novelraw Chapter 25: Sea of Darkness -
Chapter 25: Sea of Darkness -
“Port inspection records for August 1st.
At 9:23 AM, a fight occurred; two individuals were detained, and three others received criticism and education.
At 10:56 AM, workers at Dock No. 5 engaged in a brawl over trivial matters. They were brought back to the harbor watch station to cool off and receive disciplinary counseling.
At 3:11 PM, a robbery was reported. Upon arrival at the location, the suspect had already fled. After collecting evidence from the crime scene, the victim was taken back to the security office for a statement.
At 6:05 PM, vagrants gathered in the alleyway at Anning Street, No. 168, to consume drugs. They were apprehended on the spot and escorted to the inspection building headquarters for further interrogation.”
“Port inspection records for August 2nd.
At 8:02 AM, a floating corpse was discovered at the southeast corner of Dock No. 5. The deceased individual has been identified as a dock worker, with the cause of death being alcohol-induced drowning. The initial investigation showed no signs of foul play, and the case was determined to be an accidental death. The body was claimed by their family at 12:32 PM.”
“August 2nd, Port Patrol Records.
Afternoon 13:56, street brawl; five individuals detained.
Afternoon 15:14, street brawl; four individuals detained.Evening 17:09, an armed street clash involving steel pipes, pry bars, bone-cutting knives, old-style revolvers, and other weapons by both conflicting parties. The patrol security team’s warnings were ineffective, leading to two fatalities from gunfire. Remaining participants were detained.”
“What a lovely… truly peaceful day coming to an end once again. It was another easy-going day.” Kui Xin, seated in her office, typed the final character onto the screen and stretched lazily.
As a newcomer, Kui Xin had many things to learn. For instance, how to write reports and how to correctly handle various disputes while patrolling the port.
Kui Xin authored all of the recent reports, and the work logs were inserted into Yadang’s system for archiving.
For two consecutive days, nothing eventful occurred.
Silver Mask diligently collected data each day, and after Thorny Rose received her mechanical hand, she took on some shared responsibilities. Consequently, Red contacted Kui Xin less frequently, presumably because their mission was reaching a critical phase. With the vast size of the docks and the dense patrols of security officers, gathering data was no simple task.
Kui Xin hadn’t worked evening shifts for Mechanical Dawn for two straight days, which felt somewhat unusual to her. Working only one job left her with more leisure time; at least she could now spare some hours in the evenings for studying.
The thought of the stacks of thick, specialized books in her room made Kui Xin’s head ache. Completing four years’ worth of university coursework within just a few days seemed utterly unrealistic. Fortunately, at present, she didn’t need advanced knowledge in criminal investigation; most emergencies encountered at the port could typically be resolved with brute force.
“Are you done writing, Kui Xin?” Shu Xuyao, stationed at a nearby desk, was organizing documents and turned off the projector as he said, “Thanks for your hard work today.”
“It wasn’t hard at all. The report is only a few hundred words long. Captain, you’ve been working much harder than me.” Kui Xin clicked save and also switched off the projector.
“It’s time to clock out; let’s go.” Shu Xuyao glanced at the time.
Patrolling duties for the coastal security force were divided into day shifts and night shifts. Daytime work was relatively easy, while nighttime assignments were the most dangerous. Under the cover of darkness, various sordid activities emerged.
Like repulsive insects, they burrow underground to hide during harsh sunlight but swarm out and crawl everywhere once the gloomy night falls.
People can never fully comprehend how frenzied Black Sea City becomes under the veil of darkness.
“We’ll be on night patrol duty tomorrow, right?” Kui Xin asked.
Shu Xuyao said, “Yes, you don’t need to come during the day; your shift starts at 8 PM.”
The intense nighttime patrols often leave people exhausted, so the day and night shifts have always been rotated, changing every two days. Recently, the Seventh Squad had been assigned daytime patrol, but starting tomorrow, it would be their turn for nighttime duty.
“Wanna walk around together?” Shu Xuyao invited.
“Sure, let’s stroll around. Kui Xin nodded naturally. “The evenings are quite cool, much better than the daytime.”
Patrolling the docks during the day was unbearably hot—despite temperatures soaring above thirty degrees Celsius, they still had to wear heavy gear to guard against accidents.
Kui Xin’s habitual posture while patrolling these past few days involved maintaining an upright stance, constantly vigilant with her senses alert, her right hand ever-ready on the holster at her waist, prepared to draw her gun.
Ever since hearing from veteran coastal security force colleagues that they frequently encountered armed gang members near the port, she has become somewhat hyper-sensitive. What if, while on patrol, a gang member harboring resentment against the Investigation Department suddenly emerged and took her out with a single bullet?
Kui Xin didn’t want to meet such a demise, so she remained vigilant, keeping her hand near her holster while patrolling.
If someone intended to take her out, she would strike first and eliminate them.
And that’s precisely what she did earlier today during the group brawl. Showing no mercy, she took down the leader of the opposing faction with just two shots.
