novelraw Chapter 17: Sea of Darkness - (17)
Chapter 17: Sea of Darkness - (17)
Standing before the Investigation Department building, Kui Xin felt as if she had just escaped a tiger’s den only to enter a wolf’s lair.
In the morning, she accessed the city’s sewer system through a hidden passage beneath the safe house’s wardrobe, emerging by lifting a manhole cover in an alleyway several blocks away. From there, she took a floating electric railcar.
Black Sea City, being a coastal city, had a well-developed drainage system with sewers wide enough for two sports cars to run side by side. Due to frequent heavy rains over the past few days, the water level in the sewers has risen significantly. However, today the rain stopped, and the water levels were gradually decreasing.
To avoid getting the sewer smell on herself, Kui Xin specifically called upon Silver Mask. She asked him to create a water barrier that not only repelled odors but also displaced wastewater, ensuring her safe arrival at her destination.
“I always feel like following you unlock new applications for my superhuman abilities…” Silver Mask murmured pensively.
From washing dishes, watering plants, and mopping floors to using water as a protective layer against unpleasant smells, her utilization of his superhuman ability was truly versatile.
After Kui Xin boarded the electric railcar, Silver Mask departed.
At 5 a.m., while she was sleeping, Red sent her a message instructing her to go to work as usual without worrying about the traitor’s potential betrayal. He mentioned that he had already made progress in investigating the matter.
Kui Xin decided to attend work not solely because of Red’s message, but because it was a necessity. If she avoided going to work and went missing, suspicion would arise within the Investigation Department. If last night’s mastermind behind the scenes was their undercover agent, they could deduce her true identity from her disappearance. At that point, suspicion would turn into certainty, leaving her no choice but to take the risk.
Within Mechanical Dawn, Kui Xin was considered a key member, but she didn’t know exactly how significant her role and value were. Was her personal safety more important, or were her undercover identity and intelligence crucial? Would Mechanical Dawn sacrifice her life for the latter?If Kui Xin’s entire worth lay solely in her undercover status, losing this cover would mean forfeiting her value. A person without value wouldn’t be deemed important; she would be abandoned by the Mechanical Dawn Organization.
Kui Xin had already witnessed glimpses of Mechanical Dawn’s iron-bloodedness and cruelty. She could not afford to lose her value.
As for considering escape, Kui Xin thought about it, but she couldn’t actually carry it out.
Mechanical Dawn had control over her biological information, her account, and every aspect of her existence. Chai Jian managed to flee from the mental hospital, but in this highly advanced technological society, he found himself unable to move freely. The surveillance cameras watched over the city; high-tech devices searched for his trail; and with cashless accounts frozen, he couldn’t even buy food.
Kui Xin could foresee the challenges she would face if she tried to escape from Chai Jian’s predicament.
Apart from these challenges, Kui Xin would also face relentless pursuit. Silver Mask might be foolishly naive, but he was still a competent assassin. His obedience stemmed from Kui Xin being his superior and a core member of Mechanical Dawn. If Kui Xin escaped, Silver Mask would absolutely not spare her; he would transform from a useful tool to a blade aimed at her.
The identities of the trainee security officer and Mechanical Dawn member—these were Kui Xin’s protective umbrellas within the Second World.
Until she had enough capability to protect herself, she needed to carefully maintain her roles and embody them fully.
“Welcome back, Trainee Security Officer Kui Xin,” Yadang greeted her as usual upon her entry.
“Good morning, Xiao Kui,” Lan Lan said from behind.
“Morning, Lan Lan.” Kui Xin glanced back briefly.
Lan Lan, concerned, asked, “Why do you have such dark circles under your eyes? Did you not sleep well last night?”
“Yes, I barely slept at all.” Kui Xin yawned and stepped into the elevator.
“I have coffee; should I make you some to help you stay alert?” Lan Lan offered.
“No need; it’s too bitter for me,” Kui Xin pressed the elevator button. “There are tea bags in the break room; I’ll just brew some tea.”
