Mike wanted to comfort Chen Dafeng one more time, but he couldn't anymore.Because he had already seen Wang Chen standing right in front of him.Yes, just like that, in the span of two sentences! He was back!He even managed to handle an S-rank Puzzle Gate on the way.
"Dafeng, let's focus on business first. I'll catch up with you later," Mike said in a hurry, switching his focus back to the present.
Wang Chen silently stood in front of him. Before Mike could stand or speak, he raised his hand and waved it in front of him.
"Shh!"A dazzling array of high-level mechanical items clattered down, glowing brightly and filling the room.
"What is this...?"Mike blinked and looked down, but before he could start counting, the information prompt appeared before his eyes:
[Congratulations! You have acquired 6252 units of "Large Banknotes" materials!][Congratulations! You have acquired 22 "A-Rank Talent Recruitment Tickets" and 35 "A-Rank Talent Upgrade Tickets."][Congratulations! You have acquired 2 "S-Rank Talent Recruitment Tickets" and 3 "S-Rank Talent Upgrade Tickets."]...
The information wasn't much, but it signified that Mike's faction had taken another step forward in exploring the Puzzle Gate, gaining the ability to tackle S-rank Apocalypse dungeons.Although there were only a few S-rank talent-related items, it was still an enhancement for high-tier talents.
Mike had already planned on using these new items to enhance the talents at the research institute, maximizing support for the regional technology park project.
"The Puzzle Gate you mentioned, I took care of it on the way over."Wang Chen's tone remained indifferent, as if he was stating an insignificant fact. "He told me some things. I thought these items might be useful to you."
Listen to the words of the war god.Passed by!Just handled it on the way!Nothing worth mentioning!
The Puzzle Gate that Wang Shi had always been wary of... just like that, it was resolved!
Mike couldn't help but marvel internally, The war god really is something!
"Brother Wang, you really went above and beyond. You even handled these little things for me."Mike said politely, squatting down to sort through the materials, his voice warm as he asked, "How was the trip to Guangling, Brother Wang? If there's anything I need to adjust in my arrangements, feel free to let me know. I'm all ears; after all, you're the expert when it comes to combat…"
"Hm?"Mike suddenly furrowed his brows. "Wait a second. Why are there things here that aren't from the Puzzle Gate?"
Among the mechanical items scattered before Mike, many weren't related to talent recruitment or upgrades. They seemed to be from a shelter or perhaps some special product of certain talents.
"I'm not interested in the details of what you're doing. I'll just follow your lead," Wang Chen shook his head, clearly not wanting to elaborate. He noticed Mike's confusion and reminded him, "On my way back from Guangling, I noticed some lurking individuals in the city. They might pose a threat to Captain Chen and your army."
"Before I left, I took their weapons and equipment; according to Captain Chen's internal rules... these should be confiscated, right?"Wang Chen pointed at the pile of mechanical items, his tone calm. "Take them and confiscate them."
"Ah... this...!"Mike froze, stunned by Wang Chen's words.So it was like this? Just taken?
Wait, this wasn't theft; for the war god, it was just precaution.The war god discovered a hidden threat in Guangling and took care of it. That was an achievement!
But Mike couldn't wrap his head around how Wang Chen found them and casually brought these items with him. What had happened to the talents whose things were taken?
Mike didn't know, and he didn't want to.He only knew that the war god had opened up a whole new perspective for him.
So... if you have enough power, you can really do anything, huh?Mike muttered to himself as he continued to sort through the items, growing more and more nervous.Every item here was of S-rank, most being weapons and equipment, with a few being special talent-based products.But none of them were below S-rank!
It was clear that Wang Chen didn't think anything below S-rank would pose a threat to Captain Chen.
I didn't expect Chen Dafeng to be so good at socializing. Who would've thought the war god would be quietly looking out for him behind the scenes?Mike muttered, his gaze falling on the items before him. These weren't even from destroyed shelters, but they could still be placed in his own storage space.This meant that as long as Mike wanted, he could have Wang Chen go outside and seize all sorts of valuable items!Who needs to destroy shelters?As long as you have it, and I want it.When the war god steps in, everything can be taken.
"Brother Wang, you…"Mike looked up, ready to discuss the feasibility of clearing out the high-tier talent threats in Guangling and stockpiling resources when he realized Wang Chen was no longer in front of him.
"I'm heading back to Guangling. If there's anything urgent, I'll let you know," Wang Chen's calm voice came from outside the window, but there was no sign of him. It was unclear how far he had gone.
"Forget it. Having the war god do the taking always risks his reputation, we'll talk about it later."Mike shook his head. He respected all the talents under his command, regardless of their rank, and made sure to consider their personalities and thoughts.Even when he had recruited Chen Dafeng, Mike had never treated him lightly, always respecting their bond as comrades.
