Chapter 154

Chapter 154: The Boundless Dark Realm Part 09

“How cold…” Kui Xin shivered, a cloud of white mist escaping from her mouth.

The White Whale City’s temperature fluctuation between day and night at the poles was too great. During the day, temperatures could reach up to ten degrees, but by night they would plummet below ten degrees.

Kui Xin glanced at her communicator; it showed the current temperature was five degrees. She pulled her coat tighter around herself, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

In August, sunrise would come as early as before five in the morning, while sunset would not occur until after nine in the evening. In June, the city experienced nearly a month-long phenomenon of continuous daylight. As winter approached, it would experience nearly a month-long period of continuous nighttime, hence the division into the Poleward District and the Midnight District.

Patrols on the streets of White Whale City were quite sparse. There were more people during the day, but at night, the streets were nearly deserted due to the extremely cold climate. For this reason, the Investigation Bureau mostly used robots for patrols.

In the terrible Midnight District, drunkards out on the streets could actually freeze to death in such weather. If robots discovered drunkards, they would alert or call an ambulance, but neither would get immediate attention.

On the other hand, the Poleward District was completely different. Here, everything was perfect—the buildings were tall, store windows gleamed brightly, and passersby dressed fashionably. Their reports were handled properly here—this place was a world apart from the Midnight District.

“A city without nightlife is incomplete,” Kui Xin commented with irritation.

It wasn’t as bustling as Black Sea City, and the cold winds made the streets seem desolate, almost devoid of any pedestrians.

“That’s because you haven’t found the right spots. Go to bars, clubs, underground fighting rings, and casinos; those places are always lively.” Augus said, “Wealthy folks know how to enjoy themselves; you can even find indoor golf courses and race tracks here, which maintain a comfortable year-round temperature.”

Kui Xin chuckled, “True. At Poleward District, rich people wouldn’t stand outside just to freeze themselves.”

Black Sea City didn’t have clear distinctions between its regions, though it had East, South, West, and North zones. These divisions served only to demarcate geography, whereas sectors in White Whale City were far more meaningful. There was a distinct dividing wall, an electronic barrier, between Poleward and Midnight District.

To move freely across it, one had to pass through the electronic checkpoints. Those rated at Level 5 and below couldn’t enter; they required permission from a Level 4 citizen. Bypassing such security would result in being shot by automatic gun turrets.

The social hierarchy was starkly evident in White Whale City.

Kui Xin walked through the main gate under the supervision of the Investigation Bureau’s scanners, ensuring her passage. Though she had entered openly and correctly, the division and control mechanisms were stringent.

In terms of prosperity, there wasn’t much difference between Black Sea and White Whale. Yet, in Poleward, towering skyscrapers pierced the skyline, holographic projections floated over the city, and expansive digital billboards lined the streets. However, the use of laser lights was more prevalent here, casting brightly colored beams across the night sky, forming concentric circles even beyond low clouds.

When she first arrived in Black Sea City, the sight of the suspended trams moving through the air left a lasting impression on Kui Xin. Unlike Black Sea, White Whale did not have these suspended trams. Instead, it relied solely on ground-bound transportation.

“Here the winter is long, and it’s difficult to keep ice buildup off tram tracks,” Augus explained. “It’s both troublesome and hazardous. That’s why White Whale abandoned trams and opted for ground-based vehicles. You’ll notice the streets are about one point five times wider than Black Sea’s, making vehicle movement easier.”

Different cities possessed unique characteristics. In the First World, architectural styles and lifestyles changed significantly across regions; similarly, in the Second World, diverse geographical conditions gave rise to varied developments.

As Kui Xin looked around town, numerous shops were still open late into the night, making the night stroll pleasant.

Reaching the busiest street of Poleward, she looked up and noticed a grand tech company, Rike Technology Co., Ltd. Its name was vividly illuminated: Rike Innovations.

The moniker was deeply imprinted in her memory since it was connected with both the Mechanical Dawn and the promotion of bioroid technology.

Rike Technology, Innovate, both had connections but no apparent ties; yet both were controlled by Kui Haidong, who was ultimately managed by Eve.

Without Rike Technology, there would still be Innovate; the former specialized in creating humanoid robots and mechanical limbs, while the latter advanced human prosthetics—completely replacing the human body.

