Chapter 73: Chapter 67: Wanderer Alliance

“Let’s leave it at that.”

Eden didn’t question it much further.

But his tone and mood clearly became a bit colder.

John had to defeat Eden’s combat unit to pass the test.

However, Eden continued, “Harbor Company has assessments, and I’ve decided to give special treatment to you, an outsider.”

He introduced the training system:

There are many similar BDU training targets, with each number signifying a unique opponent. They can be set to various modes…

Like bare-knuckle and melee combat, or even full-on prosthetic body gunfight mode.

Eden pulled up John’s name in the system.

“Every time you participate in training, you’ll get a composite score based on the number of enemies, the type of weapons carried, prosthetic body intensity, and your own injury status.”

Eden set a requirement for John.

He must participate in training once a week, with special circumstances requiring company leave, and as compensation for occupying the time—every time John reaches a new scoreline, he’ll receive corresponding rewards.

Eden took him to a place near the wall.

He tapped the touchscreen panel and pulled up an inventory list, showing melee chips with various parameters.

This includes bare strangling, joint techniques, universal CQC comprehensive martial arts, and specified weapon specializations like “Ranger.”

“Beating your dummy doesn’t count as a score?”

“It does.”

Eden replied expressionlessly.

He randomly selected on the terminal, and a black chip popped out from the metal wall.

“Assassination by bare strangling is fine for a few street thugs, but if you encounter someone with a particularly powerful implant or a modified neck, don’t try it; it could cost your life.”

Eden handed the chip to John and left the training room.

[Side Mission: Combat Path (Completed)]

[Reward: Melee Chip (Bare Strangle Assassination)]

“Don’t get too cocky.”

Tinfoil put her tech jacket back on.

“What you just fought wasn’t the full version. Next time, load some melee weapons for BDU-17 or have him engage in a gunfight with you, and you’ll understand the gap.”

“Really? Let me try it.”

John was actually a bit excited, as those melee chips were quite precious, much more advanced than the street goods he had seen at the Bolago Club mall.

“Forget it.”

Tinfoil turned the folding screen around, showing several data points and John’s physical condition.

The miniature image showed his head and spine overheating.

“Using the training system takes a toll on your body, especially since you loaded high-precision scenarios, which are even more taxing on the nerves. At the very least, you need to rest for a night before continuing.”

Tinfoil directly put the system on standby.

The surrounding lights went out completely.

She patted John on the back as she walked out.

“Go check under the bridge and in the hallway of low-rent apartments; you’ll see what comes from excessive video watching.”

Tinfoil pulled up her hood, ready to leave.

John hesitated for a moment and still followed her.

“Hey, are you free?”

“I’m not interested in screwing.”

“Even if my cyberpsychosis test shows no problems, Eden still doubts me, right?”

John got straight to the point.

There were only the two of them on the training room floor.

Tinfoil stopped and squinted back at him.

John chuckled twice, a bit helplessly, and said,

“I’m not a Shark Coin, girl. You think I can’t feel Eden deliberately shielding me? I just want to know… the reason. What little secret were you and he discussing just now? Why did he bring me into Harbor Company?”

“You ask a lot of questions. Why do you think… I can give you the answers you want?”

Tinfoil felt puzzled, her tone a bit annoyed.

“The time I got beaten up at the Static Bar, no one was notified, but that night you handed the surveillance video to Eden… Just say it, were you f*cking watching me? Did Eden send you?”

John really laid it bare.

He hated dealing with shadowy, secretive business.

Tinfoil frowned slightly, hands in her jacket pockets.

She turned to face John.

“With your limited skills, you have no right to ask so much. Harbor isn’t forcing you to do anything. If you’re unhappy, just leave, like some street punk making a scene, living a hazy life and dying in meaningless news.”

She paused briefly.

“BUD numbers are assigned based on files. Once you score enough points, I’ll let you test the latest version of Eden. If you can beat the boss in his prime, prove you’re worth something, then I’ll give you the ultimate prize and spill everything I know.”

“Dangling bait to tempt me?”

John looked disdainful.

“Whatever, if you want to leave or stay, the training room is right there. If you want information, go earn it.”

Tinfoil picked up the half-finished energy drink from the table.

She went to the rest area and sat on the metal table.

“I admit I was watching you at that time, unrelated to the company. I have a friend, Gino Imwe, familiar?

“F*ck.”

John blurted out.

“The girl at the Bandage Boxing Gym?”

“Yeah, we’re in the same circle, and I know you saved Gino from the Ghoul’s mouth.”

Tinfoil squinted.

“Gino talked to me about Hoffman. That night, I was ready to act, investigating the Russian’s whereabouts, but you snatched it away…”

“Maybe I should have left it for you.”

John didn’t extract more intel.

Tinfoil also had no interest in chatting.

Like Eden, she also lived in Harbor.

Below the surface buildings is the core area, above are the shell company’s office areas and several dormitory floors, with the top floor being Eden Weitz’s luxury penthouse suite rivaling a presidential suite.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep