Three days after the Tide Siege battle concluded, Fang You arrived at the Imperial Capital Base City, personally ushering in its dawn.
Just as it had been days prior, the clouds and grey fog that obscured the sky retreated, allowing streaks of golden light to pierce through and cascade onto the land, bathing it in a radiant glow.
Concurrently, the Dawn Light's dispersal and compression of the grey fog predictably agitated the lurking malevolent entities in the surrounding regions.
The wandering malevolent entities let out roars, began to converge, forming small tides that gradually grew in size and surged towards the Imperial Capital Base City.
However, it was somewhat unexpected.
There weren't too many malevolent entities, but rather... too few!
The combined numbers of all the tide waves amounted to only a few hundred thousand, a far cry from the initially estimated scale of millions, which in reality was tens of millions.
Director Huang and other high-ranking officials of the Investigation Bureau let out a collective sigh of relief.
Even with the might of the Hearth, avoiding such a grand spectacle if possible was for the best; it was too terrifying.
Fang You, however, was disappointed.
Were those millions of malevolent entities? Wrong! They were millions of sparkling Destiny Points and Malevolent Crystals!
"It seems that the incident at the Marsh Base City was indeed influenced by the claws of an evil god, which significantly amplified the scale of the siege wave. Otherwise, it would have been around tens of thousands."
"Although, with tens of thousands, under normal circumstances, it would be enough to annihilate a base city several times over."
The battle statistics, as expected, showed a considerable decrease in gains.
The drop rates and mission rewards were tenfold lower than before, yet the early deployment and investment in the Imperial Capital Base City's defenses were fixed costs.
Taken together, the overall profit was driven to an extreme low.
Even with the module deployment providing substantial bonus rewards, the Hearth earned virtually no Malevolent Crystals.
Only the accumulated Destiny Points remained.
"Even so, the subsequent defensive layouts for the base cities must still adhere to this standard. Safety is paramount, let alone the possibility that the evil god's claws might be waiting for us to become complacent."
"In future tide sieges, there is a high probability that one of them will hide the evil god's true killing blow."
Perhaps even those high-level existences.
Fang You continued,
"With the Imperial Capital Base City construction complete, the next one is the Jiangnan Base City, scheduled to be illuminated in six days."
"During this period, the World Conference will be held at the Marsh Base City. Ensure the safety and stability of the conference is paramount."
"That is all, meeting adjourned!"
…
…
Marsh Base City, after being illuminated by dawn, had very few malevolent entities that spawned within its confines. So far, only one Class 2 disaster had occurred.
It was extinguished by Xuyu.
However, this did not mean the base city was entirely safe. Following the spawning of malevolent entities, there were still many security issues to face, requiring caution and vigilance.
Firstly, the impact of external malevolent entity tides.
However, given the recent super-tide, there were not many malevolent entities in the entire Marsh State for a short period, so external impacts could be temporarily disregarded. The Hearth's early warning system was also monitoring the movements of each individual malevolent entity.
But within the base city, the security issues posed by awakened individuals and the evil god's claws could not be underestimated.
Inside the office,
Luo Feiyu, who had been promoted to a minor supervisor, was explaining the work content to several newly employed 'Hearth Provisional Staff'.
Luo Feiyu was a soldier who joined the Hearth in the fourteenth batch. He was neither an elder of the early batches nor a prodigy of the later ones. However, by steadily accumulating experience and contributions through missions, Luo Feiyu could now be considered a 'minor expert'.
Well, by Hearth standards, a minor expert.
He had been assigned to the long-term驻守 (stationing) duty at the office and was the captain of one of the ten-person teams responsible for security.
"The fact that you have received tasks from the office means you have passed the 'Awakening and Mystery' exam with relatively good scores. Therefore, you must understand that after the tide of grey fog descended, the rate of natural awakenings among the populace increased significantly. This brought about two problems."
