Chapter 194: The Battle for Technology

Chapter 194: The Battle for Technology

"I don't have it."

Upon hearing that the condition for inviting Alex Austin was technological data from the Sykes Civilization, Lu Heng didn't hesitate to deny it outright.

"How can you not have it?" 027's tone remained completely unperturbed.

Even this unflappable tone, devoid of any emotion, was starting to resemble a Cyber World robot.

"I already handed it over," Lu Heng admitted, confirming that he had submitted the technological data.

"Not even a backup?" 027 asked calmly, maintaining the same composure.

"No," Lu Heng replied decisively.

"Aren't you worried about losing the data? If it's lost and there's no backup, humanity will lose this valuable information." Finally, 027 showed a hint of curiosity.

According to normal thinking, one should have made a backup.

However, when Lu Heng decided to submit the data to the country, he had no intention of getting involved in subsequent matters. Keeping a backup would only invite trouble.

Just like now.

As for the loss of the data, it was indeed a bit troublesome, but not entirely unsolvable.

He could always go back to the Sykes Civilization and ask Xavier Matrix for another copy.

Lu Heng didn't elaborate further. Holding the invitation letter, he said, "I can't invite him, so you'll have to figure it out yourself."

"This is the task assigned to you. You must find a way to deliver the invitation letter to him, regardless of whether he accepts it or not. If you can't accomplish this, you won't meet my test requirements." 027 finished speaking and disappeared without a trace.

Lu Heng never expected that this matter would ultimately fall back on him, and he had to invite Alex Austin to join.

...

The news that Great Xia had obtained Cyber technology had spread far and wide.

This was quite a normal occurrence.

The technological data obtained from the Sykes Civilization was equivalent to a 1.6-level civilization's technology tree blueprint, covering almost every field, including mechanics, biology, nuclear energy, batteries, and networks.

Therefore, this technological data was beyond the capacity of a single research institute to digest; it required the collaboration of the entire industry.

Consequently, after obtaining the technological data, the Academy of Sciences began recruiting researchers and technical talents from various fields nationwide to discuss and devise a plan to utilize this data.

With so many people involved, it was only natural that the news spread.

This development couldn't be stopped; it was merely a matter of time.

Apparently, the Creator Organization now knew, and other countries likely did as well.

Previously, 027 had mentioned that Alex Austin would be coming to Great Xia, and the purpose was most likely related to this technological data.

Normally, for technological cooperation, a research team should be dispatched, not a metahuman warrior.

This situation was clearly problematic.

After Lu Heng realized this, he took out his phone and sent a message to Chen Lianian with just a name.

A name was enough; Iron Blood would surely find a way to investigate the matter.

That very noon, Iron Blood issued an order to suspend Alex Austin's visa.

As a result, Alex Austin was stopped at the airport and sent back on the same flight he had arrived on, which frustrated him to the point of wanting to smash the plane, but it belonged to White Eagle Airlines.

...

The next day, while Lu Heng was practicing his sword skills in the training ground, Jian Qing appeared by the side.

Seeing her, Lu Heng stopped, wiped his sweat, and approached her, greeting, "What brings you here?"

Jian Qing looked him up and down with great interest, clicking her tongue in admiration, "In just a month, you've become so much stronger. Did you take hormones?"

Clearly joking, Lu Heng shrugged and asked, "Is there something important?"

"It's somewhat important, but not too urgent. I came to inform you that the technological data you submitted to the country is invaluable, and you'll be awarded a first-class merit. So, you'll soon have another first-class merit medal, even more than me." Admiration laced Jian Qing's tone.

"Is that all?" Lu Heng felt this matter didn't warrant her personal visit.

"There's another thing. Yesterday, at the airport, Alex Austin was stopped. This person really wanted to enter the country. Since the initial news came from you, I came to inquire about the source." Jian Qing explained her purpose.

Lu Heng shook his head and replied, "I obtained this information from someone else, but I don't know their identity."

027 had never revealed his identity, so this was true. Lu Heng genuinely didn't know who he was; he only knew that he was a member of the Creator Organization.

Hearing this, Jian Qing nodded slowly, "Although Alex Austin has been banned from entering, there are too many ways for metahumans to enter the country, and it's practically impossible to stop them. Moreover, just last night, the seer monitoring Alex Austin reported that they had lost track of his location."

Lu Heng had anticipated this.

In fact, when he first heard that Alex Austin had been stopped at the airport, he realized that banning entry would be ineffective for a metahuman of his caliber.

Metahumans possessed countless abilities and skills, and anything was possible.

Especially with shape-shifting skills, there were all sorts of bizarre transformations.

