by <unknown>
The number of modules that could be installed on robots, vehicles, and mobile suits, was limited by their ‘Energy Capacity’. Beside the quality of the energy source itself, ‘Energy Capacity’ could be upgraded by ‘Energy’ talents. Rover 1’s energy source was a standard battery unit, so its Energy Capacity was low.
Completing the rover rewarded Han Xiao with 24,000 exp.
The following day, Han Xiao finished crafting the Lightweight Mechanical Arm.
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You have crafted Lightweight Mechanical Arm (Left), gaining 2,500 exp.
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His second Lightweight Mechanical Arm was still a left arm, like before. However, the materials he had used to craft it were lower in quality than before, causing it to have a lower grade.
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Lightweight Mechanical Arm (Left)
Grade: Common
Base Stats: 28-45 Damage, 8-12 Defense, 26 Power Output, 205/205 Durability
Prerequisite(s): 23 STR
Bonus Stats: -4 Attack Speed
Length: 0.51m
Weight: 6.1kg
Additional Effects: Bonus +6 STR
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Currently, Han Xiao strongest form of combat was melee combat, so the Lightweight Mechanical Arm suited him well.
Mechanics that favored melee combat were known as Mecha-warriors. Han Xiao did not intend to walk down this path as it was long-ranged capabilities that Mechanics truly excelled in, after all. However, since Mecha-warriors was the style that offered low level Mechanics the highest combat prowess, it would have to do for now.
Han Xiao hid the Lightweight Mechanical Arm before heading downstairs. Lu Qian was engaged in a conversation with a customer who kept on glancing at Han Xiao when he appeared. He was clearly yet another agent from Division 13.
Division 13 had, over the past few days, sent many undercover agents to spy on Han Xiao, but since Han Xiao was a tough nut to crack, they were now attacking from a different angle.
“Why are there so many people asking about you?” asked a puzzled Lu Qian when the agent left.
“Well, I’m popular.”
“But they’re all guys.”
Han Xiao froze up.
“It’s not what you think-”
“Don’t worry! I won’t judge you,” replied Lu Qian as she started giggling.
Why are you giggling like that!
Suddenly, Han Xiao’s turned serious. He had received a system alert.
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You have triggered the Class-E Mission, [Assailants!]. Accept/Reject]
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Han Xiao was bewildered. What could have triggered such a mission?
“Accept.”
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Mission Synopsis: The bounty on your head is being eyed. Your enemies are near and they are hiding in the shadows. Meanwhile, a certain group of people has been watching you to assess your potential. What will you do?
Requirement: Avoid death
Reward: 10,000 experience
Bonus Reward: 1x Skill Level-up Card (Basic)
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Han Xiao rolled his eyes at the dramatic synopsis.
The ‘group of people’ referred to in the synopsis most definitely referred to Division 13. Han Xiao put the clues together and conjectured that Division 13 could have leaked intel on him in an elaborate set-up to test his combat strength. However, if that were the case, the people after him must not be too strong. After all, Division 13 wouldn’t risk things blowing up in the city.
Although Han Xiao wasn’t interested in typical Class-E mission rewards, the bonus reward caught his eye. A Skill Level-up Card was certainly something handy to have.
If a mission had a bonus reward, it meant that there was a secret condition to fulfill. Han Xiao guessed that this mission’s secret condition was most likely to kill all of his assailants.
“Since the enemy could appear at any moment, I’d better not stay in the workshop.”
Han Xiao didn’t want to rely on Old Man Lu. After contemplating for a moment, he thought of the perfect location for battle.
Kero Junkyard.
Chapter 28. Jealousy |
Kero Junkyard was Raccoon’s territory. Han Xiao planned to kill two birds with one stone. He put down his tools and called out to Lu Qian with a request.
“I wish to take the day off.”
“Okay,” replied Lu Qian, blinking. “Is something wrong?”
“No, why?” Han Xiao paused.
