This is really not mechanical ascension

Chapter 731: Chapter 380: Base Changes – One-Click Sweep_2

Abel froze for a moment. He couldn’t even muster the courage to deny that he’d considered letting Li Ming kill Diaz.

His resentment toward Ryan had nowhere to go, and he turned that anger upon those around him. This was a problem he couldn’t avoid.

Li Ming consoled him, “Relax. Nobody knows it was you who leaked the information to me, and no one would even suspect you.”

Abel’s expression flickered, but he quickly composed himself and said sternly, “Let me tell you—don’t think you can hold something over me. I will never do anything for you.”

“Misunderstanding, misunderstanding…” Li Ming said hastily. “Your Highness, why would you think that? We’re friends. I’ve never thought of blackmailing you.”

“The interstellar situation is unstable. You and I should be helping each other. Besides, even if I leaked this information, with your exceptional development potential, the Empire wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you.”

Li Ming guided him patiently. “It’s only betrayal when it comes from the lower ranks. Between us, it’s just an exchange of interests. Surely, there have been instances in the Empire’s history where deals were made with enemies?”

Abel’s heavy breathing gradually calmed. There was some truth to what Li Ming said—this was an exchange of interests, not betrayal.

He reassured himself, but when he remembered Prince Costat’s hopeful gaze, a wave of guilt surged within him. Then the thought of his father’s path to fortune darkened his expression once more.

“Since it’s an exchange of interests, I hope you can also provide me with something useful,” Abel said in a low voice.