"Esosale Suppliers has refused to supply to us."
In an underground facility that served as a nexus for a series of tunnels, six figures had gathered around a table.
The atmosphere was solemn and tense despite their nonchalant demeanor.
The source of pressure wasn't the various Martial Seniors standing behind them serving as bodyguards.
No.
Each of the six seated figures appeared to be a normal human. Yet they seemed to draw more attention than even the formidable Martial Seniors. Such a gravitas did not come from their fists' power, but the power of their positions. It was a distinct sense of power that came with their position, one that wasn't overt but could be just as scary.
"I haven't had time to go through the reports yet…" A woman sighed, maintaining a cold expression. "How many of our shells have been unable to purchase supplies from Esosale Suppliers?"
"About eighty-six percent, give or take," A spectacled man replied. "It's a rather shockingly high number, all things considered. Such a thing does not happen organically, especially when we can be reasonably certain that other legitimate companies of a similar size to our shells have not experienced any sanction of any sort."
He pushed his spectacles before continuing. "I have considered the possibility that Esosale Suppliers has perhaps adopted the policy of avoiding shell companies that are clearly hollow or have very shady ties. However, I have seen no indication of other such third part party companies experiencing the same restriction."
"Then, what about the possibility that Esosale Suppliers has shunned shell fronts of the mafia in other nations as well?"
"I see no indication that this is the case. The only companies that have received prohibitions are Kandrian companies. The Bradt Distribution Service is seamlessly cooperating with other continues but has ceased all negotiation with our shell fronts."
"In other words…" The woman leaned forward. "This is without a doubt a targeted restriction against the Kandrian mafia."
"It can be safely concluded that this is the case, yes," The spectacled man nodded.
There was a brief moment of silence in the room as each of the members gathered their thoughts on the matter. The weight of the air grew more tumultuous while the temperature seemingly dropped a few degrees.
Each of them understood the gravity of the situation, it was truly an important enough situation to gather in person to address the matter.
The woman turned to one of the men in the room. "This is a serious issue, where is Aggragor?"
The man smiled perfunctorily. "Sage Aggragor instructed me to act in his interest, he told me to relay to you that he doesn't care to wrap his head around complicated issues. He would rather engage in his Martial Art training."
"Hmph," She snorted but didn't dare say a word.
It didn't matter if they were fellow leaders of the black market. One was a human. Another was a Martial Sage. The difference between them was that of Heaven and Earth. If not for the fact that Sage Aggragor disdained the responsibilities that came with his position, he may very well have assumed more power by dissolving the various segments of the black market under his single-handed control.
As it was, the black market had six distinct sections.
Human-related goods and services. This included things like slaves, organs, sexual services, manual labor, and darker indulgences that the consumers of this black market possessed.
Martial Art related goods and services that were illegal and not provided by the Martial Union. Mostly entailed matters like assassinations and violence.
Information. The sale of classified information was one of the largest black markets anywhere on the continent. Information was power.
Smuggling and distribution. This was one of the foundations of the black market, being able to deliver supplies of goods and services to the consumers, across borders, without being caught was the cornerstone of the black market.
Prohibited goods and substances. There was an enormous demand for conventional and esoteric drugs, as well as strategic materials and substances.
Money-related services. Managing the circulation of black money was a requirement of its own, and the size of this market was proportional to the size of the rest of the black market, thus this sector could never be left behind. Money laundering and the production of currency were one of the most commonly required services.
"Putting aside the matter of Aggragor, this is more important," Another man said, turning to one of the other six figures. "I'm more concerned why Carnil, the leader of goods supply, has been silent about this matter so far."
His eyes narrowed as he continued. "You're supposed to be on top of this."
Carnil moved for the first time, opening his eyes. "There is nothing to get on top. This matter is trivial."
The other leaders narrowed their eyes. "Trivial?"
"Did I stutter?" Carnil closed his eyes once more.
"Is this a joke to you?" The woman's tone grew ice cold. "Perhaps we ought to kill you and replace you."
"Hah," Carnil expressed emotion for the first time, turning to the woman. "Give it a shot why don't you?"
The air grew heavier as the two of them glared daggers at each other. Their bloodlust was so palpable that one could nearly feel it broiling in the air.
"Enough," The spectacled man pushed his spectacles up, adjusting them. "Carnil, explain yourself."
Carnil glanced at the spectacled man, snorting. "Y'all are kicking up a fuss for nothing. If the shell fronts have been exposed. Then we create new ones. Simple as that."
"You're missing the core of the issue," Another elderly woman remarked. "The question is why is Esosale Suppliers refusing to work with shell fronts associated with us when it does not exhibit any abstinence for other shell fronts of different groups and mafia."
"I don't give a fuck about that," Carnil snorted. "But if I had to guess, the Royal Family or the Martial Union got to Esosale Suppliers, probably the former. End of story."
"Not, if anything, that's just the beginning," The spectacled man replied sharply. "Have you forgotten? We need those esoteric ore deposits. The war of those esoteric ore deposits will impact the future of this very nation."