"Hello, is this the Research Department?""Please have Li Ya, Chen Qiu Ren, and Zhao Si Qi come over," Mike said, immediately contacting the department after organizing the items Wang Chen had brought.
Li Ya, the second talent Mike had recruited, had been struggling to keep up with talent upgrades due to her scientific positioning. It wasn't that Mike didn't value her, but due to her role in research, her upgrade priority had to be lower during critical periods.In the early stages, Mike had to prioritize solving the two major issues of survival and external threats.Once those were handled, of course, he would do his best to support Li Ya's advancement to higher-tier talents.
As Mike waited for the research team to arrive, he casually took out the two S-rank talent recruitment tickets and used them.
Two men appeared before Mike, both in their middle ages, wearing glasses, and smiling politely.
"Mr. Su.""Boss."
Under normal circumstances, with Mike already holding SS and even SSS-ranked talents, he wouldn't be too concerned about the addition of two new S-rank talents.But he habitually stood up, walked forward with enthusiasm, and shook their hands."Welcome! Welcome to Jinling! You'll truly be a huge help to me!"
"Come, let me introduce you to the current situation and our plans," Mike said, smiling as he shared details with the two new recruits while checking their talent information and roles.
One was Li Ce, with a strategic military role, and the other, Zhao Tiangong, a mechanical engineer.
Li Ce's talents were all related to strategic analysis, perfect for a military advisor role, while Zhao Tiangong's talents complemented the current lack of ancient mechanical technology at the research institute.
Mike's faction was now in rapid development, and while they weren't lacking in mid-to-low-tier personnel, they definitely needed S-rank talents like Li Ce and Zhao Tiangong to play key roles.
Not long after, the door opened, and Li Ya, Chen Qiu Ren, and Zhao Si Qi entered.Li Ya was as lively as ever, smiling brightly, while Chen Qiu Ren and Zhao Si Qi had become quieter, their faces showing traces of fatigue from the increasing research workload.
"Come, sit down," Mike said, signaling for everyone to take a seat. After introductions, he took out three talent upgrade tickets. "Now, let's give you all a big boost."
"I promised you before that if any upgrade opportunity came, I'd prioritize it for you. Looks like I kept my word, huh?" Mike grinned, not as formal with the veterans, more like old friends joking around.
"Huh?"Chen Qiu Ren was stunned as he looked at the upgrade items on the table. He sighed, shaking his head, and muttered to Zhao Si Qi.
"See? I told you, he'll find some way to make us work overtime again."
"Upgrading to become stronger means even more overtime work," Chen Qiu Ren said, collapsing on the couch, his eyes blank. "When will this ever end?"
"Stop complaining!" Zhao Si Qi glared at him, her tone laced with mild disdain. "You've been slacking off, but you haven't done anything useful for the people."
Chen Qiu Ren rolled his eyes but didn't respond. He was too tired to argue.
"This... the research pressure really is heavy," Mike chuckled, noticing the fatigue in Chen Qiu Ren's expression. He reassured him, "I know it's tough. You're a doctor, yet you've had to join the research across fields. The recent projects have been difficult... how about this? After the upgrade, I'll give you a week off. That's special treatment!"
"Work hard, but also rest. After all, it's for the people."
Mike smiled and reminded them, "It's not for me. If I wanted to relax, I wouldn't have to push you all so hard."
What Mike said was true. If it were just about him, life would be much easier.But carrying the fate of two cities on his shoulders, Mike couldn't afford to let up.
He only meant to comfort a few people, but it seemed like he had touched on something deeper, triggering a reaction from Chen Qiu Ren. He suddenly stood up, full of fervor.
"No! I can't rest!"
Chen Qiu Ren stared at Mike, his voice full of passion. "Boss, what do you think of me? The people are suffering! How can I rest?"
"The people gave me this valuable opportunity to upgrade, and I must make the most of it!"
"People can't eat or sleep well! The apocalypse is still looming, and disaster is unresolved! I'm desperate! No time for rest!"
Chen Qiu Ren spoke passionately, his voice echoing. Zhao Si Qi frowned, stepping back a little.
Mike stared at the man, his heart filled with confusion. "Is this the Chen Qiu Ren I know?"
"Since when did you become so enlightened?"
Mike muttered. He knew Chen Qiu Ren as someone carefree and rebellious, who hated being forced into anything—especially tedious overtime research.For the collective? That was unthinkable. Mike never believed that Chen Qiu Ren could truly sacrifice for the greater good.
At this point, Mike's gaze turned to Li Ya, curiosity in his eyes.
Li Ya, understanding his unspoken question, smiled softly and explained, "Boss, the only reason he's acting like this is because of Miss Zhao."