuckled softly, "You didn't even ask me if I agreed..."

Old Auster was speechless for a moment upon hearing this.

He knew exactly why.

It's nothing more than being reluctant to part with it and clinging to wishful thinking.

Their greed is insatiable. All the power of the family is in Kazimir. How could they possibly be willing to just flee?

He wasn't the only one who thought this way; many others did too.

They may have worked hard for most of their lives, amassed a huge fortune, and risen to the ranks of the elite, or they may have been blessed with a life of luxury since childhood. You suddenly make them abandon everything and go into exile abroad...

How could they accept this?

All your money and power are in Kazimierz. What good is having a lot of money abroad? You're just a lamb to the slaughter.

Who would be willing to start all over again after being used to being superior to others?

Therefore, for these reasons, they were willing to risk staying in Kazimierz.

So-called bribery is nothing more than putting one's own mind at ease.

They certainly know that there are plenty of examples of people taking money and not doing anything, especially when you can't punish them.

If they want to cancel, they can cancel; what can you do about it?

They were just taking a gamble, hoping for the best.

Like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, trying to ignore the dangers and hoping the storm will pass quickly.

This is the compromise and weakness of the bourgeoisie when faced with power.

261 Prelude to a Mountain of Corpses and a Sea of ​​Blood

Even if they are exploited, even if their lives are not guaranteed...

They are willing to give up anything as long as they can keep their money and power.

National interests, moral bottom line, national righteousness...

There is nothing they cannot give up.

Ah.

“I can give you all my assets,” old Olmer said through gritted teeth after a long silence.

"Money?" The clone scoffed. "What use is it to me?"

"Or do you think I'm short of money?"

"The power of that business association..." He was still not giving up.

"A bunch of worthless chickens and dogs," the clone sneered. "Power? When I speak, who in the world would dare not bow their heads and listen?"

"What power can compare to my fist?"

"Do I need you to give me power?"

Upon hearing this, old Auster closed his eyes in anguish.

How could such a monster exist in the world... a monster that tramples all reason and rules underfoot...

But he didn't dare to say.

Not a single word.

"You've come for me, haven't you?" He lowered his head resignedly. "Then take me with you."

"I only ask that you do not involve any innocent people."

“Of course, of course,” the clone nodded in satisfaction, a hint of mockery in his eyes. “I’m not an unreasonable person either. I’ll only contact you regarding matters concerning Meshko Industries.”

"That's good," old Auster said, looking at his eldest son. "From now on... take care of your younger brother..."

“I know, Father…” Upon hearing this, the eldest son lowered his head.

A hint of hostility flashed in his eyes.

Even as you're about to die, you're still thinking about him!

Old Auster knew what his eldest son was thinking, but he was powerless to do anything about it. He could only shake his head and then walk tremblingly toward his clone.

"Shall we leave, or are you going to execute me here?"

“Of course not here,” the clone said happily. “I’ve found you plenty of good spots in the Grand Knight Territory.”

"As expected..." Hearing the words "you all," he said with a wry smile, "You don't intend to let anyone go."

"However, with them by my side, I feel much more at ease."

“Yes, yes, yes,” the clone nodded, then looked at his two sons.

“But we can’t leave yet,” he said with a strange smile.

“Marcelles Auster,” the clone looked in the direction of the eldest son.

"Your affair has been exposed, so come with me."

"What? Didn't you say you'd only kill me?" Hearing this, old Auster clutched his chest. "Why..."

Why do you break your promise?

“I haven’t broken my promise,” the clone shook his head, a wicked smile on his face. “Of course, I’ll only contact you for matters concerning Meshko Industries.”

"And he, Marcellus Auster, your eldest son, is involved in the Zero Plot matter."

"See, there's no conflict, right?"

“Plot Zero…” Old Auster never dreamed that his son would get involved in that quagmire.

"Didn't you say...you had nothing to do with those things?"

He asked, trembling.

“Do I dare admit it?” Hearing this, Marcellus Auster lowered his head resignedly and looked at his underling. “You like him so much, if I told you, you would definitely throw me out without hesitation, right?”

"I know you better than anyone else."

Upon hearing this, old Auster closed his eyes in anguish.

“Lem…” he said to the loyal captain of the guard, “Take them away!”

The eldest son cannot die.

The younger son is incompetent; if the group falls into his hands, he will only devour it completely. Only the eldest son has the ability.

Who would have thought...

Upon hearing this, the captain of the guard shoved the two men aside and roared as he charged toward the clone.

After that, there is no more.

The clone easily parried his attack, forcefully shook off his defenses, and casually slit his neck.

Looking at the guard captain lying on the ground, the clone shook his head regretfully.

"Tsk tsk tsk, what a family of three. The first two are utterly wicked, and only this youngest son is the most good-for-nothing..."