A sheet of paper lay before Mu Ran, inscribed with two lines of text:
"Qi Ze, eighteen years old, orphan (?), carbon-based (?), psychokinetic mutant."
"Perpetrator, age unknown, background unknown, bears a grudge against the Mu family, psychokinetic mutant."
He picked up his pen, circled the phrase "psychokinetic mutant" with emphasis, a mocking smile playing on his lips. After searching for so long, why hadn't he noticed that Qi Ze was the only one who had suddenly emerged as a psychokinetic mutant, the one with the most enigmatic background. How could an orphan possess such a high level of literary accomplishment? Where did an orphan get the courage to go against the Mu family?
He had been blinded by the three words "carbon-based," utterly failing to see the greatest threat before him! Mu Ran crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it into the trash bin. He then activated his smartbrain and issued an orderâinvestigate Qi Ze.
A prompt response came back, "I've checked. I found no leads, but it's suspicious. Certain areas of his personal smartbrain are blank, inaccessible to me."
"What do you mean 'blank areas'?" Mu Ran pressed.
"It means that his personal smartbrain doesn't have any sophisticated defense systems set up. Of course, even if it did, it's as good as nothing to me. However, certain functional areas are missing, completely untraceable. Things like chat channels, email correspondence, account detailsâbasically, anything that would be personal to him is invisible on the net. There are only some inconsequential details available."
"Isn't that the biggest red flag? Is there any information in the world you can't find? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Mu Ran's expression darkened.
"I've been researching, preparing to inform you once I had a conclusion. The Mu family is gone. It's never too late to seek revenge, but such a bizarre phenomenon is rare. If you're planning to move against Qi Ze, remember to seize his personal smartbrain. I need it for study."
"Study, study, study. Is your life only about this one word?" Mu Ran broke off the communication channel, taking a deep breath. Downstairs, the Fifth Prince was on the line with Yan Junyu. Strangely, even though the prince's residence was equipped with exceptional soundproofing, Mu Ran could hear their conversation with perfect clarity.
Fifth Prince: "I didn't expect you to accept my challenge. You should understand that your little friend is incapable of leading you to victory. If you're willing to apologize publicly to Mu Ran on the net, I can call off this duel."
Yan Junyu: "Thank you for your kindness, but I have faith in Qi Ze. You could have avoided this conflict altogether, but you're putting your close friend in a tough spot just to save face for Mu Ran. In the past, I might have chosen to back down, but now, Qi Ze stands behind me. I will not yield. My feelings for Qi Ze are as deep as yours for Mu Ran."
The Fifth Prince scoffed, "If Mu Ran were to hear these words, I wonder how he'd feel. The person he's been protecting so fervently fell in love with a carbon-based individual within a mere three years. It's utterly baffling. Has that student Qi cast some spell on you? You should know that even if he possesses the expertise of a mech designer, he lacks practical experience. He's never even made a screw. How can he complete his graduation project? On the day of the duel, I'm genuinely worried that you might have to fight me with your bare hands because you don't have a mech to operate. You'd become the biggest joke of the year."
Yan Junyu replied calmly, "I trust him, without any reason." Two months later, we'll meet on the battlefield."
"Hold on!" The Fifth Prince interrupted, "Have you seen the news about my engagement to Mu Ran?"
"Yes, I have. I wish you both happiness."
"Nothing else to say?"
Yan Junyu hesitated for a moment, sighing, "Take care of yourself." He couldn't bring himself to say "be careful of Mu Ran." The Fifth Prince had been spending a lot of time with Mu Ran recently, and there was a chance he had a divine consciousness embedded in him. He was under constant surveillance. You can never wake someone who pretends to be asleep. The other princes, despite lavishing attention on Mu Ran, secretly harbored caution, mostly aiming to manipulate and control him. But the Fifth Prince didn't think like that.
He genuinely loved Mu Ran, fully aware that their families were enemies, even on opposing sides. He didn't doubt or question him. His engagement to Mu Ran was simply to care for him, like removing your own coat to warm him in the cold. It was selfless.
Yan Junyu didn't know how to save the Fifth Prince, as his attempt would only be seen as a hindrance.
"I will take good care of Mu Ran," the Fifth Prince declared, "and make up for what the world has wronged him with."
"No, you're mistaken. The world owes him nothing," Yan Junyu, who was about to end the call, couldn't help but refute, "As Qi Ze said, without the tyranny of the Mu family, none of this would have happened. The Mu family went too far, and this is the fate they deserve. No one owes him, and no one should feel guilty for the Mu family's misfortunes..."
