Shen Yi did not beat around the bush and asked directly.
"Alvin, I need to know the general layout of Beyond the World, what forces need attention, or rather... potential enemies."
His tone was calm, but it carried an unquestionable weight.
Newly arrived and facing this chaotic region known as the Graveyard of Worlds, intelligence was the foundation of survival and action.
When Alvin heard this, a knowing smile appeared on his face. There were traces of vicissitudes in that smile, along with a hint of just as expected understanding.
The mottled mechanical arms around him moved slightly, and then he said, "Layout?"
"Forces?"
"Enemies?"
Alvin repeated those words, a touch of amusement entering his smile.
"Those things really aren't any kind of absolute secret in Beyond the World. At least to old things like us, struggling to survive in the Boundary Zone, they count as common knowledge."
"But..."
His tone changed, and his gaze fixed straight on Shen Yi.
"What you're saying is indeed reasonable."
"For a newcomer like you, especially one who seems... very unusual."
"The value of this intelligence may be heavier than you imagine. It may determine where you go next, how long you can live, and even how much you can obtain."
He paused, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, carrying a hint of probing.
"Then, Mr. Shen Yi."
"Before sharing this intelligence, according to the unwritten rules of Beyond the World, or perhaps to show sincerity and fairness, can you also provide some intelligence that you consider weighty enough in exchange?"
"After all, pure gifts aren't often seen here."
Alvin's meaning was very clear.
Information could have value. If you wanted to know his, then you had to bring out some of yours as well.
Shen Yi's expression did not change.
He understood