Two centuries ago, a terrorist from a band of space pirates swallowed a 10-gram R-type ore and brought it into the Empire's affiliated planet, Tianying. This led to the violent deaths of tens of millions of people, and the soil and rivers were severely polluted, unable to recover to this day.
This incident was recorded in history as the "Tianying Disaster," and the area turned into a bona fide death zone. Not even humans, but even the most resilient insectoids couldn't survive there. The once high-class planet Tianying became a low-class planet unvisited by anyone. Life was unsustainable, and the residents had no choice but to gradually relocate.
The memory left by this disaster was too profound. Thus, when a similar situation occurred, the Empire immediately initiated an investigation. When Qi Ze and his group returned to school, there were already large numbers of police officers cordoning off the school gates, allowing entry but not exit. Everyone in the school had to undergo quarantine and examination to ensure they weren't contaminated by radiation before they could leave.
A group of researchers also roamed around with scanners to ensure there were no problems with the land and water sources.
Tianying was just an affiliated planet. Despite such a disaster, it didn't affect the Empire's overall strength. But the Capital Planet was different. It was the center of politics and culture, and any disturbance could have widespread repercussions.
Complicating simple matters was always a politician's forte. Qi Ze feared they wouldn't make a big enough fuss, and he wasn't at all worried about not being able to control the situation.
Due to many teachers and students undergoing quarantine examinations, the school had to issue a suspension notice on the first day of school. Bringing a radiation source into such a densely populated area, where the Empire's new generation's backbone concentrated, could cause catastrophic effects on the nation's fortune if a large-scale death event occurred.
This was the first occurrence of such a situation since the school's founding. The school administration was furious and pledged to closely cooperate with the Police Department and the military. All information about Wang Miao, including how many times he wet the bed as a child, was likely already in the hands of the investigation team. His not-so-secret connection with Mu Lun was also unearthed.
The Imperial Family and the Upper and Lower Houses were already dissatisfied with the Mu Family but could never catch them in a fatal slip. Upon receiving the report from the investigation team, they immediately took action. Although the Mu Family's core technology was exposed, their tentacles ran deep in various fields. Not taking this opportunity to cut off their branches and roots would be a waste of such a good chance.
Therefore, there was no way this matter could be settled easily.
"Damn, Wang Miao is such an asshole! He actually brought R-type ore into school and stayed with us for a day and night. He didn't care about his life, but we care about ours! If I'd known he was that bad, I wouldn't have rushed him to the hospital in the middle of the night. I'd have stabbed him to death; it would've been doing him a favor!" Ouyang Ye pushed open the door and cursed. After several rounds of rigorous checks, they finally returned to the dormitory before evening.
"How can someone be so evil?" Mo Tianlei was genuinely frightened. Recalling Wang Miao's unusual enthusiasm, he trembled and said, "He deliberately brought the R-type ore into the school, didn't he? Just like the terrorist in the Tianying Disaster?"
"It seems so." Ouyang Ye carefully wiped the Wind Forest and Fire Sea, lamenting, "Sadly, he died too quickly. If he hadn't, I would've run him through with a sword."
"Don't wander around outside. Always carry your protective suits." Yan Junyu took out several protective suits from his Interspatial Button and distributed them. Seeing Qi Ze lazily lying on the sofa, seemingly about to fall asleep, he quickly helped him up and gently patted his cheeks. "Qi Ze, wake up, eat something before you sleep. I'll make you two sandwiches; it'll just take a minute."
"You're just a guarantor. Why do you manage everything? You handle enrollment, studies, and now meals and bedtime? Why don't you quit the military and become a babysitter?" Ouyang Ye sourly commented.
"I won't bother with someone like you." Yan Junyu pinched Qi Ze's high nose, noticing him impatiently sitting up and messing up his hair before smiling and walking into the kitchen.
"What's someone like me? You tell me clearly!" Ouyang Ye followed behind Yan Junyu, questioning him.
"Troublemaker type." Yan Junyu didn't speak, but Qi Ze spoke softly.
Ouyang Ye immediately backed off, flashing a grin at Young Young Master Qi and obediently sitting back on the sofa to wipe the Wind Forest and Fire Sea. He just couldn't stand Yan Junyu fussing over Young Young Master Qi in front of him. Where was he earlier?
