Night Hacker

The night rain fell even harder, so thick it almost swallowed the neon lights. The forecast called for rain across all of Liuguang City tonight.

Inside the Fishpond tavern, four straight-backed wooden dining chairs had been pulled up around the sofa. A person sat in each.

Ayane Kumiko in Gu He's body, Sakai Shukichi, Lindsey, and Boxer, whose massive frame made the chair an uncomfortable fit.

Gu He had assumed Sakai Hanaao would be joining them, but it turned out she was only on support duty. She, Old Fan, and Old Cai brought over five helmets from the bar.

"Heart Network helmets. Solid gear from the Tripod District. They might not match Santou or Seth equipment, but they're safe to use."

Ayane Kumiko explained to Gu He directly in his mind—a simple thought that spared her the effort of speaking aloud:

"Talent tier, program grade, your specific profession system, personality integrity, mental traits, and the network equipment—all these factors combine to affect your speed in the Mind Network. It's exactly like internet speed."

Although Gu He wasn't in control of the Container right now, he perceived just as much as Miss Ayane did.

So he could clearly see that these Heart Network helmets were different from standard connection gear.