Chapter 397: Night Owl (5-in-1)
by SunflowerOn the ring road of Starlight City.
Su Ming drove his black supercar, speeding along, occasionally glancing at the fleeting streetscape.
The originally bustling street was now deserted, with few people visible on the roads, only patrolling personnel and various holographic advertisements still playing on loop.
Su Ming’s heart sank slightly, and he pressed harder on the accelerator.
The speedometer needle continuously climbed.
Soon after, Su Ming drove his supercar to the headquarters of Lei Shen Group.
A magnificent and unique building came into view. The entire structure was made of silver metal, with a giant silver sphere, three hundred meters high, at its center. Four metal corridors extended from it, connecting four smaller silver spheres, each one hundred and fifty meters high.
As Su Ming’s car approached the main entrance, it was stopped by the security guards.
“Please show your identification.”
A burly middle-aged man wearing a second-generation blue exoskeleton armor stepped forward to verify.
Su Ming took out his identification and handed it over.
“Su Ming.”
“Young Master Su Ming, please!”
The security captain glanced at it and immediately said respectfully.
“May I ask which area my Grandfather Su Zhentian works in?”
“Vice Patriarch Su works in the west building. That entire area has been allocated to him.”
“Thank you.”
Su Ming drove his black supercar towards the silver sphere on the west side.
He parked the car at the entrance of the spherical building and then got out and walked inside.
As he entered the building and arrived at the luxuriously decorated lobby, he immediately saw many busy staff members.
At this moment, Su Ming saw a familiar figure.
Teacher Jiang, wearing a Lei Shen Group uniform with a ‘Lobby Manager’ name tag on his chest, was guiding some visiting guests.
Su Ming stood still for a moment, waiting for Teacher Jiang to finish guiding the guests, then walked up to greet him.
“Teacher Jiang.”
Teacher Jiang was also stunned. The moment he turned around and saw Su Ming, a bright smile appeared on his face, and he said very happily, “Young Master Su Ming, you’ve returned.”
“Yes, Teacher, are you working here now?”
Su Ming nodded and asked.
“Yes, I’ve been transferred to Lei Shen Group to serve as the front desk manager.”
Teacher Jiang replied with a good attitude.
“Hmm, is my Grandfather here?”
Su Ming’s expression shifted slightly, but he quickly returned to normal and then asked.
“The elders are all in a meeting at the headquarters. I’ll take you there.”
Teacher Jiang said to Su Ming.
“Okay, thank you, Teacher.”
Su Ming replied very politely.
“It’s nothing. This way.”
Teacher Jiang led Su Ming towards the main building.
Soon after, Teacher Jiang led Su Ming to the outer corridor of the main building’s conference room.
Two burly men, wearing third-generation exoskeleton armor and with fierce eyes, reached out and stopped Su Ming and Teacher Jiang.
“This is a conference room. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to enter.”
“This is Young Master Su Ming.”
Teacher Jiang said to them.
They glanced at Su Ming, then politely said, “Young Master Su Ming, you may enter. Manager Jiang Yu’s clearance is not sufficient.”
Upon hearing this, Su Ming said to Teacher Jiang, “Teacher, I’ll go in first.”
“Okay, I also need to go back to work.”
Teacher Jiang replied with a smile.
Su Ming nodded and then walked in.
He walked through the long corridor and arrived at the conference room door.
Su Ming gently pushed open a door and looked inside.
A huge trapezoidal conference room came into view, filled with core members of the Su Family and high-ranking executives of Lei Shen Group.
Among them, Patriarch Su Feng, Deputy Clan Leader Su Yiyang, Vice Patriarch Su Tianhao, and Vice Patriarch Su Zhentian were seated in the first row.
At this moment, Su Mulong stood on the conference stage, saying furiously, “Damn it, that old geezer from Ke Fan Group got ahead of us in the Federal Council’s resource allocation this time, getting a larger share than us! But this isn’t over. This year, our performance must absolutely crush theirs. We absolutely cannot drop the ball, understand?”
“Yes.”
Everyone replied with serious expressions.
“Also, regarding the research and development of new products, we must speed up the progress! We cannot fall behind Ke Fan Group.”
“Understood.”
“Alright, Su Feng, you speak next.”