Before he finished, a clear voice echoed beside him, "Why are you babbling so much? Tell them the Mu family got what they deserved!"
"Stop pestering, go back and work on your design drafts, I'll check them later." Yan Junyu's icy, stern tone softened, whispering something over the mic before replying to the Fifth Prince, "Sorry, my kid at home is a bit mischievous, interrupting your conversation. Though his words might be blunt, they convey what I wanted to say. If you plan to stand up for Mu Ran, you can save your breath. We'll meet on the battlefield."
"Yan Junyu, you're something else. Don't you remember how Mu Ran treated you in the past? Now you're insulting him for the sake of some stranger..." The Fifth Prince's furious accusations were cut off by the sound of the line going dead, leaving him like a dud grenade, wanting to explode but unable to find an outlet.
Upstairs, Mu Ran carefully wrote down the name "Qi Ze," then drew a red X over it. Even without concrete evidence that Qi Ze was the culprit, he decided that this person should vanish foreverâ
Recently, Qi Ze had been busy, spending half a month alone on refining black crystals. Fortunately, the harvest was substantial, yielding many high-grade spirit stones for cultivation. The graduation project's topic was also revealedâit wasn't mech design, but mech modification.
For this, Old Master Yan had deliberately called to take credit, "Received the graduation project's test question? Is it hard? Not hard? Perfect! Do you know what the original question was? Designing an amphibious mecha, a topic that was only covered last year. Luckily, I got wind of the information beforehand and immediately smoothed things over, getting them to change it to the simplest topic. Otherwise, on the day of submitting your graduation project, you might not even have a decent mech to operate. How embarrassing! No need to thank me. Go about your work and studies. Off you go."
Qi Ze had to admit that he owed Old Master Yan for his meddling. Otherwise, he would have been caught between creating a body for Young Master Li and designing a brand new mechâboth tasks would have been monumental. In comparison, mech modification was much less daunting. All graduates were given a D4 mech. Whether enhancing firepower or increasing engine capacity, as long as they made appropriate modifications and triumphed in mech combat, they could graduate smoothly.
Of course, those who failed didn't have to repeat the year. They only needed to hand over their mech to the instructors for grading. Those who passed could still graduate.
Upon the announcement of the test, all graduates breathed a sigh of relief. It was undoubtedly the simplest graduation project yet. However, the Fifth Prince was enraged. He immediately called Chancellor Helianâhis uncleâto protest the Yan family's use of authority to interfere with school affairs.
"What exactly do you want? Do you hope that your former close friend, unable to operate a mech, would suffer a brutal defeat at your hands on the battlefield?" Chancellor Helian spoke calmly, "Mu Ran is indeed your biggest trump card, capable of securing your position as crown prince. However, if your affection for him surpasses a certain boundary, this advantage will become your greatest weakness. Your father won't appoint a puppet as crown prince, especially one controlled by a Mu family member."
"Mu Ran isn't a card to me. I simply like him," the Fifth Prince's voice dropped, "Moreover, he doesn't control me. I do everything for him willingly."
"That's precisely the scariest partâbeing controlled without realizing it," Chancellor Helian's tone turned stern, "Helian Yue, you must be rational, or your father will take drastic measures."
"What will he do? Exile me to a remote planet?" the Fifth Prince scoffed.
"Not only that. He'll imprison Mu Ran, extract every last bit of his utility, then send him to hell," Chancellor Helian warned, "Helian Yue, don't squander your father's patience just because you're his favorite. At present, you have no power to oppose him."
The Fifth Prince fell silent for a long time before saying hoarsely, "I understand. Thank you, Uncle, for the reminder." He immediately deleted all his comments defending Mu Ran and flirted publicly with a popular idol online. In the past, hurt by unrequited love, he had indulged in such behavior for a while. Now, returning to his old habits wouldn't arouse suspicion.
What his Majesty the Emperor thought was unknown, but after monitoring this conversation, Mu Ran sneered mockingly.
Meanwhile, Qi Ze had finished the limbs for Young Master Li, leaving the dantian to repairâthe most complicated and critical part. He couldn't afford to be careless, so he poured all his energy into it, not even starting his graduation project draft.
Li Ziqian felt guilty, taking advantage of Qi Ze's water break to say, "Master, you can put my affairs aside for now. Focus on modifying the mech first? The D4 has been here for a long time. I heard Junyu say you haven't even looked at it?"
