Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Artificial Soul 12

The equipment needed for this mission was vastly different from previous ones, packed with unfamiliar instruments that Kuixin did not recognize.

She first changed into her tight combat suit and collected her weapons. Following Adam’s reminder, she identified the gear on the racks and strapped several heavy equipment crates to her back before heading out of the armory with a stern expression.

Captain Yu was waiting outside. Seeing Kuixin, he said, “Nice strength.” Then, he took half the equipment from her and carried it over his shoulder.

“For this mission, we need to utilize some unconventional weaponry,” he patted the equipment crates on his shoulder. “These contain weapons much more powerful than those used in standard tasks. The hand cannon I just mentioned isn’t conventional and can only be used in emergencies.”

“But I wouldn’t know how to use these…” Kuixin replied. “I’ve only used handguns, rifles, and sniper rifles.”

“Anyone who knows a handgun will know a hand cannon; they’re quite similar,” Yu said. “It’s just that they have stronger kickback, a harder aim, a wider range, and trickier handling…”

“So there’s a big difference, isn’t it?” Kuixin was at a loss.

“Okay…” Yu responded reluctantly. “Before we go to the battlefield, we’ll familiarize yourself with the weapons. Let’s head to the heavy weapons testing site on the outskirts.”

After entering the elevator, Yu ordered, “Adam, head to the roof and prepare the hover patrol car. Notify our team to secure the area; I expect to meet up with them in an hour after bringing the newcomers.”

“Yes, sir. The hover patrol car is ready, with plate number 099,” Adam replied.

“Training site for heavy weapons?” Kuixin asked Yu in puzzlement.

“Caring for newcomers can be troublesome; they don’t know anything,” Yu sighed. “Ordinary training sites can be indoors, but heavy weapons tests must be outdoors and away from the city to avoid uncontrollable accidents, like sudden explosions. Your regular practice rooms are only good for firing drills or martial arts, nothing too powerful.”

Upon reaching the rooftop, Yu opened the car’s trunk, tossed in the gear with rough movements, and settled into the driver’s seat while Kuixin sat in the passenger seat. As soon as Kuixin fastened her seatbelt, Yu pressed the gas pedal and the patrol car lifted off without a second’s delay. The sudden jolt pressed Kuixin against her seat, creating a dull sensation as if her ears were blocked—it was due to air pressure changes affecting her Eustachian tubes. She swallowed a few times to alleviate the discomfort.

“You drive very… boldly,” Kuixin chose the word carefully.

“We’re short on time. There’s no time for dilly-dallying,” Yu dismissed her comment nonchalantly.

Kuixin ventured, “I guess you’re taking me out for the first time.”

“Heh, you’re right,” Yu replied. “Handling students is a hassle; I would never take such work unless instructed.”

“Pardon me for causing you any trouble,” Kuixin politely said.

Yu clicked his tongue, “No need for formalities. Just speak straightforwardly; don’t beat around the bush.”

This guy disliked people being overly formal?

Kuixin considered it and added a few polite words, trying to provoke him further, “Compared with other trainers, you truly stand out and get the job done neatly. It’s no wonder why your superiors assign such tasks to you; one can tell you have excellent abilities.”

Yu fell silent.

He grinned, “You truly are interesting, Kuixin.”

“Your extraordinary ability is… quick healing, right?” Yu asked. “Grade D?”

Usually, awoken ones had D or E grade abilities after awakening. Occasionally, a lucky few would awaken at B or A grades. An awakening at the S grade was unheard of historically.

“Yes,” Kuixin confirmed. “May I ask about your extraordinary ability?”

“Iron bones,” Yu said. “Increases strength and defense; grade B.”

In the Department of Surveillance, few B-grade awoken were present. Adam mentioned only five, one of whom was Yu. This indicated that Kuixin was indeed being taken seriously, as a B-grade was assigned to guide her.

“No fancy titles, it sounds awkward. Just call me Yu Liang,” he said. “You can also call me Captain.”

“Alright, Captain Yu,” Kuixin nodded.

Today was another day of heavy pollution. Riding on the hover patrol car, Kuixin could clearly feel the severity of the weather.

At the horizon where sky met earth, the sky appeared even darker. Yu turned on the car’s air purification system, so they didn’t detect smells outside the vehicle.

“The city is always like this, usually covered by pollutants for several months, sometimes acid rain,” Yu said irritably. “Aren’t you from Black Sea City, Captain Yu?”

“I’m from Qunshan City in the south-east region of the Federation. I got transferred here because of work,” Yu explained further. “My hometown isn’t much better, but it’s less often subject to heavily polluted weather compared to Black Sea City.”

The patrol car quickly arrived at the field on the outskirts. The hovercar descended gradually.

As it lowered, Kuixin looked down at the training area with wide-open spaces covering around ten football fields. Explosions constantly echoed, sending smoke billowing through the area. The oddity was that a residential zone seemed nearby, despite its hazardous setting.

Yu exited the car and said, “Adam, get us permission to use the Number Three Training Field for hand cannons.”

“Understood,” Adam replied. “Permission granted. Proceed to the designated location.”

Kuixin noticed residences near the area and inquired.

“There are residents nearby, cheaper living areas,” Yu answered frankly. “They’re likely accustomed to gunshots.”

“What if stray bullets hit the homes? The test weapons are unstable,” Kuixin pointed out.

“They must bear their fate,” Yu shrugged. “The costs for relocation are high. We do not force them; they must move themselves.”