Mo Tianlei's gloomy mood was surprisingly lightened by Young Master Ouyang's antics. He also walked into the kitchen, intending to marinate the meat slices he received today, but was politely asked to leave by Instructor Yan. "Qi Ze doesn't like the smell of barbecued meat. You'll have to wait until he's eaten and asleep before cooking. He's a carbon-based being, his body is quite fragile. You should take better care of him."
"Understood, Instructor." Mo Tianlei was a decent man and immediately stuffed the food box back into the fridge before obediently leaving. If not for energy needs, he didn't want to eat this meat either. He heard that in the Apocalyptic Era, meta-humans didn't have special drugs to remove the impurities in beast meat and could only eat it raw and toughened, nose pinched. Thinking about it made him admire them.
He had just reached the living room when the doorbell rang. Opening it, he saw nearly ten burly young men. Although they were still in their school uniforms, they all wore military medals on their chests, exuding a powerful aura.
"Good afternoon, Seniors." Mo Tianlei hurriedly saluted.
"We're looking for Yan Junyu." The group pushed past him and spontaneously entered the living room. They looked around, sighed that it was quite small, then pointed at Qi Ze and asked, "You're the carbon-based being?"
Not content with just asking, one of them even stretched out a finger and said mockingly, "I heard carbon-based beings have bodies softer than tofu. They could be pierced with a single poke. Let me try."
Ouyang Ye frowned, about to slash with his sword, but was blocked by Yan Junyu, who quickly came to the living room. Simultaneously, he firmly gripped the man's fingertip and said coldly, "Du Jiahe, do you want to be my enemy?"
"What kind of words are those? Aren't we good partners?" Du Jiahe grinned and retracted his fingertip. He then tapped Qi Ze, who was looking at him with his usual expression and black eyes that didn't blink, and said, "No wonder you like him. His looks and temperament are rare. Not only among carbon-based beings, but even among high-grade gene silicoids, they are few and far between. But you can just play around; why did you have to fall out with Mu Ran? Without Mu Ran's support, where can we buy high-grade mechs and energy stones for our hunting squad? If the mechs break, who will fix them for us? Why eat plain porridge and light dishes when you have top delicacies?"
"Let's discuss it inside." Saying such things in front of Qi Ze was clearly disrespectful, and Yan Junyu's face turned grim. However, he didn't forget to bring out the sandwiches and gently remind the boy to eat before sleeping.
"What's the difference where we talk? We came here today for no other reason than to ask you if your relationship with Mu Ran has been affected by this thing. If Mu Ran doesn't sponsor our hunting team anymore, we'll have to part ways with you!" Du Jiahe pointed at Qi Ze, referring to him as 'this thing.'
Ouyang Ye was so angry he wanted to bite someone, but Qi Ze continued to fiddle with his smartbrain as if he hadn't heard the insulting remarks. Yan Junyu suppressed his anger and said decisively, "Then let's part ways."
"Alright, you said it." Du Jiahe was the young master of the Fifth Corps and didn't need to cling to the Yan family. Only Mu Ran could make him treat someone differently at the Imperial Academy.
"But, Junyu, I just asked Mu Ran. He said he would continue to support you as before." A burly man standing in the corner raised his wrist and intervened. "Wait, I'll have Mu Ran talk to you personally. Isn't it too unworthy to give up on him for the sake of a carbon-based being?"
As he finished, Mu Ran appeared on the holographic screen, pale-faced and red-eyed, as if he hadn't rested all night. "I'm very busy right now. I'll get back to you later." He seemed to be looking at a document, then raised his head and noticed Yan Junyu among the crowd. His haggard expression immediately vanished, and his tone became much gentler. "Junyu? What's this...?" He looked around and instantly understood. He immediately assured, "Is it about the supplies for the next season of the hunting team? Don't worry, I'll prepare the mechs and energy stones. I'll come with you when the time comes."
"I told you Mu Ran isn't the type to care about trifles, but Junyu didn't believe me." The burly man said joyfully.
Du Jiahe was about to chat with Mu Ran when Yan Junyu firmly said, "Mu Ran, I already have my exclusive mech engineer. We weren't partners in the past, nor will we be in the future. I purchased the supplies I got from you before, and I'll make up the difference if it was below market price. Send me the invoice."
