Chapter 450: Chapter 425: New Official Takes Office and Makes a Start (6000 words)

At the Bureau of Mystic Security, everyone, from top to bottom, was seething with rage, particularly Director-General Aviloya.

An agent of the Empire had infiltrated their most highly classified experimental project! How had the preliminary background checks on personnel been conducted?

Moreover, an impeccably-equipped and well-furnished base, simply due to internal collusion, had been taken down without a sound? The entire security team had failed even to send a warning to headquarters!

The incident was resolved perfectly without any significant losses, but it merely saved face for the Bureau of Mystic Security.

Everyone knew that a major "purge" was needed within the Bureau of Mystic Security.

Everyone had assumed that after such a major incident, the multi-profession research project would surely relocate. But Aviloya, against all expectations, did not. She removed Gong Shuxu and Kang Gesi from the project and assigned a new Seventh Energy Level expert to oversee it, firmly keeping the entire operation within this base.

The Director-General’s intention was clear: where you fall, you must pick yourself up. It was the same location, and this time, she wanted the security work done to perfection!

So, it was the same training ground where Chen Gu, with his apprentice Chu Zheng, continued their routine training.

Chu Zheng, who had experienced the entire incident and knew her instructor had played a key role in it, sat beside Chen Gu with a grin during a break, swinging her restless legs. "Instructor," she said, "you’ll surely be commended by the Bureau this time, won’t you?"

"Shouldn’t you show some appreciation, like treating your smart and sensible apprentice to a big meal?"

Chen Gu gave her a flick on the forehead. "Has a certain smart and sensible apprentice forgotten who saved her life? If anyone should be treating, it should be you taking me out for a meal!"

Although he acted fierce, Chen Gu was somewhat reassured; Chu Zheng was becoming more open and cheerful, which was a good thing. It was just that whenever Dr. Meng Ji appeared, she reverted to her previous cold demeanor.

"Besides..." Chen Gu gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "There won’t be much in terms of rewards from the Bureau."

"Why?" Chu Zheng widened her eyes, genuinely perplexed.

Chen Gu couldn’t help but praise her inwardly. This girl, though her figure wasn’t much to speak of, actually had beautiful features, especially her large, expressive eyes that were full of spirit.

"If you don’t believe me, let’s make a bet. If the Bureau really gives me a high-grade reward, then I’ll treat you to a big meal. If not... I don’t want you to treat me; just a meal at our school cafeteria will do. After all, you can’t go on missions right now and only get a basic salary with no allowances."

My instructor is so considerate! Chu Zheng felt a warmth in her heart. However, she would later realize just how naive she had been, and that young girls like her were no match for her instructor’s schemes.

"It was you who uncovered the Empire’s conspiracy, you who persuaded Modrolov to defect, you who promptly brought reinforcements from the school to block all the fleeing enemies, and you who personally rescued me. It can be said that in the entire incident, aside from the Director-General herself capturing Barolyov, all credit goes to you! The Bureau would have a hard time justifying it to everyone if they didn’t give you the highest commendation," the girl patted her flat chest, saying with a confidence inversely proportional to its size, "I’ll take that bet!"

At that moment, Chen Gu stared at her chest and felt a twinge of guilt. She’s already in such a sorry state, and I’m still planning to trick her. Isn’t that a bit low of me?

The new Seventh Energy Level expert was named Liang He, a Microscopic Analyst.

After his arrival, he brought in new special service and action teams, replacing all the original personnel. He also comprehensively upgraded the entire base’s security codes.

Qing Ruyan quietly called Chen Gu. "Be careful," she warned. "That Liang He is notoriously difficult to deal with at headquarters."

Liang He had reached the Seventh Energy Level fifteen years ago. However, due to his terrible and stubborn temper, narrow-mindedness, and tendency to hold grudges, his relationships with colleagues were very poor. Even as a Seventh Energy Level expert, he faced exclusion everywhere.

So, fifteen years ago, Aviloya had no choice but to assign him to manage a special prison within the Bureau of Mystic Security.

What accolades could one earn in prison? Consequently, after a full fifteen years, Liang He still hadn’t gathered enough merits to be promoted to the Eighth Energy Level.

"However, this guy is indeed very capable. Apparently, he’s only a few hundred merits short," said Qing Ruyan. "The Director-General is really angry this time, which is why she called him back."

"After completing this assignment, he should be able to accumulate enough merits. Advancing to the Eighth Energy Level shouldn’t be an issue for him."

"You’re always so carefree; be careful he doesn’t make an example out of you."

Chen Gu was very appreciative. "Thanks a lot. I’ll treat you to a meal at our school cafeteria sometime..." He wanted to explain that he wasn’t just brushing Qing Ruyan off; the school cafeteria genuinely was much better than outside restaurants.

To his surprise, Qing Ruyan got excited at the offer. "Really? HAHAHA, that’s great! I’ve heard the Huai Shan Branch School’s cafeteria is extraordinary. Chen Gu, you’re a true friend when it comes to food!"

Chen Gu, on his end, began to seriously consider the feasibility of having Chu Zheng treat both him and Qing Ruyan.

But then he thought it might become too much of an Asura’s battlefield. Hmm, being alive is good; better not to court disaster.