Chapter 152: Destroying the Data

"Please, sir! Just tell me what you need, but don't kill me!"

Sterl didn't even have to speak. His goal was already half accomplished.

He realized that this portly official, having become a professional, chose to hold an office in reality rather than explore Transcendence, clearly indicating that this guy wasn't someone with a fighting spirit.

Sterl didn't bother to say much. He calmly asked, "Where is the place nearby that stores player data for the game?"

"What? That's controlled by the Ironheart family! I don't have the authority to go there!"

The official's face turned bitter. This was a disaster! The aura of this ruthless man's pet felt like an insurmountable mountain, utterly untouchable!

But the Ironheart family was even more terrifying. They had several third-class players in the game. Revealing their information would be suicidal!

Not to mention, player data was crucial. The reason big families like the Ironheart could thrive was because they controlled player data. Any player with talent would most likely be recruited into their genetic pool.

This was how these big families continually produced highly talented "newcomers."

No matter how fierce this guy in front of him was, he surely couldn't be a third-class, right?

The official had some reservations, but Sterl casually flicked his fingers, releasing an extremely weakened version of Ignition Flame. The official screamed like a pig being slaughtered.

Very quickly, the official gave in.

"Stop, stop! I'll take you there, I'll take you there." He surrendered without hesitation. Offending the Ironheart family might lead to a fate worse than death, but right now, defying this intruder would result in immediate agony.

Sterl simply nodded, "Go find me some craftsmen who can maintain game pods. Have them wait here."

With that, he followed the official to the data storage location.

Sterl didn't have to exert much effort. He and the official passed through several buildings, entering a basement within the underground world. They finally arrived at a machine room, filled with flashing red and green mechanical lights.

The official's face remained bitter. "Sir, you can look for whatever data you need."

Sterl didn't waste any time. "Look for data? No need for that!"

Without changing his expression, he raised his hand and released Ignition Flame. The terrifyingly high heat instantly melted countless data and the hardware storing it into molten metal!

Then, the flames ignited something, causing a severe explosion in the room!

Boom!

Boom!!

But those were just ordinary facility explosions, so neither the official nor Sterl was harmed.

As the violent explosions echoed, the official's eyes widened in despair. "No! Sir! How am I supposed to survive this?"

He was on the verge of breaking down.

But Sterl wasn't done yet. He threw a few more Ignition Flames, ensuring the entire machine room was reduced to ashes before stopping.

Then, with keen interest, he asked the official, "Are you sure there's no other place nearby storing data?"

Sterl asked just to be thorough.

Because his original identity as "Sterl" was perceived by everyone as just an ordinary player, his data shouldn't have been stored in any special or secure manner.

Sterl, also within the range of the ripple, felt a slight relief in his body and exhaled a breath of impure air.

"It really works!"

"But this radiation is so strong? Even at my level, I couldn't avoid its effects."

"It seems that from now on, every time I enter the real world, I'll need to use this Purification Ripple to cleanse myself." Sterl mused casually.

Thanks to his Star Insight, he could see that everyone's [Forbidden Poison] had been removed. Although he found the name of this abnormal status a bit odd, he was pleased that the previously useless Purification Ripple now had a practical application.

Moreover, Sterl sensed that not only were the people present affected, but the massive office and at least dozens of square meters around it had been cleansed, making the environment exceptionally clear and pure.

He had a hunch that this environment was now suitable for ordinary human life.

Just then, with a thud, the official knelt down and pulled out a contract.

"Sir, I found your secret and I know the rules. This is a loyalty contract. Once I sign it, my life will be in your hands. Spare me."

He was very conscious! While the craftsmen seemed useful to this mysterious figure, he knew that if he didn't show understanding, he might actually be killed.

The official's mind was working very quickly. This mysterious figure was able to purify the nuclear radiation that had always existed in the real world, but not as a representative of the authorities. What does that imply?

It meant that a hidden faction had already mastered the ability to purify the real world and had been keeping it a secret until now. What could be their goal other than to dominate all of humanity?

Otherwise, why not collaborate with the authorities to quickly spread such a crucial purification ability?

Sterl hadn't expected the official to be so conscious. He nodded and took the contract. It was already written, stating that the official voluntarily pledged unconditional allegiance, declaring the signee as his master, clearly prepared in advance.

Sterl "..."

This was the first time he had encountered someone so peculiar. To save his life, the official had even considered the possibility of having to sell himself into servitude. Should he commend the official for being thorough or criticize him for having no shame?

As he read the contract, Sterl finally learned the official's name—Beck.

After signing the contract, Beck's expression became more animated. He respectfully stood behind Sterl, looking elated to have found a powerful backer.

Sterl then spoke.

"As you've seen, I possess the power to purify radiation."

"Now, I need you to establish a new underground base."

"I will use my purification power to cleanse the entire base. You will be able to live there without any impact on your lifespan."

As soon as he finished speaking, the craftsmen erupted in excitement. Their eyes were filled with joy. Given their low status in the settlement, relocating wasn't a big deal, especially to a place where they could live longer without radiation.

Without hesitation, they all agreed enthusiastically.

"No problem! No problem!"

"Sir, thank you for your kindness. We will always remember your benevolence towards us."

The craftsmen were overjoyed.

Sterl then asked, "I have a question. Can you guys manufacture and maintain game pods?"

The craftsmen's expressions immediately turned awkward.

"Sir, the technology behind game pods is something we humans have never managed to decipher."