C12 I Don't like to Kill People(2)

"So, you see, it was all just a misunderstanding," George said earnestly. "You're aware that it's standard procedure for the Federation's most wanted to bribe hackers to alter warrants and temporarily wipe their information from a planet's records. That way, they can slip past electronic systems and onto the planet undetected. My lack of awareness led to this mix-up. I hope I haven't intruded on your pleasant stay on Planet B-183."

"No problem." Gu Xian was quite reasonable, as long as the situation didn't involve death.

Relieved, George's spirits lifted when he considered Gu Xian's formidable skills. A talent like him, who could handle an engineering mecha with such prowess, would be an asset to the Security Department. Surely, recognizing such talent and bringing him on board would reflect well on George himself.

"What brings Mr. Gu to this place?"

"I'm here to make money," Gu Xian replied candidly.

George was taken aback by the response, but he quickly recovered, offering an enthusiastic proposition. "For someone of your caliber, Mr. Gu, working here must feel like an underutilization of your abilities, doesn't it?"

"There's nowhere else that will have me."

Stumped again, George thought, Are all the recruiters blind? How can they overlook a genius like him?

But at least he was here to earn money, not to cause trouble. That was a relief. George reassured himself, feeling much better about the situation. "Mr. Gu, have you considered the Security Department? We offer a very competitive salary. Would you be interested in joining us?"

Gu Xian regarded him seriously, then shook his head. "I'm not interested."

"Why not?" George was puzzled. The thrill of combat was the essence of man's romance. Surely piloting a combat mecha was more exhilarating than an engineering mecha? Didn't the seasoned veterans at 33 Bay Road constantly long for their days driving combat mechas in the military? Academics who hadn't experienced that were often scorned.

"I don't like to kill," Gu Xian stated plainly.

Once again, George was at a loss for words, his heart heavy and his head spinning.

Mr. Gu, are you under some kind of misapprehension about yourself? Eight hundred seventy-five in a single year, not counting travel time – you must start killing the moment you touch down, right? If that's your idea of not liking to kill, then what does it mean to actually enjoy it?

He had a bellyful of gripes but didn't dare voice them. By the time he'd concocted another excuse, Gu Xian had already turned to engage Chen Zhuya in conversation.

Chen Zhuya had approached Gu Xian to get his take on the Aegis.

Feeling as though she was in a dream, Chen Zhuya recalled her words from the day before about having Gu Xian's legs broken. A shiver ran through her, and she quickly patted her thigh in relief.

Thankfully, her legs were intact.

She hadn't anticipated George's target to be Gu Xian, nor did she expect him to be so formidable.

After all, that was six units of the Aegis!

She could never have imagined that a sextet of Aegis mechas could be decimated like that, especially by a Blade-12.

The Aegis was designed by Ning Xian, Deep Blue Corporation's archrival, and produced by Star Sky International, a subsidiary of Deep Blue on Planet B-183.

Despite her disdain for Ning Xian, Chen Zhuya couldn't deny his design prowess.

Ning Xian himself had insisted on the performance evaluation of the Aegis, and Chen Zhuya was specifically chosen to conduct it.

The evaluation was critical not only for the Aegis's production but also for the potential partnership with the Security Department of Planet B-183.

Securing the deal with the Aegis would mean a windfall for Star Sky International. Even within Deep Blue, a project involving cooperation with a planetary government was significant and merited close attention.

Ning Xian's willingness to have his nemesis assess the new product spoke volumes about his confidence in the Aegis.

He had assured Chen Zhuya that the Aegis was the finest mecha he had ever designed.

Chen Zhuya had to concede he was correct.

If there was even a sliver of a chance, she would have liked to mark the Aegis as failing the performance evaluation, but she knew that was out of the question.

She was familiar with the Aegis's specs.

Weighing in at 150 tons, its outer armor was composed of 50-centimeter-thick C-type superlight alloy, providing formidable resistance in head-on combat.

The internal system's transmission structure utilized the more wear-resistant C2 alloy. It boasted one main engine and four auxiliary engines, capable of reaching top speeds of 500 km/h.

The Aegis came standard with an arsenal: three "Avenger" High Explosive Mines, an Alfa alloy sword, the "Immortal Binding Net" alloy fishing net, the "Fortress-3" energy barrier, and the "Primordial" mid-range laser rifle.

The cost of the equipment was quite reasonable, with C-type alloy being extensively utilized in mechas, ensuring affordability.

Typically, a standard Bronze Level mecha weighing 150 tons struggles to exceed speeds of 500 kilometers per hour due to material constraints.

Ning Xian's mecha design ingeniously overcame this hurdle, pushing the limits of performance while staying within a reasonable cost.

Chen Zhuya conceded that she couldn't match this level of design prowess.

Yet, to her astonishment, twelve units of the Aegis were defeated by a single Pioneer? It was akin to a dozen robust young men failing to overpower an old man who had never thrown a punch.

Her mind was in turmoil, the shock so profound that it left her speechless. Once she regained her composure, she was eager to hear Gu Xian's take on the Aegis.

Sensing an opportunity to see Ning Xian at a disadvantage, she activated her recorder and announced, "In the spirit of transparency, I must inform you that our conversation will be recorded. Please answer honestly and choose your words carefully."

Gu Xian, however, walked away.

"Hey, can't take a little challenge? Didn't we agree you'd answer one question for me?"

He paused, reflecting on the battle. It dawned on him that his survival hinged on the improved sync rate with the Pioneer. Without a 100% sync rate, victory would have been impossible. This improvement was thanks to the training camp, and indirectly, to Chen's orange cat clay sculpture.

Though Chen might be unaware, Gu Xian felt indebted for the favor, which partly explained his willingness to engage with Chen Zhuya.

"No recording, then ask your question," he said.

"Fine." Chen Zhuya switched off the recorder. "What's your opinion on the Aegis?"

"The Aegis?"

"Yes, the new police mecha you just battled."

"It's mediocre," Gu Xian replied nonchalantly.

Having once piloted a diamond-level mecha, Gu Xian's standards were high, and he genuinely found the Aegis unremarkable.

Chen Zhuya's lips twisted into a sly grin as she promptly documented his assessment: "Per the opponent, the Aegis's performance was lackluster, merely average, and fell short of expectations."

"This individual isn't a military pilot; he's simply an operator of an engineering mecha, having piloted the Pioneer-12 without any external weapons systems. Remarkably, he single-handedly defeated twelve units of Aegis.

"Presented here is a combat recording, designed to simulate actual combat conditions. For this assessment, the Aegis units employed live ammunition. My evaluation rates the Aegis design at a C level.

"Evaluator: Chen Zhuya."

She couldn't help but feel a surge of glee when she imagined Deep Blue Corporation's reaction to this report, and the clever ruse she had played on Ning Xian.

I really am a wicked woman!

She silently whistled a jaunty tune to herself and said to Gu Xian, "Thank you. I owe you a meal."

Gu Xian turned away, his face a mask of indifference.

A meal? What's the point? Would it boost his productivity or help him earn his engineering paycheck any quicker?

No, dining out would only slow down his progress in fulfilling Old Charlie's wish.

Malicious intentions indeed. She truly was a bad woman!