NOVEL WEB Chapter 126
Chapter 126: Artificial Soul 53
Red was rushing to build a branch office as the old bases had been almost completely cleared out by the Investigation Bureau. Thus, he needed to consider each aspect of site selection and decoration.
The bartender eagerly suggested, “Let’s get an underground bar again?”
Red responded with, “The organization prioritizes it.”
The bartender felt dejected and regretted not going with the main group to the new territory where the boss might be more generous in providing a place for him.
Red rolled his eyes at his partner but secretly rejoiced.
He was glad not to have gone to headquarters. He remained in Hei Hai City. Although being in headquarters would provide better opportunities for advancement, Red had no interest in that path.
Working alongside Ku HaiDong and Ye Chan, he always felt on edge, fearing any misstep could be caught by “it.” The weight of the secret troubled him deeply, though he held many secrets.
Yet, this one in particular was different—it held monumental implications.
It was significant enough to alter human understanding and possibly overturn the world controlled by humanity.
When Ku HaiDong sent Red away and asked who he wanted as an assistant, Red thought it over before choosing the bartender and Yinfan.
They had a long-standing partnership and great understanding. The bartender’s indifference to status made him an ideal pick to help avoid the dark spiral. As for Yinfan… well, he was easy to manipulate, strong, and compliant.
Ku HaiDong gave Red another newcomer and said, “Her codename is Nightingale. Similar capabilities to Ye Chan but lower level, newly promoted to B-Class. Her maximum spatial jump distance is 1.8 km, which is sufficient within Hei Hai City. She’ll report to you.”
Red accepted this addition with outward calm yet internal vigilance.
Who was this new addition? Likely another product of the organization’s experiments, perhaps a clone like Yinfan. Could her prototype body be connected to Ye Chan?
But when Red saw Nightingale, he was taken aback.
Nightingale was female; he must have misunderstood “Nightingale” as “Night Hawk”…
A clone and prototype body could only be of the same gender, thus Nightingale wasn’t a clone. She could be related to Ye Chan—possibly his sister or adult daughter.
This possibility was unlikely. Nonetheless, having a strong subordinate had its benefits, especially in emergencies.
With doubts unresolved, Red led three comrades to Hei Hai City.
Black Sea City was his long-term base, well-known to him. Within little time, he selected a luxurious casino near the city center. They found the owner and planted a red parasitic worm under control.
These worms were nearly mass-produced, but their effectiveness duration was short. Each month, they needed replacement and took time to exert influence.
All prepared, the branch office’s operations would soon stabilize.
Thinking, Red messaged Ku Xin, “Lady Fortune, we settled the branch address. Come check it out later.”
Quickly he received Ku Xin’s reply, “I know. Yinfang told me earlier.”
Red was puzzled.
He hit his forehead imagining Yinfan excitedly informing, “I’m back! With Red! Able to partner!”
…
At eight PM, Ku Xin exited employee quarters and waited at the designated spot.
Following past traditions, Ye Chan normally opened a spatial vortex at a fixed time which would transport her directly.
She felt odd. Was Ye Chan still in Black Sea City? Why use the usual transfer method rather than directing her to the division?
At eight ten, a deep blue spatial vortex emerged nearby.
The size seemed slightly altered from previous times.
Curious, she stepped through the vortex.
Unexpectedly, she didn’t end up in the branch office but in an unfamiliar alley. A strange woman stood nearby.
“Investigative Eye” pierced through her extraordinary ability—she was B-Class and had a spatial vortex ability…
“You’re Nightingale,” the woman said in a pitch-shifted voice, “my task is to bring you in.”
“Nightingale?” Ku Xin scrutinized her, “Red didn’t mention you.”
“I was overwhelmed with the new casino’s renovations,” Nightingale replied indifferently, “you wouldn’t know me since I just joined. Ask Red if you’re unsure.”
Nightingale was tall and dressed similarly to Ye Chan—tactical boots, black bulletproof combat gear, heavy armor in vulnerable spots, wearing a full-face helmet.
Ku Xin compared sizes and concluded Nightingale matched her height and musculature, trained differently than Ye Chan.
Ku Xin contacted Red and got an affirmative reply after ten seconds. Relieved, she acknowledged Nightingale.
Nightingale initiated another spatial vortex, “Please enter.”
Seemingly unable to maintain a long-distance teleportation, Nightingale must split jumps.
Ku Xin followed through the dark blue vortex.
After continuous transport, she landed on plush carpet illuminated by lavish gold decor.
Everything golden—wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture, drapes, carpeting. Even Red was wearing a blood-red suit—an outlier among the gold.
Noticing Ku Xin’s bewildered gaze, Red said, “Boss decorated this, not me.”
Yinfan barged in cheerfully, “Finally here. You haven’t visited in ages!”
Ku Xin retorted, “We met a couple days ago.”
Silverface sat next to her, “Feels like ‘a while’ to me.”
The bartender brought in drinks—pouring for Ku Xin, Red, then himself.
“The bar owner is wealthy. Stash plenty of fine spirits,” the bartender remarked.
Silverface pestered, “What about mine?”
“Out of my way,” the bartender grimaced, “last drink you tasted was too spicy. Only fits a novice’s palate.”
Silverface gestured to Nightingale, “What about her?”
“She can’t drink, headgear prevents,” the bartender shrugged.
Nightingale spoke softly, “For now, I rest. Call if needed.”
A new vortex formed, she retreated into it and left.
Ku Xin turned to Red, “What’s her story?”
“The boss sent her. Best not inquire,” Red replied.
“The group speculates the relation,” the bartender commented, “same abilities but lower rank. Ye Chan won’t have a grown daughter. His aloofness precludes family…”
Red interrupted, “Gossiping behind backs isn’t good. We shouldn’t talk about Ye Chan.”
Indifferent to Ye Chan, the bartender stated, “Ye Chan’s absent.”
Silverface raised his hand, “Nightingale is cold and silent. She never responds.”
Red slowly said, “She resembles you, Lady Fortune.”
Ku Xin raised eyebrows.
“I mean her character,” Red clarified, “quiet and distant.”
Silverface rebutted, “Never, Lady Fortune has a more outgoing nature.”
Red smiled.
“Together, we need to accept newcomers. Avoid conflict, speak openly.”