Chapter 17: Joining the Security Team

Flying Shadow Corporation Headquarters, Security Division

The enormous screen in front of them was divided into thousands of small panels, each displaying satellite imagery from different regions of the planet.

From the main headquarters to the large mining zones, deep forests filled with dangerous beasts, and finally, the scattered, quiet asteroid belt slowly orbiting the planet, every area was under close watch.

The daily task of the security division was to patrol both the planet's interior and exterior.

With a mere thirty personnel, full control over the planet's security was an impossibility. However, after the major corporate headquarters moved, the planetary environment stabilized, making serious risks a rare occurrence. As a result, even if there were some gaps in surveillance, they were not a major concern.

At that moment, Deputy Director Wu Hao was standing before the massive screen, deeply engrossed in his work.

In fact, many of the tasks were handled automatically.

The chips were capable of processing many operations independently, uploading data and flagged issues for review. With computing power capable of handling billions of operations per second, these systems were able to manage routine data and intelligence. Only when an unexpected situation arose did they escalate the issue for human review.

Today, Wu Hao was on duty, meaning he had to remain at the headquarters for at least eight hours.

Just as he was focused, a slender figure hurried toward him.

"Boss Wu."

"Let's talk privately."

The figure was Zhao Jia, Wu Hao's trusted right-hand man.

Wu Hao subtly gestured to the two security officers nearby, signaling them to step aside. He followed Zhao Jia into a side room.

The door closed.

Zhao Jia spoke seriously.

"The security division has a new recruit, the one we saw this morning. Luo Fei personally recommended him, and he's already checked in. Chen Wuling handled the reception. I just checked, and he's already acquired an H3-level citizen chip. His physical stats are up to standard, and he's currently rated H4."

"So soon?"

Wu Hao was stunned.

He had some impression of this newcomer, Tian Xiao.

When they met earlier that morning, Tian Xiao had only had an H2-level chip. Wu Hao had judged him as no threat. He had expected Tian Xiao's formal joining to take months, not hours.

But now…

Luo Fei was moving fast.

In less than half a day, all the formalities were completed.

"How did he come up with a million Alliance Credits?" Wu Hao asked.

Zhao Jia responded, "I looked into it. Tian Xiao completed an external mission today and submitted 640,000 in raw ore. It's obviously Luo Fei's doing. The rest was likely supplied by him."

"So, we've pushed Luo Fei into a corner, and now he's using his own money to train this new recruit."

Wu Hao sneered.

Zhao Jia warned, "Boss, if Luo Fei is this serious, we need to be prepared. He's been in the security division for two years and has accumulated many resources. If he breaks through to G-level now, we'll be in a very passive position."

"Don't worry, breaking through to G-level isn't so easy."

Wu Hao scoffed.

"But we still need to be cautious. Luo Fei might fully back Chen Wuling and this newcomer, causing us trouble. Flying Shadow is his home base. Here's the plan—there's a transport mission in two weeks. Luo Fei will definitely oversee it, and I won't be able to escape. I'll make sure to keep you here at the base."

Wu Hao paused, knowing Zhao Jia understood.

Zhao Jia's smile was cold and cruel.

"Got it. I'll handle the arrangements."

Tian Xiao received his invitation letter and arrived at the security division without delay. With Chen Wuling's guidance, he completed the onboarding process, received his security uniform, and exchanged his personal aircraft for the H5 model patrol ship "Qing Niao."

The uniform was H5-grade, equipped with temperature-regulating features for all conditions, as well as active defenses against stabs, punctures, and bullets.

The "Qing Long" control system in the uniform could predict environmental threats, entering defense mode automatically when danger was detected.

Because the "Qing Niao" was equipped with weapons, Chen Wuling took extra time to explain weapon safety rules and maintenance procedures.

"According to Luo Fei's instructions, you'll work with me on shifts. I'll show you the ropes," Chen Wuling said, clearly impressed by Tian Xiao.

"Our division has thirty-six members. Six are assigned to the transport ships, and the rest are stationed here. With you, we're at thirty-seven."

"We usually work in teams of five. Two monitor the area while three patrol. Shifts are eight hours long."

"Who else is in our team, besides you, Brother Chen?"

"They're all here." Chen Wuling led him into a training room where the others were gathered.

Tian Xiao recognized them immediately.

One was Lao Lu, a drunk with a red nose, lying in bed.

The other two were the ones he had drunk with the previous night. They immediately stood up to greet him.

"Lin Hu, Qiao Dazhi, you know them."

"Tian Xiao's officially part of the team now. He's one of us, so take care of him."

"Got it!"

"Tian Xiao, our next shift is coming up. Want to join me at the range?" Lin Hu, eager to be friendly, asked.

Chen Wuling waved him off.

"No need. The boss wants me to mentor him for the next few days."

"Alright, next time."

Lin Hu reluctantly stepped back.

Tian Xiao understood Lin Hu's personality. Although Lin Hu was also an H5, his potential and enthusiasm couldn't match Chen Wuling's, which was why he had been surpassed.

Qiao Dazhi was more straightforward and honest.

"Let's go," Chen Wuling said. "I'll take you to get your weapon and do some live-fire shooting. As a security team member, you need some skill, especially since Luo Fei's your sponsor. You can't afford to slack off."

Tian Xiao nodded, fully aware of the reasoning behind Luo Fei's choice to have Chen Wuling personally mentor him.

If he made a fool of himself, it would reflect badly on Luo Fei as well.

For the next few days, Chen Wuling would stick closely to him, showing him every corner of Flying Shadow Corporation—an experience Tian Xiao never had in his past life.