Chapter 33: Future Colleagues

Regarding what kind of combat power Li Lin, this boy who looked gentle, harmless, and innocent, actually possessed, everyone had some idea. The messy things he did in the Knightly Nation, everyone more or less understood. Although initially, it was kept very secret, and nothing was revealed. But as the Ray-Forged Divine Armaments and Kazimierz powered knight armor gradually improved, the previously hidden news was gradually released. These well-informed intelligence brokers and mercenaries naturally had firsthand information.

Even now that they were employed by Lungmen, the original intelligence system hadn't collapsed. And since they were now internal colleagues, much news and inside information were openly shared. Regarding what kind of slaughter this harmless-looking bloody butcher had actually committed, they were crystal clear .

Dozens of knights, hundreds of retainers, titled knights of various ranks—not a single one managed to escape that alley.

And much evidence indicated it wasn't that those people didn't want to run, but were dragged back alive. Wherever they fled, they would inexplicably return to the original point as if drawn by gravity, then be killed. Such intense murderousness led to the title 'Butcher' being marked on all his data files.

Although some gossip repeatedly emphasized this monster might have just been acting in self-defense, who the hell would believe it? Your self-defense involves killing every single one of them? And they had to be placed in that small alley? And they all had to be slaughtered in the alley? For heaven's sake, Midir was just going crazy because his child died; in the end, his son's revenge wasn't achieved, and he himself was cornered in an alley and slaughtered like a chicken. This was already inhumane; who would believe your bullshit.

Many famous mercenaries on the streets were as- well-as quails, not daring to speak, not daring to move randomly, just silently standing there as background props.

The atmosphere of the scene was extremely awkward for a moment; the entire space was deathly silent.

It was as if everyone was tacitly opposing him; clearly a new colleague had joined, yet was unwelcome. This kind of protagonist treatment made Li Lin raise his eyebrows somewhat surprisedly. It was the first time he had received this legendary protagonist-like treatment; instead, it felt somewhat novel.

However, Hoshiguma on the side clearly knew the inside story. Looking at Old Ch'en whose face was becoming increasingly gloomy, the intrigued Li Lin, and those colleagues sweating profusely, legs cramping, almost kneeling down, this green-haired powerhouse's forehead horn lit up. Suddenly inspired, she felt an opportunity to break the conversational deadlock. Others didn't dare speak for fear of angering him, but Hoshiguma was different; they had met before, could be considered able to talk, right?

"This is Li Lin? I'm Hoshiguma, we met before in another department. You seemed to be an investor back then, right?"

"Oh, Miss Hoshiguma, indeed we've met; the food tasted quite good back then."

"Hahaha, glad you liked it. Actually, the internal food here is quite good. Old Ch'en, you don't need to stand either; few of these people like to talk, and isn't there a mission coming up soon? Let's keep everything simple."

"…!!!"

Looking at Hoshiguma, who was laughing heartily and acting righteously, the group of people nodded with deep expressions, and Li Lin also showed an expression of sudden realization.

After all, it's a civilian force; the so-called civilian force refers to the powerhouses outside the Lungmen government. To be qualified for recruitment, they must have some skills ; being unruly is also very normal. This isn't throwing a tantrum at me; this is looking down on everyone.

Countless overpowered protagonist novel tropes flashed through his mind; Li Lin gained a deep understanding of these indifferent-faced operators before him. Look at their resolute expressions, that definitely means a big battle is imminent. Look at them sweating profusely, that means their metabolism is good, all are experts. As for why they are trembling all over, that must be because they are constantly holding back their strength, wanting to compete with others.

Of course, he was also very clear about the counter-example of how to handle this aspect. That was to oppose these people, directly beat them into submission. However, Li Lin also knew the correct solution: speak nicely and admit cowardice.

Which would Li Lin choose, did that even need to be said? Of course, speak nicely and admit cowardice! Fighting is so troublesome.

"I know everyone here is capable talent, so I won't interfere too much with everyone's actions. At most, it's just a suggestion; I'm just saying it, everyone just take it casually. To put it bluntly, I'm just a commoner, with slightly special abilities, here to contribute my remaining efforts. Everyone is working hard for Lungmen's stability and harmony; I absolutely won't say much. But I'm also an outsider, so if there are any mistakes, please point them out."

"Li Lin, you don't need to be so polite to these people…"

Looking at the operators who still remained silent, unsure what they were thinking, Ch'en scratched her head, also feeling a bit strange.

Before, these people were more jumpy than the last; why are they all acting mute and blind now? But that's fine too; this way, it saves a lot of effort from having to deal with the people around later. Ch'en quickly adjusted her mentality, pointing at a girl hiding in a corner like an ostrich.

"Little Wu, you go to the side. Let Li Lin sit there and be responsible for document organization and data comparison."

"Sorry, to have troubled you."

"N-No, it's okay, you, you please…"

"Thanks."

Are Lungmen people all this polite? Why didn't I notice before?

Looking at the girl who, because of his apology, clutched her heart and almost cried, Li Lin tilted his head, thinking somewhat strangely.

Love whatever line you're in; once in a line, don't think about other things. Although 'muddling along and taking things as they come' was a phrase with slightly negative connotations, it couldn't be more fitting for Li Lin. Apart from liking to babble, he didn't have any major hobbies; for this kind of place where he could stay in a safe position and still contribute his remaining efforts, Li Lin liked it the most.

Although somewhat strange about his colleagues' attitude towards him, Li Lin felt it would be strange if he, a newcomer, wasn't targeted. So he just adjusted his mentality, sat on the chair, casually took out paper and pen, intending to record the habits and actions of the big shots in various fields next. His appearance, looking at the data on various operator tags, seriously writing names and taking notes, was also seen by everyone and kept in their hearts.

Several big shots with ashen faces looked at the names filling the death list, exchanged glances, their faces full of tragic heroism.

And Ch'en didn't bother with these people's complicated mental states; in her eyes, it would be strange if these militiamen didn't cause trouble someday. Mercenaries with disparate personalities would sometimes go collectively mad. Entering work mode, she quickly eliminated other irrelevant emotions, directly displaying today's target for elimination on the room's huge projection screen.

"According to the intelligence Li Lin interrogated from that nameless dismembered corpse yesterday, our Lungmen is currently being attacked by an organization called the Death Worshippers . And there's intelligence showing they are currently in a building materials factory four kilometers away from us. What we need to do is very simple: formulate a plan, strive to destroy their factory before the Death Worshippers react, and capture their main leaders. I'll briefly say a few words next."

Ch'en glanced at the operators below who, for some unknown reason, frequently looked towards Li Lin upon hearing 'interrogated from that nameless dismembered corpse', and continued projecting the data on her own.

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