Return to Atlanta

Late at night.

In their room, Mariko rested on top of Max, her words coming out softly. "I checked the original value of the equipment, which was around 6 million U.S. dollars. Even accounting for depreciation, it's still worth about 5 million U.S. dollars! I could give it all to you, but I understand that you might not want it all, and our company currently needs the funds. So, I'll give you 3 million worth of equipment, and I'll help arrange the transportation along with the samurai armor!"

Was three million too much? It was indeed a significant sum. Max's assets only amounted to a million, but in terms of value, three million was a fair offer.

"For now, I can provide you with one million," Max replied.

"Alright, just let me know the address later, and I'll arrange to have the items delivered to you," Mariko said with a smile. "I also have a gift for you. I think you'll like it."

"I'm looking forward to it," Max replied.

Although they seemed close now, both Mariko and Max understood that their current relationship wouldn't change significantly. There was no discomfort when it came to business, which was what Max preferred.

How good their relationship was now.

Considering Mariko's character and status, finding an ideal and suitable partner might be challenging. Being business partners and maintaining a positive relationship seemed like a reasonable choice at the moment.

"When are you leaving? I'll arrange a plane to see you off."

"Tomorrow morning."

"That's quite late!"

Their eyes met, and they exchanged knowing smiles, a clear understanding passing between them.

....

Early the next morning, at the Yashida family's private airport, Max bid farewell to Mariko with a hug and then boarded the plane.

"Take care of yourself!" Yukio said to Mariko.

"You too!"

Mariko nodded softly, and Yukio boarded the plane with two boxes.

When Yukio approached Max on the plane, she noticed that there was someone else beside him- Viper.

The Viper nodded at Yukio with a friendly smile. "It seems we're going to be working together again!"

Yukio simply pursed her lips and walked over to Max without saying a word. She handed one of the boxes to him and said, "This is a gift from Mariko."

Yukio didn't express surprise at the Viper's presence. Although the Viper hadn't been seen in the past few days, certain clues indicated that she was likely alive, even though the details were unclear. After all, the Viper had betrayed Mariko, and it might have been a major failure if Max hadn't intervened. Under the circumstances, it was reasonable for Mariko to act as if she didn't know the Viper was still around.

Max opened the box and couldn't help but smile.

"This gift is fantastic, and it's exactly what I need right now!"

Inside the box lay a disassembled sniper rifle. The Barrett M82A1 large-caliber sniper rifle, renowned as the king of snipers. It featured a 12.7mm caliber, a full-length design, and a magazine capable of holding 10 rounds.

Equipped with a mechanical sight and a tenfold scope, it could be rapidly disassembled into three parts: the upper receiver, lower receiver, and gun frame. With low recoil, excellent comfort, and precision, it had a maximum range of nearly 2000 meters.

Max was delighted to receive this gift, as most of his current weaponry had been depleted, leaving him only a few pistols and his sais. The sniper rifle arrived at the perfect moment.

He swiftly and expertly assembled it, then resealed it in the box. Turning to Yukio, he remarked, "Mariko wants me to start making money as soon as possible."

They were in America, specifically Atlanta. Max carried the box while Yukio followed with the snake coiled around him.

After leaving the airport, they hailed a taxi and headed north. In a small town not far from the Mutant underground base, the three disembarked and made their way to a nearby hotel.

They secured a room, and Max addressed the other two, saying, "I'm going out to scout for a suitable base location. You two stay here for now and rest. Be cautious about revealing your Abilities."

Without the sniper rifle, Max only carried two pistols and his sais. He opened the room door and departed.

To store the Samurai armor and research equipment, a secure location was necessary. What defined security? A place where others couldn't find it.

Where would that be? Somewhere others couldn't discover or even think of. The Mutant underground organization chose a place that was hidden in plain sight, while Max chose the true underground—a place that no one would think to search, deep beneath the earth's surface.

However, this required a suitable cover on the surface, so Max was going to find that first.

Max planned to visit the Mutant underground organization and consult with the Jenifer, she would undoubtedly help him locate an ideal underground hideout. He also intended to check on Sweet Dream Sonia and see how the Mutant underground organization was faring. They provided a steady source of clientele and a news network.

Max had been here before, so finding the location again was relatively easy.

The exterior appeared to be an abandoned bank with no signs of habitation. The barbed wire gate was locked, but as Max approached, he felt a faint sense of dread. It wasn't overpowering, but it compelled him to consider avoiding the area.

Taking a deep breath, Max controlled his emotions, suppressing the creeping unease. He sported a faint smile.

"It seems the development of the base is going well. This must be a new Mutant Ability." Max mused.

.....

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