Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

Wayne fleeces Michael → Michael fleeces Lateran → Lateran fleeces the Terran kingdoms → Terran kingdoms fleeces the Asmodians → Asmodians fleeces Theresa → Theresa fleeces Wayne → Wayne fleeces Michael...

It's a closed loop; this is the triangular exploitation that shocked Terra in later generations!

After quickly finishing up with Michael's matter, Wayne turned to Theresa and asked as he walked away:

"What happened? Why the rush? Who sent you that message?"

“Kal'tsit.” Theresa brushed back the strands of hair that had been blown about by the wind.

Wayne asked curiously, "Kal'tsit? What happened in Victoria? Why haven't I heard anything about it?"

Theresa shook her head: "Victoria is fine. She came to see me."

She led Wayne toward the transfer area, turned into a dark alley, and after confirming that no one was around, she looked at Wayne seriously and asked:

"Mr. Bruce, would you like to join the Tower of Babel?"

Chapter 112 Building Our Power

"Mr. Bruce, would you like to join the Tower of Babel?"

Theresa had asked the question after careful consideration. She was also prepared to face Kal'tsit's questioning.

Why would a small, secret Sarkaz group join an Aslan, especially a powerful one? It doesn't make sense. Even if Wayne holds a special place in Theresa and Kal'tsit's hearts, such an invitation is still somewhat hard to understand.

Moreover, Kal'tsit had already finalized the list. Her purpose in coming to Lungmen was to find Theresa and, in her name, extend an olive branch to the chosen individuals. This would require Theresa's help, such as a handwritten letter, a small gift, or, for some special and important figures, a personal visit, even three times.

Adding Vayne at this juncture might introduce unforeseen changes to the Babel Tower organization, but Kal'tsit will undoubtedly have a headache. How will she explain this to the Sarkaz warriors who have joined Babel Tower?

But Theresa's gaze remained resolute; she neither retracted nor considered taking back her words. She simply looked directly into Wayne's eyes, quietly awaiting the Aslan man's answer.

Suddenly pulled into the alley, Wayne was a little confused, thinking that Theresa was going to reveal some secrets about the Sarkaz, but he didn't expect to hear an unexpected name from her.

The Tower of Babel!

Wayne's first reaction was, "The Tower of Babel hasn't even been established yet?"

In the storyline he was familiar with, Babel was Theresa's secret organization and her staunch support during the Kazdel Civil War. It consisted of a group of Sarkaz warriors from the Princess's faction, including the ancient lynx-like sage Kal'tsit, the banshee heir Logos, and Ascalon, the head of the Internal Affairs Committee's Anti-Corruption Commission—all figures of formidable combat power. Even after losing its leader and disintegrating due to Theresa's death, the surviving forces formed Rhodes Island, a sizable international organization.

Despite Rhodes Island's portrayal as weak and vulnerable in the story, a multinational medical company with both medical research (though Wayne has never seen them do that) and mercenary transport capabilities, operating across various nations, would be hard-pressed to believe it lacked substantial strength. And this organization was merely the remnant of Babel after its destruction. One can only imagine the formidable power of the Babel organization, which once assisted Princess Theresa in seizing half of Kazdel's territory during the civil war, and even rivaled Theresis at one point.

But at this point in time, the Tower of Babel still hasn't been established?

After thinking about it, Wayne understood.

In the original storyline, the Tower of Babel collapsed due to the death of Theresa. Regardless of the true story, the apparent reason for Theresa's death was betrayal by internal fence-sitters, leading to her assassination by spies planted by Theresis. Although Wayne vehemently refused to believe that someone of Theresa's combat prowess could be easily overrun by a few assassins who could capture and kill even a W-rank assassin one by one, that was, at least on the surface, that's how it appeared.

Now that the Kazdel civil war has not broken out, Theresa's need for Babel is not as urgent as in the original story. She has ample time to work with Kal'tsit to carefully select each member of Babel, unlike in the original story where she had to accept a large number of Sarkaz people of unknown origin in order to quickly expand her power and fight against the military council controlled by Theresa, which ultimately led to disaster.

"So, I was chosen? But I'm not a Sarkaz either."

Wayne sighed inwardly. Becoming a member of the Tower of Babel wasn't really a problem for him; he didn't have many reservations. The restriction that royal members couldn't participate in social organizations was basically a joke in his case. Who could restrain him? Second only to the emperor, above everyone else, and above him was his sister.

But at this moment, he could only pretend to be confused, scratching his head and asking in bewilderment:

"While I usually don't refuse your invitations, Theresa, but... what is the Tower of Babel?"

Theresa was stunned for a moment before realizing that she had been too hasty and hadn't even explained the Tower of Babel to Wayne before rushing people in.

