Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Sea Without Light Part 49

“I hate rainy days,” Kui Xin said. “Gloomy weather feels like an omen, and it’s psychologically unsettling.”

“Don’t go setting yourself up for failure!” Lan Lan shouted loudly. “We haven’t even left yet!”

“Kui Xin is participating in a large-scale mission for the first time, which makes her quite nervous,” Liu Kangyun said as he approached, patting Kui Xin’s shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Kui Xin?”

“A little bit,” Kui Xin had to raise her voice as well.

They had to speak loudly because they were currently on the rooftop of the Investigation Bureau headquarters.

The engines of the five armed helicopters roared, their rotors violently stirring the air, creating howling winds and a deafening roar from the spinning blades. If they didn’t talk loudly, they wouldn’t hear each other over the noise.

The day started off sunny, but it turned rainy by nightfall. The unpredictable weather in Black Sea City had been anything but stable.

Kui Xin’s hair was blown around by the wind generated by the helicopter rotors, and raindrops were also scattered and pelted against her. She wiped the water from her cheeks and shook her slightly wet hair before putting on a helmet.

Those who were lighter could be blown off balance by the winds stirred by the rotors, but she stood firmly, not swaying at all. This was because she had an equipment box weighing forty kilograms on her back, containing weapons parts.

Every member of the Seventh Squad carried an equipment box with Lan Lan responsible for carrying technological devices, while others brought weapons. It was impractical to carry assembled weapons on helicopters, so except for essential equipment, all other weapons were disassembled and would be reassembled once they reached the Kraken.

There were more than just Kui Xin’s squad on the rooftop; the other four squads were ready to depart as well. Some of these members Kui Xin recognized from previous meetings of the Field Team, while others were unfamiliar faces, suggesting they might not belong solely to the Field Team.

This was a collaborative mission involving multiple small teams.

“What a grand scene,” Kui Xin said. “Captain, this mission must be very important, right?”

“It is,” Xueyao Shu replied. “The Kraken is transporting combustible ice, and any malfunctions in transport can easily cause an explosion aboard the entire ship.”

Combustible ice, a recently widespread clean energy source, has issues with transportation and extraction, requiring specially designed mines and transport ships.

Red had mentioned that the true cargo of the Kraken isn’t combustible ice; instead, it’s something else.

“Why would criminals harass combustible ice transport ships? Would this cargo be useful to them?” Kui Xin asked puzzledly. “Would people fight the official organization over such a thing?”

“Perhaps they don’t want to seize energy resources but simply destroy the vessel. Certain extremist terrorist organizations may commit antisocial acts to retaliate against the Federation,” Xueyao Shu explained slowly. “In short, let’s not think too much about it and follow our orders to protect the Kraken.”

A hint of concern flickered in his eyes.

The components of the “criminals” harassing transport ships were highly suspicious.

Kui Xin doubted this as much as Shu did. Everyone wasn’t fool enough to believe the Investigation Bureau’s official report; however, they had to follow orders.

The Seventh Squad members were personable and got along well. Leaders of the Investigation Bureau also showed a welcoming side to their subordinates, yet the Bureau wasn’t a place of warmth. It was an iron-fisted law enforcement department where superficial gentleness was nothing but a facade.

The world had united under a global regime, yet the Federation couldn’t reach every corner. Remote regions harbored significant armed forces that the Federation struggled to eliminate through ongoing “anti-terrorist operations.” However, these groups persisted like cockroaches, surviving despite numerous countermeasures.

The Second World’s rules, laws, hierarchy, and society displayed various deformities.

All team members donned helmets. Augus announced through the intercom, “Please board the helicopters according to your squad numbers listed.”

“Let’s go,” Xueyao Shu said.

With heavy tactical boots, they stepped onto the waterlogged ground. They went to the cargo bay to place equipment boxes before entering the helicopter cabin. The doors of the armored helicopter cabin were high off the ground, and the crew climbed up hand in hand.

They boarded the aircraft, fastened seatbelts, checked equipment, and shut the doors.

Rainwater splashed on the glass windows, and from them, Kui Xin could see other teams already seated inside their helicopters.

She took deep breaths, adjusting her heartbeat and physical state. During the few hours between tasks at the Coastal Security Office and the Investigation Bureau headquarters, Kui Xin contacted Red.

Red instructed Kui Xin to keep a close watch on his messages. If the port successfully exploded, Kui Xin wouldn’t need to do anything further, otherwise, she might have to continue the task.

Though Kui Xin outwardly agreed with Red, inwardly she gestured rudely towards him.

The completion of this impossible task could only come from someone insane. Sitting inside the helicopter, amidst the deafening hum of the rotors and engines, she felt agitated due to the cacophony of noise.

The Kraken represented a storm filled with conspiracy and mystery. Now, Kui Xin was closing in on its eye and planning to investigate thoroughly.

Muttering to herself, she opened the game interface.

“Task Progress: 30%.”

As the situation became clearer and understanding of the Mechanized Dawn deepened, the investigation of the port bombing case inadvertently progressed to 30%, but then stagnated, as crucial clues hadn’t fully connected, leaving key questions unanswered.

What was being transported on the Kraken? Was there a hidden third party involved in the bombings? Why was the Mechanized Dawn so fearful of the Kraken landing?

Kui Xin continued to explore these questions, nearing the truth. The maritime escort mission by the Investigation Bureau would be a pivotal moment.

Sentries dispatched for this mission showed that the Investigation Bureau knew what was on the Kraken. The leaders wanted the Kraken to land, indicating the cargo’s significance. Thus, many personnel were assigned to guard it, fearing any mishap.

