Cover for Arc 2
EPISODE 6: TRIADS
Set in an isolated spot in the southern hemisphere of the Pacific Ocean, more than 2,000 km from the closest piece of land, this average-sized island seemed destined to meet the same fate as Rapa Nui. However, due to its vast number of natural resources and strategic economic localization, it transformed itself into one of the wealthiest harbours in the world. Serving as a natural checkpoint in the treacherous ocean, the island claimed water territories over three times its diameter, establishing a monopoly over the largest trade routes and imposing taxes on every commodity entering and exiting its shores, as well as implementing embargoes and customs as it saw fit.
According to local legend, the island was discovered only two or three centuries ago during a time of great migrations by a European explorer who had battled a ferocious storm throughout the night. He was captivated by the island’s nearly perfect circular shape, resembling a haven ring in the light of dawn. Inspired by this, he named it Aube-Ronde, which later evolved into Omond. The few hundred natives he encountered spoke an isolated language with some similarities to Austronesian languages, which he referred to as Aubaine, now known as Omen. The legend concludes with the people aiding him in building a new ship to leave the island, but the explorer mysteriously vanished, and his fate remains unknown.
News of the island’s existence spread across Europe’s courts, and control over its strategic position became highly coveted. Russia swiftly dispatched an expedition in its direction, followed by England, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, and Belgium. Some of these countries eventually disappeared during the world wars and merged as new confederations. Several decades later, the American, Asian and Middle Eastern emerging powers would also join the pursuit, but that came after the Revolution.
Conflicts between countries for the island’s monopoly began as soon as they set foot on its shores and continued unabated for generations. Eventually, social and economic movements emerged. Official history claims that the natives peacefully assimilated with the newcomers, but the rise of a terrifying secret society that predated colonization proves otherwise. Initially functioning as a militia, the secret society systematically silenced each country’s official envoys and ambassadors, severing communication with the continents for years, a time when the internet or telephones did not exist. Utilizing fear, money, diplomacy, and charismatic ideas, they skilfully recruited individuals from various factions to join their cause and unite the island for maximum prosperity.
When some countries reached their breaking point, they resorted to force, deploying naval armies for a colossal Pacific war. However, the secret society proved too formidable, and the participating countries ended up fighting one another instead of addressing the root problem. From that point on, the inhabitants no longer identified themselves as French, English, Russian, and so on. They became the people of Omond. This marked their Revolution. The secret society established a Republic with Tanumm, yet to become a megalopolis, as its capital and stronghold.
Modern-day Omen differs greatly from its pre-European migration era, having evolved into a creole language incorporating numerous Indo-European loanwords, just like the capital itself, which the newcomers named after the vast titanium deposit nearby. Today, the island serves as a tax haven for numerous billionaires. With its luxurious amenities, tropical climate, and breathtaking scenery, it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful vacations and business destinations in the world, ranking first in terms of desirability for business and tourism.
Due to the island’s limited living space and its financial allure, the housing market has experienced a skyrocketing surge in recent decades, making it incredibly challenging for non-citizens to purchase real estate. However, the immense financial appeal of the island has also brought forth modern conflicts and tensions, particularly with the superpowers of Nubia and now China.
Whether the secret society still exists remains an enigma, but the mysterious resolution of certain conflicts with little difficulty suggests that they are far from extinct.
I close my computer and sink deeper into my chair. With one hand massaging the beard on my chin and the other mindlessly scrolling on my phone, I contemplate my research. Who can provide me with the information I need? Well, there is someone I know… This woman. But how can I ask her without facing rejection? I need to find a way to negotiate. If I have something she needs, perhaps I can trade it.
Suddenly, her face appears on my phone screen. My mindless scrolling has unknowingly led me to call her. “Ah! No! No! Nonono!” I quickly press the ‘hang up’ button before it starts ringing. It’s too early to call her since I don’t have anything to trade yet.
But… I really like her. I would do anything to go on a date with someone like her, someone so lively and captivating. We have only spoken a few times, but I am enchanted by her charisma, professionalism, and her enticing physical appearance. Her provocative figure, her alluring smile, and the way she calls me worthless… Ah, it’s overwhelming! I have completely fallen under her spell. No! I need to focus!
