Who left their last words here?

Chapter 14 Mechanical Spear
"Thump, thump..."

Upon understanding the content, Bai Zhou's heart suddenly began to pound violently, causing his body to tremble slightly.

The Age of Gods Shattered?

Bloody and crowned?

Who is the King of Gold?

I don't know how serious it is.

He tried hard not to behave abnormally, but his thoughts were in complete disarray.

These contents inexplicably reminded him of the legend of the "miller who drew the holy sword and the Knights of the Millstone" in the city of Wancheng.

The one who pulls the holy sword from the mill is the miller destined by fate, and is recruited by the former miller as his son-in-law.

Will wearing the crown make me... the Golden King?

Bai Zhou felt a sense of unease.

However, I heard that the miller's son-in-law who drew his sword went through many trials afterward.

It seems the trial of donning the crown will not be as simple as it appears.

—Although these ideas sound like the wild ramblings of a madman.

If Section Chief Liu finds out, he should loudly tell him that there are no kings or generals nowadays, only the two great federations of the Blue Star where everyone is equal.

But Bai Zhou still felt... it was worth a try.

However, how can one avoid Section Chief Liu's gaze, enter the tightly sealed dark room, open the black box made of special materials, and touch this mysterious item?

—It sounds less real than a dream.

Bai Zhou withdrew his gaze, remaining outwardly calm, but inwardly he sighed softly.

Let's ask Crow about the crown first.

For some reason, she seemed to know more about the crown than Division 36 of the Special Administrative Region…

At this moment, Section Chief Liu called out to Bai Zhou from the front:

"Let's go, Bai Zhou, it's time to go to the next Dark Chamber sector."

"Coming!" Bai Zhou responded and followed, temporarily suppressing his thoughts.

Section Chief Liu walked ahead, his silver-white metal briefcase occasionally brushing against his knee.

"Our Black Box Maintenance Department divides the black room into three sectors."

"We were checking the third sector just now, now we're checking the second sector."

"Sector?" Bai Zhou asked, puzzled.

"Yes." Section Chief Liu nodded.

“Each sector is managed by a P3 level specialist, and each supervisor has the highest level of authority over the sector, with several P2 level specialists as subordinates.”

“In special and necessary periods, such as during black box riots, supervisors are even allowed to use F-level black boxes within their jurisdiction without restriction.”

Bai Zhou asked curiously, "Which sector is the section chief in charge of?"

"I'm neither of those," Section Chief Liu shook his head.

"I am a P4 level specialist and the head of the inspection section of the maintenance department. I am directly responsible to the head of the maintenance department and am specifically responsible for supervising whether these supervisors have neglected their duties or committed embezzlement."

"—That's why I can take you with me and move freely around the different sectors."

Inspection Department!
No wonder he can patrol the Black Room with a stainless steel thermos and a steady, crab-like gait, completely unconcerned about the division of sectors.

"...However, we need to come back to the third sector we just inspected more often in the near future."

"Because the head of the Third Sector was unfortunately killed while dealing with the riot of 'Black Box F-2334' a while ago."

Section Chief Liu added a serious explanation:

"That's a hat that loves telling corny jokes and hasn't been washed in centuries. Actually, all you have to do is laugh out loud at its corny jokes when it riots..."

"—However, the third supervisor unfortunately suffered facial paralysis while performing a mission in his early years."

"..."

Bai Zhou fell silent for a while before finally managing to utter a sentence:
"It's regrettable."

Section Chief Liu nodded and sighed, "So, until a new specialist in the maintenance department is promoted to P3, this position will probably remain vacant for a while."

The third sector, under the supervisor, can, when necessary, invoke unlimited access to the black box (or similar authority) within their jurisdiction…

Bai Zhou blinked, remaining expressionless.

The crown is in the third sector.

If one could become the head of the third sector, or even just gain a certain position in the third sector, the research on the crown would no longer be so difficult.

however……

That's what they say, but for Bai Zhou, who had just joined the Special Administration Agency—

Just like how everyone knows that money can solve most problems, but it's often not the rich who encounter these problems.

