Yun Xingze input both his own mecha data and the data of the most likely solo combat competitors from St. Clythus into the prediction software, but the final results never exceeded 40%.
When factoring in other uncertainties like the competitive drive or underhanded tactics of St. Clythus’s fighters, his win rate might drop even lower.
This was proof enough: St. Clythus’s solo combatants were formidable.
Over these past days, Yun Xingze had been training while brainstorming countermeasures.
He came up with many plans, though none could be finalized immediately. However, his mental and physical stamina improved at an astonishing rate. So fast it even surprised Luo Wenchuan.
Three days later, during the team’s routine mental strength assessment, Richard noted Yun Xingze’s A-rank progress bar had reached 59%. A flicker of surprise crossed Luo Wenchuan’s eyes.
The last time Yun Xingze was tested at school, his mental strength had just reached A-rank, with the progress bar practically empty.
Now, he was already past the halfway mark?
“What the hell have you been eating?” Richard stared wide-eyed, momentarily forgetting to record the data. “Is Noah’s environment just that suited for you? This growth speed is terrifying.”
Oliar, standing nearby, looked like he was about to cry. He’d been stuck at A-rank since high school, barely reaching 85% after over a year, yet Yun Xingze was catching up effortlessly.
Was this really the mental strength of an Omega?
“If this keeps up, he might hit S-rank before the finals,” Aixili mused. “If that happens, Xingze could become our trump card.”
Richard nodded in agreement. “No one would expect an A-minus Omega to reach S-rank so quickly.”
In the subsequent physical assessment, Yun Xingze’s stamina had also risen to A-rank.
This marked a major breakthrough, a testament to his relentless training.
After the session, Luo Wenchuan remarked, “Seems like the hellish training these past weeks paid off.”
“I’m not too surprised about the stamina reaching A-rank,” Yun Xingze admitted, casually pulling out a towel to dab the sweat at Luo Wenchuan’s temple. “You’ve been pushing me hard, even planning my meals and all.”
He smiled, meeting Luo Wenchuan’s sharp gaze. “Thanks.”
The moment the towel brushed his skin, Luo Wenchuan swallowed hard before replying calmly, “No need. I just wanted to fatten you up.”
Yun Xingze froze, his grip loosening enough that the white towel nearly slipped.
As if sensing his fluster, Luo Wenchuan subtly caught his wrist, holding it briefly before sliding his hand up to take the towel.
“Can’t have people thinking I mistreat my mecha engineer,” he said, wiping his sweat with a faint smirk.
“Best boss in the empire,” Yun Xingze grinned, giving his benefactor a thumbs-up.
After a pause, Yun Xingze frowned slightly. “But the sudden spike in my mental strength progress that’s weird.”
Luo Wenchuan’s hand paused slightly as he wiped his sweat. He frowned and said, “Indeed, no contestant in history has ever upgraded their psychic power from A-rank to S-rank during a major competition. Could it be a case of latent potential suddenly breaking through a bottleneck recently?”
“Possibly,” Yun Xingze replied after a moment’s thought.
Though he said this, Yun Xingze couldn’t shake the feeling that his psychic power hadn’t been growing this rapidly just a few days ago.
Was it just his imagination?
“By the way, have you figured out how to deal with those from St. Clythus?” Luo Wenchuan asked.
Yun Xingze nodded. “This time, I’m thinking of modifying the mechanical beast. Some of its components haven’t been updated in a long time, and I feel it could play an even greater role.”
Every time Luo Wenchuan heard Yun Xingze mention modifying a mech, he felt an inexplicable sense of anticipation, eager to see what brilliant ideas the young man would come up with next.
“However, I’m still missing some materials,” Yun Xingze scratched his head. “I’m not sure if there’s anywhere nearby to buy them.”
Without hesitation, Luo Wenchuan said, “Then I’ll accompany you to the nearby market tonight. The Noah District is hosting a carnival right now, and they sell quite a few rare mech parts there.”
“Really?” Yun Xingze looked at him in surprise. “Senior, how do you know so much about Noah Star?”
“I’ve been here a few times for bounty missions,” Luo Wenchuan replied casually. “It’s settled then. We’ll leave at seven sharp tonight.”
Yun Xingze agreed readily and went back to his room to change.
The Noah District carnival was held twice a year, each time lasting for an extended period.
Not only could visitors experience the local customs and culture, but they could also purchase many specialty items at reasonable prices.
Luo Wenchuan waited at Yun Xingze’s door for him to come out. The moment the door opened, his gaze froze momentarily.
Yun Xingze usually dressed simply, mostly in school uniforms or training gear, with loose clothing concealing much of his figure and demeanor.
Now, he wore a clean-colored casual outfit, and with a bit of styling, he exuded a sunny, youthful charm.
The recent training had also transformed his physique from his former slender, pale frame to one with subtle muscle definition, adding a touch of vigor.
“What’s wrong?” Yun Xingze asked, looking at Luo Wenchuan. “Is my outfit too casual? Will they let me into the carnival?”
“…They will,” Luo Wenchuan swallowed, his gaze briefly sweeping over the young man. “Let’s go.”
The carnival was located on a bustling street in Noah City’s main district.
Beneath the crisscrossing aerial flight tracks, the carnival retained its most rustic charm. Long streets were lined with various shops, most adorned in gold and bronze hues, symbolizing Noah Star’s sunlight and soil.
Colorful ribbons and glowing balloons floated above the shops, intertwining with the night lights.
