While defending against the Blade Mantis, both Wen Lei's chest armor and giant shield sustained damage.
The chest armor has a complex structure with intricate internal circuits, making it the most expensive piece of equipment for a Mechanical Warrior.
A First Level Basic Exoskeleton Chest Armor requires 40 Contribution Points, while Wen Lei's enhanced armor goes up to 60 points.
Based on the extent of the damage, Wen Lei estimated the repair cost for the chest armor to be 20 points.
The shield's situation is unique, being forged from a single piece of alloy. If repaired by welding after severe damage, it only costs 5 Contribution Points, but this would compromise the shield's structural rigidity.
Hence, the best option is to replace it with a new shield, which costs as much as 20 points.
Wen Lei currently only has 30 points in savings, which poses a problem for him.
"Originally, I thought that after paying for medical treatment, I'd only have 20 points left, so I could only repair the chest armor for now and manage with the shield as it is. Now that you've helped me save 10 points, I can go and fix the shield later. Though it's not perfect, it can manage for a while."
Wen Lei said with a cheerful smile.
Ren Zhong frowned, "You're a combat personnel, and the shield is your livelihood. How can you compromise on that?"
Wen Lei waved it off, "Hey, what's there to worry about? Many Mechanical Warriors who can't put together a full set of equipment just wear arm armor and hunt outside. I was worse off before, only able to scavenge scrap metal from trash and assemble it myself. Sometimes it would just fall apart during battles. It's a miracle I'm still alive."
Ren Zhong instinctively felt something was off, "Getting wounded by the Blade Mantis isn't your fault. You took the hit for the team as a tank, yet you're paying for the medical and repair costs yourself. Isn't that unfair?"
Wen Lei explained again.
"There is public funding within the team. During each operation, we each contribute 20% of our earnings into a reserve. But just recently, Zheng Tian mentioned that our current vehicle has terrible performance, and she just got a lead on a reasonably priced second-hand armored cargo truck. It's decently protected, fast, and has a strong range—much better than the junk I've cobbled together. It's a one-time opportunity, so she asked me to cover the cost myself for now. We'll figure out the shield later; it'll have to suffice for now."
Ren Zhong nodded, "I see."
Perhaps Zheng Tian made the decision for the team's overall benefit, but he had a different view.
Zheng Tian was taking advantage of an honest person.
Wen Lei, serving as the team's tank, using a subpar protective shield, is being irresponsible with his life.
If luck is good and they only encounter First Level Ruined Beasts in upcoming missions, that'd be okay.
But if luck is even slightly worse, encountering a Second Level or multiple First Levels at once, Wen Lei would be in real danger.
"Here's the thing, I have some money on hand. We'll go together to the Military Weapon Store later to buy a shield, and I'll lend it to you for now."
Wen Lei was overjoyed upon hearing this, not holding back on courtesy, "Thanks a lot!"
"But I think you're a bit extravagant, Ren. You should develop a habit of saving money."
When Wen Lei began to give advice to Ren Zhong, it showed that in his heart, they'd moved past the stage of mere acquaintances.
He considered Ren Zhong a true friend.
Ren Zhong laughed heartily, "Wen Lei, do you know what's more tragic than being alive with no money to spend?"
"Being dead with unspent money. You must spend money while you can. Besides, investing in you is investing in the team's strength, which in turn is an investment in my personal safety. It's worth it."
Wen Lei understood, "Oh, I see."
Then Ren Zhong asked him when he joined the team.
"About half a year ago. At that time, I was still a broke and naive rookie mechanic, really down on my luck. At least now I have some equipment," Wen Lei reflected. "Zheng Tian is well-known among our peers. Although she can't compare to you, Ren, she's quite professional and smart. I wouldn't even have had the chance if the previous Mechanical Warrior in the team hadn't sacrificed himself. I'm quite lucky. Also, Captain Zheng Tian is an easygoing person, not like some Scavenger Captains who are always looking down their noses, sending others to their deaths while treating them like beasts. Talking to them requires extreme caution, or you risk getting kicked out or quietly eliminated."
Ren Zhong continued to smile amicably, "True. She's quite decent."
"Zheng Tian has been the captain for about three years now. Back then, she wasn't even a First Level Gunsmith, just leading a group of newbies who hadn't even passed their professional evaluations. Over these three years, her team has consistently maintained a five-person roster, making it a very stable unit."
Ren Zhong: "Oh? So how many people have been replaced altogether? Is it only when someone dies that they get replaced?"