In her forties, her face was so ordinary it lacked any distinguishing features, and her frame was thin.
Her energy fluctuations were indeed higher than Pei Su’s, and higher than Su Wan’s own—a solid Level 4 Mid Stage.
But something about her state was off.
The only other Level 4 Ability User Su Wan had ever encountered was Butcher.
That Level 4 Early Stage Dark Department assassin had been a living, breathing person with emotions and desires.
Shen Han was different.
She stood there like a piece of stone or wood, a soulless husk.
She hadn’t raised her head once from start to finish, nor had she looked at anyone. Even the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed was nearly imperceptible.
A Level 4 Mid Stage Ability User was a top-tier combatant in a small city like Panshi City, a presence capable of crushing everything in its path.
Yet, she was content to follow behind Pei Su like an ordinary bodyguard, willing to be used as a pawn sent to Terminal Station.
A thought flashed through Su Wan’s mind—
Pei Su’s method of controlling her must be absolute!
It wasn't just common gratitude, profit, or threats; it was something deeper, something that touched the very soul!
Regardless, Su Wan wasn't worried.
Shen Han was going to Terminal Station.
Terminal Station was truly her domain. On her own turf, even a Level 5 expert would have to kneel, let alone a Level 4 Mid Stage.
Once Shen Han stepped through the gates of Terminal Station, she would be a bird in a cage with no hope of escape.
When that time came, Su Wan would have plenty of ways to restrain her, read her memories, and figure out exactly what method Pei Su was using to control her.
She might even be able to turn that method back against Pei Su himself.
Su Wan smiled slightly and looked at Pei Su.
“Commander Pei, your proposal—” she nodded slightly, “—is very reasonable.”
Pei Su’s brow twitched, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.
Su Wan continued, “You hand the Outer City over to me, and I hand a portion of Terminal Station’s management rights to your person.”
“Sincerity for sincerity. It’s only fair.”
She looked at Shen Han, her voice calm. “Shen Han, was it? Welcome to Terminal Station.”
Shen Han remained with her head lowered, offering no response.
Pei Su coughed lightly. Only then did Shen Han nod slightly, her voice low and flat, devoid of any emotion. “Thank you, Miss Su.”
Su Wan retracted her gaze and looked at Pei Su. “Then, the management rights for the Outer City—”
“Miss Su, there is no need to be in such a hurry. There is one more thing...” Pei Su chuckled, his voice unhurried. “Since Shen Han is going to Terminal Station to assist with management, shouldn't she be privy to some of the station’s core information?”
Su Wan’s heart skipped a beat. “What core information?”
“For instance—”
“—the control room passwords for the management robots, the operating codes for the various systems, and things of that nature.”
Su Wan’s heart tightened instantly.
When she controlled the robots, she always issued commands directly through the system. She didn't need a control room, nor did she need passwords.
However, to maintain appearances, she had designated a room in the Terminal Station building as the nominal “core control room.”
That room was located at the very back of the third floor of the main building, and she was the only one allowed inside.
There was no control equipment in there at all; it was just a place she occasionally used for rest.
Many tenants knew that only Su Wan could enter that control room and that the authority over all robots rested solely in her hands.
This was something only those inside Terminal Station knew. How could Pei Su, a man who had never set foot in Terminal Station, possibly know about the control room’s existence?
How did he know that robot management required passwords and operating codes?
Su Wan immediately realized that someone from the City Defense Force had infiltrated Terminal Station.
She suppressed the thoughts in her mind, her expression remaining calm.
She looked at Pei Su, a faint smile curling at the corners of her mouth. “Commander Pei, Shen Han is only going there to assist with management, not to take over Terminal Station. Why would she need the control room passwords and operating codes?”
Pei Su’s smile was gentle, but the sharp glint in his eyes was completely undisguised.
“Miss Su, if Shen Han goes to Terminal Station and cannot even access the basic control systems, then her role as a deputy would be nothing more than a decoration.”
“Such sincerity would be far too cheap.”
Su Wan understood the meaning behind his words.
This was an exchange.
Sincerity for sincerity.
If she didn't provide the passwords, Pei Su would not give her the management rights to the Outer City.
Seeing Su Wan’s darkened expression, Pei Su smiled slightly and stood up to walk toward the wall.
Hanging on that wall was a detailed map of Panshi City. The Inner City, Outer City, and Ruin Zone were all clearly marked for every sector.
Pei Su reached out and gently peeled away the area representing the Outer City on the map.
The map’s material was unique; the portion for the Outer City was actually a separate layer, which Pei Su removed from the overall map.
He handed the silver-glowing, paper-thin material to Su Wan.
“This is the management token for the Outer City, known as the ‘City Key,’” Pei Su said, his voice low and solemn. “It has existed since the founding of Panshi City, passed down through countless generations.”
Su Wan took the thin, silver material. “Shouldn't this City Key be in Commander Zhuang’s hands?”
Pei Su sighed slightly, clarifying for her. “Miss Su, you need not worry. This City Key is a treasure of Panshi City and can only be used by those who have broken through to Level 4.”
“Although Zhuang Heng has managed the Outer City for many years, his strength is insufficient. Therefore, this City Key has remained here until now.”
Su Wan nodded and examined it closely.
The item was cool to the touch and felt weightless. Its surface was as smooth as a mirror, without any patterns or markings.
But the moment her mental power touched it, she felt an incredibly complex energy fluctuation.
It was a unique imprint formed by countless energy frequencies interwoven together, like a sophisticated combination lock.
【Ding! Special item detected—】
【Item Name: City Key (Panshi City Outer City Management Item)】
【Description: The City Key is made of a special alloy left over from the Old Era. It contains incredibly complex energy coding that cannot be forged or replicated.】
【Function: All City Defense Force garrisons, government departments, public facilities, communication networks, defense systems, and weapon systems in the Outer City use this item as the sole credential for authority.】
【Scope of authority includes but is not limited to: command of City Defense Force garrisons, management of public shelters, allocation of supplies, tax collection, judicial adjudication, public security management, control of city gates, control of communication networks, control of defense systems, etc.】
【Note: This item is part of the Panshi City political system. The holder will be automatically recognized by the City Defense System as the highest administrator of the Outer City.】
【Remark: Authority transfer has not yet been performed. Authority transfer requires activation of the City Key.】
Su Wan looked at the paper-thin City Key, understanding the situation clearly.
Even though she held the item in her hand, it would be useless unless Pei Su authorized the transfer of power.
Rate on N.U.
