Mechanical Alchemist

Su Lun controlled the eight spider spears and ran wildly, his speed exceedingly fast.

This cavern was not like the inside of Ruins City; the towering and steep rock walls were the perfect terrain for the spider spears' deployment.

Scaling the rocks, Su Lun quickly reached the top of the cave he had hidden in during the day and retrieved the floating invisible corpse and the black scythe.

With his major weapon in hand, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Now, Su Lun was not in a hurry to run anymore.

He waited in place, setting up an ambush trap, originally wanting to see if there was any pursuit so he could harvest a wave of experience.

Although his strength wasn't strong at the moment, with the black scythe + spider legs, he could fight and flee; against one or two second-tier professionals, it was basically a giveaway, and if a large force came to besiege him, he could also retreat into the complex caverns.

But after waiting for a good while without hearing any pursuers, he gave up on the idea.

On second thought, Su Lun wondered if that Sabina hadn't called the city guards at all.

After all, her persona in the eyes of others was that of a delicate and weak woman; if it was said that she went personally to the hotel to attack a fugitive in the middle of the night, it wouldn't make sense.

Given that it was still a long way from dawn, Su Lun didn't plan to wander around any longer; after all, he still had some minor agreements with Nineteen. He used silk threads to hang himself on the rock wall, planning to wait until daylight to check out the eastern part of the city.

As he waited, Su Lun also reflected on the previous battle.

It must be said, one should not underestimate other professionals, especially organizations like Umbrella that had gathered a variety of professionals with strange abilities,

one might meet someone who could counter one's own abilities.

Sabina today was a case in point.

Spiritual professionals were one in ten thousand, and like her, a second-tier professional with the "Siren" talent bonus was truly hard to guard against.

Not to mention second-tier professionals, even third-tier professionals without defensive measures against spiritual power control might not be able to handle her.

If it weren't for Su Lun's extraordinary spiritual power, even with the black scythe, he might not have had the chance to act against such an enemy.

He even suspected that given her methods and schemes, the real power-holder of the Steam Party might not be 'Butcher' Banner, but possibly this scheming woman.

Furthermore, thinking about her being Umbrella Organization's Major Intelligence Officer and a suffocating intelligence network that nearly covered the entire Old Spiriton Outer City,

Mr. Hei's control over Old Lington was evident.

....

"That woman must have practiced spiritual secret techniques..."

Although the skirmish before didn't seem to put him at a disadvantage, Su Lun was still inwardly shaken.

The instant Sabina invaded his consciousness, the two of them seemed to be laying their cards bare, each clearly sensing the other's spiritual power.

In terms of volume, that woman's spiritual power wasn't necessarily stronger than his, but she had managed to afflict Su Lun in the blink of an eye when casting.

To Su Lun, it felt as if his own spiritual power was like a plate of sand, while Sabina's was like a carefully fortified castle, capable of offense and defense.

Having experienced the potency of spiritual power methods tonight, Su Lun felt the urgency to train in spiritual secret techniques.

He still remembered the scene at Storm Manor, where Pestoia effortlessly controlled him and Bald Ivan with spiritual power threads.

He felt that playing the "Puppeteer" like a Puppet Master, the approach he took must have been incorrect...

Otherwise, this vast spiritual power would not be a strength, but instead, a burden.

Su Lun also clearly felt the growing sign of oppressive emotions as more Soul Shards were harvested; it was an urge that made one want to recklessly let loose...

As his thoughts drifted, Su Lun hung from the cliff, occasionally using his binoculars to observe a distant camp, looking for signs of any large-scale movements.

Looking at the brightly lit camp, his mind suddenly turned to Nineteen.

"Wonder if she managed to succeed in what she planned to do..."

Su Lun wasn't overly worried.

After all, this wasn't tightly-guarded Old Lington; he could easily leave the city, so surely Nineteen could do the same.

Although he hadn't asked before, he was indeed curious about what kind of mission that mysterious "third party organization" cared about.

Was it to assassinate a particular target?

Or to steal something?

With Nineteen's decisive nature, once she set a target, she would act immediately...

Perhaps it was tonight?

Ironically, just as Su Lun was mulling over these thoughts, suddenly, an unexpected turn of events occurred!

"Boom~"

The sound of gunfire suddenly erupted.

It came from afar, the sound waves causing Su Lun's figure, hanging on the rock wall, to sway.

"Eh...something happened?!"

Su Lun immediately perked up and picked up his binoculars to look toward the camp.

From his higher vantage point, he saw the camp suddenly burst into chaos, filled with the sound of gunfire.

And judging by the direction from which the fiery glow of the gunfire spread, it was clear that a barrage was rapidly moving from the hillside's Storm Manor towards the direction of the city walls.

It seemed like someone was being chased and cornered and was now rushing towards the city walls.

Su Lun, watching the blaze, immediately guessed it was Number Nineteen.

The only one who could send the camp into such disarray was that SS-ranked fugitive.

However, it wasn't over yet!

