novelraw Chapter 98: Artificial Souls - (25)
Chapter 98: Artificial Souls - (25)
“What exactly do we need to sacrifice and abandon?” Kui Xin turned her head to inquire. “We have so much here—can all ongoing projects still in development be fully relocated? Additionally, we have numerous off-roster squad members who lack superhuman abilities. Although they are ordinary individuals, they are elite combatants.”
“Unfortunately, it is not feasible to completely transfer all research projects, nor can every member of the off-roster squads be evacuated,” Wei Haidong said steadily. “These are the necessary sacrifices I mentioned.”
Red muttered, “That’s quite a significant sacrifice.”
Years of established work, spanning over two decades, threatened with destruction overnight—it was a heart-wrenching loss. Yet, Wei Haidong’s demeanor at that moment could be described as nonchalant, as if he were indifferent to these losses.
Kui Xin internally commented, “This old fellow is quite skilled at putting up a facade.”
Bartender’s heart was bleeding. “I’ve lost Ruby Bar, and now I’m about to lose the new nightclub too—it hasn’t even been fully renovated yet…”
“Once the situation stabilizes, the boss will surely assign you a new gathering place to manage, and you’ll still be the manager,” Red said. “Don’t be too disheartened, brother.”
“Red is right. Losing Rick Technologies means little; we can always make a comeback,” Wei Haidong stated. “There must be sacrifices made for gains. In this dire situation, our only choice is to cut off our own limbs like a brave warrior. Holding our ground would inevitably lead to our annihilation.”
“I didn’t expect the Federation to actually dispatch an S-grade awakened being against us.” Obsidian tilted his head slightly. “I thought assembling a few elite awakened squads would be their limit.”
Wei Haidong replied, “Do not underestimate the vindictiveness of those in power. Precisely because they hold authority, they find it even more intolerable to suffer defeat or manipulation by others. The arrival of that S-grade awakened being is the result of various influential forces pushing behind the scenes. The Federation is baring its claws and fangs at us.”“Do they already know where our Headquarters are?” Amber asked next.
“Not yet, but I suspect it’s not far off,” Wei Haidong said mildly. “Ball Python, this traitor has given us a massive headache. He may not necessarily reveal crucial information, but he might drop hints. For example, hinting that the Investigation Department’s Mechanical Dawn headquarters is hidden within one of Black Sea City’s large enterprises… With the Investigation Department’s capabilities, inspecting all of Black Sea City’s enterprises would take less than a week. We are undoubtedly one of their suspected targets.”
Thorny Rose anxiously asked, “When will that S-rank awakened arrive? Tomorrow? The day after?”
“The information I have indicates they’ll reach Black Sea City tomorrow night,” Wei Haidong slowly replied. “In truth, over these past few days, I’ve already been preparing for our relocation. I called you all today to formally notify you. There’s no need to feel panicked; we have contingency plans in place for such situations. The core research projects have already been transferred to a small shell company that was prepared long ago. Once the personnel are in position, operations can immediately commence, and we’ll gradually return to our previous scale.”
“Everyone should trust the boss,” Night Cicada, seated at the first seat on Wei Haidong’s right-hand side, said casually. “Just as the Federation has emergency response plans for various scenarios, so do we. Mechanical Dawn has existed for twenty years now; we won’t fall so easily.”
The expressions of everyone in the conference room were slightly relaxed.
“Does the leader have any tasks for us?” Silver Mask proactively asked.
“There indeed are some,” Wei Haidong said, casting an appreciative glance at Silver Mask and feeling highly satisfied with his dedication to the organization’s cause. “Certain large-scale scientific research instruments need to be transported. Night Cicada cannot open such massive spatial whirlpools for transmitting equipment, nor is disassembling them feasible due to the numerous parts; just transporting them would take a long time. If Night Cicada continuously opens space transmission gates for that duration, it would overexert their body.”
“Is manual transportation needed?” Silver Mask asked.
“Yes, it’s crucial. The items we need to transport include Eden’s core data boards, which alone could fill two trucks,” Wei Haidong explained. “This important mission must be entrusted to you all. You must ensure that our cargo reaches its destination without any damage whatsoever.”
“Hm, guaranteed completion of the task,” Red said.
“As usual, split into two squads to protect the two transportation routes,” Wei Haidong instructed. “Of course, my transportation route will remain completely confidential, so barring any unforeseen incidents, you won’t encounter combat. Squad One consists of Red, Thorny Rose, and Amber. Squad Two includes Bartender, Silver Mask, and Obsidian. Night Cicada and Rich Lady have separate mission assignments and will not participate in transportation.”
“When does the mission start?” the bartender asked.
“Tomorrow during daylight hours,” Wei Haidong replied. “Now you can leave the conference room to rest and remain on standby. I’ll have Eden send the mission routes to your devices; follow the planned itinerary accordingly. Rich Lady, please stay behind.”
The group members all stood up, departing from the conference room without any idle chatter.
Before leaving, Silver Mask waved at Kui Xin and said, “Bye; see you in a few days.”
Kui Xin responded with a cold nod.
Now, only three people remained in the conference room: Kui Xin, Night Cicada, and Wei Haidong.
“Have Tang Guan and Leini’er been settled in?” Kui Xin asked.
“Yes, they were part of the first batch transferred,” Wei Haidong responded. “This time, I won’t assign any additional tasks to you. Your primary objective now is to go undercover—stay hidden well and avoid revealing your identity.”
