Gate of Opening, Outrageous to the Extreme, Outrageous to the Core

"That's... that's amazing?"

Staring at the "luxurious" equipment on the table, Alvin suddenly had the urge to stick with Tark.

What was this guy's background?

Never mind the frag grenades, energy batteries, nutrient solutions, and energy bars.

Even in the Astra Militarum, bolters and carapace armor were only issued to a select few!

Especially the carapace armor, a standard heavy flak vest that even laser guns couldn't penetrate, it was an absolute lifesaver.

At least in the Underhive, with the weapons those scumbag gangsters had, he wouldn't be penetrated even if he stood still!

The bolter was even more so. Although the Astra Militarum version was a degraded product based on Astartes designs, the bullets it fired were definitely not something ordinary defenses could block.

"How is it? I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Tark grinned smugly, took a deep drag from his cigarette, and exhaled a plume of smoke. "It took me a lot of effort to get these things. They're definitely worth every penny."

"Can I inspect them?"

Alvin suppressed his excitement and asked.

"Inspect them all you want." Tark said nonchalantly, plopping back into his chair and crossing his legs.

[Item Detected: Bolter (Astra Militarum Pattern - Old)]
[Tested through numerous battlefield trials, though very old, the sights and firing pins are still intact]
[Energy Provided: 0 Units]

[Item Detected: Frag Grenade (Inferior)]
[The only drawback is some accidents during production; detonation time varies from 1s to 3s. Perhaps it can be used for suicide.]
[Energy Provided: 0 Units]

[Item Detected: Carapace Armor - Heavy Flak Vest (Old - Worn)]
[Paint is completely scuffed, original unit unknown. Lacks alloy plates, helmet, rebreather, auspex, wrist-mounted display, and small power pack. However, it's still very suitable as a "turtle shell".]
[Energy Provided: 0 Units]

[Item Detected: High-concentration Energy Compression Battery (Quality)]
[Commonly used for factory machinery operation, exclusively supplied within the Adeptus Mechanicus. Handcrafted by a certain oil-stained mechanic, trustworthy.]
[Energy Provided: 1000 Units * 3]

After quickly examining everything, Alvin swallowed hard, a thought flashing through his mind.

This time, he was truly set for life!

A full three thousand units of energy would be enough to sustain him for thirty days!

Most importantly, Tark had managed to get his hands on a bolter and carapace armor, equipment only issued to the Astra Militarum. These two items completely filled the gaps in his current capabilities.

"Finished inspecting?" Tark glanced at him, crushed his cigarette butt, and stood up from his seat. "If you think the gear is fine, I'll take you to the Mid-hive."

"The items are excellent, Mr. Tark."

Alvin efficiently packed everything away, then nodded to Tark. "I have no issues. Let's go."

In his imagination, sneaking from the Underhive to the Mid-hive should have been a difficult task.

At the very least, it should have involved extreme caution, avoiding Enforcer patrols and surveillance equipment at the Mid-hive entrance, then crawling through muddy pipes, enduring hardship to finally arrive.

But... the reality was that Tark simply led him, swaggering, right up to the Mid-hive entrance.

"Mr. Tark, I need to confirm with you again." Alvin's eye twitched. Staring at the Enforcers guarding the Mid-hive entrance and two automatic laser guns, he swallowed nervously. "We're smuggling, perhaps we should take a different route, one that actually fits the concept of 'smuggling'."

"What nonsense are you spouting? Follow me."

Tark, with his cheap cigarette dangling from his lips, completely ignored the Enforcers and surveillance and walked straight past.

Was he that bold?!

Alvin watched from behind, heart pounding, terrified they would be shot by the Enforcers.

However, the situation seemed different from what he had imagined.

The Enforcers at the gate saw Tark from a distance and their faces lit up with enthusiastic smiles. They opened their arms and gave him a hug.

Honestly, in Alvin's past experience, Enforcers generally had looks of disdain and disgust, completely looking down on Underhive dwellers. Yet, this one was smiling so brightly.

