It wasn't difficult for transcendents of the Investigation Bureau's Special Operations Section to leave the city. Yue Shi didn't have to sneak out using invisibility like he had last time; he could leave openly and legally.
To deal with the Bee Woman and any other supernatural entities he might encounter, Yue Shi had made significant preparations. He brought everything useful—the ██ short sword, a Purification gem, a Potential Potion, and he even applied for enchanted bullets.
The Investigation Bureau was not stingy with its resources, providing every necessary piece of equipment. If a transcendent were to become a casualty because they skimped on gear, the loss would far outweigh the cost.
Before 10:00 AM, a specialized Investigation Bureau pickup truck departed from Amber City, heading toward the Chaos Zone outside the city walls.
In the vehicle, Yue Shi acted as the temporary driver while Bai Wanyang sat in the passenger seat.
“Bro, do you actually know how to drive? I’m feeling a bit nervous here.”
Bai Wanyang spoke up anxiously. He watched as Yue Shi floored the accelerator, the truck surging forward so suddenly it made his heart hammer against his ribs.
“Relax,” Yue Shi said nonchalantly. “I might not have a driver’s license, but my racing skills are top-tier.”
Bai Wanyang sucked in a breath of cold air. He suddenly felt that before they even encountered a supernatural creature, his new colleague might be the greatest source of danger.
Yue Shi sped along without obstruction, quickly reaching the Amber City checkpoint, where he finally slowed down slightly.
The water in the moat was as turbulent as ever. After the sentries on the bridge checked their credentials, they were cleared to pass.
The pickup truck sped toward the Chaos Zone. Yue Shi multitasked, driving while syncing his vision with the ravens to search for the Queen Bee.
Since the Investigation Bureau had already narrowed down the Queen Bee’s general location, the two ravens Yue Shi had released the night before only patrolled within that range, searching for an exceptionally beautiful woman with a distinct appearance.
The Worker Bees all shared roughly the same face, which was their most notable feature.
This time, Yue Shi was entering the Chaos Zone as an official investigator, so he didn't wear a mask or sunglasses, and he kept his phone on him.
To the outside world, Yue Shi only displayed two abilities—Decaying Talons and summoning Shadow Soldier ravens.
Aside from Zhong Mo, who knew a bit more and was aware he could use Raven's Secret Whispers for hypnosis, his other abilities—invisibility, shields, disease transfer, and sensory syncing with his Shadow Soldier ravens—were the source of his confidence to act boldly in the Chaos Zone.
This was Bai Wanyang’s first time leaving the city for the Chaos Zone. Perhaps because he didn't know much about the area, or perhaps because he relied on the unique nature of his own abilities, he didn't seem nervous at all. His face was full of curiosity and a sense of novelty.
With one active ability, Energy Cannon, and two passive ones, Near-Death HP Lock and Mid-Battle Breakthrough, Bai Wanyang would likely have been fine even if he had ventured into the Chaos Zone alone.
However, his supernatural powers clearly had high growth potential, and he was young and highly malleable. Ling Xun naturally wouldn't feel comfortable letting such a promising talent go out on his own.
In the Amber City Investigation Bureau, Zhu Qunqing, Yue Shi, and Bai Wanyang were all transcendents with multiple abilities. But while Zhu Qunqing and Yue Shi were adults, Bai Wanyang was a minor with an immature worldview. With proper guidance, there was a high probability of cultivating him into a very loyal subordinate.
The roads in the Chaos Zone were rugged and uneven. When Yue Shi had come here before on a stolen, beat-up motorcycle, the ride had been incredibly bumpy. Now, in a four-wheeled pickup with high suspension, it was much smoother and more comfortable.
The location for this mission was on a completely different route from the Qingshan Sanatorium, so they didn't pass the area Yue Shi had set on fire.
Bored, Bai Wanyang kept asking questions, chatting with Yue Shi about trivial topics.
“You’re so young, don't you plan to continue school?” Yue Shi asked.
A hint of sorrow appeared on Bai Wanyang’s face, his voice sounding melancholy. “I’ve already joined the Investigation Bureau and secured an iron rice bowl. Isn't the ultimate goal for ordinary people to study hard so they can find a good job and make money? I’ve already reached the finish line; there’s no need to go back to school.”
“Besides, with my current identity, going back to school would feel like I'm just there to show off.”
More importantly, the classmates he had been close to and the best friends he had grown up with had all been killed in the Bee Woman incident at the school. Since they were gone, there was no point in going back.
“I used to love school. I was usually the first one there. When my desk-mate arrived, I’d reference the homework they did last night to consolidate and fill in my own. I even set a glorious record of scribbling eight characters per second. Those were the testaments to my hard work and my lost youth...”
Yue Shi: “...”
“Don't make copying homework sound so noble, okay? If you love working hard, you can start being the first one to clock in at the Investigation Bureau every day.”
Bai Wanyang shook his head, his tone laced with a bit of dissatisfaction. “Forget it. You’re new, so you might not know, but the transcendents at the Amber City Investigation Bureau are quite lax with their discipline.”
“Oh?” Yue Shi glanced at him. “You don't like this lax atmosphere?”
Bai Wanyang nodded. “The Investigation Bureau is responsible for the supernatural incidents of the entire city. It would be better if things were a bit more serious.”
Yue Shi chuckled. “If things actually got serious, you might not be able to handle it.”
Bai Wanyang smiled as well, clearly disagreeing, but he didn't pursue the topic. Instead, he asked, “Are there any fun places in the Chaos Zone?”
“Fun places?” Yue Shi thought for a moment. “The Chaos Zone has some taboo industries that are strictly forbidden in the city. I don’t know if those count as fun to you.”
“I want to go see and broaden my horizons.” Bai Wanyang looked eager, but he soon frowned. “If we delay our work or get back late because we were out having fun, will the boss yell at us?”
“Don't worry,” Yue Shi said calmly. “If we’re half a day late, Ling Xun will definitely complain and criticize us. If we’re a whole day late, he’ll likely fly into a rage.”
“But if we don't go back for an entire week, turn off our phones, and lose contact, then Ling Xun will definitely think we’ve run into massive trouble. He’ll be anxious, unable to eat or sleep, and he’ll pray in his heart that we just make it back alive. His attitude toward us will become one of limitless tolerance.”
Bai Wanyang: “...”
“You’re a genius at slacking off.”
He’s a total beast!
Yue Shi looked innocent. “You were the one who said you wanted to broaden your horizons. I’m doing this all for you. I just secured a week-long vacation for you. Aren't you happy?”
Bai Wanyang: “﹋o﹋”
Rate on N.U.
