The Barcode, whose head was covered in barcodes, coughed lightly, tapped the table, and waved at the Liar. "Hey, look here... I'm in charge of this negotiation."
"You?"
The Liar glanced at the Barcode, the aura around him growing dangerous. He spoke in a sharp, feminine voice, "The fact that I came here personally to negotiate shows my sincerity. Are you insulting me by having a mere lackey who hasn't assimilated yet negotiate with me?"
If he hadn't desperately wanted to complete the transaction with the Foundation, the Liar would have already attacked. He was the mildest-tempered among the four Archons of Absurd Speech, but he wasn't a pushover who could be insulted without getting angry.
The Barcode remained unfazed. "My appearance for this negotiation is simply because I am very familiar with the Encoding Organization. As for your accusation of insult, it doesn't exist. Having this gentleman accompany me is a testament to our respect for you..."
A tall figure emerged from behind the Barcode, lifting his black and red robe to reveal a white loincloth.
This person was none other than Aishwakaz, whom Wen Wen had confined!
Because Aish, compared to other monsters, understood the horrors of containment better, he had quickly become Wen Wen's loyal subordinate after being interrogated by Wen Wen.
Whether his allegiance was genuine or feigned, his posture was extremely humble, putting immense pressure on other sycophants like the Faceless Demon.
It was estimated that only the sunglasses-wearing Gideolo could be more thoroughly subservient than Aishwakaz.
The Liar was an Archon, and Aishwakaz was also an Archon. With him present, the Barcode was sufficient to conduct negotiations on equal footing with the Liar.
However, Aish was different from ordinary Archons. When his aura was fully unleashed, it was only equivalent to a monster at the nascent stage of disaster.
"You're infuriating me! It seems you have no intention of negotiating. Those who insult me will be consumed by flames!"
The Liar extended his right hand towards Aish, a seductive red lip appearing on his palm. As his voice echoed, unbidden flames ignited on Aish's body.
But Aish's body quickly grew a foam-like carapace, isolating all the flames. Then, the burnt skin shed, leaving Aishwakaz unharmed.
Wen Wen, observing from the shadows, his eyes lit up. The Liar's abilities seemed quite interesting. He wasn't a fire-attribute ability user; the flames on Aish appeared because of the phrase "consumed by flames."
This ability was somewhat similar to the command abilities of the True Archon Chaicov. It could achieve "words becoming reality," and although its power was far inferior to Chaicov's, its flexibility was greater.
Seeing Aish effortlessly neutralize his attack, a hint of apprehension flickered in the Liar's eyes.
This strange man in a loincloth, despite his peculiar aura, was likely a master on par with him.
Such a powerful individual had remained motionless in the background, seemingly obeying the Barcode's commands... The hidden, mysterious organization was definitely not simple. His decision to avoid direct conflict earlier had been correct.
After a moment of thought, the Liar immediately resumed his gentle male voice and said, "I was just testing the abilities of my friend here. Please don't take offense. Shall we begin now?"
The Barcode was taken aback; this Liar's ability to change his demeanor was impressive. Suppressing his internal grumbling, he invited the Liar to sit down.
The negotiation proceeded much smoother than the Barcode had anticipated. All the forces of the Encoding Organization held by the Absurd Speech were listed in a table and handed over to the Barcode. As long as consensus was reached, the Liar would immediately transfer everything on the list to the Foundation. With the people and resources on this table, the Encoding Organization could almost immediately resume normal operations.
"So, Mr. Liar, what is the price?"
The muscles in the Liar's face twitched upwards, a gesture that seemed to be a smile.
"I wish to use these things in exchange for one assistance from your organization. Afterward, I will provide generous rewards."
...
Upon hearing the Liar's complete conditions from the Barcode, Wen Wen suddenly burst into laughter.
This Liar actually wanted the Foundation to help him defeat the other two Archons and seize power within Absurd Speech upon the death of the 'Prank King'!
Afterward, he would have the Foundation select at least one Archon-level containment object from the treasury of Absurd Speech.
Wen Wen was indeed eager for an Archon-level containment object, which might be a treasure as good as the Bow of Conception.
But he truly wanted to ask if the Liar had considered the unexpected changes that could arise from allowing someone with an unknown background to participate in an internal power struggle within the organization.
At least from Wen Wen's perspective, members of a clandestine organization like Absurd Speech could be used to fill containment facilities or sold to the Hunter Association for merit.
Perhaps in the Liar's view, the Foundation was also a clandestine organization?
But involving a clandestine organization would be even more dangerous...
Who knew if they would be facing lunatics like the Profaned Blood?
One could only say that this individual, blinded by power, was willing to accept any harm to Absurd Speech as long as he could become the spokesperson for an evil god.
After careful consideration, Wen Wen agreed. He was determined to help the Liar become the new king of Absurd Speech!
However, during the process of assistance, whether Absurd Speech would be plundered, whether "friendly fire" might occur, or if they might accidentally attract a large contingent of the Hunter Association...
Wen Wen couldn't guarantee any of that; it was all up to fate.
Upon receiving a positive reply from the Barcode, the Liar's mood improved significantly, and he engaged in more detailed discussions with the Barcode.
From a nearby bush, Heng An lowered his binoculars. Seeing the Barcode and the Liar conversing amicably, he knew that the matter had been settled.
He then said to An Yuexi beside him, "Everything is over now. The Encoding Organization has been reclaimed. You are no longer needed here, so I..."
An Yuexi's eyes widened, and she pointed at Heng An in horror, saying, "I never expected you to be this kind of person. Are you trying to discard me after I've served my purpose?"
Heng An covered his forehead and said, "What I mean is, you won't be in danger anymore, so I'll escort you to the orphanage..."
An Yuexi's identity had played a significant role in the integration of the Encoding Organization. Without her, the Liar might not have needed to negotiate with them, so the Foundation would not mistreat her.
An Yuexi crossed her arms and sneered, "Heh, after taking advantage of an innocent girl, you're just going to cast her aside like trouble. I never expected you to be such a scumbag."
"I..." Heng An was speechless.
He had been protecting An Yuexi for some time, treating her with utmost courtesy. However, this girl always said things that were easily misunderstood.
People had mistaken him for a pervert even when they were walking on the street, and an old lady had even called the police.