Mechanical Alchemist

Mr. Hei probably also felt that his "commission" was a bit abrupt and lacking an introduction.

Although Su Lun didn't ask, he still elaborated, "You should now know that I and some like-minded friends have formed a loose organization. You might have guessed the purpose of its existence. However, precisely for this reason, the identities of some of our members are very sensitive and it's not convenient to expose them too soon. Otherwise, it would raise the alertness of the higher-ups in the black tower... Thus, this mission, unless absolutely necessary, will be completed independently by Miss No. 19."

"Hmm."

Su Lun listened and nodded, understanding his meaning.

Mr. Hei and his backing power definitely had ways to arrange for No. 19 to enter the city.

But they were planning to "make a big move" this time.

So once exposed, they would definitely be traced back to the source.

The people from the Umbrella Organization were no mediocrities either; that so-called omnipresent intelligence organization would definitely, through various traces, investigate the channels through which No. 19 entered the camp.

Even with thoughtful arrangements, there would inevitably be clues left behind, leading to a chain of events.

The more people involved, the more exposure there would be.

On the contrary, going in with Su Lun was not a big issue.

After all, although Su Lun was currently an S-class fugitive, other than the intelligence on the two disturbances, there was almost nothing else!

Even within the Cross Society, no further information could be found.

....

With two top experts providing an escort, Su Lun had no need to worry about safety.

The trio moved quickly, and soon they had arrived at the edge of the Ruins City district.

Here, the presence of Scavengers was frequently noted; Mr. Hei, not wishing to show his face in public, bid his farewell and left.

Now only Su Lun and No. 19 were left.

The two avoided the crowd and didn't rush to the camp but instead chose a high ground in the distance to observe from above.

Having not returned for just a month, Su Lun saw that the Dawn Camp had completely changed.

The city wall had been built nearly thirty meters high, and the area of the camp had expanded twofold. Stay tuned with empire

A month ago, the tallest building in the camp was only two stories high; now there were already five- or six-story steel-structured buildings. The buildings were crowded and messy, yet they already had the appearance of a wartime town.

Dense steam pipes crisscrossed like forests, whooshing and emitting white smoke. Various mechanical artillery emplacements had turned this wall into a porcupine. There were even patrols in "Frost Giant Armor" on the surrounding wall!

And not only the buildings had proliferated; the number of Scavengers and caravans coming and going had also increased several times over the previous month.

Looking over, the queue of Scavengers lining up to enter the city gate had already formed nearly a kilometer-long line.

No. 19 observed the heavily defended camp with a somewhat solemn gaze, apparently reminding Su Lun, "The city wall is equipped with the 'Fenix Dynamic Touch Warning System' commonly used in the inner city laboratory. If someone climbs it, an alarm will be triggered immediately."

After thinking for a moment, she added, "Those highly sensitive components are extensively installed and not easily detectable. Even if someone tried to leap over, it would likely trigger the system."

Su Lun listened to her seriously analyzing the possibility of scaling the wall, and said with a strange tone, "You're not seriously thinking about climbing over the wall, are you?"

"Otherwise, how are we going to get in?"

No. 19 thought Su Lun was really asking her and responded with a puzzled tone.

While speaking, she also pointed to the queue entering the city gate, saying, "Wanted posters of both of us are posted right at the city gate. Of course, they might not discover you in your current state. But if I were to go, even in disguise, there's a high chance I would be discovered."

"..."

Su Lun, hearing her serious tone and attitude, didn't know what to say.

Indeed, Mr. Hei was right; this super mechanical warrior miss lacked a bit of "worldly sophistication."

Without saying much more, he asked a question.

"Do you have a wig and disguising clothes on you?"

"Yes."

"Good."

Su Lun felt that it would probably be too difficult to explain his plan to Number Nineteen, so he said directly, "Let's go change our clothes and get into the city!"

...

Despite her confusion, Number Nineteen followed Su Lun to a secluded area to change their attire.

Su Lun took off his Scavenger outfit of a trench coat and leather pants, and put on an extravagantly luxurious white suit with a bowler hat on top of his head. Paired with his dashing noble features, he was the spitting image of a wealthy young master, excellent in appearance.

After changing his clothes, he looked at Number Nineteen, who was about to don a set of leather boots and a short skirt, and frowned, shaking his head, "No, not that one, this one."

He pointed at a white court dress detailed with lace and ruffles, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and a steel-boned hoop skirt.