Just as Su Lun thought Number Nineteen might escape the camp, a deep, rumbling sound akin to an air-raid siren suddenly filled the air.

"First-level battle readiness?"

Su Lun knew all too well what that rumbling meant.

It signalled an "Extreme Monster Siege Event," indicating the camp faced a life and death struggle, which was the only time such an alarm would sound.

With the alarm blaring, it meant that every Scavenger in the city was obliged to participate in the defense.

Looking at the situation now, were they planning to block off Number Nineteen throughout the entire city?

Indeed, as soon as the alarm sounded, the entire city seemed to boil over. Even from a great distance, one could hear people shouting at the top of their lungs.

"Someone come quick, get the SS fugitive!"

"Brothers, wake up, it's time to get rich..."

"Catch her, the bounty is one hundred million!"

"..."

At this call, everyone in the city joined in the pursuit.

It was uncertain whether there were other fugitives hidden in the camp, but with that shout, gunfire could be heard everywhere in the city.

However, right after the alarm sounded, Su Lun saw the "target" previously suspected to be Number Nineteen seem to be stopped and suddenly turned, heading towards another city wall section.

Then, she was blocked again.

Houses collapsed one after another, the noise of battle incredibly loud.

"Did she encounter a top-tier warrior intercepting her?"

Su Lun watched and pondered to himself.

He did not, however, think Number Nineteen was at a disadvantage.

After all, a mecha soldier's alloy body doesn't fear blades or guns, and with an exceptionally strong propulsion acceleration system, even under a hail of bullets, no one can stop her.

Moreover, she is not alone.

....

As expected.

Hardly a moment into the fight, a small mushroom cloud suddenly erupted on the street of the collapsed houses.

It looked as if some sort of massive weapon of destruction had been used.

Then, the chase began anew.

This time, Su Lun saw, through his binoculars, a figure effortlessly leap from the city wall—it was unmistakably Number Nineteen, clad in a black leather jacket.

Then, right after, he saw another person relentlessly pursuing, jumping off the city wall as well.

"The vice-chairman of the Scavengers' Guild, third-order warrior 'Thunder Sword King' Nero Redgrave?"

Su Lun's pupils slightly contracted as he recognized the red-bearded pursuer with a great sword.

No wonder it was so fierce, with sword Qi spanning tens of meters—it was indeed him.

However, seeing this, Su Lun felt even more assured about Number Nineteen's safety.

True, melee combatants indeed move fast, but a swordsman has no advantages against a super mecha soldier, and in fact, is at a disadvantage.

Looking again, Su Lun understood what Number Nineteen had gone to do, as she held a large black box in her hands.

"So, she went on a heist?"

He muttered to himself and was equally curious about what Artifact No. 19 had snatched.

The fact that it couldn't be stored in a storage space and had to be carried in the hand meant it was definitely a super-grade item.

A banned item?

Su Lun raised his eyebrows.

It must be no ordinary banned item if such a powerful organization that could "stock up" in the Ruins City desired it so ardently.

....

Su Lun watched the drama unfold from the cliff without a ripple in his heart.

Once they had left the camp, the outcome was sealed.

But just then, Su Lun suddenly saw Artifact No. 19 firing a flare into the sky during her frantic escape, then running in his direction.

"Does she want me to cover her?"

Su Lun instantly understood.

They had arranged this escape route beforehand in case of special circumstances, and if someone from either side happened to be outside the city, they would cover for each other.

Seeing the signal, he didn't think twice before shedding his camouflaging plant matter and manipulating the zombie to climb down the cliff face.

The number of top professionals was limited, and their styles of combat were quite identifiable. No matter how well-hidden one was, their identity could easily be exposed the moment they acted. Mr. Hei and his people were surely nearby, which was why Su Lun said he wouldn't act unless it was absolutely necessary.

And Su Lun had the Black Scythe, just the tool needed to lend a hand.

This help came with virtually no risk.

Su Lun descended the cliff and headed straight for the planned ambush site.

In the blink of an eye, the pursuer and pursued ran past.

Seeing the right moment, Su Lun didn't hesitate to manipulate the zombie to swing the Black Scythe.

Unfortunately, although the space fissure was silent, the faint sound of the scythe cutting through air alerted the "Thunder Sword King" Nero Redgrave.

He detected the anomaly, swiftly shifted his position, and narrowly avoided the cut along the trajectory Su Lun had anticipated.

However, the attempt at stealth attack slowed Nero's pursuit.

Realizing the Black Scythe was in play, he guessed who was behind it, and his face grew grave.

He looked around, wary of other ambushers.

Seeing the opponent avoid the space fissure didn't surprise Su Lun.

Artifact No. 19's signal flare surely indicated to Nero that she was calling for reinforcements.

It would've been strange if he wasn't prepared.

Top professionals aren't so easy to kill.

....

At that moment, Artifact No. 19 also spotted Su Lun and dashed straight toward him.

With a strong heave, she threw the black box she had been carrying his way.

Free of the encumbrance, her combat power surged, and she turned to confront Nero head-on.

Instantly, sword qi lashed out, sending sand and stones flying.

