4: Armed helicopters...interesting.

Returning to his luxury apartment in the city center, David casually tossed the box containing the $20,000 deposit onto the table.

Money was just a tool.

His true confidence came from the cheat known as the [great nation manufacturing system] in his mind.

"System, recharge."

David muttered silently in his heart.

He took three-quarters of the $20,000 he received today $15,000 and recharged it all into the system account.

The remaining five thousand would serve as daily expenses.

Even a mosquito is still meat, after all.

[Ding! Recharge successful. Current account balance: $15,000.]

Watching the numbers flash on the system interface, the corner of David's mouth curved slightly upward.

Next, it was time to prepare for the afternoon meeting with the Santa Ana Cartel.

That was a true behemoth, completely incomparable to a street thug like Andres.

A double-cross?

He had to guard against it.

David didn't want to capsize in a ditch.

"System, recruit soldiers for me!"

He opened the system's recruitment interface without hesitation.

[Recruit Ordinary Soldier Death Sworn: $5,000/person]

[Recruit Special Forces Deathsworn: $20,000/person]

The price was truly exorbitant.

But it was worth the money.

Every Death Sworn manifested by the system possessed rich combat experience and absolute loyalty.

They were his greatest guarantee for survival and stability in this chaotic country.

"I'll start with twenty ordinary soldiers and five Special Forces."

David calculated in his mind.

[Ding! Recruiting 20 Ordinary Soldier Death Sworn and 5 Special Forces Deathsworn will deduct a total of $200,000. Insufficient balance!]

"Oh, right, I forgot I don't have enough money."

David patted his head, feeling a little awkward.

It seemed he would have to wait for the final payment from Andres to arrive.

However, upgrading his subordinates' equipment was still possible.

His own security team couldn't still be using AKs, could they?

That would be too embarrassing.

"System, purchase weapons."

David opened the weapon store.

The dazzling list of weapons had everything, from handguns to tanks.

He immediately filtered for high-end goods.

[Haenel MK556 Assault Rifle: $2,000/unit]

[Colt M2000 Handgun: $800/unit]

"Not bad, I'll take this."

"Give me thirty MK552000s, along with the corresponding ammunition."

[Ding! Purchase successful. A total of $84,000 deducted. Insufficient balance!]

"Damn it!"

David couldn't help but curse.

After all that, he was still broke.

He could only settle for the next best thing and re-equip his core bodyguard team first.

In the end, he spent $14,000 to purchase five MK552000 handguns and matching ammunition.

As the system balance was deducted, five brand-new weapon crates materialized out of thin air in the empty room of the apartment.

David called Juan over.

"Distribute these and let the brothers familiarize themselves with the new gear."

"Yes, Boss!"

Juan opened the crates, and a flash of excitement crossed his eyes when he saw the brand-new German-made rifles and Colt handguns inside.

They were all good stuff!

Watching Juan's retreating figure, David fell into deep thought.

This apartment was ultimately too small.

Manifesting a few guns was fine, but if he wanted to get some big toys later on.

For example, armored vehicles or tanks he couldn't just make them appear in the city center, could he?

That would cause a huge commotion.

"It looks like I need to acquire a manor estate quickly."

David made up his mind.

He sat on the sofa, drinking coffee while browsing through the system store.

To deal with an old fox like Jorge, he needed to prepare a special "menu."

It couldn't be too advanced, lest he scare them off and arouse unnecessary suspicion.

Nor could it be too outdated, or how would he demonstrate his strength?

He specifically filtered out classic weapons from the 1940s to the 1980s on Earth.

Categorizing everything from fighter jets to submarines, he compiled a detailed list.

The next day, same time, same private room.

David, accompanied by Juan, Pedro, and another person, delivered fifty brand-new AK-47s and over a dozen crates of ammunition to Andres.

"My friend! This batch of goods is fantastic!"

Andres stroked the cold gun body; the smell of gun oil intoxicated him.

He casually picked one up, racked the slide, and the crisp metallic sound brought a satisfied smile to his face.

"The final payment."

Andres waved his hand, and a trusted subordinate immediately handed over a box filled with US dollars.

$40,000, not a cent less.

The transaction was complete, and David's system account balance surged again.

He looked at the ecstatic Andres, but his heart remained calm.

From now on, he should let his subordinates handle small deals worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Handling it personally felt a bit beneath him now.

Four o'clock in the afternoon.

A private restaurant on the outskirts of Santa Cruz City.

David arrived punctually with Juan and six fully armed bodyguards.

A "Closed" sign was conspicuously displayed at the restaurant entrance.

Several rugged-looking men in Hawaiian shirts lingered at the entrance, vigilantly surveying their surroundings.

Seeing David and his group, one of the leaders immediately stepped forward.

"Are you Mr. David? Mr. Jorge is already waiting for you inside."

David nodded and led his men inside.

The huge restaurant was empty.

Only one slightly overweight middle-aged man with a carefully trimmed beard sat by the window, leisurely sipping red wine.

It was Jorge, a core member of the Santa Ana Cartel.

Seeing David, Jorge put down his wine glass and flashed an enthusiastic smile.

But his sharp eyes swept over the bodyguards behind David.

When he saw the elite aura emanating from Juan and the others.

And the German-made MK556 assault rifles they carried, his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

They were all professionals!

"Mr. David, you are young and promising!" Jorge stood up and extended his hand.

"Mr. Jorge, you flatter me." David shook his hand lightly.

The two men took their seats, host and guest.

Jorge skipped the pleasantries and asked directly.

"My friend Andres said you have everything. I'm very curious, what exactly does your 'everything' include?"

His tone carried a hint of scrutiny and impatience.

David didn't speak.

He simply pulled a printed list from his pocket and gently pushed it toward Jorge.

Jorge raised an eyebrow and picked up the list.

At first glance, his expression remained calm.

T-72 Main Battle Tank... Hmm, not bad.

Mi-24 'Hind' Attack Helicopter... Interesting.

But as his eyes scanned further down, the composure and calmness instantly vanished from his face.

It was replaced by unparalleled shock!

The list clearly stated: Ka-50 Black Shark Attack Helicopter, Unit Price: $15 million.

Military Version 'Humvee' High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (includes mounted machine gun), Unit Price: $100,000.

And even... BM-21 'Grad' Rocket Launcher!

Jorge's hands began to tremble. He abruptly looked up, staring intently at David, his breathing growing rapid.

Just who... exactly was this guy?!