Apocalyptic Mechanist Section 34

Sin City's resources are truly abundant, with even fresh meat and vegetables circulating. Unfortunately, production is confined to the exclusive cultivation zones of the major gangs, making them extremely expensive.

'These resources are too wasteful for the Aliens, and besides, how can children always eat canned food and cheap nutrient solutions.'

Jiang Xiao thought, stepping forward to inspect the parts and metal, saying with satisfaction, "Not bad, thank you. Also, over there are two X-21s I've modified; they'll have no problem sniping Tier 1 Peaks.

With damaged overload batteries and electromagnetic rails, they'll be capable of damaging ordinary Tier 2 martial artists within four hundred meters. Hmm... the Viper Race, known for their defense and strength, might not be as affected. Also, three hundred exclusive bullets."

Jiang Xiao didn't accept payment. Under various coincidences, he had long since changed his plans.

Earning Sin Coins was no longer important. He felt uncomfortable and guilty if he didn't steal something from the Viper Gang every week.

"As for compensation, if it's possible, please keep an eye out for Rampaging Mech Soldiers in the wilderness. You don't need to destroy them, just record their locations."

Jiang Xiao said calmly, then picked up three modified small terminals.

"I've tweaked them a bit; they can now perform map drawing."

It had to be said, the technology brought by the X-21 was extensive, with the sniper scope even involving intelligent mapping technology.

Xi Ling took over the terminals, "Understood."

Chapter 38: Power Suit, Infiltrating a Viper Gang Branch

Xi Ling and the others came and went quickly. The former took the terminals and left promptly.

Jiang Xiao looked at the pile of parts and materials, preparing to get to work.

However, before crafting equipment, Jiang Xiao first placed the miniature laser module he'd acquired into the research slot, glancing at the required time.

[...Estimated to take forty-one days]

Normally, he should be researching Source Energy equipment. He didn't expect the research data for Source Energy amplification circuit technology to be so vast, and Tier 1 Source Energy weapons would also require over thirty years of research!

Regarding this, Jiang Xiao's guess was that the entry level was difficult, and the subsequent stages would likely be much shorter, as there must be a lot of commonality between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Source Energy equipment technology.

Seeing that the estimated time was within an acceptable range, Jiang Xiao immediately headed to the work area.

The core components of the power suit didn't require precision machining, and many parts were readily available – the drive and bearings of the mechanical soldiers were of very high quality, and many were similar in size to humans, usable after disassembly.

This power suit only required powerful jumping and grappling capabilities; there was no need to pursue agility or prolonged use.

A moment later, the sound of machinery operating echoed from the workshop.

The next day.

Jiang Xiao looked at the exoskeleton-like device before him, activated the Origin Data to scan it, and confirmed there were no structural abnormalities before removing his gloves.

He looked pleased.

"Excellent!"

[Power Suit: A mobile device with magnetic energy as its core, possessing extremely strong jumping capabilities and magnetic grappling functions]

"Equipment complete. It's time to take action. I'll go check out the situation at a nearby Viper Gang branch tonight," Jiang Xiao said to himself, storing the device in his item inventory.

Jiang Xiao had many ideas on how to make the situation in Sin City more chaotic. The simplest way, without a doubt, was to eliminate a key ally of the Sin City Council faction!

The higher-ups of the Viper Gang were one of the primary targets.

"Speaking of which, has the Wicked Soul Market upstairs been shut down recently?" Jiang Xiao remembered something and looked at Xi Guang, who was meditating on a chair.

His gaze drifted, and Jiang Xiao couldn't help but admire inwardly. As expected of a high-level race, their temperament and appearance were like exquisite works of art, showing no flaws no matter how one looked. Then, his attention was involuntarily drawn to Xi Guang's delicate, exquisite, and jade-like bare feet.

Not a metaphor, they were truly like fine jade.

Jiang Xiao knew that higher-level races had a kinship bonus towards lower-level races. Most of the time, he could ignore the negative effects of this bonus.

However, at this moment, the effect seemed a bit strong.

"Yes, the Mech Martial Gang is going to resell the Wicked Soul Market. I don't know who the buyer is," Xi Guang noticed Jiang Xiao's gaze and looked slightly confused.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, cough cough." Jiang Xiao immediately shifted his gaze, his Spirit Energy surging, directly suppressing the distracting thoughts.

The kinship of higher-level genes within the same race was terrifying. It had almost turned him, a gentleman and a good youth, into a foot fetishist. Fortunately, his willpower was firm.

After calming down, Jiang Xiao began to ponder the information Xi Guang provided.

"Directly reselling the market... The Wicked Soul Market is a large market in Sin City, and it will definitely attract many major gangs. It seems like a good opportunity."

He decided to visit the Viper Gang branch first. If possible, he would slaughter them all and frame the Black Mech Gang.

Jiang Xiao told Xi Guang, "I might be back quite late tonight."

"Mm, do you need help?"

"No, let's wait until Little Guang recovers to peak condition."

"Okay."

Jiang Xiao quickly made his preparations. First, he modified the terminal goggles again, removing the signal recording module and increasing the detection range. He then crafted several battery bombs and put them in his backpack.

As time passed, night fell.

