Volume 3, Chapter 5: What Truly Defines a Tycoon?

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Even within the simulation, receiving a transfer of one hundred thousand made Xia Chen immensely happy.

After all, even in dreams, stumbling upon unexpected wealth brings joy. Despite his current status being comparable to Rita's, it still felt gratifying.

He understood that this transaction was also a way for Rita to gather more information about him directly.

Xia Chen estimated that Rita now likely knew most details about his identity.

However, he didn't mind.

Even if Rita woke up, she would likely dismiss it as just a dream. Currently, only Kiana and Ana seem convinced that dreams can reflect future possibilities, given their numerous related experiences.

Himeko harbors some suspicions, making her belief halfway solidified.

As for Rita... my apologies, but most of his simulations have had little to do with her.

Moreover, revealing knowledge about 'future dreams' to others isn't particularly concerning now, since Honkai can explain almost anything away.

Just as Xia Chen anticipated, Rita traced his information through the single transfer. However, what she found was unexpected.

A former military veteran...

Clearly, Rita did not believe such an explanation.

Secretly contacting Alvitr while maintaining a composed facade, she engaged Xia Chen in conversation, "I wonder how familiar you are with Divine City Pharmaceuticals?"

"Not extensively, but due to my special ability, I've learned a few things."

He proceeded to share his knowledge about Divine City Pharmaceuticals and Project Stigma.

In Xia Chen's view, Project Stigma essentially mirrors the experiments conducted at Babylon Tower, albeit on a larger scale. While Otto may have used hundreds of subjects for repeated trials, Jackal directly experimented on millions indiscriminately. The underlying principles, however, remain similar—both aimed at enabling humans to neutralize Honkai energy.

Both aimed to neutralize Honkai Energy within humans.

As for the significance of Project Stigma, Xia Chen could roughly guess—it was about enabling coexistence between humans and Honkai. This approach offered another way to preserve civilization.

Without Kiana's intervention, Tianqiong City would likely have birthed a Herrscher as its ultimate fate.

However, after hearing this information, Rita couldn't help but furrow her brow.

Her knowledge was limited to Divine City Pharmaceuticals; she had no idea they were pursuing such ambitious goals.

"Why didn't you stop them?" Rita looked at Xia Chen, her gaze carrying a dangerous undertone.

She needed to ascertain Xia Chen's true intentions.

Undeniably, Xia Chen was incredibly powerful. With his abilities as the Herrscher of the Void, few could stand against him.

If his thoughts leaned towards siding with Honkai...

Xia Chen casually responded, "What if I told you I just arrived here myself? Would you believe me?"

"I might, barely."

This wasn't the time for conflict.

"Then let's head to Divine City Pharmaceuticals first."

At that moment, even Rita set aside concerns about Kiana.

With so many lives at stake in Tianqiong City, she couldn't afford any risks, regardless of whether they directly involved her or not.

As for Bishop Otto, explanations would have to wait until later.

Rita instinctively considered summoning the Immortal Blades, but at the last minute, she dismissed the thought.

"I'll raise the offer by another hundred thousand. Will you accompany me?"

She sensed Xia Chen's immense strength, and if money could solve the issue, it was no problem at all.

Xia Chen considered briefly before agreeing, "Sure."

In his memories, Rita initially fell victim to the trap but was saved by Kiana. To gather intelligence, Kiana then re-entered the stronghold, pretending to be captured by Jackal.

As long as they timed their actions carefully, there should be no conflict.

Of course, he wasn't Bishop Otto, capable of controlling every detail. If danger arose, he would still act with full force. Even if Project Stigma got disrupted, it wouldn't be a concern.

Ultimately, without the ability to orchestrate everything meticulously, one shouldn't pretend to have all bases covered.

Alternatively, he could refuse Rita.

However, doing so might turn the Immortal Blades into mere cannon fodder. He doubted his warning alone would significantly alter the situation.

Xia Chen and Rita effortlessly arrived at Divine City Pharmaceuticals.

Along the way, Rita gathered significant information about the company through Alvitr's research. She was surprised to find that Divine City Pharmaceuticals had already been dealing with Schicksal for some time. Even their successful relocation to Tianqiong City was partly due to Otto's influence.