Lan Lan smiled. “Is it nervousness about the upcoming interview that kept you awake?”
“That’s one factor,” Kui Xin sighed.
Inside the elevator, there was an electronic screen displaying the time as 07:58. The Investigation Department’s work hours started at eight o’clock, and in approximately an hour, she would have her interview.
Kui Xin stepped out of the elevator, and the communicator in her pocket beeped.
Lan Lan’s communicator also sounded, and he retrieved it to check. “Yadang has sent today’s work schedule. Let me see… Excellent, no missions; we won’t need to go on field duty.”
Typically, when urgent tasks required immediate attention, Yadang would notify squad members right away through the internal broadcast system of the Investigation Building. If there were no missions to execute, the day’s work schedule and training plans would be sent via email to each member’s personal communicator for review.
Kui Xin opened her mail and, unsurprisingly found today’s arrangement written therein—an interview.
No training, no field operations, just a single interview.
If she failed the interview, Kui Xin would lose her job, so there was no need to send further task schedules.
“I’m going to the tech room for my shift now. Good luck with your interview.” Lan Lan raised his hand.
After a moment, Kui Xin realized that Lan Lan wanted a high-five, so she raised her hand as well.
“Clap!” Their palms met.
Lan Lan turned and left, while Kui Xin pondered whether to use this spare hour for firearms training at Area A or to catch up on sleep in the rest area.
Before she could decide, Yadang announced, “Intern Security Officer Kui Xin, your interview time has been changed. Please immediately report to Room 5313 on the fifth floor; your interviewer is waiting for you.”
Kui Xin, surprised, asked, “Why was it changed?”
“There have been temporary work adjustments. I apologize, but I am unable to provide further details. Please proceed promptly to Room 5313 on the fifth floor for your interview,” Yadang replied.
“Okay.” Kui Xin turned and pressed the elevator button.
In the Investigation Department, temporary assignments and unforeseen circumstances were quite common. It’s possible that Kui Xin’s interview timing conflicted with one of the interviewers’ schedules, leading to the change.
As the elevator ascended, Kui Xin gently regulated her breathing. Once the elevator doors opened, she stepped out steadily onto the corridor.
“Please follow the green indicator lights ahead,” Yadang instructed, marking the direction and route to Room 5313 for Kui Xin.
Navigating through the long corridor, Kui Xin stopped before Room 5313. The metal door silently swung open, and she entered.
Before her eyes, she saw a long black table with four individuals seated behind it, comprising two men and two women.
There was a man with graying hair and a steady gaze, a young male wearing a suit, his neatly combed hair framing gold-rimmed glasses, a middle-aged woman exuding efficiency and seriousness reminiscent of Kui Xin’s high school homeroom teacher, and an elegantly poised woman with vibrant red, wavy hair.
Instantly, Kui Xin matched these figures to the information stored in her mind. The gray-haired man was Chen Dongchang, the leader of the Logistics Support Group; the young man with gold-rimmed glasses was Gong Zi’an, the head of the Information Technology Group. The middle-aged woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Kui Xin’s high school homeroom teacher, was Wei Zhi, the leader of the Field Operations Team—she was also Kui Xin and Shu Xuyao’s direct superior.
Finally, the redheaded woman was none other than Jiang Meimei, the renowned leader of the Criminal Investigation Unit.
“Kui Xin, is it?” Wei Zhi asked. “Please have a seat.”
“Yes, greetings to all the group leaders,” Kui Xin responded as she sat down, facing the four interviewers.
Wei Zhi nodded and said matter-of-factly, “Shu Xuyao submitted your application for full-time status. I’ve reviewed your performance records and field operation logs during your internship period. You’re indeed exceptional, but whether you can remain in the Investigation Department depends on your upcoming interview.”
“I understand, and I’m ready.” Kui Xin prepared herself, fully alert.
Not only did Wei Zhi’s demeanor resemble Kui Xin’s homeroom teacher, but her tone of voice was also similar. Despite initially composing herself and feeling calm, Wei Zhi inadvertently became nervous around Wei Zhi. The grueling high school experience had left an indelible shadow on Kui Xin; the fear of nodding off during class and suddenly finding the homeroom teacher right before her eyes was practically etched into her bones.
