Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Artificial Soul 14

“Xiao Xin!” Captain Yu waved his gun and ran over, followed by a group of security officers.

“Captain Yu.” Xiao Xin lifted his weapon, pointing at the woman hiding in a corner. “One live prisoner.”

Yu looked back and ordered the others, “Take her away and escort her to the detention center for questioning.”

“It might not be enough to just take her.” Xiao Xin said, “The hunted heterogamy might be a dwarf person, disguised as that woman’s child. They must have known each other for a long time. With many people living in the garbage mountain, someone might have seen both of them; they could be questioned about what happened. We need to seize her neighbors for interrogation as well; maybe we can gather more information from them.”

“Reasonable,” Yu raised his eyebrows and signaled the security officers, “Make it happen.”

After the security officers handcuffed the woman on the ground and took her away, Yu asked, “Did that heterogamy have any extraordinary abilities? Tell me in detail.”

“The ability she had was strange. When we couldn’t find our target, I suspected that either the heterogamy had escaped or was disguised. The only one who hadn’t undergone the wound test was the child, so I decided to make a wound on myself and have the ‘young girl’ test it so as to not miss any potential suspects.” Xiao Xin said calmly, “When the time came for the ‘young girl’ to do the test, she suddenly showed me pity, and inexplicably, I believed her…I felt something blocking my mind until the ‘young girl’ walked away, then I realized what had happened.”

“Mental-related extraordinary abilities are truly unpredictable. Such abilities often launch very stealthily,” said Yu. “It’s a shame there isn’t a survivor. But under those conditions, it probably wasn’t possible either.”

“It’s likely that her ability has flaws; I was only deceived for a short time,” Xiao Xin explained, “If I managed to break free earlier, our comrade wouldn’t have died.”

“You didn’t have experience with mental ability users—it’s not your fault,” Yu replied calmly, “Deaths are common.”

Xiao Xin reread the description of the Deception Skill.

“There’s a certain probability you can make the targeted person believe your lie unconditionally within a limited time, and influenced by your emotional manipulation. The effectiveness of the Deception Skill is random and the duration is affected by their willpower and the believability of the lie.”

Each of these descriptions warranted careful consideration.

“Believe your lie unconditionally”—unconditionally!

This meant no matter what lie Xiao Xin told, there was a certain probability that the Deception Skill would work. Even if she claimed, “My true identity is actually that of the son of Krypton,” as long as the conditions were met, the other party would believe it.

The effectiveness of the skill is completely random, whereas the duration depends on other factors.

“Efficacy probability” and “duration” are described separately, being independent. If the skill fails to trigger, considering the duration is irrelevant because it never took effect. Only when the skill is effective does the duration matter.

For example, if Xiao Xin lied that she was an alien, which is incredibly implausible, and the listener is quite resolute, then the lie would last very briefly.

Xiao Xin was manipulated a few minutes ago, making the duration very short. She could only conclude that the heterogamy was extremely lucky, triggering the efficacy probability at the right moment.

In summary, Deception Skill is a luck-based skill; one might get lucky like an ‘ace’ continuously or unlucky like a ‘non-ace’. It all depends on chance, with no guarantee.

When the skill works, it’s like a divine skill, slowing down people’s minds for a few seconds at least. If it doesn’t, it’s useless, having no practical impact.

“Based on this training, you’re a competent warrior, though still somewhat inexperienced, but overall great,” Yu said. “Captured the heterogamy, and mission completed… By the way, remember, the blood after the heterogamy dies is also a sample, we need to gather samples.”

With that, Yu reached into his pocket for two slender glass vials, then took sterile gloves out to demonstrate how to collect a sample properly.

After completing the collection, Yu stood up, putting the glass vials away.

“Should we search her dwelling?” Xiao Xin asked.

“Definitely,” Yu replied. “Come, let’s go back there.”

Both of them arrived in front of the worn-down shack.

Inside were a few broken boxes, a wooden bed, a chair, and a table with a broken corner.

Xiao Xin sniffed and detected a faint stench, hardly noticeable at the door, but perceptible upon entering the room.

“That’s putrid smell,” said the experienced Yu. “The smell of a decomposing body. You’ve smelled such before?”

“In my brief career, I’ve yet to encounter highly decaying corpses. Does that mean this is what they smell like?” Xiao Xin said. “I’ve only seen fresh corpses and smelled blood, but—”

“Remember that scent. The smell of decaying bodies is different from other rotting things. It is easily hidden in garbage piles, but experienced individuals can tell the difference,” Yu continued. “Smell more carefully and remember it.”

“Not sure my stomach can handle it,” commented Xiao Xin sarcastically.