Su Lun caught the box and understood her intention.

Looking down, the identification showed: [an engraved chest sealed with super-grade runes].

However, even through the sealed box, he seemed to see a strange aura escaping. Holding it felt like clutching a block of ice, sending chills to the bone and a cold sensation that even made the soul tremble.

"What on earth is in this box? It feels pretty sinister..."

Su Lun muttered to himself.

But seeing no adverse effects on his attribute panel, he didn't dwell on it.

He paid no heed to the ongoing battle or question where the item should be taken, simply turning to leave.

His Octo-Spear spun rapidly, and in a flash, he left the battleground, darting into a nearby tunnel.

Tomorrow's news would likely report that two important wanted criminals had collaborated to steal a treasure...

This also fully distanced the "third party" from the affair.

After all, he wasn't worried about adding another charge or another 'S' to his wanted poster.

He'd done Mr. Hei and his group a small favor, making a connection that paid off even more.

....

Number Nineteen successfully held back 'Thunder Sword King' Nero, allowing Su Lun to make a smooth escape.

He knew he didn't need to ask where to go; someone would surely meet him shortly.

Indeed, after not running for long, a figure in a cloak appeared in the dark corridor.

Su Lun was vigilant, instinctively controlling his silk threads.

It was only after the figure unveiled the cloak that he relaxed.

Mr. Hei was as courteous as ever, "Young friend Su Lun, I apologize for the trouble."

Su Lun casually handed over the sealed casket, smiling dismissively, "Just lending a hand with a small favor."

He didn't inquire about the contents but suddenly remembered something, adding, "By the way, Mr. Hei, I've just learned some information that might be useful to you."

Mr. Hei was all ears, "Oh?"

"Miss Nineteen once told me that the Umbrella Organisation has a high-ranking intelligence officer codenamed 'Sleepwalker'..."

Su Lun didn't go into detail and avoided mentioning the battle, simply stating, "And I've unexpectedly discovered that Sabrina from the Steam Party is a second-tier spiritual professional; her gift is 'Succubus.' I suspect she might be that intelligence officer."

"So it's her... no wonder."

Mr. Hei also showed a hint of surprise, followed by realization.

Without going into detail, just these two pieces of information were enough for him to deduce much.

Su Lun knew Mr. Hei wouldn't pry for more details and said no more.

He brought up the topic to segue into the matter of spiritual secret techniques.

In front of Mr. Hei, there was no need for secrecy, and he went straight to the point, "Mr. Hei, I've witnessed Sabrina's spiritual methods. May I inquire if you have information about spiritual secret techniques?"

Mr. Hei was of course aware Su Lun was searching for spiritual secret techniques.

After all, it was he who had suggested it.

Upon hearing this, he responded promptly, "I didn't have any leads before. But recently, I've come across a piece of information, there's indeed a place inside the ruins that contains a very suitable spiritual power secret technique for the Puppet Master profession."

Su Lun's interest piqued, "Oh?"

Mr. Hei frowned slightly, then shook his head, adding, "However, the situation is a bit complicated. Hmm... you should at least reach the second stage before we discuss it further."

It sounded like... he'd have to retrieve it himself?

But with Mr. Hei framing it this way, Su Lun didn't push further, "Hmm."

Just then, Mr. Hei seemed to recall something and mentioned, "Right, do you have any information on spatial materials? I've heard that a 'Magician's Peculiarity' has appeared in a cursed space in the Eastern City, which might have the materials you need."

Su Lun, "The 1911 Hotel?"

Mr. Hei, knowing Su Lun was aware of the intelligence, said, "Hmm. After spending several days in the ruins, I only managed to compile the information today. I was going to find an opportunity to inform you, but it seems you're already in the know."

Hearing that Mr. Hei was aware of that cursed space, Su Lun took the chance to ask further, "Sir, do you know what's the deal with that space? I don't have much information, but from what I've heard, it seems quite complex."

"That space is indeed not simple. However... it shouldn't pose much of a problem if you decide to visit," said Mr. Hei, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

After a pause, he pulled out a golden card and handed it over, explaining, "Take this as a token of my gratitude for your help tonight. Keep it on you when you go there; it might save you some trouble."

"Thank you," Su Lun responded.

He was quite pleased with this gentleman's attitude, never wanting to take advantage without reciprocation.

Accepting the gift without any reservation, he initially thought it was some amulet, but his examination showed: "Card with a spatial mark."

His first thought was of the mysterious person in the ruins who could teleport using cards.

Could it be that the cloaked figure was going there too?

If that were the case, the cursed space immediately seemed a lot safer.

However, Su Lun had a feeling there was an additional meaning to Mr. Hei presenting this card.

But he didn't ponder it too much.

Apart from feeling no ill intent, if Mr. Hei really wanted to harm him, he wouldn't have needed to go through such trouble.

Besides, there was nothing on Su Lun worth scheming for.

Two artifacts with strong curse characteristics all to oneself?

Why would someone who could procure goods from the ruins be in need of such items?