"Junyu, do you have to do this?" Mu Ran stared straight at him.
"The day I returned, I made it clear that we weren't partners or subordinate to each other. My life doesn't need to be arranged by you." Yan Junyu subconsciously glanced at Qi Ze, his expression somewhat tense.
Mu Ran was as meticulous as a hair. How could he not notice his odd behavior? His strong self-esteem made him unwilling to make any moves to retain him, so he simply nodded and said, "I understand. Then goodbye." The call was instantly cut off.
"Junyu, have you gone mad!" The burly man questioned him, disappointed that he wasn't getting through to him.
Du Jiahe, however, burst into laughter. "Yan Junyu, you really have guts. To give up on someone like Mu Ran. Alright, let's part ways. I'd like to see how your mech gets repaired if it breaks. He transferred from the art department, right? Can he even read mechanical diagrams?"
"What does that have to do with your balls? Go back and lick Mu Ran's ass. You dumb fuck!" Ouyang Ye couldn't hold back and flipped them the bird.
"Who the fuck are you? Dare to talk to me like that?" Du Jiahe's smiling expression suddenly turned sinister.
"Was he wrong? You, are, a, huge, dumb, fuck!" Qi Ze threw away the smartbrain, climbed up to stand on the sofa arm, and looked down at the meta-humans from above. Slowly, he emphasized each word and raised two middle fingers.
"Hey, you..." Du Jiahe was thoroughly enraged and was about to rush over to teach them a lesson when Yan Junyu grabbed his neck and forcefully dragged him out, then quickly chased the others away. A closer look would reveal that the anger on his face had completely dissipated, and a faint smile had unknowingly appeared in his eyes.
The boy stood barefoot on the sofa, one eyebrow raised, a corner of his mouth curved up, his two middle fingers stuck straight out. He looked even more deserving of a beating than Ouyang Ye. But Yan Junyu wasn't the least bit repulsed; in fact, he quite liked it. The real Qi Ze should be lively like this.
"Sorry, I didn't expect them to come here." Yan Junyu patiently explained. "We formed a hunting team. Every winter and summer break, we would go to the primitive planets to capture frenzied beasts. Mu Ran provided us with equipment and energy. Now that I've fallen out with Mu Ran, they're worried they won't have a stable channel to purchase high-grade mechs and energy stones in the future, hence their plan to part ways with me. You know, energy stones and high-grade mechs aren't something anyone can get their hands on. Even though we have military status, our supply is very limited. Mu Ran was the best collaborator we could find."
"So you were abandoned." Qi Ze pointed out bluntly.
"It's not really being abandoned. It was a mutual cooperative relationship. If cooperation couldn't continue, we could part ways at any time. This is quite common." Yan Junyu shook his head and sighed.
Qi Ze pondered for a moment and asked, "So I'm your exclusive mech engineer now? Your mech can only be repaired by me and not by others?"
"In theory, you could find others, but mech engineers are generally arrogant and won't cooperate with someone who has already bound an exclusive mech engineer. Don't worry, before you complete your studies, my mech will be repaired by my second uncle."
Qi Ze looked at him deeply and said confidently, "Although I don't have a base in the Capital Planet and can't supply you with high-grade mechs, parts, and energy stones like Mu Ran, maintenance and repairs aren't a problem for me. As long as you're my guarantor, your mech is under my care, and you don't have to bother others. I'll quickly obtain the necessary certificates."
"Don't rush, lay a solid foundation first." Yan Junyu verbally dissuaded him but felt a surge of sweetness inside. He didn't need anything from Qi Ze, he only hoped he could obtain the best of everything. Don't let others mock you because of your genes, and don't let your origin cut off your future. His life was already short, and he deserved to live it more splendidly.
"My foundation is very solid." Qi Ze didn't listen to him, picked up the smartbrain and returned to his room, saying he wanted to review the questions. As for the sandwiches on the table, Ouyang Ye had already eaten them allâ
Inside the Radiosource Research Institute, after several experts repeatedly checked the data, they finally confirmed, "This is truly the strangest radioactive source we've ever seen in our lives. Such a high concentration, yet it doesn't harm the human body at all. Look at that white mouse; it's been in there for two hours and is still alive and well."
