"Perhaps it’s just cheaper." Reed responded flatly with a hint of sarcasm.

"I see your people are swaggering around too," Li Ang recalled the division member at the port who attempted to snatch the Shipbuilding Treasure Wood.

"Oh, I know who you’re talking about. That guy, well, I’m used to him as a colleague. Operating under the Celestial Group’s name makes things convenient, many people think that way."

Li Ang nodded, deciding not to press further on this topic, but he had gained some understanding of The Soul Apex’s current affairs.

Rams liked to connect with regional powers but had little success previously because his demands and reciprocations were somewhat presumptuous, like wanting to ally with the Sub-human Tribe at mission locations and exchange ordinary materials for their unique precious resources.

The deal was almost successful, but the Sub-human Tribe was merely haggling for greater benefits, while Rams was adamant about not giving "the lowly sub-humans" any concessions, which angered them, resulting in the deal’s failure.

Afterwards, he even wanted to wipe out the Sub-human Tribe, who were deemed neutral and friendly aids by the Guild and thus protected, and also demanded members plan how to cover up the massacre traces, but it was Li Ang and others who strongly stopped him.

In the past, there were people acting as his patchwork team, barely allowing his vexatious demands to be realized on a secondary level, not just including Li Ang but also some members who left in anger, and these weren’t even the earliest ones.

Now, having received the name of the previously first-ranked, now fifth-ranked Celestial Group, used as a facade, there will always be people like Riddel, unaware of the truth, wanting to take a gamble for a career.

Recalling the Empire’s scam against the Annihilation Knight, promising the deranged knight’s sister an education, Li Ang understood better why Rams was involved with the Empire; they were truly cut from the same cloth.

Right then, the storeroom door was pushed open, and a well-equipped Sky Knight entered.

Of course, saying "well-equipped" was only compared to average Sky Knight gear.

By the Celestial Group’s standards, this person was only average, and apart from a few pieces of excellent level items, his gear was already outmatched by the custom sets Li Ang crafted for his team.

He was evidently a core member of The Soul Apex.

"Brother Crook,"

Riddel greeted this core member with a smile, and the person frowned, asking, "What’s all the commotion outside? How did you handle things?"

"It was, it was unexpected, but it’s been taken care of. These people here are—"

When Crook glanced at Andasu, Riddel immediately explained the previous events and the agreed resolution with Li Ang’s party.

"Oh? Platinum Ace? Never heard of it? You think you can take down this group of guys? Seems like our money wasn’t well spent then."

Crook’s words offended Li Ang’s side and the boat racing pilots they had hired.

The Airship racing pilots, who loved to soar the skies with a free and adventurous spirit, immediately had several changing expressions.

Ryder’s face contorted, he was about to say something to ease the situation when Gel and Lindson, both very skilled and authoritative, held back their colleagues, advising them not to lash out.

"But since the situation is resolved, I can’t be bothered to do more. Hmph, you settled it with just a few words, seems like this Platinum Ace isn’t much. Let’s go with what this kid suggested."

Crook slapped the table, pointing at Andasu, "However, you can be hired as the thirteenth racer, but you’ll only receive half, no, a third of their pay as compensation for disrupting our plan."

Even though they were previously defeated by Andasu’s provocation, the racers now stood in solidarity, collectively frowning at Crook.

"If you disagree, you couldn’t possibly bear the wrath of the Celestial Group either."

Andasu clenched their fists tightly, their body trembled slightly with evident anger.

"Fine, we agree,"

Li Ang stepped forward to speak.

"Oh, and you are?"

Noticing this "supporting character" on the side, Crook directed his gaze towards him.

Li Ang sensed subtle shifts in the aura of Andasu, Reed, and even Meluna, as they all knew about Li Ang’s connections with The Soul Apex. Even the outsider Reed had been briefed earlier to prevent any slip-ups in the plan.

Li Ang, wearing a Cloak to conceal part of his face, would still be recognizable to acquaintances if stared at directly.

"I’m responsible for the maintenance work on the Platinum Ace’s racing boat."

Crook glanced at Li Ang without much of a reaction.

"Agreement shows your sensibility. Zachariah, proceed as you’ve said,"

Crook told "Ryder" and pointed at Andasu, "Remember, this is a one-time exception," then turned and walked out the door.

"All’s well, everything’s smooth,"

Ryder, whose real name is Zachariah, wiped the sweat and smiled at Li Ang’s party, "I’ll start handling things, and by the way, I’ll get rooms prepared for you. To facilitate matters, why not stay at Wamos Shipyard for the time being?"

"Okay," a boat racer immediately replied.

Ryder pointed at them, "Don’t make trouble, behave until the celebration ends, don’t make things difficult for me, I’ve been good to you."

"Understood."

"There are just four or five rooms left, enough space for comfort and relaxation," Ryder smiled again at Li Ang and the others.

"Not that many needed, I’ll share a room with him," Andasu stepped forward and embraced Li Ang’s arm.