Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Sea Without Light Part 25

” Patrol Record for August 1st at the Port.

At 9:23 AM, an altercation occurred resulting in detention of two individuals and educational criticism of three others.

At 10:56 AM, workers from the Number Five Dockyard were involved in a brawl over trivial matters; they were taken back to the port detention facility to calm down and received further criticism and education.

At 15:11 PM, a robbery report was filed. Upon arriving at the scene, the suspect had fled. Evidence was collected at the crime scene and the victim was brought back to the security office for a statement.

At 18:05 PM, vagrants gathered to take drugs in Alley 168 of Peaceful Street. They were caught on the spot and escorted back to the Investigation Building headquarters for further interrogation.”

” Patrol Record for August 2nd at the Port.

At 8:02 AM, a floating corpse was discovered at the southeastern edge of Number Five Dockyard; the identity of the deceased has been confirmed as a dock worker due to drowning after intoxication. Initial investigation shows no signs of homicide; the case is ruled accidental death. The body was retrieved by the family at 12:32 PM.

At 13:56 PM, a street brawl resulted in five arrests.

At 15:14 PM, another street brawl led to four arrests.

At 17:09 PM, another street melee erupted where conflict parties used weapons such as metal pipes, crowbars, boning knives, and old revolvers. The patrol security team gave warnings which proved ineffective, so they fired shots killing two participants and detaining the rest.”

“What a good day…another peaceful day will come to an end soon. Today was also relaxing.” Kui Xin sat in her office, typing the last character onto the light screen before stretching.

As a newcomer, Kui Xin needed to learn a lot, such as how to write reports and properly handle various disputes while patrolling the port.

Over the past few days, Kui Xin had been writing these reports, and she inputted her work logs into Augus’s system for archiving purposes.

For two consecutive days, nothing happened.

Silverface performed his daily tasks meticulously, compiling data, while Thorn Rose took some pressure off her work after receiving mechanical limbs. Red contacted Kui Xin less frequently — presumably, their mission was in a critical phase. With such a vast port and dense patrols by security officers, collecting data isn’t easy.

Kui Xin hadn’t worked part-time for Mechanized Dawn over the past two evenings, which made her feel a bit out of place. With fewer jobs, she gained more time to study at night.

Thinking about the thick piles of technical books in her room made Kui Xin’s head spin. To finish a university four-year curriculum in just a few days seemed impossible. Fortunately, she didn’t currently need forensic expertise; most emergencies at the port could be handled with martial arts.

“Are you done, Kui Xin?” Shu Xueyao organized documents on a nearby desk and turned off the projector saying, “You’ve worked hard today.”

“Not really hard, the report was only a few hundred words. Captain, you’ve done much more,” Kui Xin clicked save and then turned off the projector.

“It’s time to clock out. Let’s go.” Shu Xueyao glanced at the clock.

The Coastal Security Team’s patrols were divided into day shifts and night shifts. Daytime work was relatively relaxed, but nighttime was much riskier. Crime usually surfaced under the cover of night.

Like repulsive bugs, they burrow into the ground to avoid intense sunlight but crawl out at night.

People never realized how wild Black Sea City got at night.

“We should be on night duty patrol tomorrow, right?” Kui Xin said.

“Yes, you don’t have to come during the day. Work hours will shift to eight in the evening,” Shu Xueyao replied. Night duty shifts induced significant fatigue, hence the rotation. Shifts alternated every two days. Seventh Squad recently covered daytime patrols; they would be on night duty the next.

“Do you want to walk together?” Shu Xueyao invited.

“Sure, let’s walk. It’s much cooler in the evening than in the day,” Kui Xin naturally agreed.

Patrolling the dock had left her quite hot, wearing heavy equipment in high-temperature thirty-plus degrees celsius.

Recently, Kui Xin and her teammates often patrolled straight-backed, alert in all directions. Her right hand always rested on her belt holster, ready to draw the gun.

After hearing from a veteran colleague that gangs with guns often lurked around the port, she had become overly cautious. She thought if an armed member of the gang she was tracking suddenly attacked, one bullet could end everything.