"Some civilians who awaken suddenly might act irrationally. More troublesome is that awakenings often come with danger and loss of control. Even though the tribulations faced by natural awakenings are not as strong, with the base city's large population, many still fail their awakenings and instantly turn into malevolent entities... The frequency of these disaster events is even higher than the spawning of malevolent entities and more difficult to prevent."
"Some people, after awakening, have their reason affected, or have inherently dark personalities, leading to frequent criminal incidents."
"Our work is to apprehend awakened criminals and eliminate the malevolent entities born from failed awakenings?"
Among the new employees, Yu Baibai, who was a bit chubby, asked with excitement.
He received a sideways glance.
"No, those cases are usually handled by the Investigation Bureau; they have nothing to do with us."
Then why did you even mention it!
Luo Feiyu couldn't hear the murmurs in the chubby kid's heart. He continued, "But our task is even more critical."
He pointed to the towering pure white spire in the distance.
"The Dawn Lighthouse. Our primary responsibility is to protect this lighthouse. But our enemies are not the foolish malevolent entities that charge and bite, nor are they the mentally challenged awakened criminals, but rather..."
"The evil god's claws! Cultists!"
Yu Baibai and the other newcomers let out a cry of surprise.
Compared to malevolent entities, cultists were truly unfamiliar. Even though they were mentioned in textbooks, depicting things like green-faced fanged monsters with tentacles all over their bodies...
Just thinking about it made one...
Impatient!
"Captain, are there cultists in our base city? Where? Where?"
If they knew where they were, they wouldn't still be here!
Newcomers, always so unaware of the immensity of heaven and earth.
Luo Feiyu said seriously, "Never underestimate these cultists. The Red Moon disaster back then was caused by cultists. Those guys fear no death, they are terrifyingly formidable..."
He wanted to describe more in detail to scare the newcomers, but he was still a weakling when the Red Moon disaster occurred, and he wasn't qualified to be on the battlefield... He hadn't actually seen any cultists.
"Our Marsh Base City is newly built, with a dense population and a mixed bag of people. Such an environment is very conducive to cultists hiding. Those guys are like flies, ubiquitous, and like cockroaches, impossible to kill completely. They are both terrifying and disgusting, and dealing with them is our duty!"
"Especially now, with the World Conference about to be held here, we must ensure the base city's safety and prevent these cultists from causing trouble."
"So, when will we get a mission to find cultists?"
Facing the newcomer's question, Luo Feiyu choked.
He also wanted to know the answer. The past few days had been quite peaceful. The Investigation Bureau next door had already undertaken so many missions and apprehended so many criminals. They spent their days either drinking tea at the office or drinking tea inside the lighthouse.
He wasn't exactly hoping for cultists to appear, but being idle like this made him feel restless.
*Bang—*
"Brother Yu, we have a lead."
A young man with glasses walked in, his expression grave. "A lead related to cultists!"
…
…
Marsh Base City, Satellite City No. 3.
Residential Area B16.
Temporary buildings were densely packed here, with very narrow street spacing. Small vendors were hawking their wares on the less-than-spacious streets, selling soy milk and fried dough sticks, bread, rice rolls, and other breakfast items.
Even more numerous were the hurried passersby, their faces etched with pressure.
Even though the construction and relocation of the base city had been very smooth, it was still about squeezing two to three hundred million people into a small base city, and it was necessary to abandon a lot of resources to start anew here. The pressure of life was bound to be immense.
Fortunately, seeing the hope of tomorrow provided a glimmer of anticipation.
"Cultists are hiding in here... Good grief, this is going to be tricky," Yu Baibai muttered softly.
These newcomers had also arrived. After all, they were 'new employees', not completely greenhorns; they were all awakened individuals with considerable combat strength.
At this moment, two ten-person teams from the office had arrived, along with several plainclothes investigators from the Investigation Bureau to assist.
One of these ten-person teams was Luo Feiyu's 'Fish Bombing Squad'.
The other ten-person team was led by the young man with glasses, the 'Machine Maintenance Squad'.