After venting his anger, Su Mulong said to Su Feng.
Su Feng then stood up and said to everyone, “Everyone, the end of the year is approaching, and all of you here need to put in more effort! This year is the first time the Federal Government has relaxed weapons sales controls. We can sell large quantities to friendly Neutral Countries and purchase rare materials. We should seize this opportunity, especially us patriarchs and vice patriarchs, to take the lead.”
“Understood!”
Su Yiyang nodded in response.
“I’ll briefly explain the sales situation as of now!”
Su Feng announced to everyone.
Swish!
Lines of names immediately appeared on the virtual screen.
Vice Patriarch Su Tianhao: 10 Royal Thunder.
Patriarch Su Feng: 8 Royal Thunder.
Deputy Clan Leader Su: 5 Royal Thunder.
Aike Sales General Manager: 3 Royal Thunder.
Su Zhentian: 0 units.
As soon as this data was made public, the people below began to whisper amongst themselves.
“Su Tianhao is still amazing, he actually sold 10 units!”
“Yeah, look at Su Zhentian, he didn’t sell a single one.”
Su Zhentian, Su Yao, and others also looked a bit displeased when they heard the announced data.
In contrast, Su Tianhao, standing beside them, showed a triumphant expression.
It should be known that Lei Shen Group’s Fourth Generation Mecha-Thunder Control sells for around 12 billion, which is not a small sum of money.
Those who can afford it must be very wealthy and also be on the Federation’s whitelist.
This severely tests one’s connections and relationships.
Su Zhentian had only recently taken over as Vice Patriarch, and it was impossible for him to compare to Su Tianhao and the others in such a short time.
At this moment, Su Mulong spoke in a deep voice, “Tianhao did well. As for Zhentian, it’s normal that you’re unfamiliar with the business since you just took over as Vice Patriarch, but you still need to work harder.”
“Understood.”
Su Zhentian nodded in response.
“Alright, that concludes today’s meeting. Everyone must work hard to boost business. At the end of the year, rewards will be distributed based on performance!”
Su Mulong said to everyone.
“Yes!”
Everyone responded in unison.
“Dismissed!”
Su Mulong raised his hand and waved, announcing the end of the meeting.
Everyone stood up and walked out, discussing amongst themselves.
“Did you see that? Su Zhentian didn’t sell a single unit.”
“Of course, I saw it. I’ve always said he’s no good. He’s simply not suited for that position.”
“That makes sense. He’s far too inferior compared to Su Tianhao.”
The moment they opened the conference room door, they saw Su Ming standing outside.
The people who were just discussing paused slightly, each closing their mouths with an unnatural expression.
Although Su Ming had only recently returned to the Su Family, his status within the entire Su Family was very high because of his military rank and strength, and he was deeply favored by Grandfather Su Mulong.
Su Ming also noticed their awkwardness and didn’t dwell on it too much.
At this moment, Su Zhentian, along with Su Yao and others, walked out. They were also surprised to see Su Ming.
“Su Ming.”
“Grandfather, Uncle…”
Su Ming smiled and greeted them one by one.
At this moment, Su Mulong, along with Su Feng and others, also walked out.
He was also surprised to see Su Ming return and asked, “Su Ming, when did you come back?”
“Just came back not long ago.”
Su Ming replied with a smile.
“Finished your advanced studies?”
Su Mulong asked in a deep voice.
“Finished my advanced studies. I’ve already become a regular officer now and will report back to the legion in a few days.”
Su Ming replied simply.
“Congratulations!”
Upon hearing this, Su Feng and the others congratulated him with smiles.
“Thank you, First Uncle, Second Uncle…”
Su Ming humbly expressed his gratitude.
At this moment, Su Mulong turned his head and looked around, his expression darkening as he asked, “Su Ming, where is Su Yuan? Didn’t he come back with you?”
“Uh, Su Yuan… after he completed his advanced studies, he suddenly received an urgent mission. They said there was an emergency at the Abyss of Fallen, and he was urgently recalled, so he rushed to the Abyss of Fallen to report for duty.”
Su Ming coughed, replying somewhat guiltily.
