Chapter 16: Selecting Equipment

Fang Tianhe’s praise left many people puzzled, as only a very few knew about Lin Xinghai’s unique constitution. Yet, Fang Tianhe’s commendation undoubtedly sent a clear signal to every member of the mercenary group: he held Lin Xinghai in high regard.

Roger, witnessing this scene, felt happy for Lin Xinghai and began introducing the others one by one.

“This is our beautiful deputy captain, Shen Han.”

“This is the second squad leader, Wu Yan.”

“This is the third squad leader, Xu Haishui.”

Following Roger’s introductions, Lin Xinghai greeted each of them in turn. Deputy Captain Shen Han was indeed beautiful, her looks rivaling even those of Liu Miaomiao. However, her demeanor was cold and distant, clearly someone not easily approachable. When facing Lin Xinghai, she merely nodded in acknowledgment.

Second squad leader Wu Yan was a burly man, even more solidly built than Fang Tianhe, standing there like a small mountain. As for the third squad leader, Xu Haishui, he seemed rather unremarkable at first glance, except perhaps for his eyes, which resembled those of a wolf.

“The schedule is tight for this mission. Since everyone’s here, let’s set off now!” Fang Tianhe said as he used his wrist-mounted computer to control a humanoid mech he had named “Skybreaker.” He crouched down and settled inside one of the armored vehicles.

Shen Han used her own wrist-mounted computer to pilot another ice-blue mech named “Frostfall,” entering a different armored vehicle.

The rest of the mercenaries quickly assembled and, under their respective squad leaders’ guidance, boarded their armored vehicles as well.

Lin Xinghai was temporarily assigned to Roger’s first squad and followed him into the first armored vehicle. The first squad’s overall strength was slightly superior to the other two, granting them certain privileges. For instance, the armored vehicle they boarded did not carry mechs, making it relatively spacious.

Once inside the vehicle, Roger introduced Lin Xinghai to his team members. Upon hearing that Lin Xinghai’s genetic rating was Class B, a hint of envy flashed across the faces of everyone present.

“It seems our Skybreaker Mercenary Group will soon have another expert,” Deputy Captain Xu Hao praised sincerely.

“That’s something for the future. For now, I’ll be relying on all of you to watch my back,” Lin Xinghai replied with humility.

Among those inside the vehicle, the weakest were merely genetically enhanced soldiers. Lin Xinghai’s mission would depend on their frontline efforts and protection, so being courteous was only proper.

Lin Xinghai’s gentle attitude, free from any arrogance despite his superior talent, warmed the team’s spirits. Many eagerly initiated conversations with him.

Seizing the opportunity, Lin Xinghai exchanged words while subtly gathering various pieces of information.

He soon learned that a Class B genetic rating was extremely rare—within the entire mercenary group, only the captain and deputy captain possessed such a classification. Even Class C was considered excellent; most mercenaries were rated Class D.

While they chatted, the convoy started moving, ascending the elevator and leaving the Star Shield Refuge.

However, once outside the refuge, the atmosphere inside the vehicle shifted swiftly. Conversations died down, replaced by a tense silence. Some stared out the observation windows, others meticulously cleaned their weapons.

“Here, let me outfit you properly,” Roger said, moving toward the front wall of the vehicle. After performing an iris scan, a concealed compartment slowly opened, revealing a weapon rack.

The top shelf held an array of melee weapons; the middle contained various firearms; and the bottom stored combat suits.

“Given your build, this size 75 set should fit you well.” Roger handed Lin Xinghai a brand-new combat suit.

Taking it, Lin Xinghai found the suit surprisingly light yet made from extremely durable fabric. Testing its strength, he tugged at the material with his 20-point strength, but it remained intact.

“The combat suit is crafted from special fabric, capable of resisting typical zombie claws and bites. Of course, with repeated attacks, it will wear down. It also offers limited protection against blunt force trauma.”

“Also, you must always carry this.” Roger tossed over a syringe filled with a red liquid.

“What’s this?” Lin Xinghai asked.

“An antitoxin serum. If you’re scratched or bitten by a zombie, you must inject it within ten minutes, or you’ll turn into one yourself.”

“Keep in mind, the serum’s effect lasts only an hour. After it wears off, a bite can still infect you. On a tough mission day, you might have to inject several times.”

“The first vial is free. If you need more later, you’ll have to buy them yourself—100 points each,” Roger explained.

“Got it.” Lin Xinghai nodded and quickly donned the combat suit, securing the antitoxin close to his body—it was a lifesaver.

“As for weapons, pick whatever you like! You can choose one melee weapon and one firearm,” Roger said, gesturing toward the weapon rack.

Lin Xinghai’s eyes naturally fell on the firearms. There were three types: pistols, rifles, and sniper rifles.

Though he had his own ideas, he felt it wise to seek expert advice.

“Brother Jie, what firearm do you think suits me best?” Lin Xinghai asked humbly.

“You’re capable, kid. When you need me, call me Jie; otherwise, call me Old Luo,” Roger joked before answering. “The best way to choose weapons is to match them with your attributes.”

“For example, if you’re a strength-type genetic enhancer, pick large melee weapons like broadswords or giant axes to leverage your advantage.”

“In that case, pairing a compact pistol as your firearm is a good choice. It’s easy to carry and packs a powerful punch,” Roger said, pointing to a pistol.

“Wait, you call that a pistol a 'hand cannon'?” Lin Xinghai couldn’t help but interject.

Though this pistol’s muzzle was over twice the size of a typical handgun’s, it hardly qualified as a hand cannon!