"We'll take this job!"
Hajrudin didn't hesitate at all.
They were war mercenaries by trade—as long as the pay was good, there was no reason to refuse. Especially since Gurd was offering an exceptionally generous sum.
Looking at the piles of Berries stacked together, there had to be at least 300 million Berries .
Since setting sail, this was undoubtedly the largest fortune they had ever earned—enough to sustain their food and expenses for an entire year.
But there was more.
Gurd pushed the money toward Hajrudin.
"This... is just the deposit!"
"Deposit?"
Hajrudin was stunned.
"Are you planning to destroy a country or something?"
"Of course not."
Gurd chuckled and shook his head.
"This mission will last three months. I must warn you—you'll face tremendous challenges ahead. I need you to eliminate any enemies that come your way!"
"No problem!"
Hajrudin's heart burned with excitement.
He had two goals in setting sail: first, to revive the Giant Warrior Pirates, and second, to temper himself and grow stronger!
Two years ago, his wicked younger brother Loki had been defeated by Red Hair, and Hajrudin had taken over as Elbaf's sole heir. Back then, he had sworn an oath—he would become the King of the Giants.
But to become the Giant King, he needed overwhelming strength!
Right now, he was still too inexperienced. Compared to his late father and brother Loki, he was pathetically weak—unworthy of leading Elbaf.
He had to grow stronger!
He craved war!
Gurd nodded in satisfaction.
Even Buggy's Delivery could hire the Giant Warrior Pirates long-term, let alone him. A little sweetener for Hajrudin and his crew now would make it easier to transition them from temporary hires to permanent employees later.
They didn't have to join the Beasts, but they absolutely had to join his Groudon Real Estate Company. The giants would make for excellent promotional material.
"Then it's settled. I'll send someone to brief you on the details in a few days."
"Got it!"
Hajrudin left.
Not long after, Chikara escorted Stussy into Gurd's office, bowing slightly to him.
"Lord Gurd."
"Hmm, you may leave now."
Gurd waved dismissively at Chikara.
"Remember to close the door."
"Understood, Lord Gurd."
Chikara gently shut the door, her heartbeat quickening involuntarily. She hoped nothing would happen to Lady Stussy.
Gurd stood up and walked toward the innermost resting area of his office.
"Come with me."
"Alright."
Stussy was puzzled, unable to guess what Gurd was scheming. A strange unease suddenly rose in her heart.
Was Gurd planning to force himself on her?
She couldn't possibly fight him!
The two entered a small room. It wasn't very spacious, furnished like a bedroom—a large bed in the center, surrounded by a wardrobe, bookshelf, and other furniture.
Colloquially known as the "happy little secretary room."
Stussy glanced at the bed.
Something was piled on it, neatly squared off and covered by a bright red bedsheet.
Gurd stood beside the bed, grinning.
"Pull it back. There's a surprise!"
"A surprise?"
Stussy's heart skipped a beat.
Men like him never told the truth. That lecherous look in his eyes meant nothing good—she could only hope she was overthinking it.
Stussy lifted the bedsheet. When she saw the neatly stacked piles of Berries , she couldn't help but gasp.
"So much money!"
It was a surprise—but more of a shock!
Stussy realized something and turned around to see Gurd, only for the man to embrace her, his large hand groping her buttocks, fingers sinking deep.
Gurd grinned as he spoke: "This is the agreed-upon 10 billion Berries , Miss Stussy. Now you're mine!"
"Wait... hold on!"
Stussy struggled desperately, but with her strength, how could she break free? The next moment, her body was flung onto the soft bed.
All around her lay scattered money.
Lying on the bed, Stussy watched as Gurd gradually loomed over her, her panicked little hands clutching the sheets tightly.
This had to be a joke!
Where did this guy get 10 billion Berries ?!
Even if he really had that much money, was it worth spending on a woman?!
Stop it—she never intended to sell herself!
Feeling the overwhelming masculine hormones radiating from the man, Stussy's cheeks flushed red as she bit her lip and closed her eyes.
Damn it... might as well consider it being defiled by a pig!
Gurd wasn't in a hurry. He reached out and pinched Stussy's chin. "Your reaction is quite amusing—as if I'm forcing you. Come on, I paid for this. If all the girls at Girls' Ship acted like this, they'd be out of a job."
"I... I'm a first-timer."
Stussy's face burned crimson as she stubbornly turned her head away, her seductive lips parting slightly to reveal a sharp glint.
Two fangs emerged.
Once this bastard let his guard down, she'd bite him hard enough to knock him out. But even if she escaped this time, there'd be a next.
What should she do?!
Was she really going to let herself be defiled by a pig?!
But given Gurd's domineering nature, he wouldn't stop at just once—he'd probably come after her frequently in the future!
Stussy's heart twisted in turmoil, her distress nearly bringing her to tears.
Slap!
Something smacked against her face.
Gurd stood up and stretched lazily.
"I've been a bit tired these past couple of days. I'll play with you another time. Consider this a chance to mentally prepare yourself. Don't give me that reluctant look next time—it's annoying."
"Huh?!"
Stussy stared blankly at Gurd, sensing something was off.
Meat right in front of him, and he wasn't eating it?
Was this guy really that kind?
She was fully confident in her charm—there was no way this man felt no desire for her.
And... what was that on her face?
"This is..."
Stussy picked up the item on her face.
It was a contract.
Gurd sat back down, smiling. "Ms. Stussy, from now on, you are the Chief CEO of our Groudon Real Estate Company!"
"Wha—?!"
Stussy's mouth fell open.
What was happening?
Gurd's grin widened.
He didn't lack women—his craving for Stussy's body wasn't that strong. From the start, what he valued was her influence and the tangible benefits she could bring him.
Finding a wife still required matching social status, after all.
10 billion Berries for upkeep?!
He had to squeeze every last drop from her!
The Fortuna Community was about to launch, marking the official operation of Groudon Company. They urgently needed someone with professional expertise to manage it.
Such managerial talent was exceedingly rare.
In Gurd's memory, the mayor of Water Seven, Iceberg, was the most ideal candidate. The man had single-handedly saved Water Seven—his management skills were undoubtedly top-tier.
But Iceberg was out of the question.
This is the New World, where management skills alone aren't enough—one needs formidable power and deterrence to deal with the big shots of the underworld.
For this grand opening, the Underworld Emperors themselves are coming to show their support.
Stussy was the CEO he had chosen!
Stussy ruled over the Pleasure Quarter, taking the flesh trade to its peak. Her management skills were beyond doubt, but more importantly, she possessed formidable personal strength and deep connections through her powerful backing.
The World Government and Vegapunk.
Stussy might want to distance herself, but the World Government behind her would never let go of such a golden opportunity—they would undoubtedly order her to take the position at his company.
No matter what the future held, at least before the world truly descended into chaos, Stussy would give her all, leaving no room for error as she worked diligently for him.
And since his company was legitimate, it would inevitably be infiltrated sooner or later. Better to lay his cards on the table early, giving the World Government the illusion that everything was under their control.
What the World Government would never expect was that his true target was Stussy herself—not just for the company's growth, but also for her ties to Vegapunk.
"Mother Flame."
Gurd's gaze was profound.
Infinite Energy—Mother Flame.
That would be his greatest chance at achieving Primordial Regression!