She paused for a moment, organized her thoughts, and like an Amway salesperson, gave Wayne a detailed introduction to the Tower of Babel.

Finally, to summarize:

"In short, this is essentially a small secret organization that I set up myself. If I had to make an analogy, it would be like Wei Yanwu's Shadow Guards or the Pardoners controlled by Theresis."

Theresa paused, looked at Wayne, and said with some concern:

“Mr. Bruce, I don’t know if you’re hiding something from me or if you have other plans, but based on the information I have, it seems that you have never had a force of your own.”

The Kings of the North, belonging to the late King of the North, were originally supposed to be Wayne's staunch supporters. However, in order to ensure the smooth execution of their series of deceitful and cunning plans, they were betrayed by Wayne and are now essentially finished. Moreover, even if they still exist, their quality is far inferior to that of organizations like the Shadow Guards and the Exonerators; they are far less elite.

The Unicorns are loyal to Victoria, not any emperor. With Wayne and Vina now operating both overtly and covertly, they're thriving under Victoria's protection. As the only organization capable of checking Wayne, the Unicorns can't possibly become a completely independent force. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. While Wayne won't allow the Unicorns to hinder his reforms, he also won't allow this last remaining checkpoint to become completely ineffective.

The other chips in Wayne's hand are all individual entities, lacking a unified organization that inspires a sense of belonging. This is rather strange.

It's really unreasonable that someone like Wayne hasn't cultivated his own power base.

Considering the methods Wayne used to trick Wei Yanwu, Theresa wasn't sure if Wayne had genuinely made no arrangements, or if she simply hadn't discovered her scheme. She could only ask this question.

Wayne awkwardly turned his face away, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

It was then that Theresa realized that Wayne probably really hadn't built his own faction.

Wayne felt somewhat helpless; this was also a limitation of his character.

As a young man born under the red flag, Wayne was already racking his brains to figure out how to use his supposedly precognitive plot information and analysis to swindle those old fogies (a pun on his name). Why would he have time to build any power base? Besides, he hadn't even considered it.

The largest force Wayne ever formed in his previous life was a travel club from his university days. They traveled all over the country and visited many places, but that thing had no real power. They always paid for their own trips, and frankly, it was just a coincidence that they met. It was nothing like the well-organized and powerful behind-the-scenes force that Theresa was talking about.

In Wayne's mind, the kind of organization that Theresa talked about would probably be considered a mafia in his area.

Who in their right mind would think about forming a criminal organization? Besides, Vina already has a Glasgow gang, a group of kind-hearted and somewhat lovable friends of Vina's. After meeting them, Wayne became even less interested in the whole thing.

However, when Theresa mentioned it, he realized what she meant.

It seems I really do need an organization like that. Black Serpent has its scales, Theresis has its pardoners, and even Wei Yanwu, whom I've tricked and left completely bewildered, has a shadow guard. When they're out and about, I don't even need to lift a finger; a wave of my hand and my henchmen are everywhere. Only I have a bit of emotional intelligence and do everything myself.

What exactly did this so-called divinely ordained imperial power command? Was he just a figurehead commander?

But how do you build up your power? Since it's a secret organization, you can't just post an imperial edict to recruit, can you? Do you have to personally go out and call out to anyone you like, "Fellow Daoist, please wait!"

and many more.....

Wayne suddenly looked at Theresa, his surprise evident in his expression:

"You dragged me into the Tower of Babel just for this?"

“Yes.” Theresa nodded solemnly.

Chapter 113 Let's Walk!

"Hey, Big Film, how much longer are we going to have to wait here?"

Surtr glanced at the bustling transfer area. A wild caravan from Ursus was arriving in Lungmen today, so the area seemed fairly lively. Even someone as restless as Surtr could manage to watch the crowd for a while. A couple of days ago, he wouldn't have even had a chance to look at people.

Even so, just watching the unloading, going back and forth like that, got tiresome after a while. Surtr turned to look at Green Film, who had picked them up from school after a three-day, three-night drive to this foreign land, and grumbled in dissatisfaction:

"You said you brought us here to see Prince Wayne and someone important. Where is that important person?"

Kal'tsit looked up from her phone at Surtr, while Mudrock, though silent, turned his head, also looking puzzled. If the authorization Kal'tsit had received hadn't genuinely come from the Victorian royal family, Mudrock and Surtr might already be drawing their weapons.

Kal'tsit sighed, glancing at Theresa's reply from an hour ago on her phone screen: "Coming." "I've arrived." She couldn't help but wish she could add a pigeon emoji to it.

It's hard to imagine that Theresa would actually stand him up. It seems she's forgotten her old love now that she has a new one.

