Martial Online.

Chapter 412 Gods Among Men

?The police commissioner took a seat, and heavy silence fell on the tent.

All the police officers and members of High Society looked at the police commissioner with anticipation, waiting for him to speak.

They didn't want to interrupt him.

"The Pale Eyes are monsters…" The police commissioner looked as pale as a ghost, his voice trembling with fear.

"Their leader, Fenrir, is considered the world's most powerful man. He didn't receive that title because of his wealth or influence, but because of his strength.

"We aren't living in the Dark Violence era anymore, and using physical strength to assert dominance is outdated and considered barbaric.

"That's why there are only sports that showcase physical strength and provide a platform for individuals to compete and display their abilities.

"B-but, this man is so powerful that the entire country couldn't stop him from rising to power."

…

Land of White, one month before the release of Martial Online.

An imposing, pale-eyed man sat on a stone throne with his devoted followers around him. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, and his hand rested casually on the armrest of the throne.

Even though there was a nice-looking throne in the room, as if it were stolen straight from a throne room of a castle, it looked rather out of place, as the rest of the house looked wretched and dilapidated.

The windows were boarded shut, the roof was caving in, and the walls were covered in grime and peeling paint.

In the middle of the room, a hooded figure stood, casting an eerie shadow in the dim light.

He carried a big suitcase in hand as if he were a professional businessman.

"So, how does my offer sound?" The hooded figure asked with a sinister smirk under the hood.

"Like a fairytale." Fenrir replied, his voice dripping with malice. "Martial Online, and that it will change the world in the future, and the endless possibility of some headset."

"Heh." The hooded figure chuckled. "It will be released in a month, and the world will never be the same again."

"Hmph." Fenrir scoffed, crossing his arms.

Dragon stood beside the throne and saw their leader's distrust in the hooded figure. He then leaned closer to Fenrir and whispered something in his ear.

Fenrir looked at Dragon before moving his gaze over to the hooded figure.

"All right, let's pretend that I am believing anything of this nonsense. How much would it cost?"

"1 billion for one headset." The hooded figure raised one finger.

"Hah!" Fenrir laughed, clearly not taking the offer seriously. "You came here thinking that we have such money? Are you brainless? Get out of here before I drag you out."

Other members of the Pale Eyes chuckled at the astronomical price.

"Calm down." The hooded figure lowered the suitcase onto the table and opened it, revealing two golden headsets inside.

"You don't have to pay me right now. Once you realize the potential of this machine, you would pay double!"

Fenrir rose from the throne and approached the table.

He looked at the golden headsets with disinterest and asked. "So, these are not usable right now?"

"Using now would be extremely risky." The hooded figure said. "Wait one month for the release of Martial Online, and you'll see…

"I am even giving two, one for you and another for one of your friends over there."

"Hah, and it would cost 2 billion for each?" Fenrir asked.

"Correct." The hooded figure said with a smile, took the headsets out of the suitcase, and then closed the lid. "I'll stay in contact for my payment."

"And if we don't pay?" Dragon asked from the throne.

"You would regret it a lot." The hooded figure chuckled. "We'll see each other soon."

…

One month later, the day of Martial Online's release.

Fenrir sat on his throne with the golden headset in hand.

Gunshots echoed outside the house as if he were in the middle of a war zone.

"Boss." Dragon walked through the open door and folded his arms behind his back. "We have acquired enough headsets for everyone.

"It cost quite a bit that could've gone towards ammunition and supplies. Leader, are you still certain?"

"I couldn't forget what that man said." Fenrir said. "What if he spoke the truth? It sounds ridiculous, but what if?"

"Well, if what he said is true, the headset would be worth one billion, maybe even more." Dragon said. "You could become a god among men if it worked."

"Mm…" Fenrir glanced at the second golden headset and said, "Dragon, I think it's time we put this theory to the test."

"Who shall have the honor of wearing the second golden headset?" Dragon asked.

"It shall be you." Fenrir looked at him and saw his eyes widen for a split second, as if he didn't expect that. "If these two work, we can try purchasing a third one for Hydra."

"These are already expensive." Dragon sighed heavily. "We aren't anywhere close to having enough money to pay these two. How would we suddenly gain 3 billion?"

"Well, if we become gods among men…" Fenrir grinned. "I am sure we can figure something out."

"Yes, boss." Dragon picked up the second headset, took a seat on a wretched-looking couch, and put it on.

Fenrir did the same, leaned against the throne's backrest, and slowly closed his eyes.

…

A few months later.

Bang, bang, bang!

A man wearing a white military outfit hid behind a barricade, gripping his gun tightly. He then showed himself for a split second, shot his gun towards the fog-shrouded ruined city, and quickly dove back behind cover.

"S-shit, what the hell is going on?!" The man grabbed his crucifix and prayed for his own safety. "D-demons have come down to wreak havoc upon the world!"

At that moment, a shadow loomed over him, freezing him in fear.

The military man turned around to face the unknown threat and emptied his pistol into the fog.

He didn't realize that his gun started to click, signaling that it was out of ammunition. He still continued to pull the trigger, hoping for a miracle.

At that moment, something grabbed him from behind and lifted him off the ground.

"Aaaargh!"

The military man turned his head around and saw a pale-eyed man with a sinister smile lifting him off the ground.

The military man didn't think he was light, as he had built up quite a sizeable amount of muscle, but the pale-eyed man still managed to lift him off the ground as if he were a child.

"Y-you are…" He gulped in fear. "Fenrir!"

Fenrir grinned and threw him across the air like a ragdoll.

The military man crashed into a nearby wall, and his neck snapped in an instant.

"Heh." Fenrir looked at his hands and clenched them with a feeling of power.

He then headed back to their former dilapidated house, and the members of the Pale Eyes were counting the newly acquired weapons and ammo that they received by stealing from the military.

Their mercenary group was now stronger than ever before.

They have already begun taking control of more territories, and the Land of White's army was growing increasingly concerned about their power and influence.

"Boss!" The mercenaries saluted in unison and looked in awe at their leader.

He was truly like a god now.

"Where is Dragon?" Fenrir asked.

"At the throne room."

Fenrir nodded and soon arrived at the throne room, where Dragon was looking at the map on the table.

"Dragon, I waited for you on the battlefield." Fenrir said with a frown. "Where've you been?"

"Sorry, boss, but I think I found the way to pay for these things." Dragon replied with an excited glint."

"Hmm?" Fenrir looked at the map and frowned. "That is a map of a foreign country?"

"Yeah…" Dragon smiled. "Every year, a few days before Christmas, Nocklund's High Society's younger generation gathers in one spot.

"We could keep them hostage and ask 100 million from each High Society family. It would total 3 billion."

"100 million, huh." Fenrir looked interested. "Can they afford it?"

"Easily!" Dragon laughed. "Nocklund's High Society is one of the wealthiest communities. 100 million is nothing to them!"

"Sounds good…" Fenrir laughed. "They don't know what hits them. After all, we are gods among men."