"How did you get these?" Optimus Prime asked in a deep voice, lowering his head and staring at Merlin.
Arcee sent it to them after getting the data, so she didn't doubt the authenticity of the matter.
It's just how Merlin, a high school student, got this.
"Of course I tried to hack in and filter them out." Merlin handed Megan and Sam a bottle of Coke each, and then took out several barrels of engine oil.
"Would you like some?" This is a modification shop. It doesn't have much, just a lot of engine oil.
"Thank you!" Bumblebee thanked and grabbed a bucket with his hand.
"Hey! Boy, you really suit my taste." Ironhide's attitude also changed 180 degrees, and he happily accepted it.
Ratchet nodded his thanks and accepted it.
Although it cannot replenish the energy of the fire source, it is really good as a drink.
"Thank you! What do you want?" Optimus Prime asked, taking a sip of the engine oil. He could tell the human in front of him was different from Sam and the others, which was evident from Arcee's modified engine and the network intrusion. The Decepticons didn't find out when they invaded the network, but Merlin was able to figure it out based on a few of Arcee's words.
"Arcee, and the AllSpark."
The relaxed atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Arcee felt a wave of dizziness.
"Human, do you know what you're asking for?" Ratchet leaned in, his tone dark. Optimus Prime and the others fell into a rare silence. They came to Earth for the AllSpark, the last life-giving relic of Cybertron. They couldn't just hand it over to an outsider.
"Oh, calm down, calm down, everyone," Sam quickly stepped in, sensing the tension rising. He turned to Merlin, exasperated, "Hey! Are you out of your mind? That thing is their lifeblood."
Merlin scratched his head, realizing his mistake. "Sorry, I didn't explain clearly. What I meant was that after you get the AllSpark, I just need to study it for a while."
Hearing this, Optimus Prime and the others relaxed, the tension dissipating. Sam let out a relieved sigh, seeing the situation cool down.
Optimus Prime considered the request and finally nodded. "As long as you help us find the AllSpark, it's fine for you to study it for a time. Arcee can stay to ensure your safety."
They all knew time was of the essence, especially with the Decepticons on Earth. The agreement was made: Merlin would assist in locating the AllSpark, and after they secured it, he would have the chance to study it. The final ownership, however, remained uncertain.
Before leaving, Megan approached Merlin, curiosity in her eyes. "Merlin, could you leave me your contact info? I might drop by the shop often."
In the workshop, a modified Dodge Hellcat sat under the lights, its sleek lines and powerful stance drawing attention. Megan's interest in muscle cars was clear.
"Of course, but just make sure to contact me in advance. I might not always be around," Merlin replied, nodding towards the shutter door. "The contact info's on the door."
Megan blinked, a little puzzled. "You can't just give it to me directly?"
"He didn't bring his cell phone," Arcee suddenly chimed in, cutting off the conversation.
Megan was taken aback for a moment by Arcee's somewhat hostile demeanor, but she eventually walked to the door, frustrated, and jotted down her contact information. Once everyone had left, Merlin closed the shop, and he and Arcee rode off back home. The preliminary tasks were set, and now, it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment.
A month later, under the cover of night at the Statue of Liberty, a small truck slowly pulled up and stopped beneath the massive foundation. The driver, a young man in gray overalls, pulled out his phone.
"[Arrived at the mission location, please deliver the goods.]"
Satisfied that he had reached the designated spot, the young man stepped out of the truck and carefully unloaded a box from the back, placing it on the ground.
"[Goods delivered. Congratulations, you've earned three hundred dollars.]"
A grin spread across his face as he saw his balance on the R-Star platform increase by $300.
"This delivery gig pays really well. Too bad this is the last one," he murmured, shaking his head in slight disappointment.
Most transportation jobs only paid between thirty and one hundred dollars, but the special evolution missions like this one had each brought in over three hundred dollars. In just a week, he'd earned nearly three thousand dollars.
After placing the goods at the specified location, he drove away without a second thought, his movements quick and practiced.
Shortly after he left, two giant lizard-like figures emerged from the shadows of the Statue of Liberty and approached the cargo. Peter opened the box, inspecting the silver cylindrical launch port inside, and nodded in satisfaction.
Peter examined the silver cylindrical launch port inside the box and nodded in approval. "The launch parts have arrived. We'll complete the assembly of the last Canary device tonight," he said, turning to Professor Connors.
"Excellent. Once the assembly is finished tonight, we'll add the regeneration serum tomorrow and reignite the torch of the Statue of Liberty. This will mark the first step in human evolution!" Connors could hardly contain his excitement, his voice trembling with anticipation.
Over the past month, they had journeyed across various mission points in Apple City—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx—and now, finally, to the torch of the Statue of Liberty. With all six devices assembled and installed, the only task remaining was to place the regeneration serum into the devices. Once atomized and dispersed, the entire city would be affected.
"We will be the heroes of all mankind," Peter declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the future.
Back at Merlin's Tuning Shop, the rolling shutter door slowly rose as Frank entered the store.
"I heard my Crazy Flame is ready," Frank said as he walked in, spotting Merlin busy at the workstation, dressed in his work clothes.
"Don't move—the electromagnetic gun hasn't been installed yet," Merlin replied, tapping Arcee gently while focused on his work. He glanced over at the refrigerator as Frank, already familiar with the shop, opened the door, grabbed a bottle of Coke, and tossed one to Merlin.
"Yeah, it's done, but it still needs a test run. Once the test flight checks out, it's all yours," Merlin said, taking a sip of his Coke.
"Sounds good. How's everything been around here lately? I've heard that a lot of Rockstar's offline weapon shops and car modification shops have been shut down," Frank asked, glancing around the shop.
"I'm holding up fine for now," Merlin replied.
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