Chapter 452

World Tree Group, senior office.

"What, you say that Sengoku Driver has no data at all!" Wu Dao Guihu sat up straight, looking at the computer screen in surprise.

"That's right. When that stranger used the Sengoku Driver, I received no Lockseed data in return, but Geba Hongtai's A-Rank Orange Lockseed transmitted the data completely." Said the researcher inside the pop-up window on the computer screen, wearing a white lab coat, hair neatly combed with only a small strand hanging on the right side of the face.

The researcher's location resembled a biological laboratory, with various bottles and jars on the table, the surrounding light dim and dull, mysterious and abnormal, as if conducting some horrifying biochemical experiment.

Except in horror movies the biochemical experiment jars contain all kinds of heads, whereas this lab contains red-skinned fruit taken from the Helheim Forest.

"Lingma, besides you, is anyone else able to manufacture the Sengoku Driver?" Wu Dao Guihu asked the researcher.

"Impossible, it's impossible without complete manufacturing data, after all I developed it and named it after myself as a treasure." The researcher was very confident; in studying the Helheim Forest fruit he was the strongest.

His full name is Zhan Ji Lingma, developer of the Sengoku Driver and one of the first to notice the Helheim Forest invasion.

"Could the Sengoku Driver's data have leaked, or is there a mole in the group's upper management?" Wu Dao Guihu frowned.

"I'll leave the investigation to you, Guihu; as long as you recover his Sengoku Driver, I'll know where the source is." Zhan Ji Lingma raised his eyebrows, speaking lightly, "If you can't do it, Guihu, then I'll have to figure something out."

"This is a battle involving two Crescent Moons, frankly I'm quite looking forward to it; that stranger's combat power is far stronger than Geba Hongtai's after only two uses, so we need to pay extra attention."

"Thanks for the reminder, Lingma." Wu Dao Guihu also hung up the video call directly.

"Two Crescent Moons," Wu Dao Guihu took out his Melon Lockseed, gently felt it a few times, then stood up and walked out of the office.

It's clear that Zhan Ji Lingma and Wu Dao Guihu are friends or have an equal relationship; otherwise no researcher could speak to their superior in such a tone, after all Wu Dao Guihu is already the highest level of the World Tree Group in Ze Ya City.

Fruit dessert shop.

Qu Wen Jiedou in a black-red uniform pushed open the door and headed straight to the small compartment deepest on the right, while Hankou Seijirou in a floral shirt wiping cups saw this customer who hadn't ordered anything, showed little reaction, and continued doing his own thing.

He knew Qu Wen Jiedou was the captain of the Baron Team and understood his purpose for coming here, because the fruit dessert shop is not just a dessert shop; it's an information exchange center dedicated to street-dance teenagers participating in the Otherworld Game, and also a black market for trading fixed Lockseeds.

As the owner, he's long been accustomed to such behavior, and besides it brings him customer flow and extra income, so he supports it.

"You called to tell me there's a way to defeat the Armored Warrior Team, right?" Qu Wen Jiedou got straight to the point, sitting across from a middle-aged man wearing a black hat, arms crossed, "As a black-market Lockseed dealer, you sure know the ins and outs of that belt."

"Well, that's a good thing; it's called the Sengoku Driver, its power far exceeds that of a plain Lockseed. Originally it was first obtained from me by the Armored Warrior Team's captain, Jiao Ju Youya, but he went missing, and the Sengoku Driver ended up in Geba Hongtai's hands."

After finishing his words, the hat merchant looked at Qu Wen Jiedou and just from his gaze knew the second test subject's spot was secured; this guy's craving for power is no ordinary level.

After all, the Armored Warrior Team, thanks to the Sengoku Driver's power, has risen from the bottom of the street-dance group to third place in just a few days; regular Lockseeds simply can't beat an Armored Knight, so it's no wonder the top-ranked Baron Team isn't in a hurry.

"How much? Name your price." Qu Wen Jiedou's brownish-yellow eyes showed no expression.

The hat merchant slowly raised one finger, indicating the number.

"Fine, I agree. Where's the item?" Qu Wen Jiedou gave a cold smile; this price could exchange for the belt's power, still quite worthwhile, and once he defeats the Armored Warrior Team, this money will be trivial.

"Don't rush, I've already brought the item." The hat merchant took a black box from beside his seat, opened it in front of Qu Wen Jiedou; at the bottom was a black foam panel, and placed in the recess was exactly one Sengoku Driver, beside it a Lockseed engraved with a banana pattern.

This price was also calculated; after all, gathering data on Sengoku Driver usage definitely can't be too expensive, nor too cheap, so judging the person to set the price is crucial.

The Baron Team's ranking has always been high, so they sell at a premium; whereas a team like the Armored Warrior Team at the bottom sells cheap, even for free.

The key isn't making money, but to distribute these Sengoku Drivers and let them indulge in power; currently those using the Sengoku Driver are all test subjects, with no difference.

Qu Wen Jiedou picked up the belt and wore it around his waist; originally blank, the belt's side suddenly displayed a yellow knight emblem, somewhat like a banana.