They approached Training Field Number Three. Yu threw the heavy equipment box on the ground and unlocked it with his fingerprint. Inside was scattered parts of firearms.

“The assembly steps are similar to those of a standard pistol. Watch closely,” Yu assembled the weapon in a few steps. A huge-barreled hand cannon materialized in his hands. The explosive rounds inside were significantly larger than normal.

“Have you noticed the round-headed bullets?” Yu asked. “Those are explosive rounds that burst on impact to scatter pellets. Watch what happens upon hitting something.”

He loaded a round and aimed at a concrete wall specifically built for testing purposes. The hand cannon roared, flames erupted from its barrel, firing hundreds of steel pellets at lightning speed. The wall crumbled under this bombardment.

“Not bad. Only a sturdy person could handle such weaponry without being thrown back,” Yu praised. “You handled that well.”

“The recoil is intense… Opening three rounds consecutively could damage joints easily, right?” Kuixin remarked.

“True, novice users risk hurting themselves,” Yu confirmed. “Given your body report and extraordinary abilities, you’re capable of handling such powerful weapons.”

Kuixin checked the remaining rounds of differing shapes and patterns. “What are you going to shoot with this?”

“These are electromagnetic rounds, designed to target mechanical prosthetic limbs by disrupting their functions,” Yu said, picking up a bluish-round-shaped one.

She thought for a moment. “Mechanical limbs are probably the target; they disable machinery.”

“Exactly!” Yu said. “However, these rounds are costly and don’t always penetrate targets. They attach to and disrupt devices instead. Not all mechanical limbs have such defense features; only those equipped with interference systems are resilient. Our surveillance team also has defenses against these.”

The rest of the equipment was equally formidable. Kuixin found herself intrigued by these new weapons, despite the uncomfortable feeling.

Yu revealed another silver gun-like mechanism. As she touched its parts, she realized it was a laser hand cannon, made for high-energy ammo.

“This stores high-energy fluid cartridges that allow ten shots,” Yu explained. “However, it requires cooling after every five shots to avoid overheating, making it a high-risk weapon.”

“High precision and low recoil, but at a high cost,” Kuixin understood.

“Correct! You’ll need a mix of conventional weapons as well, ” Yu concluded. “Now let’s test the laser hand cannon on a new wall.”

Kuixin loaded the laser hand cannon, took aim, and fired. With a beam of orange light, it cut through the wall with ease.

The laser caused noticeable damage and a significant disturbance.

“It’s precise but potentially lethal,” Yu noted. “Let’s proceed with training.”

They entered the slums, where decay lingered in the air. The slums were crowded and dangerous.

“This area is chaotic and hostile. Be wary of gunfire,” Yu warned. “Respond when provoked.”

They cautiously moved through the narrow alleys, where impoverished families closed their doors in fear of the patrol. Children cried in distress, fleeing as they saw Kuixin and Yu.

Yu rolled his eyes at one boy spouting water at him, shouting insults.

The duo encountered other officers securing the perimeter. They reported a possible fugitive within, leading to immediate searches.

“We just finished the area lock-down,” an officer briefed them. “We suspect the target is inside.”

“Around?” Yu asked, recognizing another officer. “Where?”

They prepared to search the garbage mountain with caution.

The slums, this was Kuixin’s second visit.

Last time, she had gone north to hunt柴剑, but now it was the eastern area.

Both sectors shared a common feature of decay and rot. Walking through, one could sense a stench of decay.

There was no place for the patrol cars to safely land, so they parked outside the slums.

“This place is chaos, and locals resent us. Keep your guard up,” Yu advised. “Use your gun as a measure.”

“Mmm,” Kuixin nodded, gripping her holstered firearm.

Yu chuckled, “Impressive. Vigilance improves survival rate. It’s my first time mentoring someone. Step up.”

They navigated through the makeshift huts, startling residents who closed their doors upon seeing them. Children playing on the streets fled in panic, “Mummy, daddy, the police again!”

An audacious boy aimed a toy water gun at Yu, “You took my dad! You should die!”

His mother rushed forward, pulling the boy away.

Yu shook his head, eye-rolling, “That’s typical. Many residents are undocumented migrants from backward regions or the underclass. Getting caught means deportation or imprisonment… it’s a lawless zone.”

“Where’s our teammate?” Kuixin inquired. “Is he around?”

“Coming up ahead,” pointed Yu.

A garbage mountain rose into view.

It was encircled by caution tape, and drones hovered overhead announcing: “Clearance by Surveillance Bureau! Leave the scene! Unauthorized entry will be terminated! Breach of blockade area will result in fatal consequences!”

Armed security officers patrolled the perimeter, one reported, “Area under our control. We’re certain the target is somewhere in there.”

“Old Li, you there?” Yu scanned for familiar faces.

“Lao Li” quickly strode over, assessing Kuixin with a glance, “Mr. Li Min here.”

“Greetings, Kuixin,” Kuixin greeted respectfully.

“Not late, then,” Yu queried.

“Just finished the blockade ten minutes ago,” Li Min explained. “With fugitives amid the residents, controlling movement and identifying them is the current focus.”

“Good plan,” Yu affirmed, “Clear?”

“Understood. Identify the heteroblooods amidst the populace and capture them. Eliminate if escape fails,” Kuixin said firmly.

Yu nodded, satisfied. “No issues.”

He marched towards the garbage heap with determination. “Let’s get to business,”

Kuixin drew her newly acquired cannon from her waist, following into the heap.