novelraw Chapter 20: Sea of Darkness -
Chapter 20: Sea of Darkness -
During this group meeting, Kui Xin did not obtain any particularly useful intelligence. The content mostly revolved around work assignments and relocations. Her biggest gain was seeing all members of the Field Operations Team at once, allowing her to match certain individuals’ faces with their information from the files.
The files did not comprehensively cover details for every member of the Field Operations Team. Some personnel had only brief introductions consisting of one or two sentences along with their names. Typically, those with more detailed profiles had worked in the Field Operations Team for over a year and had achieved various commendations, regardless of whether they were significant or minor. For members with less notable reputations and average accomplishments, their file information held little value.
After the meeting concluded, each squad gradually departed from the conference room.
Lan Lan approached Kui Xin and said, “How about we have a team dinner after work, Xiao Kui?”
“A team dinner?” Kui Xin was caught off guard.
With the formal addition of new colleagues, it was indeed customary to hold a gathering to foster camaraderie, as is typical in any workplace. However, Kui Xin had no intention of forming deep connections with people from the Second World. Her interactions with others were limited to casual conversations and friendly banter; she hadn’t even considered attending social gatherings like dinners.
Maintaining interpersonal relationships was essential for a competent undercover operative.
Kui Xin recalled a spy film in which a female spy character stated, “Do you know why I’ve been successful? Because I invested my emotions—genuine emotions. They felt my sincerity, so they trusted me.”
Building trust requires an emotional investment. Only by dedicating time and effort to this aspect can one earn the trust of others, and shared meals are an excellent way to strengthen bonds.
The invitation to a team dinner served as a reminder to Kui Xin that she couldn’t appear too distant from her colleagues.“Everyone’s going, and our captain is treating us,” Lan Lan said.
Jiang Ming walked over to the other side of Kui Xin. “We’re being transferred to the port soon, and there might not be such leisurely days afterward. Let’s make the most of this last day and relax properly.”
“We have a patrol mission tomorrow, so no alcohol,” Liu Kangyun said. “Just sharing a meal together is fine.”
“If someone else is treating us, we definitely should go.” After a brief consideration, Kui Xin agreed.
Shu Xuyao navigated through the crowd to join his teammates. “There are ten minutes left before our shift ends. Head to the break room, change into casual clothes, and then gather on the first floor.”
“Alrighty.” Lan Lan whistled cheerfully.
“Oh right, Kui Xin, what would you like to eat? I’ll make a reservation,” Shu Xuyao said, smiling.
Kui Xin pondered for a moment. “Meat. Any kind of meat will do.”
The nausea caused by encountering alien creatures had subsided. She had undergone extensive training in the afternoon, leaving her body severely depleted of energy; her stomach felt sour from hunger.
“How about we go for a barbecue, then?” suggested Shu Xuyao. “There’s a pretty good barbecue place in the city center.”
Everyone headed back to the break room to change their attire. While using the restroom, Kui Xin took the opportunity to check her messages on the bracelet. Red hadn’t sent any new updates, but Silver Mask, as usual, had bombarded her with numerous texts.
“Haven’t been exposed, right?”
“I can’t figure out if you’ve been caught and thus unable to reply, or simply too busy… Are you okay? If you were captured, Red would have informed me.”
“I went to Headquarters and updated our gear, picked up some weapons, and even brought you a professional disguise mask.”
“Today is so busy; I haven’t had time for meals.”
“Will you return to the safe house or go home tonight?”
Kui Xin coldly typed her reply: “Not exposed yet, still alive. Go home tonight; figure out dinner on your own.”
Silver Mask instantly responded with a string of ellipses.
After changing her clothes, Kui Xin took the elevator down to the first floor, where Lan Lan, Jiang Ming, and Liu Kangyun were already waiting for her.
“The captain drove off… here he comes!” Lan Lan pointed towards the reception hall entrance.
A flashy royal blue sports car was parked in the open space before the investigation building, its sleek lines reminiscent of a predatory shark. The sports car’s window rolled down, revealing Shu Xuyao inside.
He had changed into a casual black T-shirt, completely altering his demeanor from when he wore his uniform.
“Ah… this.” Kui Xin hesitated, unsure what to say.
“I’ll speak for you—this car is way too showy, nothing like the captain’s usual style.” Jiang Ming raised his eyebrows. “Riding in it feels like being chauffeured by a wealthy playboy cruising the streets with his rowdy buddies.”
“Old Jiang, don’t say that.” Smiling, Lan Lan opened the car door and gestured for Kui Xin to enter first. “The captain has always been a wealthy young master, after all.”
Honest Liu Kangyun added, “But we aren’t his shady friends or cronies.”
“… I can hear everything you’re saying,” Shu Xuyao remarked, somewhat exasperated.
Kui Xin got into the car, and the seatback automatically adjusted its angle to accommodate her posture.
Inside the vehicle, there was a pleasant fragrance, subtle enough to be enjoyable without causing any discomfort.
