Chapter 55: Taking Down Nightingale (Part 1)

Zhang Tie raised his head, his rugged face full of seriousness. "Rest assured, Boss! Once this shield is complete, that Galactic Federation Level 4 civilization shield will only be considered a little brother."

Zhang Ming pushed up his glasses, his voice calm but filled with confidence. "The settings for the shield energy core are complete; now we only need to finalize the stability adjustments. However, Level 6 civilization technology requires too much energy; we need more antimatter energy."

A smile curled on Lin Fan's lips as he pulled out an energy crystal shimmering with a dark golden luster and casually handed it over.

"Is this enough?"

Zhang Tie and Zhang Ming were stunned simultaneously, their eyes wide. "This is… Star Core energy?! Where did you get this?"

Zhang Tie exclaimed loudly, and even Zhang Ming rarely showed a trace of surprise.

"Don't ask so many questions, just use it."

What Lin Fan handed over was indeed the Immortal Crystal he had swindled from the Immortal Realm.

The two quickly threw themselves into their work. As the Star Core energy was injected, the generator in the center of the experimental table began to emit a dazzling white light.

The prototype of the shield was steadily forming, and ripples of silver-white space spread out from the core, as if the entire space were being torn apart and reshaped.

Lin Fan quietly watched the shield gradually take shape before slowly walking out of the second basement level and into the quiet night sky.

He struck a match, and with a wisp of faint smoke, lit a cigarette.

Lin Fan took a deep drag, slowly exhaling the smoke, which lingered in the air for a long time, refusing to dissipate.

He knew that not much time remained before departure.

But before that, he had to clarify some key issues.

First, the Repair Master—what exactly did he do with the password in the computer?

Second, Nightingale—she had a passionate night with him, but afterwards sent troops to attack Star-Moon Manor. Was it a test? Or was there an ulterior motive?

Third, the Black Obsidian Organization—possessing technology beyond Earth's, they nearly wiped out Star-Moon Manor, but after that battle, they chose to go silent. Were they shocked by Lin Fan's thunderous methods, or are they waiting for something?

Fourth, the Ningguta Authorities—Lin Fan has yet to receive any news from the authorities. Are the authorities already dead in all but name? Or have they been watching from the sidelines all along?

But no matter what these four forces are like, they all share one common characteristic: they are being manipulated by an invisible giant hand—Watchtower Island.

"If my guess is correct, the moment I release the news that I'm entering Watchtower Island, they will immediately take action!"

Action followed thought; Lin Fan released the news.

Sure enough, as soon as the news was released, Nightingale called.

"Lin Fan, don't act rashly. The consequences of you releasing this news are far more serious than you imagine! Come to this address immediately."

Nightingale paused for a moment, then coldly added, "Underground parking lot at 27 Galaxy Street. Bring someone you can trust."

Lin Fan raised an eyebrow, a flash of amusement in his eyes. "Nightingale, it seems you care even more about Watchtower Island than I imagined. Unfortunately, I don't want to completely listen to you right now."

"Stop talking nonsense and come quickly! Otherwise, bear the consequences!" Nightingale's tone was filled with anxiety, yet there was also a hint of barely concealed threat.

Lin Fan hung up the phone, a wicked curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. He muttered to himself:

"Nightingale, let me see what kind of game you're really playing."

27 Galaxy Street.

The night at Galaxy Street seemed particularly quiet, with only the neon lights flickering on the roadside, exuding a hint of chill.

Lin Fan drove into the underground parking lot at number 27, the surrounding surveillance cameras making him exceptionally alert.

He turned off the engine, and the moment he pushed the car door open, his footsteps echoed throughout the empty parking lot.

Not far ahead, a figure slowly stepped out of the shadows—it was Nightingale.

Nightingale was still wearing a black tight-fitting combat suit that outlined her exquisite figure, but her face lacked its usual charm and was instead more serious.

"You're finally here." Her voice was low, laced with a hint of exhaustion.

Lin Fan walked over slowly with his hands in his pockets, his tone carrying a hint of mockery: "What? You didn't just ask me to come here to see how cool you look in that outfit, did you?"

Nightingale glared at him and said coldly: "Watchtower Island is not something you can just touch. I brought you here today to tell you some truths, but the premise is—you must promise me not to enter Watchtower Island for the time being."

Lin Fan raised an eyebrow and sneered: "For the time being? Nightingale, you underestimate me too much. If you can't give me a reason that convinces me, I will only accelerate my plan."

Nightingale was silent for a moment, her tone heavy: "Watchtower Island is not a place; it is a trap, a cage."

Lin Fan's eyes narrowed, and just as he was about to ask a question, a piercing roar of engines came from the distance. Several black vehicles screeched toward them, completely sealing off the exit of the parking lot.

"It seems your friends are also very concerned about my actions this time." Lin Fan smiled indifferently, though a cold sharpness shone in his eyes.

Nightingale frowned slightly and said in a low voice: "I don't know how they tracked you, but we must join forces this time. Otherwise, you won't be able to leave here today."

Lin Fan's hand was already resting on the pistol grip at his waist, a cold arc curling at the corner of his mouth:

"Join forces? Sure, let me see whether you are a friend or a foe."

A burst of hurried footsteps came from the motorcade, and a group of people dressed in black trench coats filed out.

Their movements were uniform, their figures tall, and everyone's face was covered by a silver mask, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.

The masks were carved with complex patterns that looked like some kind of ritual totem, faintly emitting an unsettling aura.

These people moved with cold professionalism; each person had energy weapons strapped to their waists and held portable shield devices of various models in their hands.

They silently spread out, surrounding Lin Fan and Nightingale.

A man with a slender build and a sinister temperament slowly stepped out of the car.

His mask was different from the others, appearing dark gold with red crystals embedded in it, emitting an eerie glow.

He raised his hand slightly, and the subordinates surrounding the two stopped their movements, silently waiting for orders.

"Nightingale." The man's low voice came through, carrying an irresistible pressure. "You have indeed betrayed us."

Nightingale looked up at the man, her gaze indifferent yet carrying a trace of disdain:

"Deputy Leader Ling Chuan, I had long ago decided not to continue serving you. Now, your tricks can no longer be hidden."

Deputy Leader Ling Chuan, the deputy leader of the secret organization "Red Abyss" under the Ningguta Authorities, was also the commander of this operation.

Dressed in a dark red robe, he appeared exceptionally cold and sinister, his sharp eyes staring through the mask at Nightingale and Lin Fan, like a falcon eyeing its prey.

"You should know the price of betraying the organization better than anyone." Deputy Leader Ling Chuan slowly took a few steps closer, his voice filled with coldness. "Do you think this man can save you?"

Lin Fan leaned lazily against the wall, hands in his pockets, watching the scene with a half-smile, his tone carrying a hint of provocation:

"Stop beating around the bush; isn't that just how the people of the Red Abyss are? A bunch of vermin hiding in the shadows of the authorities, really thinking you can control everything?"