novelraw Chapter 13: Sea of Darkness - (13)
Chapter 13: Sea of Darkness - (13)
The robust tentacles of the parasitic hydra abruptly stiffened before going limp. Its massive, translucent body, like a melting jellyfish, draped over Chai Jian’s corpse.
It was truly dissolving, transforming from a hybrid creature resembling both an octopus and a jellyfish into a pool of viscous liquid.
A parasitic hydra can only survive briefly without a host. Despite its strength, it is also fragile, possessing low-level intelligence. Chai Jian was chosen as its next intended host, but when the parasitic hydra failed to infect him, it lost its life as well.
Jiang Ming spoke intermittently through the communications channel; he hadn’t died after plummeting from the sky, but he found himself trapped inside the police car.
Through the scope, Kui Xin observed Shu Xuyao and Liu Kangyun sprinting towards the crashed police car, attempting to rescue Jiang Ming trapped inside. The bulletproof glass was shattered, and the car doors hung crookedly. Shu Xuyao kicked open the door, and together with Liu Kangyun, they managed to drag Jiang Ming out.
Fortunately, due to the rain, the police car did not catch fire as severely.
“Great job, Kui Xin!” Lan Lan patted her shoulder, loudly praising her. “Let’s quickly pack up our gear and head down to meet the captain. The police car is damaged, but a backup will arrive shortly. We—”
He suddenly fell silent.
Lan Lan noticed that Kui Xin’s hand holding the gun was subtly trembling; she had been rigidly maintaining this position since firing the shot.
“Are you okay, Kui Xin?” Concerned, Lan Lan gently supported Kui Xin’s shoulders, helping her stand.“I… I’m fine.” Struggling, Kui Xin tightened her grip on the K80, using its muzzle as a makeshift crutch against the ground for support. Her legs were numb from kneeling for an extended period while aiming and shooting.
This killing felt different from when she took down the two robbers previously.
Last time, it happened unconsciously; before she realized what occurred, both assailants were dead, shrouded in an unreal sensation throughout the event. This time was different; she deliberately pulled the trigger. She fired the fatal bullet, watching it directly strike Chai Jian’s head.
Lan Lan reassuringly said, “Don’t burden yourself, Xiao Kui. Before his arrest, Chai Jian brutally murdered his wife and child; he deserved to pay with his life. However, our laws…” He patted Kui Xin’s shoulder, seemingly attempting to convey courage and strength through this gesture. “His death was justified; you were eliminating a menace for the people. Moreover, once entangled by the parasitic hydra, there was no way for him to survive anyway.”
This point was crucial, and Kui Xin couldn’t help but be deeply affected.
She knew that Chai Jian was not the original criminal.
The criminal Chai Jian had been replaced by Player Chai Jian, so residing within the criminal’s body was now an innocent soul. Chai Jian was not an NPC from the Second World; he belonged to Kui Xin’s own kind.
Lan Lan’s words did not bring comfort to Kui Xin.
Silently, she shouldered her K80 rifle and descended the signal tower stairs. “Let’s meet up with the captain.”
The mission was over. Chai Jian had died, and the unexpected threat posed by the parasitic hydra was resolved. Once the backup security officers arrived, they could return to the Investigation Headquarters building.
Kui Xin removed her helmet, feeling thoroughly drenched from the dense rain. She gazed at the overcast sky and let out a subdued sigh.
She was beginning to loathe rainy days. This was her third day in Black Sea City, which had experienced three consecutive days of continuous rainfall.
“What’s the deal with that alien creature?” Kui Xin asked Lan Lan.
“Eliminating them is the responsibility of the emergency unit.” As you’re still an intern security officer, there’s no need for you to know too much,” Lan Lan said. “Once you become a full-time employee, you’ll learn more about alien creatures. That day isn’t far off; your performance on this operation will likely lead to the captain recommending you for official status. Our Investigation Department’s primary focus is on ensuring city security. Dealing with alien creatures doesn’t occur frequently since they are exceedingly rare.”