Tark, with a look of disgust on his face, pushed the Enforcer away and grumbled as he handed over a few cheap cigarettes.

What exactly was this guy's identity?!

Alvin was now 100% certain that Tark was definitely not an ordinary Underhive dweller.

What Underhive dweller could make the usually cold Enforcers smile as brightly as a freshly violated anus?

They chatted for a few moments, but Tark noticed Alvin hadn't followed and impatiently waved him over. "Hurry up, don't waste time!"

It was too embarrassing. Alvin obediently walked over.

"Alright, we'll talk next time."

Tark, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, waved at the Enforcer and said lazily, "I'll take this kid in first."

"Goodbye, Mr. Tark!"

"See you, Mr. Tark!"

The two Enforcers waved enthusiastically, bidding farewell to the stowaway duo.

This is outrageous!

It's like the Gate of Opening opened by the offspring of outrageousness, taking outrageousness to the extreme!

Even after stepping through the main gate of the Mid-hive, Alvin still felt like he was dreaming. The "stowaway" process had been too surreal.

To brazenly "stow away" right in front of the Enforcers, was there any justice in the world?

Alvin quietly turned his head, observing Tark closely again.

He was nearly 1.9 meters tall, with a well-proportioned and strong build. His shoulders were broad, his back thick, and his hair hung down like instant noodles, covering half his face.

His features were stern, his eyes sharp and bright. The only thing that marred his appearance and demeanor was the scar that stretched across his entire face from his nose bridge, making him look like a weathered old uncle.

The two Enforcers just now had clearly looked at "Tark" with a hint of respect in their eyes.

This guy... could he be a retired veteran?

Alvin speculated in his heart about Tark's suspicious background and identity.

"Don't overthink it. This isn't the normal procedure."

Tark's senses were incredibly sharp. He turned his head to meet Alvin's doubtful gaze, the cigarette still in his mouth, and said, "First, you paid a hefty price. Second, time is tight. Otherwise, I definitely wouldn't have brought you in like this. As for those two, they just have a long-term working relationship with me."

The explanation only made Alvin feel more suspicious.

Even with a long-term working relationship, the Enforcers would never show respect to someone from the Underhive.

Alvin remained silent, not bothering to expose Tark's lie.

"Kid, I know you have secrets, but I won't ask."

Tark, with the cigarette in his mouth, exhaled wisps of smoke and gave Alvin a meaningful look. "The reason you left the Underhive isn't as simple as being chased, is it?"

Alvin's movements stiffened slightly but quickly returned to normal. "Mr. Tark, I don't understand what you mean."

"Do you know? When people lie, there are many subtle reactions."

Tark stopped walking, turned around, and looked at him with a half-smile. "Your eyes, your breathing, your movements, every muscle in your face – I'm very good at discerning these."

"Mr. Tark, I really don't know what you're talking about."

Alvin continued to play dumb, returning a smile and feigning a look of innocent confusion.

"Kid, it's not that simple to stay in the Mid-hive."

Tark grinned, as if Alvin's reaction was exactly as he expected, revealing a sly expression. "For stowaways, once discovered by Enforcers, the outcome is always immediate execution. You wouldn't want to end up like that, would you?"

Suddenly, Alvin understood why Tark had brought him through the main gate.

It was because the Enforcers had already seen his face. At Tark's word, those Enforcers would hunt him down in the Mid-hive like rabid dogs!

"Mr. Tark, is this how you do business?"

Alvin shed his pretense of confusion and innocence, his voice suddenly turning cold. "Threatening me with the Enforcers?"

"No, it's not a threat, it's a transaction."

Tark flicked his finger, sending the cigarette butt flying. He turned his head and said calmly, "Tell me the real reason you came to the Mid-hive. In return, I can introduce you to a job that will allow you to settle down in the Mid-hive and not have to worry about the Enforcers. A legitimate job, how about it?"