At that moment, Jiang Meimei smiled and said, “There’s no need to be so tense. Relax, just answer our questions—it’s like having a casual conversation.”
Jiang Meimei’s manner of speaking reminded Kui Xin of Yang Xingyun from the psychotherapy office. Upon closer inspection, Jiang Meimei bore some resemblance to Yang Xingyun… Could they possibly be related by blood?
Chen Dongchang, the head of the Logistics Support Group, asked, “Are you adapting well to the Investigation Department, Kui Xin?”
When he didn’t speak, he appeared authoritative and influential, but once he opened his mouth, it seemed as though he transformed into a friendly uncle or elder relative.
Kui Xin felt her tightly wound nerves begin to relax slightly.
She decided to stick strictly to the truth, nothing more, nothing less.
“I believe I’m adjusting quite well. For most tasks, I am capable, but there are a few areas where my performance falls short due to being new to them. My mindset also needs further adjustment,” Kui Xin said. “I will strive to overcome these aspects.”
“Do you wish to continue working in the Investigation Department?” Chen Dongchang asked.
“Yes,” Kui Xin replied carefully, choosing her words. “However, this job sometimes involves significant risks, and there are moments when I worry about getting injured or even losing my life.”
Jiang Meimei questioned, “Despite fearing for your life, you still want to work here?”
“If we disregard the risk factor, I believe being a security officer is an excellent job with high compensation, ample opportunities for career advancement, and supportive colleagues around me,” Kui Xin stated truthfully.
If she could secure a civil servant position in the First World, obtaining that coveted stable career, Kui Xin would practically wake up smiling from joy in her dreams. The Investigation Department belongs to the Federation, making it a legitimate government agency. Compared to other places, its salary and benefits are considerably more generous. If Kui Xin were a native of the Second World, this job within the Investigation Department would indeed be her optimal choice.
“We have reviewed your family background information,” said Gong Zi’an, the head of the Information Technology Group. “To attend university, you incurred a substantial amount of student loans, correct?”
“My family’s financial situation isn’t very good.” Kui Xin responded, seemingly answering but actually avoiding the direct question.
She refrained from giving a straightforward “yes” or “no.”
Gong Zi’an pointedly asked, “The motivation for you to work in the Investigation Department is money, correct?”
Kui Xin considered her response: “As someone with modest family circumstances, I fully understand the importance of having a stable and well-paying job… However, compensation isn’t the primary reason why I want to stay.”
“Please elaborate,” Gong Zi’an said.
“I wish to remain because it’s the best option for me. In the Investigation Department, I can acquire knowledge, improve myself, receive a salary, benefit from supportive colleagues, and enjoy a favorable working environment. Apart from the high risks and stress involved, I am quite satisfied with everything else… It would be difficult to find a better alternative; that’s my reason for staying.” Kui Xin smiled slightly and was somewhat bashful. “Apologies if that sounds too blunt, but I’m a pragmatist.”
“Most people in the Investigation Department are pragmatists, including myself,” Gong Zi’an said as he adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. “While the brilliance of idealism may be dazzling, it’s by being grounded in reality that one can progress further.”
The expressions of the four interviewers remained unchanged, and Kui Xin felt reassured. She believed she had answered well so far, without revealing any suspicious points.
As a transmigrator, Kui Xin could reveal part of her truth. If it were her original self answering these questions, honesty would not have been possible.
When Gong Zi’an asked why she wanted to work for the Investigation Department, she couldn’t possibly respond with, “Because the organization sent me as an undercover agent, I want to stay.”
Such an answer was absolutely unacceptable. Yet if she couldn’t tell the truth, she’d have to lie. However, lying wouldn’t escape detection by their superhuman ability “Lie Identification,” and even high-tech polygraphs might discern when someone is being deceitful. It would be difficult for a liar to pass the interview successfully.