Kui Xin aimed not to be killed, which was why she remained alert, her hand on the gun holster while on patrol.

If anyone intended to kill her, she’d make sure to get that person first.

And indeed, she did just that. That afternoon, in a melee, she showed no mercy and took down the leader of the group with just two shots.

Kui Xin and Shu Xueyao changed into casual clothing and exited the Coastal Security Office, with Shu Xueyao walking her home along her regular route.

“How have you been feeling these two days?” Shu Xueyao asked with concern.

“I’m fine,” Kui Xin responded. “The first and second time doing this, there’s a sensation… it fades later.”

“You’re the rookie I’ve seen adapting the fastest,” Shu Xueyao said.

“Thank you, Captain,” Kui Xin accepted the compliment calmly.

“You were pre-recruited straight from Black Sea Academy, the only one among your cohort. Finding someone with the same mindset might be tough, yet your adaptation puts me at ease,” Shu Xueyao remarked. “In the usual routine, you’d need more training to handle things solo, bringing you here for patrols is quite rushed.”

“Don’t worry about my mind,” Kui Xin said, “I anticipated the chaos in the Harbor Zone, and being mentally prepared makes it easier to accept.”

“I see, you’re from the Harbor Zone,” Shu Xueyao commented. “There’s one month until we recruit more externally, and once we train enough newcomers, our pressure will ease. But for now, we must endure.”

“There’s no other choice,” Kui Xin understood, “this period is more chaotic than usual.”

Darkness fell, a cool breeze blowing. The low-rise residences in the Harbor Zone lit up.

“As a security officer, you need to learn to bear stress and resist temptation,” Shu Xueyao said.

“What do you mean?” Kui Xin turned, pretending not to understand.

“You’re young. Despite seeing some dark things, worse corruption lies beyond what you imagine,” Shu Xueyao continued. “Do you know why our Coastal Security Team rotates shifts monthly?”

Kui Xin feigned listening intently.

“Corruption,” Shu Xueyao whispered. “Smugglers have corrupted long-deployed security teams, turning them into accomplices of crime.”

Kui Xin wasn’t surprised; such problems exist everywhere.

“Rotating patrol units keeps bribery costs high; each replacement has to spend time and money on bribes,” she reasoned aloud. “Captain, is that the idea?”

“Yes, it’s the only way,” Shu Xueyao admitted. “We can’t eliminate all corrupt occurrences.”

“Captain, I believe you are decent and upright,” Kui Xin hesitated, glancing at Shu Xueyao. “Would you ever embezzle?”

Shu Xueyao looked puzzled. “What are you implying? Who would explain these things to you clearly?”

“Just in case you’re planning to silence me and split the profits with me,” Kui Xin pretended.

“Alright, I understand you’re joking,” Shu Xueyao laughed.

“Captain is from a well-off background, I’m sure he wouldn’t care about small sums,” Kui Xin added. “It reassures me working with you.”

“I appreciate your trust,” Shu Xueyao said.

Kui Xin pondered, “You say we can’t prevent corruption completely… a month seems too long. Might someone still fall prey to bribes? This means, threats from gangs and even betrayal from partners?”

“That’s true. The world is complex,人心更复杂（note: ‘人心更复杂’ literally means ‘Hearts are even more complicated’, it has been omitted in translation for a smoother English flow). Kui Xin, you’ve just graduated. You’ll need to adapt not only to combat but also to this society.”

“Neither my parents nor any reliable relatives surround me here. No one teaches me these things,” Kui Xin paused before continuing. “You are the first one teaching me how to navigate life, Captain.”

“It’s better when someone guides you,” Shu Xueyao said, “ask questions when you don’t know and learn step by step.”

“Sure, got it.” Kui Xin nodded.

They ended up at Kui Xin’s building.

“I’m home, Captain. Go back quickly,” Kui Xin said.

“Rest well today, otherwise you’ll exhaust yourself on the night shift,” Shu Xueyao nodded farewell. “Goodbye, Kui Xin.”

Kui Xin watched Shu Xueyao’s silhouette disappear at the corner.

She turned and went upstairs, opening her door.

