Intrusion

Chapter 25: Intrusion

David's Shadow Servant appeared in front of the Security Optical Computer. It tapped the screen, and the permissions page appeared.

The Shadow Servant ignored the permissions page and quickly began typing on the Security Optical Computer. Three incorrect entries would lock the page and trigger an alarm.

This was the Security Optical Computer's final line of defense. If an Electronic Warfare Specialist with 98% mastery couldn't crack it while standing right next to the machine, then that mastery-level ability would be worthless.

It took only twenty seconds for the permissions page to disappear automatically, revealing the main control interface on the Security Optical Computer.

As David sipped his juice in the banquet hall, a satisfied smile crept onto his face.

Even without considering anything else, his Electronic Warfare skills alone would let him get by very well in this world. The Shadow Servant had greatly enhanced his ability in electronic warfare.

Although the Shadow Servant had only a hundred grams of strength—practically useless for attacking—that was more than enough to operate a Light Brain.

The Shadow Servant opened the list of all high-clearance administrators at the Steer Hotel and found an account that hadn't been used in a long time. It enabled remote login permissions, then left a hidden program inside the Security Optical Computer.

The hidden program's job was to automatically erase traces of any account he controlled, turning it into a ghost account.

Just as he finished that last step, a burst of applause rang out beside him. Mayor Bernard's speech had ended.

With Mayor Bernard's speech over, the banquet officially began. Many guests of high standing gathered around him, while the rest sought out guests of comparable status.

Everyone wore their warmest smiles. Every person here seemed like a well-mannered gentleman or lady.

David saw Bertha chatting with several elegant ladies. His father, Hans, was talking to a young man who looked to be in his twenties. The two seemed to be getting along very well.

Hans spotted David and waved him over.

David knew Hans wanted to introduce him to some useful connections. He wasn't interested in making them, but he didn't want to disrupt the relationship he had just rebuilt with Hans, so he walked over with his juice.

"So this is your son, Hans? Not bad!" The young man was quite handsome, but he spoke with an air of authority, as if he were an elder.

"David, this is your Uncle Gallen. We fought side by side on War Star back in the day!" Hans said with a smile as he introduced them.

David stared at the young man called Gallen in surprise. According to Hans, Gallen had to be over fifty. People in the Interstellar Federation did have an average life expectancy of two hundred, but a fifty-year-old shouldn't look this young.

"Uncle Gallen!" Though surprised, David greeted him politely.

"Since you've called me Uncle, I can't let you leave empty-handed. Here's the deal: if you can meet Na'an University's minimum strength and speed requirements before the college entrance exams, I'll get you into its Armored Warrior program!" Gallen said with a smile.

David was astonished by Gallen's confidence. Na'an University was the best university on Panshi Planet and had been his predecessor's goal, but it was no easy school to get into.

The requirements just to take the entrance exam were a strength of 800 kilograms and a hundred-meter sprint in 8.5 seconds. After meeting those standards, applicants still had to undergo a combat assessment, and Na'an University selected the best performers.

"David, aren't you going to thank your Uncle Gallen?" Hans gently nudged him.

"Thank you, Uncle Gallen!" David hurriedly said.

"David, your father's never asked anyone for help in his life. After you were attacked, he came to me. I'll be staying here for a while to deal with the Sirius Mercenary Group," Gallen said, glancing at Hans before turning to David.

"Gallen, why bring that up?" Hans said, giving him a light pat.

"Hans, there's nothing wrong with caring about your son. He was lucky to survive an attack by a group of Armored Warrior mercenaries. The Sirius Mercenary Group won't get away with it. When the Fifth Fleet heard your son had been attacked by Interstellar Mercenaries, they locked down the entire Panshi Planet!" Gallen said with a smile.

"I've caused our old friends a lot of trouble over this," Hans said with a shake of his head.

