Over the pitch-black night sky, several enormous birds glided with winding tail feathers, slowly soaring into the clouds.
At 9 p.m. on the moonlit streets, there were still many pedestrians.
Now the soldiers were entirely unable to keep up with Talcone’s ever-growing population.
Therefore, many able-bodied young commoners from the local Black Script Greeting Group area were selected, donned armbands, and began patrolling the blocks on rotating shifts.
But at this moment, a team of people clad in black uniforms sprinted toward the street. Holding luggage and clustering by the roadside in groups, they startled those resting and looking after each other awake by their footsteps, causing them to get up and step aside in a hurry.
Quite a few people watched as this nearly fifty-strong squad rushed through the block.
……
The deepest part of the alley where Tafko Electric Assembly Center stood was instantly sealed by this group in black uniforms.
Inside, the civilian researchers who were already chatting with some of the embassy guards were immediately startled by the spectacle.
“Excuse me, may I ask what’s happening? “
The captain of this embassy guard squad, with his hand pressed on the sidearm at his waist, strode forward two steps.
“Pardon me, sir. ” A young man stepped out of the arriving group, his voice naive yet solemn:
“We are here to seal and destroy all technical data in this facility. “
“What! “
The people inside instantly erupted in a shocked murmur.
They had gathered here, waiting for good news. Yet now, an unfamiliar troop had appeared.
“Why is this happening? Has something gone wrong with our research? “
Behind the men in black uniforms, curious commoners peered out from the street corner.
The leader of the troop stepped forward.
“Your latest scientific creation gave birth to a technological demon half an hour ago, ” the officer’s words struck like a thunderclap, “and it has already taken the life of an innocent person. “
As dozens of stunned eyes watched, the troop rapidly entered the research facility.
……
“At a time of national crisis… “
In the teahouse, a man raised his arm in a rousing call, surrounded by a crowd seething with fervor.
On the street, onlookers whispered among themselves—some claimed illegal immigrants had entered, others said the machines had turned into demons.
“Shegui ” Long Gezal was listening to the speech inside when his gaze suddenly darted to those around him; several people were approaching.
Sensing something was amiss, he immediately ducked his head and melted into the crowd.
The newcomers nearby instantly quickened their pace, charging forward, and both groups broke into a frantic sprint through the surging throng. Eventually, Long Gezal was caught by these pursuers.
Just as he was about to speak, the man twisting his arm barked:
“Don’t bother fighting; we suspect you’re a spy from Steffin. “
“Me? ” Long Gezaer looked quite shocked.
“Still not willing to admit it? ” A man with an oval-shaped face took two steps forward from the darkness beside him.
If Yang Zicang were here, he would surely recognize him as the one who was by Yao Xiaoqin’s side in the rented land back then.
“According to our intelligence, the special warriors of the Blood Beast Corps from Großenstphen hidden in our country go by the codename ‘Snake.’ Cuff him. “
Feeling greatly wronged, Long Gezaer was pressed into a vehicle.
Only after getting in did he realize that the person beside him was actually an acquaintance of his—an assistant accompanying the researcher studying aircraft swept-back wings.
“You’re here too? “
“I… ” the young man said with a mournful face, “I told my teacher I’d stay one more day… ahh. “
……
Motov was escorted downstairs by a squad of soldiers from Hercostchke, along with the people from the rented land. These individuals began the work of cleansing the nightmare aura inside and outside the hospital room.
Yang Zicang lay on the bed with a trace of helplessness and bitterness.
He had actually witnessed the development of television firsthand with his own eyes, but a pity it had also turned into a terrifying monster radiating dreadful aura at the moment of its success.
“What will happen to them? “
Hua Mi, who had returned only a few minutes ago without uncovering anything useful, tentatively peeked in from outside the door on tiptoe before stepping in, careful to avoid the freshly mopped floor.
Turning to the lady beside him, Yang Zicang said, “Can you go take a look? ” Yao Xiaoqin shook her head, as if unwilling to move half a step away from his bedside.
