Chapter 57: The Fisherman Never Returns Empty-Handed

Before today, Danika had always assumed Li Ang's profession was like hers—stronger than ordinary ones, but not quite reaching the power level of rare professions.

But now, it was hard to say.

After all, such a level of self-healing rarely appears in a Level One professional.

'What exactly is this kid's profession?'

A hint of doubt stirred in Danika's mind, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

"Grab him, Li Ang!"

She shouted at Li Ang, then re-engaged the mining robot standing over three meters tall before her.

Though called a mining robot, its right arm mounted a massive drill that alone inspired dread, not to mention the crimson energy patterns flickering across its body.

Clearly, this robot—originally meant for mining—had been modified by Lei Mengde.

Seeing this, Li Ang silently thought:

'So the 【Craftsman】 isn't just a research-based profession.'

Realizing this, he immediately charged toward Lei Mengde, who had somehow reached the edge of the minefield.

Seeing the man who had kicked Higgins to death charging toward him, Lei Mengde jumped in shock: "Federal treasure*!"

The thin, oil-smeared man bolted away, but he clearly couldn't outrun Li Ang, a numerical monster.

Realizing he was about to be caught, Lei Mengde pulled out a firearm and fired blindly behind him.

Bang! Bang! Bang—

Small-caliber bullets flew everywhere; a few grazed Li Ang's body, but such wounds vanished without a trace within moments, repaired by Reverse Birth: Three Layers.

"Guns aren't used like that."

A demonic whisper sounded in Lei Mengde's ear; he turned to see a pale hand reaching for him.

"!!"

Lei Mengde's soul nearly fled his body; he instinctively opened his mouth to scream.

But before he could make a sound, his eyes rolled back and he fainted.

Li Ang retracted his hand, staring at the 【Craftsman】 lying on the ground, and couldn't help scratching his cheek.

'So fragile.'

What he hadn't expected was that even unconscious, the mining robot in the minefield showed no sign of stopping.

Seeing this, Li Ang immediately moved to support Danika.

But at that moment, Danika dodged the drilling head aimed at her and sighed, calling out: "Director, you've watched long enough—aren't you going to show yourself?"

"No one's coming to save them."

Hearing this, Li Ang froze, then felt a surge of surprise.

Ma Kusi is here?!

Shh—

The next instant, a massive red figure descended from above, smashing the giant mining robot into shards.

Director Ma Kusi stood amid the sparking wreckage of the robot, speaking solemnly to Danika: "Fishing requires patience—what if someone else is hiding, just like me?"

Watching the director still stubbornly insist, Danika rolled her eyes: "Getting the 【Craftsman】 is already a win—do you really expect to net them all?"

Speaking of the 【Craftsman】, both turned to look at Li Ang, standing beside the unconscious Lei Mengde.

Seeing this, Li Ang hurried back dragging Lei Mengde: "Director."

Ma Kusi, staring at the young man before him, grinned widely and slapped his shoulders repeatedly with a palm like a fan: "Good job, kid."

The director had watched the entire battle from hiding, and had seen Li Ang defeat Higgins.

He had also seen Li Ang use Reverse Birth: Three Layers to repair his body.

As director, Ma Kusi knew Higgins's strength; in his view, if Higgins had concentrated his final attack, he still might have had a chance to win.

After all, from his observations, Li Ang could only heal non-fatal injuries.

But combat is like that—information gaps sometimes lead to fatal consequences.

'I wonder if this ability of his can upgrade further.'

Thinking this, Ma Kusi's smile widened further; no matter what, Li Ang was now at least half his own man, and the stronger the better.

At this moment, Li Ang became even more certain of his suspicion—he had felt several things were too coincidental.

Now it seemed clear: the surveillance cameras failing that day when he visited Price and inside the police station had been deliberately arranged by Ma Kusi.

'So he knew all along Higgins was problematic?'

As if reading his thoughts, Ma Kusi chuckled: "Didn't you think I was the one behind those smugglers?"

"But you're wrong—I'm not that stupid."

He was greedy for money, but he knew how to make it.

Taking kickbacks harmed the interests of subordinates; smuggling harmed the Federation's interests.

The former wouldn't affect him much—maybe just a scolding; the latter—

Was deadly.

"As for Higgins, he wasn't just trying to silence someone this time." Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Ma Kusi walked toward the mine's exit: "Enough. Take them back. You two did well—I'll issue bonuses."

Hearing this, Danika replied weakly, "Director, don't forget your promise of vacation."

She wanted vacation more than bonus money.

"Got it, got it."

Ma Kusi waved his hand and vanished from Li Ang and Danika's sight.

The two exchanged a glance, then sighed in unison.

"Let's get to work."

Although Daniela and Li Ang were unharmed, the other members of the squad had all been injured in the earlier ambush.

Fortunately, Cole, the driver, suffered no serious injuries, but clearing the battlefield was clearly unrealistic.

Seeing Daniela head toward the mine's interior buildings to search for any missed intelligence, Li Ang picked up Lei Mengde in one hand and Higgins in the other, walking toward the pickup truck outside the mine.

Just as he tossed Lei Mengde onto the pickup's back seat, a thin book slipped from the unconscious, frail man's arms and fell to the ground.

Looted gear?!

Li Ang bent down, picked up the book lying on the ground, and brushed off the dust clinging to its cover.

《Introduction to Alchemy — by Gallos》

"?"

After reading the characters on the cover, Li Ang froze, and immediately his class panel flashed with new information.

【Contacted key class item.】

——

【Class: Artisan Apprentice】

【Qualification Requirements:】

1. Obtained a book related to Alchemy, Mechanics, or Forging / Received instruction from a class holder of Rank 【Artisan】 or higher. (√)

2. Built a single item meeting the criteria of such a category. (x)

【After Qualification:】

1. Attribute increase

2. Acquired class skill — Basic Structural Theory

3. Acquired class Specialization — Agile Hands

4. Acquired Special Bonuses:

Slight speed bonus when crafting class-related items.

Slight speed bonus when learning Artisan-related knowledge.

——