“What the hell are you talking about?! Who are you trying to fool? Would that brat with his rotten habits be so proactive? I think he just doesn’t dare to come back! Damn it, spending two hundred billion to compete with someone over a meal! That brat is really going to piss me off…”
Su Mulong cursed, fuming with rage.
The surrounding executives and Su Family members, seeing the Old Patriarch’s fury, quickly slipped away one by one.
Patriarch Su Feng’s face turned very ugly. He bit the bullet and tried to persuade him, “Father, Su Yuan, that child…”
Before Su Feng could finish speaking, Su Mulong turned his head and scolded him, “Shut up! Keep spoiling him, and you’ll spoil him rotten sooner or later! That brat’s embarrassment has made headlines. Which family doesn’t know him now?”
Su Feng was also scolded so badly that he couldn’t even lift his head.
Su Ming saw Su Mulong so angry and felt helpless, but he couldn’t blame him for being so upset.
Two hundred billion was not a small sum, and even if Lei Shen Group was a large and prosperous family business, it couldn’t withstand such extravagance.
However, Su Ming still took the initiative to persuade him, “Grandfather, don’t be so angry. Su Yuan has realized his mistake, and I’ve already helped him reflect deeply. Besides, he’s been very diligent during this period, not only successfully completing his advanced studies and graduating but also achieving many merits.”
“Alright, stop speaking up for that brat. Don’t I know what kind of person he is? Did you come back to the family for something?”
Although Su Mulong said that, his anger had subsided quite a bit.
Upon hearing Su Mulong’s words, Su Ming hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, “Yes, Grandfather, can we talk alone?”
“Come with me.”
Su Mulong finished speaking, turned around, and left directly.
Su Ming quickly followed him.
Su Zhentian then also left with Su Yao and others.
At this moment, Su Tianhao looked at the departing figures and said with a smile to Su Feng, “Oh, it seems Su Ming is even more favored by the Old Man than Su Yuan, even though they are both young talents of the same generation!”
Su Feng frowned and replied coldly, “What’s so strange about that? Such an excellent child, if it were me, I’d like him too.”
“That’s true.”
Su Tianhao smiled.
Soon after, Su Ming followed Su Mulong into a luxurious office.
The office’s interior design was very retro, furnished with red bloodwood furniture.
“Sit down!”
Su Mulong walked behind the desk, sat down, and said in a deep voice.
“Okay.”
Su Ming pulled up a chair and sat down.
“Speak, what is it?”
Su Mulong asked straightforwardly.
“It’s about the Pseudo V-generation Mecha.”
Su Ming decided to be frank with Su Mulong, not wanting to beat around the bush.
“Have you gathered all the materials?”
Su Mulong asked with some surprise.
“Almost. I’ve found three Eternal Metal pieces for the Pseudo V-generation Mecha, and a large batch of Level 5 Titanium Chromium Ore.”
“That many materials?”
“Yes, I want to use pure Level 5 Titanium Chromium Ore and Eternal Metal to create an advanced Pseudo V-generation Mecha.”
“That’s great! I’ll arrange for someone to make it for you right away.”
“But…”
“But what? Just say it directly, don’t be so wishy-washy.”
“I feel that the family’s Thunder God is a bit lacking in performance.”
Su Ming said, carefully observing Su Mulong’s expression.
After hearing Su Ming’s words, Su Mulong also frowned, but he quickly calmed down and said seriously, “Su Ming, I understand what you mean. However, the strongest mecha weapon currently produced by the family is the Pseudo V-generation Mecha – Yu Lei Shen. There are no weapons with better performance.”
“I know, so I’m thinking of ordering from other channels.”
Su Ming mused for a moment before speaking.
After hearing Su Ming’s words, Su Mulong was not angry; instead, he said to him very seriously, “
“Su Ming, I don’t mind if you order through other channels. However, there’s something you might not know: even the weapons produced by Ke Fan Group are only slightly better than ours, not significantly stronger. If you want to meet your standards, I estimate only those who produce V Generation Mecha can achieve it!”
“Who can produce V Generation Mecha?”
Su Ming asked curiously when he heard this.