With Alex Austin's abilities, he could easily assume the identity of another person and enter the country with a different appearance.

Copycat, with his abilities, has countless ways to enter the Great Xia territory directly from the sea, and there are few who can stop him.

Therefore, the customs ban on Alex Austin's entry is limited, and they can only stop him once, and not for long.

Even now, as the two speak, Alex Austin may already be within Great Xia.

Jian Qing continued, "The Staff's analysis suggests that Alex Austin is likely after the technological data of the Sykes Civilization.

"Since you submitted this technological data, Alex Austin may come looking for you."

Lu Heng spread his hands, "I didn't keep a backup."

Jian Qing nodded, "I believe you, but the White Eagle Federation doesn't think so. They will definitely send people over and start with you."

Lu Heng understood this logic, and after a moment's thought, he replied, "I don't have a backup here. Even if he comes to me, he won't be able to get the data from me.

"So, if the White Eagle Federation's target is that data, I think the Academy of Sciences is the place that needs to enhance its security the most."

Jian Qing agreed, "The Staff also thinks so. In fact, ever since we obtained that technological data, the security level of the Academy of Sciences has been at its highest."

She paused, then continued, "Apart from Alex Austin, we've also found that other Metahumans from the White Eagle Federation have entered our country.

"However, with so many people traveling between our countries daily, including many Metahumans, it's impossible to ban all White Eagle Federation citizens from entering.

"So, this competition is bound to happen.

"According to our intelligence, the White Eagle Federation has developed a Superhuman Serum that can significantly enhance the combat abilities of Metahumans.

"But this Superhuman Serum hasn't undergone human trials and is only being used on Metahumans.

"Intelligence suggests that Alex Austin's combat power has been rising rapidly over the past month, and we suspect he has used this Superhuman Serum.

"Therefore, Alex Austin's current combat power is very strong, and there are currently no Metahuman warriors in training within the forces who can reliably defeat him.

"I have another request for you. I'd like to ask if you're willing to take on this task and provide support.

"If you agree, you can make any request, as long as the country can fulfill it."

After listening, Lu Heng finally understood the situation.

It turned out they wanted someone to deal with Alex Austin.

On Blue Planet, due to the existence of heat weapons, there was no fear of being outgunned.

However, battles between Metahumans were not conventional wars.

Metahumans could enter cities and densely populated areas, which meant that weapons with large-scale destructive power could not be used.

In such situations, the effectiveness of heat weapons would be greatly limited.

Alex Austin's combat power had already reached a level where he could ignore ordinary firearms.

Therefore, dealing with him wasn't easy.

Moreover, Alex Austin's whereabouts were already unknown, meaning he was operating in the shadows, making it very troublesome to respond.

Lu Heng was one of the few Metahumans who could confront Alex Austin head-on.

Additionally, Lu Heng was a key figure in this incident and was likely to become a target of Alex Austin.

In this situation, joining forces to arrange defenses was a good choice.

On top of that, Lu Heng had another matter to attend to. The Creator Organization had taken an interest in Alex Austin.

The invitation was now in Lu Heng's hands, and according to Agent 027, this invitation must be delivered, and it would be best if Alex Austin agreed.

The last invitation to Nagakawa Tomo had already failed, and if this one failed too, it would be two consecutive failures.

If this continued, it might bring some trouble.

In any case, this matter must be handled well.

After careful consideration, Lu Heng agreed, "I can cooperate with your actions.

"Good, I knew you would agree." Jian Qing smiled and added, "Remember to bring your little girlfriend along too."

"Beautiful Jian, don't you need me?"

Just then, Lin Zeyu walked into the training ground and interjected.

Jian Qing glanced at him and smiled, "The one thing the forces don't lack... is snipers."

Lin Zeyu's eyebrows rose, and then he realized he couldn't refute that statement.

He specialized in firearm enhancement, and his current position was as a sniper.

Indeed, the forces didn't lack snipers, and there were numerous sharpshooters.

With some training, it wouldn't be difficult for the special forces to produce a few Metahuman snipers.

Lin Zeyu glared, "Don't say that."

Jian Qing laughed, "I'm just joking. Your affairs aren't my responsibility either. It's up to your captain to decide."

She waved and turned towards the door.

As she reached the door, she met Su Muyu coming in and greeted him, "Long time no see."

"Yes, it's been a while. Is there something?" Su Muyu smiled and greeted her.

"I've discussed the matter with Lu Heng. You guys can make your own arrangements. I have something else to attend to, so I'll be heading back." Jian Qing said and then walked out, getting into a military vehicle with a district license plate and leaving.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end