Chapter 434 Eager Recruitment
Major Joseph provided Jeremy and Ritchie with very important intelligence, but he couldn't talk to them for too long. After all, with so many people at the banquet, if Major Joseph engaged in a lengthy conversation with Jeremy, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of others. So, after exchanging a few words, Major Joseph decided to leave directly.
For the next little while, Jeremy and Ritchie had no choice but to mingle with the prominent figures in Valley City amidst the lively atmosphere of the banquet. After two hours of the event, the mayor of Valley City approached Jeremy.
"I must thank you once again. If it weren't for you and your companions, Valley City would surely have been destroyed by the monsters," the mayor said, raising his glass and smiling at Jeremy.
Jeremy clinked glasses with the mayor and humbly replied, "You have already expressed your gratitude before. I feel a bit embarrassed that you are thanking me again."
"There's no need to feel embarrassed!" the mayor chuckled heartily. "The previous thanks were from the perspective of the mayor of Valley City, but this time it's from a regular resident of Valley City."
The mayor's words were flawless in their intent. Jeremy could only smile and remain silent.
Suddenly, the expression on the mayor's face turned a bit gloomy. "To be honest, I have always envied Moonlight City for having powerful apocalypse game players like you and your companions. If we in Valley City had players as strong as you, we wouldn't have to worry about the threat of monsters anymore."
The mayor sighed with emotion.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Jeremy still remained silent. Although he had guessed what the mayor was trying to imply, he was not going to easily follow along with his words.
Seeing that Jeremy did not take the bait, the mayor continued to speak. "I've heard that you and your companions are planning to head to the capital? But you encountered some trouble on the way, which is why you stayed in Valley City, correct?"
"You are correct! We did run into some trouble, which is why we are still in Valley City, so we are hoping that you can provide us with assistance in the near future," Jeremy said with a smile.
A bright smile appeared on the mayor's face. "That's what we should do! Since you have come to Valley City, we naturally need to help you. Whatever trouble you encounter in Valley City, you can speak to me directly. As long as I can help, I will certainly do so! If I can't assist you, I will find a way to get others to help you."
The mayor of Valley City readily agreed. "After the banquet, I hope to meet with you privately. I have some important matters I would like to discuss with you," the mayor said to Jeremy in a lowered voice. After saying this, he left directly.
Jeremy was uncertain about what the mayor intended to do. However, he knew that regardless of the mayor's purpose, he needed to remain vigilant.
As soon as the mayor had left, Ritchie came over again. "What were you two just talking about? It seems like you hit it off quite well!" Ritchie asked Jeremy, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Jeremy shook his head. "We didn't discuss anything significant; we were just probing each other. He does want to recruit us, possibly to protect Valley City, but there might be deeper reasons behind it."
Jeremy spoke slowly.
Ritchie nodded. From Ritchie's perspective, no matter the reason the mayor wanted to recruit them, it wasn't a bad thing for them. Since they would be staying in Valley City for the foreseeable future, having the mayor's support would likely reduce the number of troubles they encountered.
"The banquet should be wrapping up soon! After it ends, you should head back to the hotel on your own. I have some matters to attend to!" Jeremy finished his drink and casually told Ritchie.
Ritchie was somewhat surprised. He didn't understand why Jeremy wanted him to go back alone; after all, they hadn't been in Valley City for long, and Jeremy likely didn't have many acquaintances there.
However, Ritchie didn't press the issue. He knew that Jeremy must have his own reasons for saying this, and he simply needed to follow Jeremy's instructions.
After the banquet concluded, Ritchie returned to the hotel alone while Jeremy stayed in the city hall. The mayor of Valley City approached Jeremy with a smile. "Thank you for patiently waiting here for me! Let's go to my office; we can discuss our upcoming collaboration in detail!"
The mayor led Jeremy to his office. It wasn't very large, and a prominent map of Valley City hung on one wall, while the rest of the space was cluttered with various files.
"I apologize for the mess; it is a bit chaotic here. But that shouldn't hinder our discussion about collaboration," the mayor said to Jeremy with a smile.
Jeremy nodded. He did not mind the disorganized office; what mattered to him was the collaboration the mayor was about to discuss.
"You need to stay in Valley City, and Valley City needs your protection. Therefore, I believe the foundation for our collaboration is very solid. I am willing to provide you with all the supplies you need, on the condition that you ensure the safety of Valley City within the next ten days."
The mayor's tone became more serious as he laid out his proposal in a very organized manner.
Jeremy did not immediately agree, nor did he outright refuse. He simply responded with a question: "Why ten days? This specific timeframe raises some concerns for me. It seems that Valley City will face a significant crisis in the coming ten days, correct? What is this crisis? You should inform me in advance. Otherwise, I won't be able to collaborate with you."
Jeremy was very perceptive. He felt that the next ten days represented a crucial period. Although he didn't know what would happen during that time, the mayor's clear attempt to recruit him suggested that a major crisis was imminent.
The mayor nodded. "You are right! And you are indeed a very perceptive person! The reason I want to recruit you is to deal with the crisis that will arise in the next ten days. I received important information from a friend of mine that in about seven or eight days, Valley City will face a catastrophic disaster. Our resources alone in Valley City will not be enough to handle this disaster. That's why I need to bring you in to provide us with assistance."
The mayor's words only deepened Jeremy's confusion. "Where did your friend obtain this important information? Are you sure it's credible?"
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The mayor's expression turned serious as he nodded. "I don't know where my friend got this information, but I can assure you that it is absolutely true. All the information my friend has given me in the past has been accurate."
After saying this, the mayor pulled out a large stack of documents from beneath the desk. These documents contained intelligence provided to him by his friend. All of this information had been verified. While some of the details had initially seemed unbelievable, they had ultimately all proven to be true.
Jeremy carefully reviewed all the documents. He had to admit that the intelligence provided by the mayor's friend was indeed very accurate.
"Is there no more detailed information? We only know that there will be a significant crisis within these ten days, but we have no idea what this crisis specifically relates to. The information is just too sparse; we can hardly formulate a response. Could you search for more intelligence? I also think you should reach out to the federal government and the military for assistance," Jeremy expressed his thoughts and offered his suggestions.
Upon hearing Jeremy's advice, the mayor of Valley City displayed a faint smile of resignation. "Do you really think that the federal government and the military will provide us with help? They can't even manage the chaos in the capital. Moreover, if I were to share this intelligence, they wouldn't believe it. That's why I can only rely on you. If you can assist me, I promise to be your most steadfast ally, and I will ensure that Valley City remains friendly towards you moving forward."
The mayor of Valley City was clearly sincere, and Jeremy could see that he was not hiding any information. Ultimately, Jeremy decided to cooperate with the mayor.
"I understand. I will provide you with assistance, and I will do my best to ensure the safety of Valley City," Jeremy assured him.
Hearing Jeremy's words, the mayor of Valley City let out a sigh of relief. "As long as you're willing to help us, I am confident that we can successfully resolve the crisis we face!" the mayor said with a smile.
In the luxurious hotel room, Ritchie was organizing his gear. "What on earth has Jeremy been up to?
Who else does he know in Valley City?"