Reboot: Mechanic

Shi Tian's keen observation led to a concerning discovery. 

The abnormal movement of the red dot on the monitoring screen hinted that they were being traced or followed by an unknown entity. This revelation put them on high alert.

Silence settled in the Iron Sentinel as they considered their options. 

The dense area filled with strange energy was still ahead, and this uninvited follower added a layer of uncertainty to their already perilous journey.

Vanessa, who had been controlling the drone, now focused her attention on the situation. She was known for her shrewdness and resourcefulness, and at this moment, her instincts were on high alert.

Mary spoke in a low, composed voice, addressing the group. "We don't know who or what is following us, but we can't afford to take any chances. Vanessa, can you use the drone to get a visual on our pursuer?"

Since Vanessa was controlling the drone, Mary decided to ask her to control the drone whereas Shi Tian would be responsible for keeping track of the red dot in the monitoring system.

Vanessa nodded her head in agreement, recognizing the necessity of identifying their follower. 

She didn't even care it was a command from Mary as she readily adjusted the drone's altitude to fly higher in the sky, preventing the enemy from detecting the drone. 

As Vanessa was controlling the drone to approach closer to the red dot, Shi Tian suddenly called out, "Stop the drone, Vanessa." 

His expression was grim, prompting both Vanessa and Mary to be dumbfounded.

Why did he suddenly tell her to stop?

That was the question they had in mind. 

However, their doubts were soon answered when Shi Tian explained his statement.

"Vanessa, control the drone to come back while shooting some lasers on some terrain. Remember to act natural." Shi Tian instructed Vanessa. 

He then echoed for Mary to come and look at the screen. 

"You see this, Mary. The red dot is retreating every time the drone approaches close to them, maintaining a 1000-meter distance. It's like they knew the drone's detection range quite thoroughly." He explained calmly. 

Mary nodded her head, noticing the red dot would advance forward whenever Vanessa controlled the drone to back away. 

It became quite clear that whoever was tracing them knew the limits and capability of the drone. 

However, it was just a pity that they had failed to include the Iron Sentinel as a variable in their tracing. The Iron Sentinel was a mysterious vehicle that outsiders would never know its capability. 

The drone's detection range was only 800 meters, but the Iron Sentinel enhanced monitor system allowed them to survey the area for 1000 meters.

Although it consumed quite a lot of voltages and could potentially overload the Iron Sentinel, it was still capable of maintaining such a state for a long duration. 

Mary narrowed her eyes as she could guess what type of people were tracing them. 

"There's only a selected few that truly know the drone's capability," Mary said, glancing at Shi Tian.

Shi Tian also nodded his head in agreement. 

As for Vanessa, it took her another few seconds to realize what type of people they were talking about.

The drones were never for sale and were a new invention that could change a lot of things. And most importantly, the drones were only in the hands of the military teams belonging to Gearits City. 

This meant that other than it was a group of military people, there was no other possible explanation for how they could grasp the drone's detection range. 

"I understand your guesses, Mary. But there's one thing I'm confused about. Why are they following us?" Vanessa asked confusingly. 

"Probably for the same reason why you were scheming at us earlier." Mary rolled her eyes and sarcastically. Of course, she doesn't have a clue either and was just being sarcastic. 

As the two women began their bickering again to guess who the enemy was, they subtly noticed Shi Tian being oddly quiet. It was as if he had turned off the light and was in some serious deep thought. 

"Nathan? Are you there?" Mary asked in a doubtful tone.

"Did he go into shock?" Vanessa joked, trying to make light of the situation. 

After all, going into a panic was the worst possible action they could do right now. Being panicked means making a lot of mistakes and being unable to think rationally. 

Despite calling Shi Tian numerous times, he seemed detached from the world, almost as if he couldn't hear their voices. 

"Alright, you've asked for it." Mary breathed some air upward, blowing off the hair on her forehead as she lifted her sleeves up. 

"What are you planning to do?" Vanessa was alarmed, seemingly suspicious of her action. 

"If you want to receive a slap on his behalf, then continue blocking my path." Mary hissed coldly. 

Instantly, Vanessa stepped aside and even extended her hand out as a gesture that was akin to telling her to go right ahead. As if she was willing to get slapped on behalf of Shi Tian, whom she was still somewhat angry at for treating her poorly. 

Mary nodded her head, grinning even slightly when she saw how easily Vanessa had given in and stopped whatever she was trying to do.

Walking past Vanessa, Mary smirked coldly as she raised her hand up, ready to smack the living crap out of Shi Tian.

And just when she was about to connect the slap, Shi Tian stood up and clasped his hands.

"GPS!" He exclaimed, seemingly understanding something. 

"GPS what?" Mary's hand paused midair as she stuttered in confusion. 

Shi Tian was about to explain his meaning until he saw Mary's action was equivalent to trying to slap someone.

"That hand is not supposed to connect to my cheek, right?" He asked somewhat nervously, pointing at her hand.

"Oh no, I was just stretching my hand but got distracted when you suddenly shouted." Mary, realizing she was exposed, quickly pretended and stretched a few times as an excuse.