Chương 22: Chapter 21
Two blond-haired figures, one tall and one short, approached. The taller one had hair like a lion's mane extending toward his neck, adorned with earrings and thick purple lipstick.
This was Quinn, the future Beast Pirate's multi-talented "Plague" Quinn, known for singing, dancing, and rapping.
The shorter figure had hair meticulously styled with hair gel, but whether due to the sea's humidity or his grim expression, it gave off a succulent-like appearance.
This was Vinsmoke Judge, the future commander of Germa 66.
Currently, they shared a common trait: youth. Both were about seventeen or eighteen, having joined MADS as teenage prodigies.
Their drive stemmed from their ambition or the lure of money. While they might lack the ethical standards of researchers, they possessed genuine technical skills. As long as they weren't compared to Vegapunk, they excelled in certain areas.
This also led to another characteristic: arrogance. Each was young and spirited, unwilling to be subordinate, one of the reasons they resented Vegapunk's leadership.
However, their rebellion remained verbal, as Du Feld, their financial backer, trusted Vegapunk.
Du Feld, though not the most powerful in the underworld, was certainly the richest. Offending him would make finding new sponsors difficult.
"No way. How could a place like this have a fully automated robot? It's just a facade. Judge, your eyesight is pathetic," Quinn declared.
These men might not respect Vegapunk, but they had some real skills, able to discern technical differences. Quinn couldn't accept that a backwater place like this would outdo him, dismissing everything outright.
"That's obviously a hollow shell. Can't you even tell that?" Quinn's words had barely left his mouth when Blitzcrank's claw extended again, catching another fish.
"Hahaha, looks like your eyesight is even worse. You can't even distinguish reality," Judge retorted, their fragile anti-Vegapunk alliance shattering instantly, almost leading to a fight.
However, MADS's ship docked at that moment, preventing their scuffle.
Long sea voyages were not enjoyable, even with ample technology and funding. The crew cherished docking times.
While the ship restocked, the crew indulged, becoming the sea's primary consumers. Yet Quinn and Judge's curiosity about Blitzcrank persisted.
Once docked, they approached Blitzcrank's location, intending to scrutinize it closely.
"Isn't that a Mink on its head? Who would've thought we'd encounter a Mink in the South Sea? Did she make this robot?" Judge mused.
"Unlikely. A kid like her wouldn't have that capability. I bet someone's inside that metal shell," Quinn countered.
Blitzcrank and Kate's fishing spot wasn't far from the port. As Quinn and Judge approached, their unease grew.
Blitzcrank not only used its claw to catch fish but also communicated with Kate. Neither Quinn nor Judge had the capability to create such a machine.
"Who's going to hide inside a metal shell just to fish? Is it to amuse a kid?" Judge didn't buy Quinn's logic, countering for the sake of argument. But Quinn ignored him, striding boldly towards Blitzcrank.
"Hey! Little cat! Did you make this metal shell?" Quinn called out.
Kate squinted at Quinn. She disliked being called a little cat, a term the Celestial Dragons used to address her. But now things had changed; she wouldn't lose her temper over a word.
Blitzcrank, indifferent to being called a metal shell, focused on Quinn and Judge. One wielded a knife, the other carried a gun, and their scruffy street-style appearance screamed trouble.
"Who are you two? What do you want?" Kate demanded.
"Don't misunderstand. Though this guy looks shady, we're scientists aiming for peaceful research. We saw this robot from the ship and got curious, so we came to check it out," Judge explained, belittling Quinn in the process, though it was pointless.
"I think you're shady too," Kate replied.
"Muhahaha! Judge, did you hear that? Even a little cat can see through you. My handsome looks are just that trustworthy."
"No, I don't trust you," Kate retorted.
"A gloomy guy and a narcissist," Kate mentally labeled them.
"Blitzcrank isn't a metal shell. Blitzcrank is a robot, the master's creation," Blitzcrank stated. Its logic was still evolving. Hearing them call it a hollow shell, Blitzcrank opened its chest compartment, revealing its steam engine and core, clarifying its nature.
"So it really is a machine, but this power supply seems primitive. Steam can't run for long. If I were to make improvements, I'd change this and that, remove the unnecessary voice module," Quinn critiqued, offering improvement suggestions. In summary, though he couldn't create such a machine, he still believed he was superior.
Judge occasionally echoed Quinn, believing himself superior to Quinn. Highlighting Quinn's flaws better reflected his own strengths.
But they didn't realize Blitzcrank's behavior was changing, especially after they suggested dismantling it. Blitzcrank's fists were already raised.
"The master's design is perfect. Blitzcrank isn't your toy. Blitzcrank is angry," Blitzcrank declared.
"Muhahaha! Judge, did you hear that? A machine saying it's angry. What kind of person gives a robot useless emotions to scare people?" Quinn laughed.
"Quinn, I think this metal guy is serious!" Judge retreated a few steps, sensing something was off. Quinn's description of Orlan seemed to have thoroughly angered the newly awakened Blitzcrank.
Blitzcrank lifted Kate off its head, setting her gently on the ground. Steam burst from its back, electric currents surged over its shell, and the once-stationary Blitzcrank charged like a tank.
In an overdrive state, Blitzcrank's speed surged, its charged fist aiming straight for Quinn.
"Blitzcrank demands an apology!"
(End of Chapter)
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