Chapter 230: Klein's Attitude

Facundo Base was an irregular pentagon surrounded by light gray alloy walls, heavily guarded. It had one above-ground level with an attached Shipyard and one underground level.

The architectural style appeared rather rugged. The black and shiny exterior reflected the starlight, and the structure had distinct edges and corners, giving it a sense of precise and rigorous mechanical design.

Aside from the large areas of black, lustrous blue paint extended along the edges, adding a touch of aesthetics to the massive base.

The so-called five hectares of usage area was enclosed by metal netting, essentially just undeveloped rocky terrain.

There were several other bases with different designs nearby. Looking up, one could not only see the stars constantly orbiting the Main Planet, but at certain times, one could even see the [Galaxy Veil].

The reason why housing prices on Return Star were so high was largely due to the [Galaxy Veil].

As one of the safest places in the Universe, countless people racked their brains trying to squeeze in here.

The base came with permanent property rights, but one needed to pay a hefty maintenance fee every year, around 50 million.

If one refused to pay for over ten years, Return Star would repossess the base.

Shaking his head to throw out the Baffling thoughts, he realized that the remaining facilities would be fully equipped in about seven days. Right now, this base was still an Empty Shell.

"Fuck, the Mermaid Princess was attacked!" Max was startled by a message that suddenly popped up on his Smart Terminal. "Which suicidal fool dared to attack the Mermaid Princess, seeking death!"

His expression changed, and he glanced at Li Yu. Since this guy had already paid, he probably wouldn't run away. After all, over ten billion Star Coins was not a small sum by any means.

"I'll come find you in a few days... don't run..." Max gave a few instructions and, without waiting for Li Yu to answer, hurriedly left.

This Max was also an oddball. Earlier he was frantically urging Li Yu to testify for him, and now he was leaving in a hurry.

"Mermaid Princess? Claptrap, see what happened," Li Yu rubbed his chin and had Claptrap search for relevant information. Soon... a large amount of information was compiled.

"Master, the Mermaid Princess is holding a concert tour within Return Star territory... Not long ago..."

Li Yu's expression gradually became strange. The Status of Mermaids in interstellar space was quite special. They were the representative victims of the Slave Trade and were supported by many races.

Moreover, not only did the Mermaid Princess possess the most honorable colored scales of the Mermaid race, but her tears could turn into high-density metal, and her singing could soothe tyranny.

Even her gaze could make bloodthirsty villains weep bitterly.

Her mission was to hold concert tours all over interstellar space, mainly to promote anti-Slave Trade campaigns. She was a top-tier interstellar celebrity.

And she was also friends with Klein.

Another friend of Klein...Li Yu was already a bit sensitive to the word "friend".

However, according to rumors, the bond between Klein and the Mermaid Princess was indeed very deep; they were not ordinary friends.

An hour ago, in the Vitel Galaxy of Return Star, the Mermaid Princess was attacked, causing injuries to many Staff Members.

"...According to relevant Staff Members, this attack wouldn't have been so serious, but the outer defense Mercenaries temporarily fled, leading to a gap in the guard forces, which caused the unexpected situation..."

"...And the ones who took on this security mission were exactly—the Silver Snake Mercenary Group. It is reported... they have a close relationship with Princess Klein..."

Li Yu roughly understood what happened and couldn't help but feel somewhat Speechless. Now Klein would probably be dragged out and criticized again.

He shook his head; anyway, it had nothing to do with him.

...

Six days later... at 8:00 AM, the sunlight penetrated through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the base's hall, falling onto the rectangular Metal Dining Table.

A Domestic Robot carried exquisite plates, filled with food that looked, smelled, and tasted great, stimulating one's taste buds.

"La la la..." Keller swung her small legs, sitting on a chair. In front of her was a basin of crimson liquid, which greatly whetted her appetite.

"A cup of blood a day makes you better than Vimala."

The metal floor spiraled open, and Li Yu slowly ascended on a mechanical chair. Hearing Keller's words, he felt it was a bit absurd.

"What are you talking about..." He shook his head. The Combat Suit on his body turned into ordinary clothes as he floated to the main seat. The sunlight spilled in front of him, and the cup next to him was already filled with milk.

"I learned it from that big-headed person on TV..." Keller widened her big eyes and explained.

"Most of the things have been delivered. Only a B-grade Training Room is left. It should be delivered very soon," Hunter said, sitting next to him.