Kui Xin remarked, “You mentioned they shouldn’t appear within the city and should be near the coast…”
“Yes, parasitic hydras cannot survive without water. I suspect it was due to increased rainfall causing seawater backflow, which gave the parasitic hydra an opportunity to reach the shore.” Lan Lan furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
Deciding to ask straightforwardly, Kui Xin posed the question, “I’ve never heard of these alien creatures before. How do they come into existence?”
“I don’t know either.” Lan Lan shook his head. “Encountering an alien creature this time was unexpected. As a newcomer, you shouldn’t have faced such things directly; their visual impact is just too overwhelming. It was really quite disgusting, wasn’t it?”
“They are indeed quite disgusting.” After exiting her shooting stance, Kui Xin recalled the frenzied dance of tentacles and felt slightly nauseated.
“Generally, Yadang immediately tracks their traces, and that’s when the Emergency Unit steps in. They handle the cleanup,” Lan Lan explained. “Sometimes, the emergency unit doesn’t deploy even once a month, while other times they may be called several times a week…”
“Do members of the Emergency Unit face such dangers every time they carry out a mission?” Kui Xin asked.
“Not every time,” Lan Lan clarified. “The composition of the Emergency Unit isn’t fixed; whenever there’s an issue, personnel are temporarily drawn from other squads to form ad hoc teams. For example, like me…”
“All right, Lan Lan.” Shu Xuyao interrupted over the communications channel. “Wait until Kui Xin becomes an official member before fulfilling your duty as a senior by briefing her, okay?”
“Sure thing! Sorry, I accidentally said too much. Xiao Kui, just pretend you forgot about it,” Lan Lan cheerfully replied with a smile. “Some information needs to remain confidential.”
“I understand,” Kui Xin said.
Has she now earned Lan Lan’s trust? Indeed, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder truly accelerates the bond of friendship.
“Our team has arrived,” Shu Xuyao announced. “Direct the police cars to fly over here; Jiang Ming needs treatment.”
Yadang responded, “The command has been relayed, Captain Shu.”
Jiang Ming’s injuries were not minor—a fractured right arm and burns on his thigh. As he got into the vehicle, a cold sweat streamed down from the pain. “I need to get myself a mechanical arm; then I won’t have to worry about fractures anymore.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Lan Lan leaned forward inside the car. “I heard Xiao Kui got an iron skull replacement—how enviable! Even regular bullets wouldn’t penetrate it, right?”
“Would you like one too? Dr. Huang’s surgery was excellent; there’s no difference compared to my original skull.” Kui Xin glanced at him.
Lan Lan replied, “Once I’ve had enough of this original version, I’ll upgrade to an alloy one.”
The police car ascended, with Kui Xin seated in the last row. She placed the K80 horizontally across her lap, feeling its icy chill and solid weight even through her bulletproof combat suit.
“How do you feel, Kui Xin?” Liu Kangyun, who is typically reserved, started a conversation with her.
“Not great,” Kui Xin admitted honestly.
“It’s normal,” Liu Kangyun said calmly. “My first time was similar too.”
“You almost shot your teammate when drawing your gun,” Jiang Ming scoffed sarcastically. “Kui Xin is far superior to you.”
Liu Kangyun’s face flushed red, and he fell silent.
“Hey, don’t always pick on him. It’s no easy feat to get Old Liu, the taciturn one, to speak up,” Lan Lan said.
The members of the Seventh Squad, no longer maintaining their task-focused seriousness, relaxed the atmosphere. While they conversed, Kui Xin occasionally chimed in, but most of the time her thoughts drifted elsewhere, barely paying attention to what they were discussing.
As the police car descended from the sky, teammates disembarked one after another, and she too stepped down with the K80 rifle slung over her shoulder.
Doctors and nurses holding stretchers awaited at the helipad. As soon as Jiang Ming was assisted out, they swiftly lifted him onto a stretcher.