"That's right; hurry up and fight between you two. The fiercer you battle, the more data the World Tree collects, and when the time comes the path to evolve into a god will open." The hat merchant watched Qu Wen Jiedou leave, smirking coldly.

Armored Warrior Team secret base.

The Armored Warrior Team members were dancing in the center of the garage, the floor vibrating rhythmically, and the splendid lights were all turned on.

Everyone here swayed their bodies, dancing neat and uniform street dance; except for one spectator, for the dancers on stage the audience is quite important, especially when that spectator is a handsome guy.

The lights and music in this cheerful atmosphere gradually faded, and the sole spectator seated downstairs also clapped; this might be the only thing he's not good at—he can only fight, he doesn't know how to street dance.

"Hmm, you dance very well, full of energy." Jiang Xia praised.

This situation has been going on for several days; he's responsible for watching the girls dance, acting as the sole audience, then downstairs he eats sliced fruit, i. e., a fruit platter.

It's a bit like clubbing, but this isn't a club; it's the Armored Warrior Team practicing street dance, and this fruit platter is free, plus they don't jump randomly—their dance is neat and pleasing to watch.

"Thanks, this is the first time I've had an audience here." Gaosi Wu wiped sweat from her forehead with a towel.

As soon as she saw Jiang Xia sitting below watching her, she wanted to make her moves precise, to show herself; thus even in ordinary practice she exerted her utmost effort to dance her best.

Dancing is a physical activity, but sweating from exhaustion differs from regular training intensity; still, receiving praise, she felt quite happy.

"Take a break; they should have retrieved their stuff by now." Jiang Xia passed over a cup of water, not expecting the match to have prize money; he only glanced at the general rules—defeating all challengers was enough, he didn't read the details.

Indeed, without actual reward mechanisms, who would give their all in battle? "I don't know how much prize money this victory will bring." Gaosi Wu took a sip of water, half-reclining on the sofa; her previously tied twin tails came loose, her black waterfall-like hair draping over the sofa's edge.

She furtively glanced at Jiang Xia before her; thanks to his power, the Armored Warrior Team went from ninth straight to third in one go, something even Youya couldn't have achieved if he were still around.

Just who is he?

Unlike Geba Hongtai and her other friends whom she grew up with, she realized she knew nothing about Jiang Xia at all.

She didn't know where he lived, what he usually did, or what he liked.

He was like a big tree, just standing there quietly.

"Dance sister, not good—Baron Team says they want a rematch, and I heard their captain can also transform into an Armored Knight; Hongtai brother and Ashí are blocked." Xiao Ze Chan suddenly flung the door open, speaking urgently.

A few days ago he was still joking, saying he wished he could transform someday; now the joke came true, but it's happening to someone else, and it's their archrival, the Baron Team captain's body.

"What, where are they dueling?" Gaosi Wu asked anxiously; the Armored Warrior Team has two knights, why now, why choose Hongtai?

"Right there on yesterday's western stage, and the stake seems huge." Xiao Ze Chan said.

"Oh no, Hongtai has prize money on him; if he's taken as a stake that would be bad." Gaosi Wu sprang up, wanting to rush over, but due to having just exhausted her stamina, as she stepped forward her legs gave way and she collapsed forward.

"Dance sister!" "Ah Wu!"

Those around shouted loudly trying to save her, but they were too far from Gaosi Wu to reach in time, and they never imagined that someone with such excellent physical fitness would collapse from exhaustion after dance practice.

"Thud!"

A pair of strong hands suddenly reached out from behind and caught the falling Gaosi Wu; Jiang Xia looked at her in his arms and softly said, "We'll go, you don't need to rush; heading over now might already be too late, and besides Geba Hongtai might not lose—if he does, I'll win it back."

"No, Hongtai is holding your prize money, so he can't be used as a stake; I must go stop them." Gaosi Wu lifted her head to look at Jiang Xia; for the first time facing him this close she felt no nervousness, only firm rebuttal.

Unexpectedly, Gaosi Wu now is just as stubborn; he could tell she was serious, unwilling to compromise, so there was nothing to do. Jiang Xia glanced around at the worried girls nearby and said, "You go ahead first; I'll send Ah Wu over later."

"Okay, we'll go first." The short-haired girl gestured quickly to the other teammates, indicating to hurry.

This isn't a notice at all; it's more like issuing direct orders to them, but they only have the option to obey, as if disobeying would bring serious trouble.

In the blink of an eye, the formerly bustling secret base had only Jiang Xia and Gao Siwu left; everyone else had left cleanly.

"How do you want to send me?" Gao Siwu glanced at her current situation, feeling a bit lost; she wouldn't be carried like that, would she? If so, she could only bury her face in the sand like an ostrich.

"Spread your arms." Jiang Xia said.

"Huh?" Gao Siwu was a little doubtful, but she did as told.

In just an instant, she felt the world spin, and then her arms instinctively wrapped around something, her posture changing as well.