Seeing this, Yang Zicang said to Hua Mi:
“They should record all the technical parameters of this developed technology in some language internal to the leased site before destroying all the materials. They’ll also ban these researchers from continuing their studies. “
“Ah? That’s such a pity. “
Then Hua Mi saw that the woman who had suddenly appeared by the bedside had a look of sheer disbelief in her eyes.
“Sister Qin, what’s wrong? “
“I… nothing. President, you knew about this all along? “
“Mmhmm, I’ve been through such a sealed investigation once before. “
Yao Xiaoqin bit her lip; her eyes flickered with a hint of grievance, but she quickly adjusted her emotions and sat in silence, like a neglected lonely woman.
Hua Mi stuck out her tongue and made an excuse to leave. Soon, the cleanup was done, and the staff exchanged a few polite words before closing the door, leaving the two alone inside.
“Last time you asked me to… “
Yao Xiaoqin immediately made a “shush ” gesture, her eyes shifting slightly left and right.
Yang Zicang’s wrapped face revealed no expression, but the halo on his chest lit up without emitting any folding rays.
“Your… model? “
Yao Xiaoqin gently shook her head. She felt a faint, chilling aura envelop her entire being; then it suddenly swelled, drawing her in. In the next moment, she felt as if the two of them were isolated from the room by this power.
“Why won’t you say it? What are you afraid of? “
“I… no, I can’t say it. “
“Speak. ” Yang Zicang held her gaze, and seeing that Yao Xiaoqin kept her mouth shut, he said, “Since you’re unwilling to talk, then please leave this place. “
“No, I, I’m scared. ” Yao Xiaoqin suddenly burst into tears. “I’m so tired. I was there alone, and even my model was sealed off by some kind of thing of theirs. I don’t know why this is happening. “
She raised her tear-streaked face. “I… if I tell you, I’ll die. I will, and you might too. “
“Why? “
“Because, because… ” Yao Xiaoqin struggled for a long time, her gaze darting through the air around her as if searching for a gaze that wasn’t there. This look, this palpable fear, instantly made Yang Zicang understand what might have happened to the woman before him.
“You’ve been to a special place, haven’t you? “
Yao Xiaoqin whipped her head around, staring in shock at the bedridden president. Yang Zicang let out a soft laugh, retracting the secret technique aura he had been emitting, and the whole room settled back into tranquility.
“Don’t worry. Here, and in the leased land, no one can suddenly come and snatch you away. This place is safe. “
The woman’s body froze, as if she had finally broken free from a long-standing prison of thought and spirit, and she suddenly burst into silent, hot tears, clutching Yang Zicang’s wrist as she bent over, sobbing bitterly.
Yang Zicang let out a sigh, but his ears suddenly twitched, catching the sound of a light, familiar footstep coming from the hallway.
And that made his heart inexplicably jump!
……
Haili Koni, who had gone to buy the late-night snack that the Fogfolk loved before heading home, walked lightly to the door. Seeing Ambassador Ang Jins’s pitch-black face downstairs earlier, she felt certain there would be good news tonight.
In at most two more days, Yang Buchen should be able to have his bandages removed.
She stood smiling at the door, and just as she raised her hand, she heard faint sobbing from inside the ward.
“I… am so lonely… all alone… in… a dangerous place, they’ve taken me…“
Haili Koni’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, the corners of her mouth turning down as she held her hand suspended over the doorknob.
“Please… give me a moment…“
“You said there was no one else here. I just want to tell you, Brother Buchenchén, at that time… how much I wished…“
A bundle in her hand, her chest heaved with a sudden urge to turn and leave at once, never to return.
“… that you could have been by my side…“
Hearing this soft female voice, Haili Koni’s breath caught tight.
Suddenly, as she took a step to the side, something seemed to explode in her heart. In an instant, she frowned bitterly, turned back, and twisted the doorknob.
With a bang, like the echo of the first time she ever pulled back the safety of a machine gun and squeezed the trigger. The woman at the door, her mind blank, straightened her back as naturally as if reborn, pushed the door, and walked into the ward.
