Zenless Zone Zero: Gacha Master

Once everything was settled, Ben Bigger took two copies of the contract from his briefcase and respectfully handed them to Sol Mercer.

A deal of this scale couldn't be sealed with mere verbal promises.

And such matters brooked no delay—the longer they dragged, the more likely changes would arise. So, they had prepared the contract well in advance.

The contract detailed the cooperation between Belobog Heavy Industries and Sol Mercer, the distribution of profits, and even included a project deposit of one billion Denny.

Belobog Heavy Industries would also need Sol's certification to obtain Hollow access permits from the New Eridu Public Security Bureau, as well as register the project with the city administration.

After that would follow extensive qualification reviews and project evaluations.

A long, troublesome process.

But none of that concerned Sol—he only needed to wait for the monthly cut of profits.

After Nicole, with her law background, carefully reviewed the contract, Sol signed his name with ease and handed over a photocopy of his Hollow property rights certificate, issued by the city, to Koleda Belobog and Ben Bigger.

"Thank you, Sol-oniisan! Belobog Heavy Industries will gather the funds within three days and pay the one-billion-Denny deposit!"

Koleda happily stored away the contract, her "oniisan" sounding much more natural now.

That contract was as heavy as a thousand catties—it represented the livelihood of thousands of Thiren workers at Belobog Heavy Industries!

"Three days later, no problem."

Sol casually agreed.

"Well then, since our cooperation is settled, the rest of the groups may leave."

Sol stepped out of the room, addressing those waiting outside: "Thank you for your patience. After much comparison, I've decided Belobog Heavy Industries is the most suitable partner."

At this, the crowd was stunned.

The TOPS Alliance delegates remained calm, raising no objections.

As a Void Hunter, Sol naturally had the standing to decide unilaterally.

Partnering with him was ideal, but even without cooperation, they dared not push—better to leave a good impression.

But the representatives of White Star Institute, St. Leen, and Vision Corporation could not sit still.

To them, an untouched and safe Hollow was half a stepping stone into the TOPS Alliance—something they could not allow others to seize so easily.

"Lord Sol, please reconsider! There's still much to discuss!" the representatives urged anxiously. "We're willing to take an even smaller share!"

"I appreciate your generosity, but my decision will not be changed."

Sol declined politely.

After all, he had made them wait more than an hour; he couldn't be too blunt.

"Yes!"

Koleda and Ben pumped their fists in triumph.

Sol had made his stance clear—he stood firmly on their side.

It was solid. Completely solid.

"Lord Sol, this won't do! You may not know Belobog Heavy Industries' true face and were misled by appearances," Hitler quickly interjected. "Their former president once committed the disgrace of embezzlement and absconding—their credibility is highly questionable."

"Perhaps they offered a high price, but what if they embezzle and flee again? In the end, you'd be left with nothing but an empty basket!"

Unable to win with advantages, they resorted to slandering their rival.

And since the matter was well known, it was hardly slander at all.

Koleda clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. "That bastard… Khors… damn it!"

She was furious, but she couldn't refute Hitler's words.

As a child, she had seen Khors leave with the cash box herself—the words to deny it stuck in her throat.

Damn it. She had worked so hard to erase that shadow, yet it was still used against her.

It had been this way when competing with Horizon Group, and now it was the same in working with Sol.

Koleda looked weakly at Sol, her face pale.

If the contract were canceled because of this, leaving Belobog Heavy Industries' people without work, how could she, Khors' daughter, continue as president?

Sol glanced at Koleda behind him, then said to the group of company delegates outside: "The past is the past. Now is now. And right now, I trust Belobog Heavy Industries."

He knew the old president's story.

Because Koleda's safety was threatened, her father had taken the money overnight to buy a mecha, then used it to suppress Ethereal. His fate remained unknown.

So Khors hadn't absconded with embezzled funds—he had taken the money for supplies, but the receipt was lost.

"Handing Hollow rights to an embezzler will only bring regret!"

