Reboot: Mechanic

Shi Tian wasn't exaggerating his reaction when he saw the apartment complex that Old Man Chao had found for him.

"Are you sure the Crimson Mage really owns this apartment complex?" Shi Tian turned toward Old Man Chao and asked in disbelief. 

As much as he knew this was a fact already, he still couldn't believe that the military personnel or people behind them would allow her to own such an amazing apartment complex. 

The apartment complex itself was built like a fortress, fortified with reinforced concrete walls, blast-resistant windows, and state-of-the-art security systems. It was a design meant to withstand the harshest conditions and protect residents from external threats.

In other words, the apartment complex's external surface was like an impenetrable fortress in its own right. That was putting things nicely, meaning if others had ulterior motives, then one could pinpoint this apartment complex as a self-sufficient military camp.

How could anyone that governed a large city like Gearits allow an independent force like this to operate so blatantly? 

"Heh, did you really think the Crimson Mage nickname was so glass-like?" Old Man Chao stroked his beard and laughed heartily. If the Crimson Mage was just a toothless tiger without any real authority or power, then he wouldn't have feared her that deeply.

"Do you see those cameras and high surveillance equipment?" Old Man Chao then pointed at another object and asked.

Shi Tian nodded his head. He could tell those are used for security and to protect the apartment complex. 

Old Man Chao snickered coldly as he proceeded to explain them, allowing Shi Tian to know just what kind of environment he would be living in. 

Security was of utmost importance in this chaotic world, and the apartment complex excelled in providing a safe haven. 

High-resolution surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and biometric access control systems are strategically placed throughout the premises to detect and deter any potential threats. 

Additionally, fortified checkpoints and trained security personnel ensure the safety of residents.

"And these are merely just the basics because the Crimson Mage has even more hidden trump cards up her sleeves. Other than the Crimson Mage herself, no one else can harm you if you are to live in this apartment." Old Man Chao said boastfully.

Shi Tian knitted his brows, remaining silent at that. Old Man Chao's words might sound exaggerated, but after witnessing them with his own eyes, Shi Tian doubted it was an exaggeration.

With such high security in place, and that this was merely the tip of the surface, then Shi Tian wondered what would truly occur if someone attempted to launch an attack at the apartment complex.

"Were there any intruders that had attacked this apartment before?" Shi Tian asked. Since Old Man Chao loved to boast about her ability, then he might as well ask him all the questions he had in mind to clear his doubts. 

And sure enough, Old Man Chao began explaining some of the history regarding the apartment complex.

"Before the Crimson Mage took over this complex as her property, this apartment was merely a pathetic useless building. But once she had taken it over, the security had been upgraded tremendously. The rate of it was so fast that even the leading organization party was speechless and utterly helpless against it." 

"Could she have a backer?" 

"Backer? That remains a mystery to this day because the Crimson Mage works alone, but don't let that fool you. Some idiotic intruders didn't believe the security upgrade and tried to attack it, only to end up dead. And when the military wanted to step in as well to arrest her for mass murder, they were all sent back defeated." 

"The military stepped in to try to arrest her for murder?" Shi Tian raised an eyebrow in confusion. Murder was extremely common, so why would the military intervene, especially when they knew about the Crimson Mage's power? 

"Hmph, wasn't it because one of the idiotic intruders belonged to a high-position person? Don't forget, Crimson Mage's heavenly appearance was hard for people to resist, so some still court death despite knowing the danger." Old Man Chao snorted but made sure to keep his volume at a minimum.

He then leaned closer to Shi Tain's ear and whispered, "This was a taboo topic by the way because of the shame the military received and how they were even forced to personally send a few higher-ups to apologize to the Crimson Mage. In addition, they had to send her an enormous amount of compensation to pacify the matter." 

Suddenly, Shi Tian finally realized why even though the Crimson Mage had killed one of her tenants previously, and yet the room was still vacant. His deduction was completely off from the start.

It wasn't the fact that there are people afraid of dying at the hands of the Crimson Mage, but the fear of irking the military. 

Although everything looked tranquil on the surface, Shi Tian could sense the underlying current that was brewing in smoke. 

The Crimson Mage and the military were like water and oil, completely incompatible. If possible, the military truly wanted to capture the Crimson Mage, but couldn't because of her terrifying power. It was a kind of frustration that would only worsen with time, and never better. 

"Heh, now do you realize why I revered the Crimson Mage?" Old Man Chao smirked when he saw Shi Tian's expression.

"I understand," Shi Tian nodded his head. 

How could he not understand? 

Such a person was capable of forcing such a large organization to be helpless. This was what they meant by attaining the pinnacle of strength, which could even deter those usually sitting high above the hierarchy. 

"See, since you understand then you should know how blessed you are to gain the chance to rent a room in her apartment complex. So shouldn't we go back to the original price tag? Otherwise, it might seem as if you are disrespecting the reputation of the Crimson Mage." Old Man Chao rubbed his hands repeatedly and said covertly. 

'This shameless old man…' Shi Tian twitched his mouth, wanting to smack him across the face.