“Get treated for injuries first, then everyone else go change your gear,” Shu Xuyao instructed. “Head to the rest area and take a shower; don’t catch a cold from being drenched in rain.”
Kui Xin followed Lan Lan, who chattered incessantly, to the equipment room, where they removed their gear and changed into regular attire. Then she accompanied him to the rest area.
Just before entering the rest area, Lan Lan paused, causing Kui Xin to nearly bump into his back, unable to react quickly enough.
Smiling, Lan Lan pointed to the sign above the door and said, “This is the men’s rest area; the women’s rest area is next door. What were you thinking, so absent-minded?”
“Oh, I didn’t notice.” Kui Xin turned and slipped into the adjacent room.
The rest area had a bathroom equipped with various amenities. Kui Xin took a shower, dried her hair, and then collapsed onto the sofa.
“Intern Security Officer Kui Xin, Captain Shu is waiting for you outside,” Yadang announced.
Kui Xin rose from the sofa like a wandering spirit and opened the door to the rest area.
“Captain, did you need something?” Kui Xin asked.
“Yes, come with me.” Shu Xuyao turned around, leading the way.
They proceeded until they reached a metal door marked “Psychological Therapy Office.”
“Today happens to be Director Yang’s duty shift; you can talk to him,” Shu Xuyao said gently.
Kui Xin wanted to decline. “I’m fine, Captain. I’m just a bit tired; resting will help.”
“Physical exhaustion can indeed recover through adequate rest, but mental fatigue requires seeking a therapist,” Shu Xuyao explained. “In these past few days, you’ve experienced too much. Your emotional state is not right, necessitating psychological counseling. Go ahead; Director Yang is an excellent therapist.”
Hesitating momentarily, Kui Xin approached the door.
The metal door opened, and she stepped inside.
“Welcome,” the man softly greeted her in the office. “You must be Kui Xin, right? Your captain and I are old friends.”
His voice was deep and melodious, reminiscent of the soothing tones of a cello.
Kui Xin noticed the name badge on his attire, reading “Yang Xingyun.”
“Hello, Director Yang,” Kui Xin said.
Yang Xingyun responded, “Please sit down; don’t be so formal. The therapy room is meant to be a place for relaxation.”
Following his instruction, Kui Xin took a seat in the swivel chair opposite him.
The therapy room indeed felt very relaxing, with its decor distinctly different from other rooms. Surprisingly, the floor was made of wood, and warm-toned wallpaper adorned the walls. Two entire walls were converted into bookshelves, neatly arranged with various paper books. Even the lighting emitted a gentle, warm yellow hue, unlike the cold blue glow of the corridor lights.
“Would you prefer tea or carbonated beverages that young people often enjoy? I have quite a variety here, and if something’s not available, I can have it delivered.” Yang Xingyun smiled.
Behind him, an open tea cabinet displayed over a dozen types of teas in glass containers, ranging from colorful herbal infusions to green and black teas.
“Tea, any kind is fine,” Kui Xin replied.
Yang Xingyun pressed the button to heat the water. “Then I’ll brew you a cup of wolfberry and red jujube tea; I drink this daily.”
Kui Xin was taken aback. Was this young Director Yang already focused on health and wellness at such an early age?
Yang Xingyun skillfully brewed a cup of goji berry and red jujube tea, even adding a piece of brown sugar to the ceramic mug. He pushed the teacup towards her and asked, “Do you like the decor in my office?”
“Yes, it’s different from other places.” Kui Xin took a sip of the tea.
“I despise the color of metal; it feels too cold and impersonal. Looking at it for extended periods makes me feel oppressed,” Yang Xingyun said. “In today’s society, there is an increasing number of people suffering from mental illnesses, not just due to survival pressures but also because of their living environments. Metal and machinery evoke associations with efficiency, rationality, and rigidity. Being constantly surrounded by metal and machinery prevents people from relaxing. That’s why I decided to change the style of the therapy rooms, making them warmer and more ’emotional’.”
