Embers Ad Infinitum

Jiang Baimian followed the predetermined explanation. She started with Moat Town, selectively picking the key points to talk about until their return to Redstone Collection.

She hid two matters—the establishment of the Shang Jianyao Brotherhood Weed City branch and the ‘abduction’ of the smart bot, Genava. At the same time, she described the Vigilance Church as the dominant force when dealing with DiMarco. The Old Task Force had joined their ranks as mercenaries because of the payment and their slight sense of justice. In any case, it didn’t seem dangerous. There was someone to grab the wheel from them if anything went wrong.

In fact, there was nothing wrong with this. Just as Viel had said, fate often ran behind coincidences.

Xenny first picked up the sky-blue porcelain teacup and took a sip. She then shook her head with a smile and sighed with emotion. “The things you encountered on this trip are more dangerous than ten or twenty missions carried out by others. It’s unbelievable.

“It was the same previously. You were only sent to deliver a filter chip, yet a bunch of things happened.”

Halfway through her sentence, Shang Jianyao had already cast his gaze at Long Yuehong. Jiang Baimian forcefully held back and didn’t do so. Bai Chen had a calm expression as if the one plagued by bad luck wasn’t the Old Task Force.

Long Yuehong couldn’t retort in front of the deputy minister. He could only sit up straight and pretend not to sense Shang Jianyao’s gaze.

“What’s wrong?” After Xenny said that, she asked about the anomaly in front of her.

Jiang Baimian smiled and explained, “We also noticed that we’d encountered too many dangerous matters. Hence, we suspect that one of our team members has been unlucky recently. In any case, it’s just a guess, and fingers are being pointed around. We’re used to using this to soothe the mood.”

Xenny laughed. “You can joke, but don’t take it seriously. Superstition is a very bad thing.”

I used to believe in science too… At this moment, Long Yuehong seemed to hear Jiang Baimian, Shang Jianyao, and Bai Chen’s thoughts.

Xenny took another sip of tea and asked, “In the process of dealing with the Underground Ark, did you observe the battle between the Vigilance Church and DiMarco?”

“No.” Jiang Baimian shook her head without hesitation.

“No,” Shang Jianyao echoed sincerely.

Bai Chen and Long Yuehong gave similar answers using body language.

This was definitely not a lie; the Vigilance Church didn’t fight DiMarco at all, so they naturally didn’t manage to see a thing.

Xenny nodded and said, “What a pity; otherwise, you would’ve obtained a lot of important information regarding Awakened and the Mind Corridor.”

She then restrained the gentle smile on her face and said seriously, “You are going to First City next. There are all kinds of hidden experts there, and it’s unknown how many Awakened at the Mind Corridor level are there. Compared to formidable firepower, large numbers of troops, and all kinds of advanced equipment, these people are more dangerous and terrifying. This doesn’t mean that they can use their bodies to block missiles, but in a city with many people, their abilities and coverage range are enough to make any who go unprepared die without even knowing why.

“Fortunately, you have experience from resisting that Superior Heartless. It’s not like you don’t know anything.”

Jiang Baimian took the opportunity to say, “Minister, I was just about to raise this matter. I wonder if we can apply for all the information the company has gathered regarding the Awakened domain? It’s best if we have the powers and domains that correspond to the different Kalendarium, as well as a rough idea of the price they paid. This way, we can effectively take precautions when we encounter believers of the different Kalendarium.

“We can’t always wait until we encounter them before asking the company via telegram. It’s not like nothing happens every time, allowing us to calmly return to our residence and take out the radio.”

Xenny listened in silence and nodded slightly. “Your worries are indeed reasonable. I’ll try to apply for it. Actually, you are already qualified to obtain more information at this point in your investigations.”

At this point, she laughed. “Although you’ve encountered many things, you’ve also gained a lot. Just learning about the nine research institutes and figuring out the identity of First City’s former number one citizen is a great contribution. After the review, all of you will definitely be promoted again. The corresponding clearance will also increase.

“However, don’t blindly believe in the information provided by the company. It’s not that complete, and there might be mistakes. Also, there’s no definite connection between the belief in a Kalendaria and the abilities one awakens. It can only be said that the probability of it happening in the corresponding domain is higher, but there are also many exceptions that can’t be generalized.”

If one made a mistake judging the enemy’s abilities, it could be fatal.

Jiang Baimian and the others also knew this.

Shang Jianyao once had a portion of his memories wiped away by an Awakened from the Life Ritual parish. This was clearly an ability in Last Man’s domain, but the other party believed in the Arbiter of Fate.

At this moment, Long Yuehong mustered his courage and quickly asked, “Minister, I have a question. We—Uh, most of us have undergone genetic enhancement. Won’t we be very eye-catching in First City? Won’t it be very easy for people to suspect that we are from Pangu Biology?”

