The Shelter Game: Me, Starting with a Tenfold Drop Rate

As Elder Howard made his way to the Desolate Canyon, Irving received an invitation from Starling City.

Previously, Irving had expressed his desire to gain more allies to Sophia, who, within just two days, had gathered the leaders of all the prominent families in Starling City together. The purpose of this invitation was to facilitate cooperation between Irving and the heads of the various families in Starling City.

Before his departure, Irving specifically addressed Wendy.

"After I leave, you might encounter some dangers. If you find yourself unable to handle any unexpected situations, just reach out to Vicky or Benjamin for help. They will definitely provide assistance. I have great trust in them, and I hope you can place some trust in them as well."

Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain crept onto Wendy's lips.

"You don't need to worry about me. In the real world, I won't encounter too many dangers. After all, I am a top-tier assassin. Do you really think a top assassin would face situations they can't manage?"

With Wendy's confidence expressed, Irving had nothing more to say. After bidding farewell to Wendy, he headed straight for Starling City, while Wendy watched him depart.

Once Irving's figure completely vanished from sight, Wendy let out a sigh.

"It seems he still thinks I lack the capability to handle things on my own. Even though he has known Vicky longer, does he really believe I can't measure up to her? What exactly makes Vicky better than me? Even as the president of Ocean Group, she can't provide Irving with any extra help in a fight.

I, on the other hand, as a professional assassin, can still offer assistance in battle even without the extraordinary powers provided by the shelter game."

After voicing her thoughts, Wendy's expression grew even more despondent.

"It appears I don't understand Irving well enough. I should try to find other ways to learn more about him. Maybe I should go through Irving's photo album."

Wendy finally made up her mind. She believed she needed a deeper understanding of Irving. Only then would she feel capable of surpassing Vicky and becoming the person Irving valued most.

Whether Wendy's approach would yield success remained uncertain. However, at the very least, Wendy was putting in her utmost effort.

Irving soon arrived at the airport in Starling City, where Sophia and the leaders of three families were waiting at the exit for him.

Upon seeing Sophia, Irving quickly walked over.

"You actually came to the airport to pick me up? Isn't that a bit too extravagant? I'm at a loss for words," Irving said with a smile directed at Sophia.

Sophia nodded.

"After all, this invitation comes from us at Starling City, so we felt it was only right to come to the airport to greet you. Since you perceive our respect for you, let me introduce you to these three individuals."

Sophia and Irving were quite familiar with each other. In her view, there was no need to say too much in front of others; they could discuss personal matters after handling official business.

Irving nodded and began to observe the three people standing next to Sophia. Among them were two middle-aged men and a well-dressed woman.

"First, let me introduce you to Paz. Miss Paz is the acting head of the Rivera family. The head of the Rivera family is gravely ill, so it is almost certain that Paz will become the head soon."

Irving nodded at Paz and extended his right hand.

"Hello, Miss Paz. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Paz shook Irving's hand and smiled. "Actually, it's my honor to meet you. I've heard your name long before this moment. This is my first opportunity to see you in person."

After introducing Paz, Sophia went on to introduce the other two middle-aged men. One was the head of the Schmidt family, and the other was the chief of the Starling City Police Department.

"Gentlemen, it's a great honor to meet you both."

Irving exchanged greetings with the head of the Schmidt family and the police chief, both of whom also regarded Irving with considerable respect.

After introducing the three individuals, Sophia turned to Irving.

"The reason we called you here is to facilitate cooperation with these three. I've reserved a table for us at a restaurant in the city center, where we can eat and talk."

With that, Sophia and Irving led the group swiftly to the city center of Starling City.

Although Starling City had previously faced two attacks from the Night Blades, it had recovered remarkably quickly. Just a week later, the city had returned to its usual bustling state.

While Starling City wasn't particularly large, it had its unique characteristics, particularly the food streets interspersed throughout the urban area.