"A National Scholar cannot be insulted. That's an ironclad rule. You may not want any real power, but you still have your honor and influence," Gallen said solemnly. Then he looked at David and continued, "The Sirius Mercenary Group is finished. I'm staying here in case they're driven to desperation and come after David. I'll also use this opportunity to train him. In his current physical condition, he wouldn't be able to keep up even if we threw him into Na'an University."

"Mr. Gallen, would you be willing to train my son along with David?" Mayor Bernard had come up beside them and asked with a smile.

David saw the boy standing beside Mayor Bernard. It was Myron, the same person he'd just been talking with. Myron waved at him.

"David, if he's your friend, he can join in," Gallen said. Seeing the two boys interact, he didn't refuse. Training one was no different from training two.

David was about to say something when Hans gave him a slight nudge. He understood. There seemed to be some deal here that he knew nothing about.

Now that he thought about it, Myron hadn't struck up a conversation with him by chance. He must have had a reason.

But seeing Myron's slightly ingratiating smile, David couldn't bring himself to say anything. Even a mayor's son was being this deferential.

He also remembered Myron mentioning an important person. It seemed he meant Gallen, who looked remarkably young.

"David, what weapon do you use?" Myron and David stepped aside so they wouldn't interrupt Hans, Gallen, and Mayor Bernard's conversation. Neither boy wanted to join in anyway.

"I used to study Longsword, but I want to try War Hammer in the future. I also want to see if I have any Sniping Talent." David thought of the Knowledge Light Orb for War Hammer Mastery, which was at 82% proficiency, and the one for Sniping, at 20%. He didn't commit to one choice, leaving himself room to decide.

"Why not keep studying Longsword? It looks so cool. War Hammer is just for muscleheads!" Myron seemed to be studying Long Sword Mastery himself, so he objected.

Before he could finish, Mayor Bernard gave him a casual smack on the head.

The three adults standing nearby had heard every word, even though the boys hadn't spoken loudly.

"Mr. Gallen, I'm sorry. Myron doesn't know any better," Mayor Bernard said apologetically.

"It's all right. I'll change his mind in the days ahead," said Gallen, who had always used a War Hammer. He looked at Myron with a smile.

Myron regretted it so much he nearly banged his head against the wall. Even he could tell he'd said the wrong thing.

Fortunately, the three adults didn't dwell on the boys. After a few more words, they resumed their conversation.

"Looks like the days ahead won't be easy," Myron said quietly.

"It's fine. Having someone train you is a rare opportunity." David was actually looking forward to Gallen's instruction.

He had recently hit a wall at 99% in beginner Body Technique, and his physical attributes couldn't improve. He'd been training hard, but the closer he got to the next level, the harder it became.

He knew his foundation was weak. Body Technique was the basis of everything, and his grasp of it had been poor. After such a drastic jump in skill, his body needed time to adapt.

In the ten days since arriving in this world, no one had guided his training. He needed someone to point out where he was falling short.

"By the way, you mentioned Sniping Talent. How about I take you to a Shooting Range to test it sometime?" Myron offered enthusiastically.

"Sure, but let's wait a bit. I'm busy lately." David didn't turn down the offer. In fact, he wanted to wait until he'd absorbed the Sniping Knowledge Light Orb before testing his ability.

"Of course you're busy lately!" Myron glanced at Gallen again and said helplessly.

Mayor Bernard couldn't stay long. He had to speak with many people at this year-end banquet. Though reluctant to miss the chance to talk with Gallen, he stayed only a little while before leaving.

Thanks to "Yangwang Jia Tiankong" for tipping 10,000 Qidian Coins! Melon Seeds has written it down in the little notebook. I'll add extra chapters later; for now, during the new-book period, I'll owe them! Thanks to "Yuchen Xiaoke'ai" for tipping 100 Qidian Coins! Thanks to "New World Dakami SAMA" for tipping 100 Qidian Coins! Thanks to "Wuye Gufeng" for tipping 1,000 Qidian Coins! Thanks to "Stone Er Ye" for tipping 100 Qidian Coins! Thanks to "Sunset Half Mountain Moon Half Sky" for tipping 500 Qidian Coins!