“This car is really cool and flashy,” Kui Xin said. “I just didn’t expect the captain’s taste to be like this.”
“The car was purchased by my family; it doesn’t reflect my personal aesthetic,” Shu Xuyao clarified helplessly.
As the car doors closed, the sports car automatically adjusted its direction based on navigation towards its destination, playing a soothing piano melody through the onboard speakers.
Only police vehicles had flying permissions within the city limits, while private vehicles were restricted to ground travel. However, most high-end sports cars have both ground-driving mode and aerial-driving mode, designed for affluent youngsters to race on suburban tracks.
The navigation system chose a less congested route, allowing them to reach the restaurant in just twenty minutes.
The projected signboard of the restaurant read “Farlander Barbecue”.
“Farlander?” Kui Xin stared at the sign, puzzled.
The Second World had achieved global unification. Although regions maintained high levels of autonomy, there was only one government worldwide—the Federal Government. Theoretically, everyone’s nationality should be identical, with no concept of “Farlanders.”
“The owner of this barbecue restaurant is from the Polar Regions and has since moved to Black Sea City. Their cooking style is quite rustic, featuring plenty of meat; you’ll likely enjoy it.” Shu Xuyao parked the car.
A smiling blonde waiter approached them cheerfully and said, “Your reserved room is on the third floor. Please follow me in the elevator.”
The waiter then turned to his colleague nearby and spoke a flurry of incomprehensible words… Kui Xin found it peculiar—why did that language sound so similar to Russian?
“Every time I hear them speak their regional language, it feels like they have springs in their mouths,” Lan Lan muttered under her breath.
The other teammates nodded in agreement.
This society encompassed multiple ethnicities and languages, with different regions having their own predominant dialects. Kui Xin believed that broadly speaking, the Second World should be a parallel universe to the First World. In her region, the official language was Mandarin, while the blond-haired, blue-eyed waiter before her spoke what sounded like Russian… Languages from other regions likely corresponded to English, German, French, etc., respectively.
“Crimson Earth” was a global game, with numerous foreign players making reservations. In the initial closed beta forums, alongside posts in Chinese, there were also many entries from foreigners. Kui Xin even used a translator to understand those posts.
The languages spoken in the Second World overlapped with those of the First World. As such, players transported here wouldn’t have to worry about miscommunication with the indigenous inhabitants upon arriving in this alternate world.
The barbecue restaurant’s decor was minimalistic, lacking any excessive ornaments or embellishments. Upon entering, one could smell the rich aroma of spices mingling with hints of charcoal in the air.
A chef with a bushy brown beard wheeled over a serving cart carrying an entire roasted lamb. Under the roast whole lamb lay layers of onions, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.
In heavily accented, broken Mandarin, the chef proclaimed, “Pure natural spices and genuine hardwood charcoal—none of that synthetic stuff! Industrial synthetics can’t replicate the perfection of a roast whole lamb like this!”
On the serving cart, ice buckets held chilled bottles of wine. Just as the chef was about to open them with a corkscrew, Shu Xuyao intervened, “Please remove the alcohol.”
“The wine is complimentary with the roast whole lamb,” the chef earnestly persuaded them. “Eating grilled meat without drinking lacks spirit; it’s meant for hearty bites of meat paired with generous gulps of wine!”
Shu Xuyao declined again, and the chef reluctantly put down the bottle opener.
Currently, most people consume synthetic soy meat. Real meat costs three times as much, so this entire roasted lamb must have been outrageously expensive. However, since Shu Xuyao could afford such a luxurious sports car, the expense of this meal may be insignificant to him.
Shu Xuyao poured juice for everyone and raised his glass. “The most significant event worth celebrating today is that our originally four-member Seventh Squad has welcomed its fifth member, our new comrade—a trustworthy companion who we can rely on.”
“Let’s work together, Xiao Kui.” Lan Lan lifted her cup.
“We’re all dependable individuals, and as teammates, we have a long time ahead to interact and build cohesion,” Jiang Ming said with a smile, raising his glass. “Welcome, Kui Xin.”
Lastly, Liu Kangyun raised his glass. “If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask me. I’ll teach you. Welcome aboard.”
Kui Xin clinked glasses with each of them, expressing herself seriously. “Thank you, everyone! From now on, I will strive my utmost to be a reliable and supportive teammate.”
After everyone had their fill, half of the roasted whole lamb remained. Each person took a portion to pack and bring home.
Kui Xin declined Shu Xuyao’s offer to escort her back, instead strolling alone through the city center streets with her share of roast lamb.
Pedestrians bustled by; neon lights cast their glow on her; and various advertisement projections flickered around her. However, unlike her first encounter, she no longer felt curious enough to patiently observe them.
Kui Xin didn’t want to return home. Going home meant facing Silver Mask, discussing her operational plans after transferring to the coastal security force with Red, and worrying about the traitor situation.
All these issues overwhelmed her.
It was only the fourth day—the mere fourth day since she crossed over.