But why be in such a hurry? Is His Highness Wayne going to be snatched away by someone else?

Now that Surtr and Mudrock are pressing her for answers, how can Kal'tsit possibly respond? How would she know where Theresa went? She's only just arrived in Lungmen, and Theresa hasn't replied to her messages. Should Kal'tsit call again? What if Theresa is actually doing something important?

Kal'tsit didn't want to be the kind of teammate who would call at the crucial moment and ruin the plan. Every time she went to the movies with Wayne or Theresa, her blood pressure would spike when they encountered those kinds of plots.

They are so immature!

"Big Felin, say something! Why aren't you saying anything?" Surtr saw Kal'tsit's furrowed brows and suspicious look, and his expression immediately turned sour.

It's just a phone call, why overthink it? Is there something wrong with this film? It's not only not cute, but its personality isn't as gentle as other films either. It was as cold as an ice pop the whole way, so we didn't even need the air conditioning in the car.

Seeing that Surtr's fiery temper was about to flare up, Mudrock quickly stepped forward to stop her and asked on her behalf:

“Ms. Kal'tsit, Surtr is not very polite. Please don’t take offense. But, where is Prince Wayne?”

Seeing the growing wariness rising in their puzzled eyes, Kal'tsit closed her eyes helplessly.

If this drags on any longer, these two will probably start to think I'm a fraudster.

Riddlers are useless against straightforward people, because if Surtr doesn't understand Kal'tsit's hints that require three guesses for every one sentence she says, she'll just draw her sword and attack.

Alright, alright, let's fight then! I hope Your Highness Theresa isn't doing anything important.

Kal'tsit dialed Theresa's number and held it to her ear. After a moment, she put the phone down, looked at the two of them, and said:

"almost."

Surtr asked impatiently, "How much longer is 'soon'?"

She was looking for Wayne. The headmistress, Therese, was bullying them at school because of her position. Surtr wasn't one to hold grudges, but if her friends were bullied, she would definitely seek revenge! Coincidentally, Mudrock was Surtr's friend.

Surtr wasn't stupid; she was just a bit straightforward and hot-tempered. Being carefree was a lifestyle choice; only those who lived freely could live without worries. People like Vayne and Kal'tsit, always frowning, made Surtr feel tired just looking at them. But she was very clear-headed about many things. His Highness Vayne had taken them in, making them members of the royal family—that was why Theresis dared not do anything to them. But today, Theresis had indeed shown murderous intent towards them. Surtr was extremely sensitive to murderous intent; after wandering alone for years, if she weren't, she would have been assassinated long ago!

Wayne is their strongest supporter. Surtr must tell Wayne about this and let Wayne decide whether to punish Theresis or authorize them to punish Theresis.

Surtr wanted the latter, because that way she could rightfully return as the Dragon King, and the legend of Grandma Surtr punching the Chairman could spread throughout Kazdel and Victoria.

That would be so cool!

Kal'tsit thought for a moment. From the core city that Theresa had just mentioned to the connecting area, it would take at least an hour. A city is very large; the distance from the center to the edge is basically a radius. The various roads, traffic lights, and traffic restrictions in between would greatly increase this distance.

The final journey could very well take more than an hour and a half, approaching two hours.

Yes, that's definitely taking a bit too long.

Kal'tsit thought for a moment and decided to arrange to meet Theresa at the hotel. She would take Surtr and Mudrock there first, saving Theresa the trouble of making another trip.

But as soon as she made the suggestion, Mudstone preemptively rejected it!

In fact, by this time, she had already begun to suspect Kal'tsit.

She had met Kal'tsit before. Back in the North, Kal'tsit was also a member of the Blitzkrieg unit that raided the Earl of Princeton, and the two had fought side by side.

But so what? Even the closest of kin, like father and son, can turn into bitter enemies on this rotten land of Terra. A former comrade-in-arms can have countless reasons to betray him:

It could be due to unequal rewards, insatiable greed, bribery, or even simply a fit of anger, a rebellious streak, and a life of disloyalty.

Mudrock had witnessed far too many of these situations during his time as a mercenary.

Who can guarantee that Kal'tsit isn't like that? She brought the two of them to a place so far from Victoria, claiming she wanted to see Vayne, but His Highness Vayne was nowhere to be found. An hour has already passed, and now she still wants to use the excuse of a reunion to bring herself and Surtr into the so-called "hotel".

Heh, a hotel, who knows if it's a trap? Maybe what's waiting for them there isn't His Highness Wayne at all, but a group of fully armed thugs!

can not go!

Mudstone immediately refused:

"Let's just wait here. Surtr, what do you say?"