This is some big shot.

Several scholars were envisioning a bright future after obtaining the prototype mech when the projection of the earlier student reappeared, his expression peculiar as he reported:
"Professor, the pilot... downloaded the data collection system from the 'Tavern,' but I checked his Tavern account, and there's no information at all. He must have used some hacking method to bypass the verification and break in."
"Ah???"
The scholars exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with confusion.
The Abyss Tavern, though not open to the public, was accessible to any investigator. In an era where the Federal Government vigorously promoted Paradise exploration, becoming an investigator was no more difficult than becoming a food delivery rider.
Why would anyone need to hack in?
Hacking the Contribution Points System might be understandable, though that was impossible. The system's security, from software to hardware, was several layers more robust than a bank's savings system—impenetrable.
"Furthermore, I checked his operational commands and mech information, but they're just gibberish. This means his Main Control System is different from any on the market," the student continued, adding:
"Oh, and his vital signs record is very strange. I sent it to a biology student friend, and they said it looks like a little kitten—a tabby kitten..."
This series of bewildering actions left even the most brilliant scholars in the room momentarily dumbfounded. After a long pause, someone finally spoke:
"It seems like a young, independent-minded individual—a bit of a hacker who knows some programming and mecha modifications, but still at an age where he enjoys pranks. He's highly attention-seeking and craves recognition."
"And with his limited experience, it's no wonder he dared to directly install a scavenged engine. He simply doesn't realize how dangerous that is."
"Hmm, we can also rule out the possibility of a criminal. Obtaining a legitimate Investigator's license is far easier than hacking into the Tavern. I've never seen such a brazen criminal, one who even dares to let us monitor his mecha data."
In just a few words, they had already pieced together an image of the pilot. Then, they turned to Xiao Wang and asked:
"Xiao Wang, have you contacted him yet?"
"I sent him a message through the Tavern, but he hasn't replied yet... I also took the liberty of informing the Tavern's Administrator that he's our unofficial tester, so his account won't get banned."
"Good. The data he's providing is crucial to us. Build a good relationship with him first. You've mentored students before—you know how to cajole kids, right? Don't be stingy with contributions, and remember to report any developments promptly."
"Yes, understood."
Ding! 100 Contribution received.
"Huh? Why is it doubled?"
Xiao Bai, who was busy sorting his Storage Space harvest while playfully teasing a kitten with a Mechanical Arm, paused at the unusual notification. He set the kitten back in the cockpit and glanced at the Tavern interface.
Before he knew it, he had accumulated 150 Contribution Points—a substantial sum, enough to purchase numerous research papers.
The points had come so easily, like a free hundred spins for landing in America. It made him wonder if there was some hidden "spending trap" at play.
Normally, accumulating such a large number of Contribution Points required either tedious "grind work" done in small increments, or risking one's life in the high-risk Paradise zones.
But access wasn't open to just anyone; only Mecha Warriors with sufficient status and rank could enter.
Xiao Bai had thoroughly researched the systems of "risk levels" and "ranks" through freely available papers, which he had obtained at no cost.
The danger level of Paradise ranges from 1 to 10, with each level clearly defined. Starting from level 7, these areas are called Abysses . The peril here isn't just internal; the demonic beasts or other harmful substances within can permeate into the real world, threatening human civilization.
This wasn't a human discovery. Instead, it was gleaned from historical records left behind by an Unknown Civilization found within Paradise , which were later translated and summarized.
The Unknown Civilization itself met its end due to the emergence of a level 10 Abyss , which they named The End .
The danger rating for demonic beasts follows a similar system, also ranging from 1 to 10. However, the Unknown Civilization specifically named levels 8, 9, and 10 as 'Tyrant', 'Calamity', and 'Apocalypse', respectively.
They also made special note of an Apocalypse-class demonic beast called the Abyss Dominator . A single one of these creatur es casually annihilated their pride and joy—their military forces—and then, deeming the slaughter of the remaining "ants" beneath its notice, simply sat upon a mountain-sized throne to admire the final despair of a civilization on the brink of destruction.
When Xiao Bai read this, he felt a chill run down his metal spine...
I had initially thought the Great Demon Lord of Discharge was already outrageous enough, but who knew there was an even more Heaven-Defying World-Destroying Great Devil King lurking beyond?
Still, I persevered and read on about the Mecha Warrior rank system.
This was likely also borrowed from the Unknown Civilization, divided into ten tiers. The top three tiers—8, 9, and 10—were individually named "Great Master," "Legendary," and "Emperor."
Advancement was based on both numerical assessments and actual combat achievements. The more advanced the Mecha one piloted and the more impressive their battle record, the higher their rank.
Performance was the primary consideratio n. For example, the hero commemorated in Xiao Bai's Mecha had only piloted mass-produced models with limited combat capabilities. Yet due to his dazzling and pivotal achievements, he was posthumously elevated to the ninth-tier Legendary Mecha Warrior rank.
"So, rank doesn't entirely equate to combat prowess. Imagine someone like the 'Sword God of Ten Li Slope' who secludes himself in cultivation until his Mecha becomes invincible worldwide. Until he proves himself in battle, he might not even have a rank."
After finishing this informative article, Xiao Bai received an in-site message from an ID called "Yang Shimen's Lackey," asking:
"Hello, may I have your contact information?"
"Unsubscribe," Xiao Bai replied curtly, then returned to his work.
But when he logged back into the Abyss Tavern, the same ID had sent another message:
"Apologies for the abruptness earlier. I'm Wang Shiyuan, a Tier 2 Researcher with the Prometheus Society. My profile is now public; you can review it...
The testing project you're currently working on is crucial for us, so I'd like to discuss it in detail with you."
"Why couldn't they have said that from the start? Why ask for contact info right away?" Xiao Bai grumbled, then checked Wang Shiyuan's profile.
As expected, he was a verified member of the Prometheus Society, with a Contribution Rank of 10. Xiao Bai, having earned 150 Contribution Points, had only just reached Rank 2.
"This guy's a big shot!" Xiao Bai exclaimed, finally replying:
"Hello~ Teacher Wang."
He added an emoji:
Carthy: 😧(ˊᗜˋ*)

Chapter end