12: First mission

Two months later.

Name: Zhang Huaiyuan.

Classification: Carbon-based lifeform.

Ability Mastered: Playing in the mortal world (Current world assimilation progress: 8%).

extraordinary level: D (1/10000).

Current Profession: Star Mechanic.

Profession Level: Skilled (5899/10000; still need to master 89 items of knowledge, including "Research on the Recovery and Defense of Dissipated Energy").

"Finally advanced to D-level."

Zhang Huaiyuan slumped in his chair without any pretense of dignity, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.

Although no new ability effects were unlocked, he could feel his brain developing further. His understanding of the knowledge he possessed grew deeper, and countless inspirations burst forth in his mind, making him eager to continue immersing himself in research.

"It's a pity that while my brain has been strengthened and can hold up, my body cannot."

Two consecutive months of working over 20 hours a day had left his body, which was only equivalent to that of an ordinary person, in a state of extreme exhaustion.

"I've heard that those powerful Star Mechanics in the empire all modify themselves, and the top-tier ones can even achieve a form of disguised immortality. However, even Dark Annihilation doesn't have any texts on this subject."

"It seems that after I advance further, I must go to the Imperial Star Mechanic Association to take a look."

Zhang Huaiyuan silently pondered his future plans.

The Imperial Star Mechanic Association is an organization on the same level as the Transcendent Association.

If any Star Mechanic wants to obtain a widely recognized level certificate, they must go to that association for assessment.

In other words, although he now possesses abilities comparable to an ordinary senior-level Star Mechanic, on his official resume, he is still just an apprentice-level Star Mechanic.

"The nearest Star Mechanic Association branch is in the Mogan Star System within the empire. It is over 80,000 light-years away from here. One must utilize continuous long-distance warp jumps to arrive as quickly as possible. The energy required is not insignificant."

"Two options... Either accumulate more credit and ask the Eldest Miss to send me there once, or wait until I master starship-related knowledge and improve a spaceship myself to go..."

"Beep—!"

At this moment, the notification sound at the door interrupted his train of thought.

After remotely operating the door to open it, five personnel in white uniforms soon walked straight up to him.

The leader was a capable woman. Seeing Zhang Huaiyuan slumped in the chair, she couldn't help but frown slightly:

"Sir, you have been working through the night again. You previously used 20 consecutive muscle stimulant injections, which already severely overdraws your body. If you don't take a proper rest, it is very easy to leave behind irreversible damage..."

"Okay, Xiaodie, I understand, I understand. Am I not resting now..."

Zhang Huaiyuan spread his hands.

This was the health management team assigned to him by An Yu a month ago. Although he was a little unaccustomed to it, it still made him feel quite a bit of warmth.

"You should adjust your schedule according to the time we have planned for you so that your body can maintain a healthy state, rather than resting only when you are exhausted to the point of overdraft. Like this..."

"It's not that simple..."

Zhang Huaiyuan tried hard to explain: "Scientific inspiration has a time limit. As a Researcher, I must seize the moment the apple falls, do you understand?"

"I don't understand, but you are the treasure of Dark Destruction Legion. Your abilities have earned the praise of the Eldest Miss and all the adults, so I respect your choice."

The woman called "Xiaodie" sighed and continued: "In that case, I can only do my best to serve your health without interfering with you."

"Hey... thank you for your hard work. By the way, can today's lunch be changed to white rice with braised pork knuckle, plus two pieces of garlic-flavored ribs..."

Zhang Huaiyuan suggested with some anticipation.

These dishes were not originally available in the kitchen, but this was not a difficult matter. After he made the request to the logistics department, based on his description, two chefs quickly found substitutes and replicated the exact taste from his memory.

"No."

"Xiaodie" refused without hesitation: "You have been in a high-load working state for a long time and need to replenish higher-quality, more easily convertible energy, and then immediately enter a state of deep sleep. For the sake of your health, you must listen to me on this matter."

As she spoke, she directed the four people behind her to step forward and place a monitoring device on Zhang Huaiyuan.

"30 ml of gene repair fluid, 800 ml of comprehensive nutrient solution..."

"Additional injection of trace elements, 3mg of zinc, 2mg of iron..."

"Prepare cardiopulmonary nourishing agent..."

"Fine, I'm going to become a syringe warrior again."

Zhang Huaiyuan watched the other party's methodical preparations, shook his head helplessly, and could only cooperate by extending his arm.

...

Meanwhile, in the Dark Destruction Legion conference room.

An intelligence department adjutant was reporting the information discovered.

"Yesterday at 3:42 PM, 3.02 million kilometers outside the Ninth Survival Zone, a small Disaster Zone appeared, numbered 0198. The Traveler Merchant Guild issued a high-price commission on the mission platform, seeking a mercenary squad to clear this Disaster Zone."

"According to preliminary assessments, the diameter of the Disaster Zone is about 12 million kilometers and is still slowly expanding. Currently, a total of three Galaxy Beasts with B-level energy fluctuations have been discovered, along with 11 C-level and 35 D-level ones, with the total remaining quantity exceeding 3000. Judging from the energy growth rate, there is currently no possibility of an A-level Galaxy Beast being born."

"However, the internal environment of this Disaster Zone is more complex than most of the same level in the past. Preliminary detection has already discovered more than ten special environments such as frost currents and gravity belts in the periphery alone..."

"Thank you for your hard work."

An Yu stepped forward, signaled for the adjutant to step down, and simultaneously opened the star map, pointing to the Disaster Zone numbered 0198, saying concisely:

"This mission has already been accepted by Dark Annihilation, and it will still be completed by us, Dark Destruction Legion. The time limit is within 6 months; the faster it is completed, the higher the reward."

"Therefore, for this mission, the First, Second, and Third Squads will all be deployed. I will personally lead the First Squad to enter from the front. The Second and Third Squads will enter from the east and west sides respectively. After killing the B-level Galaxy Beast leaders in their respective areas as quickly as possible, they will assemble in the central area to jointly clear out the remaining mutated beasts."

"Guarantee to complete the mission, Commander."

Below, the captains of the three squads nodded in response, feeling no great pressure in their hearts.

They had taken on many missions to clear small Disaster Zones. If it weren't for the time requirement, any single squad would have the ability to complete it alone, not to mention that the Commander was personally taking the field.

"The Intelligence Department will successively transmit complete intelligence back over the next month. Adjust your weapons and combat readiness according to the locations you need to attack; do not be negligent. One month later, we will begin executing the mission."

"In addition, Randy. Synchronize the meeting details to Researcher Zhang Huaiyuan. This mission requires him to accompany the team; have him prepare himself mentally."

"Understood."

Randy nodded, suddenly realizing.

No wonder that for a mere mission to clear a small Disaster Zone, not only were three of the most elite squads dispatched, but the Eldest Miss was also going along.

It must be out of consideration for his first mission, to avoid any accidents.