“Only the Federal Government, Apocalypse, Dark Star, and Saint Joe can produce V Generation Mecha in this world. All V Generation Mecha are controlled and produced by them. But they will absolutely not produce them for individuals; they only allocate them to their subordinates. In other words, the highest-grade weapon an individual can possess in this world is a Pseudo V-generation Mecha. And if you want to customize a high-grade Pseudo V-generation Mecha, to put it bluntly, you’re touching upon these entities. It’s impossible for them to take your order, so you should seriously consider the family’s Thunder God instead.”
Su Mulong said to Su Ming very seriously.
Su Ming was also somewhat moved after hearing Su Mulong’s words. Sure enough, the top-tier weapons in this world are all controlled by the four major powers.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the V Generation Mecha that Shabaske had was probably also exchanged from one of these four powers at an enormous cost.
For a moment, Su Ming’s brows furrowed. Although using those materials to build a Thunder God was quite good, it wasn’t the most perfect solution, and he was a bit unwilling.
At this moment, Su Mulong also saw that Su Ming was somewhat unwilling and wanted to pursue a better mecha, so he spoke up.
“Su Ming, if you really want a better mecha, then you can only go to Longwen Group.”
“Longwen Group?”
Su Ming replied with a slight pause.
“Longwen Group is the head of the Federal Government’s seven major arms dealers. Their Pseudo V-generation Mecha are considered the best. I have some connection with the Patriarch of Longwen Group. As long as I humble myself and ask, he should agree.”
Su Mulong said to Su Ming in a deep voice.
“That would be too much trouble for Grandfather. Actually, I wanted to try my luck at Xiguang Laboratory.”
Su Ming took a deep breath and replied.
When Su Mulong heard Su Ming’s words, his expression suddenly changed, and he said in shock.
“Xiguang Laboratory? Impossible, absolutely impossible! Xiguang Laboratory is directly under the Council Speaker, and they don’t give anyone face. I’ve never heard of them custom-making a mecha for anyone. They will absolutely not take your order.”
“I know it’s difficult, but I still want to try. If it really doesn’t work, I’ll come back and trouble you.”
Su Ming pondered for a moment and said. He didn’t speak too definitively, leaving himself some leeway.
When Su Mulong heard Su Ming’s words, he became even more astonished. His great-grandson’s vision was truly extraordinarily high, completely exceeding his expectations.
Su Mulong’s expression changed several times, he took a deep breath, and then slapped the table, saying.
“Damn it, since you’ve made up your mind, just go for it. It’s our Su Family’s fortune to have a genius like you. If you need any help, just come back and tell me!”
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
Su Ming said with great gratitude.
“Don’t mention it, have you eaten?”
“No.”
“Come on, let’s eat together and have a good drink.”
“Okay!”
Su Ming smiled and replied.
— —
The next morning.
Starlight City · S Zone entrance.
Su Ming drove his black supercar over.
The guarding soldier raised his hand to stop the vehicle and said to Su Ming in a deep voice.
“Sir, the S Zone is a special restricted area. Entry is not permitted without specific authorization and a pass.”
Su Ming directly took out his Xiguang Laboratory ID card.
The soldier responsible for guarding verified it and immediately saluted.
“Officer, please enter!”
Su Ming then drove in and arrived at Xiguang Laboratory Building 1.
He got out of the car carrying a metal box, then passed through the security gate, successfully entered the building, and arrived at the lobby of Building 1.
The lobby was circular and very spacious, with the floor and walls made of silver metal, giving a very cold feeling.
Researchers in white lab coats, holding various documents, hurried by everywhere.
Su Ming looked around and walked to the nearby information desk.
“Sir, how can I help you?”
A polite young woman in a white work uniform, with a delicate appearance and bright eyes, asked.
“I’d like to ask, is Dr. Blackes in the laboratory? And where exactly is he?”
The young woman in front of him froze on the spot when she heard Su Ming’s words.
Su Ming even saw a hint of panic in her expression; it was clear that the young woman didn’t know how to answer.
“Ahem, I am an official member of Xiguang Laboratory and have permission to see the Doctor.”
Su Ming held up his black access card and showed it.
Upon seeing it, the young woman breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said.
“The Doctor is in the laboratory, on the seventh floor. You can take that elevator and swipe your card to go up!”
“Thank you.”
Su Ming replied politely and turned to walk towards the elevator.
