Seeing everything settled, Lin Xinghai finally breathed a sigh of relief. He was now an official employee of the Government Affairs Office, and with that, Liu Miaomiao and the others gained an extra layer of protection.
At least in the lower district, neither gangs nor other forces would dare to openly touch them.
Because Liu Miaomiao and her companions stood out in both looks and ability, Lecheng even raised their wages—100 points a week. In the lower district, that was an astronomical figure, equal to Lin Xinghai's own salary.
Of course, this was only pure wages. If genetic medicine were included, the difference would remain vast.
"Congratulations on officially joining. Tonight, let me pick you up after work. The Axe Gang is still a threat. In two days, once you move into the Government Affairs Office dormitory, you won't need to worry anymore." Lin Xinghai smiled.
"At that time, we won't be living together. Won't you feel lonely at night?" Wang Yao leaned close, whispering with a playful charm.
"I'll be moving to the middle district in two days. I'm sure things will be lively enough." Lin Xinghai countered lightly.
"Don't worry about us—you be careful." Liu Miaomiao's voice was soft, but the concern in her eyes was unmistakable.
Lin Xinghai waved casually and left the government affairs hall with Roger, heading for the mercenary square.
…
The mercenary square, the largest in the lower district, served as the heart of mercenary activity. Every group had to register here before setting out and upon return. To ordinary citizens, the sight of mercenaries coming back in triumph—hauling resources and trophies—was a spectacle in itself.
The Star Shield Refuge leadership encouraged this ritual. Mercenary prestige, after all, lured more people into the profession.
By the time Lin Xinghai arrived, the Sky Splitting Mercenary Group was nearly assembled.
Thirty-five members stood ready—few in number, yet commanding attention. Three armored vehicles, steel monsters weighing over fifty tons, sat parked beside them, radiating silent menace. In front, two multipurpose off-road vehicles bristled with mounted heavy machine guns.
But what drew every gaze were the two humanoid mechas, each five meters tall. Their very silhouettes screamed destruction—concussive blades in hand, micro-missiles slung on their legs, electromagnetic railguns strapped to their backs.
"Shocking, isn't it?" Roger grinned at Lin Xinghai's expression.
Lin Xinghai could only nod. Though he had glimpsed mechas once before, back when he'd first woken from the dormancy pod, his mind then was clouded. Now, the impact hit fully.
"When we bought our first mecha, I was just as stunned," Roger chuckled. "And back then, the weapon systems weren't half as advanced."
Lin Xinghai couldn't help wondering aloud, "If a first-level mercenary group has this kind of arsenal, how strong must the second or even third-level groups be?"
"Second-level mercenary groups aren't necessarily much stronger," Roger explained. "Any group with three experts above 90% genetic optimization, or three mechas, qualifies for promotion."
"So, we're one mecha short." Lin Xinghai eyed the machines with undisguised envy, like a man admiring a supercar.
"Exactly," Roger nodded. "Or we'd need another genetic optimizer above 90%."
"You mean we already have two?" Lin Xinghai was surprised.
"Yes—the captain and deputy. That's why we can fully unleash the mechas' power. In fact, in terms of overall strength, we surpass some newly promoted second-level groups." Roger's pride showed in his tone.
"Come on, I'll introduce you to the captain."
…
Led by Roger, Lin Xinghai drew closer to the group's core. Four figures stood near the crimson mecha, surrounded by mercenaries who guarded them with casual vigilance. Clearly, these were the leaders.
"Captain Luo!"
"You're finally here!"
"Is this the new recruit you mentioned?"
Greetings rippled as they passed, though curious eyes lingered on Lin Xinghai. Roger responded politely but pressed on, stopping before the tallest man.
"This is Fang Tianhe, our captain."
Fang Tianhe's body was a wall of muscle, his vest doing nothing to hide the web of scars crisscrossing his skin. His presence carried weight, though his expression was calm. He extended a hand.
"Welcome to the Sky Splitting Mercenary Group."
Lin Xinghai clasped it quickly, but Fang Tianhe didn't release. Instead, his grip tightened.
A test, Lin Xinghai realized immediately. Yesterday's claims had sounded unbelievable—of course, they would want proof.
He matched the pressure calmly, his strength rising.
Ten points. Fifteen. Approval flickered in Fang Tianhe's eyes.
Eighteen. The approval sharpened into surprise.
Finally, Lin Xinghai pushed to twenty, the edge of his current limit. Fang Tianhe released his hand, face lit with satisfaction.
"Good!" Fang Tianhe's voice carried genuine excitement.
Yesterday Lin Xinghai had been an ordinary man. Today, he showed twenty points of strength. That alone confirmed it—he possessed a rare physique capable of devouring genetic medicine at an astonishing pace.