Han Xiao always looked lethargic and bored, and Lu Qian, being the observant woman that she was, had noticed the sudden change in air about him. If she had to describe the kind of feeling Han Xiao was giving her now, for some reason, dangerous was the word that came to mind.
“If you’re facing any difficulties, I’ll definitely help you,” she said in a serious tone.
Not knowing what to say, Han Xiao stared at her, which caused her to shift about uncomfortably. She turned away from Han Xiao and twirled her hair, saying, “Don’t you know its rude to stare?”
Han Xiao turned away too and replied, “I won’t be back for dinner.”
“I was actually thinking of letting you try my latest creation, black pepper pineapple baked ribs stew with parsley,” responded Lu Qian dejectedly.
Han Xiao shuddered. What kind of cuisine from hell is that?
Han Xiao returned to his room to get ready. After a short while, he headed out with a backpack and a trolley.
…
“Boss, is that kid the target?”
A man wearing shades was tailing Han Xiao. Every time Han Xiao turned back, he would instantly vanish by making use of his surroundings, be it a public phone booth or a magazine stand. He was clearly a professional. He was using the mini receiver in his ear to communicate with his partner who was hiding in an old van two streets away. There was a total of five masked men in the van. They were none other than Han Xiao’s assailants.
They were the Bee Sting Squad, a group of mercenaries who specialized in hunting bounties. They were decently well-known in underground networks, having successfully completed numerous missions. They had by chance ‘stumbled’ upon Han Xiao’s trail.
For them, this mission was more important than any that they had ever taken on before. Bounty aside, they were hoping to gain favor with the Germinal Organization and earn their backing.
“How could this kid be worth one million? He looks so ordinary! This will be a piece of cake,” said the number two of the squad, full of confidence.
“Don’t forget that we are deep in Stardragon territory. Act swiftly,” reminded the leader, Kelly, as he inspected his gun.
…
“The target is on the move.”
A black, plateless Jeep was following Han Xiao from afar. Inside the Jeep was a team of Division 13 field agents, led by their mission captain, Li Hui. Besides him were 8 other fully equipped agents and Feng Jun, who was acting as an advisor. They were armed with tranquilizer guns.
Just as Han Xiao had expected, his assailants, the Bee Sting Squad, were indeed being used by Division 13 to test him, and these agents were, in fact, tasked to play the role of hero.
Feng Jun brought up a video feed of Han Xiao.
“The target seems to be headed to the District 7’s Kero Junkyard. The Bee Sting Squad is following him. It would be ideal if the battle took place inside the junkyard.”
…
Han Xiao arrived at the Junkyard, to Raccoon’s surprise.
Why is he here?
“I’ve come to find some spare parts,” Han Xiao casually lied. It was a reasonably convincing excuse.
Raccoon then invited Han Xiao for
lunch, assuming he would decline, but unexpectedly, Han Xiao agreed, causing him to be visibly caught off-guard.
Han Xiao took his dust mask off, revealing his face to Raccoon. Raccoon found his face strangely familiar, but wrote it off.
Although Han Xiao was unquestionably famous in the criminal world, small-time crooks like Raccoon were, for the most part, largely irrelevant. Hence, they were often not privy to, or bothered with, the latest ongoings.
Although Han Xiao had been wearing the mask to keep his identity a secret, it didn’t matter anymore.
A banquet table was set up by Raccoon’s men. Han Xiao and Raccoon sat on opposite sides, facing each other as they conversed.
“How was the last batch of guns?”
“The 73-WASP is an excellent gun. Even the Six Nations’ armies are using it. One of them is worth six to seven thousand on the black market. I’ve earned a lot thanks to you,” answered Raccoon, as he puffed on a cigar. “And the quality of your guns is way better than those shitty second-hand guns on the market.”
Although a batch of mass-produced guns wouldn’t vary too much in quality, there would always be minor differences from gun to gun. These differences arose from the innate composition of the materials, but they could be minimized by a skilled mechanic. A gun expert would be able to tell a hand-made gun from a mass-produced one.
