Chapter 188

Chapter 188: The Boundless Dark Realm Part 43

All the matters that needed handling had been taken care of, but the mess left behind was something to be dealt with.

“We can call in a street cleaner,” said He Kangshi, quite well-informed.

“Do street cleaners still take on clean-up jobs for bodies?” asked Kui Xin curiously.

“Ordinary street cleaners don’t handle that, but in the Midnight District, the term ‘street cleaner’ is more of a nickname than a profession.” He Kangshi scratched his forehead, “Those who deal with dirty things are called street cleaners because the Investigation Bureau in the Midnight District doesn’t often take action, and when someone dies, no one knows about it. People here live recklessly, with no close relatives or friends; hence, no one collects the corpses. Thus, they formed a group called ‘street cleaners,’ responsible for cleaning up the aftermath.”

“Is that what you mean?” Kui Xin pointed towards some colorful fliers glued on a street corner. There was a line of letters on them, followed by numbers.

An electronic eye scanned the advertisement and automatically translated it, revealing the message: “Professional corpse collection, removing bloodstains, cleaning battlefields, affordable prices, lowest in the Midnight District…”

Goodness, killing, arson, and clean-up had developed into a complete industry, this must be the Midnight District?

He Kangshi quickly dialed the cleaner’s number. He spoke briefly and within ten minutes, a garbage truck roared over, parked outside, and two people got down to work. Together, they loaded the corpses onto the back of the truck. Afterwards, they cleaned the shards of glass and bullet casings from the ground and disinfected the bloodstains…

“Three hundred Federation Credits…” The cleaner smiled at Kui Xin, “However, some of the bodies have high-value mechanical prosthetics. If you allow us to handle those, the job will be free. If you wish to keep those mechanical pieces, it will cost three hundred Federation Credits.”

This was how the cleaner made money, some reclaimed parts were worth more than just three hundred Federation Credits.

“Leave it to you.” Kui Xin said firmly.

“Business goes well. You’re a returning customer, so we give a twenty percent discount.” The cleaner got into the vehicle, pressed the accelerator, and drove away.

Regardless of what happened inside the shop, no matter how many gang members gathered outside the door, all other shops on the street remained silent, some even closing their doors to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

The cleaners and the truck came and went, not a soul dared poke their head out.

He Kangshi looked at the damaged door and said, “It feels like a dream… Such an easy revenge.”

“Are you hoping for some extra twists during the mission?” Kui Xin returned to the shop.

He Kangshi hurried, “No, no, smooth sailing is better. This is all thanks to you, you’re amazing!”

Kui Xin accessed the shop’s AI system. She checked the inventory list projected on the screen.

“In the future, you won’t run errands at the bar anymore. Our organization needs manpower; these shops will be under your management,” Kui Xin displayed the inventory, “Pricing follows this list. There is a scanning device nearby, it scans to show the price, just like working the checkout in a convenience store.”

He Kangshi was stunned, “These shops are mine?”

“For now,” Kui Xin said, “In the future, this place will be one of our bases. You need to take responsibility.”

He Kangshi straightened, “I’ll make it happen. I guarantee the completion of the mission.”

“If anyone causes trouble, Ashes will help you,” Kui Xin added.

“Ashes?” He Kangshi realized, “Is that someone’s codename? A colleague?”

“Ashes, come out so he can meet you,” Kui Xin told him.

A puddle of black mud emerged from Kui Xin’s shadow, forming a human figure.

Shadow Double extended a hand to He Kangshi, who shook it immediately and couldn’t help but marvel, “Our organization has so much talent! Thanks, Ashes, for saving my life. Without you, I could’ve been hit by bullets!”

Shadow Double shook his head, implying not to be overly polite.

“Get someone to fix up the shop front, use bulletproof glass for the door if possible, and have the highest-strength metal gate,” Kui Xin instructed, handing He Kangshi several gold bars from her utility belt, “I’m giving you funds. If you need more, ask me.”

“Money到位, the repairs can be done overnight,” He Kangshi put away the gold bars, “Gold remains a universal currency.”

Su Rong’s Shadow Double was both offensive and defensive— a reliable enforcer. He Kangshi, sharp-minded and experienced, made her comfortable with their partnership. After all, they were both Awakened individuals, capable enough against any Gang without heavy weapons or other Awakened opponents.

Kui Xin surveyed the premises.

This was a large shop resulting from merging three side-by-side retail spaces. The lower floor was for merchandise, and the upper level contained a lounge and entertainment area with food, beverages, medicines, and weapons. The weapons included small-caliber firearms and melee weapons like batons, knives— inferior to Boris’s arsenal.

Underneath was a sizable basement, filled with merchandise and neatly stacked mechanical parts. This space could also serve as a safe house.

“Augus, scan,” Kui Xin said.

“I can’t scan without the restrictions removed?” Augus replied.

“Apologies, forgot.” Kui Xin lifted the restrictions.