To distract myself, I grab my long black coat, black leather boots, and black hat, and I venture outside my house. The heavy clothing makes me sweat profusely in the tropical climate, but I would rather endure the discomfort than look foolish. The morning light stings my eyes after an all-nighter, but I briskly walk through the streets, greeting the familiar neighbourhood.
“Hello, Master!” a passerby says.
“Good day to you, Sir,” I reply with a smile.
“Good morning, Master!” a young lady greets me.
“What a lovely morning it has become since I met your eyes, m’lady,” I respond with a bow.
“Salutations, Master!” a little boy exclaims.
“My, my, haven’t you grown since yesterday! Here, I didn’t forget my promise,” I say, handing him a lollipop I had hidden in my hat.
Causing commotion and laughter wherever I go, I finally arrive at a quiet alley with no one to greet. I enter a small Chinese restaurant run by an elderly woman I know well. She greets me in Mandarin when she sees me. “It’s been a while, Master. Are you here for work?”
I remove my hat and coat, which she takes, and reply in Mandarin, “No, today I’m here for some distractions.”
“That’s good too. I don’t need to show you the way,” she responds.
“Not that I would dislike your company, mademoiselle,” I say with a wink. However, she rolls her eyes in disdain and signals for me to leave.
I knock three times on the back door, and a voice responds from within, “Who is it?”
“The Master of Romance, Langman Shi,” I announce.
The door opens, revealing a clandestine club. A waiter guides me to a table where bottles of whisky and coke await me. I notice a familiar man who appears to have spent the entire night there; he is visibly drunk and laughing uproariously with a girl on each arm. He screams in my direction, “Don’t steal all the women today, Langman Shi!”
I smile and reply, “I won’t steal what is yours, Lianjie Shi.”
I take my seat at the table and start drinking. Several girls quickly surround me, and I feel as though I’m in heaven. I laugh, I shout, and I cry from laughter in an unparalleled ecstasy. Yet, despite the beautiful girls surrounding me, some of whom I could kiss and touch, some who are far gentler and sweeter than the woman who occupies my thoughts, I can’t erase her image from my mind. What has she done to me?
I retreat to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face. “What the fuck am I doing?” I mutter to myself. I retrieve my phone to check the time. I’ve wasted enough time already; it’s time to go to bed.
DING DING! DING DING!
The picture of that woman appears on my phone screen. She’s calling me?! “H-hello?!” I stammer in surprise.
“Hello, Dick? I have a big problem!” she exclaims.
“Stop calling me Dick! I’m the Master of Romance, or Langman, or just Master!”
“Never in my life will I call you Master of whatever or long man since you’re pretty short.”
“LANGMAN! IT’S CHINESE!”
“WHATEVER! I need your help now! Some members of the Triads are heading to my hideout, but I’m not there yet! I need you to stop them! I don’t want them barging in or causing any trouble! They have to wait until I get there!”
“What? Why? Who are they? Do you have their names?” I ask while rushing out of the bathroom.
“I can’t tell you why… The names are TIAN HUO and TIAN SHUI!”
My heart skips a beat. I know these guys, and they’re no joke. But this is the perfect opportunity I’ve been waiting for. “Hm, fine. I know them. I’ll help you, but you’re going to do something for me in return.”
“Sure.”
“How about a date so we can discuss—”
“But aren’t your hands pretty full right now? And I’m busy too, so I’ll speak with you later.”
CLICK!
She hangs up.
What did she mean by ‘full’? Was she referring to me being occupied with helping her? Simply making a phone call to some subordinates isn’t that difficult. I laugh at myself and quickly try to make contact with TIAN SHUI, the more reasonable of the two.
“Langman Shi?,” he answers.
“Oh, TIAN SHUI, I’m glad to hear from you! May I ask where you and TIAN HUO are heading?” I inquire.
“We’re on a mission from Jinqian Shi’s orders. And why are you at the club in the middle of the day?”
“You disrespectful bastard! Don’t speak to me like that! Wait, how do you know?” I inquire.
“I can hear the noise and music, and Lianjie Shi posted a disgraceful picture of you in the discussion group.”
FUCK! That means that woman heard EVERYTHING TOO! Technology is too damn advanced nowadays! “What can I say… I love women so much…” I mutter.
I’ll definitely give Lianjie Shi a beating once this is over.
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