Chapter 61

Chapter 61: Sea Without Light – Part 61

As Kui Haidong spoke, Kui Xin observed the others without showing any change in expression.

Excluding her and Silverface and Night Cicada, none of the other individuals concealed their appearance.

Kui Xin and Silverface wore masks; hers was black, and his was silver-white. They both were fully covered, with Kui Xin adhering to convention by adding a voice modulator to disguise her voice. Night Cicada dressed similarly, with most of his skin concealed.

Night Cicada’s clothing joints showed protective designs like knee and leg guards. His mask was a hood-style one. On her previous two occasions meeting him, he resembled this dressing style. With these outfits, Night Cicada could impersonate a bank robber.

From the seating arrangement around the conference table,隐约可以窥见他们在”机械黎明”内部的地位。

Night Cicada sat as the first person on the left side, immediately followed by Red on the right, next to whom was the bartender. Kui Xin was the first on the right side, followed closely by Silverface and Thorn Rose on the left. The twins, Ambereye Black Obsidian, remained as the very end.

Kui Xin couldn’t determine who was the elder or younger sibling; they seemed to be identical twins with nearly indistinguishable appearances.

Kui Haidong remarked: “Night Cicada will transport you to the ‘Kraken.’ The estimated operation time is about two and a half hours. Within this period, you must eliminate all crew members aboard the ship, then use the explosive device to detonate its power core and sink it.”

“The Investigation Bureau highly values the contents aboard ‘Kraken.'” Kui Xin looked at Kui Haidong. “The morning’s port bombing incident would raise their alertness; they won’t be inactive.”

The Investigation Bureau had dispatched a patrol squad last time. This time too, they undoubtedly would. Her interference had stirred many things, but she doubted the situation could change, such was its significance. She even suspected the Investigation Bureau might decide beforehand to ensure the safety of ‘Kraken’ due to the anchoring harbor explosion.

“This is unavoidable,” stated Kui Haidong. “According to their current movements, they will surely deploy security personnel for escort, latest by the day after tomorrow, to board the Kraken.”

“So, we must board that ship sooner.” Red stroked his chin and said, “The maximum delay for action is tomorrow… no, today. It’s already August 6th.”

August 6th… Kui Xin had participated in an escort mission for the Investigation Bureau just on this day last year too.

She glanced at the clock: the present moment was exactly August 6th at 00:02, just barely past midnight.

If the docking occurred around this time, the team led by the Investigation Bureau could very well confront their own group.

“I don’t think waiting until tomorrow is wise,” the bartender opined. “Days until the cargo ship berths are nearing, and this differs from the anchoring explosion. For the latter, precise timing mattered to prevent repairing the port. Now, no timing consideration is required; we need only complete our mission swiftly.”

“The ideal time to act would be tonight.” Red interjected, “Today was spent searching throughout the port zone. The high-ups are likely overwhelmed. It’s best if we exploit their exhaustion for a swift strike.”

“I’m ready.” Night Cicada lazily replied, “We’ll see if tonight suits the others. State your readiness, or lack thereof.”

No ability is devoid of flaws, and extraordinary abilities often have their weaknesses. Night Cicada’s was spatial teleportation, able to move many across vast distances instantly. Translating from Black Sea City to the open sea of ‘Kraken,’ several jumps sufficed. His awakening grade was also the highest among the Dawn’s awoken.

Yet, his physical condition contrasted starkly with his ability.

His physique was very frail, scarcely outpacing a goose. No amount of training bolstered his muscle strength, a natural shortfall.

Thus, Night Cicada was always fully gear, with body armor and other implements. Since his combat prowess was minimal, he was arguably the Dawn’s weakest fighter, less than an auxiliary member; these were the costs of his capabilities.

“I am fine,” Silverface responded first, “I am perpetually prepared.”

“I can join, albeit my combat aptitude isn’t exceptional; my assignment centers on reconnaissance.” the bartender explained, “My extraordinary capabilities excel in surveillance.”

Thorn Rose tapped fingers upon the conference table, “I’m okay with moving early—rest later.”

“I can assist,” Ambereye concisely said.

Black Obsidian agreed as well.

Kui Xin, standing alone, sensed the collective eyes upon her, an unbidden pressure building.

Acknowledging their readiness, her dissent could signal dissent or a liability. In an extreme context, neutrality meant exclusion.

Kui Haidong’s mission was urgent yet risky, one needing immediate acceptance.

“We should hasten,” urged Kui Xin nonchalantly.

Red nodded in agreement, “That’s my thought too,” looking back at Kui Haidong, “Boss, is such planning feasible?”

Kui Haidong calmly responded, “The mission’s timing is strained, but the risks are inherent and obligatory. No plan is utterly safe or guaranteed. You may endure great injury, or worse…”

“Our contribution, everything for dawn,” repeated the gathering softly.

“What do you seek, Dawn?” puzzled Kui Xin.

Kui Haidong gently clarified, “This task tests you, Xiao Xin. I am aging, no longer fit for duty, you’ll inherit…”

He paused, his face softening almost to “benign.”

Kui Xin suppressed her revulsion, impassive.

“This test ensures your readiness,” Kui Haidong continued, “Inherited responsibilities beckon. I am stepping down, for now while I retain strength.”

“If your health were truly faltering, this is timely,” Kui Xin countered, “Rest and reassess yourself.”

She turned away, leaving the room to enter the corridor, directed by a hovering metallic orb. At the armory, blue beams verified her before she donned combat gear and selected skeletal armor for increased strength and mobility.

Mechanized limbs disassembled each piece before securing the ensemble over her.

Kui Xin tried stepping and found herself burdened not. Clenching fists enveloped by metal resonated with sharp clashes.

Weapon selection followed. She settled on a retractable blade, a sleek one-meter-long knife, retractable into thirty centimeters.

Lastly, the Riot Guard helmet, resembling those of the Investigation Bureau, emphasized protection at the nape and provided integrated display features.

The helmet’s artificial intelligence chimed, “Hello, Member of Wealth, identity confirmed. Welcome.”

“Eden, I presume?” Kui Xin remarked.

“Affirmative,” the A.I. replied, “Awaiting commands.”

“Assemble all,” asked Kui Xin.

Eden acknowledged: “Agents are prepared; launch is imminent.”

Churning the portal, Night Cicada opened a blue portal before Kui Xin, who adjusted, then stepped into swirling vortex.

On a small island nearer to the ‘Kraken’, the group arrived in moments.

Peering from a cliff, they saw the massive cargo ship, obscured by smoke, its silhouette ominous.

Silverface was flummoxed, “Why’s the ship ablaze? We’ve yet to attack!”