“Scanning…Done. Combining data from city infrastructure, there’s an underground sewage pipe less than a meter behind this wall based on your coordinates,” Augus said, “When you said the two words, time seemed to rewind, back to when you were a security officer.”

“Routine saying,” Kui Xin gently touched the wall, “Clearing through this wall and the soil can create an escape shaft to the sewers. We’ll revisit the renovations later; tonight is too hectic.”

Descending to the first floor, Kui Xin saw construction workers already installing a new door.

He Kangshi and the black mud squirmed, looking at each other with expressions that reflected they were trying to find words without knowing how to say them.

“Finished here; off to the next task,” Kui Xin nodded to He Kangshi and Shadow Double.

He Kangshi thought, “Is she really leaving?”

“The shop alarm is linked to my personal communicator. In case of trouble, press the alarm button,” Kui Xin pointed at a hidden red button under the table, “Don’t worry, the surveillance system detects anything unusual and alarms me.”

He Kangshi nodded seriously, “Understood!”

“Generally, nothing serious should happen,” Kui Xin said.

“Oh, with me and Ashes around, isn’t that…no need to run from small stuff, but there’s no way a big issue would arise?” He Kangshi replied.

“Quite fitting,” Kui Xin concluded, “Just be careful, avoid any danger.”

“Best of luck!” He Kangshi hastened to say.

Shadow Double raised a hand, waving at Kui Xin’s back.

Ascending, Kui Xin activated a portal and stepped through.

From a hidden alley, she observed a car repair garage ahead in deep thought.

“Your next target is Valeri’s Free Men Car Repair?” Augus asked, “Why choose them? Because Valeri’s brother has power?”

“Not entirely.” Kui Xin’s eyes were clouded with doubt, “The name ‘Free Men’… it makes me uneasy.”

“Hmm?” said Augus, “It’s a common name. The atmosphere in the Midnight District may be oppressive, but also free. It’s quite apt.”

“No, it reminds me of the Resistance Army. Don’t forget their slogan is about equality and freedom. While I think its purpose is false, they genuinely propagate ideas of freedom and equality. Schalit’s memory shows that Resistance Army members are widespread in society. Who knows if White Whale City could be one of their strongholds, especially amidst chaos?”

“You’re overly sensitive, but in terms of safety and long-term planning, targeting the Free Men Garage might be a good choice to jumpstart our plans,” Augus commented.

Kui Xin was cautious because the Resistance Army wouldn’t easily forget her. Surviving now didn’t mean they wouldn’t eventually confront her. Her spiritual coordinates were embedded in her mind, and she had no clue how to remove them… Maybe B-level mental immunity might offer protection.

Her judgments rarely erred, and gut warnings guided her through dangers. White Whale City wasn’t stable, so her future prospects here probably wouldn’t be either, but she was prepared to embrace them.

Kui Xin closed her eyes, activating data manipulation to gain control over the Free Men Car Repair’s monitoring systems and alarms.

Inside the shop, videos showed Valeri servicing a motorcycle. Two assistants were also present, moving items.

Rarely did anyone challenge Free Men due to their intimidating affiliations.

During Kui Xin’s last visit to buy a vehicle, her Investigative Eye confirmed none of the shop’s occupants possessed extraordinary abilities, suggesting minimal risk this time.

Her goal was to secure Valeri and draw blood from him.

Emerging from the concealed alley, Kui Xin approached the car repair front and pushed open the door.

Valeri, a man with a keen memory, immediately recognized Kui Xin. Standing up, he greeted her with a smile, “It’s you, customer. How’s your car doing? Shouldn’t be anything major, right?”

“No issues, a great ride,” Kui Xin responded.

“What brings you here today?” Valeri asked.

Kui Xin lifted her mask, pressing a switch to deactivate voice distortion. Speaking in her natural voice, she demanded, “Give me your best vehicle.”

Valeri was momentarily puzzled, then enthusiastically said, “Sure! No problem!”

Without hesitation, he fetched a finely maintained, deep blue motorcycle from the warehouse, handing its keys in Kui Xin’s palm.

Two assistants emerged from the warehouse carrying materials, visibly stunned, “Boss, why did you give your own bike away?”

Kui Xin glanced at them, “Check the bike, make sure it’s properly serviced.”

The assistants froze for a moment, then briskly moved toward the vehicle, examining it obediently.

Kui Xin withdrew a syringe from her belt, holding it to Valeri, “Draw blood.”

Ten minutes later, she strolled leisurely around the Free Men Car Repair with Valeri’s blood in her bag, as casually as if browsing her garden.

“Valeri is indeed a civilian.” Kui Xin pondered, “But Free Men is a chain business affiliated with the biggest gang in the Midnight District. Problems likely lie with Valeri’s brother, who controls the gang.”

“Your analytical approach holds merit.” Augus commented, “Notice how you seem to have grown better at such tasks.”

“It’s a habit.” Kui Xin stated, “Habits are terrifying.”

She deliberated, then said into the communication device, “Dial your brother and tell him you want to meet.”