33: Ultra-long-range fixed-point warp device

"This is an extraordinary weapon he crafted not long ago. Please take a look, Viscount."

At a time like this, having a Master-level Star Mechanic in the team might garner more attention and benefits.

Therefore, after a moment of thought, "Lord An" chose not to hide it and directly took out a laser longsword, handing it over.

"Hmm..."

Viscount Kane reached out to take it and lightly pressed the hilt. Immediately, an orange-white blade sprang out, pulsating with energy and shimmering with a sharp radiance.

Whoosh!

The sword light abruptly swept toward Leios, who was standing to the side.

The other party seemed accustomed to this; he flicked a bolt of lightning from his fingertip and deflected it.

"Huh... this sword?"

A trace of surprise suddenly flashed in the eyes of the originally nonchalant Leios.

He had clearly felt a sliver of energy being completely annihilated just now.

"How is it?"

"Not bad. It can be considered a qualified extraordinary weapon."

Hearing this, Viscount Kane nodded slightly.

Given the other party's personality, if he could say that, it must be a pretty good weapon.

It was unexpected that this guy named "Zhang Huaiyuan," after awakening his ability, could truly become a Master-level Star Mechanic in just one year, and in a resource-deprived, third-rate organization at that.

Damn it, that idiot Doke. A talent like this, which would be considered outstanding even in the Imperial Research Institute, was actually rated as low-tier. His brain really is like his stomach, filled with nothing but fat and dung.

While complaining in his heart, Viscount Kane's smile grew even brighter, and his gaze toward Zhang Huaiyuan was full of appreciation:

"Truly, heroes come from the youth. Little brother, would you be willing to come to the Empire to develop? My Adolu Family has always respected and welcomed excellent Researchers."

He didn't care at all about the thoughts of the An Mie Mercenary Corps, and he made no attempt to hide his intention to recruit him.

A 27-year-old Star Mechanic who became a Master-level in just one year under resource-poor conditions is naturally incomparable to a Master-level Star Mechanic who spent over half a century growing up in a favorable environment; his value is far higher than the latter. It is even highly likely he will become a Grandmaster Star Mechanic.

With such value, let alone offending some third-rate small forces, he would not hesitate even if it meant offending forces of the same level.

The expressions of "Lord An" and the others faltered, but they didn't speak. Only An Yu cast a barely perceptible glance at the person beside her.

"Thank you for your kindness, Viscount. The Imperial Research Institute is the holy land for all Star Mechanics, and I have longed for it for a long time. However, the most important thing right now is to survive the Galaxy Beast crisis; only by surviving can we discuss other matters."

Zhang Huaiyuan thought for a moment and said with a calm expression.

He didn't leave his words absolute.

On one hand, he did indeed need the Empire's rich inventory to advance further in the future.

On the other hand, without knowing the other party's personality, rashly offending him—if he were to hold a grudge and cause some trouble—would be enough to wipe out the entire Dark Annihilation in this disaster.

At least maintain friendliness on the surface.

"Well said."

Viscount Kane smiled and agreed: "Originally, there were only two Master-level Star Mechanics stationed in the entire Imperial Mining Zone. With the addition of Master Zhang, I am more confident that we can hold out until the Empire's reinforcements arrive."

"However, I hope that while Master Zhang is helping the An Mie Mercenary Corps, you can also participate in the defense of the entire mining zone."

"It is my duty."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded in response.

Since things had reached this point, he couldn't refuse. However, being able to take this opportunity to interact with Star Mechanics of the same level who were formally trained by the Empire was not bad either.

He secretly activated his ability and looked at the two people above.

Viscount Kane, Favorability: 20.

"Hmm... it went up by 15 points all at once."

Leios, Favorability: 10 (In his eyes, barely considered a weakling who can craft weapons for him).

"This one also went from negative to positive 10 points."

Zhang Huaiyuan immediately breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed neither of them were smiling tigers.

"If there are no other questions, then return and prepare. The required resources and supplies will be delivered within two days at most. I hope you all will do your utmost and not slack off."

After this interlude, the meeting came to an end. Viscount Kane scanned the crowd with a dignified gaze and concluded.

"Dismissed."

Ten days later.

Imperial Mining Zone Data Storage Center.

Zhang Huaiyuan put down a thirty-centimeter-long information brick with a look of joy.

Thanks to Viscount Kane's special approval, he was able to access some lower-security classified materials here.

However, for him, it was just right.

For example, if one can score 70 points on an exam, they can be called a Master-level Star Mechanic.

Normally, this score is achieved by not missing a single point on the basic questions at the beginning.

Yet, relying on the advanced technology from the silver mechanical wreckage, he unexpectedly solved the final bonus question to reach this score.

In reality, compared to Star Mechanics of the same level who were formally trained by the Empire, his foundation was lacking quite a bit.

And now, this knowledge just happened to make up for his lacking foundation.

"In any case, I owe Viscount Kane a favor."

Zhang Huaiyuan sighed slightly and walked out.

As one of the only three remaining Master-level Star Mechanics in the mining zone, his time was extremely precious and divided to the limit.

Apart from the two hours of study time he had forcefully squeezed out, the rest had to be spent going to several important areas to assist with the modification of weapon facilities.

Furthermore, according to intelligence detection, the Galaxy Beast tide is expected to arrive at the outskirts of the mining zone at 2 PM the day after tomorrow. There isn't much time left...

"There is still the North District 2 of the Candlelight Mercenary Corps and the South District 6 of the Illusory Sea Mercenary Corps remaining... Hmm... go to..."

"Master."

Just as he was deep in thought, his smart assistant, which had been silent for nearly half a month, suddenly lit up from his wrist.

"Asroth? How is it?"

Zhang Huaiyuan paused his steps.

"This place does not belong to the direct control area of the central AI. Although there are some powerful firewalls it set up, they have all been cracked by me. I have successfully infiltrated the regional network."

There was a hint of human-like pride in Asroth's words.

"As expected of technology from Knowledge Level Rule 3; it is so powerful even after just cracking a little bit."

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but be overjoyed and hurriedly asked: "Any discoveries?"

"According to your instructions, I searched every hidden corner and device, and finally found the target in the restricted area behind Viscount Kane's residence."

"There is an Ultra-Long-Range Fixed-Point Warp Device there."