Soon, Su Ming entered the elevator, swiped his access card, and pressed the 7th-floor button.
The elevator doors closed and ascended rapidly.
Ding~
As a clear sound rang out, the closed doors opened.
Su Ming stepped out of the elevator and entered a long corridor, where soldiers wearing third-generation exoskeleton armor stood.
They immediately turned their heads to scan Su Ming, verifying his identity a second time. After confirming everything was correct, they stood there motionless.
Su Ming walked straight inside and soon reached the end.
A huge laboratory came into view, with various instruments and equipment located inside.
Su Ming walked in and saw Dr. Blackes and a middle-aged man in a black trench coat, with a cold demeanor, sinister eyes, and a faint smell of blood, standing in front of a large operating console.
The two were looking at the data and information continuously generated by Celes.
Seeing this, Su Ming walked over and stood beside Blackes.
The gloomy middle-aged man also turned his head to glance at Su Ming.
Su Ming instinctively felt extreme danger, a feeling like being targeted by a venomous snake.
At this moment, Blackes calmly glanced at Su Ming, then turned his head back to the operating screen and said.
“Celes, continue!”
“Yes!”
Celes then played a video.
In a dark room, City Lord Faraon and Chief Rogrian of the Dark Star Empire were secretly plotting.
“Lord Faraon, the development of Sky Dome City in recent years is obvious to all. You are the most capable and talented person in the Federal Government, why should you humble yourself and endure the old man Gakels’s temper?”
“Hmph, I’ve long been annoyed with that old man, but the problem is I haven’t had a chance to deal with him.”
“Lord Faraon, now isn’t the opportunity here? As long as you dispatch your troops to the Donao Star Sea, then our troops will surround your troops, and you can justifiably force Gakels to send out his army. At that time, we can destroy his troops and cut off his arms and legs, thus severely wounding Gakels.”
“Are you sure this will work?”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already set the trap, just waiting for the prey to come out.”
“Good!”
Su Ming watched this video with a very strange expression on his face, but he didn’t say anything.
At this moment, Celes spoke.
“I’ve analyzed this video, and it’s almost indistinguishable from a real recorded video. However, they overlooked one thing: how could such an important secret plot be so easily recorded? This should be produced by advanced AI synthesis! As for the other rumor videos, they are similar to this one, all the same!”
“Besides that, what other information is there?”
Blackes asked coldly.
“I analyzed all the rumor-spreading IDs, and I found that apart from those bandwagon-following idiots, and the Dark Star and Apocalypse water army infiltrators, many IDs were virtually generated, with very sophisticated technology. It should be the work of the Mechanical Clan.”
Celes analyzed objectively.
At this moment, the sinister middle-aged man spoke in a hoarse voice.
“When our Night Owl unit was apprehending and interrogating the involved personnel, we discovered a new religious sect called the God of Machines. These people worship the Mechanical Clan and have obtained a large amount of funding and technology from unknown sources. If I’m not mistaken, it should be them cooperating with the Mechanical Clan to carry out this invasion and spread these rumors.”
When Su Ming heard the words Night Owl, his eyelids immediately twitched.
This Night Owl department could be said to be the most notorious department within the Federal Government.
They specialize in collecting intelligence, making arrests, and interrogations.
Anyone caught by them would be severely punished, even if they didn’t die. Moreover, this department had immense power and often carried out arrests and interrogations without any evidence.
At this moment, Dr. Blackes spoke indifferently.
“To end this farce, we must find the source. How is the signal source tracking progressing?”
“I’m still tracking it, but just a few days ago, when I was engaging with the three major signal sources, one of them suddenly disconnected.”
Celes said with great confusion.
Su Ming’s heart stirred when he heard this, and he immediately asked.
“Celes, when did the signal disappear, and what was the exact time?”
Blackes and the sinister man both turned to look at Su Ming.
“Four days ago, at 4:32 PM.”
Celes gave the precise time.
Su Ming calculated the time and then said.
“You don’t have to guess; I know what happened.”
“Speak!”
A fierce glint flashed in the sinister man’s eyes, and he spoke coldly.
Su Ming glanced at the man in front of him and said calmly.
