Chereads / Beyond God-like machinist / Chapter 20 - Stowaway

Chapter 20 - Stowaway

Stardragon, one of the six nations. The majority are coloured people, their totem is a golden dragon. The hostility of Stardragon towards the Sprout is greatest, which can be dated back to the Andia war time. The Sprout has secret deals with the hostile nations to Stardragon. They plotted terrorist attack on cites of Stardraggon in a key war time. The death was over hundreds thousand. The army on the front line had to rush back to reinforcement. This nearly costed Stardragon's position as six nations.

The electric nets circulate the city and the only way to get in is by the guard station which is controlled by the military. The guard station is surrounded by great military force, bunk, sniper tower etc. which are occupied by soldiers who watch the arriving trains. The train stopped at the platform outside the guard station. Thousands of stragglers gathers near the platform queue up for the inspection. The soldiers cheek if they carry weapons, if they are officially wanted and if they gets pandemic. All clear before they are allowed to enter the cities.

Six nations all have rules which welcome stragglers. They aim at the gifted people among stragglers to increase their population potential and their cheap labour force. Xiao doesn't want to be inspected as the Sprout must have reward him which makes him at risk. Although he wants to get in touch with Thirteen but not this way. And he knows a way to pass the guard station.

In the game, players who are wanted officially can't pass the guard station. Instead, they can find NPCs who in charge of stowaway business and pay them. They could enter the city then.

There is a common guy sitting on the corner in the platform who has no intention to queue up or leave. He is the head of stowaway business. Normal stragglers won't know their existence as smugglers only work with familiar customers.

Xiao walks towards him and opens up, "Is it safe?"

"What is safe." The smuggler looks at this stranger and pretends to be dumb.

"Is it enough to pay with those stuff?" Xiao has no intention to bargain with him and throw the whole bag to him. The smuggler opens the zipper and glance inside. Full bag of guns make him seal the bag immediately. Wtf, this man has so many guns! Does he work for a gang? The guns are strictly controlled in West capital. And Xiao doesn't want trouble. These guns are no use for him.

"Of course, enough, enough!" The smuggler is confused, "How do you know me doing the business?"

"None of your business."

Privacy is essential for this business thus the smuggler suppresses his curiosity and leads the way. There is a SUV near the platform which has several passengers already. They all look at Xiao when he gets on board. The windows are all sealed with black strips and the car will take them to a secret 'open' at the other side of the net fence, where the officer will let them in for bribe. As long as there are not too many people.

On the car, there is a short guy who gets bored and he talks to Xiao who looks young and naive. "Hey bro, first time to West capital?" Xiao looks at him, "Sure, what's your name?" "Mark, you?" "Xiao."

Mark wants to show off,"Since it's your first time, let me introduce this city to you. West capital is divided into eight districts. The first district is political core which belongs to those politicians and generals. No one could get in. The other seven districts all have its own characteristic and are controlled by a big name in grey area. I have to warn you don't piss off any big names or you may die at any time."

Xiao knows that 'grey area' means the profit chains of drugs, prostitute, smuggler, firearm. Every place has its own head of 'grey are' but those people is insignificant compared to the official power. He has to admit that the citizens are afraid of those 'big name' but not the official force. Because they know that the official force won't hurt them but those 'big names' will.

Mark is showing off and Xiao doesn't care to point it out and continue the conversation for a laugh. "The military should take care of them."

"Hey bro, what can those military do? Will they march into the city centre?" Mark admires the business of 'grey area', "My cousin is working for a big name. I am here to work.. Eh… help him." "Awesome" Xiao says perfunctorily. Mark gets excited having a listener, "Exactly! My cousin is famous in West capital, 'Yellow leopard' is him! Oh I forgot that you haven't been here before. Are you here to visit your relatives?"

"No, I just want a job and get settled."

Marks thinks if he brought a young man to work for his cousin, his cousin will be happy. So he invites Xiao,"How about working for me? I assure you a bright and rich further!" Xiao turns it down politely. Mark thinks Xiao is arrogant, "You know common stragglers are suffering in the city! They live in slumdog and eat like rats! Forget about rules that stragglers are welcomed! If you are not gifted, you will live miserably! Working for me will at least secure you a burger."

"Thanks. But no need."

Mark gets mad, "Anyway, even if you regret I wouldn't help you." Xiao closes eyes and leaves him alone. Mark gets bored and stops talking.

The SUV stops at a location which is far from the train platform where there is a sign 'Danger'. It seems to be a passage for munitions. An officer is waiting behind the door. The head of smuggler hands in a bag of money to the officer. The officer is happy and orders to open the door and take those stowaways. The smuggler comfort them, "Follow the officer, he will take you in the city without any check." The officers is quiet and just leads the way. The group of stowaways pass various kinds of building and soon leaves the military area. The skyscraper of West captial is shining under the sun.

The group is dismissed immediately when they are on a quiet street. Before leaving, Mark glares at Xiao. Xiao walks on the street. His clothes are old and raggered which appeals pedestrans' eyes. He walked in the forest and stayed on trains which is for cattle. The smell from him is stink. But these are not a problem…

Half an hour later, Xiao walks out of a store and changes into a white shirt and black trousers. With cigarette, he looks cool.

[You unlock talent |Pickpocket| lv. 1 ]

[ |Pickpocket| - increase the chance of pickpocket]

Some of the skills in real life will highly possible to be included in the game. For example, soldiers will master basic fight and basic shooting in the game. Xiao 'borrowed' a wallet from a careless guy which solved his emergency.