“What’s in there?” asked Raccoon, pointing towards the stuffed bag and the push trolley.
“Some spare parts,” replied Han Xiao. Raccoon was satisfied with the answer.
They continued chatting until dusk arrived, and the sky had transformed into a gorgeous hue of orange and indigo.
One of Raccoon’s thugs suddenly ran into the room, saying, “Boss, someone is looking for you.”
“Can’t you see I’m with a guest?” replied an irritated Raccoon.
The thug whispered a few words into Raccoon’s ear that made him look at Han Xiao contemplatively. He then got up from his seat and smiled at Han Xiao.
“Please excuse me for a moment,” he said before leaving.
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. Something’s up.
…
Half an hour ago.
“Cousin, I travelled all the way here just so I could enjoy a good life under your care. Please don’t abandon me!” pleaded Ma Jie as he chased after a young man.
He had come to the Western Capital intending to join his cousin’s gang, but his cousin had deemed him unworthy and given him a janitor’s position. Obviously, Ma Jie wouldn’t settle for it, but what else could he do but beg?
“I’ve told you before, don’t call me your cousin!” barked the irritated young man.
“Of course, of course. My bad. I’ll slap myself,” replied Ma Jie, after which he actually slapped himself.
“Just look at how pathetic you are. I let you watch the door precisely because we are relatives! Do you know how many wanderers out there have only spoilt food to eat? I’m going to see a big shot now; don’t follow me!”
“Big shot?” Ma Jie’s eyes lit up. “Who?”
“The boss of District 7, Mr. Raccoon! Each district other than District 1 has an underworld boss. Do you know how powerful they are?”
…
Before the pair realized, they had arrived at the entrance of the Junkyard. Ma Jie tried to follow him in, but the young man glared at him, causing him to give up. Just as Ma Jie was about to leave, he looked beyond the gates and noticed Han Xiao being welcomed. What the heck?
“Isn’t that the kid who sneaked in with me?”
A thug stopped the young man.
“Don’t loiter here,” he said.
“I’m also one of the boss’s men,” replied the young man respectfully. “I’ve come to make a report.”
Suddenly, Ma Jie interrupted them.
“Who is that guy?” he asked, pointing at Han Xiao.
“Who gave you the right to talk‽” snapped his infuriated cousin who motioned to slap him. However, the thug stopped him.
“That person is an important guest of the boss,” he answered.
An important guest? Ma Jie was shocked, but his shock was immediately replaced by jealousy and bitterness. This is unfair! Why is that ignorant brat having it so much better than me‽
Scenes from their conversation replayed in his mind, causing him to feel embarrassed.
“You know Technician Han?”
“Not really, but we did talk a bit when we were being smuggled in.”
The thug’s eyes suddenly lit up.
“Follow me! The boss will want to see you!”
Ma Jie and the young man were stunned.
Chapter 29. Fall Out |
The duo was led to a room.
“What do you want from me?” asked Ma Jie nervously.
“Relax, it’s nothing. That guy is a mechanic who knows how to make guns and our boss has been thinking of making a move on him for a while, but since we aren’t sure of his background, we haven’t acted yet. I just want to know everything you know about him.”
Ma Jie’s eyes lit up at the thought of being able to gain the boss’ favor. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could allow him to surpass his cousin! He sneered and shot a scornful look at his cousin.
Who cares what happens to that bastard Han Xiao?
After waiting for about half an hour, Raccoon came to meet them. When he arrived, both Ma Jie and his cousin hastily arose to greet him. Ma Jie was so tense that he even knocked his own chair down.
“You know Technician Han’s background?” asked Raccoon.
“His name is Han Xiao. He’s a wanderer who snuck into the city with me. It was his first time coming here; he has no relatives.”
“That’s all?” Raccoon’s eyes twitched.
