Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

The Federation’s military began clearing out the underground world, and the news spread rapidly, sparking widespread panic.

“Boss Long, what should we do?”

In one of the Haoen Gang’s hideouts, a group of people gathered to discuss their situation.

“Our methods are fine for dealing with ordinary people, but against the Federation’s formal military, even a T3-grade unit, there’s no point in resisting,” said Qiao Long. Unlike most people in the underground, Qiao Long had received basic Federation education and understood the true state of the Federation’s military.

The Rose Federation’s most powerful military forces were the six main fleets stationed in the central star domain. These were followed by 64 patrol fleets distributed across various star domains.

These forces, directly overseen by the Federation’s Central Council, constituted the T1-T2 grades military, equipped with the best and latest technology, serving as the backbone of the Federation’s unity.

Next were the garrison fleets stationed in different star domains, typically commanded by regional generals and occasionally assisting local governors. They handled tasks like escorting, maintaining order, suppressing uprisings, and quelling rebellions. These fleets often used retired frontline warships and equipment, classified as T3-grade military forces.

Following that were ground forces stationed on habitable planets, residential space stations, and mining planets. Their equipment ranged in quality, generally falling within the T4-T5 grades.

Below them were special security forces within cities, such as the soldiers currently clearing out the underground of Arpeggio City. These forces were considered T6-grade.

At the very bottom were local police forces and the riot suppression autonomous units deployed in residential and living areas. These forces were classified as T7-grade.

The Federation allowed some licensed professions to carry weapons, but these weapons were strictly regulated and inferior to those of formal police forces, graded between T7 and T7.5.

Although the Rose Federation’s military was formidable, most of its power remained distant from the lives of ordinary people. The underground world knew even less, with most encounters limited to the armed forces represented by formal police.

Due to their lack of knowledge and experience, many in the underground had developed a false sense of security over the years, believing the Federation wasn’t as powerful as it claimed. After all, they had lived freely for over a decade without facing the Federation’s iron fist.

After hearing Qiao Long’s explanation, the group fell into despair. They had initially planned to fight their way out or escape to remote regions.

“Everyone, throw away your weapons and scatter. Avoid areas we frequent and head to unfamiliar parts of the underground,” Qiao Long instructed.

“Then, we wait for the Federation troops to detain us—if they spare the ‘civilians,’” he added, shaking his head. He wasn’t confident about this plan, but there was no better option.

“Disperse. Whether we meet again depends on fate.” With a sigh, he drew his gun and tossed it onto the table.

Seeing him take the lead, the others followed suit, throwing their guns away.

“Without weapons, the time before the Federation troops arrive will be the most dangerous. Watch out for revenge or betrayal from other underground factions,” Qiao Long warned.

“Understood, Boss Long.”

“This is it, then. The Haoen Gang is no more. You don’t have to follow my orders anymore. If any of you manage to survive in the Federation, don’t return to this line of work. Live a simple, peaceful life.”

After saying this, Qiao Long patted each person on the shoulder and walked out first. The others soon dispersed. Finally, someone set the hideout ablaze, burning all the weapons and supplies left behind.

After walking several hundred meters through the tunnels, Qiao Long stopped and turned to the two figures following him.

“Why are you still following me? I told you to split up. I’m already registered with the Arpeggio City Police. Staying with me won’t end well for you.”

Some gang members with no records might survive, but Qiao Long, as a marked man, was a primary target of the Federation’s crackdown.

“Boss,” said a stout man hesitantly.

“You’re stalling again, idiot,” said the tall, lanky one, kicking him before stepping forward.

“Boss, we’ll follow you no matter what.”

“Ha, follow me to your deaths?” Qiao Long glanced at them and shook his head.

“I went through so much trouble to get that young lady to heal you both. Not so you could throw your lives away now.”

“Huo Mu, Master, and you two are the closest people I have left. Now that Master is gone and Huo Mu has changed, if you die meaninglessly, I won’t have peace of mind either.” He punched the wall, his frustration evident.

“Boss…” The stout man tried to speak again.

“Save it, Bulu. I know what you’re trying to say.” Qiao Long waved him off, lit a cigarette, and leaned against the wall, staring at the dark cavern ceiling where a few bats hung.

“You want to repay me, right? Feel bad about leaving me behind, think it’s disloyal?” He exhaled smoke and sighed.

“Fools… Just fools.”

After a while, Qiao Long finished his cigarette, stubbed it out, and threw it away.

“All right, I’ll give you a task to ease your conscience.”

“First, I’m on the Federation’s most-wanted list. I’m as good as dead. But you two have the resident records I arranged with the police. If you reveal your identities in time, you might have a chance.”

“If you survive, take care of a few things for me.”

“First, renew the upkeep fees for my Master’s grave and Huo Mu’s mother’s grave. Try to keep them maintained for several decades so they don’t get destroyed too soon.”

“Second, investigate something for me. That young lady who saved you asked me to find someone for her. I won’t be able to do it, so it’s up to you.”

“When you investigate, be discreet. Take your time—blend in for 2-3 years before you start asking questions. I don’t want you exposing yourselves or causing trouble for her.”

“We’re nobodies. If we fail, she probably won’t care. But if we make unnecessary trouble for her, that would be unforgivable. Understand?”

“Yes, Boss Long.”

“That’s it, then. Go.”

With that, Qiao Long flicked away his cigarette butt, crushed it underfoot, and disappeared into the dark depths of the underground.