Card maker? No, I'm a mechanic!

Chapter 161 Tempting Bargain!

As the empty seats in the venue gradually filled up, the previously noisy discussions slowly subsided.

"Buzz—"

The next moment, the magnificent starry sky above the dome gradually dimmed.

Instead, an extremely bright spotlight shone directly onto the center of the venue.

Immediately afterwards, under the watchful eyes of everyone present.

A middle-aged man wearing a crisp uniform and a Star Tower badge on his chest.

With steady steps, she slowly walked onto the stage.

"That's Minister Li from the Star Tower's External Affairs Department. It seems Star Tower really values ​​this project."

Looking at the person on the stage, Professor Lin lowered his voice and spoke to Jiang Zhe.

"The fact that someone of this caliber personally presided over the bidding process, even if it was just a brief appearance, carries extraordinary significance."

Good evening, colleagues.

Minister Li surveyed the room and, without any unnecessary words, went straight to the point.

The next moment, his voice was clearly transmitted through the loudspeaker array to every corner of the venue.

"You've probably all heard about the background of this bidding process."

"With the continuous discovery of large-scale historical sites, while we have gained enormous benefits and technological capabilities, we have also paid a heavy price."

"Therefore, our Star Tower needs a system that can truly improve performance in extreme situations."

"Technical solutions for improving the individual survival and combat capabilities of card masters."

He paused, and his tone became more serious.

"The form of the plan is not limited, whether it is equipment, cards, or any other special means."

"As long as its value can be proven, Star Tower will naturally accept it without hesitation."

"As for the compensation—"

At this point, Minister Li's lips curled up slightly.

Then, a chip was thrown out that made the whole room boil with excitement.

"The final winner will receive full research and development funding from Star Tower."

"Furthermore, you can choose to forgo the funding."

"Then, within the Star Tower's treasure vault, choose any two rare materials of at least Grade A!"

"Any two items, grade A or higher?!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the previously quiet meeting room.

It should be noted that although Grade A materials are considered precious in the outside world, it is not too difficult for major powers to obtain them.

But the problem is, this is something from the Star Tower's internal treasure vault!

As the highest level of technology in the Federation, their A-level rating carries a completely different level of prestige.

It's no exaggeration to say that this is basically a "half-step S-class" level.

However, Class S items are the most strictly controlled items by the outside world.

"This Star Tower has really gone all out this time."

In the front seat.

Yun Ruyan, who had been feeling bored and even a little sleepy, sat up straight instantly.

A sharp glint, impossible to conceal, flashed in those beautiful eyes.

She immediately realized the key point.

This not only allows us to get close to the Star Tower, but also gives us the opportunity to indirectly control those two materials!

"Xue Mu".

She turned her head slightly, and her tone became more serious than ever before.

"Whatever you've prepared, you must win today."

"If you mess this up, don't ever see me again."

"Yes, yes, don't worry, Ruyan, we're absolutely determined to win!"

Upon hearing this, Xue Mu broke out in a cold sweat and nodded repeatedly.

But in the instant he lowered his head, a glint of fanaticism flashed in his eyes.

"If I could really get it, I'd be set for life. Would I need to be beholden to you?"

While Yun Ruyan watched his obsequious manner, she was coldly plotting another plan in her heart.

You can't put all your eggs in one basket. If Xue Mu loses—then no matter what, she will have to do everything in her power to win over the chosen one and make them part of her team!

Besides them, the other workshop representatives and forces in the venue were also completely excited.

Many people immediately started contacting their back-end systems, preparing to add more technical cards and chips.

At that moment, Jiang Zhe's heart skipped a beat.

"If only I could get it—"

"That not only perfectly solved the hardware problem of the armor, but also solved the problem of my own core card that had been delayed for so long."

Jiang Zhe's brain began to work at lightning speed.

His current strength is already at level three; all he lacks is the core that will trigger a qualitative change.

A powerful external armor with excellent physical defense, plus a top-tier core card with near-infinite endurance —

With this double boost, his true combat strength could definitely reach the fourth level.

As for level five —

Jiang Zhe's eyes narrowed.

He remembered something Professor Lin had once mentioned.

Level 5 Card Master is an extremely terrifying dividing line, and also a level where one is suspected of having come into contact with the rules.

Creating things out of thin air? Or even—distorting gravity and controlling time?

Although he is still far from that level, one must take things one step at a time.

He must establish himself before he is fully formed!

"It seems that relying solely on the basic functions of the floating cannons will not be enough to subdue these hungry wolves tonight."

Jiang Zhe took a deep breath and made a silent decision in his heart.

Looks like I'll have to reveal more details —

"Ladies and gentlemen, now that the rules have been announced, the bidding process will begin."

As Minister Li finished speaking, the atmosphere in the meeting room instantly became extremely tense.

However, just as everyone was observing each other and trying to gauge the strength of their opponents...

"Tap tap tap—"

Suddenly, a series of steady footsteps rang out.

A man dressed in a black robe strode confidently onto the display stand.

"It's the Gear Society!"

Someone in the hall gasped softly.

The Gear Society is very shrewd in its calculations.

They knew that in such a fiercely competitive bidding process, the first to appear would gain the upper hand.

Appearing last, or as the grand finale, is the easiest way to leave a lasting impression on the judges.

Since the final move is easily intercepted, they decided to make it the trump card at the start!

The next moment, a person was seen beneath the black robe, whose face appeared extremely ordinary.

He could even be described as a somewhat dull researcher.

However, the spiritual fluctuations emanating from him were only at the pitiful peak of the second level.

You should know that with this kind of strength, in tonight's venue, they are practically no different from ordinary people.

However, the researcher showed no stage fright despite the scrutinizing gazes of the many bigwigs in the audience.

Without a word, he ripped off his robe!

"Whoosh!"

The entire audience erupted in uproar.

The man's limbs were all mechanical prosthetics with a cold, metallic sheen!

Moreover, his torso is covered with a large area of ​​armor.

Even on his spine, there was a row of energy nodes that were flashing with a ghostly blue light!

"Gentlemen, this is the latest achievement of our Gear Society: the Puppet Prosthetic Body!"

The researcher's voice came through some kind of built-in device, with a slightly mechanical, synthesized quality.

"The environment in the ruins is complex, and the mental energy of card masters is consumed very quickly, as is our prosthetic body."

"With just a small amount of mental energy injected as a fuse, it can unleash physical destructive power many times over through its internal conduction circuits!"

To demonstrate its power, he suddenly focused his gaze and channeled his spiritual energy into his right arm!

"Clang!"

The next moment, the mechanical shell of the right arm popped open, and a mantis knife that was vibrating at a high frequency also popped out.

With a backhand swing, he slammed his hand down hard on an alloy plate used for testing.

"laugh""

Amidst the flying sparks, the alloy plate, strong enough to withstand level three strength, was...

It was easily sliced ​​in two, just like cutting tofu!