novelraw Chapter 60: Sea of Darkness - (60)
Chapter 60: Sea of Darkness - (60)
“Are you free tonight? Group meeting,” Red said.
Kui Xin typed, “Yes.”
“At midnight, Ruby Bar.” Red’s message was succinct.
“Is Night Cicada participating in this mission?” Kui Xin pondered before asking.
“Yes. I consulted with the boss just now, and his intention is for us all to collectively head to the Kraken, involving every member,” Red replied. “The boss places extraordinary importance on this mission, far more than any previous ones.”
After reading Red’s message, Kui Xin pondered deeply.
After a moment, Red added, “I also asked the boss if you should participate, and he said you would be going.”
Kui Xin’s eyelid twitched slightly.
As an undercover agent needing to conceal her identity, it was generally preferable to minimize her involvement in operations. Red shared this view, which is why he specifically questioned whether Kui Xin should join. To his surprise, Wei Haidong gave an affirmative response.
If one were to weigh “maintaining undercover status” against “sinking the Kraken” on Wei Haidong’s mental scale, the latter clearly held more importance. Similarly, when comparing “daughter” versus “organization’s future,” the organization’s future again took precedence.“If I must go, then so be it,” Kui Xin replied ambiguously.
Red responded, “True, with Night Cicada present, our safety can be ensured.”
Kui Xin put down the bracelet, pushed open the bathroom stall door, washed her hands, and splashed water on her face as well.
Red was right; with Night Cicada involved, at least their lives would be safeguarded. In fact, Kui Xin herself felt reluctant about the system’s assigned investigation mission. Her progress stood at 95%, just a fraction away from completing the investigation.
Based on her previous task completion pattern, if she successfully finishes this one, the system will likely grant her rewards again. The reward for the First World’s regional quest was a forum title, so what would be the reward for her personal mission in the Second World? She felt slightly curious, but the high risk associated with the task made her hesitate, fearing that the potential cost might not yield commensurate compensation.
Just as Kui Xin exited the restroom, the warning lights throughout the Investigation Department building corridors suddenly illuminated.
The piercing beeping sounds echoed, and red warning lights flooded the corridor.
“Emergency situation, emergency situation.” Yadang’s robotic voice reverberated through the halls, its pitch higher and pace faster than usual, “A major explosion incident has occurred at Port Bay District’s Mooring Harbor, requiring immediate assistance. A major explosion incident has occurred at Port Bay District’s Mooring Harbor, requiring immediate assistance. Squads still inside the inspection building quickly assemble, gear up, and proceed to Mooring Harbor for surveillance and investigation. Please be prepared to receive casualties at the medical center! Repeat…”
“Kui Xin!” Liu Kangyun and Lan Lan rushed towards her.
“Do we need to go?” Kui Xin started running alongside them.
“Yes, red lights indicate level one alert and yellow lights signify level two alert,” Liu Kangyun explained while running. “During a red-light situation, all security officers who are physically fit must mobilize to respond to the alert.”
“That’s from page 83 of the Mission Execution Handbook,” Lan Lan said. “In future annual performance evaluations, we’ll need to memorize these statements, and failing the exam requires retaking it.”
Kui Xin placed a hand on her forehead. “Then I should find some time to thoroughly review it.”
At the equipment room entrance, security officers were already waiting, their expressions composed. They entered one by one after being scanned, silently retrieving their gear. Within less than three minutes, they were fully equipped.
Kui Xin hadn’t even removed her combat uniform; she just replenished her ammunition, confirmed everything was in order, and joined her teammates in taking the elevator to the helipad. On the helipad, medical rescue vehicles, hovering police cars, and armed helicopters stood ready for deployment, with Shu Xuyao also waiting there.
“I didn’t expect such an incident to occur. We need to move swiftly now,” he said somberly.
“What happened?” Kui Xin asked, catching up to him. “Yadang mentioned an explosion at Mooring Harbor.”
“Yes, I received more detailed information. Criminals installed detonators at Mooring Harbor, and the Bomb Disposal Squad went to handle them. However, the detonators unexpectedly exploded, resulting in collective injuries and many colleagues losing their lives,” Shu Xuyao said. “Now, our primary task upon arriving is to conduct thorough inspections of the surrounding area—every shop, every residential dwelling… We must carefully search every place where illicit activities might be concealed.”
“This operation is on quite a large scale.” Liu Kangyun murmured.
On the spacious helipad, there were approximately two to three hundred security officers, with even those outside the Field Operations Team participating in this mission.
