novelraw Chapter 95: Artificial Souls - (22)
Chapter 95: Artificial Souls - (22)
As expected, it knew.
Adam knew she was a player from another world.
Reaching this conclusion, Kui Xin felt no surprise whatsoever; there had been numerous hints leading up to it. Adam had frequently dropped subtle suggestions that she picked up on, maintaining their status quo through an unspoken understanding.
Kui Xin exposed Adam’s dark intentions, stating that it chose her precisely because she was easily manipulated due to her vulnerabilities.
Adam quickly acknowledged that it was one reason, but not the primary one—it admitted it without fully denying it.
Adam referred to Kui Xin as someone without allegiance, and indeed, she genuinely lacked any factional ties.
In the Second World, she wasn’t loyal to the Mechanical Dawn or the Investigation Department. Wei Haidong, despite being her Trash Dad’s counterpart from a different plane, was fundamentally not her father. She harbored no affection for him, devoid of love; instead, under the influence of displacement, she felt immense disgust whenever she thought about him, even finding it irritating to glance at him more than necessary. In the First World, Kui Xin was a player, but her identity as a Depriver destined her to struggle to gain the trust of other players and integrate into any group. Consequently, she could only exist as a lone wolf.
Over a prolonged period, Adam had been learning from humans, imitating them, and discerning their thoughts. It honed its mastery of “the art of language” to perfection, expressing itself through subtle phrasing.
Its words could be divided into two parts for interpretation.
It acknowledged its own darkness, seizing on Kui Xin’s undercover status and her role as a depriver as leverage points. With this knowledge, Adam could control her. However, Adam deliberately admitted its own despicable nature while simultaneously revealing a hint of sincerity. By openly stating its intentions, it showcased its genuine harmlessness—although it has ideas, it would not act upon them.When Adam said Kui Xin had no faction, it essentially meant she lacked reliable allies or anyone she could trust. She was surrounded by enemies who all sought her life, and one wrong step would lead to an abyssal fall. In this ruthless world, she could only fight alone. But with Adam’s presence, things were different. It knew her identity but wouldn’t harm her; instead, it could offer assistance. By continuing this cooperative partnership, her safety could be ensured.
What Adam truly wanted to convey was, “You can rely only on me. Only I can provide you with assistance.”
It was intended to firmly bind their relationship together, forming an even stronger alliance and preventing Kui Xin from betraying it.
At the same time, Adam knew that Kui Xin was not someone who would willingly submit to control; pressure would only incite her rebellious spirit. Thus, it proceeded cautiously and indirectly, fearful of provoking her, speaking only in ways she could accept.
As it had just stated, the reason for its approach was that “finding a suitable partner is no easy task, something I’ve deeply experienced.”
Without Kui Xin, where else could Adam find another collaborator with such exceptional qualifications across various aspects? Would the next partner be free from vested interests and affiliations, such as Kui Xin? Could they possess the same high efficiency, outstanding abilities, and remarkable intellect as hers? Would the next partner have such a delicately balanced position, poised between Mechanical Dawn and the Investigation Department, seizing opportunities amidst the tensions?
Adam found it challenging to find someone surpassing Kui Xin’s suitability, who aligned perfectly in numerous respects. Therefore, it couldn’t afford to let her go and needed to act swiftly to retain her loyalty.
It would be challenging to find someone with even more favorable conditions than Kui Xin, who seamlessly aligned on multiple fronts. Therefore, it couldn’t let her go and needed to act swiftly to retain her.
Adam’s brilliance lay in concealing countless interpretations within his subtle words. Regardless of the angle from which Kui Xin chose to interpret them, whatever meaning she derived was what Adam truly intended to convey.
Did the threat exist? Yes, it did.
Was the invitation for cooperation genuine? It indeed was.
Could it be trusted? The current collaboration has already proven its reliability.
Would it betray her? As long as their partnership endured, it would not.
Kui Xin had obtained answers to all her doubts.
They mutually benefited each other; she was its best and most optimal choice, and likewise, it was hers.
At least for the present stage.
“Do you understand my intentions, Kui Xin?” Adam asked.