"When I have time, I'll check it out. It won't go anywhere." Qi Ze's response left Li Ziqian speechless.
"But you only have another half month to submit your design. If you don't start now, will you have enough time?"
"Okay, I'll finish my graduation project first." Not just Li Ziqian, but also Ouyang Ye and Mo Tianlei frequently urged him to quickly modify the mech. Only Yan Junyu, one of the parties involved, had instructed him to draw design drafts at the beginning. Seeing his lack of progress, he didn't push further, unsure if it was a case of giving up or having too much confidence in his partner.
Regardless, his attitude made Qi Ze feel comfortable.
After being cooped up for more than a month, Qi Ze finally arrived at the mech repair bay. It was bustling with activity, with almost all graduates engrossed in their work, and their assigned pilots occasionally stopping by to test the mechs' performance.
Seeing the approaching youth, they first froze, then began to chatter, "Goodness, after over a month, he finally showed up! I thought he'd abandoned his graduation project entirely!"
"I thought the same. After all, his opponent is a genius like Mu Ran. Of course, he's a genius too, but he can't compare to Mu Ran. Mu Ran comes from a long lineage of mech expertise, starting to learn mech construction techniques at three years old. By eighteen, he could independently design a T-type mech. His experience surpasses many professors. Luckily, this year's topic is mech modification. Otherwise, Young Master Yan would have to face the arena completely unprepared."
"Indeed. I heard that the test question was changed to mech modification at Old Marshal Yan's strong suggestion. It was to give Young Master Yan a last shred of dignity. Think about it, even if Qi Ze makes no changes, Young Master Yan still has an original D4 to operate. It won't be too shameful a defeat."
"What's not too shameful? What's truly shameful?" A group of graduates laughed.
Qi Ze walked through their jeers, unhurriedly and unperturbed, seemingly unaffected. Gradually, they lost the joy of mocking, falling back into their work. Yan Junyu had been waiting by the mech station, greeting him, "Need some mechanics to help?"
"No, I can handle it myself," Qi Ze whispered, "Can you help me move the mech to a separate warehouse? I don't want others to see my modifications."
"I'm afraid that won't do," Yan Junyu also lowered his voice, "All modifications must be made in this warehouse to prevent some students from seeking help to cheat. See the scanning device at the entrance? Only graduates, their assigned pilots, and hired mechanics can enter. Everyone else is barred. Also, the mechanics' skills are limited. Only those below level seven are allowed to assist."
"So many rules?" Qi Ze furrowed his brows, pointing at the high crane, "Then, help me set up a curtain around it."
This method was an unprecedented first in the school's history, but Yan Junyu didn't find it a hassle. He immediately had a large white cloth bought and erected, completely enclosing Qi Ze's mech station. This fabric was specifically used to make protective suits, excellent in both thickness and insulation. To increase confidentiality, Yan Junyu also had a zipper door and a protective system installed at the exit, accessible only with a secret key.
This project wasn't complex, but the result was striking. Tall mechs stood within the repair bay, suddenly overshadowed by a massive white tent. It was an odd sight. Graduates flocked to gawk, some smacking their foreheads in realization, others blaming Qi Ze for disrupting order, while some simply smirked.
After setting up the curtain, Yan Junyu asked again, "Do you want me to stay and help?"
"No, I can manage on my own. You should leave," Qi Ze pushed him away, only to be pulled into an embrace, bouncing up to pat Yan Junyu's head. As they intimately played around, Mu Ran and the Fifth Prince approached.
"What's this?" The Fifth Prince pointed at the white tent, his expression indescribable.
"It's to shield his work from view, allowing Qi Ze to focus," Yan Junyu didn't provide further explanation, nodding at them before leaving.
"With only half a month left, even if you build him a high wall, he won't be able to modify anything useful. It'll take seven to eight days just to disassemble and reassemble the mech. I doubt he can even come up with a finished product." The Fifth Prince began.
"Whether he can produce something or not is my concern. You're only responsible for losing." Qi Ze shot him a half-smiling, half-resentful glance before turning back to his tent, locking the zipper door tightly.
The Fifth Prince flushed with anger, his tone icy as he said, "Yan Junyu, see that? This is the exclusive mech designer you chose. He's so arrogant without achieving anything. I initially wanted to spare some of your dignity, now it's unnecessary."