Rita, unlike Ana, was well aware of Otto's cunning and manipulative nature. Therefore, learning this did not shock her; it seemed entirely consistent with the bishop's actions.

However, the sheer number of people involved in Tianqiong City made it impossible for her to remain indifferent.

Meanwhile, Alvitr's search on Xia Chen still only revealed him as a discharged veteran. It was evident that Shenzhou harbored special forces, well-protected by its government.

Perhaps the Shenzhou authorities were already aware of the situation in Tianqiong City, which is why Xia Chen was sent here.

She suppressed her swirling thoughts, determined to halt Project Stigma and uncover Xia Chen's true background.

Unconcerned with Rita's thoughts, Xia Chen asked, "Should we storm in boldly or sneak inside stealthily?"

"What's your preference?" Rita replied with a smile, maintaining composure despite her inner turmoil.

"I think there isn't much difference," he responded.

In this modern era of advanced security technology, aside from infrared sensors, password-protected locks alone were sufficient to deter most stealthy intruders. While Rita was skilled in infiltration, she couldn't possibly know everything. Moreover, World Serpent's technology did not lag behind Schicksal's; even if she used specialized equipment to cut off the factory's power supply, it didn't guarantee complete safety.

Of course, Xia Chen could directly control the entire factory's electrical system with Rin, but there was no need for that, right?

"Let's still go for stealth."

Xia Chen nodded and promptly utilized Sirin's Authority.

Rita watched silently.

With her hunter-like agility, she continuously evaded numerous patrolling machines and drones while disabling infrared sensors using the Predator Suit's Shadow Iron.

The unique armor capabilities of the Predator Suit allowed her to temporarily shield herself from electronic detection.

However, it was only effective for a brief period.

Xia Chen couldn't help but marvel at Rita's proficient skills; her movements during infiltration had a certain grace. Even though they resembled those of a thief, she executed them elegantly.

Soon, they infiltrated Divine City Pharmaceuticals.

As expected, however, Jackal discovered their presence.

"Two sneaky rats," Jackal sneered, his tone filled with contempt. "Breaking in through the sewer pipes was your biggest mistake."

Rita's eyes narrowed slightly.

She observed as Jackal closed all the gates and unleashed numerous zombies.

It was evident that this was the result of his Stigma Plan.

Xia Chen sighed, "This plan is utterly flawed."

"At the very least, they should have chosen a different leader."

Transforming people into zombies was no different from exterminating them entirely.

His words ignited Jackal's fury. "Soon, you'll realize how foolish your statement is."

On the side, Rita's eyes also narrowed, displaying a rare flash of anger.

The origin of these zombies left her unable to remain indifferent, despite their inferiority against her.

Quickly, the duo dispatched the undead horde.

"Now, let me show you my proudest creation."

"Combining the limitless vitality of zombies with fragments of human rationality, enhanced by World Serpent's mechanical modifications... This is truly my masterpiece, the Death Weaver."

Xia Chen couldn't help but admit, perhaps his expectations were too high.

The Death Weaver's strength simply did not match the grandeur with which Jackal spoke of it.

Rita's gaze revealed a hint of puzzlement as well.

"So this is the World Serpent's confidence?"

"Seems so," Xia Chen sighed.

However, the true extent of the World Serpent's power had yet to be unveiled.

After swiftly dealing with the Death Weaver, Xia Chen eagerly anticipated what would come next.

Following the plot, Jackal should now release his poison, and Kiana would arrive just in time.

"I didn't expect Schicksal's rats to have some skills."

As predicted, Jackal unleashed his toxin.

However, with Xia Chen's warning, Rita had already taken preventive measures. The Predator Suit's protective features often surpassed even those of the Mark-IV armor.

Similarly, Xia Chen remained unaffected by these toxins that could decompose Honkai Energy. Even relying solely on his physical strength, he was more than capable. Moreover... for some reason, Jackal's supposed Honkai Energy restricting agent had no effect on him.

In this world, there is nothing that can completely suppress Honkai Energy; otherwise, Honkai would have been defeated long ago. It seems likely that Jackal's drug targets specific human organs, disrupting their interaction with Honkai Energy.