Hitler and the other representatives protested bitterly.

"My affairs are mine to decide." Sol's eyelids lowered slightly as he gazed coldly at them. "Are you questioning my judgment?"

Just because he hadn't driven them out directly didn't mean they could push their luck.

They were nothing but vermin—yet they dared question the decisions of a future sovereign.

"…"

Hitler and the others shuddered, cold sweat beading on their foreheads.

It was as if a blade hovered at their throats—any slight movement might see their heads fall.

Anyone who had built a foundation in New Eridu was no ordinary person. They had encountered plenty of strongmen: wanted criminals, notorious gang bosses.

Such outlaws were often no weaker than ACE investigators, and far more ruthless in aura. Just a glance could leave one breathless, trembling.

But before Sol, the thunderous power in his chest, though restrained, was far more terrifying than those outlaws.

Sol wasn't merely an ACE investigator. Perhaps he was an outsider, a tyrant beyond New Eridu's norms, unbound by anything.

Unconsciously, Hitler glanced at Migros, Kroll, and the other TOPS delegates.

They had said nothing against Sol earlier, and now faint smiles curved their lips.

In that moment, Hitler understood—the TOPS people knew something they did not. Sol harbored greater secrets.

"Lord Sol, we misspoke just now. Please forgive us!"

Hitler and the others smiled obsequiously, their demeanor nearly reverent.

"Mhm. If there are no further objections, please take your leave."

Sol nodded slightly, his tone indifferent.

"Yes, yes, Lord Sol's insight is unmatched—it was our rudeness. We'll bring gifts another day to make amends!"

Like prisoners granted pardon, they hurried away at a trot.

At the same time, Migros, Kroll, and the other TOPS delegates bowed to Sol. "Lord Sol, though we could not finalize cooperation today, we are deeply regretful. If you ever need assistance in the future, please call on us—TOPS Alliance will gladly ease your burdens."

As he spoke, Miguel handed Sol a black card. "This is a TOPS Alliance Black Card. It offers the highest discounts across all TOPS industries—our small gift to you."

"Thanks. Next time something good comes up, I'll be sure to save it for you."

Sol slipped the black card into his hand with a smile.

One should not slap a smiling face. With TOPS being so tactful, perhaps cooperation was possible in the future.

"May you live well—farewell."

Crowell, Miguel, and the others took their leave together.

Koleda looked at Sol with gratitude. "Thank you for trusting Belobog Heavy Industries."

Even after hearing about Khors, he still believed.

Sol shook his head, dissatisfied. "You need to call me Sol-oniisan. Remember that from now on."

"…Alright, Sol-oniisan."

Koleda, flustered, complied.

At that moment, she truly felt Sol was like an older brother.

"Good little sister. From now on, you'd better earn lots of money for your brother."

Sol ruffled Koleda's hair roughly.

Her fiery red hair wasn't soft, but it had its own texture.

"…"

Koleda wanted to take back what she had just thought.

If only Sol didn't touch her head, he really did seem like a good brother.

But now, as Belobog Heavy Industries' all-important client—the one who had just given her immense trust—what could she do but endure the head pats?

Still, don't go too far! Rubbing her head like a walnut would only stunt her growth and make her bald, damn it!

At that moment, Ben noticed Koleda's awkwardness and quickly spoke up to break the tension: "Mr. Sol, we still need to return and process the contract—it wouldn't be convenient to linger."

"Oh, what a pity."

Sol finally withdrew his hand from Koleda's head.

Freed from his grasp, Koleda inconspicuously took a step back and said her farewells: "Sol-oniisan, Nicole, I'll treat you to a feast another day. For now, goodbye!"

"Don't forget my red envelope!"

Nicole shouted carelessly.

Ben made a gesture. "Rest assured, Miss Nicole, we won't forget!"

And so, Sol and the others watched Koleda and Ben depart before turning back inside the Cunning Hares' headquarters.

Meanwhile, in the corner, a tan-skinned Thiren catgirl licked her paw while silently watching them enter.