Billionaire in Kingsman with a Marvel System

"Thank you. I knew getting your help wouldn't be easy, and I was prepared for you to take advantage of the situation. But at least you're fair in your dealings—clear prices, equal exchanges, and only interested in economic benefits, unlike others who have additional special conditions. If, as you say, it doesn't involve my personal safety or future, and I still betray you, then you have every right to take me down. I'd deserve it and wouldn't have any complaints," Gareth said with a relaxed tone. "Now, can you tell me your plan?"

William knew that it was impossible to make Gareth truly risk his life to repay him. While there are people who repay kindness with greater acts, William understood that such a situation would never apply to someone like Gareth.

People of similar nature attract each other. William knew that even he wouldn't sacrifice himself for righteousness, so he shouldn't expect someone he's dealing with to be willing to do so either. In fact, he considered someone who doesn't kick him when he's down to be a true friend.

Given this understanding, it was best to be straightforward. By knowing each other's limits, they could work more efficiently in the future.

If Gareth kept worrying about when William might ask for repayment, or whether what William asked for would endanger his life or fortune, that worry could eventually turn gratitude into resentment.

So now that everything was out in the open, Gareth felt more at ease. Knowing that William believed in fair exchange and wouldn't use favors as leverage, he said in a lighter tone, "So, what's your plan?"

"Plan? Haha, the plan is simple. If you want M to fall, then just wait. If you don't, I can directly tell you who the mastermind behind the leak and the attack on the Special Operations Executive is. You can catch them yourselves."

"So, you've already identified the mastermind?" Gareth asked, excited.

"Yes, but I haven't located him yet," William nodded.

Gareth thought for a moment, then finally smiled. "I think we share the same view of M, right? From what I know, your relationship with her isn't great. She's always been after your family's secrets."

But to Gareth's surprise, William, known for his ruthlessness, didn't give the answer he was hoping for. Instead, William shook his head and said, "I don't know, Gareth. I don't like M, and she's always been trying to cause me trouble. But at least she's restrained herself and hasn't gone too far. I'm not so cold-blooded that I'd kill someone just for being a nuisance. For me, whether she dies or retires, both outcomes achieve my goal. As for which option I choose, that depends on which one benefits me more. If I don't see any benefit, I'll leave the choice to you, as long as you can offer me something in return."

"That's really unexpected, William," Gareth said as he dismounted, tying his horse's reins to a tree. Seeing this, William followed suit, tying his horse to another tree.

"Given how decisive and ruthless you've been, I always thought you were truly cold-blooded and heartless. I didn't expect you to have a bit of sympathy and even a tiny bit of mercy," Gareth teased as he loaded two shells into his shotgun.

"Haha, there's nothing surprising about it. Eight months ago, I was just a regular college student. If it weren't for you and M involving me, I might still be a rich playboy, busy inventing, making money, spending money, and juggling various beautiful women."

"So, I should apologize for interrupting your normal life?" Gareth joked with a silly face, then continued, "But I don't think anyone forced you. You've killed so many people, and we didn't push you to do it. Blame it on your birth in the Devonshire family. Your family loves living on the edge, naturally born to be killing machines. This path was set the moment your grandfather came into the picture. Now that I think about it, when we first met, you didn't seem to refuse."

"Haha," William could only silently retort. When he'd just been reborn and was feeling lost and uneasy, he encountered characters from a movie in his previous life who told him, "You're one of us." In his dazed state, William could only pretend to agree and slowly adapt.

By the time he saw the money and power that came with the job, William was already too hooked to let go. After eight months of scheming in Switzerland and England, he had accumulated over $4 billion in cash.

He now held 7% of Stark Industries, 4% of Apple, 7% of Amazon, 3% of Disney, and owned all of Chelsea and Aston Martin's assets, as well as 40% of England's power grid. These stocks and assets alone amounted to nearly $10 billion.

Additionally, he had the Templar treasure, 160 tons of gold bars, 14 boxes of jewelry, coins, and gold and silver artifacts yet to be shipped back. These hard assets were worth over $10 billion, not to mention the antiques whose value was still unknown—all of which he had acquired through his efforts over these eight months.

If he had stuck to inventions and creations, he'd be lucky to have a net worth of $1 billion. High-tech companies didn't fare well during market crashes.

But now, as the year 2001 approached, after a period of rapid growth, his focus should gradually shift to real industry. Of course, William wasn't about to miss out on any opportunities his foresight could provide.

Just like this time, by tipping Gareth off about someone targeting M, a piece of information that was useless to William became a huge opportunity for Gareth. 

William hadn't immediately gone after Silva because he was waiting for Silva to come to England and cause trouble, giving him a chance to benefit from the chaos. Without any profit in it for him, William had no reason to help anyone. He wasn't a good person and had no desire to be one.

"Alright, now it's time for hunting. Whatever you're thinking, save it until after we're done," William said as he pulled his shotgun off his horse, loaded it, and cocked it with a 'click.' "How about a little competition? The loser has to treat everyone at the Big Mug Tavern to a day of drinks."

Gareth rejected the idea without a second thought, responding grumpily, "No way. Do I look like an idiot? I'm not crazy. Who would dare compete with you in marksmanship?"

"F***, Gareth, you're no fun. So, are we just going to shoot randomly at whatever we see?"

"I won't compete with you in marksmanship. Only a fool would agree to that, knowing they'd lose. Unless..." Gareth trailed off, deliberately delaying.

"For God's sake, can't you just say it? Unless what?"

"Unless you give me a handicap—double the weight of the game. If I shoot 1 kilogram of game, you'd need to shoot more than 2 kilograms to win," Gareth chuckled.

William immediately agreed, "No problem. Haha, Gareth, you're the idiot now. Today, I'll show you that when you're up against absolute skill, all your calculations are useless. Just wait. After this is over, I'll bring everyone I know to the Big Mug Tavern and make you pay for a feast."

Gareth, seeing William's confidence, began to suspect he was being tricked and quickly amended his terms. "No, only people we both know can come."

"No problem. Let's get started, buddy. I'll let you take the first shot, so you at least have a chance to fire."

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