On the first day, Kui Xin recuperated from her injuries in the Recovery Pod. That night, while returning home, she encountered two robbers, marking her first kill.
On the second day, Kui Xin immersed herself in studying this world’s information through documents, making it a relatively relaxed day.
On the third day, she received a field operation assignment, where she assassinated Player Chai Jian during the mission. Later that evening, she met members of the Mechanical Dawn Organization. On her way home, she faced an attack orchestrated by the traitor, narrowly escaping death.
Today was the fourth day. Kui Xin successfully passed the assessments conducted by the group leaders of each Investigation Department team and secured her permanent position. Shu Xuyao then took her for orientation training.
Recalling all the events she had experienced over the past few days, Kui Xin couldn’t help but curse under her breath, “What kind of hellish life is this?!”
She felt like flipping off fate itself.
This existence was truly overwhelming; Kui Xin had never lived such a hectic life before! In just a short span of time, she transformed into a master of time management—working at the Investigation Department during the day and for Mechanical Dawn at night, while squeezing in moments to study and enrich herself amidst the dual jobs…
It was now the evening of the fourth day, and Kui Xin didn’t head home. Instead, she leisurely walked along the streets, occasionally checking her bracelet for any new message notifications, curious about what further “surprises” awaited her tonight.
Kui Xin’s inner calm remained unshaken, regardless of whether it would be pleasant surprises or shocking scares. Anyone who faced numerous life-and-death situations within four days would undergo a profound change in mindset.
It’s akin to being startled on your first visit to a haunted house, but after frequent visits, you become hard to frighten because your courage has been well-honed. Eventually, even seeing ghosts leaping out with menacing gestures might make you want to laugh instead.
Although the night’s surprises and shocks had not yet materialized, Kui Xin had a premonition that this evening could not possibly pass by peacefully.
Reality proved her right.
Red sent a communication: “Rich Lady, the traitor has been identified, consistent with your guess—it’s Ball Python.”
“Do you have a plan?” Kui Xin’s tone was icy.
Red replied, “Kill Ball Python, obtain his blood, and then bring it to me. You know my superhuman ability; once I possess his blood, he will hold no secrets from me. I want to know which side planted him as our organization’s mole.”
Red’s superhuman ability involves memory reading? And the medium is blood?
“Alright.” Kui Xin paused briefly before asking, “What about Thorny Rose?”
“There’s no issue with her,” Red said. “She’ll assist you, and I am confident in her capabilities.”
“Hm,” Kui Xin acknowledged. “I understand.”
“As soon as possible, Rich Lady,” Red urged. “Our mission to sabotage Mooring Harbor cannot afford any mistakes. It’s best to act within the next few days and nip the danger in the bud. My and Bartender’s superhuman abilities aren’t suited for combat but can provide remote support if needed. If you require more manpower, call Headquarters… Given your nature, though, I suspect you’d prefer taking care of the traitor yourself, correct?”
Kui Xin ended the conversation, her mind rapidly spinning with thoughts.
The traitor was indeed Ball Python, just as her intuition had guided her to conclude.
She halted at a bustling intersection with traffic lights, lost in thought, pondering how to safely and securely kill Ball Python.
Calmly deducing and serenely formulating a murder plan, she considered:
Plan 1: Under the guise of a mission, call out Ball Python and have Silver Mask and Thorny Rose surround and eliminate him.
Plan 2: Have Thorny Rose report on Ball Python’s movements, then ambush and snipe him along his inevitable path.
Both methods left room for execution, but they could only try once. If Ball Python detected anything unusual, the mission would fail. Once he was aware that his undercover identity had been exposed, Ball Python would not allow them another opportunity to act.
“Among the equipment you brought back, are there any guns?” Kui Xin sent a message to Silver Mask.
“There are handguns and microbombs,” Silver Mask promptly replied. “I only carried a small box of bullets; I couldn’t manage more.”
“That’s insufficient. Go to the port’s armory and retrieve a sniper rifle. Look for the K80 model, or if unavailable, take another type,” Kui Xin instructed. “Bring extra ammunition.”
“Alright… It seems like I’ll have to make multiple trips; it’s impossible to carry everything in one go,” Silver Mask grumbled.
Kui Xin pondered for a moment, then to maintain Silver Mask’s motivation, she decided to stroke his ego. “I brought roast lamb.”
“I’m heading to the armory right away!” Silver Mask’s response quickened even further.
The green light at the intersection lit up, and Kui Xin crossed the street with the flow of pedestrians, arriving at the electric railcar stop to wait for her ride.
While waiting, Kui Xin calculated various possibilities, striving to ensure that this assassination plan would be foolproof.
What prompted her to act so proactively, cautiously, and resolutely in wanting to kill Ball Python was not Red’s directive or the fear of her undercover identity being exposed—it was a desire for revenge.
A fierce desire for vengeance.
Kui Xin could not tolerate someone who sought her demise while living peacefully in the world; this marked the first time she genuinely wanted another person dead.