Chapter 301

Chapter 301: The Uniqueness of the Councilman

After much contemplation, Lin Qingliu finally grasped the sensation these surrounding substances evoked—

They were corpses.

They bore a flesh-like texture yet exhibited no signs of a biological field.

This suggested that these entities might once have been alive.

Hence, describing them as "corpses" was entirely fitting.

Without delving too deeply into the planet’s myriad mysteries, Lin Qingliu’s primary focus remained the core of the spire.

He swiftly approached the spire’s subterranean structure, gradually merging his body into it, navigating the boundary between reality and illusion.

The spire’s outer shell comprised three layers, each constructed from a unique metal material unfamiliar to him.

Merely passing through it provided him with a rough understanding of the material’s technological sophistication through his body’s feedback.

His body descended slowly, traversing the greenhouse area and the Livestock Feed Area. At that moment, he suddenly spotted a figure, one he faintly recognized.

Lin Qingliu had utilized his abilities to access the memories of the mycelium Dummy, which contained fragments of the original owner’s recollections.

Thus, he recognized the middle-aged man walking toward the greenhouse not far ahead.

This man was Councilman Bordeaux, who shared a father-son-like bond with Vine and was the de facto controller of the underground greenhouse area.

At that instant, Lin Qingliu felt an unusual conflict within his heart.

He had already achieved more than half of tonight’s objectives, and his covert infiltration here was the optimal outcome.

A councilman was indeed a valuable target, but it would significantly amplify the repercussions.

If he acted against him, future infiltrations would become exceedingly difficult.

It was akin to the classic sniper joke; as long as he didn’t kill him, the casualties among his own people would be minimized.

The same logic applied here; as long as he avoided provoking the other party, he could continue to infiltrate covertly.

But if the councilman became alert, slipping through a back door later would be no easy feat.

Moreover, his understanding of councilmen was insufficient—what qualified this man for the role?

Was it lineage? Connections? Or ability?

Could it be that he had implanted something akin to Lucas and Luke’s components, triggering an alert upon inquiry?

Watching the councilman effortlessly wave his hand to unlock all access doors, Lin Qingliu fell into deep thought.

Was this man also a cyborg?

No, the councilman was fundamentally distinct from the members of the first team.

Based on Lin Qingliu’s understanding and deductions, the first team members were the operators of the spire’s black technology; they did not possess superpowers, or they had other types of superpowers.

The councilman before him should differ from them; there were ten councilmen, and if they had another ten like Holy Shield or Disaster Core, Hope City might transition from defense to offense.

So what exactly set them apart?

Lin Qingliu pondered as he trailed the councilman.

Finally, he found a point of suspicion.

The councilman wore a thick thumb ring on his thumb.

This item seemed to be called a thumb ring back in his hometown.

But here lay the problem: Hope City had no such customs, and most jewelry styles had disappeared during the disaster.

Moreover, Bordeaux had no need for archery, so wearing a thumb ring seemed meaningless.

Additionally, Lin Qingliu could not discern the material of the ring.

Hmm, that thing is suspicious.

The moment he solidified this thought, Lin Qingliu wanted to take the ring in his hand for a closer look.

But obviously, Mr. Bordeaux would not agree to that.

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Qingliu slapped his forehead, realizing that his thinking had indeed become a bit rigid.

How could he take everything by force? That was too uncivilized.

He would prepare and steal it later.

Bordeaux, unaware that he had become a target for others, waved his hand and entered a small elevator.

Clinging to the outside of the elevator, Lin Qingliu observed the central pillar of the spire, confirming that Bordeaux’s elevator was not merely a device for vertical travel.

As a councilman, whenever he wished, this exclusive elevator could combine tracks to send him to 90% of the spire.

The remaining parts he could not reach were due to damage or later construction that did not connect with the main control elevator.

Soon, Bordeaux arrived at his own room.

Contrary to Lin Qingliu’s imagination of lavish luxury, Bordeaux’s room resembled a first-class cabin on a cruise ship more than a magnificent palace.

Although it had relatively complete furniture, it was evident at a glance whether this was a normal room or a cabin.

The furniture had sharp corners, and the marks of installation were very obvious.

The integrated window with a metal frame gave a feeling of being in a submarine.

This seemed to be Bordeaux’s temporary resting place; he tidied it up briefly and then casually lay down on the bed.

It was already late at night, and Bordeaux had been awakened by the impact outside not long ago.

Since the matter was resolved, he naturally returned to sleep.

Before long, the cabin echoed with his melodious snores.

Although the councilman wanted to Control everything, he would not install surveillance to spy in his own room.

Lin Qingliu was very certain of this, so he emerged from the shadows.

Confirming that this councilman was just an ordinary human, Lin Qingliu deepened his sleep and quietly took the thumb ring from the man’s thumb.

Of course, it was not a simple removal; to avoid triggering any potential sensors, Lin Qingliu used his abilities to simulate Bordeaux’s right hand, seamlessly transferring it to his own finger.

With the unexpected find in hand, Lin Qingliu continued to descend.

In the undisturbed room, Bordeaux would enjoy the best quality sleep he had ever had for eight hours.

And Lin Qingliu would use this opportunity to explore the lower levels of the spire.

—

In the conference room, the final review was finally completed. The superpowered individuals who had been temporarily summoned had been taken away by the Blood Puppet not long ago, leaving only five members of the first team.

“I believe everyone understands that they are not satisfied with our current situation,”

In the silent atmosphere, Disaster Core sighed:

“Let’s leave it at that for now.

“The extraordinary beast’s corpse has been sent to the research institute for testing, and results will be available within two days. You will need to enter the data then.”

“No problem.”

“Good, then that will be all for today. You’ve all worked hard; don’t forget the duty at the lowest level. Who is it this time?”

“It’s me.”

“Alright.”

As everyone exited the conference room and entered the elevator, only the one carrying Infinite Scroll continued downward.