Though the carnival appeared traditional, it concealed many surprises. Numerous robots dressed in human clothing welcomed visitors with polite, orderly enthusiasm, their faces beaming with warmth.
Luo Wenchuan stepped through the carnival gates.
After walking a few steps, he suddenly heard a faint, familiar voice behind him.
He halted, only then realizing Yun Xingze was no longer beside him.
His heart skipped a beat.
Turning around, he saw no sign of Yun Xingze.
Luo Wenchuan thought Yun Xingze had gotten lost and was about to search for him when he suddenly spotted a figure being stopped at the entrance of the carnival.
Yun Xingze stood blocked by two android guards, waving helplessly at Luo Wenchuan: “Senior Da Chuan, wait a moment. They won’t let me in.”
Puzzled, Luo Wenchuan approached the entrance and asked the robots, “Why won’t you let him in?”
“Apologies, but the carnival has some adult-only performances in the evening,” the robot replied with a smile. “Minors aren’t permitted entry after dark.”
Luo Wenchuan froze for a moment.
He looked at Yun Xingze. The boy already appeared fair-skinned and youthful, and now dressed in casual clothes that accentuated his boyish charm, even the robots mistook him for an underage visitor.
The next second, Luo Wenchuan coughed, barely suppressing his laughter.
“You’re laughing?” Yun Xingze widened his eyes. “Senior Da Chuan, then I won’t accompany you inside.”
“Show them your ID,” Luo Wenchuan said, pressing his lips together to contain his amusement. “Did getting mistaken for a child make your IQ drop too?”
Yun Xingze opened his neural interface, inputting his identification into the robot’s wireless port while muttering, “Verification takes time. I only called you over because I was afraid you’d wander off.”
These words made Luo Wenchuan pause momentarily.
Soon, the robot completed the verification and clasped its hands apologetically: “Our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. You may now enter. We hope you both enjoy Noah Star’s charms at our carnival.”
Only then did Yun Xingze enter the carnival with Luo Wenchuan.
The robot watched their retreating figures with a smile until they disappeared into the crowd.
Then it raised its wrist, activating its communicator function, and whispered: “Target data confirmed. Subjects have entered the carnival grounds.”
This time, Luo Wenchuan seemed determined not to lose Yun Xingze again, staying close by his side.
“These robots seem really outdated,” Yun Xingze complained quietly. “They can’t even verify age correctly and still use wireless ports for data transfer… aren’t they worried about viruses?”
“It means you look young,” Luo Wenchuan teased. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
Yun Xingze pursed his lips: “Whether I’m happy or not is one thing, but you certainly seem pleased.”
The carnival was packed with shoppers carrying overflowing bags, the sheer volume of purchases testifying to the bargains available.
“My account’s running low,” Yun Xingze said while scanning the map for mecha parts stalls. “I probably can’t buy much.”
He resolved to find the most cost-effective solutions.
“Is that so.” Luo Wenchuan walked beside him, then casually operated his neural interface.
A moment later, a transfer notification popped up on Yun Xingze’s display 600,000-star credits deposited.
“You’ve been my mecha technician for nearly a month,” Luo Wenchuan said offhandedly. “Consider this your salary.”
Yun Xingze blinked in surprise: “But it hasn’t been a full month yet?”
“Then take it as an advance.” Luo Wenchuan glanced at the laden shoppers around them and said calmly, “Buy whatever you want.”
Yun Xingze quickly said, “Thank you, Senior Da Chuan. But actually, you don’t need to give me an advance. I don’t need to buy much material. I can just spend carefully.”
“Then buy something else,” Luo Wenchuan withdrew his gaze and curled his lips slightly. “Like your favorite fruits.”
“Senior, you’re truly a male bodhisattva,” Yun Xingze clasped his hands together in gratitude. “No, to be precise, you’re my god of wealth.”
Compared to the term “male bodhisattva,” Luo Wenchuan would rather be another identity.
“You’re so good to me, I’m almost embarrassed. I haven’t modified for you that many times,” Yun Xingze scratched his head. “And initially, we agreed on 300,000 a month. Though there are bonuses, doubling it directly.”
Luo Wenchuan raised an eyebrow. “Too little?”
“No, no, it’s too much. I’m feeling the pressure,” Yun Xingze hurriedly replied.
He should have known; with Luo Wenchuan’s style, the bonus might exceed the salary.
“No need for pressure,” Luo Wenchuan said slowly. “I just saw everyone else buying things and wanted you to have more, to return fully loaded.”
Only then did Yun Xingze realize that Luo Wenchuan had given him the money to prevent him from feeling left out among this crowd of relentless shoppers, hence the advance.
It gave Yun Xingze the illusion that “what others have, you should have too.”
While Yun Xingze was lost in thought, Luo Wenchuan walked ahead of him.
A group of people seemed to be playing a game up front, and the sudden surge in foot traffic nearly separated them.
The next second, a large hand firmly grasped Yun Xingze’s wrist.
Yun Xingze froze slightly. As he looked up, he almost bumped into Luo Wenchuan’s tall back.
Tilting his head up, he could only see the back of Luo Wenchuan’s head.
Luo Wenchuan hadn’t even turned around.
Yet he had caught his hand with perfect accuracy.
Luo Wenchuan glanced sideways, his eyelashes casting shadows over the bridge of his nose.
“Don’t get lost,” Luo Wenchuan said with a faint smirk, then added teasingly, “minor.”