“At that time, I had just taken the Interstellar Cruiser · Light Weaver back to the Cuilan Star Defense Line. There was a weapon exhibition on board at the time, and we stopped in space for weapon testing. As a result, when we attacked a barren planet, we hit the Mechanical Clan’s V-Type General · Azure Serpent · Pawabick!”
“I understand now! So they were hiding on the barren planets outside the defense lines! No wonder we couldn’t find them internally, they’re truly too cunning!”
Celes immediately reacted after hearing Su Ming’s words.
“Mhm.”
Su Ming smiled and replied.
Dr. Blackes’s eyes flickered when he heard this, and he spoke.
“If that’s the case, the other two signal sources should also be hiding on barren planets outside the Black Flame Star Defense Line and the Nether Moon Star Defense Line.”
“I’ll immediately send people to search.”
The sinister man said coldly.
“Not only should you search the barren planets, but the Mechanical Clan must have had people from the Mechanical Church inside the three major defense lines of Black Flame Star helping with signal relay to transmit the signal in. They should be using special equipment provided by the Mechanical Clan, which won’t be detected by us. Therefore, you need to rely on manpower to search and find them.”
“I understand, I’ll go implement it now. If you have any further discoveries, notify us immediately.”
The sinister man said to Dr. Blackes.
“Okay.”
Blackes nodded in response.
After receiving Blackes’s reply, the sinister man turned and left directly.
Seeing him leave, Su Ming asked curiously.
“Who was that person?”
“Fortian, the second-in-command of the Night Owl department.”
Celes said with a cheerful smile.
“So he’s the second-in-command of Night Owl, no wonder I felt he was very dangerous.”
Su Ming’s eyelids twitched slightly when he heard Celes’s words, and he replied with a solemn expression.
At this moment, Blackes looked at Su Ming and asked.
“Su Ming, what do you need me for?”
“I brought some things and wanted to trouble the Doctor to take a look.”
Su Ming said to Dr. Blackes.
“Come with me.”
After listening, Dr. Blackes led Su Ming to his private office.
Soon, they arrived in a private room filled with various precision equipment and filing cabinets.
At this moment, Celes also projected herself into the room.
Dr. Blackes said coldly to Su Ming, “Take it out.”
Su Ming opened the metal box and first handed the Star Spirit’s blood to Dr. Blackes.
After Dr. Blackes took it, he recognized it with just a glance and asked with a slight surprise, “The blood of a Star Spirit? Xiguang Laboratory has been out of stock of this for a long time. Where did you get it?”
“I happened to find a Star Spirit and extracted it. And also this.”
Su Ming took out the semi-finished gene agent and handed it to Dr. Blackes.
Dr. Blackes took the gene agent from Su Ming. His usually indifferent face showed a rare trace of surprise, and he asked excitedly, “Isn’t this the semi-finished V-type Gene Agent · Divine Ban produced by Xiguang Laboratory? There were only two left in total. One was recovered last year and taken by those old stubborn fellows. How did you get this one?”
“I got lucky and acquired it from a Dark Star Empire officer! Oh, and Dr. Blackes, could you also take a look at this plant?”
Su Ming briefly explained, then took out the unknown plant.
Upon seeing this unknown plant, Dr. Blackes immediately frowned and began to examine it carefully.
Su Ming looked at Dr. Blackes with anticipation, hoping for his assessment.
Several minutes later, Dr. Blackes’ expression shifted, and then he spoke, “I’ve never seen this plant before. Where did you get it from?”
“I dug it out from a bug mound inside that bug planet, and there were also high-level bugs guarding it.”
Su Ming did not hide anything and told Dr. Blackes straightforwardly.
“I understand. Leave all three of these with me. I’ll research them, and if there are any results, I’ll let you know.” Dr. Blackes said in a very good mood.
“Okay.” Su Ming agreed without hesitation.
“How is your body now? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” Dr. Blackes looked at Su Ming and asked with concern.
“I’m fine, nothing uncomfortable. It’s just that after operating the mecha in battle, I feel very sleepy and fatigued, often oversleeping.” Su Ming truthfully told Dr. Blackes about his condition.
“Come with me, I’ll give you a physical examination.” Dr. Blackes said to Su Ming.
“Okay!” Su Ming immediately followed Dr. Blackes towards a hemispherical instrument.