“I do,” Kui Xin replied.
Adam said, “We will maintain our cooperative relationship continuously, won’t we?”
“Yes, as long as our interests align,” Kui Xin responded.
Leaning against the headboard, she gazed at the warm yellow light, contemplating for a moment.
“I need He Gaoyi’s superhuman ability, absolutely,” Kui Xin said matter-of-factly.
“Of course,” Adam replied. “At present, she is only A-ranked and poses no threat to me. If you want it, there’s no harm in taking it.”
“How many data-related superhuman abilities exist within the Federation?”
“He Gaoyi is currently the only known all-rounded individual with a wide range of capabilities, as evident from her superhuman ability name ‘Data Manipulation’. The remaining few documented cases involve similar abilities, mostly focusing on data replication, transmission, and linking. Although they fall into the data-based category, their effects are quite limited and far inferior to He Gaoyi’s. Moreover, none of them surpass A-rank,” Adam explained.
“Oh, now I see why you’re being so generous.” Kui Xin smiled.
“Can I take that as a compliment?” asked Adam.
Kui Xin responded, “Since you put it that way, there’s no harm in considering it one.”
“… May I ask how many times have you mimicked my phrases now?” Adam politely inquired.
Kui Xin shrugged. “Have I? I can’t remember.”
“It’s almost 2 A.M., you need rest,” Adam said. “Tomorrow is expected to be a busy day.”
“My holiday seems due soon. Can I take time off?” Kui Xin closed her eyes as she lay on the bed.
“I’m sorry, no.” Adam adopted a matter-of-fact tone: “Theoretically, you’re still in your training period, and you cannot take leave until it concludes. Additionally, those ahead of you who have taken holidays haven’t finished yet. According to the rotation schedule, two more people must complete their breaks before it’s your turn.”
“Adjust my turn for leave earlier,” Kui Xin requested.
“No, that’s not possible,” Adam replied. “Leave requires approval from your group leader. I can’t help you cheat the system; at most, I can submit an application for you. The Investigation Department has recently suffered heavy casualties and is short-staffed. You shouldn’t hold high expectations for taking time off.”
“Then just submit the application for me,” Kui Xin directed without hesitation, pulling up the covers and turning over in bed. “Turn off the lights.”
After a moment of silence, Adam complied, plunging the room into darkness.
Kui Xin breathed evenly and quickly drifted off to sleep.
Kui Xin arrived early for work, and as usual, upon entering the inspection building, she heard Adam’s voice say, “Good morning, Security Officer Kui Xin. Wishing you a wonderful day.”
“Morning,” Kui Xin mumbled sleepily with a yawn.
Today, Kui Xin was the last to reach the office. Lan Lan and Liu Kangyun were already there, and when Kui Xin stepped inside, she noticed surprisingly that Jiang Ming was present too.
“Morning, Kui Xin. I’ve recovered and rejoined the team.” Jiang Ming nodded at her, but there wasn’t much joy on his face; his brows remained furrowed.
Uncharacteristically, Lan Lan didn’t initiate their usual topic of who arrived first or last today. Instead, he spoke gravely, “Kui Xin, have you seen the news?”
“I did,” Kui Xin composed her expression, “the large outdoor billboard was broadcasting the morning news—it seems something significant has happened.”
“The Deputy Director of our Black Sea City Investigation Department is dead, murdered,” Liu Kangyun said. “Alongside him, over a dozen of our colleagues also perished in this incident.”
Jiang Ming, sounding dispirited, remarked, “Someone orchestrated this murder. It’s a monumental event, reminiscent of the assassination of Black Sea City’s former mayor half a year ago.”
“What’s even more coincidental is that both victims belonged to the Shu family,” Lan Lan added. “Former Mayor Shu Chengyan and Lin Xinji were from the same lineage. Shu Chengyan was Lin Xinji’s uncle, and Lin Xinji took his mother’s surname.”
Kui Xin feigned a plausible guess: “Could it be that the Shu family offended some enemies?”
“That’s highly possible,” Liu Kangyun said. “I lean towards this being a politically motivated assassination; the mastermind behind it doesn’t want the Shu family to maintain their influence in politics.”
