During the time the T-90 tank video was circulating on V-K, Mavi's Amazon and Google companies were also steadily growing. His V-K account had already gained over 12,000 followers. Nearly every day, people left comments asking him to release more cool and exciting videos.
Mavi had previously had his staff record plenty of videos of missiles blowing up luxury cars and shells blasting helicopters. He released a new video about once a week. This not only set trends among young people but also inspired many wealthy individuals to imitate him by uploading their own destruction videos on V-K to attract followers.
It was undeniable that internet fame and the concept of fan followings were highly appealing. Ever since V-K implemented these concepts based on Mavi's suggestion, the platform's daily traffic had been skyrocketing. It even attracted users from other video-sharing platforms to upload content on V-K.
In the year 2000, the U.S. economy was booming. Whether in the internet sector or other technology industries, companies were rising rapidly.
Russia, on the other hand, was experiencing a gradual economic decline, posing a serious challenge for the country.
In truth, Russians generally lacked strong business acumen. For example, during one meeting, the Minister of Agriculture suggested exporting pork to Indonesia—without realizing that the country's predominant religion forbids eating pork.
With such clueless teammates causing setbacks, it was clear that Russia's economic recovery would take a long time.
Mavi's strategy was simple: use his American companies as an economic foundation to support his military-industrial ventures and private armed forces in Russia—essentially, the security company he had envisioned earlier.
His plan was to acquire arms factories, establish subsidiaries worldwide, and expand his legal armed forces. When the time came, he would be untouchable in the business world, and his rivals would have no choice but to steer clear of him.
With this in mind, Mavi gathered his bodyguards and asked, "Do any of you know security personnel or former military comrades? I'm planning to start a security company and need some people."
Hiring externally wasn't very reliable—there were too many mixed-bag applicants. So Mavi preferred to have his trusted men recommend candidates, ensuring a higher degree of reliability.
Hearing their boss's sudden question, the Russian bodyguards exchanged glances, puzzled as to why he wanted to start a security company. After all, Russia already had over 3,000 such firms.
Still, they obeyed his orders and responded one by one.
"Boss, I happen to have three former comrades who are currently looking for work."
"I know two guys who just retired from the Alpha Special Forces last week. They're also considering their next career move," said a burly Russian bodyguard, offering a valuable piece of information.
"The Alpha Special Forces?" Mavi raised an eyebrow.
According to his knowledge, Alpha Special Forces was one of Russia's most elite units, renowned for its exceptional combat capabilities.
Its members were experts in various fields—snipers, demolitions specialists, and communications experts—trained in covert operations and reconnaissance. They could remain calm and think clearly under extreme pressure. In the modern world, they ranked among the top three counterterrorism units.
Mavi's security company needed elite personnel like those from the Alpha Forces. However, his goal in establishing the company was merely to build a private armed force legally. He had no intention of cooperating with governments or deploying his personnel to war zones like Afghanistan or Syria, which would only lead to trouble.
Profiting from war and bloodshed was not something he wanted. That was why he had carefully laid the groundwork in the American tech industry—to achieve financial independence without being entangled in conflicts.
"Get in touch with them," Mavi instructed his bodyguard.
The Alpha Special Forces were battle-hardened warriors who had seen and done it all. Many of them, after retiring, either founded their own mercenary-style security firms and worked with governments or became bodyguards for VIPs—or, in some cases, assassins.
Despite their ruthless efficiency and deadly skills, they had one commendable trait: unwavering loyalty. They upheld their principles and wouldn't betray their commitments, even under the threat of death.
"Understood, boss," the black-clad bodyguard nodded.
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### Two Weeks Later, Moscow Suburbs
Outside a large training facility, a silver Land Rover Defender drove up to the base's entrance right on time.
Inside the vehicle sat two Russian men of average build with unremarkable appearances. They looked to be around 30 years old and were dressed in dark coats. People wouldn't normally give them a second glance if they passed by on the street.
However, after verifying their identities, the gate security personnel sternly opened the iron gates, allowing their vehicle to enter. The reason? These two men were none other than former members of Russia's legendary Alpha Special Forces.
As the Land Rover Defender slowly drove into the training base, the dark-haired man in the passenger seat, chewing gum, casually asked his companion, "Who exactly are we meeting?"
Due to his military background, his words were brief and to the point. His name was Stepan, and he had served in Alpha Special Forces for eight years.
The driver, named Viktor, had a slightly weathered face and sharp, penetrating eyes. He had served in the unit for ten years—two years longer than Stepan.
Viktor, speaking in a deep voice while keeping his eyes on the road, answered, "From what I heard, he's an arms dealer looking to start a security company."
Stepan continued chewing his gum without responding. He and Viktor had just retired from the military last week and were considering starting their own security firm.
However, they were still debating the idea. Running a security company required connections and reputation. With over 3,000 security firms in Russia—ranging in size from small to large—competition was fierce, and breaking into the industry wouldn't be easy.
When their vehicle pulled up in front of a white building, they noticed several armored Tigers and off-road vehicles parked in the lot.
Stepan smirked and said to Viktor, "Looks like we're not the only ones here today."
"Yeah. Let's check it out," Viktor replied as he stepped out of the vehicle, followed by Stepan.
Inside the building, security was tight. Armed guards patrolled the hallways, and as soon as Stepan and Viktor entered the corridor, Russian bodyguards in suits approached them for a weapons check.
They were frisked thoroughly to ensure they weren't carrying any dangerous weapons.