Li Yu nodded, picked up the milk, and drank it all in one gulp, then praised, "Every time I drink it, I can taste a unique flavor. Sinai's craftsmanship is good."

"Yeah... yeah, I used to drink it every day before, but unfortunately, it doesn't taste like anything to me now," Keller chimed in.

Sinai walked over slowly wearing an apron, her heavy chest looking particularly substantial.

Hearing this, she couldn't help but feel a little shy. "This is a specialty from our hometown. We use a special method to ferment the milk a second time."

She was trying hard to find a sense of presence, not wanting to appear idle. Cooking was something she was relatively good at.

Coincidentally, after taking Compound V, the Superpower she awakened was also related to cooking.

She could add special power to meals, giving those who ate them a minor Amplification.

However, she had just awakened it, so at most it could speed up blood circulation, improve vision, and the like. It wasn't very useful yet and needed further development.

Tu Ying was burying his head in his food on the side. The rice bowl next to him had been replaced several times by the Domestic Robot; it was all compressed Nutritious Substance.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Peyton pushed the door open and walked in. Keller, who was humming a nursery rhyme, instantly buried her head, not daring to speak, trembling slightly.

Peyton looked around and locked his eyes on Tu Ying: "Come with me. There's been new progress on the research regarding the Troll Clan's Sacred Relic."

"Yes." Tu Ying put down his rice basin and said to Li Yu, "I'll take my leave first."

Li Yu nodded, and only then did Tu Ying follow Peyton out.

"Poor little Tu Ying..." Keller shook her head and sighed, then jumped off the table, chasing Claptrap around constantly.

Li Ping wasn't here. He was leading the Esper Group, developing their abilities day and night, hoping to shine and contribute to Li Yu as soon as possible.

Eating food was only to satisfy the mouth. To maintain the normal operation of the body, they still had to compress Nutritional Potions. After taking two tubes, the fatigue from training overnight was swept away.

"Master, Klein wants you to go over. She has something to discuss with you," Claptrap, being held in Keller's arms, suddenly spoke.

Li Yu had specially purchased a Server Array Group for Claptrap, which cost a fortune, but it also greatly improved Claptrap's performance, allowing it to help him crack Smart Devices remotely.

Li Yu paused and nodded, "I got it."

Ever since Max hurriedly left last time, that kid seemed to have disappeared and hadn't contacted him again, allowing him a few comfortable days. He wondered what Klein wanted with him this time.

Hunter added, "By the way, the Weapon you ordered from Opto-Electric Technology is ready. They notified us that we can go pick it up."

"What exactly did you order? Spending so many Star Coins."

Li Yu chuckled, "Take a guess."

Hunter was Speechless and shook his head, "I asked that sales manager before. High-energy weapons entering here need to be reported. Don't forget when the time comes."

"The Weapon won't enter here," Li Yu said with profound meaning.

Hunter narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he understood something, looked at the [Titan Colonization Armor] on Li Yu, and didn't say anything.

...

Star Casting Palace. Li Yu followed the soldiers, advancing rapidly. Klein's Palace wasn't remote, so it didn't take long for him to arrive.

"Your Excellency Li Yu, we've arrived at Princess Klein's Palace," the soldier did his routine duty and immediately left.

The female guards of the Palace were wearing light blue Armor. Obviously having been notified, they didn't stop Li Yu, but instead pushed open the tightly shut alloy carved doors, while saying:

"Her Highness has been waiting for you."

Li Yu nodded and walked straight in. The Palace seemed very empty, and the curtains fluttered without wind. On the stairs, a familiar figure walked down.

It was Horus!

Li Yu's heart suddenly jumped. Although this Old Schemer didn't temporarily have the intention to kill him, his previous action of inciting Edwin to be hostile towards him still made Li Yu very displeased.

Over the past few days, Li Yu had occasionally peeped on this Old Schemer but hadn't gained much, only learning quite a few little secrets, though not many related to himself.

"Your Excellency Horus..." Li Yu smiled gently.

Seeing Li Yu, a trace of surprise flashed in Horus's eyes, but he didn't show it. He nodded indifferently, his tone calm: "Her Highness is in a bad mood, be careful with your words."

Fuck, why are you acting like a eunuch? I haven't even slipped you any silver yet, why are you telling me about your master's mood?

He grumbled inwardly, but showed a smile on his face: "Thank you for the reminder."

