Chapter 1539
Chapter 1539 - 1535: First Encounter in the Exotic Realm
1,445 words
•
8 min read
Lu Ping’an’s arrival was quite serene, stirring not a single ripple.
He came with the supplies, as the biggest among the numerous projects managed by the God of Martial Fight. The Divine Boat, with its frequent ascensions and descents, arrived quietly since this particular vessel rarely carried many passengers.
In the official records—at least those that were public—Lu was merely a Rule-level professional, one with neither a grand reputation nor old-school status. Only the local high levels had received some accurate intelligence bestowed by the Official.
As for the ordinary high levels of the local Church, even if they had once seen old acquaintances from the Martial Fight Festival, they would simply be surprised at "how quickly he has advanced".
The arrival of a Strongman does not change a world, at least not on paper or in the narrative. This is just another typical exchange of resources and manpower.
"How much information has been leaked?" Lu Ping’an asked immediately upon his arrival.
"Some people know that reinforcements are coming, and some are aware that the Eastern Country has intervened... Sorry, we need to stabilize the morale of the troops. The new reinforcements will receive a certain level of attention, but your information has definitely not been leaked. To be precise, even within the Eastern Country, the number of Informed-persons is very few, and the exchange of intelligence between Mercury 42 and other worlds should not involve you. Your abilities have always been top-secret."
Lu Ping’an received the good news from the Airport sign holder.
The one coming to pick up Lu Ping’an was a real-duty colonel from the Eastern Country, a deputy military attache and intelligence Supervisor at the liaison office, and essentially the deputy to the highest Commander.
After all, this place was under the influence of the God of Martial Fight, and in a sense, they acted as contractors. The Eastern Country Official, in the role of the contractor, had neither the desire nor the responsibility to invest too much.
A liaison office that manages administrative matters, with the highest rank being a deputy bureau-level post, and a nominal escort as part of the special combat team for diplomatic military officers, was already more than sufficient.
The total presence of the Eastern Country Official on the surface here was under three hundred people.
Of course, no one would believe that there are no spies and informants everywhere... Regular checks are necessary even for collecting rent. It is inconceivable that the Eastern Country would allow the Proper God Church to mess around in the Otherworld without gathering intelligence.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
The invited Lu still showed respect for the local hosts.
Although the local tyrants here had previous interactions with the Domineering Three Faces, Lu Ping’an, who always maintained a "professional Spirit", never ignored who the real employer was—at least, which boss had the most money.
Colonel Ma Luotian who came to pick him up smiled. It seems that this lord was, as described in the documents, one of those rare and easy-going strategic-level Big Shots.
"As you wish."
Lu Ping’an stroked his chin, somewhat surprising.
"Sure? You mean the sentiment of our nation?"
"Yes, your actions are at your discretion, with no targets or benchmarks."
Lu Ping’an nodded. Such a contractor was undoubtedly satisfying... Of course, saying nothing beforehand but picking at this and that afterwards is a different story.
There’s no point in talking about it now; it’s something to consider at the time. If it came to hindsight criticism, he could always just quit and leave.
But for now, Lu was quite satisfied. Having extensive freedom in both intelligence and mission objectives, if things went awry, it would truly be his own fault.
"Test subjects... I mean, the first batch who are lucky to become professionals, are you ready?"
"There are about two hundred locals, all with good relations with us... My two attendants, they are ready to become the first batch of the lucky ones."
Clearly, this was Lu Ping’an’s first priority.
However, after leaving Mercury 42, the power of the planet’s World Fragments would undoubtedly diminish substantially. Lu Ping’an needed to test this to a certain extent.
How drastically it would be weakened—whether to the level of Blade Sister or still fight-worthy like Black Brother—directly affects Lu Ping’an’s subsequent plans.
The colonel brought two locals, and they conducted the experiment on the spot.
These two individuals look quite similar to humans, with one having blue skin and the other deep red. Both are over two meters tall and appear very strong, but their faces resemble those of man-made models, handsome yet somewhat rough... Even though Lu Ping’an has already familiarized himself with some information about these peculiar ecosystems, he still marvels at their uniqueness.
"Mimicry? No, it’s more like Energy Materialization... Heh, in other worlds, that’s considered a top-tier ability."
Detailed studies on Life Forms will come later. For now, the focus is on their adaptability. Although Lu Ping’an has tested their kind on Mercury 42, nobody can guarantee that the rules of this world will not be overly hostile to them.
In fact, since arriving in this world, Lu Ping’an has felt a general sense of discomfort.
Back on Mercury 42, humans were seen as "welcomed guests from an Exotic Realm," but it seems that in this world, humans are directly met with hostility from the world itself.
"...Fortunately, the malice has not yet seeped into the Courtyard."
Judging from the results, one experiment was a success while the other failed—it still seems like a fifty-fifty chance. However, what they expended was not a year of Life expectancy.
"As expected, the copper coin Wishes are ineffective..."
A copper coin with one year of Life expectancy attached to it is not enough to obtain a Profession, but it can only ward off some diseases and congenital defects.
A silver coin of Life consumes five years’ worth of chances for a gamble... To those from Mercury 42, this is likely unacceptable now, but many would not have hesitated to accept it right on the spot a few years ago when there were no cheaper opportunities.
Living five to ten years less is at least better than suddenly perishing without warning one day.
The saddest part is not having to serve as cannon fodder on the battlefield, but rather, from birth to death, your world always being a battlefield... In such circumstances, Death might be an escape, but as long as there is hope, no one truly wishes for that release.
The power to master one’s own destiny is the Miracle of a "Mentor," and also the reason why Mentor Theory blossomed a second spring in that world.
"Do you think they will agree? Is this world also in the midst of War?"
Trading Life expectancy for the possibility of Advancement has better cost-effectiveness in harsher conditions.
"They will... The War situation in this world is a bit unique, you’ll understand if you observe some more."
Lu Ping’an did not press further, he also wanted to take more time to observe.
Since his own abilities can still be used here, the question is how much more or less they will consume.
"Give me the address, I’ll come look for you at your station later, I’d like to take a look around myself first..."
Lu Ping’an needs to witness and understand the world beyond the Airport with his own eyes.
The Colonel opened his mouth, but ultimately just smiled and nodded, saying nothing... Having already decided to let the other party act as he wishes, it’s best not to interfere on this matter.
Even if this person has a good reputation and temperament, being friendly is not a reason to overstep. It’s best to still show sufficient respect.
Taking some "equipment" handed over by the Colonel, including a cloak, a respirator, and sunscreen, Lu Ping’an directly walked out of the airport complex.
And just as he stepped out, this world gave Lu Ping’an a little surprise.
"The Suns in this world are somewhat plentiful..."
Lu Ping’an raised his head, looking at the several shining and warmly radiating stars, feeling somewhat stunned.
"One, two... six."
A full six suns gave Lu Ping’an a bit of an Otherworldly shock.
Such minor details were certainly not mentioned in Lu Ping’an’s abridged briefing.
"Is there a night here?"
"There is, now is... During the daytime, it usually refers to when there are between ten to twenty Suns out."
— End of Chapter 1539 —