“That means you need more practice,” said Yu.

He sniffed around, kicking the bed in frustration.

Underneath the bed was indeed a corpse, tightly wrapped in several layers of plastic bags, tightly tied with string, with some random deodorants scattered around.

Xiao Xin wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“From the size of the wrapping, the deceased was a young child,” Yu also frowned. “The heterogamy killed the woman’s child and used a mental ability to control her, living here in the place of her child. Did no one around the garbage mountain notice?”

“That woman was clearly not in her right mind,” Xiao Xin commented. “Could the child have already died, and due to her inability to accept it, her mental state deteriorated? According to my experiences, this heterogamy’s power didn’t cause such drastic mental decline—maybe she was already mad.”

“Until we conduct a postmortem, everything’s possible. Interrogating anyone alive should clear up the situation,” Yu said while lifting the shroud with one hand, irritated. “Damn it, I hate moving bodies… Xiao Xin, you do it.”

Xiao Xin: “…If you hate moving it, why would I enjoy it?”

“Hey,” Yu smiled, “But I’m your captain! I am your trainer, your superior, and you should follow what I say now there’s no one else available.”

Alright, who would have thought she had to, with her low rank compared to Yu’s?

Xiao Xin expressionlessly tugged at the rope of the shroud and left with Yu.

Sitting in the hovering squad car, Xiao Xin felt the stench of decay all over her clothes. She urgently wanted to shower in the rest room at headquarters.

Yu in the driver’s seat asked, “Anything you feel after completing the task?”

“Not really. It’s like every operation, you just carry it out,” Xiao Xin replied. “Captain Yu, whatever you taught is straightforward, and it suits the nature of tasks. If we don’t approach them like this, we’d only be causing ourselves more problems.”

“Glad you understood,” Yu said, taking out a pack of cigarettes from his combat gear and inserting one into his mouth.

“Don’t smoke inside the car,” Xiao Xin reminded him.

“I know, I won’t. I’m just biting the cigarette because it makes me feel a bit better,” Yu said in frustration. “After each task, I always light up one.”

“Why did you suddenly quit smoking?” Xiao Xin asked. “You seem addicted.”

Yu squinted. “Married, with a kid, who refuses to smoke. They hate the smell.”

No wonder he had been lenient towards the child previously. Maybe there was more than just the child’s inability to withstand divine blood behind it.

“Xiao Xin, what plans do you have for the future?” Yu asked suddenly.

“Thought you were too rugged a captain to discuss life ideals with subordinates.” Xiao Xin raised an eyebrow, aping how Augus would speak. “Perhaps I shouldn’t judge you by your appearance; your heart is actually quite delicate.”

“Xiao Xin,” Augus interjected, “Do you have any opinions about me?”

Xiao Xin ignored him.

“You’re ridiculing me, aren’t you?” Yu glared at Xiao Xin. “Say nothing then.”

“No, there’s just a hint of surprise.” Xiao Xin said, “I have trouble planning far ahead. Too many things are happening in my immediate environment… If I had to name one long-term plan, I suppose it’s just about earning enough money.”

“Poor family background?” Yu asked, “Your personal records indicate debts of tens of thousands?”

“It’s true.” Xiao Xin replied, “But I will repay the debt gradually. Life will definitely get better eventually.”

“Do you wish to improve your living standards?” Yu inquired.

“Yes,” Xiao Xin nodded. “Recently, I have been thinking about moving to the employee dormitories. My current home in Harbor Zone Peaceful Street is too far from my workplace. The commute takes up a lot of time, so staying at the dorms would be convenient.”

Yu said, “That’s easy. Just file an application. Haven’t you been assigned as permanent staff for a while? Why haven’t you moved?”

“Because I was assigned a patrol duty in Harbor Zone a few days ago, which brought me closer to home. I’ll write the application form when I return,” Xiao Sin responded.

Yu stopped talking.

Augus, however, chimed in over the radio, “He’s testing you, Xiao Xin. A very amateur attempt, Yu isn’t the type to make complex strategies. He has been attached to Lin Xinji for long, following him all the way up to where he is. If you show desire or ambition that can be exploited, it would be easier to recruit you.”

Yes, Xiao Xin had also noticed the probing nature of Yu’s questions, so she slightly revealed her yearning for wealth and her ambition to improve her living conditions.

Moving to the employee dorms was her solution to these dilemmas.

Shu Xueyao had mentioned long ago that the Harbor Zone was unsafe, suggesting that she move to the dorms, but she had not had the opportunity.

