Chapter 26

Chapter 26: The Sea Without Light Part 26

Xi Liang was noticed by Rick Technology Co., Ltd., and there’s a high chance that she played a role in the report sent to the organization through Silverface.

Rick Technology Company has intricate ties with the Mechanized Dawn. It is a front company for the Mechanized Dawn, operating as a controlled entity under them. The Mechanized Dawn’s headquarters laboratory is located within Rick Technology Co., Ltd.’s own premises.

Kui Xin pondered continuously while carrying food she bought from a convenience store back home.

The Mechanized Dawn loomed over her like a shadow, a sword of Damocles hanging overhead. After days of observation and analysis, she gained some superficial insights, but she wasn’t clear about the organization’s true scale or its purposes and objectives.

She could only speculate on the organization’s power through certain details.

Each member of the port demolition task force is at least a Grade C Awakened; among them, Silverface, Thorn Rose, Bartender, and even Ambereye Black Obsidian all possess powers at least Grade B. However, their abilities vary—some aren’t suitable for combat, such as Thorn Rose being a reconnaissance type. Ball Python is the weakest in terms of rank in the task force; despite having combat power close to a Grade B, he is still categorized as Grade C.

As for Red, Kui Xin suspected him to be a Grade A Awakened. To gain the loyalty and respect of so many other Awakened, one can assume his level should not be lower than Grade B.

Unfortunately, Red’s provided intelligence never mentioned his extraordinary capabilities. Perhaps the original host of this consciousness knows but hasn’t included them.

Apart from Red, the Mechanized Dawn likely houses more Grade A Awakened.

This world keeps the existence of Xenomorphs a secret from most citizens, though Awakened are not concealed. High-ranking Awakened citizens gain enhanced privileges, such as rising directly from grades D to C, paralleling some government officials’ statuses.

Despite this, several high-ranking Awakened have been recruited by the Mechanized Dawn.

What draws these Awakened to join them? What methods do they employ to keep these members loyal?

The longer Kui Xin stays in this world, the more doubts accumulate in her heart.

For the moment, let us focus on a particular doubt concerning herself.

An original host who hasn’t awakened with extra abilities, what qualifies her to form part of the core of the Mechanized Dawn? Why is she entrusted with major operations like port blasting? Who would partner with so many high-grade Awakened, even taking up a deputy command role?

Is it because of wisdom and her undercover status? Or is there something much deeper?

Red treats her as an equal. There’s no hierarchy between them; however, dealing with other sub-teams, he occasionally displays authoritative behavior, issuing commands.

Red never uses commanding tones with Kui Xin. He always seeks collaborative agreements or considers her viewpoints and circumstances when discussing matters.

Kui Xin’s status in the Mechanized Dawn is unusual.

“Deputy commander, data scanning for the last area of Port Number Five is complete, transmitting to headquarters now,” Thorn Rose messaged.

“Received,” Kui Xin replied.

After entering, she immediately messaged Red, “Our data scanning here has concluded.”

Red responded, “We need one more night. Sigh, having Silverface around sure makes things handy.”

Silverface’s unique traits reach their peak efficiency at the port, where his ability to control liquids proves exceedingly versatile.

To be honest, Kui Xin envied Silverface’s ability but couldn’t act against him yet.

Not oblivious to Kui Xin’s darker thoughts, Silverface happily opened a pack of chips upon seeing her come back and crunched away, unaware of her underlying intentions.

Kui Xin ate bread and drank some yogurt before heading back to her room to study. She planned to cram the night through and sleep in the morning, then cover the late shift.

Every day was packed and busy, more intense than the final year of high school.

…

August 3rd, 8:00 PM.

Kui Xin went straight to work on her night shift.

“The benefit of a night shift is no need for sunscreen,” Lan Lan complained. “Captain, I recommend adding sunscreen as standard issue for the coastal security team.”

Lan Lan had gone days without sunscreen on his first day but had borrowed from Kui Xin.

“Totally agree,” others echoed.

“Let’s write a recommendation,” Xueyao Shu coolly suggested, “Get your gear ready, don’t forget the night vision goggles. Only Seventh Squad covers Port Number Five; the rest falls to other squads.”

Teams equipped fully, they gathered.

“Hope for a peaceful and beautiful day today,” Kui Xin adjusted the night vision strap.

“Also?” Lan Lan smiled. “Port Bay Area never remains peaceful, nothing good happens around here.”

“A low threshold,” Kui Xin smiled. “If no dire threat arises, peace is achieved.”

“Indeed,” Lan Lan repeated, “let’s hope today brings another peaceful day.”

Jiang Ming snorted, “Saying this might invite trouble. Had expected calm, yet now you speak of unrest.”

“Individual will has no effect on such occurrences,” Liu Kangyun said sternly. “Even if they happen, just stay alert.”

Night patrols required patrol vehicles with bulletproof glass, floating or ground modes, and autonomous driving and navigation systems.

Xueyao Steuer took the driver’s seat; Liu Kangyun the passenger. The rest sat in the back. The vehicle ascended and headed towards Port Number Five.

Empty containers lined the docks after the earlier explosion. For weeks, the site lay dormant. Now repairs nearing completion, operations would soon resume.

The port remained cluttered with construction debris, somewhat chaotic amidst the vastness.

Port Number Five was massive, catering specifically to large freighters. At its busiest, several vessels docked simultaneously.

The floating patrol car landed on a relatively flat platform.

Xi Liang, Lan Lan, and Jiang Ming got out to inspect carefully. Xueyao and Liu Kangyun stayed inside, ready to support with communications.

Despite its current disuse, smuggling, illegal immigration, and illicit trade remained common.

During operational hours, the port bustled day and night. Criminals exploited these times to traffic goods openly. Now that activity had decreased, these activities increased due to fewer eyes watching.

Previously masked, the current brazen approach was evident. Patrolmen chased down criminals, who even dared to return fire. Port Bay Area gangs were audacious by nature.

Security officers working here risked their lives. Extra bonuses compensated the danger. Would anyone choose this perilous job if not for better pay?

Port Number Five was a floating harbor. The sensation beneath feet felt similar to the ground. Waves and movements remained stable.

Xi Liang maintained alertness, gripping her weapon belt unrelentingly. Even talkative Lan Lan stayed quiet.

Only the sea wind’s moan and teammates’ breathing filled the air.

Patrol entailed more inspections than mere visual checks. They needed to scrutinize machinery and potential hideouts.

Routine patrols alternated every hour, with pauses halfway. Maintaining vigilance demanded constant energy, especially during critical nights requiring heightened concentration.

After two rounds, Kui Xin and her squad paused briefly for rest, then resumed. By midnight, they would meet with another team for a shift change.

“Just three minutes until midnight, gather for交接” Xueyao said over comms, “You’ve worked hard. From now, desk duty awaits.”

Tonight seemed peacefully uneventful as Xi Liang desired.

Lan Lan murmured, “Strange… Not a soul. Usually we apprehend at least a couple druggies…”

This night was eerily silent