This industry, it seems possible to venture into...
Sage pondered for a while, looking at Dylan who was kneeling on the ground, showing a face of tension and desire.
"Are you interested in working for me?"
Dylan was stunned, then ecstatic, prostrating on the ground, "I've always had this thought! Governor Sage! I will offer you unparalleled loyalty!"
Having also mixed in the black market, Link was once an obscure small figure, messing around in the East Sea area. Although he followed Jibson and Umit initially, they seemed too distant to Link back then, with no substantial interests capable of moving them.
But it was because of the deal with Sage in Carnival City that he managed to make a big score, turning from a small black merchant in the Four Seas into a New Star in the underground world.
Later, he became a big deal, and in just a few years, he had become a significant figure in the underground world. Even the current reigning kings of the underworld regard Link as an equal. While new kings haven't emerged, Link's weight in lending, transportation, and storage is tremendously significant.
This honor was achieved by his loyalty to Sage.
Some look down on him; naturally, there are those who admire him and those who are jealous of his existence and unwilling to yield.
Dylan was of the latter kind, having struggled for many years before becoming a 'Broker' with first-class intelligence, gaining some fame in the underground world, yet still in the stage of accumulating original capital.
After learning about Link's feats, he developed a strong unwillingness to concede.
Why?
When it comes to investment, he can do it too!
If he had met Sage earlier, he could definitely play a more significant role than Link!
Link merely sold Carnival City. If he was around, all that Sage stole from 'Paradise' could find a market and sell at higher prices.
Even if it required investment, he could find the channels.
By the time Sage had become one of the Four Emperors, his achievements might surpass Link's indeed!
But this wasn't how things turned out for Dylan; he didn't encounter Sage, and when Sage became one of the Four Emperors, he didn't think there was a place for him.
Even as Link's status soared, he believed that the black market's capacity was limited, and if he went over at that time, he wouldn't find the place he wanted.
Yet, as Sage's status rose, his territory expanded, Dylan grew more resentful of his judgment, never foreseeing that the Four Emperors would become the Pirate Emperor, forming the most massive Pirate Influence, not only dominating the front half of the New World but affecting the pirate-laden rear half, starting to develop towards both sea areas.
With such a high position, could Sage even see him, a mere small broker?
There's simply no opportunity.
However, the unwillingness in his heart tormented him, and he continued small businesses helplessly until the news of Sage destroying islands reached him again, finally offering him a chance.
Destroying islands?
That's way too wasteful!
There are many out at sea who seek territories they can't have and are willing to pay high prices.
This is an opportunity!
If he could negotiate a partnership with this Governor of Disaster, it would be ideal, and if he could showcase his advantages, perhaps he might earn recognition...
Although the process was wrong, Governor Sage was uninterested in his proposal, but the result hit home.
It seemed that outside the original plan, this Pirate Emperor had a keen interest.
"Follow along first, Lily, later assign him to Link, I have a new plan for him." Sage said.
Lily responded softly, while Dylan's expression fell immediately from excitement.
Still tangled up, couldn't escape Link...
He wanted to surpass Link, after all!
Yet at this moment, such words can't be spoken.
In the black market, which is tightly linked with the pirate industry, they deeply understand what kind of people pirates are, and notably, what kind of personality this world's most massive Pirate Emperor possesses.
No one can defy him.
Before joining the Disaster Pirates, he could do as he pleased.
But after joining the Disaster Pirates, everything was already too late; whatever Sage said was law.
The orders of the Governor can never be disobeyed!
"Hey guys, let's keep the excitement going! Let's cheer for the new member joining us!"
Sage raised his glass, laughing heartily.
The crowd below cheered collectively, the scene remained noisy.
No one cared about or noticed the expression changes of Dylan. Just another new member from the black market, merely a new companion, and there were far too many of such folks in the Disaster Pirates now.
As for the key members, only when real usefulness is seen can they enter their field of vision.
After the feast was over and everyone dispersed, Sage returned to his captain's quarters, Lily following closely behind, and upon arrival she asked:
"Sage, is that Dylan really useful? Selling islands, that kind of thing..."
"Very useful indeed."
Sage sat over by the office area, instinctively trying to grab a drink from the cabinet, but Lily intercepted him, bluntly picking up the kettle beside and pouring him a cup of plain water.
"Better to have something warm before bed." Lily said.
"Then at least get me a glass of milk."
Sage chuckled lightly, but didn't mind as he continued, "A natural intelligence source will inevitably bring a lot of information. As for island sales, can't be done in the New World scope, but can happen in the Paradise region, also doable in the Four Seas. Below, people are now making a big splash with robberies, those pirates under our command are not as planned as us."