Inside, the other woman immediately lifted her head.
She saw the woman with a constellation-pretty face approaching the foot of the bed, her footsteps crisp and rhythmic like marching. She turned with a gentle smile to look at Ou Chen accusingly as he stared from the bed, along with herself seated beside it, wet with tears and red-eyed from crying.
After a couple of startled moments, Yao Xiaoqin wiped her eyes and asked in a mumbling voice, “And this is…?“
“She is on the side of the Lieutenant General…“
“I’m one of Brother Bucheng’s recent caretakers and friends, also the landlady of his residence in Helwynnick. Hello, ma’am. You can call me Connie. Welcome to this visit.“
Hailikoni’s smile remained unchanged as she lifted the food bag in her hand by way of presentation, then looked toward Yang Zicang. “This is for.“
Yang Zicang responded with a slight nod.
She walked around to the other side of the bed and placed the items on the hospital bedside table before naturally settling on the edge of the bed. She observed him as he averted his gaze marginally, with slightly wandering eyes.
“Huh?” Yao Xiaoqin watched in bewilderment as this comparatively stranger acted oddly familiar, tating the food out from the bag and casually beginning to unwrap and distribute items for Yang Zicang.
An eerily tense quiet permeated the room.
Between heavy gasps, Dereiano rushed in: “Oh my God!” he uttered, “And yet more new people. Pleasure to meet.“
Yang Zicang forthrightly addressed Yao Xiaoqin: “Even then, while it’s necessary for—important exchanges. Provided you rest easier now that you understand this is the hospital and not dangerous for now, off is temporarily best. I return when we meet again—or take you back then now if the hotel is nonviable for staying, obviously.“
Yao Xiaoqin hesitated her response.
Haili Koni said, “I can drive this young lady back to the hotel as well. I’ll need to go home to pick up a change of clothes anyway.“
Yao Xiaoqin let out a deep sigh this time, then stood up.
“I’ll come back later, then.“
After she left, Dereiano walked to the door, glanced outside twice, then closed it and returned, saying:
“I came back and learned everything that happened. It’s a real shame this time—if we’d actually been able to use the television, maybe we could have secured a bit of…“
He couldn’t get those two words out and sighed, “…secured some investor bait. What a pity.“
“There was nothing we could do. How did your investigation go today?” Yang Zicang asked.
Haili Koni watched their conversation. Dereiano didn’t hide anything from her, which put her in a good mood.
_”Well, someone we know has already started making a formal investment in the Scientific Preparatory Committee of the Kingdom of Verania.
Also, the Valendian Federation, the country on the westernmost edge of the continent bordering Steffin, where we originally planned to take a ship from, has also announced its investor—it’s a Radiant Light._”
The woman quietly listened to these slightly unfamiliar terms they exchanged.
Although her family often shared old stories, they mostly talked about the deeds of their ancestors from history, or legends passed down through word of mouth.
Seeing these two discussing their intelligence gathered in reality felt like witnessing a new legend unfolding right before her eyes.
“So, including your friend who’s openly on board, at least five national preparatory committees have secured investment protection. “
“Yes, the newspapers in those nations are all hinting that global talents heading to their science committees for research will have a much smoother ride, as if… blessed by a saint. “
“The public will think they’re openly preaching superstitious nonsense. ” Hailikoni raised an eyebrow from the side.
“Well, there’s no way around that. “
Dereiano just shrugged.
Yang Zicang also leaned back helplessly against the bed. Who would have thought that the so-called “investment ” simply meant making things go smoothly? The scientific preparatory committee couldn’t even talk about the details; they could only allude to it with subtle hints.
They could already envision the weighty, bitter expressions of the local people reading those reports.
“But don’t you laugh just yet. ” Dereiano smiled briefly, then shook his head with a sigh.
“The world is getting more and more turbulent now. Word has it that even in Sidfen, two relatively major riots broke out today. One of them was apparently instigated by a passing fellow countryman, and he’s already been caught. “
“Because of unequal distribution of the spots for leaving? ” Koni asked.