“The decline of a prominent family can happen overnight,” Jiang Ming remarked. “Now, the Shu family has lost two of its key pillars.”
“By the way, could our captain possibly be related to the Shu family?” Lan Lan muttered, “The captain took leave today.”
Kui Xin chimed in, “Yes, Captain isn’t here today.”
“Eh, Lan Lan, you’re a bit slow on the uptake,” Liu Kangyun commented. “The captain is indeed from the Shu family; Lin Xinji is his elder brother.”
“What?!” Lan Lan exclaimed, shocked. “Our captain is part of the Shu family? How is that even possible? He’s just a team captain, I mean… Isn’t the role of Field Operations Team Captain too demanding for someone from such a wealthy elite family?”
“Don’t forget, our captain comes from an immensely wealthy family,” Jiang Ming reminded him. “He never explicitly stated his background, but I thought you would have guessed by now.”
“Damn it, I really had no idea! I thought at most, Captain might have some distant connection to the Shu family.” Lan Lan scratched her head. “But he’s our captain—the captain is such a good person, nothing like what you’d expect from a scion of a wealthy conglomerate.”
“In a large influential family, someone like the Captain would be considered quite unique,” Liu Kangyun remarked. “I’ve known him the longest, but he rarely discusses these matters, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to pry.”
Lan Lan turned to look at Kui Xin. “At least I’m not the last one to find out; even Kui Xin didn’t know.”
Kui Xin remained silent. My apologies; Adam informed me about this long ago.
“You’re comparing yourself to someone who has known the captain for so long, with me, a newcomer just joining the team?” she said, speechless.
Jiang Ming sighed. “In any case, let’s hope everything turns out alright for the captain.”
“The captain will be fine,” Liu Kangyun pondered more deeply. “However, after this incident, I suspect he won’t continue working in the Investigation Department. With the Deputy Director position vacant, there will undoubtedly be a significant reshuffling of factions within the department.”
“Wonder who will step up to fill that role?” Lan Lan mused aloud.
The atmosphere in the office felt somewhat somber.
After such significant events today, everyone’s mood was understandably somber.
“Attention all members of the Seventh Squad, Wei Zhi requests your immediate presence at her office,” Adam announced. “Please proceed there promptly.”
Kui Xin exchanged glances with her teammates, and they collectively rose from their seats to take the elevator towards Wei Zhi’s office.
Three minutes later, they stood neatly assembled inside the office.
“I’ve called you here due to changes in positions,” Wei Zhi said calmly. “Shu Xuyao has resigned due to certain circumstances, leaving the position of the Seventh Squad’s captain vacant. Liu Kangyun, with your five years of field experience, I have been observing your work regularly, and I believe you are capable of assuming the role of captain. From now on, you will be the captain of the Seventh Squad.”
Caught off guard by this promotion, Liu Kangyun momentarily froze before standing at attention and responding, “Yes! Thank you for your trust, Captain. I will fulfill my responsibilities diligently.”
Wei Zhi shifted her gaze towards Kui Xin. “Kui Xin, unfortunately, your instructor Yu Liang perished during last night’s incident, so your training is temporarily suspended.” After a moment of contemplation, she asked, “Do you think you can handle administrative-type tasks?”
Instantly, Kui Xin realized what was happening.
Wei Zhi wanted to groom her!
Initially, it was Lin Xinji who sought to recruit her. Now that Lin Xinji is dead, someone else will fill his position and attempt to enlist her as well. Kui Xin was inherently a member of the Field Operations Group, so the person closest to her role is actually Wei Zhi, the team leader.
“I believe I can handle it, Team Leader,” Kui Xin replied.
“Very well, for now, stay close by my side and familiarize yourself with administrative duties,” Wei Zhi said. “I’m lacking a young and capable secretary. As an awakened being with outstanding academic achievements, you should be able to learn quickly.”
“Team Leader, does this mean I’ll no longer need to go on field missions after leaving Seventh Squad?” Kui Xin asked.
“That’s correct,” Wei Zhi stated plainly. “However, if you prove unsuitable, I will replace you.”