Chapter 61: Sea Without Light 61
While Kui Haidong spoke, Kui Xin quietly observed the others.
Except for her, Silverface, and Night Cicada, everyone else made no effort to conceal their appearances.
Kui Xin and Silverface wore masks; hers was black and his was silver-white. Both were bundled up tightly, and as usual, Kui Xin had attached a voice changer to disguise her voice. Night Cicada was similar, with almost no skin exposed.
There were visible protective designs like knee and leg guards at the joints of Night Cicada’s clothing, and his mask was a hood style. In her previous encounters with him, he had been dressed similarly. Dressed like this, Night Cicada could easily cosplay as a bank robber.
From the seating arrangement at the conference table, one could vaguely discern their standings within Mechanized Dawn.
Night Cicada was first on the right side of the table, Red was second, and the Bartender was third. Kui Xin was first on the left, Silverface second, Thorn Rose third, and the Ambereye Black Obsidian twins were at the very end.
Kui Xin couldn’t tell which one of the twins was the brother and which was the younger one; they were likely identical twins, looking nearly identical.
Kui Haidong said, “Night Cicada will take you to the Kraken. The expected operation time is two and a half hours. You need to eliminate all crew members on the Kraken within that timeframe, then detonate the explosive device in the cargo hold to sink it into the sea.”
“The Investigation Bureau takes what’s on the Kraken seriously.” Kui Xin looked at Kui Haidong. “The docking port explosion incident that occurred today will alert them; they won’t simply stand by.”
The Investigation Bureau had dispatched an escort team on their last mission, and they would certainly do the same this time. Her butterfly wings had caused too many disturbances, but this shouldn’t change because it involved something too significant. Kui Xin even suspected that the Investigation Bureau might decide to board the Kraken for escort duties ahead of time due to the docking port explosion.
“That’s unavoidable.” Kui Haidong said. “Based on their current movements, they will definitely organize security officers for boarding escort duties; at the latest, they will board the Kraken the day after tomorrow.”
“So we must board that ship earlier than they do.” Red stroked his chin and said, “The latest action time is tomorrow… no, today. Today is already August 6th.”
August 6th… it was the same day Kui Xin had last undertaken an escort mission for the Investigation Bureau.
She glanced at the time; it was 00:02 on August 6th, just past midnight.
If they boarded the ship around August 6th, it was likely that Kui Xin and the others would encounter the escort team dispatched by the Investigation Bureau.
“I believe we can’t wait until tomorrow; this timing is too dangerous.” Bartender said. “The day for that cargo ship to dock is getting closer. This is different from the docking port explosion; we need to calculate and time the detonation to prevent them from repairing the port. Now, we don’t need to time it; we just need to complete this mission early.”
“Ideally, the best time to act is tonight.” Red said. “The Investigation Bureau is busy conducting a large-scale search in the Harbor Zone; the higher-ups must be overwhelmed with work, so it’s best for us to strike while they’re fatigued.”
“I’m fine with that; after all, I’m just a portal, ready to go at any time. The hard work is up to you.” Night Cicada said lazily. “What about you? How are you feeling tonight? Can you move out?”
Nothing is ever perfect; most extraordinary abilities have their flaws and shortcomings. Night Cicada’s ability was spatial teleportation, specifically ultra-long-distance group teleportation. He could send everyone from Hei Hai City to the Kraken sailing across the sea in just two to three spatial jumps. His awakening level was also the highest among the currently active awakened ones within Mechanized Dawn.
But contrary to his powerful abilities was Night Cicada’s physical constitution.
He was physically weak, unable to even overpower a large white goose, and no matter how much he trained, he couldn’t gain muscle or strength—this was an inherent flaw.
Therefore, Night Cicada was always fully equipped, with a bulletproof vest and complete gear, as he truly lacked any combat capabilities. He could be said to be the weakest in combat ability within Mechanized Dawn, arguably weaker than some unofficial members… and that was the price of his ability.
“I’m fine.” Silverface responded first. “I’ve been in a state of readiness.”
“I’m fine as well… my combat ability is average; I mainly handle reconnaissance on the ship.” Bartender said. “My extraordinary ability is quite useful for scouting.”
Thorn Rose’s mechanical hand clicked against the conference table. “I have no objections; let’s complete the mission as soon as possible so I can go back and get some beauty sleep.”