Chen Dongchang stated, “We have a set of evaluation criteria to determine whether interns qualify to become full-time employees, with psychological assessments being a critical component.”
“Do you mean resilience under pressure and mental health?” Kui Xin asked.
“Yes.” Chen Dongchang’s voice resonated deeply. “You should understand the level of danger involved in our work. I heard that previously, you suffered injuries requiring an alloy skull implant.”
“The alloy skull is highly effective; it provides excellent protection for my head,” Kui Xin replied.
“Every year, the Federation allocates funds to the Investigation Department, with a significant portion used for compensation to families of casualties. This job is one that constantly brushes with death; you face not only the deaths of enemies but also those of your teammates,” Chen Dongchang said. “We want to ascertain if you have the mental fortitude to handle such pressure.”
“I believe I do possess that resilience,” Kui Xin replied. “I haven’t experienced the loss of a teammate, only the deaths of enemies. Reflecting on those moments now, I feel much calmer.”
Wei Zhi directly met Kui Xin’s gaze. “Shu Xuyao submitted your records. Your first kill was very recent, targeting two robbers on Anning Street.”
“Yes,” Kui Xin affirmed this time. These were indeed her experiences—their statement accurately described her first kill, so there was no need for her response to be ambiguous.
She continued, “During the incident at Anning Street, my reaction was excessive. The optimal approach would not involve killing; I understand that.”
“Your second kill was Chai Jian, an escaped mentally ill criminal?” Wei Zhi asked.
“Yes,” Kui Xin confirmed.
“How did it feel during your first kill?” Wei Zhi asked.
Before Kui Xin could respond, Jiang Meimei, standing next to Wei Zhi, interjected, “If you don’t wish to recall it, you can decline to answer. I understand that reliving such experiences is not pleasant.”
Kui Xin paused but chose to reply, “Panicked, confused, fearful, unreal… and nauseated.”
“What differences did you experience between your second kill compared to the first?” Wei Zhi persisted.
“During the second time, I felt even more uncertain,” Kui Xin murmured. “However, I became more proactive. I voluntarily fired the shot, consciously thinking and judging. After careful deliberation, I decided to deprive Chai Jian of his life… I do not regret doing so.”
There was a subtle softening in Wei Zhi’s tone. “Your respect for life is commendable. Excessive rationality leads to coldness, while excessive emotionality signifies weakness. Striking a clear balance between reason and emotion is what you need to achieve.”
“I understand; thank you for the reminder,” Kui Xin said softly.
“You’ve visited the psychotherapy room, haven’t you?” Jiang Meimei asked. “How did it feel receiving psychological counseling?”
“I’ve been there already. Director Yang is very kind; chatting with him feels quite relaxing. I also like the interior decoration of the psychological therapy office,” Kui Xin remarked jokingly. “Hmm… if I ever have my own office in the future, I’ll consider adopting Director Yang’s decorating style.”
Jiang Meimei chuckled softly and said, “You’re an interesting person, Kui Xin.”
“May I ask, somewhat presumptuously, if you and Director Yang are relatives?” Kui Xin queried, puzzled. “You both look remarkably similar and share a similar manner of speaking.”
“I’m his cousin,” Jiang Meimei replied. “His university major was psychology, whereas mine specialized in criminal investigative psychology. He became a therapist, and I became a security officer.”
Kui Xin nodded understandingly, saying, “I see.”
“Some individuals strongly resist psychotherapy and counseling, especially those with assertive personalities who have achieved success in certain fields. They tend to be particularly stubborn about this aspect, believing that mental health issues are trivial. However, psychological treatment is essential. While they may possess robust physical strength and exceptional intellect, that doesn’t guarantee an unbreakable spirit. People often refuse to expose their vulnerable side in front of others,” Jiang Meimei explained. “Our Investigation Department has many such stubborn individuals. Don’t emulate them; if you encounter any issues, promptly seek help at the psychological therapy office.”
“I will remember your advice,” Kui Xin assured her.
Gong Zi’an looked at Kui Xin and asked, “Do you have any goals you wish to achieve?”