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? This is a matter of life and death for people and their families. If you’re not chosen for the quota heading south, it almost means the end of your entire family lineage. “
Just hearing that, a deep sense of sorrow and worry swelled in both Yang Zicang’s and Koni’s hearts.
“Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do to help for now. ” Yang Zicang said quietly.
“You’ve already done well. ” Haili Koni lifted her head and said, “After all, saving over a billion people across the entire world—that’s an impossible task. “
Dereiano opened his eyes wide to look at her, then rubbed his mouth with his hand. Yang Zicang also raised his head, gazing at Haili Koni’s pale, downcast face.
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, she asked with some confusion:
“What, did I say something wrong? “
……
It had been bustling since early morning today at the newspaper office next to the Hirst Detective Agency.
Anxi scratched his head as he watched a team of people escort that recently closely-watched famous journalist away, in the identity of a first-batch emigrant. He figured that by tomorrow at the latest, this matter would be all over the news.
Just as he was about to enter his own room, two people approached and handed over their business cards—they were from a government department.
“A friend from the Mist State, may we ask if your firm would accept our commission to participate in the preparations for the scientific legacy conference? “
“Ah, is that really true! ” Hirst burst out of the room.
Lately, although investigative cases have been coming in nonstop, they were either trivial nonsense like digging up dirt, searching for people, finding evidence for affairs, helping clients abscond, or hopelessly tangled old accounts.
This has completely transformed Hirst from an old-school fashion designer into a short-sighted investigator, buried under a pile of documents covered in traces of garlic peels, chicken feathers, and tea stains, meticulously combing through clues hidden in the details.
Hearing that he could actually be invited to the Preparatory Committee—though he had long anticipated this—he was now eagerly, desperately looking forward to closing the door on everything behind him and entering that temple of scientific tombstones where no nuisance could cloud his eyesight.
He felt ashamed of his last thought.
Faced with the invitation, Anxi naturally accepted with ease.
“We want you to help persuade your friend, to see if he might come to our Grand Duchy to invest. “
The man who arrived in the car told him this truthfully.
Hearing these words, Hurst and his two new employees felt both excited and proud.
This secretary from the Imperial Council was actually speaking to them so respectfully.
All of this was thanks to that mysterious man of the Mist Folk.
“I will do my best to convince Mr. Yang, ” Anxi replied casually.
But when he arrived at the destination, he felt something was off.
Because too many of the people waiting here to participate in the Scientific Heritage preparation ceremony had ties with the President. Among them was even the boy who had delivered meals in the village, along with his grandfather, the warehouse boss who profited from the refugees.
……
At the embassy, Ang Jins returned wearily and lay down on the sofa.
He had leveraged countless connections just to retain a portion of the nightmare material he had held.
The rest had been taken by experts from Heesius.
His secretary had prepared some revitalizing soup for him, though for the ambassador, such things were trivial.
“We’ve heard that you failed, haven’t you, Mr. Kings? “
“Mm. ” Ang Jins rubbed the bridge of his nose, then crouched down to examine the items on the ground. Because the extermination had been swift, most of the machine-turned-monster hadn’t had time to fully transform.
A few minutes later, another man in a dark gray coat walked in; he was the one responsible for special affairs here.
“We’ve all seen how hard His Excellency the Ambassador has tried to invite Yang Buchen. As for today’s matter, I can only say that luck simply wasn’t on our side. “
“Perhaps this is the so-called curse, ” Ang Jins said, picking up a shard of wood from the floor.
Attached to the back of the board were some wires and a broken gear-like mechanism from a machine, yet they were noticeably different from the spools on a film projector.
“It’s probably just a coincidence, ” the secretary beside him remarked, staring at the debris on the floor.
“Maybe not. ” The newcomer shook his head, his tone thoughtful:
“I heard something this morning—over in Witten, after all that hard work setting up their preparatory committee, their director and several experts all passed away last night in an accident. “
“Is that true? “
“Mm. A friend of mine is following the news. They say there were no Fogfolk involved, nor were any suspects found. It appeared to be a complete accident. “
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