Chapter 1: The Stranded One with Black Hair, Section 2

The number of mutated vultures was not large—just over a dozen. For an ordinary scavenger team, such a small number might already be enough to bring about disaster. But against DaddyBuick’s puppet insects, it was not even enough.

After all, the town of Kucaire was a place filled with crime, brutality, and chaos. Survival and growth in such an environment were impossible without strength. Therefore, as the leader of an organization, DaddyBuick placed far greater emphasis on weapons and equipment than anyone could imagine. His vehicle was equipped not only with the best crystal cannons available in the town but also a large supply of ammunition. In some aspects, it was on par with a small armored mercenary unit. Moreover, to ensure his own safety and absolute dominance, DaddyBuick even went to the largest arms market on the planet Xieke to acquire an old-model magic mecha retired from the military.

“Screech…”
With a synchronized and dry grinding sound, the ceiling of the puppet insect’s thirty-carriage train opened simultaneously, revealing countless dark gun barrels. Immediately afterward, purplish-red ray trails formed a massive net in the sky.

Unlike the mechanical civilizations unearthed from ruins, the magic civilization had its own unique characteristics. For example, the crystal cannons used high-concentration elemental crystal energy to create pressure within the barrel before releasing it. Although the compressed energy projectiles had shorter range and slower firing rates compared to those propelled by gunpowder, their explosive damage after impact was far greater. Additionally, the ammunition could be changed as needed to deliver specific elemental damages such as electricity or fire, making them extremely powerful.

Just one round of fire reduced the number of mutated vultures in the sky by half. Their black feathers drifted down everywhere, with only two managing to escape, fleeing in panic with shrill cries before disappearing into the distance.

As powerful mutated creatures, these vultures lacked the courage to attack human armored vehicles unless they acted in groups. A single salvo from the puppet insects not only destroyed their bodies but also shattered their confidence. It was precisely because of this that DaddyBuick ordered the attack without hesitation.

Yet such a concentrated barrage of fire still failed to achieve complete success, which only served to highlight the ferocity of these mutated vultures. Watching the dark figures rapidly disappear in the sky, OldBuick finally exhaled in relief, turning his attention back to the figure he had seen at the beginning.
What could possibly attract a gathering of mutated vultures in that area of the sky? Soon, OldBuick found the answer he needed.
A naked, dying human man.
His well-proportioned body was covered in stains; there was nothing particularly striking about his appearance, aside from the numerous wounds all over him. Near his temple, a huge scar writhed like an earthworm all the way down to his cheek. His thick black hair was in disarray, and the sand stuck to it indicated that he had traveled for a long time. At first glance, this human man couldn’t possibly catch OldBuick’s attention at all.
But what was beside him made OldBuick frown.
It was the dead bodies of three mutated vultures.
Unlike those shot down by crystal cannons, these corpses had clearly been torn apart by some immense force. On each body, two meters long, the blood had long dried up, but the deep wounds extending inward could still be clearly seen. A foul stench constantly hit OldBuick’s nostrils.
“Boss, look.” One of his subordinates dragged one of the vulture corpses over to OldBuick.
Following the subordinate’s gesture, OldBuick immediately saw a small hole in the vulture’s head. The brain matter inside had long disappeared, leaving a dark, eerie sight.
“What’s this?”
“The cause of death, boss. The wounds on their bodies were inflicted later. Only this small hole in their heads was the direct cause of their death. And from the appearance, it seems to have been caused by some small, pointed object. A fatal blow, without any hesitation.” The subordinate reported respectfully, his face still showing evident shock.
“You mean?” OldBuick’s expression turned serious.
“It was a warrior, boss. These vultures were killed by warriors.” The subordinate trembled as he hurriedly replied.

Warrior… a title unique to humans on the planet Xek. It is a respectful term for those who have endured battles and can operate magic mechs in combat. Unlike ordinary mercenaries, those who earn this title are pure killing machines. They undergo harsh and brutal training from a young age, whether in individual combat or operating magic mechs. Warriors can unleash 100% of their strength. In terms of combat skills alone, they are far beyond the reach of three or four mercenaries. Once mounted on a magic mech, they can easily take on an armored mercenary squad of ten.

Could the dying man before him be a warrior?

OldBuick frowned deeply and after a long while, sighed.

“Carry him in. Try to save him if he still has a breath. Whether he’s a warrior or not, it’s not my principle to let my own kind perish in the desert. Also, tell Mr. George that I want him to come over right away.”

With that, OldBuick gave one last glance at the man on the ground before turning back to the carriage.

“Bang!” The door closed tightly.

No matter where, the desert would always be unbearably hot. OldBuick’s puppet worm had been traveling for a week now, getting closer to the location where his team members disappeared. Despite the puppet worm providing transportation, the howling winds carrying layers of sand and the pounding sound against the carriage walls made it impossible to find peace. Under the scorching sunlight, even the sentries could feel their blood evaporating.

These past few days, OldBuick had stayed in his carriage, discussing something with a middle-aged man named George. From the occasional sounds that came through, their conversation wasn’t going well.

“George, are you going to help me or not? You know, my twenty thousand kari per month isn’t meant to support some lazy guy. If you take my money, you have to do my work, no matter where we are. Even if you’re a warrior, you can’t escape this rule!” OldBuick slammed the table angrily.

Across from him, a middle-aged man was leisurely leaning back on the sofa in the corner of the carriage, picking at his nails with a delicate knife, not even raising his eyebrows. Hearing OldBuick’s outburst, he just chuckled.

“Old man, those 20,000 cards are only for my daily expenses. Don’t get your hopes up. You know as well as I do that something will definitely go wrong on this mission. If you don’t offer me a price I’m satisfied with, don’t even think of getting a warrior to help. Without my help, I’d like to see how you can operate that junky, outdated mech of yours.”
After a pause, George smiled triumphantly again.
“Or maybe you’re expecting that trash you rescued and got onto the vehicle?”