However, Bai Zhou is even more remarkable. In this matter, he is neither a "rich person" nor a "poor person".

It was a stray dog ​​that begged for food on the roadside and no one paid it any attention.

"pat, pat..."

The rhythmic footsteps of the two echoed in the dark corridor illuminated by the dim blue flames.

Following closely behind Section Chief Liu as he wandered around, Bai Zhou found an opportunity to tentatively inquire about Section Chief Liu's job rank.

"Other branches may consider seniority to some extent, but in our 36th branch, a major never sticks to any particular criteria when it comes to hiring; we only look at ability and merit."

"Keep a good job! Who knows, you might be the next head of the third sector!"

Bai Zhou's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm:

"I can't even imagine it, I can't even imagine it!"

But Section Chief Liu laughed and patted Bai Zhou on the shoulder. "You underestimate the organization and you look down on yourself!"

“The Special Administrative Region is not short of crises, but crises are also opportunities.”

As he spoke, he gave Bai Zhou a meaningful look:
"I heard that you have a high resistance to pollution? The higher-ups have given me special consideration for this."

"In Branch 36, it is not uncommon for someone to be unremarkable in the morning but to be promoted three ranks in a row in the afternoon due to their merits."

Why can't you be next?

As the patrol neared its end, the two men walked lightly down the quiet corridor of the dark room, and Section Chief Liu's voice slowly echoed out.

He handed the thermos to Bai Zhou for safekeeping, and with a "click," he pulled out a "black pipe" from his waist.

"—'Judicator-300' enchanted pistol, modular design, 17-round capacity, 9mm caliber, specially modified by the logistics department next door."

"The predecessor of the modified version was the SIG Sauer P320 pistol of the Western Federation, which was only qualified to be issued to agents of P2 level or above when the base was under martial law."

His voice was low, "Martial law won't end anytime soon. As long as you work hard, you can get through your internship and be promoted to P2 sooner!"

"I'll personally teach you how to use a gun when the time comes!"

Under the glow of the eerie blue flames, the sleek lines of the black pistol revealed a cold, violent aesthetic.

Several ornate and intricate mysterious patterns were meticulously carved onto the gun barrel, subtly reflecting a faint blue light.

Guns are a man's romance; no one can resist such a dangerous yet quiet pistol, just as everyone in the era of cold weapons wanted to conquer a galloping wild horse.

Years later, when facing newly hired employees, Section Chief Liu would always recall that distant afternoon when he first received his sidearm.

The excitement of that time is unforgettable. Perhaps this is human nature: to reject the killing of blood and fire, yet instinctively pursue the thrill of conquering danger.

But Section Chief Liu did not see any excitement on Bai Zhou's face as he had hoped.

I'm just confused.

Because Bai Zhou had absolutely no idea what this lump of iron was for.

Section Chief Liu: "..."

"Alright, you'll understand later."

Section Chief Liu awkwardly put away his "Judge-300" pistol, took back his thermos, and felt a strange throbbing in his temples.

"I was originally going to talk more about the P3 level..."

“P3 level specialists can not only serve as sector supervisors, but are also eligible to apply for potions.”

"At that time, the researchers will tailor a magic potion enhancement plan for you, with a certain probability of awakening extraordinary destiny and obtaining a mechanical briefcase!"

"But never mind, you'd probably find it boring."

Section Chief Liu sighed.

As they spoke, the two had already reached the exit of the dark room.

The sealed door let in no light, and the surroundings were eerily dark and cold.

There was a "di" sound.

Section Chief Liu took out his access card and swiped it.

The door slowly opened, and the light from outside rushed in, causing the two, who were used to dim lighting, to instinctively shield their eyes.

"After all, you can't understand the concepts of potions and extraordinary beings yet..."

At this moment, Section Chief Liu muttered, "But you will understand later what an incredible existence it is."

No, this is the only thing Bai Zhou truly understands...

Even he himself is one.

An extraordinary person who has awakened to the principles of destiny and awakened their spirituality.

However, Section Chief Liu knew nothing about him.

Bai Zhou's heart skipped a beat, and at the same time, his gaze unconsciously drifted to the metal briefcase that Section Chief Liu never let go of on his left side.

I still vividly remember the scene of Section Chief Liu using it to conjure up a mechanical arm last time.

The silver-white metal briefcase gleamed, and the cross symbol bound by chains on it was very eye-catching.

...Once the special training is completed, he might only be one box away from becoming the "incredible existence" that Section Chief Liu mentioned.

But then again,

What does it mean for researchers to tailor-make a magic potion enhancement plan with a certain probability of awakening one's destiny?
Their potions are different from Raven's Enlightenment Potions.
"I... will try my best!"

Bai Zhou took a deep breath, feigning encouragement and inspiration from Section Chief Liu. —In any case, Section Chief Liu's words had indeed given him a wake-up call.

A P3 level specialist supervisor is nothing special.

It sounds like a P3 level specialist might not necessarily be an extraordinary individual.

But Bai Zhou is.

—And his talent in fortune telling is close to five feet five inches tall.

If you can be promoted to P3 as soon as possible, you can become the supervisor of the third sector.

At that time, the secret of the crown will be solved.

"clang--"

The clock tower in the underground base chimes precisely at six o'clock in the afternoon.

As the bell tolled, Section Chief Liu stretched and left work on time.

Since the clock struck midnight, Section Chief Liu seemed to have been filtered, his whole image became more vibrant, and he looked much more energetic.

...But Bai Zhou became increasingly silent, his face visibly bitter.

Because he knew that his "leisure" time was over.

The real pain was still waiting for him in the dormitory.

……

On the way back, Bai Zhou dawdled.

He spent half a day browsing a small shop in the cafeteria, and in twenty minutes he got a jar of Lao Gan Ma chili sauce and a small bottle of mustard oil.

I happened to see a line of ants passing by. These little black ants looked like a professional coffin-carrying team, stepping to a rhythmic beat as they carried crumbs of bread from who-knows-where.

Bai Zhou wished he could count all the tentacles on their heads.

Of course, these are all manifestations of Bai Zhou's childlike innocence and love of life.

It's definitely not that they're dawdling and don't want to go back.

However, no matter how long the road is, it will eventually come to an end.

Standing in front of the yellow dormitory building, Bai Zhou no longer felt that the color was warm and inviting. Instead, he felt that the deep, dark entrance of the dormitory resembled a gaping maw ready to devour him.

He had to encourage himself.

A true warrior dares to face the harsh realities of life.

Then, he resolutely stepped into hell.

...That's what he said, but he still "had great difficulty" climbing the stairs.

Actually, the dormitory building has an elevator. When Bai Zhou first rode it, he thought someone or a mule was dragging a rope out of sight.

At that time, he was new to the area and felt insecure in the enclosed space, always feeling that the elevator would suddenly stop.

The moment the elevator doors open, a dozen burly men wielding watermelon knives will rush towards you.

Only true elevator warriors can stand and exit when the elevator doors reopen.

—For Bai Zhou, who had just experienced the execution by black robes, such an assumption was perfectly normal.

That's not the case now.

I take the stairs instead of the elevator simply because I want to exercise.

—Anyway, it's not to linger on the road any longer.

With a sense of almost tragic grandeur, Bai Zhou stood in front of the dormitory door and turned the key with a "click".

The door slowly opened.

The aroma of burnt coffee beans wafted over me.

The clean and tidy dormitory was quiet and quiet, and the temperature was lower than outside, adding to the gloomy atmosphere.

A thin, long black ribbon runs from left to right across the room, connecting the two walls, and is about a person's height off the ground.

The girl reclines on the ribbon, using it as a bed, feeling as light as a feather, while lazily flipping through a book.

Every now and then, a coffee bean or two would be casually tossed into the mouth, crunching as it was chewed.

A faint commotion could be heard outside the window, and light streamed in, illuminating the figure of the red-eyed girl intently reading a book.

She was beautiful and elegant, yet as cold as an iceberg.

As the light shifts, time seems to stand still, creating a serene and beautiful scene, like a painting.

It gives the illusion that even if the end of the world were to come, the girl would still lazily lie on the ribbon reading a book.

...The sound reached her ears, and the girl reading the book looked up.