At this moment,
The young man with glasses, 'Han Xie', was hunched over a laptop, his fingers tapping rapidly. As he typed, spherical 'reconnaissance drones' the size of fists flew out, disappearing from sight in an instant.
Simultaneously, drone feeds began appearing on the laptop screen.
These drones were not produced by the forging department.
They were Han Xie's personal creations. He possessed the unique talent of 'Mechanical Crafting' and the awakened ability of 'Machine Animation'. With the combination of the two, he created eye-like drones that defied science but were very much aligned with mysticism.
They flew silently. With the activation of his ability, they could enter optical stealth. Furthermore, after locking onto a target, they could determine if it was an ordinary person or an awakened individual by observing their gait, muscle tremors, and other indicators.
This reconnaissance method was more efficient and safer than a dozen awakened individuals running around.
"However, your ability could have been utilized to greater value in the forging department. Why did you want to come to the front lines?"
The forging department was a plum job, offering high contributions and access to the latest weapons. However, admission into the forging department was becoming harder with each batch; it was difficult for those without special abilities or academic prowess to enter.
And Han Xie, Luo Feiyu knew, met both criteria.
Han Xie manipulated the computer, replying without looking back, "I joined. I casually obtained the certification for formal employment a few days ago, but I haven't fully taken up a position in the forging department yet."
His demeanor was as casual as eating or drinking.
This left Luo Feiyu speechless.
Although he knew Han Xie was a rising prodigy, how could the gap between people be so vast, comparable to the difference between a human and a dog? Thinking of the unfathomable few core members of the organization, Luo Feiyu gave up on comparing.
Contentment brought happiness.
At least he was above average now, which was fine.
While his thoughts wandered, Luo Feiyu didn't forget to observe his surroundings, watching the passersby. Although he found nothing, Han Xie's reconnaissance soon yielded a breakthrough.
"According to Plan A, proceed with the arrest."
A moment later, without any surprise – or rather, any surprises were forcefully suppressed by absolute strength – the security team killed and apprehended over a dozen cultists.
This nascent cult was instantly annihilated.
But,
"The interrogation results indicate that these cultists were not developed by the evil god's claws on a single line, but rather, were corrupted and transformed by a high-level external entity that invaded their minds."
Hearing the report, Instructor Fang's brows furrowed.
…
…
…
In a low-key and understated restaurant in the base city.
An Jianyou used a long pair of serving chopsticks to place a few thinly sliced, translucent pieces of raw fish into a simmering hot pot. She lightly swirled them for a few seconds, then fished them out, dipped them in sauce, and brought them to her mouth, chewing gently. A blissful expression spread across her face.
"Ah~ Peace is wonderful."
She gazed out the window at the pedestrians passing by and the warm golden sun shining on the earth, just like the peaceful era before the disaster.
Thinking back, when she saw the disaster worsening, she thought such days would never return. She imagined never being able to sit leisurely in a restaurant, never seeing the traffic on the roads, only being able to eke out an existence in the darkness.
—This was how Yi Yueluxi had described it to her at the time.
But they had preserved a safe haven.
She had also contributed significantly to it, Hooray!
Thinking of this, An Jianyou felt immensely proud.
Sitting opposite her was Yiluo Xi, who had medium-length burgundy hair. Her eating style was far more ferocious, clearing plate after plate of meat. She waved her hand and called out, "Waiter, this... this... and this, bring thirty more plates."
She looked as if she intended to eat An Jianyou poor.
After all, she was the one treating.
Eating her poor was impossible. Even with soaring prices now, it was impossible to bankrupt a dignified Sixth-Level Awakener. An Jianyou only felt embarrassed.
"Um, my friend here has a rather large appetite."
"It's alright, we've hosted awakened diners before."
The waiter maintained a signature smile, though there was a subtle twitch.
Yiluo Xi looked up, her mouth full, and mumbled, "Hey, I'm not a glutton, you know."