Horus didn't answer and walked straight out. Li Yu pondered for a moment before going up to the second floor.

Knocking on the door, Klein was sitting behind a metal desk, looking somewhat tired. Frowning slightly, she rubbed her brow and said, "You're here, have a seat."

Telling me to sit right away, isn't this pretty good?

"I heard you came to blows at the Talent Support Association previously?" Klein's hair was a bit messy, and she was wearing a luxurious light white long dress.

Li Yu nodded and intentionally sighed, "I was impulsive."

Since Klein knew about this, she definitely knew the cause and effect as well, so he didn't need to explain much.

"It has nothing to do with you. My actions caused you trouble," Klein took a deep breath and said. "In the future, you don't need to act impulsively just because others are disrespectful to me."

Huh?Li Yu was slightly surprised. Klein seemed to think he had taken action because of her... uh... to a certain extent, it seemed that was indeed the case.

Li Yu remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.

"I asked you to come over this time because I have a matter to trouble you with," Klein's wording made Li Yu feel a bit strange. Was she being this polite?

Those words on the Black Knight previously seemed to have had a great impact on Klein. Li Yu pondered slightly and said, "Go ahead."

"My friend..." Klein paused here, her cheeks slightly flushed, as if she was ashamed of the word "friend".

After a pause, she continued, "To be exact, my best friend—the Mermaid Princess—was attacked in the Vitel Galaxy not long ago. It took six days to settle this matter down."

"But her concert tour hasn't started yet. There was a problem with the previous security personnel, so I want to ask you to go over and help."

Li Yu was somewhat speechless. Earlier he thought this matter had nothing to do with him, and the next moment Klein came looking for him.

There was no choice. The previous security Mercenaries had a problem, and they were highly likely introduced by Klein. If she didn't take responsibility now, she would lose face.

"This..." Li Yu hesitated a bit. There were no benefits, but Klein's attitude was so good that refusing directly might ruin her good impression of him, affecting his future plans.

He could use this matter to test Klein's attitude.

"It can be counted as a mandatory association mission," Klein added.

Li Yu shook his head; he didn't care about that. He changed the subject and said, "Your Excellency Max wants me to testify for him regarding the origin of the Xinhuo Virus."

Hearing this, Klein was somewhat surprised and uncertain; she didn't know this news. "You can determine the origin of the virus?"

"I was in No Man's Land at the time, and I did indeed see some things," Li Yu's face didn't redden, nor did he pant.

"If you don't want to step forward, I can shield you from it." Klein thought for a moment, assuming Li Yu didn't want to stick his neck out.

Li Yu said sincerely, "That's not the case. Since Return Star has accepted me, I am naturally willing to testify."

It would be strange if I didn't want to testify! If one day Big Brother Dark Star notices something is wrong and bites me first, what would I do?

Until Big Brother Dark Star took the blame for this, Li Yu would be Restless with worry every single day.

Klein didn't understand Li Yu's meaning. Her magnificent eyes stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

"I hope Your Highness the Princess can also help me next time..."

Li Yu pretended to be hesitant and apprehensive: "I have a friend. He is the most genius researcher I have ever seen. He has been researching the Xinhuo Virus."

"If he can research countermeasures, I hope Your Highness can secure sufficient benefits for him."

Klein looked strange. She looked at Li Yu, suddenly burst into a smile, shook her head, and said, "Return Star has been researching it for so long without finding countermeasures. Tell your friend not to waste his effort."

Li Yu explained "anxiously," "That friend of mine is a genius. I believe in him."

Klein obviously didn't believe it. Ever since the Xinhuo Virus outbreak, many large Laboratories had been researching it, but it was very difficult to contain.

The root cause was not the Xinhuo Virus itself, but that the Star Glory Empire was secretly manipulating things from behind, and its evolution and transmission speed were frightening.

Klein felt Li Yu's question was a bit abrupt. After pondering deeply for a moment, she suddenly had a guess. Was this guy testing whether she treated him as a friend or a Subordinate?

If he were a Subordinate, the Merit could be entirely attributed to Klein herself. If he were a friend, she would naturally fight for benefits on his behalf.

Klein didn't answer immediately. Instead, she looked at the somewhat anxious Li Yu. Many thoughts surfaced, and finally, she said firmly, "Rest assured, if it really succeeds, I will fight for sufficient benefits for your friend!"

(End of this chapter)