Her blue cybernetic eye blinked twice, zooming in automatically using high-resolution imagery. Blinking was now just a command signal for her eye camera, capturing images and magnifying them when needed—a very convenient feature.

Visible in her gaze was the skyscraper’s entire structure, its outer appearance laid bare.

However, comprehending the building’s inner layout required more than just visual inspection; schematics were the key. Each floor had a detailed fire safety map that would be vital to discover.

“When companies undergo regular check-ups, are copies kept by the Inspection Bureau?” asked Kui Xin.

“The safety department handles this. It isn’t within the Inspection Bureau’s purview. I don’t have clearance to access these records,” replied Augus. “I believe Mechanized Dawn must alter their structural plans; safety maps may not reflect the current layout.”

“It seems we’ll have to catch someone within to get some blood.”

Wandering around Innovations’ headquarters, she took several photos with her cybernetic eye and then departed.

Action plans required thorough scouting; any hasty moves would jeopardize success.

Next on her itinerary was the port, where the bustling activities mirrored significant stories in the city—a location brimming with subtle emotions.

It was far from the city center, so it took her over an hour to get there.

She came to the port because in Black Sea City, many narratives began here. Ports held particular significance for her.

Especially pivotal was the incident involving the Kraken. The ship carrying the pods set sail from the polar region and stopped at White Whale. Fang Zhi, the heterogenous-blooded man, hailed from the city, as did Captain Anton. Furthermore, even the ship belonged to a company based here.

White Whale truly stood as the origin of crucial events.

Standing at the frost-filled port triggered a somber realization; the Kraken remained ever present overhead, a silent specter looming over her. While she avoided its direct influence, issues hadn’t resolved themselves—the eggs onboard would hatch and descend into the depths, only to resurface in the near future.

Investigating the ship’s freight company, she noted sealed entry at the building.

“The company was shut down after the incident. Crew members mostly died, and it incurred massive debts, leading to bankruptcy,” Augus explained. “No payment has been issued to the bereaved families.”

Kui Xin pondered briefly, “Is a tycoon backing this shipping company?”

“Yes. This family owns the majority share of the White Whale shipping firm,” Augus continued. “The Popov Clan controls most entertainment and service industries in the city. They’re the wealthiest in White Whale. They’re heavily involved in gambling, nightlife, and racing tracks in both districts. Although politically, they aren’t the strongest, they’re undoubtedly the richest.”

“Wealthiest is a good fit for them.” Kui Xin nodded, committing the family name to memory.

Afterward, en route back to the hotel on the port, Kui Xin observed her surroundings again.

White Whale’s port exuded a chilling loneliness. The silvery moon reflected in the dark sea, ships of all kinds either close or distant, their silhouettes undulating with the waves.

Gales whistled eerily, like ghostly wails, with the lighthouse steadfast and silent. Few folk were around now. Things returned to normal operation only during the day.

If it were winter, distant seas might freeze, becoming vast expanses of white, necessitating ice-breaking vessels.

“Which do you prefer: Black Sea or White Whale?” Augus queried.

“Not really fond of either,” Kui Xin answered, pulling up her jacket collar to shield from the cold. “It’s like asking whether I’d prefer chocolate-flavored shit or shit-flavored chocolate. Both are equally disgusting.”

“Such brutal honesty,” Augus remarked with a chuckle. “But it’s certainly striking.”

“I no longer expect normalcy anymore,” she added. “Since I’m far from normal myself, judging matters by my standards is futile. Learning to let go and loosen up is imperative in this world; obsessive behavior will lead nowhere.”

“Where should we head next?” Augus wondered. “Or maybe seek warmth somewhere?”

“Just wandering around,” Kui Xin muttered, but her mind already fixed on the next destination.

Kui Xin knew she should approach the district where the influential Popov family operated their entertainment companies. Rumor had it, Su Rong was a star under their company banner.

Accommodating in the bustling Poleward District, Su Rong’s fanbase was active in White Whale.

Using data manipulation to search through the network, Kui Xin located her hotel details. Several fans had shared updates on her whereabouts.

Adjusting her direction, Kui Xin proceeded steadily towards her objective.