Number Nineteen was puzzled, "Such a skirt... if we were discovered, wouldn't it be inconvenient for fighting?"

"There's no need to fight..."

Su Lun didn't know how to explain, but he said what he wanted to achieve, "In a moment, we will be newlyweds, you're a young lady from a fallen noble family, and that court dress suits your status. The wide-brimmed hat and wig will cover your face, and the poofy skirt will conceal your figure..."

Not only was Number Nineteen's face well-known by the Bounty Hunters, but her perfect proportions were too, extremely recognizable.

If she went out in tight-fitting battle clothes, her face covered, Bounty Hunters could still recognize her!

So, these seemingly bulky noble dresses were the perfect choice.

"..."

Listening to Su Lun's words, Number Nineteen slightly furrowed her brows.

Even though she thought there were many loopholes in the plan, she didn't say much and chose to follow through.

Perhaps because she was a mechanical warrior, she was not burdened by worldly thoughts. In an urgent situation, she didn't shy away from Su Lun, nor did she dawdle; she immediately began to take off her clothes, ready to change into the dress. And because the off-shoulder low-cut dress couldn't be worn with a sports vest, she simply took that off too, exposing her delicate and fair bionic skin completely to the air.

Since she didn't mind, Su Lun quite openly took the chance to feast his eyes.

It had to be said, Number Nineteen's figure was indeed impeccable.

For others, this scene might have been very intimate.

But for these two, it was as casual as ever.

After a short while, they had changed.

Number Nineteen walked a few steps and felt the skirt was somewhat restricting her movements, her brows knitted slightly, "Is this okay?"

Su Lun looked her over and was quite satisfied, "Good, very good."

Aside from the sharpness in her eyes, her exterior was indistinguishable from a regular young lady from a wealthy family.

This type of court dress, heavily favored by the wives and daughters of the nobility, was designed to intentionally compress the waist, making the chest and hips appear more exaggerated in comparison.

Number Nineteen, who was naturally curvy, seemed less natural in the dress, as if "squeezed" into it.

That was perfect, as it completely disguised her impressive figure.

Number Nineteen didn't say much, turned her face to Su Lun, "Are your fake IDs ready?"

"Yes."

Forgery of documents was also an important money-making method for the gangs.

Although Su Lun had not needed this skill in his day-to-day life, he had mastered it proficiently.

He had gotten ready-made documents among his previous loot, which only needed some name and detail modifications.

He gestured grandly, "Let's go, we're heading into the city."

....

"Hold me closer, a bit more intimate. Yes, rest your face against my neck..."

"If someone looks at you, don't respond, just act aloof..."

"..."

Su Lun and the disguised Number Nineteen then walked arm in arm, heading directly to the camp.

They didn't take the main entrance but instead headed towards the merchant's special side gate. There, several caravans with hundreds of people and scattered steam dogs, loaded with goods, were lining up for inspection.

The armed city guards were checking each large item very carefully.

Concealing a person, or even a black sickle, was out of the question.

With people coming and going, no one noticed two more figures in the throngs of the merchant camp.

Su Lun walked past, arm in arm with Number Nineteen's slender waist, casually pointing at various items in the pile of goods. Then, without lining up, they cut directly to the gate.

He naturally handed over his ID documents and greeted the chubby duty captain familiarly, "Hey, Captain Mom, long time no see."

While doing so, he complained, "My caravan is still behind, but I really don't want to waste time lining up here. I'll let them come in slowly later..."

"???"

That Captain Mom was momentarily taken aback, evidently wracking his brain to recall who this "acquainted" person greeting him was.

But before he had a chance to speak, a heavy purse was already stuffed into his hand, along with that swiftly flashed ID.

Su Lun gave him no chance to inquire, dropping the ID onto a pile of documents for review, and led Number Nineteen into the city gates, not forgetting to turn back and enthusiastically say, "Captain Mom, I'll buy you a drink next time."

The subordinates, seeing that Su Lun seemed to know their captain very well, didn't dare to stop them.

And just like that, the group of bewildered men let the two of them into the city.

....

Number Nineteen lovingly clung to Su Lun's arm, appearing for all intents and purposes like a pair of newlyweds deeply in love.

As a mechanical warrior, although she didn't possess great acting skills, she also had no nervousness, managing not to reveal any flaws.

However, she hadn't expected that they would enter the city so easily?

After walking for quite some time, no one had come chasing after them.

Only then did Number Nineteen feel incredulous.

Curious, she asked quietly, "Do you know that gatekeeper?"

