books44 Chapter 269 [Empire] Scheming
Chapter 269 [Empire] Scheming
A meaningful smile played across his lips, a profound light glint in his eyes. "That depends on you. Everyone's path is different, but if you're willing to take my advice and join our team, at least you won't be fighting alone. We have many resources and hidden intelligence within our team, which may help you find your own path."
His eyes were sincere and his tone was no longer as cynical as before.
I took a deep breath and finally made up my mind. "Okay, I'll consider joining your team. But before that, I have some conditions."
He raised his eyebrows, as if he had guessed that I would put forward conditions: "Tell me, what are the conditions?"
"First, I don't want to be sent on a random mission, especially one that's not worth my time. Second, I must be involved in the research on combat plants." I looked him straight in the eye and said firmly, "I have my reasons. This is of vital importance to me."
He was silent for a moment, seemingly considering my request. Then he nodded. "I can agree to these two conditions. Our missions are always prioritized, and we won't send you on any dangerous missions. As for research on combat plants, I can provide you with some information, but you must first prove your ability."
I smiled, feeling relieved. Although the "proven ability" he mentioned was a bit vague, at least he agreed to my request.
"Then it's settled." I clapped my hands gently. "Happy cooperation, Nightingale."
He also smiled, revealing a meaningful smile: "Happy cooperation."
He smiled faintly, raised his hand, and gently pressed a device behind his ear. With a soft buzz, his slightly slovenly appearance vanished, like a mask peeling off. The image of a dirty, disheveled young man was instantly erased, replaced by the image of a neat and elegant man.
His hair was meticulously groomed, his eyes shone with calmness and wisdom, and his clothes were now a well-tailored suit. Even the casual and lazy aura he had just had was gone. Standing there, this man exuded a trustworthy composure, a stark contrast to the street kid from earlier.
"You found out," he said with a smile. There was no panic in his tone, but rather it seemed as if he expected me to see through it. He raised his head and looked at me calmly, as if observing my reaction.
I frowned and a hint of vigilance flashed through my mind.
"Nice disguise," I said coldly, trying to suppress my inner uneasiness. "But what are you trying to hide?"
He chuckled and spread his hands. "Don't be so nervous. I just hope to be more low-key in this place to avoid causing unnecessary trouble. You know, this street is not suitable for everyone to walk around casually."
He spoke nonchalantly, as if he had simply changed his clothes. But I knew that anyone who could disguise themselves like this in a place like this couldn't simply be trying to keep a low profile.
"So, what is your true identity?" I asked, my eyes still wary.
He looked at me, seemingly thinking for a moment, then offered a faint smile. "You can call me Nightingale, just like I told you just now. As for the rest... it's not important." He paused, raised his eyebrows slightly, and spoke briskly with a hint of mystery. "However, I thought you might be interested in my team. We rarely invite newcomers, but you—maybe an exception."
"Tell me about your team and its members." I leaned against the wall, arms folded across my chest, my tone casual, but my eyes never left his. Whatever his purpose was in disguise, I needed to find out the details of this team.
Nightingale smiled slightly, and seemed very satisfied with my directness: "Of course." He leaned back, put on a calm look, and began to tell the story.
"The name of our team is very simple, called 'Shadow Mist'. It may not sound very impressive, but this name has a long history. The team was originally founded by a legendary mercenary who once completed an almost impossible task single-handedly. Later, he gathered a group of like-minded people, and 'Shadow Mist' became a well-known name in the mercenary world." Nightingale's tone was calm, with a hint of pride.
"At present, our team has about a dozen members, and their strength ranges from intermediate to advanced. Everyone has different expertise, some are good at combat, some are responsible for reconnaissance, and some specialize in technical support. Of course, as a senior team, logistics is also very important - don't underestimate these things, logistics is the key to keeping a team running." He smiled in a relaxed tone, obviously quite proud of the operation of this team.
"As for the members," he lowered his voice slightly, a hint of mystery in his eyes, "our captain is codenamed 'Midnight'. His strength is unfathomable, but he doesn't strike lightly. As for the other members, each has a different codename. For example, 'Red Blade' is our close combat expert, who once single-handedly wiped out an entire enemy squad. And 'Floating Smoke' is responsible for reconnaissance and concealment. He's a genius at hiding, and many people have never even seen what he looks like."
"What about you?" I interrupted, my eyes narrowing slightly. "What role are you in?"
Nightingale smiled upon hearing this. "As for me, I'm primarily responsible for intelligence and communication, and occasionally I'll be involved in combat. You can think of me as the team's linchpin—wherever a problem needs solving, I'll be there. But don't think I'm a peacemaker. My marksmanship and judgment are well-deserved."
He spoke slowly and steadily, but there was a sense of confidence hidden in his words, which made people start to speculate about his true strength.
"That sounds great." I nodded, but I still had some doubts. "But I need to know, does your team have any... 'special rules' that make it difficult for me to join?"
Nightingale's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands softly. "Excellent question! Indeed, we have our own rules. First, the team comes first; unauthorized actions are not allowed during missions. Second, all benefits are shared; no private gains are accepted. Third, and most importantly, loyalty is paramount. If you choose to join, you cannot leave easily. Shadow Mist will not tolerate betrayal."
He spoke briskly, but the last sentence carried a chill, as if drawing an invisible line.
I was silent for a moment, my eyes never leaving his face. "Interesting rules. So...if I join, will you be responsible for me?"
"Of course." Nightingale smiled slightly, a hint of confidence in her tone. "I personally invited the newcomer, so naturally I will be responsible for it. Don't worry, in Shadow Mist, as long as you perform well enough, you will get more than you imagined."
"I won't be staying on the Capital Planet for long." I smiled and spread my hands, looking helpless yet calm. "I don't think I can satisfy your so-called 'loyalty'."
Nightingale's eyes flickered, as if surprised by my words, but soon his expression returned to its relaxed state. He raised the corner of his mouth slightly and shook his head gently. "I like people who are frank. At least you didn't give me a perfunctory response. As for loyalty—" He paused, his tone slowed, and he looked me straight in the eye. "It's actually not as absolute as you think."