If it had been just Irving and Sophia discussing matters, they would have likely chosen to meet in the food streets, as discussions there maintained the highest level of confidentiality. However, with others present, that wouldn't have been an acceptable option.

Ultimately, the group began negotiations in a five-star hotel in the heart of Starling City.

Paz was the first to speak. Although she was a woman, her presence was assertive and commanding.

"I propose that we first congratulate Irving on defeating the Night Blades." With a smile, Paz raised her glass.

The others naturally followed suit and lifted their glasses in agreement. After they finished their first toast, Paz turned directly to Irving.

"We are here because Miss Sophia has informed us that you are very eager to cooperate with us. I personally am keen to work with you. However, I want you to understand that the other members of my family require sufficient benefits to consider a partnership with you. So my question is, what kind of assistance can you provide us? What benefits can you bring?"

As soon as Paz posed her question, the atmosphere shifted to a somewhat tense mood. The head of the Schmidt family cleared his throat a couple of times, seemingly wanting to diffuse the situation.

"You don't need to speak, as this question is directed to Mr. Irving. If you wish to say something, please wait until Mr. Irving has answered first."

Paz interrupted the head of the Schmidt family directly, causing him to feel slightly embarrassed. However, he believed that Paz's question was indeed very important for him as well.

All eyes turned to Irving. Without any hesitation, he smiled and replied,

"The benefits I can offer you are substantial. You cannot obtain truly powerful weapons through your own means in the shelter game. I can directly provide you with powerful and rare weapons. Additionally, your family members will have the opportunity to act alongside me. You should be well aware that teaming up with me is the safest way to enhance your own strength."

Irving had already prepared his speech, which allowed him to express his confidence so freely.

Upon hearing Irving's response, Paz slowly nodded.

"I am very satisfied with your answer. However, I have another question that I hope you can clarify. Since you are willing to provide us with so many benefits, I assume you will expect us to pay a corresponding price. What is it that you want from us in return? I must inform you in advance that my family's strength is not that formidable.

The combined strength of the Rivera family members does not match yours, so I am quite curious about what exactly you intend to gain from us."

Paz was indeed a very capable individual. The two questions she raised were both significant and pertinent.

Irving nodded.

"Since I am offering you so many benefits, naturally, you must pay a corresponding price. The price you will need to pay is to follow my orders during our upcoming actions."

Irving paused at this point. The head of the Schmidt family incredulously asked, "Is that the only condition?"

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"Do you think this condition is easy to fulfill?" Irving countered.

The chief of the Starling City Police Department spoke slowly. "This condition is indeed quite easy to meet, as the various families in Starling City already follow the directives of the Angel Guild. Since the Angel Guild and you are allies, it is only natural for them to heed your commands."

Sophia felt that Irving's requested benefit was rather minimal, so she leaned closer to him and spoke softly. "If you have any other conditions, you should just say them outright. They will take your requests seriously. You can't just state one condition and then add more after the cooperation is established."

Upon hearing Sophia's words, Irving smiled. "The condition I need is just this one. However, it isn't as easy to fulfill as you might think. I will certainly face more crises ahead. The dangers I will encounter are all tied to the Night Blades and the powerful monsters in the shelter game.

By following my orders, you will also have to confront the threats posed by the Night Blades and these formidable creatures. Do you really believe that when I send you into danger, you will be able to do so without hesitation? Or do you think that, given your strength, you can easily handle the threat of the Night Blades?"

After Irving finished speaking, the atmosphere around them grew even more tense. Everyone realized that following Irving's orders would indeed come with significant risks.

Although the Night Blades had previously caused immense damage to Starling City, they had not delivered a devastating blow to the various families within the city.

The families of Starling City feared the Night Blades; they were reluctant to confront the threat head-on and preferred to hide behind the protection of the Angel Guild.

Even if the Angel Guild faced attacks from the Night Blades, the families of Starling City would not dare to offer assistance to the Guild.