Kui Xin replied, “I don’t have long-term goals for now, but my short-term goal is to excel in my work, strive for advancement, and diligently study.”
“We must be pragmatic; it’s not enough to focus only on the present. One should look far ahead,” Gong Zi’an said.
Jiang Meimei chuckled. “I quite like you, Kui Xin. After your probation period ends, would you consider transferring to our Criminal Investigation Unit? Your specialization is criminal investigation techniques, and I’ve seen that your grades are quite impressive, with solid theoretical foundations.”
Wei Zhi raised her eyebrows. “Already trying to poach someone?”
Absolutely cannot transfer there, Kui Xin thought alertly.
According to rumors, Jiang Meimei’s superhuman ability was “Lie Detection.” If Kui Xin transferred, her interactions with Jiang Meimei would skyrocket, and she couldn’t possibly lie every single time they met. Moreover, Kui Xin possessed no theoretical knowledge of criminal investigation techniques at all; she was still struggling through her studies. Transferring would be disastrous.
Kui Xin quickly devised an excuse: “I told Captain Shu that unless another unit’s captain shows as much consideration for their subordinates as he does, I wouldn’t apply for a transfer…”
A hint of amusement flickered across Wei Zhi’s stern face.
Jiang Meimei feigned disappointment and said, “Alright, what a pity, Kui Xin.”
Chen Dongchang’s communicator vibrated on his body. He glanced down at it and promptly stood up, stating, “I have duties to attend to, so I must leave now, everyone.”
He swiftly exited the conference room without pausing, giving a brief nod towards his colleagues as a farewell.
The remaining three interviewers posed a few more questions to Kui Xin, which she answered steadily. The entire interview process lasted approximately fifteen minutes.
“The interview can conclude here,” Jiang Meimei said. “We started the interviews early due to time constraints; most of us have tasks to execute, making scheduling difficult.” She checked the time and said, “I have matters to attend to immediately.”
Kui Xin couldn’t resist asking, “So does this mean I passed the interview?”
“Of course.” Jiang Meimei smiled broadly. “Congratulations on officially joining the Investigation Department, Kui Xin.”
Wei Zhi also smiled slightly and said, “You’re quite impressive, Kui Xin.”
Gong Zi’an added, “Shortly, your information within the Investigation Department will be updated, and additionally, your citizen grade will be promoted from Grade 4 to Grade 3. Welcome aboard.”
Citizen rank was of great importance.
Based on one’s citizen rank, the social benefits and treatment they received varied. For example, when applying for loans at a bank, individuals with higher citizen ranks often had easier access to low-interest loans. Monthly pension disbursements and insurance services also offered different levels of preferential treatment.
Most law-abiders were Level 4 Citizens, those with minor criminal records were Level 5 Citizens, and individuals with significant criminal histories were Level 6 Citizens. Level 6 citizens were stripped of their political rights. Kui Xin’s being promoted to Level 3 Citizen signified her status as a member of the Federation government, distinguishing her from ordinary citizens.
This was a world with clear-cut class divisions.
Kui Xin vaguely surmised that the interview assessment wasn’t focused on her individual abilities but rather on her character.
The interviewers aimed to verify if she was lying, whether her identity was genuine, and if her intention to join the Investigation Department harbored any ulterior motives. As long as there were no issues with her identity or intentions, securing her permanent position would be virtually guaranteed.
Wei Zhi approached Kui Xin and said, “Go find your captain; he will provide you with formal training for new members.”
“Training?” Kui Xin was taken aback.
“Yes, training,” Wei Zhi said with profound meaning. “To introduce you to another side of the world… In truth, you’ve already glimpsed it somewhat; it’s just that you lack a systematic understanding of those entities.”
Kui Xin realized what she was referring to: “You mean…”
“Alien Creatures. The parasitic hydra you encountered during your previous mission is just one type among many. There exist numerous other species, some even more dangerous and possessing more terrifying abilities,” Wei Zhi explained. “Go see for yourself, Kui Xin. This world holds far more secrets than you can imagine.”