Ming’s eyes lit up, "So not broadcasting this can work? Hm? Didn’t expect you to be so open-minded."
Catherine, infuriated, kicked out at Ming, who swiftly retreated using the vector thrusters on his feet, barely dodging her assault.
They chased and played around by the roadside.
Amazingly, until Ming entered Director Riva’s office, the bouquet Catherine was holding remained intact.
Inside the office, fortified by multiple barriers, Director Riva had a somewhat somber expression.
"Hanton," Director Riva began, "first, I want to thank you for your significant contribution during this operation. We’ve reviewed all the video materials and found that without your intervention, the three Spearhead Teams would probably have suffered heavy losses."
"Captain Catherine and her team were outstanding," Ming praised. "It’s truly a waste for the Empire to keep the Supermodified people within the Emperor Star Circle."
"Supermodified people are not stable," Riva said calmly; "the Empire’s tasks aren’t just about killing bugs, there are many other uses for the Supermodified people."
Ming joked, "Including sniping New Federation Agents or participating in wars?"
"Yes, you are now also part of the Supermodified people," Riva reminded him, pushing a metallic box towards Ming. "This is the reward decided for you by those above."
Ming opened the box and saw the medal inside, raising his eyebrows involuntarily.
The Empire Royal Knight Medal—an exclusive item within the "Abyss" game for the Empire faction, which granted holders the benefits of the lowest level of Empire nobility.
Usually, one must contribute significantly to the Empire to be bestowed such an honor by the royalty.
"Royal Knight," Ming said with a smile, "pretty good."
Director Riva stated calmly, "Next, I would like to discuss some matters with you that you might find concerning."
"No need, I know what you want," Ming replied, raising a finger and detaching it to eject a chip inside.
Ming placed the chip in front of Director Riva. "This is the Fierce Ghost Mecha design."
Director Riva immediately squinted and smiled.
"The Empire is actually ahead in the Mecha design throughout the Milky Way, but from the battles, I found that the integration of transformed people and mecha is somewhat insufficient.
"All those hundreds of mechas were used for fire support at the surface landing points, and most of the Empire’s carrier-based mechas become slow and clumsy on the surface.
"I must remind you, this mecha is designed to the limits of my physical strength and isn’t suited for others. I removed most of the control structures, allowing for high mobility by sacrificing long-range firepower and adding more energy cell slots.
"Some sensors in the design might be a great help to you."
Director Riva asked, "Is this also found in ancient ruins?"
Ming rubbed his nose and leaned forward slightly, feigning mystery, "Director, have you ever heard of a civilization’s name?"
Director Riva frowned slightly, "I’ve heard of it, but that’s an Empire secret. How do you know?"
Ming didn’t answer but simply said, "As for the Fierce Ghost Mecha, everything I can give you is in this chip; the Red Demon Mecha is a standard long-range firepower mecha design, adjust it, and maybe a few strong Supermodified people can use it as well."
"Regardless, thank you."
Director Riva pressed a button on the table, a secret door opened, and a robot less than a meter tall came over with a tray.
"Since it’s quite special, we won’t hold a public ceremony.
"This is the nobility certificate, an Empire honor certification, from now on, you are a true Baron of the Empire.
"Of course, this is not a hereditary title, but this is the first among the Supermodified people."
Then he frowned, "If I hadn’t turned over the Fierce Ghost design, would you have refused to give it to me?"
"Of course not," Director Riva laughed. "The title of Baron is very valuable. Besides, Hanton, I can give you a week off... You need to see your parents."
Director Riva added, "Catherine will accompany you the entire time as a form of supervision."
"Understood," Ming nodded and stood up, saluting Director Riva with an Empire military salute, "Thanks for the reminder, Director!"
Director Riva spoke warmly, "Although the path to becoming a Supermodified person is cruel, it’s actually a warm family. Go rest, and by the way, Catherine really likes some girlish items like hair clips and scarves, especially if they incorporate crystals."
Ming: A warm family of psychotic killers.
Why does it feel middle-aged lady is... playing matchmaker?