Reboot: Mechanic

Shi Tian followed Mary from behind, getting some grenades and small traps on their belt. 

As Mary had warned numerous times, one could never afford to be too carefree in the wilderness. 

Thus, even if they are in a reserved area, and the possibility of being attacked by other people is low, the possibility wasn't zero.

Which means they still need to keep up their guard and remain vigilant. 

Though they didn't need to worry much since the reserved area was within the station temporarily built by the people in which everyone could come here to rest up. 

In other words, it was a temporary safehold for the people, with multiple defensive mechanisms set up to deflect or block any monsters that attempted to invade this space.

As Shi Tian exited the Iron Sentinel alongside Mary, he could instantly feel numerous eyes locked on to them, seemingly identifying them or discerning their strength. 

"No need to worry about their eyesight for now. They wouldn't dare to attack us openly, since there's a bunch of defenses here set up." Mary reassured Shi Tian as she pointed at the defensive layout. 

Shi Tian followed the pointer and noticed there were actually turrets set up in their reserved area. The turrets didn't seem to be clumsily built either. In fact, it looked extremely sturdy and powerful. 

Just a single glance at one of the turrets was akin to facing a fierce beast's intimidation. 

The turret doesn't seem to be in active mode and could be said to be in neutral mode, yet Shi Tian was able to feel tremendous pressure upon him.

'Is this turret invented by Master Isaac?' Shi Tian thought to himself. 

Considering they were still in public, Shi Tian didn't wish to ask Mary right away, lest others might be able to eavesdrop on something. 

Thus, Shi Tian promptly waited and followed Mary inside the tent. 

Given that it was a reserved area, a tent was built to accommodate the people. Of course, only those who are guaranteed a reserved area could afford a tent as a resting place.

As for the others that had to follow the process of first come first serve, they could only build a measly 'camp' spot for their group in the safe spot. After all, their area isn't guaranteed to be the same location as always. 

"Are you surprised by the turret outside?" Mary subsequently asked after taking a seat by the table. 

In fact, she even took off her gas mask, dumbfounding Shi Tian in the process.

"Oh, this specific area is constructed with a process similar to the air filtration in Gearits City, albeit on a smaller scale." She quickly explained before Shi Tian had the chance to ask the question.

Shi Tian nodded his head and took off his gas mask instead. 

He then took a seat opposite Mary and asked, "The turrets outside must have been crafted by Master Isaac, right?"

"Mhmm, the complication of the turret mechanism was something only Mechanist Isaac knows. It was also because of this fact that we earned a reserved area under the Optic Mech name. We might not be as popular as Heaven's Mecha, but that doesn't mean we are inferior to them." Mary tapped her finger on the table and explained.

And with that piece of information revealed to him, Shi Tian was now able to finally connect the dots, starting all the way back from the time he wished to enjoy some popcorn in Optic Mech.

Back then, there was a troublesome person proclaimed to be from Heaven's Mecha demanding to see Isaac Aaronax, only to be rejected adamantly by Mary. 

Originally, he didn't think much of it, but now being exposed to such information, especially the fact that Isaac Aaronax was able to construct such a terrifying turret defense, everything made sense.

'What a web of complications.' Shi Tian exclaimed inwardly. 

He felt exhausted just thinking how complicated the relationship structure was in Gearits City. The military was complicated, and now even the Optic Mech and Heaven's Mecha were like a sea of muddy water. 

Alas, Mary wasn't finished with her explosive revelation. 

"If you think that's complicated, then you're going to be in more shock. Heaven's Mecha owner is one of the five families, the Harrett Family." Mary chuckled softly.

It was as if a ticking bomb had just exploded, and Shi Tian nearly choked himself. 

'Fuck, I boarded a pirate ship.' He screamed internally. 

If it wasn't because his emotion was regulated, he would have both hands clenched half covering his face, shouting 'oh no' aloud.

Meanwhile, Mary smirked when she saw Shi Tian remaining silent. She decided to inform him of such news so that he would finally understand the situation he was in. 

Of course, it wasn't in any bad intention, given that she could have concealed the news and never inform him about it. 

"Wasn't Heaven's Mecha an independent mechanic store?" Shi Tian asked in disbelief.

He had researched this particular store when he heard it the first time, but none had shown or indicated that it was operated by the Harrett Family.

And just when Mary was about to clarify things to him, Shi Tian raised his hand and stopped her.

"Nevermind, no need to answer that dumb question." He then said, realizing how fickle information could be on the internet.

Just because he couldn't find a relationship between Heaven's Mecha and the Harrett Family, doesn't mean there aren't any relations. 

At best, it just means the Harrett Family's power in concealing such information is fearsome. 

'Mary could easily keep this information hidden from me so that I would continue to act as a decoy. But she didn't do it and revealed it to me anyway. Why would she do this?' Shi Tian was thoroughly confused by her actions this time.

If she had simply done nothing, then he would have kept playing the dangerous decoy role, getting used without ever realizing it.

Tilting his head to stare at Mary, Shi Tian truly cannot fathom what was currently on her mind.