Feeling the middle-aged man's concerned gaze, Su Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He quickly stood up and ushered the man inside, pulling out a chair for him with a smile.
Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yang. I just finished my third round of treatment yesterday. The medicine worked it slowed the progression of the radiation sickness. Better than nothing, right?
Of course, Su Yu couldn't reveal his Profession Panel, but the anti-radiation medicine's known effects provided the perfect cover for his recent improvements.
The man before him was Yang Lie, one of the thirteen hunting team captains in Shelter No. 73 and one of the few who had survived five years in the deadly wastelands.
Though the recent expansion of the Nightshade Squad had swallowed up two of the original thirteen teams, leaving only eleven, Yang Lie remained one of the shelter's most formidable hunters.
Rumors said he had awakened physical type superhuman abilities, making him a One Star Physical Superhuman, though Su Yu didn't know the specifics.
What he did know was that Yang Lie's sheer size was overwhelming his explosive muscles radiated raw power, making Su Yu feel like he could be crushed with a single punch.
Yet despite his intimidating appearance, Yang Lie was warm hearted and generous.
A few years ago, it was his word that convinced the hunting team to bring Su Yu back from the wasteland and entrust him to the old mechanic's care.
Grateful for that kindness, Su Yu always put 120% effort into maintaining and repairing the equipment for Yang Lie's team before every mission.
If the medicine's working, that's good enough! Yang Lie sighed in relief, carefully studying Su Yu's complexion to make sure he wasn't lying. Satisfied, he nodded and handed over a small package.
Take this. Your body needs nourishment right now.
Su Yu opened the package inside was a piece of dark red Anger Scorpion meat.
This mutated creature was highly toxic, but beneath the armored plating at the base of its tail lay a small, radiation free muscle tender, delicious, and packed with nutrients that could restore stamina and even enhance physical constitution.
A rare delicacy in the wastelands.
This half pound piece alone could trade for several crude firearms in other repair shops ammo included.
This… This is too valuable. Su Yu instinctively tried to refuse, but Yang Lie waved him off.
Enough with the formalities. Just focus on recovering. I'm counting on you to craft me a custom mechanical weapon once your skills are sharp enough!
At those words, Su Yu's eyes gleamed.
He thought of the two weapons he had repaired yesterday.
Yang Lie, meanwhile, sighed. The hunting situation is getting worse. The Nightshade Squad's expanding too fast. If we can't meet our quotas, my Ninth Squad might be forced into a merger.
He frowned. I don't know why the top two squads and the Shelter Overseer are letting this happen.
Su Yu had heard of the Nightshade Squad.
Though ranked third, their captain was a rare psychic type superhuman, far stronger than ordinary physical types.
Rumors said their leader, Li He, had connections with mid sized settlements outside the shelter.
Given that Shelter No. 73 was small, Su Yu understood why the Overseer and top squads hesitated to intervene.
Li He has backing. And honestly… the Overseer hasn't made a move in years. He's not young anymore. Su Yu's tone carried a hidden meaning.
Yang Lie stiffened.
If the Four Star Superhuman Overseer the shelter's strongest protector could no longer fight, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Let's not worry about the higher ups. Yang Lie shook off the thought. I'm heading out today. The management office sent me to collect fifteen firearms, each with a hundred rounds. You got them ready?
He hesitated. If not, I'll take at least twelve. Ammo can be—"
His words died in his throat.
While he was speaking, Su Yu had already motioned for Nono to bring over a cart loaded with fifteen pristine firearms and neatly stacked ammunition.
Yang Lie picked one up, loaded it, and test-fired.
Smooth. Flawless.
His eyes widened.
Kid… how'd you manage this?
Last month, the guns Su Yu repaired still had minor issues like jamming, reduced range, weak firepower.
It was a common problem in the shelter even Su Yu's mentor couldn't eliminate defects entirely.
But now?
These firearms were 20% more reliable than before.
That meant 20% more kills on hunts and fewer casualties.
I had time to rest and review my mentor's teachings. Guess it paid off. Su Yu grinned, brushing it off.
Yang Lie, impressed, clapped his shoulder. Good! Consider this a silver lining. I'll take these. Keep up the work!
As he turned to leave, Su Yu suddenly pulled out two massive weapons from behind the counter.
Uncle Yang… you wanted a custom mechanical weapon, right? How about these for now?
He pushed forward the repaired chain-powered rotary saw and the dual-range shotgun.
The moment Yang Lie laid eyes on them, he was hooked.
For a hunter, good weapons meant survival.
And for a physical superhuman like him?
That chainsaw alone could boost his hunting efficiency by 30%.
You… fixed these? Yang Lie's voice trembled.
Su Yu nodded.
Yang Lie swallowed hard. Can I test them?
Of course.
Su Yu had planned this.
In Shelter No. 73, only hunting team officers could afford such weapons and Yang Lie was his best customer.
Eagerly, Yang Lie grabbed the chainsaw, giving it a few experimental swings.
A grin split his face.
This was perfect.
As for the shotgun's reduced range?
He didn't care.
He could already picture it charging a mutated beast, blasting it point-blank at thirty meters, then carving it apart with the chainsaw.
The thought alone made his blood boil.
He couldn't wait to hit the wasteland.