The myriad influential parties involved in the Kraken incident alarmed many.

Kui Xin was genuinely curious—what exactly was the value of the cargo on board that could engage so many interests?

Several Awakeners joined them on this mission, possibly integrated into the different squads. Kui Xin lacked contact with other squads, making it hard to identify who the Awakeners were.

“The weather is clear and flights are allowed. Please prepare yourselves,” Augus announced. “The flight will take three hours. We’ll land on a sea landing pad after three hours and transfer to another helicopter to continue towards the Kraken’s area. Total flight time is about seven hours and fifteen minutes.”

“Is it really that long?” Kui Xin asked surprised.

“The Kraken is sailing across the vast ocean, not entering the Black Sea area yet. It’ll take time to get there,” explained Xueyao Shu.

The newest model of the Investigation Bureau’s armed helicopter can fly at a speed of 280 km/h, while the Kraken’s speed is ten nautical miles per hour, equivalent to about 18 km/h. These massive cargo ships often sail across oceans for months, transporting goods to designated locations.

It was time to start. The helicopter broke through the rain, ascending from its position.

Kui Xin felt dizzy momentarily as she adjusted to the altitude, then quickly returned to normal. She looked out the window, watching skyscrapers disappear behind as if she was nearly touching the sky.

From a height, one would appreciate the bustling nature of Black Sea City. Known as a city that never sleeps, neon lights painted the night, and lasers illuminated the dark, extending far into the distance.

“Security Officer Kui Xin,” said Augus. “I detected your heart rate index remains higher than normal. Are you experiencing chest tightness or dizziness and feeling nauseous?”

“…Ah? No,” Kui Xin replied.

“If you feel uncomfortable due to high-altitude conditions, you can take emergency medication from beneath your seat,” Augus said responsibly.

Teammates glanced over, expressing worry.

“Forget it, I’m fine,” Kui Xin sighed and rested her head. “It’s just a little nervous. The noises in here are giving me a headache, but it’ll pass.”

“Understood,” Augus said. “Your helmet has a noise-cancelling mode. You can adjust manually based on the environment or I can assist you.”

Xueyao said, “It’s normal to feel tense. My first multi-department joint mission was also nerve-wracking.”

Jiang Ming added, “Don’t force yourself if you’re in trouble.”

“Perhaps we should turn on the noise cancellation to calm ourselves,” suggested Lan Lan.

“We’ll be flying for nearly seven hours. If you feel tired, sleep. A nap will help us stay alert during the task,” advised Liu Kangyun.

“I really am fine; Augus is just sensitive,” Kui Xin said helplessly. “Alright, let’s turn on the noise-cancelling mode now.”

“Yes, noise-cancelling mode activated,” Augus said.

With the noise-cancellation mode on, Kui Xin felt as though cotton had been stuffed in her ears—the overwhelming noise was significantly reduced.

She sighed with relief, resting in her seat.

Kui Xin was indeed uneasy, her anxiety deriving from the Kraken. Approaching the core of the storm cloud heightened her anxiety. Her mind echoed a reminder—this mission might not run smoothly.

…

On August 7, at 3:00 AM.

The helicopter hovered directly above the Kraken, lowering its altitude and speed in parallel with the ship.

The cargo ship used its searchlights to illuminate the deck, guiding the helicopter.

A few sailors gathered on the deck, observing the dark helicopter and talking among themselves.

Then, the helicopter door opened, and a sturdy rope was thrown down. Leading the way, Liu Kangyun carried his box and descended rapidly along the rope.

Next was Kui Xin.

She secured her safety harness, steadied her box, grabbed the rope with anti-wear gloves, and began her swift descent.

Amidst the friction sounds, Kui Xin landed safely, followed closely by the remaining squad members.

“What a pleasant sensation to finally touch solid ground,” she said.

“Gentleman,” said the robust captain with golden sideburns in broken but enthusiastic Mandarin, “we are still days away from land! Welcome! Welcome to the Kraken! I am Captain Anton, from the White Whale City!”

“Hello, my name is Xueyao Shu,” said Xueyao as he nodded, “Five of us are performing security tasks aboard the Kraken, the other squads are on escort vessels, ensuring its safe passage to Black Sea City.”

Escort vessels surrounded the cargo ship, traveling alongside it. This was a tightly sealed defense, making it virtually untouchable except with extraordinary heavy firepower; thus, neither pirates nor criminals could breach it and harm the Kraken.

“Thank you, I feel relieved now,” Anton said gratefully. “Oh, I’ve had nothing but bad luck lately. Drinking water on board was contaminated, causing my crew to fall ill until we replaced our supplies at the last port. Just as things started looking up, my deputy suffered a blow to the head when a rusted crane hook fell on him. Ever since, he seems… different. I plan to land soon for treatment.”

“Indeed, that’s unlucky,” Lan Lan murmured.

“Come along. You’ll be aboard for a while, so let me show you where you’ll be staying,” Anton said with a broad smile.

He led the group through the long deck to enter the cabin.

The stairs leading to the ship’s cabin were downward-sloping. In the dim light, steps seemed like a deep, dark tunnel or a hiding spot for a ferocious beast ready to pounce.

Kui Xin took a step down and suddenly felt dizzy, grabbing the rail. A strange auditory hallucination occurred.

“Ding-dong… ding-dong…”

That was the sound of a heartbeat!

A faint echo from the pitch-black passage seemed to resonate far away.

“What’s wrong, Kui Xin?” Xueyao Shu inquired concernedly.

Kui Xin listened attentively, and the heartbeat sound disappeared, leaving only the continuous rumble of the waves.

“Nothing… low blood sugar,” she said with a peculiar look.