It was just that after finally getting the hateful An Jianyou to treat her, she felt she was losing out if she didn't eat from morning till night.
She absolutely had to eat until she felt she had profited!
Hateful.
If only she had a glutton-type ability!
Only when she was truly stuffed did Yiluo Xi reluctantly pull her gaze away from the menu.
A pile of empty plates had already accumulated around them, even after several rounds of clearing.
"For the next few days, I won't need to eat much."
As a non-human class, eating for one day could sustain her for several days, which was roughly achievable.
Yiluo Xi had even starved herself for a while before coming, precisely because she wanted to heavily exploit An Jianyou.
But how hateful, you don't even care about your wallet!
Pouting, Yiluo Xi's eyes lit up as she saw many figures in black windbreakers in the square outside. "What's going on? Is there a case happening here?"
She rubbed her hands, her palms growing hot.
As if wanting to make a heroic entrance.
An Jianyou covered her forehead and sighed.
"Haven't you seen the news? Tomorrow is the World Conference... A conference attended by countries from all over the world to discuss the future direction of the world and reach certain strategic consensus."
"The conference is being held here in our Marsh Base City. To be precise, the venue is not very far from us."
"And during the conference, important figures from the mysterious departments of various countries will be present. The Investigation Bureau naturally has to ensure the safety and order here. Our Hearth is also involved. The conference venue is currently being guarded by our Hearth security personnel."
Like herself, she was on vacation, but she wouldn't leave Marsh Base City, so she was semi-security personnel.
After Yiluo Xi's explanation of the World Conference and the participating parties, she nodded in a dazed manner.
Suddenly, as if recalling something.
"Right! Since it's not just departments from various countries participating, then our Witch Sisterhood should also have a seat! If not, it's a conspiracy!"
She mumbled.
An Jianyou covered her forehead and sighed again. "Yes, there is. You definitely haven't read the information. Bai Yan Si has already arrived in Marsh Base City representing your Sisterhood, and she even came by plane specifically."
Seeing Yiluo Xi's eyes widen again and her lips pout, An Jianyou, likely guessing her thoughts, comforted her.
"The conference has many tedious procedures, including speeches and representing one's faction to interact with others... You wouldn't want these troublesome things, would you?"
"Be good, let's just wait for the conference results outside."
So that's how it is. Bai Yan Si is indeed thinking of this president.
Yiluo Xi clasped her hands on her chest and slowly nodded.
…
…
Marsh Airport.
A massive transport plane slowly landed. Emerging from it were representatives from the Night Watch organization of the Sunset Country.
And, a white-robed, refined-looking envoy from the White Tower.
Although they arrived together, he was merely hitching a ride on this tool called an 'airplane'. He was not with the Sunset Country. The White Tower had no prior cooperation with the Sunset Country. After witnessing the shocking scene of the tide siege, the White Tower envoy's heart had already flown to the Eastward Expanse.
He had wished he could fly there alone days ago.
Unfortunately, he couldn't fly. Even if he could fly, it would be difficult to traverse the thousands of kilometers filled with danger. He could only hitch a ride on the Sunset Country's plane.
Finally, he had arrived.
This place of miracles and non-mysticism!
"Mr. Bai, I am your guide for this trip. Please feel free to ask me anything you wish to see or don't understand."
A young man who looked ordinary but had particularly bright eyes said to him.
This person was named 'Gou Ping'an', and he was from the Hearth organization.
"Your organization, the one that resisted the super-tide a few days ago, how did you do it?"
"Mr. Bai, you've put me in a difficult position. I am merely a humble guide and have no knowledge of such classified information."
"Alright."
The White Tower envoy asked casually and was not concerned.
Compared to information obtained from others, he trusted his own eyes more. This was also the creed of the White Tower people: seeing is believing.
He intended to use his own eyes to investigate the base city and the Hearth organization for any special characteristics.
The guide was also tactful. As long as he didn't speak, he was like an invisible person, merely following closely behind him.
