"Then write that I'm here to exchange goods," Summer Cold said casually and then ignored the fortress steward, preparing to search for the clues he needed.
Just as he was about to leave, the steward hurriedly called out to him again.
"Ah, actually, recently the company has had some friction with another hostile force, and we've lost several high-ranking members. So, we're currently recruiting new members for the Baptists, and the rewards are quite generous..."
"Not interested."
Before the steward could finish, Summer Cold dropped the cold remark and was about to leave, leaving the steward speechless.
In fact, the stewards also had the role of recruitment, and each new Baptist they recruited earned them a corresponding commission.
Especially someone like Summer Cold, who had become a Level 2 Baptist at such a young age, was highly sought after.
"Oh, by the way, I have a lead on the evolution of mutated creatures. I wonder if your higher-ups would be interested," Summer Cold suddenly said, pretending to remember something and turning back to address the steward.
"Evolution lead? You mean you've discovered a new type of mutated creature?!"
The steward, who had been dejected, immediately perked up upon hearing those words.
After all, if a lead on a new type of mutated creature was truly discovered, the reward could be enough for him to live comfortably in the fortress for many years!
"Yeah, more or less," Summer Cold said indifferently. If the purple eyes he saw in the Street of the Dead were indeed from a Zombie King, its value would be similar to discovering a new mutated creature.
The previously gentlemanly steward, Jonathan, immediately became shifty and anxious, afraid that other colleagues might steal his opportunity. After all, just introducing this information to the higher-ups could earn him a significant reward.
"Er, if you're not lying, I can take you to the head of the fortress, Patrick. But if you're not telling the truth, both of us will be in trouble..."
He leaned close to Summer Cold's ear and whispered with a hint of unease, suggesting that Summer Cold reconsider.
After all, if they deceived the head, with Patrick's temperament, they might very well end up as fuel for the giant generator.
"If you don't trust me, I can find someone else to take me," Summer Cold said, ready to leave again. Seeing this, the steward quickly approached, showing a look of apology. Regardless, the reward for discovering new mutated creatures outweighed the risk.
"Sorry, I certainly believe you. I'll take you to meet our head right away."
The steward, Jonathan, then began to lead the way to Building C, the office building.
Patrick, the head of the fortress, had his office on the top floor of Building C. He rarely appeared in person and usually left instructions to his subordinates.
However, for matters like discovering new mutated creatures and obtaining new abilities, it was necessary to get Patrick's personal confirmation.
Patrick was a Level 5 "Sage," a type of Baptized with brain-enhancing abilities!
When abilities reach Level 3 or higher, they may extend into new branches. It was said that, in addition to his high intelligence, Patrick also possessed a form of mental hypnosis ability.
Patrick could control people with weaker mental strength, turning them into puppets who obeyed his every command.
As for the process of controlling others, no one knew for sure, but it was speculated that he also had the ability to erase memories...
Following the steward, Summer Cold noticed that Jonathan didn't give any additional information about the fortress and headed straight for Building C. Clearly, Jonathan was eager to claim credit.
Arriving in front of the quiet building, Summer Cold saw several intimidating guards standing at the entrance, but they didn't emit the aura of Baptists; they were ordinary people.
However, Summer Cold could sense that they were a bit stronger than the common refugees, likely enhanced by drugs.
Some companies had developed injectables that could barely enhance human functions. The improvements were minimal, the cost high, and there could be side effects, so such enhancements were rarely used on a large scale, mainly for show.
"Jonathan, who is this person following you?" one of the guards asked, noticing Summer Cold.
"This is my client. He has a lead on new mutated creatures, and I'm taking him to see the boss," Jonathan replied with a smile, indicating familiarity with the staff.
"Oh? Even in these times, there are new mutated creatures to discover? Don't let it turn out like last time, where some fool brought a deformed rabbit as a new species and ended up getting thrown into the furnace along with the rabbit. And our boss is in a bad mood because of recent friction with the enemy group, so be careful. Hehe."
The guard said with a mischievous grin but still let them through.
Jonathan, reminded by the guard, shuddered involuntarily.
He hoped this guy would truly bring a surprise and not a scare...
Summer Cold, following behind, could see the steward's fear of their boss.
Fear was understandable. In the old days, angering a company leader might get you fired. But now, if you angered your superior, they could kill you, scatter your ashes, and no one would dare object...
The Komodo Fortress was the only building within a hundred kilometers with power facilities, so the elevators were still operational.
They entered the elevator, which was the first functional piece of modern equipment Summer Cold had seen in five years.
Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a pair of huge, furry hands reached in, stopping the doors from closing!
Then, two over-two-meter-tall, heavily muscled soldiers in custom exoskeleton combat suits entered the elevator. The skull insignia of the Komodo Company was emblazoned on their chests!
But that wasn't all. After these two burly, menacing soldiers squeezed into the elevator, a young man in flashy clothes and an afro swaggered in.
He glanced disdainfully at Summer Cold and Jonathan, said nothing, and turned his back, letting the two soldiers press the button for the tenth floor.
Jonathan, seeing this flamboyantly dressed man, immediately bowed his head, his body trembling slightly, not daring to even breathe loudly.
Summer Cold remained as cold as ever, even lifting his head to meet the serious gazes of the two muscle-bound soldiers with his own indifferent stare!
These two soldiers exuded an even more formidable aura than the guard captain at the fortress gate!
Each was at least a Level 3 power-type Baptist!
Summer Cold also quickly realized that these two soldiers were likely bodyguards for the seemingly ordinary young man in front of him.
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