Enforcer Manual
Chapter 684 - 683: Shadow_1

Chapter 684: Chapter 683: Shadow_1

Early morning once again heralded the start of a new day of temp work.

Lu Xiang and Song Lan walked side by side down the deserted streets of The First Region, the scene that had unfolded in the meeting room feeling strangely familiar to her, which reminded her of the High Prosecutor Dominas—who once had the same idea as Jiu.

However, in actuality, Song Lan’s abilities were the most complex she had ever known, and it seemed that even he could not fully articulate all the ways they could be used. Just the portion he deliberately revealed was enough to alarm the Review Meeting.

Lu Xiang felt that even if this Dumb Bird listed every conceivable application of his abilities and submitted it to the Psychic Research Institutions, those experts would still need a long time to study them together—and that would just reach the level of understanding. Having spent such a long time with Song Lan, she couldn’t think of any way to crack his abilities.

As Song Lan had said, their theoretical foundation was flawed from the beginning.

As long as he wanted, he could absolutely manipulate the segment of time that had been deleted. What they saw was merely what Song Lan intentionally presented to them, making his powers seem as though they had flaws.

"But this does prove one thing—the videos from The Seventeenth Region didn’t end up in the hands of the Review Meeting or the Psychic Research Institutions."

During the meeting, she had observed Jiu closely; his reactions to the videos and Song Lan using his abilities didn’t seem feigned.

Yet, this was curious.

Lu Xiang vaguely remembered that the video of the ability activation had spread throughout Gold Diggers’ Bar, sparking a lengthy discussion about the "enthusiastic citizen." If Military Intelligence Section Seven or the Counter-Intelligence Department had just followed these leads, they should have obtained this intelligence long ago.

Could it be that both Military Intelligence Section Seven and the Counter-Intelligence Department were harboring a bunch of idlers?

As she was lost in thought, the roar of a hovercar stopped above their heads, and the person inside motioned for them to stop. Moments later, the black hovercar gently descended beside them.

The one who opened the car door was a familiar figure.

"The two of you, long time no see!"

Mr. Qi He, dressed in an expensive suit, greeted them with a smile, looking as spirited as ever.

He gestured warmly to them, calling out, "I haven’t had the chance to thank you yet. Anjing said she had a great time in The Seventeenth Region."

"Isn’t this our first meeting?"

Lu Xiang asked, after all, in the eyes of others, they should appear as Rob Lucci and Mo Lian.

Qi He seemed to know her and Song Lan’s real identities.

"Let’s talk in the car."

Qi He gave them a knowing look, showing enough sincerity—there was no one else in his car, not even biotech bodyguards. Seeing their hesitation, he explained further, "You can rest assured, this is my private property, unrelated to the company. There are definitely no listening devices inside, so in other words..."

He smiled slightly, "Even if you decide to silence me in the car and then destroy the vehicle, the company would have no idea about your actions. I’ve always wanted to meet with you in a personal capacity."

Since he had said so much, Lu Xiang was the first to step onto the hovercar.

Only after the car door closed and the hovercar returned to the aerial track did Lu Xiang ask, "When did you find out?"

Qi He’s sudden appearance did answer the questions in her heart.

If the Ragus Foundation had destroyed the video to prevent it from reaching the hands of the Review Meeting, it would explain Jiu’s reaction to that segment of video earlier.

"Are you referring to the identity of the ’enthusiastic citizen,’ or the fact that you two impersonated Rob Lucci and Mo Lian to infiltrate the Iris Consortium?"

Qi He opened a bottle of champagne for them.

Indeed, there had been much for him and the Ragus Foundation to celebrate recently; and since the conversation had reached this point, he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for helping us get rid of a lot of trouble; the Morger Family and the Iris Consortium—we have always had... tense relations with them."

"What about Purple Wisteria Academy? As far as I know, it’s a property under the foundation."

If Qi He had guessed their identity earlier, then their venture to Purple Wisteria Academy suddenly became somewhat delicate.

"That was my personal wish. In recent years, an independent Psychic organization I’ve been sponsoring happened to have tense relations with Purple Wisteria Academy and the Psychic Research Institutions. Due to work, I couldn’t personally intervene in some matters... Gustav, remember that name?"

"He was sent by you."

Lu Xiang had an epiphany.

Gustav’s arrival had brought a rain of cakes to The Seventeenth Region, turning the entire block into a world that seemed out of a fairy tale. However, after that brief encounter, the enigmatic Psychic organization disappeared back into the mists.