Silverface squatted at the dining table, playing with a waterball casually. “Who was downstairs? You conversed for quite some time.”

Kui Xin raised her eyebrows, “Did you see?”

“I saw him but he didn’t see me.” Silverface replied.

“You have to be careful; he’s my superior from the Inquiry Department.” Kui Xin entered and took off her shoes, heading to the bathroom to remove her sunscreen.

She glanced into the kitchen, frowning. “No ingredients…better buy something quick from the convenience store. Cooking is tedious.”

Kui Xin headed to the door, preparing to leave. “Remember to buy supplies after the next mission.”

“Oh, okay.” Silverface spoke listlessly from the table.

Thinking for a moment, Kui Xin walked down remembering directions to a nearby store.

Her fellow countryman’s parents from the Second World operated a store, and since she was visiting for supplies, she thought it appropriate to get to know people.

“Welcome,” a muffled robotic voice said as she entered the store.

The shop was compact but well-stocked, carrying a wide selection of daily necessities and food items.

“What’s the matter?” the sound of wheels rolling caught her attention.

“Classmate?”

“…Xiliang?”

Kui Xin stared, bewildered at Xiliang who was sitting in a wheelchair, swaddled in bandages and plaster. Only his eyes, nose, and mouth were exposed, giving him a tragic appearance.

“What happened?” Kui Xin exclaimed, “you looked normal a few days ago.”

Xiliang pursed his lips, “I was hit by a car delivering takeout. The perpetrator was a bratty rich kid.”

“Did you get compensated?” Kui Xin asked.

“He said he’ll go through legal channels, but compensation won’t be available for at least three months,” Xiliang mournfully said. “My legs lost sensation; I need to use a mechanical prosthetic. My parents are raising funds…”

His tears streamed.

Xiliang had tasted bitter realities. Never had he felt life so challenging. It suffocated him.

Excitement and anticipation upon arrival faded with the harsh realities. Physical injuries and emotional pain were real here. He experienced everything vividly. The gaming system was just a facade, useless beyond viewing status.

In the Second World, Xiliang lived like an ordinary person, enduring and experiencing life’s hardships.

Most poor residents of the Second World faced similar struggles.

Xiliang’s setup after crossing over was like this. If he lacked the ability to change, he would remain mediocre in the Second World.

“I’m sorry, Classmate, my current state must be an embarrassment…” Xiliang sniffled. “Want to buy anything? Choose, scan and pay.”

Kui Xin picked bread, milk, and snacks.

Before scanning, a subdued black limousine halted outside. A well-dressed man stepped out and entered the shop directly, his gaze set on Xiliang.

“Hello, Mr. Xiliang.” Holding out a business card, the gentleman introduced himself, “I’m Zhang Rui from Rick Technology Company’s Recruitment Department. I’d like to introduce you to our recruitment program.”

Xiliang froze, “I enrolled in Black Sea Academy but haven’t graduated yet; I haven’t paid tuition. Recruiting me so early seems premature…”

“Mr. Xiliang, you’re misunderstanding us,” Zhang Rui explained. “We collaborate with universities. Your records stood out. Your grades are excellent, but Black Sea Academy fees are daunting for most families. Our Talent Development Foundation offers low-interest or interest-free loans for those in need.”

“You’re running a charity?” Xiliang gaped.

“No, loans come with conditions,” Zhang Rui revealed. “You’d need to sign a contract, promising employment with Rick Technology after graduation.”

This was…a monopolizing technology talent scheme. Xiliang reacted slowly.

Having nearly no knowledge of Rick Technology, Xiliang instinctively sought advice from Kui Xin, the native resident.

“Classmate, do you have any advice?” Xiliang asked.

“Rick is a reputable firm. You should review the agreement carefully, consult your parents once they return,” Kui Xin pondered for a moment. “Whether to accept is your personal choice… If you lack better options, signing with Rick Technology is advisable.”

Zhang Rui politely nodded towards Kui Xin, “Your opinion is insightful.” He examined Xiliang’s legs, “Our bionics technology leads globally. Should you agree, Rick Technology will offer you affordable mechanical limbs.”