Upon leaving the airport, the White Tower envoy took the light rail to tour the central area of the base city.
Outside the window were the sun, a lake surface shimmering with light, and a magnificent bridge spanning tens of meters above the river. Traffic flowed endlessly.
What he saw was a scene more bustling and peaceful than their oasis.
Not a trace of grey fog could be seen.
As this was the core area of the base city, even looking as far as the eye could see, he could not see the dark line at the edge of the sky. All he saw was peace, peace, and more peace!
"Even if the world is ultimately destined to be consumed, they have truly succeeded in tearing through the clouds that have always enshrouded the sky during the descent of the grey fog tide."
"How did they do it!"
He looked towards the pure white spire in the distance, which was very conspicuous.
With a slight application of secret arts, he could even see a faint golden glow emanating from the top of the spire.
Undoubtedly, the tearing of the clouds and the dawn's illumination were related to this spire, which was not difficult to guess.
The White Tower envoy did not go to the spire. He was like an ordinary tourist, walking on the bustling streets, and he saw many investigators in black windbreakers on duty.
Their numbers were large.
And among them, it seemed many were awakened individuals.
'The awakening rate on this Blue Star is too high.'
'And their awakened weapons seem to be very sophisticated?'
He was confident in distinguishing between rough and refined.
It just didn't feel mystical.
If there were only a few, it could still be explained as being purchased from some oasis faction. But if everyone was using such sophisticated weapons, then they must be domestically produced on Blue Star!
"What's ahead?"
Gou Ping'an looked in the direction pointed, seeing investigators in black windbreakers sealing off the scene. Inside, several colleagues wearing Hearth combat uniforms were present.
He pondered for a moment and said to the White Tower envoy with a serious expression,
"Mr. Bai, there's a major case happening ahead, likely related to cultists. I suggest we stay further away to avoid being affected."
As he spoke, his legs were already slowly moving backward.
The White Tower envoy glanced at the guide, who seemed a bit timid, and shook his head slightly.
"We'll just observe from here. I won't go forward. Cultists are to be eliminated by everyone. If necessary, I, Bai, will also act."
"Alright."
The guide seemed a bit helpless and stopped inching backward.
The White Tower envoy glanced at him, then said nothing more, shifting his gaze to the distance.
'If a battle breaks out, I can also take this opportunity to personally observe the caliber of the strong individuals from the Hearth and the Investigation Bureau.'
Perhaps his wish came true.
Suddenly, glass windows shattered in the distance, and several figures with elongated fingernails, surrounded by blood mist, darted out in all directions. They moved extremely fast, like streaks of blood.
At this moment, black and white spread, erasing the colors around them.
Those blood-like figures and the patrolling investigators in black windbreakers disappeared in an instant.
"This is..."
"A domain-type malevolent artifact?!"
The White Tower envoy reached into his pocket, clutched a handful of powder, and instantly used a secret technique. He could vaguely see within the black and white space a muscular figure grabbing a cultist, tearing them apart.
Then, turning, he purified another blood-like figure with a palm strike.
But at this moment,
From within the building where the glass had shattered, another figure emerged, and with a frenzied roar, dashed towards the distance.
While the White Tower envoy was still focused on the black and white domain and his perception of the outside was somewhat dulled, that blood-like figure had already rushed nearby. He could see blood tendrils writhing on his face, crimson eyes, and sharp teeth.
'Careless...'
The operation of the auxiliary secret technique made the White Tower envoy's actions slightly sluggish.
He was about to use his power at the cost of backlash when a flash of lightning erupted, engulfing the blood-like figure.
More than ten meters away, a figure that resembled a human, with lightning crackling in its palm, gradually dissipated.
Simultaneously dissipating was the immense mental power emanating from the ordinary-looking guide beside him.
"Mr. Bai, I told you it was dangerous here. Let's leave quickly."
White Tower envoy: "???"
---Author's Note---
Two-in-one 6k~