"But how did Wang Miao and Mu Lun die?"
"We really don't know. That nurse and this white mouse are fine, so direct contact isn't the cause of infection. We can only say that its radiation damage is selective, which may be related to the constitution or genes. How about this? Bring Wang Miao and Mu Lun's bodies here, and we'll study them further?"
The experts rubbed their hands together, suggesting what had long been brewing in their minds.
The investigator in charge found it difficult. "We can hand over Wang Miao's body to you, but the Mu Family refuses to release Mu Lun's body. We'll negotiate further."
"What's there to negotiate? To assassinate a carbon-based being, he actually brought such a dangerous radioactive substance into the Capital Planet. Mu Lun must have been crazy! Does he think the Empire is his family's backyard? In my opinion, the government should directly release the truth of the matter and make the Mu Family take responsibility! If Master Mu Feixing knew about this from beyond the grave, he would be livid."
"The spokespersons of the Police Department and the military are already drafting statements. They will announce the investigation results to the whole nation this afternoon. Although this plaque didn't cause widespread deaths, the impact is extremely severe. We will certainly make the relevant individuals receive corresponding punishment. Even if the culprit is dead, his family must bear some responsibility. Masters, if there is any progress in your research, please notify us immediately."
"Understood. The discovery of this radioactive source is of very positive significance to our efforts to curb R-ore pollution. We won't slack off," the experts dismissed the investigation team and then privately discussed, "What bad luck is the Mu Family having recently? First, their core technology was exposed by a carbon-based being, and now this happens. Even if Mu Feixing has great influence, he wouldn't be able to shield them."
"It's still due to the incompetence of the younger generation, eroding the merits earned by their predecessors bit by bit. The Imperial Family and the Upper and Lower Houses' tolerance for the Mu Family has been decreasing. Now that they've even gotten their hands on the core technology, it will be easier to rectify them without the hindrances of the past. You'll see, they won't let go unless they take all of the high-grade energy stars under the Mu Corporation. Even if they're willing, the entire Imperial populace won't be, playing with their lives. Mu Lun's guts are too big, treating the Empire as the Mu Family's backyard to do as he pleases."
"Tch, he tangled himself up, didn't he? The era of the Mus has passed. To recreate their past glory, Mu Ran would have to manufacture superior supermechas."
"Manufacture supermechas? How easy is that?" The experts sighed in unison, then put on their radiation suits and entered the laboratory to study the mysterious plaqueâ
At the Black Thorns Manor, Erebus was sitting in his wheelchair with an old-fashioned laptop on his knees. Due to the death qi in his body always corroding his mechanical equipment, he hadn't used his personal smartbrain for a long time.
"Stop typing. I'll install new fingers for you." A young man opened the toolbox and took out a pile of parts.
"The Mu Family is in trouble again." Erebus had a sneer at the corner of his mouth.
The young man took a look and his face darkened. He gritted his teeth and said, "Damn, bringing R-type radioactive sources into the Capital Planet. Was Mu Lun crazy? The Mu Family is all about profit. For a little private gain, they can sacrifice everyone in the Empire. Back then, they deliberately framed you, and the result was instead..."
Erebus interrupted him with a calm tone. "No need to mention the past. Sooner or later, I'll make the Mu Family pay the price. This Mu Ran is quite a character. He acted very decisively, immediately releasing the Mu Ancient Dictionary and donating ten high-grade energy stars. This is the Mu Family's thickest foundation. Without sufficient energy supply, the Mu Military Factory will find it hard to maintain its current production scale. The once flourishing Mu Family is finally heading for decline."
"It's not going to be that bad. I've collaborated with Mu Ran. His technology is really impressive; he's very likely to manufacture supermechas. The public says he's another super genius after Master Mu Feixing, and this isn't an exaggeration. You'd know if you met him in person." The young man hated the Mu Family but had a good impression of Mu Ran.
Erebus stared at Mu Ran, who was holding a press conference, and smiled indifferently. "A genius? Mu Ran? You're really too narrow-minded."
"How am I narrow-minded? Making a 2S-grade amphibious mecha at twenty isn't genius?"