Red eyes came into view, like the setting sun gradually slanting across the sky.

"...Sis, you've already finished all the coffee beans?"

This was Bai Zhou's first sentence upon entering.

Because he immediately noticed the shrunken Mandheling bag in the girl's arms.

It's only been a few days, and it's already finished?
Is it that delicious...?

The girl immediately turned around with a solemn expression, bent her knees, and sat cross-legged on the ribbon with a cold demeanor.

"That's not the case."

Then, she answered expressionlessly:
"There's a little left."

“…Okay.” Bai Zhou nodded. “Then I’ll bring you a new one tomorrow.”

As he spoke, he walked to the table, put down the plastic bag, and turned to go to the bathroom to wash his hands.

My heart feels heavy.

There's no time to mourn the empty coffee beans; the next act is—

My Devilish Drill Instructor with a Big Knife and Me, Who Wasn't Treated Like a Human Being

"By the way, you're back just in time."

"The basic training is almost complete. It's time to start the advanced training and teach you some real skills."

"But, before that..."

With a "snap," the crow slammed the book shut and tumbled off the ribbon.

"I have something to show you."

Only then did Bai Zhou notice the thing behind Ya that was blocking the way, leaning against the wall alongside Ya's knife.

It was very eye-catching, unlike anything seen before.

"Is it... that broken spear?"

Bai Zhou's identity cannot be confirmed.

Because it was no longer a broken spear, but a whole spear.

But what Bai Zhou saw was not a spear in the normal sense.

Instead, it was a battle-damaged piece, wrapped with springs and chains, welded with steel supports, featuring multiple unidentified loading grooves and caliper interfaces, its surface covered with hammering and burning marks…

“I call it a mechanical spear,” Raven described it.

Like Section Chief Liu, she also mentioned the word "gun".

Sure enough, a simple crosshair sight was fixed at the end of the spear.

Bai Zhou even faintly smelled a sulfurous odor, the purpose of which was unknown.

“I studied the broken spear you brought back and found that both its material and mechanical ingenuity are amazing and have given me a lot of inspiration.”

"So I went and got some materials and started repairing it according to my own understanding," said Ya.

repair?

when?
Bai Zhou was stunned for a moment.

While he was at work, it turned out that the crows weren't idle either.

But where did the crow get the repair materials?

Those things welded to the outside look so much like scrapped parts from the base's junkyard.
Probably... unlikely.

Raven picked up the mechanical spear, covered in rust and welding marks, its cobbled-together style clearly evident, from the wall with a "click," and a rather satisfied expression appeared on his usually stern face.
"This is my most satisfying work in the last two years. I can guarantee that it is ten times better than most enchanted guns."

"Although his appearance is somewhat strange, the famous Extraordinary of the [Mechanic] class, Karl Benz, the father of the automobile, once said—"

"The extraordinary are never picky about weapons, as long as they can compose music with the screams of the enemy."

"Considering its original materials, this spear can already be considered an extraordinary weapon!"

Holding a spear, she strode toward Bai Zhou.

"However, it differs from normal extraordinary weapons—"

“Based on the original ingenious mechanism of the broken spear, I added many… well, useful little things to it.”

Bai Zhou saw it without her saying anything.

Various mechanisms await activation on it; their purpose is unknown, but it certainly doesn't look particularly sinister.

Before Bai Zhou could think any further,
With a "click",
Crow handed over the spear in his hand.

Measuring approximately 1.7 meters in length, this mechanical spear is covered in burn marks and exaggerated mechanical mechanisms, yet possesses a rugged industrial aesthetic.

And so it stood blocking the way in front of the white boat.

The sweet, metallic smell of old steel wafted into Bai Zhou's nostrils, and his gaze was drawn to the mechanical spear.

A complete spear, an extraordinary weapon, Raven's masterpiece...

He suddenly recalled the excitement and pride that Section Chief Liu had shown when he took out his sidearm.

Now, he seems to understand that feeling a little better.

"Want to try its power?"

Meeting Bai Zhou's unwavering gaze, Ya said softly:

"—Now, it's yours."

(End of this chapter)