Chu Zheng didn't understand. "Why? He's also a multi-class professional, very important to the Bureau!"

"Indeed, both of you are important," the Sixth Energy Level said indifferently. "But you've forgotten one thing: you and he are both special agents of the Bureau of Mystic Security!

"You were sent out first not because you are more important than him, but because you are... too weak! 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"There is a powerful Mutant within the base. It's our natural enemy, the responsibility of our Bureau! If I weren't tasked with ensuring your safe return, I would have gone down with Chen Gu as well."

Chu Zheng was rendered speechless.

"Whether ordinary professionals or multi-class professionals, when facing Mutants, all serve as warriors of the Bureau!

"The Bureau invests tremendous resources in researching the paths of multi-class professionals, also to better battle Mutants. This is a matter concerning all of humanity.

"I would very much like to go down in Chen Gu's place, and I would also be willing for Chen Gu to take my place escorting you, but the Director-General would not allow it.

"Although she didn't say it explicitly, I know she actually trusts Chen Gu more. I've seen Chen Gu's record; operations against Mutants that he has participated in have never failed.

"This incident is not simple. The Director-General feels it's safer with Chen Gu going."

The Sixth Energy Level had to be frank about these things in front of Chu Zheng and his men, which made him quite uncomfortable. After all, for a dignified Sixth Energy Level to be considered less "reliable" than a Third Energy Level in the Director-General's eyes—even if that Third Energy Level was a multi-class professional—was quite a blow to his pride.

"I'm telling you this so that you'll cooperate with us and not cause trouble on the way because... yes, you really are very important.

"Although you're still very weak at the moment."

Chu Zheng did quiet down, looking at the Sixth Energy Level full of anticipation. "Instructor Chen... has he really never failed against Mutants? Will he definitely come back?"

"Definitely. At least the Director-General has confidence in him."

「That evening」

Chu Zheng, who had been anxiously waiting in the main Bureau building, finally received good news: the incident at the base had been resolved.

Soon, a detailed account of the battle was relayed back.

The slime Mutant was tough to deal with. Chen Gu and Gong Shuxu were both caught in a fierce battle, during which seven special agents died in action! Additionally, six researchers from Dr. Meng Ji's team also perished.

At the critical moment, Shi Chenghua suddenly mutated, preparing to ambush Chen Gu and Gong Shuxu from behind. However, Chen Gu had been prepared and eliminated Shi Chenghua with a counter-attack, ultimately claiming victory.

Ever since Chen Gu learned Shi Chenghua was also in the underground hall, he had been prepared for the possibility of two people mutating simultaneously.

Chu Zheng heaved a long sigh of relief. "Instructor Chen is truly amazing. No wonder the Director-General trusts him so much."

The simple, flat-chested girl didn't yet know the long history between Chen Gu and the Director-General; otherwise, her expression would have been quite a sight.

The contamination within the base required some time to be cleared. Chen Gu and the others were temporarily sealed inside, and Chu Zheng couldn't return right away either.

This made the flat-chested girl feel inexplicably anxious.

But Chen Gu, though tired, was in a rather good mood back at the base. Shi Chenghua had mutated, which at least meant the generator was now free. As soon as the cleanup was complete, he could advance.

When Chen Gu brought this up with Dr. Meng Ji, the doctor looked horrified and consulted him, "Chen Gu, maybe we should hold off for a bit?

"I'm starting to suspect this generator might be cursed.

"The mutation rate is just too high! Think about it, we've only conducted a few experiments, and there have been three mutations already..."

Chen Gu glared. "What are you implying? That I'll mutate too? Don't jinx it!"

「The next day」

The cleanup team continued their work on the generator, as well as searching for and eliminating potential mutation risks throughout the entire base.

Chen Gu insisted on dragging Dr. Meng Ji over to conduct a contamination monitoring test for him. The final results showed an even lower level than the previous test.

Dr. Meng Ji, though still apprehensive, reluctantly agreed to Chen Gu's request.

「Three days later」

Once it was confirmed that everything in the base was normal, Chen Gu first had to attend a competition in the Alliance.

After defeating Lu Chang, "The Nightmare," last time, Chen Gu's reputation as a competitor had risen quickly within the Alliance.

This was one of the reasons the Behemoth Alliance attracted young people: achieving fame in a single battle.

One day you might be a nobody, and the next, your name could be all over global news reports.

Although many so-called "experts" stubbornly clung to old ideas, firmly believing that Energy Gathering Mechanical Species weren't suitable for Behemoth Alliance competitions and that Chen Gu was destined to fade away, many fans were already around the arena. They wore T-shirts printed with fighter jets, held Chen Gu's posters, and cheered as they entered.

At the same time, Chen Gu received data from the Alliance indicating that his merchandise was selling well, and he would get a share of the profits.

In the league, Chen Gu's momentum was excellent, but his mind wasn't on it at all. He wanted to advance to the Fourth Energy Level!

He carried this anxiety into his match.

Today's opponent was also strong, a mainstay in his club's team, who had consistently reached the top fifty in individual competitions in previous years.

Yet, sensing Chen Gu's anxiety, the Combat Rooster went berserk and critically injured the opponent's behemoth within three rounds.

Just like last time, it was over so quickly that the opponent didn't even have a chance to surrender.