"I really don't need you to spare my dignity. You're only responsible for losing." Yan Junyu not only found nothing wrong with Qi Ze's behavior, but he was in a good mood, laughing. With a slight nod, he strode away, his upright figure soon disappearing at the entrance. Just then, he finally grasped a truth: if you can't wake someone pretending to sleep, then wake them up by force. If once doesn't work, try twice; if twice doesn't work, try thrice. He had plenty of patience.
The Fifth Prince, pushed to the brink, cooled down, wiping his face and sighing, "He's changed, no longer the Yan Junyu I once knew. Look at this tent. Is it not a violation? If it were the old him, he would never do something so out of line! He's completely obedient to that carbon-based individual, like he's bewitched!"
Mu Ran's eyes flickered with a sudden realization. He muttered, "According to school rules, as long as Qi Ze doesn't leave the warehouse or bring in a high-level mechanic, it's not a violation."
"It's still too unconventional, drawing everyone's attention. Yan Junyu would like someone so shallow and arrogant; I doubt his taste," the Fifth Prince sneered as he walked away. Mu Ran was silent, but his mind was mulling over a possibilityâhad Junyu's attitude changed so abruptly because Qi Ze had controlled him with divine consciousness? This was the most plausible explanation, but he hadn't considered it before. When Junyu encountered trouble, his divine consciousness had disconnected for a while. Perhaps that was when the incident occurred.
To end this control, there were two methods: one, shatter that strand of divine consciousness; two, kill its owner. After much contemplation, Mu Ran decided on a permanent solution. Without a doubt, Qi Ze was his biggest threat, both emotionally and professionally.
As Qi Ze installed the already crafted new energy system on the D4, the repair bay was undergoing a transformation. After the first curtain was set up, a second one appeared, followed by a third, fourth, fifth... The feeling of not being observed, probed, questioned, or surveilled was simply fantastic. All graduates hid behind their curtains, relishing their newfound freedom.
The dean and chancellor occasionally came to inspect, nearly dropping their jaws. Instead of the once-visible mechs, they now faced a sea of heavy curtains, revealing nothing. After circling a few times, they had to return empty-handed. However, they respected the students' privacy, not forcing the removal of the curtains.
Although the imperial government advocated sharing technology, it was merely a slogan. Scientists who mastered revolutionary technologies were reluctant to publicize them. Yet, once the technology matured, sharing became feasible. Scientists could release their first-generation tech, which would promote the empire's technological development. In short, the current mech manufacturing industry was much better than during the Mu family's reign. There were still barriers, but there was also cooperation.
The Fifth Prince, influenced by this atmosphere, gradually changed his initial stance, urging Mu Ran to hang up curtains, but Mu Ran repeatedly refused.
"There's nothing wrong with my tech being seen," he spoke indifferently.
"But it would feel much more relaxed with curtains," the Fifth Prince persisted.
"I can work in any environment," Mu Ran was engrossed in welding a component.
This out-of-the-ordinary stance didn't earn the graduates' favor. Instead, it left them somewhat tired. Everyone else had curtains, but he didn't. What was he trying to do? Highlight his selflessness or integrity? If he were truly selfless, why hadn't he done so earlier? Why did he have to wait until Qi Ze revealed the ancient dictionary before he had no choice but to share the Mu family's source code with everyone? Why hadn't he shared the manufacturing techniques for mid-to-high-end mechs earlier, allowing the empire's military to expand?
The Mu family was the epitome of selfishness and tyranny. What pretense was he trying to maintain now?
Mu Ran's willingness to share the manufacturing techniques for hypermechs was a great thing. Students were grateful to him, but that didn't mean they couldn't see through his motives. Hadn't it been out of desperation that he finally relented?
Considering this, many found Mu Ran somewhat hypocritical, unlike Qi Ze, whose malice was straightforward, not hiding his selfish interests. Most people had a similar mindset as Qi Ze, just not bold enough to show it. If not for Qi Ze leading the way, they wouldn't have received such a good deal.
Thus, in just three to four days, Qi Ze's popularity slowly grew. People greeted him on the road, and some playfully asked him what modifications he had made. When he said they were all trump cards that he couldn't reveal, instead of anger, they chuckled and agreed, saying they had hidden trump cards too.
The repair bay's atmosphere was exceptionally lively. The next graduating class, hearing that these curtains would be preserved by the school as a tradition, applauded in celebration. If given the choice, who would willingly expose their graduation project prematurely, risking imitation or countermeasures?
With the curtains, everything was much easier.