Chapitre 27: The Final Test
Éditeur: Millman97
The next couple of days went by peacefully. Han Xiao's daily routine now included going to the junkyard every morning to produce guns. He was paid in cash daily after each session, and was able to salvage a number of spare parts for creating the rover. He had already begun to craft some of its parts, but was holding back on assembling it.
Old Man Lu would occasionally lurk around to spy on Han Xiao as he worked. He was trying to figure out Han Xiao's background from his craftsmanship. However, because Han Xiao was self-taught, his efforts were in vain.
Tall Old Man frequently came over to compete with Old Man Lu at 5 in a Row, which Han Xiao found hard to understand. Is 5 in a Row that fun? Tall Old Man also gradually began to converse with Han Xiao more, and Han Xiao was more than happy to entertain him. Everything was going according to plan.
For Mechanics, crafting rewarded the most experience, followed by enhancement, repairing, and lastly, assembly.
As Han Xiao had no way of acquiring advanced knowledge for now, he decided to use his accumulated experience points to raise the 3 skills of [Beginner Machinery Affinity Lv. 3], [Basic Combat Lv. 8], and [Basic Shooting Lv. 6] to close to max level, and he gained quite a number of Potential points from this.
The prerequisite for advancing to a [Trainee Mechanic] happened to be unlocking [Intermediate Machinery Affinity], which required Lv. 5 in [Beginner Machinery Affinity]. Machinery Affinity was one of the common prerequisites for many blueprints and skills.
Although Han Xiao now had a whopping 15 Potential points, which seemed a lot, it was always better to save some for rainy days. This was something that he had learned the hard way.
To think I actually had to spend over tens of millions of Enas (universal currency) just to buy Water of Lethe to reset my Potential points back then!
At Kero Junkyard, Han Xiao had been busily producing guns all morning.
When he was about to leave, Raccoon passed him a stash of money that he pocketed without counting.
"That should be enough for today. I'll make a move first," said Han Xiao.
"Thank you for your contribution. We don't need any more guns for the time being. However, our deal is still valid. You can continue to salvage any junk parts."
Now that Han Xiao had served his purpose, Raccoon planned to get rid of him. However, it was not time yet. Raccoon was an extremely cautious person.
"Fine by me," replied Han Xiao, who saw through his intentions.
He left the junkyard, remembering to make a few extra turns to shake off his tail before coming to a large mechanic market.
This market was popular among students from the Western Capital School and the Mechanic School due to the variety of machine parts and metals it offered.
Han Xiao spent all of the 70,000 Aquamarine Dollars that he had earned to buy the remaining materials that he needed for both the rover, as well as another Lightweight Mechanical Arm.
After obtaining the materials, he returned to his room to continue working on them.
…
A few days later, Han Xiao had finished crafting all of the rover's parts, and he was now assembling the robot in his room.
1.2 meters tall and armor-plated to protect its interior. Its top half was the shape of a person, except that it didn't have a neck. It ran on a basic integrated circuit.
It had two sectioned mechanical arms that could bend and rotate like a person's, and its fingers were remodeled by Han Xiao into guns. Its torso could also rotate 90 degrees, and was inlaid with magazine compartments.
Instead of legs, it moved on tank tracks.
The system prompted Han Xiao to name his creation. Adopting his past naming style, he named it "Rover 1".
_____________________
Rover 1 (Tank-style)
Type: Robot
Grade: Common
Basic Stats: 800/800 Durability, 18 Defense, 59 Power Output, 23 Max Speed, 120/120 Energy
Height: 1.18m
Weight: 64.8kg
Mode of Control: Remote (Electrical Signal)
Control Radius: 50m
Energy Source: Battery Unit
Energy Usage: 8/min
Power Capacity: 36/80 Ona
Right Arm Module: Small Caliber Machine Gun - 35-40 Dmg, 4 Firing Speed (Max 7 - for 10 seconds), 30 Magazine Capacity (+60 Belt Capacity), 40 Power Output, 18% Accuracy
Left Arm Module: Small Caliber Machine Gun - 35-40 Dmg, 4 Firing Speed (Max 7 - for 10 seconds), 30 Magazine Capacity (+60 Belt Capacity), 40 Power Output, 18% Accuracy
Skills:
- Self-destruct: Self-destruct to inflict 280-430 explosion damage in a 30m radius.
- Metal Armor: Reduces damage taken by 8% (except penetrative attacks).
Note: Don't underestimate this little fella just because he looks stupid.
The name [Rover] is not exclusive to one type of robot.
——————————————————————
The key materials used to craft Rover 1 were two common materials: steel and plastic resin. If Han Xiao had used a higher quality steel alloy, Rover 1 would have higher durability and defense. Nevertheless, he would be able to update or upgrade the rover with better parts when he got them to keep it relevant. This was a selling point of Mechanics.
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.
_____________________
You have crafted Lightweight Mechanical Arm (Left), gaining 2,500 exp.
——————————————————————
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.
_____________________
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.
_____________________
You have triggered the Class-E Mission, [Assailants!]. Accept/Reject]
——————————————————————
Han Xiao was bewildered. What could have triggered such a mission?
"Accept."
_____________________
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)
——————————————————————
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.
Chapitre 28: Jealousy
Éditeur: Millman97
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.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
Power Stone 
73 Power
stone 
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