“I can do it.” Ambereye said briefly.
Black Obsidian said, “So can I.”
Only Kui Xin hadn’t expressed her stance, and the attention of the others at the conference table turned to her. With so many eyes on her, she couldn’t help but feel pressure—pressure from being forced to respond.
Everyone had agreed to act; she could not remain silent. If she provided a negative response instead of a positive one, she would become a conspicuous target, an outlier, someone who could be doubted.
In a fervent environment, even non-fanatics must disguise themselves as fanatics.
From the moment she learned that Kui Haidong wanted her to participate in this mission, Kui Xin understood that escaping this task was unlikely. The path before her had always been narrow; if she did not take this dangerous route, she would have to take an even more perilous one.
The only distinctions before Kui Xin were “dangerous” and “very dangerous.”
“It’s best to act quickly.” Kui Xin pretended to act naturally, saying almost without pausing, “The longer we delay, the more unfavorable it becomes for us.”
Red nodded. “I think so too.” He turned to Kui Haidong. “Boss, do you think this arrangement is feasible?”
Kui Haidong said calmly, “This mission is rather rushed, but it is a risk we must bear. No plan is 100% safe or guaranteed to succeed. You might suffer serious injuries or even lose your lives… no matter what you encounter, the organization will remember the contributions you make… everything for the dawn.”
“Everything for the dawn.” Everyone echoed softly.
It was truly strange.
What kind of “dawn” was Mechanized Dawn pursuing? What were they trying to change? What were they hoping to bring light to?
After mingling in the Second World for so many days, Kui Xin still hadn’t understood the founding purpose and mission of Mechanized Dawn. The most frequently heard phrase was “everything for the dawn,” a vague statement with no clear direction.
“You need to pay attention to one thing.” Kui Haidong said lightly. “Your task is only to sink the Kraken; as for what’s in the cargo hold… don’t worry about it, don’t look at it, don’t investigate. Destroy the power compartment and kill any survivors on board, then retreat immediately.”
The following period was spent on mission planning and personnel allocation.
After all the matters were discussed, everyone got up and left the conference room to change equipment.
Rick Technology Company had cutting-edge technology, lacking nothing in terms of equipment, and some of their gear was even more advanced than that of the Investigation Bureau.
The Investigation Bureau’s introduction of new equipment required layers of approval, funding, and was subject to the exploitation of higher-ups. Plus, many pieces of equipment were costly, and importing them in bulk would consume a significant amount of funds, making the renewal process quite slow. Mechanized Dawn, however, was different; their smaller team meant the allocated funds were sufficient to equip everyone, and new technologies from Rick Technology Company could quickly be put into use without any middlemen to profit off the difference.
Thorn Rose left, followed by Red and Bartender, and then the Ambereye Black Obsidian twins also departed.
Only four people remained in the conference room: Kui Xin, Night Cicada, and the projection of Kui Haidong. Silverface also wanted to stand up to change gear, but when Kui Xin remained seated, he was left hesitating, unsure whether to stand or sit, looking confused as he stared at Kui Xin, waiting for her instructions.
“Aren’t you going, Lady Fortune?” Night Cicada asked, puzzled.
Kui Xin waved her hand at Silverface. “Do what you need to do.”
“Oh.” Only then did Silverface obediently stand up and leave the conference room.
“Night Cicada, you go out as well.” Kui Haidong spoke before Kui Xin could.
Once Night Cicada left, Kui Haidong slowly softened his expression.
His demeanor became gentle enough to be described as “kindly.”
Kui Xin suppressed the impulse to shudder, her expression remaining neutral as she looked at him.
“Xiao Xin, I know you’re confused about why you’re being sent on this dangerous mission at such a critical moment.” Kui Haidong preempted, seemingly having a sudden flash of insight to address the question in Kui Xin’s heart.
Kui Xin remained silent, quietly sitting in her seat, seeming to wait for his explanation.
“This is a test, Xiao Xin.” Kui Haidong said. “As your father grows older and my health declines, you will eventually need to take over my work. The people in the organization, they’re all good seeds—they will be your future foundation—but you are still too young, not yet able to command respect. You need to do something that will make them recognize you and establish a close connection with them… this is an opportunity.”
Kui Xin looked up and said, “You’re still quite young, ‘Dad’.”