“This place is really nice,” Kui Xin remarked. “Shall we not start the counseling session right away?”
“This is part of the counseling session. We’re here to chat casually, discussing everyday matters and alleviating worries,” Yang Xingyun explained. “Working in the Investigation Department must be quite demanding, isn’t it?”
“It’s manageable. As a newcomer, my captain and colleagues take good care of me,” Kui Xin replied dryly.
“You can confide your worries to me,” Yang Xingyun said. “Kui Xin, those who make it into the Field Operations Team aren’t passive individuals. When you encounter problems, you must actively address them; don’t become passive.”
Kui Xin was taken aback.
“I indeed have some concerns.” She lowered her gaze, took a sip of tea, and then set down the cup. “Before, I also considered myself proactive—I diligently studied, strove to attend university, and worked hard to earn money… But recently, I’ve become very passive.”
“Passivity is often due to not having clearly defined goals,” Yang Xingyun said. “What is your goal? Have you thought about it?”
Uncertainly, Kui Xin replied, “To be wealthy?”
Yang Xingyun smiled. “See, even if you’re unsure about your goal. A goal should be instilled with motivation as soon as it’s mentioned. The tone in which you speak of your goal ought to be confident and resolute, rather than hesitant.”
Kui Xin furrowed her brows.
“Establishing a clear goal is indeed challenging, I understand. During my time at university, I went through a long period of uncertainty before ultimately realizing what I truly desired,” Yang Xingyun explained. “Take your time to think about it.”
“Alright.” Kui Xin nodded.
“Let’s first focus on addressing the immediate issue at hand,” Yang Xingyun said. “I heard from your captain that you’re very uncomfortable with killing.”
Kui Xin gently acknowledged this with a brief sound.
“Can you tell me how it feels?” Yang Xingyun asked.
“The sensation of harming something different versus harming someone similar is distinct. Do you understand this feeling, Director Yang?” Kui Xin replied.
“Alien creatures are considered different, so you can shoot without hesitation. But when facing humans, rational shooting becomes difficult for you, correct?” Yang Xingyun stated.
In response to his question, Kui Xin neither nodded nor shook her head.
In Kui Xin’s perception, she and Chai Jian were of the same kind, as were herself and Xi Liang. In the Second World, apart from players, everyone else appeared alien to her.
Kui Xin said, “I killed someone like myself. Even though I know I didn’t do anything wrong, it still troubles me deeply.”
“Humans’ empathy dictates that these emotions arise within you. As a security officer, you are destined to confront and grapple with such feelings,” Yang Xingyun explained. “Now let’s make a hypothetical scenario, Kui Xin.”
“What would you have done with Chai Jian if no aliens or parasitic hydras appeared during your mission?”
Without any hesitation, Kui Xin replied, “If he picked up a weapon, I would disable the hand holding it. If he wanted to continue resisting, I’d aim for his other hand next. Even without hands, there are still legs; until he loses the ability to resist, that’s when the captain can apprehend him.”
Yang Xingyun said, “Throughout this scenario, you never considered directly killing him as an option. You only aimed to render him incapable of resistance, correct?”
Kui Xin nodded.
“You’re a kind person, Kui Xin,” Yang Xingyun remarked.
If Chai Jian had resisted, Yadang would have deemed him a threat, leading her teammates to immediately kill him. Only by completely incapacitating Chai Jian could his life be spared. He couldn’t fight back, nor could he escape—struggling would have been futile.
Losing limbs can be compensated for with mechanical replacements, which might even prove better than the originals.
But losing one’s life means it is truly gone forever.
“There’s no point in discussing this hypothetical now; he’s dead,” Kui Xin said.
“In the future, you will face many similar situations. You…”
Before Yang Xingyun could finish, Kui Xin interjected, “I’m doing my best to control my empathy. It’s true that such scenarios will frequently arise in the future, but I am already working on overcoming them.”
“You’re also a strong person, Kui Xin,” Yang Xingyun said gently.