Chapter 63: Deep Scrutiny

Sitting in the passenger seat, Lu Xin relaxed himself and pondered slowly.

The incident that occurred in Satellite City No. 4 four years ago had been major. Even he, just a regular office worker back then, had heard of it.

At that time, Highwall City was undergoing a period of rapid development. New generations of children were being born and raised within the city walls, while more and more refugees from the Wilderness were drawn to the stable life and ample food within Highwall City and joined them. Consequently, this brought explosive population growth pressure to Highwall City. Many construction projects were put on the planning schedule during that period.

But it was also at that time that the technology priests spreading the gospel suddenly appeared. Dressed in mysterious white robes and carrying dazzling high-tech products beyond ordinary imagination, they descended among the citizens of Qinggang City, proclaiming their doctrine.

Countless Qinggang City citizens were captivated by their mystery and the “sanctuary” they preached, throwing themselves into the embrace of the “Technology Divine Being.”

That one event alone, it was said, took away over seventy percent of the residents from the entire Satellite City No.4…

Later on, precisely to fill the void left in Satellite City No.4, many people were relocated there. Thus, in Satellite City No. 2 and others areas, many houses became vacant; factories and buildings were abandoned. To some extent, it could be said that the visit by the Church of Technology miraculously solved the troublesome issue of population growth that plagued Qinggang City at the time.

But as an ordinary citizen, Lu Xin only knew about the event.

As simple as it seemed: the Church of Technology came and then left with its believers.

Now, having experienced so much himself, he naturally understood that the actual truth must have been more intense than he imagined.

He could tell as much from Chen Jing’s current tone.

She regarded that event as a disaster for Qinggang City.

……

“So, who’s behind this incident?”

Staring at the harshly lit road ahead ripped open by the headlights, Lu Xin felt slightly stifled inside, and couldn’t help but ask.

“There are many possibilities.”

Chen Jing focused on driving and said, “Outside the High Wall, there are many problems left behind since the Cataclysm. No one can solve them. Besides those severely contaminated individuals who have lost their faculties—or ‘Maniacs’ as ordinary folks call them—there are also many human organizations. If we inside the Highwall Cities can discover Mental Aberrants, recruit them, and guide them… they might do the same!”

“Moreover, in the usage and development of abilities, they tend to be more reckless and unrestrained!”

“……”

Hearing Chen Jing’s words, Lu Xin suddenly felt a faint unease.

Although Chen Jing’s voice still sounded very calm and steady,

Lu Xin detected a trace of weariness and disappointment within it. This was something he had never witnessed since meeting Chen Jing.

“Whoo…”

Chen Jing herself seemed to sense the inappropriateness within her own words. She quickly regained her composure, saying, “But no matter what, our Qinggang City isn’t made of paper. If anyone actually wants to plot against Qinggang City, they should be prepared to pay the price!”

As she spoke, she had already returned to her usual efficient and composed self. Turning to Lu Xin, she said, “As the defensive party, we must consider every possible problem. Since they came after you first, it means they have goals beyond our knowledge. It’s even possible that besides you, other Ability Users within the Highwall City might have already been targeted…”

“You must be extra careful over the coming period!”

“……”

Lu Xin could only nod. “Sure.”

Chen Jing continued thoughtfully as if considering something, suddenly adding, “Furthermore, since they appeared near the Orphanage, we cannot exclude the possibility that they already know about your connection to the Orphanage, or that they are targeting the Orphanage itself.”

“In either case, there’s a chance they might attack the Orphanage to affect you.”

“To be safe, the people at the Orphanage need to be moved to a more secure location, farther from the High Wall.”

“……”

Listening, Lu Xin’s pupils contracted slightly.

He didn’t dwell on what he might become if something truly happened to the Orphanage…

…He would probably be very angry!

Earlier, the reason he had shot at that “Psycho-modified Human” was also due to a vague worry about this very possibility.

But personally, he didn’t have a good solution to this problem.

Could he just halt all other activities and solely guard the Orphanage?

After all, it was only a vague possibility at the moment, and not a very high probability either…

The greater likelihood was that they were coming for him. If he stayed guarding the Orphanage, he might just put everyone there in harm’s way.

Chen Jing, however, proposed a solution casually.

He pondered for a moment before nodding seriously. “I’ll go persuade Teacher Xiaolu.”

He hadn’t figured out exactly how to explain it to Teacher Xiaolu yet, but upon further reflection, it shouldn’t be too difficult…

Sister Xiaolu trusted him dearly.

Although, moving and finding a new place would undoubtedly be very troublesome.

“Explain?”

Chen Jing, beside him upon hearing this, frowned slightly. “Don’t waste your energy on such trivial matters.”

As she spoke, one hand still on the steering wheel, she took out her Satellite Phone and dialed: “Immediately arrange the necessary procedures. Using Urban Renewal as the reason, forcibly relocate all residents of Sector C3 in the east of Satellite City No. 2 to Sector A4. Pay special attention to a place called Red Moon Elementary School; secure them a favorable spot…”

“Rent?”

“Collect it, of course. Follow all standard procedures!”

“……”

Hearing this, Lu Xin’s eyes widened slightly. His mood peaked, then dipped a little afterward.

If only they didn’t have to collect rent…

……

“Go on in!”

After making all arrangements, Chen Jing brought the Jeep to a stop outside the Satellite City No. 2 Guard Bureau. She instructed Lu Xin to head to the Conference Room on the fourth floor to wait, while she went out to handle some reporting and decisions. She returned quickly, carrying a file.

“I’ve obtained approval from Headquarters. We will proceed immediately with preparations on two fronts.”

Chen Jing pushed one section of the file in front of Lu Xin: “The first step is mobilizing sentry posts and reserve forces from Outside the City to conduct strict searches of all Gathering Points and illicit markets within a hundred miles of the High Wall. These points and markets largely depend on resources from our Highwall Cities for survival yet refuse to truly join them. They are also the places most riddled with hidden dangers!”

“Whether someone is truly targeting Highwall City or not, our actions will send a message: first, that we have noticed them, and second, that we take this matter very seriously… If it forces them to back down, that would be the best outcome!”

“……”

“The second matter involves you.”

“Effective immediately, we will carry out deep-level scrutiny and cleanup work for Special Contamination Sources. All members of the Special Operations Team must cancel their leave and stand by… You are no exception. If necessary, you can apply for temporary leave from your Business Company!”

“……”

“Yes.”

Lu Xin cared about his job at the Business Company too, but he understood priorities.

Then, adopting a desire to learn, he asked, “But why do we need a deep cleaning… for the contamination within the city?”

He had thought that since it originated Outside the City, measures would only be needed there.

To his question, Chen Jing replied calmly, “Because I’m concerned that someone might use Special Contamination Incidents to sow chaos within Highwall City.”

“Such things have happened before!”

“……”

While Chen Jing briefed Lu Xin on the task arrangements inside the Office, the Guard Bureau outside had become a hive of activity.

Only Chen Jing knew that her arrival had triggered the investigation of not just two things;

But a third: accelerating the investigation into all details and archives related to the former Red Moon Orphanage.

She couldn’t rule out that possibility: had the people Outside the City been secretly targeting the Orphanage all along?

The mysterious explosion, and the Lone Soldier of immense potential…

The old Red Moon Orphanage—it either held no problems, or it held massive ones!