Kui Xin and Shu Xuyao changed into their regular clothes and exited the Coastal Security Office. Following the usual route she took, Shu Xuyao escorted her home.
“How have you been feeling these past few days?” Shu Xuyao asked with concern.
“I’m doing alright,” Kui Xin replied. “The emotions might be stronger the first or second time such situations occur… but they gradually fade afterwards.”
“You’re the most adaptable new recruit I’ve ever encountered,” Shu Xuyao remarked.
“Thank you for the compliment, Captain.” Kui Xin calmly accepted his praise.
“As the only intern recruited early from the Black Sea Academy, it must be challenging to find others who share your mindset for meaningful discussions. Seeing how well you’ve adapted to the Investigation Department’s work puts my mind at ease,” Shu Xuyao said. “In reality, following the standard procedure, you’d need more training before handling tasks independently. Assigning you to patrol duties was somewhat rushed.”
Kui Xin responded, “Don’t worry about my mindset; I was well aware of Port Bay’s chaos beforehand. Having mentally prepared myself, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.”
“You’re right, you are from the Port Bay District,” Shu Xuyao said. “In another month, there will be external recruitment. Once we train more new recruits, the pressure on us should ease significantly. For now, we can only bear with it.”
“I understand; these are extraordinary times,” Kui Xin acknowledged understandingly. “It has indeed become more chaotic than before.”
The sky had grown somewhat dark, and the wind felt cool. Lights illuminated the low residential buildings in the Port Bay District.
“Kui Xin, you must realize that being a security officer not only requires learning to withstand pressure but also resisting temptations,” Shu Xuyao stated.
“What do you mean?” Kui Xin turned her head, feigning ignorance.
“You’re too young. Although you’ve witnessed some dark aspects, the most filthy and sinister things far exceed your imagination,” Shu Xuyao explained. “Do you know why our coastal security teams rotate every month?”
Kui Xin adopted a posture indicating she was all ears.
“It’s due to bribery,” Shu Xuyao whispered. “Smugglers at the port bribe the permanently stationed coastal security teams, turning them into accomplices for illicit activities.”
Kui Xin wasn’t particularly surprised by this revelation; such issues existed everywhere, differing only in scale and severity.
“By rotating squads monthly at the Coastal Security Office, it increases the cost of bribery for illicit forces. Each time a new group is deployed, they must spend time and money to establish connections,” Kui Xin guessed, continuing Shu Xuyao’s explanation. “Is that correct, Captain?”
“Yes, it’s a workaround with no perfect solution,” Shu Xuyao said. “We cannot completely eliminate these occurrences.”
“Captain, I believe you’re a person of integrity and kindness.” Kui Xin glanced hesitantly at Shu Xuyao. “You wouldn’t engage in corruption or accept bribes, would you?”
Taken aback, Shu Xuyao responded, “What are you implying? Would someone involved in corruption openly explain these matters to you?”
“But what if you want to silence me, intending to discuss dividing the spoils together?” Kui Xin rubbed her chin as she suggested.
“All right, I know you’re joking, Kui Xin.” Shu Xuyao was caught between laughter and tears.
“As a wealthy young master, Captain, I doubt you’d be interested in such small sums of money,” Kui Xin said. “Working under your leadership gives me great confidence.”
“Thank you for your trust,” replied Shu Xuyao.
Kui Xin thought deeply and responded, “You mentioned earlier that we can’t completely prevent such incidents… A month is not a short period; it’s possible someone might indeed be bribed. In other words, besides facing threats from gang members, there could also be times when our teammates betray us?”
“That’s correct,” Shu Xuyao said. “The world is incredibly complex, as are human hearts. Kui Xin, having just graduated from university, you need to adapt not only to combat but also to this society.”
“My parents aren’t around, and I don’t have any reliable relatives or elders nearby who could guide me on these matters,” Kui Xin paused before continuing, “You’re the first person to teach me about the intricacies of human relationships, Captain.”
“Having someone to mentor you is far better than figuring everything out alone through trial and error,” Shu Xuyao replied. “When you don’t understand something, ask questions; if you lack knowledge, learn from others. Over time, you’ll gradually grasp these skills.”
“Okay, understood,” Kui Xin answered. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
They strolled together until they reached the building where Kui Xin lived.
“I’m home now, Captain. You should head back soon,” Kui Xin said.
“Rest well during the day; otherwise, you won’t be able to handle night shifts.” Shu Xuyao nodded his farewell to Kui Xin. “Goodbye, Kui Xin.”
Kui Xin stood at the entrance of her building, watching Shu Xuyao’s figure disappear around the street corner.
She turned and climbed upstairs, opening the door to her home.
Silver Mask sat on a chair near the dining table, idly playing with water spheres out of boredom. “Who was that guy down there? You talked for quite a while.”
Kui Xin raised an eyebrow. “You saw him?”
“I saw him, but he didn’t see me,” Silver Mask replied.
“Be cautious. He is my superior from the Investigation Department.” Kui Xin stepped inside, changed her shoes, and went to the bathroom to remove the sunscreen from her face.