She had asked Dr. Bai Zhu to investigate covertly but found nothing.

It seemed that Qi He knew of the relationship between the "enthusiastic citizen" and her through Gustav.

"To be more precise, he was to pay you a visit en route while on official duty. At that time, there was a new energy conference we valued greatly, which would bring the company billions in profits."

Qi He picked up a glass of champagne and toasted Song Lan, "Since there’s no hole in my chest yet, it would seem you’re willing to listen to what I have to say."

Song Lan did not respond but lightly clinked his glass to express his stance.

"Actually, I’ve always hoped that you could come to The First Region in person, so you could witness the current state of the United Government with your own eyes. I presume you have already met the incumbent head of the Psychic Research Institute. The one thing he probably wants to do most is to capture you, bind you to a bed with restraints, and study your abilities thoroughly."

For Jiu and those fervent researchers, this was their entire life’s pursuit.

"Regardless of what land they live on, or the threats that emerge beneath their feet, it’s all irrelevant to them. And I believe you might prefer to discuss some real business."

"Let me make it clear, I have no intention of working for the company."

Song Lan stated.

He had indeed witnessed the decay of his own family, but that didn’t mean he was going to help the company implement their regime. Right across from where they were staying, there was a group of people working tirelessly day and night. And as soon as they paid off the enormous loans they owed for their prosthesis modifications and were no longer able to contribute to the company, they would be kicked to the curb.

This was no longer a secret.

"Work for the company? No, you’ve misunderstood,"

Qi He shook his head, "The company is just a means to secure funding. In this era, doing anything requires a substantial amount of funds, and I want to offer you help on a personal basis."

"Offer us help?"

"Although most of your previous operations have been very clandestine, it’s not difficult for the talents of Military Intelligence Section Seven and the Counter-Intelligence Department to uncover the truth if they follow the trail."

Qi He paused, then said, "In such circumstances, you need someone to handle the aftermath for you, like destroying those videos, silencing the restless, or distancing Rob Lucci from The Seventeenth Region."

"But what’s the price?"

"The price?"

Qi He responded, "Don’t be mistaken; as long as we are on the same path, my assistance is completely free of charge."

"Mr. Qi He, you might as well state your true purpose."

"I want to put an end to this civil war."

Qi He’s gaze drifted to the window.

The hovering vehicles traveled between skyscrapers, and what caught his eyes was the crystallization of countless people’s efforts. But beyond the grand façade, he saw an empire that was collapsing.

Just as the "outsiders" described, the United Government possessed the most advanced scientific capabilities, the strongest economic foundation, the most powerful military; yet all these things they took pride in were being used in endless power struggles and internal strife.

So much so that their insides had been infiltrated by some unknown creatures, and they were all oblivious to it.

"Neither the families nor the companies can become the final victors."

"Mr. Qi He, what you’re saying is very dangerous."

Song Lan warned the other party.

Should such words spread, there would be no need for Song Lan to deliver a heart-piercing attack on Qi He, as the Ragus Foundation would make him disappear from this world first.

"I know, but as you see, gentle means can never change the status quo. It’s like trying to persuade the Council to pass the Artificial Intelligence Act; it requires not lobbying and debate, but a tactical nuke."

The conversation was becoming increasingly dangerous.

However, Qi He had clearly conducted thorough research and chose not to continue on this perilous topic.

He had learned about Song Lan’s lifestyle and knew that the other party did not seem to appreciate such heavy political discussions.

He took out a data chip, "Regarding the creature you encountered in the sewers, I happen to have obtained some information on it. This should contain some of the content you’d want to know. Oh, and if you wish to meet the Chairperson of the Council, I can help you skip the tedious procedures and arrange for a more personal approach."

As they spoke, the hovercar had passed through the steel forest and landed on the rooftop of the transport company.

"We’ve arrived."

Qi He opened the door of the hovercar for both of them, then as if suddenly remembering something, he said, "Some among them seem to regard this feeding Ceremony as a way of nourishing a Deity. After so many years, the deity in their eyes must have fully grown."

He sat in the car, finished his champagne in one gulp, lifted the empty glass as if preemptively toasting to victory, "But compared to the ethereal deity, I still have more faith in my own eyes... Mr. Lucky, Ms. Mo Lian, I wish you a triumphant return."