She was actually picked up on Jiang Xia's back—how did he do that? Carrying and hugging should be two different motions; how did he manage it in an instant? Gao Siwu on his back wore a puzzled expression.

Being carried by a man she had just met, she not only didn't resist but let her thoughts wander in such a strange direction, proving that human thinking is unpredictable—no one can guess what a girl is thinking.

"Let's go now." Jiang Xia hefted the girl on his back—she was truly light; it's hard to imagine such an energetic street dance coming from a petite girl.

"Mm." Gao Siwu wrapped her arms around Jiang Xia's neck, pressed her face against his back, and gave a soft hum.

The two left the secret base just like that, Jiang Xia carrying Gao Siwu through the lush, bustling park, moving slowly, slowly, as if on a spring outing, a stroll.

This time Gao Siwu didn't mention anything about speed; at first she even closed her eyes, afraid others would see her.

But later, at some point, she opened her eyes, boldly feeling the just‑right sunshine, enjoying the gentle breeze that carried a hint of coolness.

Her black long hair fluttered, as if she had flung everything behind her.

This was different from playing and dancing street dance with her friends; it was another kind of feeling—although both were happy, the sensation was completely unlike anything else, a world of just the two of them.

The sudden roar of cars shattered the park's tranquility; a large number of black sedans swerved sharply from the road, fishtailing and charging, completely blocking off the park.

The road ahead was blocked, and more cars kept pouring in from behind.

The doors of those black sedans flew open, and out poured troops in black combat uniforms who looked highly elite, each wearing something like a Battle Extreme Driver on their waist and holding a submachine gun in their arms.

"Click!"

The sound of bullets being chambered came from their own bodies, and the dark muzzles pointed at Jiang Xia and Gao Siwu from all directions.

If they merely pulled the trigger, those yellow‑orange bullets would, in an instant, turn the surrounded people into sieves.

The sudden appearance of the special forces startled Gao Siwu; she trembled and clung tightly to Jiang Xia's neck.

"Don't be afraid; it looks like you'll have to go alone to the Armored Warrior and Baron battlefield—they're here for me." Jiang Xia gently patted Gao Siwu's trembling body and set her down from his back.

"But what about you? Who exactly are they?" She didn't want to leave.

"Just listen, it's fine." Jiang Xia glanced at the dark muzzles; this wasn't a force meant for humans.

"How about letting the ordinary people leave first?" Jiang Xia looked at the only person who hadn't gotten out of the car, the one sitting inside.

"Okay." The person in the car waved a hand; the surrounding folks followed orders and lowered their guns.

"Let's go; if you stay here I can't focus on fighting." Jiang Xia told Gao Siwu.

"No, I…" Gao Siwu was about to refuse when she saw Jiang Xia's firm eyes—an expression that allowed no refusal.

"Alright, be careful." Gao Siwu could only press her lips together and step out of the encirclement, looking back every three steps.

"Spill it—what does the World Tree want with all this fuss?" After watching Gao Siwu leave, Jiang Xia relaxed a bit.

Of course, the muzzles were raised again.

"You have an unregistered Battle Extreme Driver on you." said the person in the car.

"Just for this?"

"Besides, you have no identity; just these two points wouldn't merit this, but that punch that hit the alien—clearly beyond human limits—means humans couldn't do it, so we're dealing with a being possessing human intellect who can make Battle Extreme Drivers, a non‑human monster."

"The girl following you must have been charmed by you too; if we can't trace your origin, it could cause big trouble for the World Tree's plan." The car door opened slowly, and a man in an expensive suit stepped out—it was Wu Dao Guhu.

He had originally intended to come alone, confident in his strength; retrieving the Battle Extreme Driver was just a routine task. But when he looked up the target's data and found no record—knowing the World Tree isn't an ordinary conglomerate, it has branches worldwide, with its headquarters in Zeya City only because of the rift—

Yet even after checking global data, there's nothing, and that guy who punched an alien into a wall and shattered it with one blow shows not even a hint of being human.

Now it's truly a full stack of buffs: not human, possessing the tech to make belts, even having hypnosis or mind‑control power (referring to the Battle Extreme Driver, the unexplained data leak, and the very close Gao Siwu); with so many anomalies ignored, we might as well be like the incompetent police in Zeya City and do nothing all day.

"I see, I roughly understand." Jiang Xia nodded, deep in thought.

"No matter what monster you are, you can't withstand all these assault rifles firing at once." Wu Dao Guhu said.

The bullets in those assault rifles are produced by converting the power of the Lock Seeds via the Battle Extreme Driver; even the alien beings of Helheim Forest can't block them.

"Really? But they can't fire now." Jiang Xia merely twitched his fingers, and countless cracking sounds rang out simultaneously within the encirclement.

The assault rifles that had just been aimed at Jiang Xia shattered directly, breaking into all their constituent parts—none missing, pieces scattered on the ground; if one knew firearms well, they could be reassembled by hand, slowly.

But now a fight is about to break out—who would slowly reassemble a gun? (End of chapter)