The sight of the boss’ displeasure made Ma Jie think harder to recall something.
“Oh right, he was empty-handed when he came here. His clothes were also extremely tattered, and he looked like a nobody.”
“Very good.”
Raccoon turned around and left.
“Anything for you, boss,” cried out Ma Jie after him.
Raccoon paused and turned around to look at him.
“I like you. Join my gang.”
Ma Jie’s eyes widened with joy.
I’ve hit the jackpot!
After Raccoon left, Huang Mao began to fawn all over Ma Jie. Their roles were now reversed.
“Ma Jie, please take good care of me in the future.”
“What did you just call me?” scoffed Ma Jie.
“Cou- cousin.”
Both of them sure were shamelessly quick to adapt. Ma Jie put his arm around Huang Mao’s shoulders gleefully.
“Brother, may I know what boss intends to do with Han Xiao?” he asked the thug.
“Isn’t it obvious? We’ll force him to spill out the blueprints for the guns before silencing him!”
“That’s good then,” replied a relieved Ma Jie.
…
Less than three minutes later, Raccoon returned to the banquet hall. Han Xiao had left all the dishes untouched. Raccoon smiled.
“Han Xiao… right?”
“Looks like you’ve found out my name.”
Sensing the calm before the storm, Han Xiao stealthily reached for the Lightweight Mechanical Arm in his backpack.
Click!
He equipped it. Although he had already intended to do battle from the start, Han Xiao still remained as vigilant as ever. He had learnt the importance of vigilance the hard way back in Galaxy, but that’s a story for another time.
Raccoon began tapping his fingers on the table.
“Hehe. I’ve always been curious about your true identity, but it turns out that you’re just a wanderer! I must say, you have indeed been very cautious all this time.”
“So what?”
Raccoon’s face darkened.
“Do you understand the situation you’re in? Hand over everything you know about making guns!”
“Why so cold?”
“Cold? We were nothing more than business partners!”
“Would you believe me if I said that I can slaughter all of you if I wanted to?” Han Xiao smiled tauntingly.
Raccoon snapped his fingers as he sneered. In an instant, the four thugs around him were pointing their guns at Han Xiao.
“Did you think that I wouldn’t be prepared? What a joke! All of these guns being pointed at you were created by yourself!”
Other than Raccoon and the four thugs across the table, there were two more men standing guard outside the room, and there was little space for Han Xiao to maneuver in the compact room.
“Even if I tell you, you will still silence me.”
Raccoon laughed coldly. It was exactly as Han Xiao said.
“I do hope that you cooperate though. At least it will save you some suffering.”
“And if I don’t?”
“I have some men who are good at things like torture. You will talk eventually.”
Suddenly, the air about Han Xiao changed as he decided to drop the facade.
“Do you actually think that you have me cornered?”
The sudden change alarmed Raccoon, but he shook his head.
“Even if you do have some kind of trump card in that bag of yours, do you actually think you can move faster than a bullet?”
“What if I told you that there’s powerful explosives in here?”
Raccoon laughed. Ma Jie’s appearance had been, without a doubt, a coincidence. How could Han Xiao have made preparations? Who was he trying to fool?
“I don’t know who the person who told you about me is, but he obviously knows very little. Why don’t you try checking the underworld network to see the latest bounties?”
Raccoon frowned. How could Han Xiao remain so calm, and what was he playing at?
Although Raccoon did have some power in the Western Capital, he was actually just a small-time hoodlum in the grand scheme of things – too insignificant to partake in the matters of the underworld. Hence, he paid little attention to such matters.
He must just be trying to buy more time! Why should I even listen to him?
“Since you don’t believe me, wanna bet? Life is always full of surprises anyway. Now that I noticed, this room is pretty small, isn’t it? Perfect for an explosion. First comes the blast, followed by the shrapnel. Then, this entire place will be razed to the ground. But I guess that’s fine, since we’d all have died in the initial shrapnel…”