Erebus didn't speak but took the three rings hanging around his neck and played with them in his palm. The young man assembled a mechanical hand and was about to replace it for him when he saw the rings and couldn't help but be stunned, surprised. "You've been wearing this thing? A stone? How hasn't it broken yet?"
"They aren't ordinary rings; they don't break." Erebus was initially worried that the rings would be affected by the death qi in his body, but after trying them on for a night, he found them unscathed. Not only that, the starlight on the surface seemed to shine even brighter, and the base color became darker.
"Without experiencing the supergod's technology, you'll never understand what true god-level Masters are. What's Mu Ran? Even Mu Feixing is just so-so." He lifted his head and smiled faintly at the young man.
The young man was about to ask what supergod technology he had experienced when the old laptop emitted a crisp "ding dong." Erebus' lazy expression instantly became serious. After deliberating for a while, he carefully typedâMaster, hello.
"The final payment is settled. Thank you for your patronage." The response on the other side was the usual cute tone plus a pouting emoji, but Erebus didn't think the owner was unreliable. Instead, he believed this was the so-called "real person doesn't show their true colors, showing true colors isn't a real person." If the Master was as renowned throughout the galaxy as Mu Ran, there would be nothing for him right now.
"Master, would you like to make another transaction? The price is up to you." He slowly typed, one word at a time.
If the Master didn't want to reveal himself, no one could force him. Erebus realized this and immediately stopped all investigations, waiting quietly.
"What kind of transaction?" As usual, it was a series of square characters, but the writing of the word "what" was very different from what Erebus had learned. It had more and more complicated strokes. The Master was clearly using a handwriting board, the font was very strong and powerful, and sometimes there were words he couldn't understand at all.
Fortunately, Erebus wasn't dumb. He could also understand by half speculating and half guessing. Later, when he carefully thought about it, he found that the Master used even older characters. Referencing the online-crazy "Er Ya," he could quickly match the meanings.
It seemed that the Master could also manufacture mechs; otherwise, he wouldn't have studied "Er Ya" so thoroughly. Thinking of this, Erebus slowly typed, "Modifying the human body into a weapon, are you interested?" He originally wanted to ask "Can you do it?" but then deleted it one word at a time.
The Master had already accepted his first order. It was because he wasn't at ease that there was a second transaction. Asking if he could do it now would be belittling him for nothing.
Erebus was very regretful, partly because of his hesitation at the time and partly because of his cautiousness. If he had known the Master could make space rings, he would have asked for a few more square meters. The time flow rate could be used for cultivation, and the time flow rate could be used for farming. There were many functions. Unlike now, half a square meter of space was not enough.
"A little interested." The other side replied, only four words, but they made Erebus' heart race.
"Then how about we meet? Time and location are up to you. If you're concerned about safety, I can come alone. Perhaps you've guessed it. The one who needs repair is me. To someone like you, a Master, a half-dead person shouldn't pose any threat, right?" To survive, Erebus didn't mind opening his wounds and showing his deepest scars.
"Alright, once the time and location are set, I'll notify you. A word of advice, please prepare sufficient funds. My asking price isn't cheap."
"Inviting someone like you, a Master, is worth any amount of money." Erebus finally showed the first relaxed smile since his severe injury. He had just closed the computer when his already rusted hand scattered into a pile of scrap metal. Immediately after, some screws from his legs and abdomen also began to fall off.
The young man looked at him nervously, quickly thinking of comforting words in his head, but he only smiled faintly. "Is the new arm assembled? If it is, put it on for me."
"Okay, okay, installing it right away. What about your legs and abdomen?"
"Put them on too. When you have nothing to do in the next few days, come over and check. If you find rust, replace it immediately. I might go out to meet someone very important. I can't be rude."
"You're going out?" The young man suspected there was something wrong with his ears. Ever since he turned into this neither human nor ghostly appearance, the boss had never left this manor. Who had such a charm to bring the boss back to life?
"Yes, later, you should also check the few flying cars in the manor. It'd be best to do some maintenance. It's been a long time since they were used, and there must be a lot of dust. It's too ugly to drive them out."
"Okay, I'll go and take a look after I replace your body." The young man quickly assembled all the parts and then left in a daze, walking not far before turning back and hesitating. "Boss, are you in an online relationship?"
"Scram." Erebus spat out a word gently.