Did he know the city guard, and was that why he was sure they could enter the city like this?

But that couldn't be right...

He too was a wanted criminal; there was no way the city guards would simply let him in.

Su Lun casually shrugged, "No, I don't."

Number Nineteen: "???"

Su Lun briefly explained, "I can read lips. When I was observing from the high ground earlier, I saw that this is how his subordinates called him."

Listening carefully, Number Nineteen appeared thoughtful but still confused, "But... just because you called his name, he let us in?"

Su Lun smiled meaningfully, "Didn't you see he also took my money?"

Number Nineteen still didn't understand, "Money? Those guys would dare to let people of unknown identity into the city for such a small amount? Aren't they afraid for their lives?!"

After thinking it over, she found another "flaw" and asked, "The ID you forged, I saw it too—I couldn't tell it was fake without a closer look. But we don't have a caravan at all. Won't they become suspicious when they check later?"

"Suspicion? Of course, they'll be suspicious."

Su Lun spoke with certainty, then added, "That fat captain has extorted money from every small caravan. It's definitely not legitimate income; making a big fuss would be bad for him."

After a pause, he continued, "Moreover, even if they do start suspecting, they don't know me, but they might suspect you. If they haven't guessed your identity, that's good, but if they do, then they'll be even less inclined to cause trouble."

"???"

Number Nineteen really couldn't figure it out.

Being identified as this "SS wanted criminal" means they would be less likely to cause trouble?

Su Lun Jue felt it troublesome to explain and simply counter-asked, "If it were inside the inner city and the guards let a special wanted criminal through, how would the city guards' regulations handle it?"

Number Nineteen said with certainty, "The entire team would be executed by firing squad!"

"Well, there you have it."

Su Lun shrugged, "We're already inside, and the fact of their dereliction of duty has been set in stone. Even if they realize afterwards and come after us, it would be a major battle with incalculable losses. Whether they catch us or not, they can't escape responsibility. On the other hand, if they keep it quiet, who would know the criminal was let in during their shift? Confessing will get them held accountable, but keeping silent might absolve them, so what would a normal person choose?"

The city guards' regulations were indeed strict, but human nature could be exploited.

This super soldier lady, while experienced in battle, lacked some experience outside the rules.

"But what if they had stopped us for questioning earlier..."

"Although I'm sure there was no such 'if', even if there had been, our documents would have stood up to scrutiny. The 'Golden Camel Commerce Association' is a real small-scale business within the inner city. Even if they gave us a hard time, there are plenty of excuses to deal with it..."

"..."

As they walked along the streets, Su Lun was clearing up Number Nineteen's doubts.

Soon, they had blended into the bustling main street without any incident.

....

Now that they were in the city, both had their own matters to attend to.

With so many people around and no patrols, the risk of exposure was not great.

Number Nineteen had dangerous business to take care of, and Su Lun had no intention of meddling or asking too much about it.

The two were preparing to part ways.

He glanced at the most luxurious hotel nearby and said, "I'll be staying at the Rose Hotel under the name 'Nicholas'. I'll also register another empty room directly above with a different name. If you run into trouble, you can come to me."

Number Nineteen nodded, "Mhm."

Having entered the city in such an incredible way, and without danger, she now truly trusted some of Su Lun's capabilities.

At the moment of parting, something occurred to her, and she said, "Oh, there's one more thing you should be cautious about."

Su Lun: "Hmm?"

Number Nineteen: "I previously assassinated Major General Haus, the chief intelligence officer for the Umbrella Organization in the outer city, and obtained some top-secret information. However, after analyzing it, I also discovered a problem. Above Haus, the Umbrella Organization actually has an exposed colonel-level intelligence officer, codenamed 'Sleepwalker', who likely also came to Ruins City. There's not much to go on, but one thing is certain, 'They' have access to many secret intel. I deduce that They have close contacts with various powers in this camp and must hold no ordinary status. Be careful."

"Hmm," Su Lun responded, his expression deepening in thought.

In the Umbrella Organization, the higher the rank, the more it meant in terms of capabilities and power.

With such a hidden colonel-level intelligence officer lurking about, extra caution was indeed necessary.

The two didn't linger on the conversation; they simply merged with the crowd and eventually parted ways in different directions.

Su Lun took the opportunity to change into a Scavenger outfit and checked into the Rose Hotel.

Then, wearing a half-face gas mask, he headed to the "Scavengers Guild"; he intended to first inquire if there were any updates on the intelligence tasks he had commissioned...