‘I need to handle this matter quickly and move on to the next task.’

Throughout their conversation, Bedok’s sharp, gleaming eyes darted constantly, searching for any crack in Theo’s defenses. If he had found a weakness, he would have attacked without hesitation. Negotiating with someone like him for an extended period was a losing game. Treating him as a negotiation partner was tantamount to bowing down.

“It’s fine. Even if we show weakness, they’re nothing more than scavengers, hyenas waiting to sink their teeth into our throats.”

Theo scoffed lightly as he spoke.

“And in a long-term game, it’s not …