She frowned when she checked the kitchen. “We’re out of ingredients… Let’s just buy some food from the convenience store for now. I’m not in the mood to cook.”
Kui Xin walked back to the door, changed her shoes again, and prepared to leave. “Next time, after completing a mission, remember to go grocery shopping.”
“Oh, alright,” Silver Mask mumbled, slumping over the table listlessly.
As Kui Xin descended downstairs, she pondered briefly before heading towards a nearby convenience store based on her recollection.
Her fellow townsman Xi Liang’s parents owned a convenience store in the Second World. Since she needed to purchase items anyway, she thought it would be convenient to gather more information about his situation while there.
“Welcome,” a muffled robotic voice from an old-fashioned announcement machine greeted her as she pushed open the door.
The convenience store was not large, but it offered a comprehensive range of items, including daily necessities and various foods.
The sound of wheels rolling echoed nearby.
“Senior?”
“…Xi Liang?”
Kui Xin, taken aback, examined Xi Liang, who was seated in a wheelchair with his body covered in bandages and casts. Even his head was tightly wrapped, revealing only his eyes, nose, and mouth—a sight that looked exceptionally pitiful.
“What happened to you?” Kui Xin asked, astonished. “It’s been just a few days since we last saw each other, and look at your condition.”
Xi Liang pursed his lips. “I got hit by a car while delivering food… The one who hit me is a spoiled rich kid, incredibly arrogant.”
“Were there any compensations?” Kui Xin inquired.
“He said it would have to go through legal procedures; I won’t receive compensation for at least three months,” Xi Liang lamented sadly. “My legs have lost sensation, requiring mechanical prosthetics. My parents are trying to raise money…”
As he spoke, tears streamed down his face.
During this period, Xi Liang experienced profound hardships like never before. He had never felt life to be so arduous and suffocatingly difficult.
The initial excitement and anticipation of his transmigration were gradually extinguished by harsh realities. The injuries and physical pain he sustained in this world were genuine; everything he experienced was true. The Game System he carried seemed merely decorative, serving no purpose beyond checking its interface. Concepts like awakening superpowers, obtaining a golden finger, or becoming overwhelmingly powerful did not exist here.
In the Second World, Xi Liang lived just like any ordinary person, leading a real yet humble existence. He had to worry about money and survival, facing various unexpected incidents.
Indeed, most residents at the bottom rung of society in the Second World lived similarly.
Xi Liang’s assigned role after transmigrating was precisely this. If he couldn’t change his circumstances, he would remain mediocre in the Second World indefinitely.
“Sorry, Senior, I didn’t mean to make a spectacle… I couldn’t control my emotions for a moment.” Xi Liang sniffled, “Did you want to buy something? Please go ahead and make your choice; payment is made through facial recognition at the front desk.”
Kui Xin picked up bread, milk, and a few small snacks. As she was about to pay, a discreet black sedan suddenly parked outside the convenience store. A neatly dressed man in a suit stepped out and entered the store directly, his gaze fixed on Xi Liang.
“Hello, Mr. Xi Liang.” The man in the suit handed over a business card. “I’m Zhang Rui from Rick Technologies’ Talent Recruitment Department. I would like to introduce you to our company’s talent recruitment program.”
Xi Liang was taken aback. “I’ve been admitted to the Black Sea Academy, but I haven’t even graduated yet—I haven’t started my studies there. Isn’t it a bit too early to recruit me…?”
“You seem to have misunderstood us, Mr. Xi Liang,” Zhang Rui said tactfully. “We collaborate with universities for admissions, and we came across your records. Your academic achievements are outstanding, but the tuition fees at the Black Sea Academy—frankly speaking, very few ordinary families can afford them. Rick Technologies’ Talent Development Foundation offers low-interest, or even interest-free, loans to underprivileged students.”
“Are you involved in philanthropy?” Xi Liang’s mouth dropped open.
“We certainly aren’t; obtaining these loans comes with conditions.” Zhang Rui revealed his ulterior motive, akin to a fox showing its tail. “You would need to sign a contract, ensuring that after graduation, you will work for Rick Technologies.”
Xi Liang belatedly realized that this is a monopolization of technological talent.
Having virtually no knowledge about Rick Technologies, he instinctively looked towards Kui Xin, considering her as a local inhabitant who might be more informed.
“Senior, do you have any suggestions?” Xi Liang asked.
“Rick is a relatively reputable company. I think you should carefully review the contract and discuss it with your parents once they return home,” Kui Xin pondered for a moment before responding. “Whether to accept or decline depends on your personal choice… If you don’t currently have better options, then Rick Technologies could be a viable choice.”
Zhang Rui courteously nodded towards Kui Xin, saying, “Her advice is quite reasonable.” He examined Xi Liang’s legs and said, “Our company leads the world in bionic technology. If Mr. Xi Liang signs the agreement, we will provide suitable prosthetic limbs at a relatively favorable price.”