Come See the Immortal

"This is beyond belief."
As the "Mailroom Elder," Researcher Luo Ming was well-versed in all things bizarre. He had seen countless strange demonic beasts and reviewed mountains of combat footage and records, including dazzling displays by high-ranking experts.
But he had never witnessed anything like the scene in this animated GIF.
He stared at the three-second GIF for several minutes, then opened a flurry of professional analysis software to verify its authenticity.
"It's actually real? Not a CG animation?"
Luo Ming paused, then quickly checked the confidentiality manual. After confirming there were no issues, he logged into his chat app, opened a small group of close friends, and sent the GIF, followed by the message:
"Guys, come see the immortal."
He added emphatically:
"I've verified the image—it's actually real!"
Moments later, responses trickled in:
"Huh? This can't be real! Does anyone actually pilot mecha like that? At that altitude, diving at full speed? That's not just reckless—it's suicidal!"
"I get the logic, but how is this bug so massive?"
"It looks incredibly reckless, but could it be AI-controlled?"
"Impossible. Even if you've never seen an Autonomous Mecha in action, you've watched movies, right? Those things move so stiffly when they're moving. They could never pull off something so daring. If you don't believe me, ask Lao Li what he thinks."
"That's right. Existing Automated Combat Programs are constrained by so many limitations that their combat maneu vers inevitably end up clumsy and sluggish. And the more autonomous the model, the more conservative its movements become. It could never perform such a high-risk maneuver. Otherwise, how many mechas would you have to crash to practice that kind of stunt?"
"Hmm, I agree with Lao Li. This was definitely done by a human—and a madman at that. He must have illicitly modified the mecha's Main Control System, deleting all the safety restrictions. Otherwise, the mecha wouldn't let him pilot it like that."
"Um... isn't anyone curious about why this insect is so massive?"
"Lao Luo, what kind of immortal is this guy?"
"Code name 'Raven.' He's a specially hired researcher for the Fire Thief. That's all I can see; the rest is classified."
"So he's with the Fire Thief. That makes sense. They're full of talented people; it's no surprise they have a big shot like this."
"Stop sucking up to him. I'd never let a madman like that join my team. Who knows when he'll get himself killed?"
"Even so, he looks pretty cool. So sleek and efficient—it's a pleasure to watch... But seriously, why is this worm so huge?"
"Waaah... Finally someone's paying attention to the worm..."
"It's a specially mutated Metal Worm. I ran the numbers from the data they submitted through the formula, and it's at least hazard level 5."
"Hazard level 5? He got shredded in less than three seconds? What tier is this Immortal? That's insane!"
"It's not just the pilot—he's got an incredible mech. That immense power, that extreme braking and maneuverability... I'd love to get my hands on that."
"Can anyone identify the model? That pure black scheme is pretty obscure, isn't it?"
"We're too far away to see clearly. I only recognized the red glow of the Chainsaw Sword and the telltale signature of the Hotline Laser."
"He took down a hazard level 5 behemoth with just that basic setup? Alright, enough talk. Lao Luo, give us his contact info—I want to apprentice under him."
"Stop messing around and focus on operating your crane."
"By the way, the Fire Thief seems to be testing a new engine. Is this it? Looks pretty impressive. Lao Li, will your team be able to get it?"
"Don't hold your breath. The Fire Thief's tech? We're just small fry on the fringes. If they'd just approve my Energy Storage Battery request, I'd be eternally grateful. Otherwise, I'll eventually be burned alive in that iron coffin."
"Ah... sounds tough over there. It's the same here. That madwoman is dead set on leaving."
"So... why is this insect so huge?"
Seeing the group chat smoothly transition to topics of wives, kids, work, and bosses, Luo Ming stopped reading and turned to reply to Raven:
"Bi g Shot, your submitted report has been approved. The contributions have been credited to your account. This type of Demonic Beast is extremely rare. If you can provide a detailed Gene Map or tissue samples, there will be even more contributions available."
After sending the reply, he planned to continue scrolling through short videos, assuming that a Big Shot like the sender probably wouldn't have much time to bother with a minor figure like himself, stuck in the mailroom.
Unexpectedly, a reply came almost immediately, with a remarkably humble tone:
"Hello, Professor. Can a Gene Analyzer be used to record the Gene Map you mentioned?"
"Absolutely! Do you have access to such equipment?"
"We do have one, but I'm not quite sure how to use it. Could you give me a basic rundown, Professor?"
"Uh... don't you have any experts in that field over there, Big Shot?"
"No... my commission is rather unconventional."
"Alright then, I'll prepare a simple user guide for you. What version do you have? The Academy of Sciences' or the Evolvers'?"
"It's the Future Evolution Society's version."
"Ah, that's the Evolvers' version. It's actually better and easier to use. Give me a moment, Big Shot."
After a brief wait, Xiao Bai received a detailed guide to using the Gene Analyzer, complete with annotations and key points highlighted in red. It didn't look like something pulled from the internet, but rather something crafted on the spot by the sender.
"Not a bad guy after all, huh?" Xiao Bai muttered, glancing at the public profile the Big Shot had left on the "Tavern" forum, which wasn't hidden at all.
ID: Mailroom Elder, Real Name: Luo Ming, Title: Third-Class Researcher at Qingqiu Research Institute, Graduated from Federal First Biological Academy with dual doctorates in Biological Gene-related fields.
"Wow, even if he's slightly below Professor Wang's level, he's still far above mine. How can an academic overachiever of this caliber be working in the mailroom? Is Qingqiu Research Institute also a place where dragons hide among the grass and tigers crouch among the sheep?"
"No, no, he must be modest, like the Scripture Pavilion's Sweeping Monk."
Xiao Bai activated his newly assembled Gene Analyzer, carefully navigating the dizzying array of options while referring to the guide. He even had to consult others from time to time.
Fortunately, Lao Luo was incredibly patient, guiding Xiao Bai step by step until he finally produced a complete Gene Map.
After submitting it, Xiao Bai received another batch of Contributions, bringing his total to exactly 100 points.
The amount was small, but the real gain was learning how to operate the Gene Analyzer. That was the greatest harvest.

Chapter end