The True Purpose

"General, the main control system is back to normal!"

Just as Dr. Chris was preparing to find a way to forcibly awaken Bai Ying, the piercing alarm abruptly stopped.

The dozens of cables connected to Xingtian's torso dimmed again, detaching rapidly from the interfaces like snapped ropes, emitting black smoke.

"The power system is also gradually resuming operation, we succeeded!" The technician looked at the rising power readings on the panel with joy.

"What about Xingtian's status?"

General Chen's words made everyone, who had just relaxed, tense up again—the damaged mecha was still suspended before them.

"The power core's output has returned to normal levels, the auxiliary visual module is active, besides that..." The technician's expression was grim, "We cannot access deep data, including system logs. All documents are encrypted by an unknown algorithm."

"It must be her!" Dr. Chris immediately pointed the finger at Bai Ying. "The problem lies with that exchanger!"

"The problem has been solved!" The technician stepped forward, pushing back Dr. Chris's words. "The main control system is normal, the power is operating normally, that's the most important thing!"

"Can't you understand human language?! Xingtian is still hanging there, and it could have problems again at any moment!" Dr. Chris only cared about this issue.

"No, you're mistaken!" Old Yu also stepped forward. "The problem isn't Xingtian, it's the power core! Didn't you already try to separate the power core from him?"

This statement left Dr. Chris speechless, as if mocking his and his assistant's incompetence.

"I need to understand what that girl went through in neural synchronization, and why Xingtian activated on its own!"

"Because Xingtian might possess self-awareness." This time, it was the Chief Technology Officer of Xuanse Cangqiong who stepped forward. "We've already seen hints of this in the combat simulation records from the past three months."

"General, Nina and I have changed our minds." Dr. Chris clenched his fist. "Please pack up the power core along with Xingtian's torso tonight. We'll take it back to headquarters tomorrow morning for further research!"

"You... cannot... take Xingtian away! He is... our... hero!"

Bai Ying, who had just woken up from unconsciousness, propped herself up with difficulty. The ones supporting her were the two guards who had brought her in!

"According to your claims, a mecha can become sentient like a human. Its research value must be enough to change the entire course of human technological development." Dr. Chris smiled triumphantly. "Let's put an end to today's farce. Miss Bai Ying should also get some rest. As Xingtian's pilot, you will accompany us back to headquarters tomorrow for some routine tests."

"General, everyone, Nina and I will take our leave now."

Dr. Chris put his arm around Nina's shoulder and walked towards the door under everyone's gaze.

But General Chen's next words made the two freeze instantly.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Chris, I cannot let you take Xingtian and Bai Ying away."

"General, do you know what you're saying?" Dr. Chris looked at General Chen in disbelief. "According to the 'Omega Research Complex's Detailed Regulations on Functional Division of the Watcher Alliance,' the Omega Research Complex has primary ownership of any undiscovered objects, technologies, and samples!"

"Before coming to the control room, I just received a distress call from the 'United Front' base." General Chen's expression became very serious. "They are under attack by a monster tide from the Storm Sea. Among them, there are 7 Level 4 monsters and over 16 Level 3 monsters that have been accounted for."

When everyone heard the word "monster tide," a shadow fell over all their faces!

"The bases 'Golden Gate' and 'Red Fortress' were also attacked, but the United Front suffered the largest scale of attack. At 6:49 PM this afternoon, the entire base was declared fallen, the coastal defense line completely collapsed, and everyone began to retreat inland."

At this point, General Chen's aura almost solidified the surrounding air!

This is why I personally came to the control room. The Xiangyun Dragon Boat will arrive at Xuanse Cangqiong in half an hour to deploy Red Hurricane to Kasen City to help them resist the monster tide. However, this will significantly reduce Xuanse Cangqiong's defense level. General Chen slightly raised his chin and continued with a resolute tone, "I will not waste any combat power. If Xingtian's power core is not problematic, then he can continue to fight!"

"Are you crazy!" Dr. Chris said this almost trembling. "You want to let it fight on the battlefield with this alien power core? It could drain the entire base's power in one second, and it could turn its cannons on you the next!"

"I don't know if Xingtian will have problems later, but I believe what Bai Ying said. Since Xingtian is still on our side, then he is still a member of Xuanse Cangqiong, not an 'undiscovered object' as you call him."

"A bunch of lunatics!" Dr. Chris's angry gaze swept over everyone present. "We are returning to headquarters now to report the situation. I hope you don't regret what you said today!"

"Don't bother seeing you out."

Chris and Nina stormed out, and General Chen didn't even turn his head.

"General... are you serious?" After the footsteps in the corridor faded, the adjutant asked hesitantly.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" General Chen stood with his hands behind his back, a mere glance cutting off the adjutant's question. "Notify all mechanical maintenance teams to reassemble Xingtian at maximum speed starting now. Inform me immediately once it's done. Everyone else, return to your posts immediately. The base is entering Level 2 combat readiness. We must guard against any incoming attacks at any time!"

As General Chen gave the order, everyone immediately rushed to work!

"Bai Ying, go rest for a while, then come to my office. I have something to tell you."

Before Bai Ying could react, General Chen quickly left the control room.

Half an hour later, Bai Ying took the elevator to the top floor of Xuanse Cangqiong, one hundred and twenty meters high.

"You still want to continue piloting Xingtian, don't you?"

General Chen did not sit in the chair symbolizing supreme command, but sat on the sofa with Bai Ying.

"Xingtian is alive, it doesn't need a pilot." Bai Ying admitted this fact, even though it meant losing her mecha.

"Then you will continue to be Xingtian's pilot." General Chen gave an unexpected answer instead.

"Why?" Bai Ying couldn't understand at all.

"This is only temporary. Although I believe what you said, since you cannot provide evidence that Xingtian and its power core are not problematic, I must have a backup." General Chen explained patiently. "Only you understand Xingtian's thoughts, so until you provide proof, you are its guarantor."

"...Alright, I agree." Bai Ying hesitated for a moment before giving her answer.

"I knew you would agree. Then prepare yourself now, I have a mission for you."

"What mission?"

"Xuanse Cangqiong doesn't keep useless people. Xingtian, as a first-generation mecha, can no longer fight the current monsters, so I want you to take him for an upgrade."

"War Factory?" Bai Ying could only think of this place for mecha upgrades. "But they are in league with Omega. We just offended Chris, how could we go there for an upgrade?"

"No, we're going to the Silent Graveyard."