Chapter 119: Unfinished Business

Lu Xin received Han Bing’s call the following afternoon.

He had already returned to the Security Hall by then.

The Security Hall was still mostly empty; almost every police officer was out working.

On his way back to the Security Hall, Lu Xin noticed broadcasts everywhere—on the radio, building displays, and rolling propaganda vehicles—all relentlessly reporting on the ‘food poisoning’ incident that had significantly impacted the Satellite City.

Apparently, it was caused by someone illegally gathering contaminated poisonous mushrooms from the Wasteland.

The Administration Hall had now opened four medical zones for free centralized treatment and isolation of the affected citizens.

In the news, a stern-faced announcer declared: “We still have a long way to go in effectively improving the material lives of the people of Qinggang City. Some individuals disregarded regulations, refused to work diligently, and sought only free resources from the Wasteland. This is the primary cause of this terrible incident. It’s reported that the Administration Hall will impose severe penalties and judgments on those involved.”

Some aunties wearing red armbands were shouting through megaphones: “All you folks growing vegetables on the rooftops, pay attention…”

“We’re doing a cleanup! Anyone caught will be fined…”

…

Lu Xin had previously wondered how the Administration Hall would handle this severe special pollution outbreak. Would they actually reveal the truth about the mental pollution incident to the public? It wasn’t easy to hide anyway. But he realized he’d oversimplified things.

The Administration Hall’s approach was surprisingly simple, and crucially, quite effective.

There was undoubtedly still much cleanup work to do, but the overall atmosphere was clearly stabilizing.

…

…

“The City Defense Department and the Special Pollution Cleanup Department are very experienced in handling situations like this.”

Over the phone, Han Bing softly explained to Lu Xin, “We had similar experiences before when the Technology Church visited Satellite City No. 4. This incident, both in scale and damage, is much smaller than that one.”

“What I’m briefing you on now mainly concerns the aftermath of this special pollution incident.”

“The attack by the Ability Users from outside the city has been designated the 8.18 Attack Incident.”

“The two types of pollution sources that emerged during this incident have been designated Special Pollution Incident 093, codenamed ‘Red Rose’, and Special Pollution Incident 094, codenamed ‘Crying Crowd’. It’s now confirmed that both were instigated by Ability Users, not naturally occurring. However, based on current assessment data, both special pollution incidents have been resolved.”

…

Lu Xin listened quietly. “And then?”

“Next are the measures regarding those Ability Users from outside the city.”

Han Bing replied softly, “When those people stole the painting and broke out of the high-wall city, reconnaissance personnel patrolling outside the city gave chase. However, because the chaos within the city demanded so much attention, we couldn’t dispatch more support in time. Currently, both reconnaissance personnel tracking them have lost contact and are suspected to have fallen victim to the enemy.”

“Headquarters has now dispatched three B-level special task forces to track them.”

“However, too much time has passed, and the targets have demonstrated extremely professional counter-tracking measures, so…”

…

Lu Xin understood what she meant and didn’t interrupt, just listened quietly.

“Regardless of whether the pursuit is successful, the City Defense Department has decided to issue a warrant for their arrest.”

Han Bing calmly got to the main point: “Attacking a high-wall city is unacceptable to Qinggang, and unacceptable to the Alliance. Therefore, the City Defense Department has prepared a portrait of the Ability User named ‘Qin Ran’, along with descriptions of their abilities. They will be placed on the Alliance-wide wanted list with a high bounty, hoping to leverage the power of all Alliance Ability Users to capture them.”

Lu Xin paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, “How much is the bounty?”

Han Bing hesitated slightly. “The specific bounty notice hasn’t been released yet, but the preliminary estimate is over three million.”

“Three million?”

Lu Xin was genuinely taken aback.

“Yes.”

Han Bing answered clearly and softly, “This figure is based on a comprehensive assessment of their ability level, the faction behind them, the damage they caused to the Second Satellite City, and other factors. There are many similar warrants and bounties within the Alliance.”

“Usually, the actual monetary value isn’t the main point. It represents an attitude.”

“Less than ten thousand might mean they’ve committed minor offenses, indicating the wanted person violated the laws of our high-wall city.”

“Over ten thousand but less than a hundred thousand means the high-wall city doesn’t welcome them.”

“Over a hundred thousand but less than a million indicates the high-wall city is furious about the matter and very serious.”

“Over a million represents… they’ve crossed the high-wall city’s bottom line. We will definitely take their lives!”

Han Bing paused slightly before adding, “…Of course, the bounty can’t be set too high either. There have been incidents where people, attracted by enormous bounties, deliberately manipulated others into committing major crimes just to turn them in for the reward…”

“Things like that cannot become a business!”

…

…

“So there’s that much behind it.”

Lu Xin fell silent for a moment, thinking to himself, *Still, a million is quite high…*

After her explanation, Han Bing continued, “Regarding Mr. Lone Soldier’s compensation, for resolving the incident at Wanzhong Mall during the previous large-scale sudden pollution event, it will be calculated based on the reward for handling a level-two pollution source. Handling the special pollution source codenamed 094 will be calculated based on a level-three pollution source, plus other compensations, etcetera…”

She seemed aware of Lu Xin’s personality, becoming noticeably more detailed when discussing these matters.

Her tone was also relatively light.

“That’s not important.”

But Lu Xin suddenly cut her off softly.

“Then?”

Han Bing seemed a bit surprised. These things weren’t important to Mr. Lone Soldier anymore?

Even her voice tightened slightly. “Mr. Lone Soldier, if you have any other concerns, please tell me.”

“No, no…”

Lu Xin quickly explained, “It’s mainly because I’m busy with something else right now and don’t have time to go over the accounts carefully. To avoid missing anything, I think it’s better if we calculate everything together when I get back…”

“Something else?”

Han Bing relaxed slightly, her curiosity piqued again. “What is it?”

“It’s a small matter.”

Lu Xin said softly, “You mentioned earlier that the City Defense Department’s pursuit of those people isn’t easy. But they committed so many crimes in the city; we can’t just let them go so easily. So, I’d like to submit a request to Headquarters…”

“…to go on a mission…”

…

Han Bing listened, somewhat astonished. “You’re going to…”

“Find those people and bring them back, or make them pay the price.”

Lu Xin smiled. “After all, they caused such huge problems and killed so many people. They have to pay the price, right?”

…

On the other end of the line, Han Bing suddenly fell silent.

Her shock and tension seemed palpable even through the phone.

Especially since Lu Xin had said it so casually, it felt somewhat unreal to her.

“M… Mr. Lone Soldier…”

When her voice returned, Han Bing stammered slightly, “Tr-tracking these Knight Orders… it’s a very complex matter, and usually handled by the City Defense Department. Besides, the Wasteland is full of dangers. Technical support and backup from within our high-wall city will struggle to keep up. Mr. Lone Soldier, the difficulty of this task is somewhat…”

“It’s okay.”

Lu Xin sensed Han Bing’s hesitation and explained softly, “I don’t need backup. I just need approval from above.”

Hearing this, Han Bing was even more astonished. “You… you intend to track them alone?”

“Not exactly.”

Lu Xin shook his head, smiling lightly. “I’m not alone.”