This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 370 - 199 [Master of Guns], Facing Lockdown

Chapter 370: Chapter 199 [Master of Guns], Facing Lockdown

After wandering around the small dark room and chatting idly with Rob, half the day had already slipped away, but his room was now more or less in order.

Huo Tan had brought him here, and it was quite spacious with all the essentials one could need, surveillance equipment included, of course.

[Intelligent Assistance] a quick scan.

Swoosh--every corner was covered, full range, no blind spots.

Li Ming didn’t mind. After sending Huo Tan away, he put his hand in his pocket and immediately Controlled the [Gun and Cannon Badge], consuming it afterward.

In the Control page, the occupation [Mechanic] trembled, emitting a layer of flame-like radiance. The characters within flickered and finally, fixed on--[Master of Gunpowder and Energy Weapons].

[Master of Gunpowder and Energy Weapons: A master at manipulating gunpowder and energy weapons, possessing the abilities of [Gun Heart] and [Strategic Support].

[Gun Heart: Allows synchronization and control of bullet trajectories with one’s own enhancement.]

[Strategic Support: Can precariously set up special Controlled Objects for support during critical moments without occupying the main Control Bar.]

[Gun Heart] was an enhanced comprehensive version of his original ability; the once per day limitation on [Bullet Sacrifice] was directly removed, allowing him to freely spray ammunition, yet this thing was devilishly draining on his stamina.

The [Strategic Support], however, surprised him. He immediately thought of the flagship’s main gun.

So that’s how it’s used, I can utilize the [Strategic Support] capability to charge the main gun’s energy in advance, and then strike the target without taking up the main Control Bar.

Li Ming pondered, with various images flashing through his mind. Each promotion in his occupation would bring about somewhat peculiar abilities.

This [Strategic Support] is quite impressive. Initially, he had no particular thoughts about that main gun; it seemed too bulky and unremarkable, but now it was completely different.

That power, it must also be extraordinary. Arranging eight or nine of them for a simultaneous barrage, even an A-level life form couldn’t withstand it, right?

Tsk... Although the occupational abilities seem varied, fundamentally they all relate to the Controlled Objects, and the power of these objects ties back to his own strength. Everything is closely connected.

About two million in metal energy left over, Li Ming’s body burst forth with Elemental Energy as he continued to develop the gene seed. Various Evolution Theory processes operating concurrently, imperceptible from the outside, didn’t matter if he was under surveillance.

He couldn’t help but think of Theo, this A-level life form certainly didn’t act against him just because of the Casablanca Flower.

The search for Seraad hadn’t ceased, on the contrary, it had become more pressing, with bloody conflicts occasionally breaking out in the Land of Stars.

Huo Tan had mentioned before that Theo even suspected that Seraad had escaped to the territories of other A-level life forms, or had left the Land of Stars.

He had no dealings with Theo. If Theo really wanted to make a move, there would be no need to wait until now. There must have been some complication, leading this A-level life form to set his sights on him.

Yitelan Civilization? No, looking at Feder’s behavior, they clearly had no contact with Theo.

Judger? Even less likely, Kay was the target, and since he’s no longer with me, there’s no point in targeting me again.

Torch? Li Ming’s brow furrowed slightly. They indeed needed me, and it would require at least the protection of an A-level life form for so many Grand Mechanics to dare to engage with Torch.

With Jesaya himself being an A-level Mechanical Transformation, their headquarters filled with Advanced life forms, the leader wouldn’t act hastily. It would indeed have to be external forces.

Had they struck a deal with Theo?

After pondering, among the information he held, only the Torch Organization seemed likely.

He tended to believe his speculation wasn’t wrong. Although he had crafted an appearance shrouded in mystery, he knew he had never offended anyone else.

If it was Torch, then Theo probably wouldn’t harm his life.

Li Ming relaxed somewhat. Currently, among those factions that held designs on him, none had thoughts of killing him. That was the main reason he wasn’t so urgent.

If an A-level life form determined to kill him suddenly popped up, he would run without a second word.

"This identity of the Grand Mechanic really comes in handy," Li Ming mused to himself, yet he felt somewhat uncertain, "And now I am right under Ulrich’s nose. I wonder if Theo will still make a move..."

...

Two days later, Saber landed on the Floating Island, carefully tucking a metal box in his arms.

However, this time, the familiar figures of the guard did not appear to stop him. He looked around on the Floating Island, and a bad premonition immediately rose in his heart. He quickened his pace towards the center, his expression anxious, and he murmured, "Don’t, please don’t...

Yet, things still slid towards the direction he least wished to see.

The workshop door was wide open; inside, it was completely empty, except for the remnants and ruins on either side, and the mechanical bodies in standby mode. There was no sign of any life form.

Saber staggered backwards, his face in a daze. Lord Azure Dragon had left?

No, that couldn’t be right. He wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye; something must have happened. He turned his head towards the massive "Collector’s Cabinet", grinding his teeth.

Hum--the metal door opened, and Monroe couldn’t help saying, "You seem even quicker today, not even half a day has passed."

A bitter smile crossed Saber’s face, "Star King, Lord Azure Dragon... he’s been taken to the castle by the Collector."

"What?" Monroe responded with surprise and urgency, "Why would he be suddenly taken away?"

Saber shook his head, expressing helplessness, "I don’t know either, I just know that he was taken by the Collector, I have no idea what happened, and I didn’t dare to go to the castle to find him."

He sighed inwardly. The hope for Star King’s recovery was close at hand, but... but...

Helplessness and bitterness once again turned into flames of hatred, "Ulrich, he... he’s gone too far."