"This is a matter of survival for Watatsumi Island, after all. I've done my best to mobilize personnel and follow the previously opened passage to scout the situation in Enkanomiya..."
Kokomi's face was etched with worry. The information brought back by the scouting team left her at a loss. "The communication from the Raiden Shogun's Third Fleet mentioned 'an unshakeable darkness pervading the entirety of Enkanomiya,' and the appearance of monsters never recorded in ancient texts. Besides that, the Third Fleet's exploration yielded almost nothing else of value. Furthermore, the harsh environment caused many soldiers to suffer unforeseen disasters..."
If they continued to investigate, it might lead to the complete annihilation of the Raiden Shogun's Third Fleet. However, if she ordered a retreat without obtaining useful information, they wouldn't be able to devise effective countermeasures, nor could they stop the spread of the black mist and the stagnation of 'Sacred Land' transformation.
Worse still, the black mist might creep through the ruins' passage and spread to Watatsumi Island above.
At this moment, Kokomi felt caught between a rock and a hard place.
"How could this happen? It was perfectly fine when we went down there. Could it be the work of Enjou?" Fengyi mused, stroking his chin.
"Enjou? Who is that?"
Kokomi seemed to grasp something and immediately looked up at Fengyi.
"He's a scribe I met with Arataki Itto in the Enkanomiya library. He claimed to provide translation assistance for Byakuyakoku's texts, but his true identity was a Fatui Pyro Agent..."
Fengyi organized his thoughts and recounted the entire encounter with Enjou in Enkanomiya and their subsequent journey together to Kokomi.
"Someone from the Fatui? Were they the ones who snuck in? Why would they do this? What's in it for them?"
After hearing Fengyi's account, Kokomi surmised that the person named Enjou must have secretly tampered with something while Fengyi and his companions were undergoing the trials, leading to the current situation.
"This is partly my responsibility. I wasn't wary enough of Enjou. I'll call Itto later, and we'll go back into Enkanomiya to uncover the truth behind the black mist!"
Fengyi gently squeezed Kokomi's cheek, feeling its smoothness and elasticity. He assured her not to worry too much and that he would help Watatsumi Island overcome this hardship.
"Thank you so much. Fortunately, you're here, or I wouldn't know what to do..."
Kokomi's smile brightened. Indeed, with Fengyi by her side, she felt much more at ease.
"Contact Sara directly later. She's in charge of organizing the intelligence from the Raiden Shogun's Third Fleet and keeping up with the latest situation in Enkanomiya..."
Kokomi held Fengyi's hand, as if holding onto Watatsumi Island's stabilizing pillar.
Fengyi nodded in agreement and simultaneously sent a telepathic message to Arataki Itto, to analyze the newly appeared monsters with Kokomi.
Half an hour later...
"Boss Fengyi? Why do we have to go back to Enkanomiya? Didn't the Blood Coral we retrieved last time work?"
Arataki Itto's voice preceded him before he even entered the main hall.
He had used the reward money Fengyi gave him to clear all his debts. In addition to that, he had bought many lollipops and some Ms. Hina merchandise.
But before he could enjoy any of it, he received Fengyi's telepathic message, stating that the previous commission wasn't entirely completed and they needed to go back into Enkanomiya.
Wasn't this bullying an honest person? The previous commission was just to enter Enkanomiya together and complete trials, not to solve Watatsumi Island's 'Sacred Land' transformation.
Fengyi: The reward this time is doubled. Are you in or out?
Arataki Itto: Don't say it like that. As a person of honor, how can I stand idly by when Watatsumi Island is in trouble? Even if it were for no money... uh, even if it were just double the reward, I would definitely help to the end!
(Arataki Itto's true inner thoughts: I really don't want to go, but Boss Fengyi is giving too much...)
"Mr. Fengyi, Lord Sangonomiya, long time no see."
Just then, Kuki Shinobu also entered the administrative hall and greeted Fengyi and Kokomi.
This was her second visit to Watatsumi Island.
"Shinobu? Why are you here too? Are you joining us in Enkanomiya?"
Fengyi's eyes lit up. If Kuki Shinobu accompanied them, this time would be much easier.
Shinobu's strength was considerable, but Fengyi valued her intelligence and resourcefulness even more than her combat prowess.
Being able to piece together scattered clues and deduce a reasonable truth, with Shinobu's help, would be much better than him racking his brain alone.
As for letting Arataki Itto deduce things, let's not even go there.
It would be like asking him to perform a miracle!
As everyone knows, Kuki Shinobu is Arataki Itto's external brain; Arataki Itto himself is not equipped with a brain.
"The Arataki Gang always prioritizes client satisfaction when taking on commissions. Since the boss's previous commission wasn't thoroughly completed, I've come to help out and ensure the client is satisfied!"
Kuki Shinobu nodded. Their Arataki Gang was known for its credibility.
Of course, this was the public reason.
The reality was...
Last night, after Arataki Itto returned, he recounted his adventures in Enkanomiya, especially the magnificent scenery. This deeply piqued Kuki Shinobu's curiosity. If she had the chance, she truly wished to see the heavenly realm-like scenery that her boss had described with her own eyes.
Unfortunately, Enkanomiya was a secret ruin belonging to Watatsumi Island, and outsiders generally found it difficult to enter.
Coincidentally, Mr. Fengyi sent a telepathic message to her boss today, stating that he needed to go to Enkanomiya again. How could Kuki Shinobu miss such a good opportunity?
At this moment, Arataki Itto, standing beside her, gave Fengyi a meaningful glance, as if saying: I tried to dissuade her, but it was no use. Shinobu insisted on coming.
"I see. You're most welcome. With your help, Shinobu, things will be much simpler."
Fengyi smiled faintly and gave Itto a reassuring look, telling him to relax. Since she was here, they would all go together.
He was also secretly relieved. Losing such a smart helper would have been a significant loss.
"Kokomi, you go ahead with your work. I'll take them to Sara to learn about the latest situation in Enkanomiya..."
"Yes, yes. Safety first. Contact me immediately if anything happens."
Kokomi always felt at ease with Fengyi handling things, but out of concern for him, she couldn't help but offer a few parting words.
Fengyi led Arataki Itto and Kuki Shinobu away from the administrative hall, heading towards the cliff where Sara often stayed.
On the way, Fengyi informed the two about the changes in Enkanomiya—the unshakeable black mist and the newly appeared monsters.
"Sara, you're here!"
Fengyi waved to Sara, who was standing on the cliff above the deep pool. Fortunately, their trip wasn't in vain.
"Captain Fengyi, I guessed you would come looking for me here!"
Sara's face lit up with joy. She knew that Captain Fengyi wouldn't abandon such a serious matter.