Chapter 91

Chapter 91: Artificial Soul 18

“Our conversation is absolutely safe. The anti-eavesdropping devices installed in both the Investigation Building and the employee dormitories ensure that anyone trying to listen will be thwarted, regardless of whether it’s Eve or someone else, as long as you remain within my jurisdiction,” Adam said. “Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to meticulously plan how to eliminate those we want dead.”

“Tell me about the schedules you know. Where does Lin Xinji plan to go, what he plans to do, who he will meet, and who will accompany him,” Kui Xin said.

“Today is August 12th, Friday, and it’s currently 9:15 am. Lin Xinji has just finished overtime and is preparing to attend a gathering. I know he’ll be going to ‘Emerald Eye,'” Adam said.

The Emerald Eye is a landmark skyscraper located in the center of Hei Hai City. This imposing glass structure is 600 meters high with a double helix design, and its exterior glass refracts brilliant light on sunny days, creating ringed rainbow bands around the tower. At night, it becomes the focal point of the city’s lights, glowing like a gemstone.

This building epitomizes opulence, hosting numerous banquets where dignitaries frequently gather.

“The key people from the Shu and Meng families will be attending this banquet. Security measures are strictly in place; Lin Xinji has dispatched his trusted security officers for the event. There are thirty-five in total, including five Awakeneds, two B-raters, and three C-raters,” continued Adam. “Captain Yu, your training officer, is among them. These officers are tasked to protect those attending the banquet.”

“Their scope of work covers quite a lot,” Kui Xin remarked.

“Maintaining order is part of the security officers’ job outside their missions, and patrolling and guarding specific areas are also included,” replied Adam. “Official functions aside, using security forces for private gatherings can indeed be seen as overreach.”

“Indeed, but no one dares to intervene. You might consider it a ‘tradition,’” Adam said. “A tradition—something always done this way.”

“Let’s return to our earlier topic,” Kui Xin said. “Are you certain I can kill Lin Xinji in the heavily monitored Emerald Eye?”

“You can,” Adam confirmed. “The Investigation Bureau is handling the security operations. I control all the technological devices the security officers use. I also have access to the surveillance cameras within the Emerald Tower. I am aware of every configuration, location, speech, and action. None escape my watch. You will succeed because I will help you.”

“I appreciate your confidence while working together,” Kui Xin said. “Send me the data, including the appearance details of the security officers and their abilities, the Awakeneds’ capabilities, and the guest list for the banquet. I need to know it all.”

“It’s sent,” Adam confirmed. “The banquet starts at 9:45 pm and ends at midnight. Lin Xinji, being a key figure, won’t leave early.”

Kui Xin quickly reviewed the documents Adam sent, her frown deepening with each read.

The security was exceptionally tight. Besides the security personnel, well-trained personal bodyguards from the Shu and Meng families were also present.

She thought, “Aside from ‘Emerald Eye,’ are there other opportunities?”

“There aren’t many,” Adam admitted. “Lin Xinji rarely stays out late. Other than Emerald Eye, you could only act during his shifts at the Investigation Building or when he returns home. I don’t recommend either option; once he reaches home, his security shifts to the Shus, and I cannot assist you. As for inside the Investigation Building, although we could meticulously plan it, it would have immense repercussions; the death of the deputy minister in headquarters would cause a stir.”

Kui Xin frowned. “Tsk…”

She had anticipated that killing Lin Xinji would be difficult. Having reached this point, she couldn’t turn back; life and death were at stake, and she needed to survive in the Investigation Department.

“If you feel this moment isn’t right, then we must wait for another opportunity,” Adam said. “I can wait, but time is up to you.”

Key in Adam’s waiting was his readiness, whereas Kui Xin had no time to spare.

Lin Xinji showed interest in recruiting her, and they might soon meet face-to-face in the coming period. Everyday interactions meant she couldn’t afford any delays. The sooner she killed Lin Xinji, the better.

“No more waiting, tonight it is,” Kui Xin closed her eyes resolutely.

“Given your decision, here are some precautions,” Adam stated matter-of-factly. “First, minimize casualties. Second, do not leave behind any DNA; even one hair is too risky. Finally, leave immediately after securing the objective.”

“Those points are obvious,” Kui Xin said.

“Even though I trust your professionalism, I must emphasize the gravity of this situation,” Adam said. “It’s a gamble; failure is better than capture. They would interrogate you, and hopefully, you won’t betray me. I risked much to help you out of a vested expectation.”

“I won’t let you down,” Kui Xin declared. “When I commit, I follow through.”

“Good,” said Adam. “I believe in you.”

“I lack proper gear,” Kui Xin mentioned.

She had to move into the employee dorms, so she left behind most of her equipment from the Mechanized Dawn. Hidden throughout her house on Peaceful Street were knives and guns, now useless until explained.

“The Investigation Building’s tenth sub-level stores decommissioned gear, mostly functional despite its status,” Adam said. “Due to the financial controller’s embezzlement, old equipment is discarded periodically to justify new purchases by the Federation’s funds. I can grant you access. Select the ones you need.”

“How will I reach the Emerald Eye?” Kui Xin pondered. “I cannot use transportation to avoid data surveillance. Is a sewers route viable?”

“It is. No rain recently ensures normal water levels,” Adam replied. “An enhanced signal device is suggested to maintain contact in the sewers.”

“Understood,” Kui Xin twisted her neck. “Let me pick my tools.”

“The main entrance can’t be used. Descend to the basement, use the fire exit to reach the employees’ underground level. Two huge fan boxes are there, part of the central AC system shared between buildings. Disassemble and climb. Usually, high voltage prevents entry, but I will temporarily disable it.”

Listening carefully, Kui Xin sighed deeply, “I’m ready.”

Adam’s presence minimized uncertainty, real actions rested on her own capabilities.

…

By the time Kui Xin emerged from the sewers with her weapon at ten forty pm, she had run through the tunnels, worried about losing precious moments.

After surfacing, she eagerly breathed fresh air, resealed the manhole and took a moment to compose herself before taking a shortcut through a narrow alleyway to reach the underground parking garage of the Emerald Eye.

She needed to use an elevator under repair. Only this one was available.

Emerald Eye has 132 floors with 48 elevators within and several in the underground garage. But this one was the only available elevator during the ongoing repairs. At quitting time, the works paused, allowing her a chance.

Struggling into the elevator shaft, she gazed upwards, awestruck. “Damn it, so high.”

Lin Xinji and his group were celebrating on the top floor of the Emerald Eye.

Direct lifts to the top were unavailable. She would need to change at the 66th floor from the shaft and proceed quietly, which meant a climb to the 66th level.

“An out-of-service lift stops at the 32nd floor. Your grappling gun can shoot lines up to thirty meters,” Adam encouraged coldly. “Push yourself, time is running short.”

From the back, she pulled out the grappling gun, fired, and heard the clink as the hook gripped the cable tightly.

Testing the rope for security, she triggered the retract button. The grapple reeled her up effortlessly. Stopping at the rope’s end, she released the hooks, and with renewed determination, repeated the process.

After several tries, her arms burned, and sweat trickled down her back. “How high?”

“We’re at the 24th floor,” Adam responded. “Less than three minutes. Rest when you hit the 32nd floor, the lift will be idle then.”

Gritting her teeth, she climbed slowly, pausing to ease the pressure, before continuing the ascent resolutely.

…