The Port Bay District was vast; a single squad of security officers alone could not swiftly complete the search. As a result, both the Logistics Support Group and the Criminal Investigation Unit dispatched a large number of personnel.
“How many of us were killed?” Lan Lan asked.
“Nineteen deaths, twelve injured, excluding minor injuries from the count,” Shu Xuyao replied.
Lan Lan hissed, “Who could be so deranged? How many detonators would that require?”
“I suspect it may have some connection to the Extraordinary Ability Users we encountered today,” Shu Xuyao said.
Yadang prompted through their communication headsets, “Please board Police Hovercar No. 7. Follow the navigation guidance to your destination, and collaborate with Logistics Support Group’s Squad 6 for the search operations. The search areas have been marked on the map.”
“Roger that.” Shu Xuyao looked at his teammates and said, “Let’s move out. Everyone, please prioritize your safety.”
The urgent joint search operation involving multiple departments was initiated for several reasons: firstly, due to the exceptionally high number of casualties within the Investigation Department this time; secondly, Mechanical Dawn’s actions had raised unprecedented vigilance among the department; and thirdly, with The Kraken about to dock, the leadership aimed to eliminate any unfavorable factors and stabilize the situation.
However, the damage had already been done. The higher-ups of the Investigation Department could only scramble to investigate the surrounding areas, hoping to uncover useful clues and apprehend some suspicious individuals.
This massive explosion at Mooring Harbor was an unforeseen event from their previous experience.
Kui Xin acted like a butterfly flapping its wings, with each of her actions causing ripple effects leading to different outcomes.
By altering the patrol route on impulse, she encountered Silver Mask and Thorny Rose. When reports of these two Extraordinary Ability Users operating near the port reached the Investigation Department, it heightened the alertness of the upper management. Consequently, they prepared to search the harbor area, unexpectedly discovering Mechanical Dawn’s planted detonators.
Following Red’s detonation, which resulted in severe casualties among the bomb disposal team, a large-scale, multi-departmental joint investigation was further prompted.
One event triggers a cascade of subsequent occurrences. By initiating change and providing guidance, the future hurtles in unknown directions.
The timeline is twisting, and as long as events have not yet unfolded, there remains an opportunity for alteration.
The Mechanical Dawn’s operations were meticulous and clean. Kui Xin, along with her colleagues, thoroughly examined every area surrounding Mooring Harbor, including bars, casinos, nightclubs, ordinary restaurants, and residential districts. They conducted detailed searches everywhere.
They found no traces of Mechanical Dawn. However, during this operation, they did uncover numerous hideouts of illicit individuals.
The Investigation Department also diligently searched the port’s shipping containers and storage warehouses. Initially, Kui Xin was curious if they might discover Mechanical Dawn’s hidden arsenal at the harbor, but their search yielded nothing—those areas were completely empty. Red had long since ordered the arsenal’s relocation.
Kui Xin and her team worked tirelessly from morning until afternoon. The intense inspections and constant vigilance nearly wore them out. When it was time to finish for the day, the Investigation Department assigned another group to take over their duties, continuing the search.
The Mooring Harbor in the Port Bay District sustained minor damage. Although there were numerous casualties, the Floating Sea Port itself was not significantly harmed. This was largely due to most detonators being dismantled beforehand; it would take only a few days for restoration.
“Judging by this intensity, they’re determined to turn the entire Port Bay District upside down,” Kui Xin remarked with a sigh.
“Tsk. This act is a direct slap in the face of our Investigation Department.” Lan Lan removed his helmet and wiped away the sweat from his face. His hair, limp and soaked, clung damply to his head.
Exhausted, Liu Kangyun leaned against the wall to rest. “Our Investigation Department is the city’s largest law enforcement agency. Someone challenging us is a provocation… a humiliation.”
The higher-ups of the Investigation Department were more concerned about their own interests and reputation than the number of casualties.
Facing such a challenge, naturally, a counterattack was warranted.
Unfortunately, Mechanical Dawn wouldn’t simply stand idle—they were adept at staying hidden.
“It’s quitting time; let’s go.” Shu Xuyao patted Kui Xin’s shoulder. “It seems we haven’t had a proper break lately. You all have been working hard.”
“As long as the salary is high, it doesn’t feel too arduous,” Kui Xin said, stretching her limbs. “But given this situation, I’m not sure if I’ll even make it to my first payday.”
