Xiao Feng gazed intently at the silver tubular device resting within the Black Angel's chamber and couldn't help but inquire, "What is this?"
An engineer from Brannum Corporation stepped forward and explained, "This is our latest breakthrough — a compact laser emitter, essentially a laser rifle. It's the most advanced laser weapon in the world. Naturally, it requires electrical energy to operate, so only you and Miss Kelly can wield it, as both of your bodies possess electrokinetic abilities."
Excited, Xiao Feng hefted the now ultra-cool Black Angel rifle. It still measured around two meters in length, but the triangular arrangement of its barrels now featured a central laser emitter, slightly shorter than the barrels themselves.
The engineer continued, "This laser cannon emits the highest-temperature beam ever recorded, capable of piercing the defenses of Grade-B magical beasts. However, it demands at least a Grade-C magical crystal to power it—not only must it accumulate electrical energy. Do you understand, sir?"
Xiao Feng studied the imposing Black Angel, nodding affirmatively. "Crystal clear. What could be unclear? Now, shall we find a place to test its power?"
"Heh, sir, rest assured about the gun's might. We've forged the bullets from a special alloy. Moreover, we have ten special rounds—restricted ammunition employed only by the Allied Forces." The engineer placed a box containing these ten rounds on the table and opened it to reveal ten long Black Angel bullets with red tips, their casings emblazoned with a nuclear radiation insignia.
Xiao Feng eyed the bullets with astonishment. "You mean these ten rounds have nuclear warheads?"
"Indeed. We've loaded them with nuclear fuel. Once detonated, the resulting power can shatter even Grade-A magical beast defenses, let alone Grade-B."
"What? They can breach Grade-A defenses? That's unbelievably powerful!" Xiao Feng was nearly incredulous.
"Yes, but we only have ten of these rounds—our supply of nuclear fuel is limited."
"Ten rounds are scarce, but sufficient… If I can procure nuclear fuel in the future, can you manufacture more?"
"Certainly, as long as we have sufficient fuel. But nuclear materials are tightly controlled by the Alliance government. There isn't much left on Earth. Were there more, we'd definitely produce more of these bullets. Yet an abundance would bring hazardous radiation."
Understanding this, Xiao Feng nodded. "Right, let's start with these ten. We'll talk about more if the opportunity arises. Such a pity, only ten rounds."
Lifting the massive sniper rifle, Xiao Feng and Kelly drove out from the arsenal. Gently caressing the imposing weapon, Xiao Feng felt no other firearm could rival this one. He turned to Kelly and said, "Let's go test its power."
Kelly chuckled, "You look too eager to wait."
"Come on, come on… let's try it out!"
…
Meanwhile, at the Envoy's manor, after a moment's hesitation, the Envoy slowly withdrew his hand from the box and Zeus confidently opened it. A crystal statue of Venus appeared, breathtakingly beautiful and indescribably exquisite.
The Envoy suddenly clutched his chest, dropping the wine bottle onto a nearby table as he staggered back two steps. "Oh my, my heart can hardly bear this…"
Zeus didn't pause and opened the fourth box, revealing the spearhead of a long spear.
The Envoy eyed it curiously. "What's so special about this spearhead?"
Zeus nodded, "Legend says this very spear killed Jesus…"
"No way. Impossible. How could it appear here? Even if it truly exists, how can we confirm its authenticity?"
Zeus smiled knowingly. "Envoy, you jest. Why would I deceive you with a counterfeit? To discern its truth is simple—just place your hand upon it."
Skeptical, the Envoy placed his right hand on the spearhead. Instantly, a stream of consciousness surged through his mind, conjuring the vivid image of Jesus nailed to the cross, the spear thrust into His side.
"Ah!" the Envoy gasped and quickly withdrew his hand. "It's truly genuine."
Zeus nodded solemnly. "This spear bears strange magical power and has long been coveted by various factions. I had to exert great effort to acquire it."
The Envoy sighed, gazing at the four treasures before him: the vial, the golden horse, the Venus statue, and the spear—each more magnificent and precious than the last. At last, he asked, "Speak plainly—what do you want me to do?"
Zeus smiled and said, "Help us eliminate a man. Or assist us in killing a man."
"Oh? The Seven Gods of the Alliance have someone they cannot handle? Surely not."
"Yes, indeed. If this man is not killed, all seven gods are in peril. He's already captured two of them."
"That's intriguing. Tell me more."
Zeus detailed Xiao Feng's situation to the Envoy. The latter lit a cigar, contemplating as he listened. When Zeus finished, the Envoy exhaled a plume of smoke and said, "I suspect this Xiao Feng fellow either possesses or has devoured—or perhaps copied—psychokinetic powers."
"It's unlikely he devoured powers," Zeus said, "If that were the case…"
"Then he must have copied them. That's a real problem. His abilities will snowball, growing ever greater until no one can stop him."
"So, he must be eliminated promptly."
"But if we can't eliminate him, what then?"
"As long as you purify all his powers, the rest is on us. You'll forever remain our ally. We'll even build you a grander estate, a finer home to quietly live out your days."
The Envoy glanced again at the four treasures, still hesitant. "Xiao Feng's strongest ability is currently an evolved Level-8 psychokinesis."
At that moment, Poseidon interjected, "Don't forget Ares and Athena's powers. Should Xiao Feng acquire theirs, things will become difficult."
The Envoy asked, "What are the abilities of those two?"
"Ares, the God of War, wields berserk strength. Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, can unleash lightning-like electric radiance."
The Envoy shook his head. "If Xiao Feng truly masters three Level-8 or higher abilities, he'll become a terrifying force."
"That's why we decided to ask you to deal with him."
"I fear I lack the capability," the Envoy replied, frowning as he took a drag from his cigar. Compared to his life, these treasures held little allure.
Zeus, puzzled, asked, "You mean…"
"I've decided not to go."
"What? Why not? You'd only need to purify all of Xiao Feng's abilities. It won't be difficult," Zeus pressed.
The Envoy shook his head. "At my age, I seek no pursuits. I won't risk my life for these four items. I could be pierced by a stray bullet any moment. No, I won't do it."
Hearing this, Zeus felt near despair. After all their efforts to persuade the Envoy, they had failed.
Zeus said regretfully, "If that is your decision, Envoy, we will take our leave. Please rest well."
With that, Zeus and the three other gods closed their respective boxes and headed toward the door.
Just then, the Envoy, still smoking, spoke, "Xiao Fei, come here."
A young man descended arrogantly from the second floor. "Boss, what's the matter?"
"I want the four items they carry. What do you suggest?"
The arrogant youth, holding a slender silver curved dagger and dressed in loose black clothing, bowed respectfully beside the Envoy. "Don't worry, I won't let them leave with those treasures. I'll secure them."
"That's good. But you must act quickly. Their plane is excellent—vertical takeoff and landing—one of the best transports in the Alliance Army. If you're slow, they'll fly off at once."
Xiao Fei chuckled, "I said they won't escape if I say so."