“I am not young anymore; my doctor provided my health report and advised me to take a break and adjust my health.” Kui Haidong sighed, “I plan to step back from the front lines and, while my health is still decent, I can manage for a while. In a few years, when you are no longer undercover… many responsibilities in the organization will fall to you.”
“How could your health be so poor?” Kui Xin frowned. “Is it because of indulging in vices? Are you really keeping your promise not to take a mistress? I had my reasons for advising against it; just look at your current condition! I’m doing this for your own good, ‘Dad’.”
Kui Haidong:……
His blood pressure instantly spiked.
If he were truly in bad shape, it would indeed be due to this rebellious daughter!
“Let’s not bring up those old stories.” Kui Haidong’s temples throbbed, restraining his anger. “You need to understand my intentions, Xiao Xin; I only want what’s best for you!”
“Of course, I understand.” Kui Xin stood up from her chair. “I will complete the mission well, ‘Dad’.”
Only a fool would believe in his intentions. Whether he was truly ill or just pretending was an unknown; any words that left his mouth, Kui Xin would treat as lies and analyze repeatedly.
Kui Xin never held excessive expectations of others, let alone the scum father of the Second World before her.
The Unworthy Father only considered himself from start to finish; he was never the kind of person who would think of his family. Not selling out his family was already a blessing in itself. In this regard, Kui Xin maintained a slight synchronicity with her Unworthy Father; she only trusted herself, only herself.
She left the conference room and entered the corridor, the floating silver metal sphere directing her path. When she arrived at the equipment room, a blue beam silently swept over her body.
“Biometric information confirmed, access granted.” A mechanical voice that appeared out of nowhere said. “Please change into combat attire and select exoskeleton armor based on your needs, with assistance from the mechanical hands for dressing. In addition to basic equipment, you can choose various weapons according to your combat preferences.”
Various models of firearms and ammunition were displayed in the transparent glass display cabinets, along with some exoskeleton armor that appeared to be technologically advanced. Some exoskeletons had smooth lines, lightweight and strong, while others looked solid and formidable, exuding a sense of intimidation…
Kui Xin was unfamiliar with this type of exoskeleton armor and didn’t quite know how to operate it, so she chose a conservative enhanced version that primarily increased strength and mobility.
A number of nimble mechanical hands disassembled the exoskeleton components and installed them on Kui Xin’s body.
After taking a couple of steps, she was amazed that the exoskeleton armor imposed no restrictions on her body, without any sense of heaviness or obstruction.
She suddenly clenched her fist, the metal-covered knuckles and palm colliding, producing a resounding clang of metal striking metal.
Kui Xin nodded in satisfaction, starting to search for suitable weapons, prioritizing firearms, and making sure to bring ample magazines, along with close-combat weapons.
In the equipment room, she found an ultra-cool retractable knife. Pressing the metallic button, the blade extended automatically to a length of one meter, while in the retracted state, it was only thirty centimeters. Kui Xin was enamored with this knife, deciding to keep it on her person.
Finally, she selected a riot helmet. The model from Mechanized Dawn was similar to the ones used by the Investigation Bureau, specifically designed to protect the back of the head, with a special lens capable of functioning as a display, night vision, and a telescope over the eyes.
As Kui Xin donned the helmet, a mechanical voice prompted, “Hello, organizational member codename ‘Lady Fortune,’ I am ‘Eden,’ the newly developed auxiliary AI of Mechanized Dawn. In the coming days, I will assist organizational members in completing various tasks; I hope we will work together harmoniously.”
“Eden?” Kui Xin said.
“I’m here.” Eden replied. “Please direct any commands, and I will answer your queries if you have any.”
“Is everyone ready?” Kui Xin tried asking.
Eden responded, “All mission executors are prepared and can depart at any moment.”
A blue orb of light magnified in front of her as Night Cicada opened a portal before Kui Xin.
Kui Xin gently adjusted her breathing and stepped into the blue vortex.
After a few spatial coordinate jumps with her teammates from Mechanized Dawn, they landed on a small island relatively close to the Kraken.
Raising her toes to gaze over the vast sea, she could see the blurry silhouette of a massive cargo ship on the water.
The Kraken was approaching slowly… accompanied by thick smoke and flames!
Silverface was taken aback: “We haven’t attacked yet! Why is that ship on fire?!”