Dr. Blackes walked to the instrument’s control panel, entered a series of commands, and the hemispherical instrument split open, revealing a detection cabin.
“Lie down inside.” Dr. Blackes said coldly.
Su Ming did not hesitate and immediately lay down.
Dr. Blackes then activated the instrument to perform a comprehensive examination of Su Ming.
After more than twenty minutes, Su Ming finished his examination and stepped out of the instrument. He asked curiously, “Dr. Blackes, how is it?”
“Your body’s recovery isn’t ideal. Take this bottle of medicine, one pill a day.” Dr. Blackes took out a white medicine bottle with no label and handed it to Su Ming.
“Okay!” Su Ming took it.
“You need more rest now. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t fight again.” Dr. Blackes advised Su Ming.
“I know, but sometimes there’s really no other way; I have to fight.”
“I understand that.”
“Therefore, I want to get a Pseudo V-generation pure mechanical mecha as a backup. I wonder if Dr. Blackes has any connections with the Mechanical Department of Xiguang Laboratory?” Su Ming looked at Dr. Blackes with anticipation.
After hearing Su Ming’s words, Dr. Blackes also frowned and did not reply to him.
Instead, Celes appeared and said to Su Ming with a playful smile, “Su Ming, what are you thinking? Dr. Blackes and those people in the Mechanical Department are sworn enemies. How could he possibly go to them for a custom order? And even if Dr. Blackes did ask, they wouldn’t agree.”
“Uh, alright.” Su Ming felt a bit helpless upon hearing this.
At this moment, Dr. Blackes calmly said to Su Ming, “I can’t help you with this, but someone else can.”
“Who?” Su Ming’s eyes lit up, and he quickly asked.
“Aren’t you on very good terms with Vice City Lord Okens? You can ask him for help.”
“Will the people in the Mechanical Department listen to him?”
“Of course not.”
“Uh, then what’s the use of asking him?”
“Don’t forget, Vice City Lord Okens is City Lord Gakels’ confidant. The entire Mechanical Department has been under City Lord Gakels’ command since the Council Speaker went into dormancy.” Dr. Blackes revealed the crucial relationship.
“I understand. I’ll go find Vice City Lord Okens right away.” Su Ming replied happily.
“Go.” Dr. Blackes replied indifferently.
Su Ming then turned and left.
Celes watched Su Ming’s departing back and said to Dr. Blackes with a playful smile, “The sun must have risen from the west today. You actually helped Su Ming by pointing him in the right direction and telling him how to customize a pure mechanical mecha. This is different from your usual philosophy, isn’t it?”
“A great man does not bother with trifles.” Dr. Blackes replied expressionlessly.
“That makes sense.” Celes responded with a chuckle.
—
Inside the Federal Government Administrative Building, Vice City Lord’s office.
Vice City Lord Okens sat at his desk, with several supervisors standing before him, holding documents and reporting.
“Lord Okins, regarding plot number 4212 in G7 district, we are more inclined to publicly auction it. The funds recovered can subsidize financial support.”
Upon hearing his subordinate’s report, Okins suddenly became furious, raised his hand, and slammed it hard on the table.
Bang!
The loud noise directly interrupted the report.
The several supervisors trembled, looking at Okins in fear.
Okins furiously reprimanded, “I told you to find ways to collect taxes and fill the deficit. You can’t collect taxes, so you think of selling land? What else can you do besides sell? How many times have I said it? There is very little valuable land left in Starlight City, and every inch must be utilized to its maximum potential!”
Seeing Okins so enraged, the many supervisors turned pale and dared not utter a sound.
Knock, knock!
Just then, a knock on the door sounded.
Immediately after, the door opened, and a capable female secretary with short flaxen hair, dressed in a work uniform, walked in.
She reported to Vice City Lord Okens, “Lord Okins, someone wishes to see you.”
“Let him in!” Okins replied irritably.
The supervisors nearby, seeing that someone wanted to see Okins at this critical moment, were secretly delighted. Wasn’t this a perfect opportunity for someone to walk into a trap, conveniently drawing fire away from them?
“Yes!” Secretary Nan Ying immediately exited.
