"Let's get back to the point. Since Orson has initially completed the goal of Infinite Dimensions being the number one in the world, he needs help, and Radiant Shuttle naturally won't sit idly by," K.D quickly steered the discussion back on track when Blank was about to act out.
As K.D had expected, Radiant Shuttle indeed had connections with the US's secretive noble families, but he had always assumed that only one family was involved. He never imagined that the organization's structure would be so complicated.
Radiant Shuttle was a relatively loose organization made up of ten super powerful factions, known as the "Ten Overlords of the US"! All of them were secret ancient martial families that had been rooted in the US for over a thousand years.
Currently, representatives from four of these families were present. Including K.D, the military representative, this force could easily stir up a massive storm across the entire US with just a slight move.
However, Orson was still unsure whether they knew about Infinite Dimensions' ultimate secret. They might know only bits and pieces; otherwise, the military wouldn't be so deeply involved in the Infinite Dimensions project.
Why only bits and pieces? It's simple. If the higher-ups in the US knew that the world would soon merge, they wouldn't be playing small games like this, only letting K.D step in as a trial participant. Instead, they could have sent large numbers of military personnel into the game, activating the power of the national machinery to create a strong Unmatched Iron Army!
From Orson's perspective, the Radiant Shuttle led by K.D was most likely an experimental project. Perhaps they had no idea the apocalypse was coming; their involvement in the game was probably just for national security concerns, to intervene when necessary to prevent any security threats.
After all, Infinite Dimensions was a game with a mysterious origin, without supervision from any company or national department. The so-called "strongest AI" was a lie, and Orson didn't believe that these bigwigs didn't understand that.
The representatives of the noble families present didn't speak. Each of them wore a thoughtful expression, their gazes towards Orson still filled with scrutiny. The atmosphere grew tense, with only Blank glaring at Orson resentfully.
James, still with an arrogant attitude, ignored Orson and turned to make a phone call.
Clearly, these people didn't trust Orson.
For these superfamilies, who had been passed down for who knows how many years, 10 billion wasn't a significant sum, but no one was willing to throw their money away.
Orson smiled and remained silent, understanding their concerns.
After a while, James returned, hanging up the phone, and said, "Let's keep it short. Give me a reason why you're worth 10 billion."
Orson glanced at him indifferently. The young man's expression had shifted slightly, as if he had just received information about Orson, and his attitude had noticeably softened.
As expected, strength spoke volumes. Whether in Infinite Dimensions or the real world, having power would make people take you seriously.
"Are you insulting me?" Orson suddenly retorted.
K.D, Mrs. Ziegler, and the others were all stunned for a moment, frowning as they didn't understand what Orson meant.
"With how expensive things are these days, a meal costs dozens. If I'm only worth 10 billion, do you really think you'd be sitting here talking to me?" Orson laughed lightly, shaking his head as he sat down.
Everyone suddenly understood and couldn't help but smile wryly. Indeed, if this young man was only worth 10 billion, he wouldn't have the qualification to sit and talk with them.
"Ha, you're interesting, but don't forget, the reason you're here is to borrow money. Crying and begging for a loan is what you should be doing," James mocked.
Mrs. Ziegler shook her head and smiled. "Mr. Bruce, you shouldn't say it like that. From what I know, with the strength of the Godslayer Guild, the 10 billion funding gap will soon be filled on its own. We're here for a business collaboration—mutual benefit."
After finishing, Mrs. Ziegler winked at Orson, almost as if she were enchanting him. "Right, Orson?"
This woman… her flirtation was obvious.
Orson furrowed his brows. If Madman that old pervert was here, he probably would've already fallen under her spell.
No wonder the Ziegler Family was so successful in Infinite Dimensions—this woman was charming, and her words were sweet. Who wouldn't be taken in by that?
However, Orson didn't respond. Instead, he poured himself a cup of premium red tea and leisurely sipped it.
"Since that's the case, let's do it this way: the profits from Infinite Dimensions will be split 60-40," James said coldly as he sat down.
Orson gave him an annoyed look and replied, "Any other orders?"
James continued flatly, "You can still be the guild leader, but the four vice-leader positions have to be filled by our people."
"Or, I could just hand the whole guild over to you. How about it?" Orson sneered.
James, with a thick face, responded sarcastically, "Of course, if the Godslayer Guild were to be sold for 10 billion, our Bruce Family would be happy to take on this mess."
"I'm not selling, and I won't accept a loan from your Bruce Family either." Orson raised an eyebrow, directly pushing back.
James's face turned ashen, and he was about to erupt when Orson scoffed, "What's the matter? If you can take it, you're welcome to try."
"Idiot!" Blank suddenly cursed, but to everyone's surprise, she wasn't attacking Orson. Instead, she was directing her ire at her own brother, James.
James was stunned, and Blank opened her mouth to say something but stopped, ultimately keeping her silence. After all, they were both from the Bruce Family, and they should be on the same side when negotiating.
"Everyone, let's keep emotions out of the discussion. Since the global number one goal has been achieved, this loan should be granted to him as promised," K.D said with a bitter smile.
Orson was one of Radiant Shuttle's top players, and K.D truly believed Orson had the potential to top Infinite Dimensions. He just never imagined it would happen so quickly. This certainly threw off his plans, but it was actually a situation Radiant Shuttle was happy to see.
Orson borrowing money from them wasn't a bad thing for either side. This would create an interest in both parties, binding them together.
"The Roberts Family is willing to lend 3 billion, interest-free, hoping to lend you a hand," said the head of the Roberts Family, a sharp-eyed, plump man, who was the first to make an offer.
"We, the Ziegler Family, will also offer 3 billion, but this will not be a loan—it's an investment with no strings attached. We hope to receive assistance from the Triple Crown winner when we have a large number of people entering Infinite Dimensions."
Mrs. Ziegler smiled at Orson, her gaze almost hypnotic, and added, "I'm being good to you, right?"
The top-level seduction from this woman made Orson's heart stir, but he cursed inwardly—this woman had ulterior motives!
Other families followed suit, offering either interest-free loans or direct investments. Only James and his sister were left staring blankly.
"These old foxes... they're setting me up!" James cursed inwardly.
Before Orson arrived, the family representatives had discussed in private, planning to give someone a hard time and make them understand their position. But now, the situation had turned around. The "quotes" were rolling in, and they had been completely sidelined.
These people were sharp—far more so than James had anticipated. They understood Orson's performance in the game. Their only worry was whether he would prove to be a weakling in real life. If so, the claim of being number one in the world might not be valid, and future progress would be limited.
But now, it seemed that Orson's display of resolve in front of James had far exceeded their expectations. To sit calmly and sip his tea in front of all these heavyweights, this demeanor was unimaginable for a young man in his twenties.
They didn't know that Orson, as a tester, had an extraordinary mind and willpower.
The tone of the room shifted completely, with everyone offering more and more generous "deals," clearly trying to buy him off—offering to "hug the big thigh."
A quick estimation revealed that if Orson agreed now, he could secure at least 17 billion in loans, with 7 billion being "friendship investment" that didn't need to be repaid.
K.D furrowed his brow in disbelief. Everyone had made their offer, but this young man still hadn't responded, which left him in awe of his composure.
"K.D: Orson, what's your decision?"
Orson shook his head faintly. Everyone froze.
Then, Orson turned his gaze to the middle-aged man beside K.D and said lightly, "I don't want your money. I just want his. The 10 billion loan, with normal interest."