After handing the Montelli family's invitation to the gatekeeper for inspection and stating their purpose, the gatekeeper indicated that the group could enter through the main gate.
As Rinascita's safest and most secure facility, the vault was equipped with numerous Echo security devices and guards.
There was also the massive eagle-like structure seen from afar earlier, which was actually the vault's large defensive device.
In times of crisis, its wings would tightly envelop the vault's ground buildings, sealing off all exits beyond the main gate.
Before ascending the spacious steps, there was an open area resembling a plaza.
In the center of the open area, an Echo that appeared extremely dangerous stood quietly.
"That is the guardian of Averardo Vault's gate—the Heteromorphic Armament."
"Although I haven't seen them in action, the 'Averardo Bank Employee Handbook' says they can easily defeat an entire team of Resonators."
"Of course, for you two, that's definitely not worth mentioning."
"But their combat power is beyond doubt; just their presence alone is enough to give all depositors a sense of security."
Averardo not only stores Shell Credits but can also hold famous paintings, artworks, and so on...
Half of Ragunna City's wealth is stored here; even the Fisalia family, which is at odds with the Montelli family, comes here for business.
This is enough to show how outstanding Averardo's services are, affiliated with the Montellis.
Lucian looked at the hulking figure before him: "What if I defeat it and absorb it as my own Echo?"
Zani: "…"
Zani felt that Lucian was truly rebellious to the core.
"In fact, the Heteromorphic Armament is a man-made weapon, a unique Echo processed and modified through special technology."
"So the Heteromorphic Armament isn't just the one you see in front of you."
Zani pointed to the surrounding platforms: "Look, there are many more of the same specifications up there, ready to be deployed at any time."
On the platforms, many Heteromorphic Armaments had curled their bodies up, as if any slight disturbance would make them spring into action.
However, at that moment, the central Heteromorphic Armament suddenly raised its head to look at the group, then abruptly spread its wings, its metal claws slamming into the ground with a tremor.
It then eyed them warily and slowly approached.
Zani frowned, immediately shielding Lucian and the others behind her, speaking rapidly: "What's going on? I remember it only reacts to those with hostile intent."
Lucian glanced at Phrolova in his arms: "Could it be because Phrolova has hostile intent?"
Phrolova pouted slightly upon hearing this, somewhat dissatisfied: "If you're going to slander me, at least find a better reason."
"Why would I have hostile intent toward an Echo?"
Zani, tense as she was, still tried to calm everyone: "Relax, don't move first!"
"Even if it enters alert mode, as long as we don't act rashly and attack it, it won't take further action against us."
"...At least that's what the 'Employee Handbook' says."
A comrade's hammer had already appeared in Lucian's hand, his finger on the trigger:
"Is there a possibility that they're just doing this to let us die more peacefully?"
Zani: "…"
Zani watched the Heteromorphic Armament's every move intently, unable to help but marvel at how big-hearted Lucian was—still in the mood for jokes at a time like this. Was this absolute confidence in his own strength?
Lucian continued: "If I defeat the Heteromorphic Armament, would that count as self-defense?"
"The Montelli family wouldn't make me pay for it, right?"
Under the Heteromorphic Armament's glare, Zani didn't dare move lightly and could only sigh slightly:
"The Montelli family is wealthy and powerful; they probably wouldn't demand compensation from a distinguished guest like you over an Echo."
Just as the Heteromorphic Armament was one step away from the group.
"—Stand down!"
A thunderous roar from the sky, and Carlotta made her dazzling entrance!
The massive body of the Heteromorphic Armament halted immediately, looking up to the sky, and the group followed its gaze.
They saw another Heteromorphic Armament descending from the heavens, with the white-haired girl gracefully seated on its gleaming, cold metal arm.
As the Heteromorphic Armament landed steadily, Carlotta also stepped down from its arm.
Her high-heeled boots hit the ground with a crisp sound.
She reached out and brushed the long hair by her ear: "Apologies for startling you all; this was a small mishap."
"On behalf of the Montelli family, I extend my sincerest regrets."
Lucian put away his gun, then placed his hands on his hips: "Miss Carlotta, my young heart has suffered a tremendous shock."
"So you might need a more sincere way to express your apology."
Carlotta gazed at Lucian with a slight smile: "Is that so..."
"From what I know, Mr. Lucian likes Shell Credits. Besides startup funds, how about issuing Mr. Lucian another fund for 'assisting the Montelli family'?"
Lucian sighed, his expression turning serious as he waved his hand: "Looks like Miss Carlotta's information isn't accurate."
"In fact, I've never touched Shell Credits; I'm not interested in Shell Credits."
"My happiest times are as an intelligence merchant, selling intel to Aalto for two million."
"Of course, some might think two million is too high."
"But what I want to say is, intel is priceless; just two million is enough to prove I don't care about Shell Credits."
"Compared to Shell Credits, what I care more about is the connection with Aalto."
"Give it up for the applause!"
Zani clapped in full admiration: "So we've all misunderstood Lucian all this time?"
"I really didn't expect Mr. Lucian to be such an noble person..."
Rover, who knew Lucian well, poured cold water at this moment: "See, you've been fooled by him again."
"The reason he says he cares about the connection with Aalto."
"Is because Lucian knows that once he knows Aalto, he can continue to scam Aalto for more Shell Credits."
"After all, there aren't many people in the world as foolish and rich as Aalto."
Upon hearing this, Zani not only didn't get angry at being fooled again but patted her ample chest in relief:
"Good thing I don't have much money; Lucian probably won't come to scam me, right?"
"If he's scamming, then scam our second miss's money; she has a lot."
"But she's not foolish; on the contrary, she's very smart."
Carlotta: "?"
"Zani, although I'm glad you praise me as smart, isn't inciting a distinguished guest to scam my money a bit too much?"
Zani sighed: "No choice; there's an ancient saying in Huanglong: Better a friend die than a poor man..."
"My money still needs to help me enjoy a wonderful vacation..."
Carlotta tiptoed and patted Zani's shoulder: "Zani, you're the Montelli family's most outstanding employee."
"How could you say something like that? Is it because you've spent too much time with a certain someone?"
Lucian: "?"