Immediately after, Su Ming walked in. He was momentarily stunned to see so many people in the office.
Okins irritably turned his head to look. When he saw that the person who entered was Su Ming, his face immediately did a 180-degree turn, and he said with a brilliant smile, “Su Ming, it’s you! When did you get back?”
All the supervisors present were dumbfounded. Who was this young man? Such a big shot?
“Just got back, came over to pay a visit. Are you busy here? Then I’ll come back later.” Su Ming hesitated, seeing so many people in the office.
“Not busy! Why are you all still here? Get out!” Okins turned his head and cursed at the supervisors present.
Su Ming was also startled.
The several supervisors present, hearing Okins’ words, quickly left the office and reclosed the door.
“Quick, sit down!” Okins immediately motioned for Su Ming to sit.
“Okay!” Su Ming then sat down.
Okins opened a drawer, took out a box of good tea, brewed a cup, and handed it to Su Ming.
“Here, have some tea!”
“Thank you, Lord Okins.” Su Ming took it and took a sip.
“Was your advanced study smooth?”
“Very smooth. I’ve already been promoted to regular status, and I’ll be reporting back to the legion in a few days.”
“That’s good. Oh, by the way, was your mecha reimbursement smooth?” Okins asked with a smile.
“Thanks to you, it was very smooth. However, I’ve encountered a troublesome matter now.” Su Ming replied somewhat awkwardly.
“Don’t hesitate to tell me if you have any difficulties. Why be so polite with me?” Vice City Lord Okens said kindly to Su Ming.
“Then I won’t be polite. I want to ask the Mechanical Department of Xiguang Laboratory to customize a high-level Pseudo V-generation Mecha. But I don’t have any connections. I wonder if you, Lord Okins, have any way?” Su Ming asked somewhat nervously.
Okins was also startled upon hearing Su Ming’s words, then said with some difficulty, “This is a bit troublesome. The Mechanical Department of Xiguang Laboratory generally doesn’t customize mechas for people, and they don’t give anyone face.”
“I know that.”
“But don’t worry, since you’ve asked, I’ll definitely find a way for you. How about this, you sit here for a bit, and I’ll make a call to City Lord Gakels.”
“Thank you for your trouble.” Su Ming said with great gratitude.
“No problem!” Okins then got up and left the office.
In the hallway.
Okins raised his wrist communicator and dialed City Lord Gakels.
Soon, the call connected.
“Lord Gakels.”
“What is it, Okins?” Gakels’ tired voice immediately sounded from the communicator.
“Lord Gakels, I have a friend who wants to ask Xiguang Laboratory to customize a high-level Pseudo V-generation Mecha. But you know how Xiguang Laboratory is, my words don’t carry much weight there.”
“Okins, you should know how busy the Mechanical Department of Xiguang Laboratory is. How could they have the energy to customize for someone?”
“I know, it’s just that…” Okins replied hesitantly.
“Who wants to customize it?” Gakels also heard Okins’ difficulty and asked.
“Su Ming. His mecha was damaged during the Haunted Star event.” Okins quickly replied.
Gakels was silent for a few seconds, then spoke, “Take him to get it customized. Just say it’s my instruction.”
“Okay, thank you, sir.” Okins then hung up the phone.
Inside the office.
Su Ming waited patiently. Just then, the door was pushed open, and Okins walked in.
“How is it, Lord Okins?” Su Ming immediately asked.
“This matter was very troublesome. At first, City Lord Gakels didn’t agree, as it would take up too many resources from Xiguang Laboratory. However, after my repeated requests, he still agreed.” Okins said with a smile.
“Thank you so much.” Su Ming immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
“It’s a small matter, but there’s something I need to warn you about.”
“Please tell me.” Su Ming quickly asked.
“The cost of customization at Xiguang Laboratory is very high. You need to be mentally prepared.”
“No matter how expensive, I’ll order it.”
“That’s all I needed to hear. Let’s go!” Okins immediately stood up.
“Huh? Where are we going?”
“To the Mechanical Department of Xiguang Laboratory, of course. I’ll take you there personally. Those guys aren’t easy to deal with just by saying hello.”
“Okay.” Su Ming immediately responded.
Okins then led Su Ming out of the office and towards the underground parking lot.
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