Jiang Xiao put on his goggles. He tossed the Black Dragon into the second item slot and, carrying his new melee weapon, quietly left through an underground passage.

This melee weapon, obtained from the Spark Gang, was not a traditional sharp weapon but rather a piece of equipment with special destructive capabilities.

[Qi-Breaking Chainsword: Tier 2 Source Energy equipment. When infused with Source Energy, it can disrupt an enemy's Source Energy Aura. It can disrupt Auras up to 10 points stronger than the user's Source Energy Intensity, with a maximum disruption of 95 points.]

It's ineffective against Tier 2 Peak opponents, but it's more than enough for Jiang Xiao at the moment.

A 10-point intensity difference, that's at least a twofold difference in quality!

Of course, this doesn't apply to the difference between a regular Tier 2 and an elite Tier 2. Despite being only a single point difference, the actual gap in power is far more than twofold.

The Viper Gang's latest branch is located just outside the Wicked Soul Market, less than five kilometers away in a straight line. Jiang Xiao quickly reached the outskirts of the district.

Unlike the Kasar Street Block, which is filled with low-rise buildings, this district is incredibly prosperous, with hundreds of skyscrapers. Several of the buildings even exceed three hundred meters in height!

Dense, chaotic skywalks and maglev train tracks weave around the buildings, leading directly into the heart of Sin City.

Yet, beneath this prosperity lies decay. The ground is littered with trash and debris, and crooked, dilapidated small buildings sprout up like weeds.

Jiang Xiao crept to the base of one of the three-hundred-meter-tall buildings. He took out his Power Suit from his inventory and quickly put it on.

Then, a humming sound emanated from his palms and the soles of his feet.

Pressing himself against the wall, Jiang Xiao began to climb slowly upwards.

The dim night sky and the glow of dozens of holographic projections intertwined, making Jiang Xiao's figure difficult to spot. Simultaneously, he activated his Origin Data overlay to prevent detection by security devices.

He had gathered information about this Viper Gang branch the day before.

It belonged to the Seventh Hall Master, who had only been an elite Tier 2 for less than two years. He oversaw a large market and three medium-sized markets, making him the least experienced.

He had only one regular Tier 2 martial artist under his command.

The office was undoubtedly located on the top floor.

More than ten minutes passed before Jiang Xiao finally reached the top floor of the skyscraper. Instead of climbing onto the roof, he clung to the wall and infiltrated the wall with his Origin Data.

A guard squad was stationed on the rooftop; he didn't want to introduce any unnecessary variables.

His Origin Data penetrated several meters into the wall, and then he sensed several streams of data that should have been invisible. Their essence was countless 01 signals, which, under the coverage of his Origin Data, transformed into conspicuous information flows.

An alarm, monitors, and... communications?

The communication line to the Hall Master's office must be important!

Jiang Xiao immediately used his Origin Data to connect this data stream to his terminal goggles. The next moment, a voice came through the headset.

"Second Master, rest assured, I will definitely secure the Wicked Soul Market for you."

"—Hmm, the Wicked Soul Market is crucial for the gang. It's the best springboard for us to establish our influence in Sin City's outer ring. Previously, the areas between the outer and middle rings were under the Black Mech Gang's control. I didn't expect them to cede a zone this time."

"I understand. The Wicked Soul Market will be reopened at the latest in three days. Will you be coming to preside over the ceremony? Most of the medium and large gangs in the middle ring will send representatives to celebrate."

"—I will come personally then, to prevent any sabotage by the Black Mech Gang."

"Alright, Second Master. With you personally presiding, I believe the Wicked Soul Market's popularity will far exceed its past. Also, there's one more thing: how should we handle the black market beneath the Wicked Soul Market?"

"—Hmph, a gathering place for a bunch of trash huddling together for warmth. However, I can't rule out a connection with the Black Mech Gang. I'll deal with it personally once I arrive."

"Understood. I will await your arrival here."

"..."

The communication ended, and Jiang Xiao fell into thought.

If he wasn't mistaken, this sycophantic fellow was the Seventh Hall Master. The "Second Master" he mentioned must be the Viper Gang's second-in-command!

A top figure in Sin City, a true member of its core power structure!

This was far more valuable than just a Hall Master.

Jiang Xiao's expression shifted. He ultimately decided to return the way he came. To catch a bigger fish, he couldn't alert them.

Jiang Xiao returned to the Mechanical Workshop.

"Mr. Jiang," Xi Guang's eyes lit up when she saw him return.

"Mm, I need to go out again."

Jiang Xiao casually patted Xi Guang's head, then changed into a black robe and left once more.

The strength of a Tier 2 Peak was formidable. Even the Black Dragon Sniper Rifle might not be enough to inflict fatal damage. With only three days to prepare, he had to quickly acquire the power to kill his target.

Among the powers he knew of, which one could reliably kill a Tier 2 Peak opponent and was relatively easy to obtain?

Jiang Xiao had an answer in mind and headed straight for the Kasar Street Block.

Chapter 39: This is Mine

Viper Gang Headquarters Building.

Gulab slid slowly, his imposing three-meter-plus physique exuding an aura of pressure. Gang elites passing by showed looks of reverence and fanaticism.

"Second Master!"

"Second Master!"