Apocalypse: Master of Soul Beasts

Taking a deep breath, Wen Yu asked Tang Haofei directly, ”What do you want?”

”I need to remind you to understand what an alliance is. It’s where both sides benefit. If you think you can reap all the benefits of the Heavenly Palace with just one Esoteric Level skill, that’s completely unrealistic!”

”Well, well, well, those words sound familiar. It seems I said something quite similar yesterday...” Tang Haofei remarked with a sneer, an exceedingly smug smile plastered on his face.

Tang Haofei’s words left Wen Yu speechless. There was a fundamental difference between an Esoteric Level skill and an SSS-Class skill. An SSS-Class skill could only be considered an introductory gift from the military to Wen Yu. However, an Esoteric Level skill, especially one that suited Wen Yu, was enough to give the military the confidence to make exorbitant demands!

The implication was clear: You wanted us to satisfy you, didn’t you? Is one Esoteric Level skill not enough? Wen Yu’s answer was that it was. In fact, he might even be overstuffed.

Faced with Tang Haofei’s confidence and the immense temptation of the Photosynthetic Spirit Motifs, Wen Yu had already steeled his resolve. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. As long as it’s not excessive, I absolutely must obtain the Photosynthetic Spirit Motifs!

So, Wen Yu adopted a softer demeanor and gently repeated his earlier question, ”What do you want?”

However, Tang Haofei merely sighed, and his subsequent words took Wen Yu completely by surprise.

”Wen Yu, we’re giving you an Esoteric Level skill not to coerce you or to curry favor with you.

”I understand you have strong grievances against Lin Haifeng, but you must also admit that Lin Haifeng has consistently stood and acted for the sake of the Human Race.

”In truth, neither the military nor Lin Haifeng are as despicable as you might think. This Photosynthetic Spirit Motif skill scroll, Lin Haifeng specifically entrusted me to bring it to you.

”This time, I swear on everything I hold dear, there are no calculations or conspiracies involved. It’s simply that Lin Haifeng and the military’s Strategic Command Center believe this skill is better suited for you.”

After Tang Haofei finished speaking, Wen Yu immediately fell silent.

The conflict between Wen Yu and Lin Haifeng was entirely instigated by Lin Haifeng—in other words, Lin Haifeng provoked Wen Yu first; Wen Yu had not actively sought conflict with him. From any perspective, the discord between Wen Yu and Lin Haifeng was solely Lin Haifeng’s doing, entirely his fault.

However, to be fair, what Tang Haofei said wasn’t wrong either—Lin Haifeng wasn’t a bad person. The deepest reason for their conflict was merely a clash of ideologies.

But what was the use of dwelling on these things? Wen Yu couldn’t possibly reconcile with Lin Haifeng, nor could he transform overnight into a great hero who worried about the country and its people. Likewise, Lin Haifeng would never abandon his status and position. In many matters, there was no clear right or wrong, only one’s own principles and ideologies.

At this thought, Wen Yu let out a deep sigh. ”I won’t take this for nothing. I dislike being indebted to others. So, I will accept this skill, and you can state your terms.”

Hearing Wen Yu’s words, Tang Haofei fell silent for a moment. Wen Yu’s meaning was quite clear—he was proactively drawing a distinct line with the military. Let transactions be transactions. Don’t bring emotions into it; once feelings are involved, the deal can no longer be made.

Having discerned Wen Yu’s mindset and recalling his conversation with Lin Haifeng via communicator the previous day, Tang Haofei briefly organized his thoughts before dropping another bombshell.

”Wen Yu, I originally didn’t intend to say these things, but now I must. On the European front, several large settlements have already fallen, and the situation in Battle Zone India is also grim. As an independent hero, you might not perceive the true terror of the Demon Tribe. But for the entire Human Race, the Demon Tribe’s current power is far greater than ours. This is an undeniable fact. We need help—a great deal of help.”

Now everything made sense. The so-called ”this skill is better suited for you” was ultimately just a platitude. Hidden behind this Esoteric Level skill scroll were still greater interests.