19: Modification complete

Nine days later.

"It's done. I've added some G5-level hybrid coating to the starship's Ion Shield composition, which is enough to resist the corrosion of the Black Tide. As for the propulsion system..."

"Your mechs and weapon ammunition have also been treated accordingly. Furthermore..."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled and said: "I've also modified your helmets so that your vision won't be affected by the Black Tide at all."

"Haha, Master Zhang, you're too awesome! How did you do this? This black slime can't affect me at all."

A soldier excitedly opened and closed his goggles, looking incredulous.

Although the mechs had auxiliary thermal imaging and environmental sensing systems, it was naturally better if their vision remained unaffected.

"It's very simple. Although there are 26 types of radioactive elements and 7 types of corrosive substances in this Black Tide, plus... only 17 of them affect visual perception. After blocking all of them, it's possible to..."

"Stop, stop, stop. Uh... brother, I was just asking casually. How would I understand that? Haha."

Reis laughed dryly, waving his hands repeatedly.

"Well done, Researcher Zhang."

An Yu, sitting in the main seat, gazed at him with shimmering eyes for a long time before suddenly sighing softly:

"It seems the Imperial Transcendent Association has misjudged. With your talent, staying in a small Dark Annihilation is a waste."

Although she was not a Researcher, her insight and knowledge of secrets were far greater than that of ordinary members.

Naturally, she understood that while the other party made it sound simple, it was actually extremely difficult to achieve.

She could be certain that even if Master Yake, the chief Researcher of "Dark Annihilation"—no, even the true master who modified and enchanted her sniper rifle—came here, they couldn't have done better than Zhang Huaiyuan.

And just a few months ago, this guy was nothing more than a wildcard apprentice Star Mechanic. It was unbelievable.

"Commander, you flatter me."

Zhang Huaiyuan was slightly stunned, then shook his head and smiled:

"If it weren't for Lady Dark taking me in back then, I would still be wandering around, living in constant fear. Being able to achieve something now is also thanks to the trust of the eldest miss."

This was the truth.

At least in terms of the use of resources, "Dark Destruction Legion" had never restricted him.

In fact, after confirming that he could handle the work of two people alone, they simply handed over all the resource allocation of the First Brigade to him alone.

"Hey, brother, I like hearing that."

Reis, Saide, and the others grinned, their gazes towards Zhang Huaiyuan becoming increasingly satisfied.

In a mercenary group, besides payment, the most important thing was loyalty and gratitude.

"Hmm..."

An Yu's expression also softened imperceptibly as she nodded:

"Since that's the case, from today on, your salary and benefits will be issued according to the standard of a Chief Researcher of Dark Annihilation. I will raise your authorization level so you can view all materials in the Dark Annihilation database. Also, if there is anything you want, you can tell me directly."

"Then... thank you for your trust, Commander."

Zhang Huaiyuan did not decline; these were indeed things he needed right now.

His eyes flashed slightly, and data flooded into his mind.

"An Yu, current favorability: 35. (She considers you a trustworthy friend.)"

"Reis, current favorability: 70. (He is willing to share his VIP card for the Queen Hotel with you.)"

"..."

"Hmm... The eldest miss's favorability has increased by a full twenty points, and everyone else's has also increased by more than ten points. As expected, a person's value largely determines how others view them."

Zhang Huaiyuan wasn't too surprised.

The growth speed he had demonstrated far exceeded that of those Grandmaster Level Star Mechanics in history.

The influence of words spoken by a genius was far greater than those of an ordinary person.

"Everyone, check your combat readiness. In half an hour, we will enter the core area to kill the B-Class Galaxy Beast."

On the other side, after confirming that the starship was unaffected by the Black Tide, An Yu immediately issued the order.

After all, in this mercenary mission, the faster the cleanup was completed, the higher the reward.

"First Squad, check complete, ready to depart at any time."

"Second Squad, check complete..."

"..."

Soon, after the squads in each spaceship finished their checks, they reported one by one via communication devices.

"Depart."

With the order given, the entire small fleet squeezed into the Black Tide in a wedge formation.

The surging black slime washed over the surface of the light blue shield, then quickly slid off without causing any damage.

"Commander, this is Frigate No. 2. We have discovered an abnormal trajectory of a small meteorite at coordinates 367, 225, 321 on the left. Please advise."

"Hmm?"

An Yu in the main ship turned her gaze to the coordinates, seeing a lone meteorite slowly approaching the fleet.

Yet, the detectors showed no reaction.

"Launch railgun fire immediately to shoot it down. Execute now."

"Received."

A moment later, the charging bar of Frigate No. 2's main cannon lit up, and a scorching beam crossed the void, shattering the meteorite instantly.

At the same time, a shrill cry came from the back of the meteorite. A monster resembling a giant octopus was clinging to it. A huge gap had been blasted into the center of its body by the railgun beam, and dark green blood spilled into the void like a river.

Its severed tentacles were still wriggling, trying to pounce on the nearest spaceship.

Seeing this, the other starships nearby did not hesitate to fire cruise missiles, blowing it to pieces.

"Attention, there are monsters capable of shielding themselves from detectors. Be vigilant against any approaching unidentified objects. Free fire is authorized."

An Yu's eyes flashed slightly, feeling a lingering fear in her heart.

If Zhang Huaiyuan hadn't modified the protective gear to block the visual interference of the Black Tide, such a monster that could evade detectors and thermal imaging could have dealt a major blow to the fleet once it got close.

"Having an outstanding Star Mechanic around is truly reassuring."

At this moment.

After several lurking meteorites were shattered one after another, the monsters hidden in the dark seemed to realize that sneak attacks wouldn't work, and began to attack directly from the front.

"Fire!"

Under the cold command.

The eight railguns of the main ship fired simultaneously, and the dozen smaller cruise frigates nearby also began to charge.

The dense artillery fire was like justice descending from the heavens.

These Galaxy Beasts, generally with strength below C-Class, didn't even have a chance to struggle under the cost-no-object firepower coverage, turning into dust.

Zhang Huaiyuan, leaning against the panoramic glass of the command room, quietly watched the entire battle, the burning intensity in his eyes growing stronger.

"Even an incomplete small fleet is this powerful. If I could control one or even a hundred large fleets, even the legendary SSS-Rank Star River Beast would have to avoid my edge... Only then would I truly have the capital to stand firm."

"After going back this time, I need to speed up the progress of Creatology. Perhaps I can ask the eldest miss to help me find some information regarding artificial intelligence."

Zhang Huaiyuan was silently planning in his heart.