Furthermore, the company’s reputation in the Ashlands didn’t seem too good. First City was also the largest faction closest to it, so there was definitely intense competition between the two parties.

Xenny looked at Long Yuehong and smiled. “There’s no need to worry. When you reach First City, you will discover that although I wouldn’t say that tall and good-looking people are everywhere, at least they aren’t that rare.”

She paused and explained with a smile, “Who do you think the company deals with every year by exporting so much genetic enhancement liquid in exchange for supplies?”

“Is that so…” Long Yuehong pretended to come to a realization. When he had nothing to do on the way, he also flipped through the copy of ‘An Actor Prepares’ that Shang Jianyao had exchanged for.

Xenny looked at the wall clock and deliberated before saying, “Let’s call it a day. You guys should get some rest as well; you can send a report whenever you decide to set off again.”

Her expression became serious again. “I have to remind you that investigating the reason for the Old World’s destruction is definitely a dangerous matter. Apart from us, many large factions have also made similar attempts. However, the teams sent out have disappeared, died, or become lunatics at a certain point in the investigation. There have been almost no exceptions.

“In addition, there are many powerhouses hiding in First City. You have to be careful on your next trip and maintain contact with the company at all times.”

“Yes, Minister!” Shang Jianyao replied with gusto.

“…” Xenny was stunned for a moment. “There’s no need to be so formal; I’m just reminding you. Alright, you can go back now.”

As Jiang Baimian stood up, she curiously asked, “Minister, what exactly happened that made us have to hand in our harvests as soon as we arrived at the door? I heard Captain Liu mention the general situation, but I don’t know what item that fellow hid.”

Xenny sighed softly. “A recording pen with the promotional information of a secret religion.”

“What religion?” Shang Jianyao was immediately excited.

“Naturalism Church,” Xenny said simply. “We don’t have much information on it for the time being.”

Naturalism Church… Jiang Baimian repeated this name inwardly.

Taking this opportunity, Bai Chen—whose bones had yet to heal fully—pursed her lips and asked, “Minister, will I be able to undergo genetic modification or have a biomechanical limb transplant when the rewards come in?”

In fact, she wasn’t that eager after obtaining the new exoskeleton.

Xenny looked at Bai Chen and said seriously, “If you insist. Yes, the premise is that you already know the corresponding risks well.”

Bai Chen nodded and didn’t say anything else.

Shang Jianyao and the others then bade the deputy minister farewell and returned to Room 14 on the 647th floor.

It was only 5:30 p.m., and there was still a while before the cafeteria opened.

Jiang Baimian threw herself onto the high-back chair behind her desk, stretched her body, and sighed with emotion. “Home’s the best…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she saw Shang Jianyao walk to the sofa and lie down.

“Hey, be more reserved!” Jiang Baimian realized that she was still not carefree enough.

“Home’s the best.” Shang Jianyao repeated her words.

Long Yuehong sat in the armchair beside him, and Bai Chen returned to her seat.

“I’ll treat you to a feast later!” Jiang Baimian couldn’t be bothered to move and decided to let Shang Jianyao off. A great person rarely stoops to pettiness!

The four of them each occupied a spot and chatted in extreme relaxation.

As they chatted, the voices in the room gradually disappeared.

After an unknown period of time, Jiang Baimian suddenly opened her eyes; her stomach’s protest had woken her up.

“Why did we fall asleep… What time is it?” Jiang Baimian muttered silently as she flipped her wrist to look at her electronic watch.

It showed that it was 8:05 p.m. This meant that all the cafeterias had closed!

Jiang Baimian opened her mouth, stood up, and slapped the table twice. “Wake up, wake up!”

Long Yuehong and Bai Chen woke up in a daze.

“Is the cafeteria open?” Shang Jianyao entered a very spirited state the moment he woke up.

“They’re closed!” Jiang Baimian snapped. “Why did we sleep until now?”

She was mainly angry at herself.

Bai Chen looked at her watch and calmly said, “It’s mainly because we relaxed ourselves.”

Outside the company, even if they had someone on duty, they couldn’t sleep well. Their minds were constantly tense.

It was fine in the short term. Over the past few months, even a Chosen One had accumulated a lot of fatigue.

“Indeed.” Jiang Baimian thought for a moment and smiled. “Wait here; I’ll get something to eat.”

“Need help?” Shang Jianyao asked with bright eyes.

Jiang Baimian spat. “What are you thinking? I’ll go home and see what ingredients there are.”

After about 15 minutes, Jiang Baimian returned to Room 14 on the 647th floor. She carried a bowl of noodles, cabbage, tomatoes, eggs, a few cans of meat, and an induction stove.

She put down the things, looked around, and smiled brightly. “We’ll cook a feast ourselves!”

“Alright!” Shang Jianyao had already rushed over.

Long Yuehong and Bai Chen looked at each other and saw the smile on each other’s faces.

He found it rather interesting.