Chapter 870 Capturing Hudson

Chapter 870 Capturing Hudson

"Yes, exactly!" Benjamin exclaimed, giving Phoenix a thumbs up. "You're a genius!"

Phoenix humbly responded, "I might be good at giving advice behind the scenes and acing debates, but when it comes to real combat, I'm not even as skilled as one of your fingers. You're the boss in that department; I'm just the brains behind the operation."

Benjamin nodded thoughtfully. "Hey, being the brains isn't too shabby. Just think of all those legendary strategists throughout history!"

Phoenix shook his head, "Those folks are on a whole other level. I can't hold a candle to them."

"Well, then you're my wise sidekick," Benjamin grinned.

Phoenix continued to shake his head.

"Alright!" Benjamin chuckled. "I've made up my mind. I'm hopping on a private jet to meet President Celestoria pronto. Gotta take down Hudson's defenses."

"Alright, we'll be rooting for your success," Phoenix replied.

Benjamin knew he couldn't delay any longer. Hudson was probably gearing up for a full-on business attack by now, and being in Stormaria left Benjamin defenseless. Maybe a trip to Celestoria could turn the tide. It was a necessary move not just for his peace of mind but for the safety of those around him.

After bidding farewell to Phoenix, Benjamin arranged for a private jet through the National Security Agency. Before departing, he checked on his child and said his goodbyes to Divine. Understanding Benjamin's hectic schedule, Divine didn't press him to stay longer. After a brief exchange of affectionate words, Divine let Benjamin go.

Boarding the private jet, Benjamin set course for Celestoria.

Despite the swift flight, it took six hours to reach Nightsong International Airport. Benjamin disembarked, hailed a cab, and made his way to the Celestoria Palace. Some of the palace guards were former Ghost Gate members, now part of the Divine Gate. This new Divine Gate was not only aligned with Celestoria but also with the Dragon Corps.

The guards at the entrance greeted Benjamin warmly upon recognizing him.

"Hey, Mr. Smith, what brings you here?" Benjamin identified the guard as Dustin Vaughan, now a Divine Follower in the Divine Gate with Seventh-Stage Azure Realm strength. Benjamin replied, "Dustin, I need to see the president. It's urgent."

Dustin nodded, "Hold on a sec, let me check with the godfather to see when the president is available."

"Sure thing," Benjamin agreed.

Dustin radioed the godfather of the Divine Gate. After a brief exchange, he turned to Benjamin, "The president is in his office resting. You can go in to see him."

"Great," Benjamin hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. Following Dustin, he entered the palace and reached the president's office. Dustin knocked on the door, and they heard President Zachary of Celestoria's voice from inside, "Come in."

Dustin swung the door open for Benjamin, gesturing him inside.

Upon seeing Benjamin, Zachary rose from his seat, greeted him with a hug and a handshake, and exclaimed, "Benjamin, it's been too long!"

"Sure has," Benjamin replied. "Let's cut to the chase. I need to take down Hudson. Will you have my back?"

Taken aback by Benjamin's directness, Zachary hesitated briefly before smiling and responding, "I'm afraid I can't assist with that. Hudson is under political asylum, and by the book..."

Benjamin shook his head, cutting Zachary off bluntly, "I don't care about political asylum or war refuge. Your laws don't concern me. All I know is I want Hudson gone. Will you help?"

Zachary grasped Benjamin's hand, guided him to the sofa, and took a seat himself. "Benjamin, I knew your father. He was a stand-up guy. And you, you're cut from the same cloth. But Hudson? He's a mystery to me. I never even heard of him until I took office."

"And?" Benjamin pressed.

"I mean, if there's truly no reconciling with Hudson, I'll stand by you, not him," Zachary stated.

"Works for me," Benjamin nodded. "Now, can you strip away all the shields you've given him?"

Zachary agreed, "Yes, but I have a condition."

"What's that?" Benjamin inquired.

"I want you to take over Hudson's business assets and run them as he did," Zachary said seriously.

Benjamin felt a rush of excitement. He understood the implication - becoming the next Hudson, controlling the global economy. But he was puzzled about Zachary's angle.

"Why?" Benjamin questioned.

Zachary grinned, "Because Hudson pays taxes to Celestoria."

"Got it," Benjamin acknowledged. "But I have no clue about Hudson's assets or businesses."

Zachary chuckled, "The FBI does."

Benjamin caught on - by ousting Hudson, Celestoria would back him to fill Hudson's shoes. Just like the transition from Ghost Gate to Divine Gate.

The offer was tempting. Benjamin didn't hesitate, "Deal!"

"Then Hudson is yours," Zachary confirmed.

"Where is he?" Benjamin inquired eagerly.

Zachary shook his head, "No need. Hudson is currently a guest in Nightsong. With a word from me, he'll be in my office within an hour."

"Really?" Benjamin's excitement was palpable. "How can I repay you?"

"No need," Zachary waved it off. "Consider it payback for saving my life." With that, Zachary made a surprising call.

Speaking into the phone, Zachary instructed, "Invite Hudson to the palace as a guest. Whether he likes it or not, he's coming. And remind him, Celestoria folks are always welcoming."

After the call, Zachary nodded at Benjamin, "All set, just wait a bit."

Benjamin rose, shook Zachary's hand, and said, "Thank you. I'll keep my end of the bargain."

Zachary nodded, "And I'll do the same."