Night Cicada added, “From now on, your situation will become more perilous. Our new Headquarters has been relocated to another city, with at most a branch established in Black Sea City. The assistance we can provide to you may be limited.”
Kui Xin looked at Wei Haidong and, with a tone that was half-joking and half-serious, said, “I feel somewhat abandoned.”
“No, child, you will never be expendable.” Wei Haidong softened his voice. “Moving our headquarters was a choice made out of necessity, but you’ve just begun establishing your foothold here. You cannot leave Black Sea City; you must stay behind. This arrangement also allows you to steer clear of danger. By remaining in the Investigation Department, you can avoid this upcoming crackdown. Moreover, you are one of the vital forces within Mechanical Dawn. If we truly suffer a devastating blow this time, it will be your responsibility to shoulder the task of revitalizing the organization.”
“Wow.” Kui Xin expressed her amazement without any change in expression: “Thank ‘Dad’ for considering me… Come to think of it, this actually sounds pretty good. I’m already exhausted enough during my daytime duties in the Investigation Department, and sometimes Mechanical Dawn adds more work for me. Continuing like this, at best, I’d go bald, and at worst, I’d suddenly drop dead from overwork.”
Wei Haidong instantly choked on his words.
Night Cicada couldn’t hold back a stifled laugh, but he quickly suppressed it, composing his expression.
“Have you been very tired and busy with work lately, Xiao Xin?” Wei Haidong asked sincerely.
“Very busy, with training in the morning and physical fitness exercises in the afternoon. If my instructor hadn’t conveniently died today, I would have been completely worn out. Even after being exhausted, I couldn’t rest; instead, I had to rush here for a meeting at midnight,” Kui Xin said. “My life is truly fulfilling, ‘Dad’.”
“… It won’t be like this anymore from now on,” Wei Haidong responded.
“Let’s hope so,” Kui Xin said. “By the way, I received a sudden promotion—I’m now the secretary of the Field Operations Team leader.”
Night Cicada glanced sidelong at her, impressed. “Impressive, getting promoted so quickly.”
“A rapid rise isn’t always beneficial; there’s no telling when one might become a casualty in power struggles. Moreover, my position as secretary hasn’t yet solidified,” Kui Xin remarked.
“You have a clear understanding of your situation. I believe you can handle matters around you effectively,” Wei Haidong said. “You must be very tired, right? Let Night Cicada escort you back and get some rest as soon as possible.”
Kui Xin rose from her seat and added, “You cannot take Silver Mask away. After the migration, make sure he returns to Black Sea City. I cannot afford to lack capable individuals by my side.”
Wei Haidong appeared to ponder for a moment before agreeing, “Alright, he will continue accompanying you.”
Night Cicada snapped her fingers, opening a spatial vortex. “Goodbye now.”
Without looking back, Kui Xin stepped into the vortex.
When she passed through the spatial whirlpool, she found herself back in the dim alleyway.
The night wind was slightly chilly, and a raindrop landed on her face—unexpectedly, it had started to rain.
Kui Xin turned towards the convenience store, purchased some food for a late-night snack, and then returned to the employee dormitory.
Entering from the main door, if she encountered anyone along the way, she would simply say she felt hungry and went out to buy some snacks. Since employee dormitories had no curfew, one could return at any time.
As soon as she walked into the lobby of the employee dormitory, Kui Xin unexpectedly bumped into someone—He Gaoyi.
With a weary expression, He Gaoyi crossed the automatic glass doors carrying plastic bags filled with convenience store purchases.
Kui Xin hesitated for a moment before greeting her. “Secretary He, returning so late?”
Taken aback, He Gaoyi lifted her head and, upon seeing Kui Xin, responded, “Yes, I just finished overtime… You are… Kui Xin?”
“Yes, I’ve just become Secretary to Group Leader Wei Zhi today,” Kui Xin said matter-of-factly. “I reside in room 3066 on the third floor.”
“I’m staying in room 3067; we’ll be neighbors now,” He Gaoyi said politely. “If you have any questions about work, feel free to ask me.”
“Thank you.” Kui Xin nodded.
Without consciously deciding so, they opted against taking the stairs and instead waited for the elevator to descend. Their exhaustion was such that even climbing to the third floor seemed unappealing.
In the elevator, they maintained silence until reaching their respective rooms, where they exchanged brief nods before entering.
Kui Xin casually tossed the purchased food onto the table and irritably rubbed her forehead.
Red is planning to relocate to Wei Haidong’s headquarters, which is highly problematic. Once Red leaves Black Sea City, it will become much harder for Kui Xin to find an opportunity to eliminate him.
“It seems tonight’s meeting content has left you quite anxious,” Adam observed. “What happened?”
“The Mechanical Dawn intends to flee, abandoning Rick Technologies as a mere shell. They know an S-rank awakened being is coming, and they’ve been preparing for this relocation for several days. The move is nearly complete; tomorrow, they will start transferring key personnel and research equipment,” Kui Xin whispered softly. “Not being able to witness the disappearance of something I despise greatly displeases me.”
“There will be opportunities; the S-rank awakened being has actually already arrived,” Adam said. “Just fifteen minutes ago, he reached Black Sea City. He Gaoyi’s overtime work was precisely due to this matter.”
Kui Xin was taken aback. “Already here?”
“I wouldn’t remain idle, Kui Xin. I cannot allow information leaks that would give Eve an opportunity,” Adam stated. “The one responsible for liaising with the S-rank awakened being is the Investigation Department—this falls under my purview. The information Eve obtained from the government about him arriving tomorrow was intentionally released misinformation, a false lead.”