Chen Gu didn't recognize it at all. "What is this thing?"

Qing Ruyan's face turned serious as she slowly said, "These are the mechanical organs of an Energy Gathering Mechanical Species!"

"What... what use is this thing?"

Qing Ruyan didn't answer immediately. She meticulously double-checked all the video recordings, searching for any clues, then tossed some images to Chen Gu. "Look at these traces of dust. They suggest this workshop is just for show. All the machines haven't been operated for a long time. The sole purpose of this independent workshop is to conceal these mechanical organs!"

Chen Gu asked again, "What exactly are they doing this for?"

Qing Ruyan said, "Illegal human body modification—it's a very profitable business. In the entire Star Sea, the scale of the underground world's illegal body modification exceeds your imagination!"

Official propaganda portrayed illegal human body modifications to the public as minor tinkering by small workshops, unlikely to attract many people willing to "mutilate" their own bodies.

Thus, although illegal modifiers did exist, their numbers were not large, and the scale of this part of the black market was actually not extensive.

This was an understandable tactic; after all, there was a need to guide public opinion. But the reality was different.

"Several months ago, on Capital Star, there were several vicious cases where criminals with illegal body modifications attacked multiple important targets, causing dozens of casualties.

"Subsequently, the General Administration Bureau summarized such cases across the nation and discovered that the incidence of such cases had been rising sharply recently.

"Moreover, these criminals looked no different from ordinary people. Yet they could unleash terrifying combat abilities, and conventional police officers and their weapons were completely ineffective against them.

"After compiling various pieces of intelligence, we concluded that a new type of illegal human body modification is on the rise. Its source is likely Empire River Star—which is my true reason for coming here."

Chen Gu understood. "You took on this mission because of this?"

"Yes."

Qing Ruyan pointed to the video. "They purchase Energy Gathering Mechanical Species on Empire River Star and then, using a technology we still don't know about, implant these mechanical organs into the human body. The combination of the two can give ordinary people combat abilities comparable to professionals."

Chen Gu asked, "How do you know that these illegal human body modifiers are connected to the Atomic Holy Church's mission?"

Chen Gu suddenly realized something else. "No, that's wrong! The ones connected to these people are related to Big Rabbit's mission!"

Qing Ruyan had already stretched lazily. "Alright, that's enough work for today. My little assistant, you should go freshen up quickly. Today is the meet-up day. The President will be making her entrance with her little assistant soon."

Chen Gu curled his lip, knowing that Qing Ruyan didn't want to answer his previous question. He couldn't press her for answers; she held a higher position in the organization than him, and it also seemed her Energy Level as a professional was higher than his. Unless he resorted to seduction, Chen Gu couldn't think of any other way. Chen Gu considered himself an upright person and had no intention of doing so.

As he left, Qing Ruyan called out from behind, "If your little sweetheart from school recognizes you, do you know how to explain it?"

Without turning his head, Chen Gu called back, "Work-study."

...

Inside the Moon Ship Hotel, Big Gold-Toothed Cowboy Rabbit, still wearing those colorful five-pointed star sunglasses, stood in the lobby, intermittently glancing toward the entrance.

Leder sat on a sofa beside her and said with some dissatisfaction, "If the President doesn't show up, your squad's value will be greatly diminished. The boss won't pay a group of First Energy Level individuals that much money. You should be well aware of that."

Big Gold-Toothed Cowboy Rabbit waved a small hand impatiently. "I know, I know, don't rush me. The President's promises are as good as gold. She said she'd come, so she definitely will."

Just then, a tall, capable woman in professional attire walked into the hotel lobby, her high heels CLICKING on the floor. Behind her followed a young, handsome male assistant carrying her briefcase and luggage.

She scanned the lobby, quickly spotted Big Gold-Toothed Cowboy Rabbit, and walked straight over. "Big Rabbit?"

Big Gold-Toothed Cowboy Rabbit felt a bit embarrassed and shrank back slightly. Her online personality was indeed different from her real-life one. In real life, people generally care more about saving face.

"President? It really is you! I knew you'd keep your promise. You can call me Dora."

She glanced at the President's assistant, and her eyes lit up. Yes, that's definitely the President's type of assistant—young, handsome, and clearly versatile.

The President said indifferently, "He's my assistant. Don't mind him. As long as he doesn't slow us down, it's fine."

Big Rabbit secretly chuckled. The President is certainly protective of her handsome assistant! She then said enthusiastically, "A warm welcome! Come on, I'll take you to check in."

"This is Leder, the client's agent. He will be joining us on our venture into the Yingudusi Devil's Pit."

Chen Gu, following behind, observed Leder closely, trying to discern whether he had undergone that kind of body modification.

The check-in process was quick. A suite was arranged for the President, with the master bedroom inside and an outer lounge for her handsome assistant.

This way, the President could conveniently summon her assistant at any time.

Qing Ruyan entered the room and gave Dora an appreciative nod. "Well arranged."

Dora smiled happily, full of envy for the President. I want to be a Second Energy Level master too! And I want a versatile, handsome assistant as well! Life goals! Strive for them, Big Rabbit!

While Qing Ruyan discussed mission arrangements with Dora and Leder, Chen Gu bustled about like a diligent newlywed, moving in and out of the suite to arrange Qing Ruyan's personal items.

By the time this busy bee had finished his tasks, Dora and Leder had already taken their leave.

Qing Ruyan explained to Chen Gu, "There will be a dinner party later for all the mission participants to meet, introduce themselves, and get acquainted. This should facilitate cooperation during the mission."

"However, these self-introductions can't be fully trusted. Everyone will hold something back and not reveal their true capabilities."

"We set off early tomorrow morning. It should take us two hours at most to reach the outskirts of the Yingudusi Devil's Pit."

"Then, the client will announce the exploration route. They've likely found some clues through historical research but won't disclose the route in advance for fear of leaks."

Chen Gu nodded but couldn't help asking, "Leder and his group are in the illegal body modification business. What use is exploring the Yingudusi Devil's Pit to them?"

This time, Qing Ruyan answered, "It just shows you still don't understand the Yingudusi Devil's Pit. It might be due to radioactive substances left from the great war, or perhaps it's where the remains of fallen super-lifeforms nurtured them. Regardless, the most powerful mechanical alien species on all of Empire River Star originate from the Yingudusi Devil's Pit!"

Chen Gu had a sudden realization. "I see. Their goal is still those powerful mechanical alien species."

Qing Ruyan smiled. "Alright, do your job well—you are my assistant now. Dress sharply and accompany me to the dinner party."

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