From Scrap Mecha to Sci-Fi Heaven

"Just ahead." 

The convoy, guided by Wang Xiao Liu, had been traveling through the Wasteland for five days, moving from plains to hilly mountain paths, finally stopping before a valley.

This valley was quite interesting; it was surrounded by mountains on all sides, yet each side had an opening. From a distance, one could see a large number of vehicles entering and exiting. Inside, there were tall buildings, as well as small shanties built haphazardly, but more prominently, there were various warehouses and containers.

"I never expected there would be such a bustling place in the Wasteland."

Lin Yu arrived at the checkpoint set up at the mouth of the valley, gazing at the surrounding lively scene, unable to help but click his tongue in surprise.

After traveling together for several days, Wang Xiao Liu, the guide, was like a shadow beside him, and Lin Yu naturally already knew the purpose of this trip.

This was a land port, essentially a land freight port.

Or one could say it was a logistics transfer station.

Of course, since it existed in the Wasteland, it was certainly not the most legitimate kind.

The normal logistics of the Blue Star Federation used underground rail trains or cargo ships, with each city having dedicated train stations and airports; normally, they wouldn't traverse the Wasteland.

To come through the Wasteland, one was either desperate and taking risks or was a speculator doing business in the Wasteland, but more often, it was because they or the goods they were transporting were not meant to be seen.

This valley was precisely such a spontaneously formed hub for goods distribution and resupply—Paradise Port.

Despite being a valley, it was strategically located at the junction of multiple gathering places and situated between three cities, with very smooth roads. Geographically speaking, it was indeed a prime location.

Paying fees and entering the port, everything was calm and smooth.

Paradise Port could be considered a compound force of a gathering place and a land port, with the largest areas occupied by various warehouses, containers, and parking lots, but there was also a small residential area, forming a bustling commercial street and vendor trading zone.

After entering Paradise Port, parking the vehicle, and settling into a hotel, Zhao Xing gathered everyone for a small meeting to discuss the objectives of this mission.

"The Steel Brotherhood, according to known intelligence, possesses a Second Generation Mecha, piloted by their leader, the Federation's most wanted criminal, Lalu Duo. We also cannot rule out the presence of heavy weapons and cybernetic modifiers…"

Zhao Xing briefly introduced the target information and continued, "The opponent is likely hiding in Paradise Port. We need to locate him, and ideally, find Lalu Duo directly for a decapitation strike, not giving him the chance to pilot the Mech."

As he spoke, his gaze turned to the six members of Jova Squad, saying, "This is why I hired you."

"No problem, we're quite good at finding people. As long as we're not up against a Mech, we should be able to handle it."

As a somewhat well-known mercenary team in the industry, Qiao Wa (Jova) was very confident in their operational capabilities.

"I'll handle the Mech."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly.

After a moment, he looked at Lin Yu and said, "Lin brother, you were actually beyond my expectations. I originally planned to have Qiao Wa (Jova) recruit some stronger mercenaries, one to protect me before I board the Mech, and two to help locate Lalu Duo for the decapitation."

Lin Yu nodded in response.

Zhao Xing's reasoning was not hard to understand.

Once a Mecha Pilot boards a Mech, even a first-generation Mech possesses overwhelming combat power against ordinary cybernetic modifiers.

However, before donning the armor, Mecha Pilots are often quite vulnerable.

After all, not everyone is willing to abandon their biological body for prosthetic modification.

Even if modified, they would only be comparable to ordinary cybernetic modifiers, and the Mech's interactive system would still need specialized modifications to adapt.

Therefore, compared to directly confronting a pilot of the same level, it was clearly much simpler and safer to execute a decapitation tactic, eliminating the opponent before they could board the Mech.

Originally, Zhao Xing probably intended to have Qiao Wa (Jova) recruit more personnel after hiring them, but the uninformed Qiao Wa (Jova) contacted the Black Snake, who was a bit of a liability. Perhaps thinking to curry favor with Zhao Xing and also to build rapport with Lin Yu, a promising new star, he ended up involving Lin Yu in this mission.

From a logical standpoint, a Mecha Pilot, no matter how poor, would certainly be better than an ordinary mercenary.

However, Zhao Xing was not looking for direct combat power; he needed help finding and decapitating the target, so Lin Yu, as a half-baked Mecha Pilot, was naturally not the most suitable choice.

After all, if he brought a Mech, it would only alert the enemy to prepare for battle.

Being unable to assist in finding and decapitating, and facing Lalu Duo's Second Generation Mecha, even the Dawn, which could barely be considered a first-generation Mech in its bare form, would find it impossible to intervene in the battle between the two.

It was no wonder the other side had not taken it seriously before; it truly had no importance to begin with.

"My plan moving forward is for Qiao Wa (Jova) to find the target while I remain in the Mech, ready to support at any time."

Zhao Xing paused for a moment before continuing to make arrangements, looking at Lin Yu and saying, "As for you, I don't have more personnel to provide protection, so it's best for you to stay with me, primarily to protect Old Zhang and my accompanying logistics."

"Sure."

Lin Yu nodded, indicating he had no objections.

After all, he was there to benefit, and as long as it wasn't too excessive, he would follow the arrangements.

"Mm."

Zhao Xing breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze falling on Old Zhang.

"Don't look at me; I've said it before, I'm just here to watch, I can't help with anything."

As soon as Old Zhang saw Zhao Xing looking at him, he immediately waved his hand.

"That's natural."

Zhao Xing's serious expression instantly transformed into a smile with a hint of flattery.

With this person around, even if he did nothing, he would feel a bit more at ease.

Don't be fooled by the cold words now.

If something unexpected happened, Old Zhang would certainly not just watch them die.

He would definitely step in to help.

Thinking this way, he even felt a bit hopeful that this trip would bring some surprises.

At that time, he could witness the prowess of this legendary pilot firsthand.

Perhaps, after sharing hardships, they could deepen their relationship, and Old Zhang might even take him as a disciple?

If nothing else, if he could invite Old Zhang back to reorganize Thunder Assault, it would be a significant achievement for the association and even the Federation, right?

Unfortunately, Old Zhang was just too aloof…

It was understandable; legendary figures naturally have their pride and quirks.

"Hey, Lin kid, you see, your next task is to protect me. Since I'm just sitting around anyway…"

Old Zhang leaned in towards Lin Yu, oblivious to the surroundings.

Zhao Xing: "…"

"If only I had established such a deep friendship with Old Zhang early on, like Lin brother."

Zhao Xing endured and endured, but ultimately couldn't hold back his strong

envy.

A poor kid befriending a quirky old man, only to later discover that the quirky old man was a recluse with extraordinary skills.

What an enviable story arc.

(End of Chapter)