Staying at her home in Peaceful Street would keep her close to Silverface, leaving her little time for personal affairs. If she did not go home on time, Silverface was bound to become suspicious. Moving to the dormitory would give her space, allowing her to avoid Silverface and escape the surveillance and influence of Mechanized Dawn and Eve. Under Adam’s leadership, she would be safer.

Returning to the Investigation Bureau, Xiao Xin rushed to the rest room to take a bath.

Being covered in a terrible odor that she found intolerable, only a shower could return her sense of smell to normal.

Morning was swiftly consumed, and during lunch break, Xiao Xin quickly filled out the employee dorm application, presenting it to Shu Xueyao.

“Approval will come through tomorrow. Go home and pack your things today,” Shu Xueyao said. “Living here will be much safer. The dormitory is located right next to the Investigation Building, very close, with excellent surroundings.”

“At last, I’ll get to leave this rundown place,” Xiao Xin sighed with relief. “The streetlights on Peaceful Street aren’t working either. Captain, do you think buying a small apartment near the city center is expensive? For the city center, it’s beyond my imagination.”

“It should cost around three to five million for a forty-square-meter studio,” Shu Xueyao pondered. “It’s hard for me to give accurate prices.”

Xiao Xin replied, “Forget it, I’m giving up hope.”

“If you reach my position, you’ll earn roughly fifty thousand a month, depending on the number of field missions and bonuses,” Shu Xueyao added. “To be honest, buying a house for ordinary people like us is pretty difficult.”

“My salary is slightly over ten thousand now. To become a captain like you, it would take at least two to three years. Security personnel retire at 40 years old, and by 30, their physical condition declines, rendering them unable to perform tasks. There seems no hope whatsoever,” Xiao Xin concluded. “At least, I still have a house in Peaceful Street to live in when I retire.”

Shu Xueyao chuckled, “You already starting to think about retirement at the start of your life? You’re an Awakener, Xiao Xin. Your future is full of possibilities. Don’t let yourself be confined here. I wish you good fortune in escaping your current predicament.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Xiao Xin said, “Lunch break is over, and I have training to attend.”

“Very well, head to trainings,” Shu Xueyao said gently.

…

After returning home from work, another issue awaited Xiao Xin.

She needed to explain to Mechanized Dawn why she was moving from Peaceful Street to the investigation bureau’s employee dormitory.

Xiao Xin made a communication call to Kui Haidong.

“Hello, Dad,” Xiao Xin said, “I’m moving from Peaceful Street to stay at the employee dormitory in the investigation bureau.”

Kui Haidong frowned from the other end of the line. “It’s a bit inconvenient…”

“Hm, but I’m currently in a period of growth,” Xiao Xin began. “My supervisor has hinted multiple times that I should move into the employee dormitory, and I don’t want to refuse them outright. Moreover, the bureau leadership seems interested in recruiting me, so I need to show a positive attitude.”

“Leadership, you mean? Who?” Kui Haidong diverted attention, “A status like yours would naturally attract interest. An Awakening civilian… ”

“I’m not sure who it is exactly. There was an emergency training session, and the B-Class Awakened leading it tested me extensively on my loyalties,” Xiao Xin said ambiguously. “Higher-ups generally don’t command B-Class Awakeners directly, so it’s likely someone of higher status wants to recruit me.”

“That’s good,” Haidong remarked, “It aligns with our efforts. Continue winning their trust and complete the mission I gave you.”

“Affirmative,” Xiao Xin responded.

“Since you are moving to the dormitory, you will be less present at headquarters,” Kui Haidong paused. “In case of emergencies, contact Cicada at night for assistance.”

“I understand,” Xiao Xin replied.

As soon as Xiao Xin hung up, Yinhua, who had been nearby, exclaimed in shock, “You are moving away?!”

“Yes,” Xiao Xin affirmed.

Yinhua further exclaimed in disbelief, “Then where am I supposed to stay?”

“Find your own residence. Contact me when you need to help me on assignments, otherwise, feel free to manage your own affairs,” Xiao Xin advised. “Why are you reacting so dramatically?”

Feeling aggrieved, Yinhua responded, “Because I’m under your authority. You moving away means I need to be well taken care of.”

“I’ve settled this matter,” Xiao Xin looked at him. “Any other concerns?”

Yinhua: “…Not anymore.”

Xiao Xin got up to start packing, but just as she was about to leave, Kui Haidong called again.

“Siaoxin, you should come back to headquarters tonight,” Kui Haidong said. “Just remembered, I need to assign additional tasks to you, of high importance.”

While Kui Haidong was speaking, a deep blue vortex slowly appeared in Xiao Xin’s living room at home, signifying that Cicada had opened a portal.

Xiao Xin’s eyes narrowed, “Okay, I’m coming right away.”