"Organizations like MOTH are already not far from splitting apart. This is also the fundamental reason for the internal division among its higher ranks. Honkai is even secretly fanning the flames, hoping humanity will fragment itself."
"Those who endlessly chase the fire—if they stop moving, they too will be burned by the flames."
"It's only because they are fixated on chasing the fire that they ignore the flames behind them."
"Humanity now has only two choices: break and rebuild, shatter the vicious cycle of capital."
"Or continue accelerating expansion, buying time through development and changing the unjust shackles of society."
"Vill-V—her future technology and capital have given humanity more possibilities and goals. That is why everyone in Mad Hatter can unite, because they see a larger cake ahead—whether it's replacing MOTH, defeating Honkai, or heading toward a better future."
"And I..."
Su gazed at his own reflection in the glass.
He didn't think of himself as some great philanthropist. He was just an ordinary person who could make mistakes.
Once you take control of an organization, even a small mistake can grow into a great one.
The more he examined his conscience, the more ashamed he felt.
The Su of the past might have argued with others for the sake of what was right and just.
Now, even after learning composure from Occultist, even with a mind far beyond that of ordinary people, he still didn't feel suited to lead others.
"Vill-V once said, 'Gentle and righteous people always struggle to survive, because this world is neither gentle nor righteous.'"
"My kindness, in this zero-sum era, cannot save others."
"It would only drag everyone in the organization down with me."
Hua closed her book, recalling a martial arts novel she had read not long ago. Scenes like this appeared often in those stories.
"Mm, Su, what you said makes sense."
"Although those factors do exist, Vill-V choosing you as the leader isn't just because of your kindness."
"There's no need to belittle yourself. The fact that Mad Hatter has been able to develop so steadily to its current scale is inseparable from your talent and dedication."
"I joined Mad Hatter at almost the same time as you, so I understand its changes very clearly."
"Vill-V once said the reason she established Mad Hatter was to leave us a way out."
"But the earlier Mad Hatter was more like a religious group, treating Mr. Mad Hatter as a god. Every member was a meticulous executor."
"It was you who changed the atmosphere of the organization, making it more like a safe harbor."
"You've done very well, Su. You have more talent than I do, and you work harder. If it were me steering the organization, it would probably capsize within two days."
"Vill-V does have the ability to manage a large organization. But from what I know of her, she doesn't have that kind of patience. Compared to her, you have sharper insight and far more patience—you can handle every aspect of the organization in detail."
"An organization doesn't just need grand planning. Wherever there are people, there is conflict. An organization can produce endless troubles."
"If Vill-V were sitting in the position of Mr. Mad Hatter right now, she would've already walked away. To her, the organization is just something born out of interest. As for the reason for establishing it, she probably made it up on the spot."
Although Hua appeared submissive in front of Vill-V, as if completely dominated, in reality she had a very clear understanding of Vill-V's true nature.
Whether positive or negative, she could evaluate her objectively from a normal person's perspective.
Because she was an 'old relic,' her thinking wouldn't be easily led astray by Vill-V.
If it were anyone else spending time with Vill-V, they would have long since lost their sense of direction.
"Heh, thank you. It seems I was being a bit too stubborn."
"Indeed... to serve the people with virtue and benevolence—no matter how difficult the task, a true sage does not shrink from it."
Su had always upheld the virtues of humility rooted in Shenzhou tradition, yet deep down, there remained a trace of youthful defiance.
How many people ever get the chance to possess the power to change the world?
He had left his homeland and traveled to the Far East to study, originally to heal the world. Why should he hesitate now?
If Su wanted to act, then he would act.
That was the only expectation Vill-V had for him.
Perhaps only those who believed in the goodness of the world could hold such a conviction.
Thinking of Vill-V, who had changed his fate, Su sighed. "It's impressive that you can stay by her side while maintaining a normal way of thinking. Perhaps compared to me, you're more suited to be a resolute leader, Hua."
Su smiled faintly, pulled an envelope from a stack of documents, and handed it to Hua.
"This is...?"
"A thank-you gift. Tickets for Miss Eden's concert tour. Unfortunately, I won't have time to go."
Su pointed at the mountain of documents piled on the desk and floor.
"Thank you..."
Hua looked at the envelope in her hand and slipped it into her pocket.
"Haha, you two seem to be having a great conversation."
Hearing the voice, Su turned around—only to see Vill-V... secretly eating the cake he had prepared in the fridge for guests. The corner of his mouth twitched.
"Vill-V, that cake... never mind."
Vill-V picked up a strawberry from the cake, blinked her innocent eyes at Su, and said, "I heard you outside saying there was a delicious big cake to eat. Isn't this it?"
"Ah, never mind that. Taking over such a large gang, you must have a lot to handle, Su. I trust you can deal with most matters. How's the police restructuring plan progressing?"
The purpose of the police restructuring plan was not merely to restore the city's public security system.
After all, the police system had become another means for the Treasure-Stealing Gang to exploit the people.
Aside from maintaining order, the police also had another authority: punishment.
In this city, it was extremely difficult to survive without breaking any laws.
As long as the Treasure-Stealing Gang controlled the police system and caught evidence of your violations, they had justification to deduct your credit points. These points would be pocketed by them and transferred into their own accounts.
In the information age, credit points weren't just about reputation—they were directly tied to money.
Su activated a projection of the city map. The blue areas represented the territories controlled by the Taixu Gang.
Now, this blue region already occupied one-third of the outer areas of the entire city.
"Better than expected. Many people are willing to serve as temporary security officers and help us manage things. The police stations controlled by the Treasure-Stealing Gang already have the necessary equipment, so we've taken over this function quite easily. However... the government side..."
Since gangs could siphon off credit points, it naturally meant there were shady dealings with certain institutions within the European government. It was impossible for a gang controlling the police department to be legal or compliant.
If those institutions didn't receive their 'tribute,' shutting down the credit system would cause significant trouble for the area.
Cutting off water and electricity would be the least of it. Even modern network authentication relied on the credit system. If someone's credit record went too long without updates, they might not even be able to access the internet—let alone essential services like healthcare.
"That's exactly why I brought this up." Vill-V took out her badge as the Minister of the Scientific Energy Department of MOTH, waved it in front of Su, then tossed it onto his desk. "Heh—when MOTH handles things, it's not their place to say a word."