Chapter 138

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Protagonist:

Lin En

Lena

STC, Standard Construction Template.

The crystallization of human technology from the Golden Age, capable of automatically generating design blueprints for any tool, machine, or building.

Almost all of the Empire's current technology basically originates from STC fragments.

A single complete STC is enough to make any world the Empire's most precious wealth.

And Brevis happens to have one.

It is said that the Saint Galus Family excavated it from the Ice Plains Deep hundreds of years ago.

The Governor at the time entrusted it to the Saint Galus Family for safekeeping, on the condition that

the Saint Galus Family would protect Brevis for eternity.

This is also why the Machine Cult has such a low presence in Brevis.

They are not nonexistent; they have simply devoted all their energy to studying that STC.

Lin En thought of the perverted Ion Shield of the Holy Galus Knight Mecha.

That was definitely not a strength achievable by ordinary technology.

It was most likely the result of the STC.

"The Saint Galus Family might be in trouble," Lin En said in a low voice.

Carter's expression changed.

"You mean......"

"I don't know," Lin En interrupted him, "but I must go take a look."

After Carter left, Lena's clear and cold voice rang out.

"Lin En, since that's the case, why not take the opportunity to deal with more Nobles first."

But Lin En rarely rejected Lena's suggestion.

Lin En, who had read many Warhammer 40,000 short stories in his previous life, knew well that when you discover something is amiss,

you absolutely cannot drag it out; basically ninety-nine percent of the time it will lead to a big mess.

"It's fine, Lena, I still have to go see exactly what the situation is."

Lin En gently rubbed the Tearing Worm's head.

Lin En's first visit to Saint Galus Castle was three days later.

He deliberately chose a "normal" reason.

In his capacity as Governor, he formally paid a visit to the Supreme King to discuss matters related to the Purification Expedition.

His exclusive vehicle drove along the widest Avenue in Upper City and stopped at the Castle doorway.

Lin En got out of the car and looked up at the majestic building.

And at the four Knight Mecha beside the Castle gate.

They stood silently, their Ion Shields in standby mode, but the low hum of their Power Cores was clearly audible.

A butler wearing a Saint Galus Family Uniform walked out and saluted respectfully but distantly.

"Governor Sir, the Supreme King is unwell and cannot receive you; please return."

Lin En looked at those four Knight Mecha and remained silent for two seconds.

"Then convey my greetings to the Supreme King," he thought for a moment, then added.

"I'll come again next time."

He turned around, got back in the car, and left.

After the vehicle had driven some distance, Lena's voice rang out in his mind:

"The machine spirits of those four Mecha are in an activated state."

Lin En's gaze sharpened.

A Knight Mecha's machine spirit only fully activates when it is about to go into battle.

Normally it is merely on standby, with energy consumption reduced to the minimum.

All four activating at once is very suspicious.

"Are they afraid I'll force my way in?" Lin En said.

Afterwards he shook his head again, dismissing that thought.

"Still going?" Lena asked.

"Going," he said, "The more this happens, the more guilty they feel."

One week later, Lin En went to Saint Galus Castle for the second time.

This time he chose a more contrived reason, using the Upper City Council not having met for a long time as the excuse to pay a visit.

This was a meeting created by Karadong, supposed to be held once a week, but it had not been held for two consecutive weeks.

Constantly hiding will only make people more suspicious.

Indeed, this time the gate was wide open.

The one responsible for receiving him was Calem Saint Galus.

Family Internal Affairs Lord, and also Lei Ou's second uncle.

When Lin En first saw Calum, he was stunned.

A head of platinum hair, exceptionally handsome features, and every gesture exuded the noble elegance of an aristocrat.

If Gus stood beside him, the two could probably form a "Upper City Looks Ceiling" duo.

But what Lin En noticed was not his appearance.

It was his temperament.

The kind of temperament that made one feel like basking in a spring breeze.

His speaking pace, tone, word choice, and perfectly timed smile, along with his humble yet unhurried attitude.

Talking to Calum made Lin En feel very comfortable.

Lin En searched his memory for information about Calum.

Lei Ou rarely mentioned this second uncle of his, only knowing that he was responsible for internal affairs, never participated in military matters, and usually kept a low profile.

But if Lei Ou were present, he would surely be surprised.

Because in his impression, his second uncle was not particularly handsome.

"Governor Sir, this way." Calum's voice pulled Lin En back from his thoughts.

Lin En followed, walking and speaking directly:

"How is the Supreme King lately?"

Calum smiled faintly, the smile perfectly measured, neither overly flattering nor lacking in courtesy.

"Supreme King Sir is unwell and has been recuperating recently."

"So he has been unable to attend the Upper City Council during this time; please forgive him, Governor."

Unwell.

This excuse was very standard, but Lin En didn't believe it at all.

"I brought some fruit," Lin En indicated the basket Dou Dou was carrying.

"Please take me to see him for a moment; I'll just offer my greetings and leave."

Calum glanced at the basket full of fresh fruit, a trace of barely noticeable confusion flashing in his eyes.

Probably not understanding why someone would bring such a thing to visit the sick.

But his expression showed no change, still wearing that perfect smile.

"Governor Sir's thoughtfulness, I will certainly convey it."

"But Supreme King now needs absolute rest; the physician says he cannot receive guests, truly sorry."

Lin En stared at him.

Calum also looked at him, his eyes clear, his smile warm.

Afterwards Lin En smiled, with an understanding expression.

"Forget it then," Lin En said, "let's talk another day."

Next came the customary small talk.

Calum was a very good conversationalist.

He knew what should be said and what should not, and always responded at just the right moment.

When talking about the Upper City West District Campaign, he expressed admiration at the right time; when talking about the West District riot, he expressed regret at just the right time.

When talking about the upcoming Purification Expedition, he showed moderate concern and limited support.

The more Lin En talked, the more he felt something was wrong.

Too perfect.

Perfect to the point of being unreal.

As if every word Calum said and every expression he made had been carefully designed.

"Governor Sir." Halfway through the chat, Calum suddenly spoke.

"Since you're here, why not stay for a light meal?"

Lin En narrowed his eyes slightly.

He instinctively wanted to refuse; what mattered most now was returning to analyze the situation, not dining with a suspicious noble.

But his mouth said uncontrollably:

"Sure."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it.

Calum smiled brilliantly, but in that instant, Lin En caught something in the depths of his eyes.

Smugness? Or a feeling of confidence?

"Please." Calum made an inviting gesture.

Lin En followed him toward the restaurant.

Inside his sleeve, the Tearing Worm twitched slightly; that was Lena sending a signal.

But Lin En at this moment seemed to completely fail to notice Lena's reminder.

Far away at Double Peak Mountain, Lena's Main Body opened her eyes.

She... had lost contact with Lin En.