“The frequency of incidents has significantly increased recently.” Liu Kangyun frowned deeply. “There’s nothing we can do about it. Everyone, just be extra cautious. There are far too many troubles brewing.”
Lan Lan chimed in, “The problem is that we don’t seek trouble, but trouble keeps coming after us nonetheless.”
Kui Xin dragged her weary body back home.
As soon as she arrived, she collapsed on the sofa and grabbed a nearby bottle of mineral water, chugging it down swiftly.
“Did you get injured today? Thorny Rose hit you,” Silver Mask remarked, approaching her.
“The spot where I was struck by the bullet is just bruised; it doesn’t count as an injury.” Kui Xin kicked Silver Mask lightly while responding, “You two sure know how to cause me trouble! I’ve been busy all day.”
“It’s not my fault…” Silver Mask muttered softly, “It’s Thorny Rose’s fault; her temper is too volatile, much more so than yours.”
Silver Mask mentally tallied his past interactions with various teammates and superiors, concluding that staying with Rich Lady felt most comfortable. She allowed him to eat and sleep without frequently scolding him as Red did, nor was she as impulsive as Thorny Rose.
Indeed, perceptions of good and bad often emerge through comparison; without contrast, there would be no hurt. Silver Mask thought wistfully.
“You didn’t slip up, did you?” Kui Xin asked. “My identity must remain confidential. Thorny Rose’s rank within the organization isn’t high enough for her to have clearance about my situation.”
“No, she didn’t suspect anything,” Silver Mask replied, sounding weary. “Because I refused to lower the water shield, she called me a coward and said she didn’t want to talk to me anymore.”
“That’s quite good. To be honest, my trust in your acting skills is…” Kui Xin diplomatically said, “Her not speaking with you is for the best; there’s no need to deal with her lest your facade slip again and she catches on.”
“Although I know what you’re saying might be true, it still makes me feel really sad,” Silver Mask lamented.
Kui Xin took a few minutes to rest before communicating with Red.
Red answered instantly.
“Hello, Red.” Kui Xin spoke weakly, “Let’s change today’s meeting location. The Investigation Department has expanded its search perimeter, and sooner or later they’ll reach the Ruby Bar. They intend to comb through the entire Port Bay District.”
Red grumbled, “I knew it! We’ve already started moving things, and the secret entrance from the sewers is temporarily sealed as well. Even if they do come searching, we have nothing to fear. The Ruby Bar isn’t involved in any illicit activities; at most, there might be some minor infractions.”
From Kui Xin’s end of the communication, faint sounds of Bartender’s angry curses could be heard.
“It seems like Bartender is even more furious than you,” Kui Xin remarked.
“Of course he’s upset,” Red replied. “The Investigation Department notified all entertainment venues in the Port Bay District to suspend operations for half a month. This bar represents his heart and soul.”
Kui Xin said, “The new meeting location is…”
“There’s no safety anywhere except at Headquarters. Have Night Cicada directly open a teleportation portal to bring everyone over,” Red suggested. “The Boss might attend the meeting as well, and the time remains midnight.”
“Alright.” Kui Xin ended the call.
Time swiftly passed, quickly reaching midnight.
At the precise moment when the clock struck zero, a blue glow silently appeared in Kui Xin’s living room. The glowing orb expanded into a whirlpool, from which Night Cicada’s hand emerged, gesturing urgently for Kui Xin to approach.
Kui Xin, pulling the drowsy Silver Mask along, stepped into the whirlpool with him.
In the brightly lit room, the long, silver-white conference table reflected the light.
Dressed in a shimmering red suit, Red raised his hand and waved at Kui Xin, quipping, “Welcome, Rich Lady!”
Bartender’s grim expression slightly softened, and he nodded in response.
Night Cicada took the first seat on the right side of the long conference table and snapped his fingers, opening another teleportation portal. This time, Thorny Rose emerged from it.
Thorny Rose appeared to be in a visibly poor mood as well. With a cool nod towards those around her, she promptly found a seat and settled down.
Following her through the portal were the twins, Amber and Obsidian. As usual, they remained silent, not even greeting others, before quietly taking their seats.
“Everyone is here; let’s begin the meeting,” Red stated without any unnecessary preamble.
Night Cicada clapped his hands, and a faint blue glow emanated from a void in the ceiling.
The holographic figure materialized, with Wei Haidong’s virtual projection appearing at the head of the conference table.
“I trust everyone already knows the purpose of this gathering.” Wei Haidong’s voice was steady, his demeanor serious, and his gaze deep. “We have only one objective: to destroy the Kraken.”