Chapter 406: The Tide of Retribution

“First, let’s figure out who we’re up against!”

In the meeting room, Chen Jing’s eyes glinted red as her voice remained unnervingly calm: “When we came back from Central City, Single Soldier caught the attention of the Moon Eclipse Research Institute and was invited to join the Advanced Talent Club. Through that club, he gained access to some covert information. With my support, he bought a file on the Technology Church. Pull it up.”

After acquiring the file, Lu Xin had already forwarded it to her.

Not because he believed it held any real value, but mainly because it cost two million – at least it could be expensed.

Soon, the entire contents of the file unfolded on the lobby’s screen: “The Calamity Archbishop of the Technology Church has appeared in Water Bay City to conduct a technological sermon. Three hours later, the Church’s archbishop and the residents of Water Bay City vanished simultaneously, leaving it deserted.”

“It’s confirmed – besides the Calamity Archbishop, three Knights accompanied him.”

“Purpose: Unknown.”

“Direction: Unclear.”

“…”

The file was accompanied by a slew of images, mostly depicting a pristine, orderly town, entirely devoid of any people – likely taken after the Technology Church had cleared out the locals to bulk up the dossier. The bulk data seemed artificially padded, though the valuable photos were sparse.

The most striking among them was a blurry, dark red photo taken from a distance.

In the image, the main figure was a person in a red hood, arms raised high.

Before him, a throng of people huddled together, heads bowed like lambs.

Oddly, the figure with raised arms appeared unusually tall.

Owing to obstruction from surrounding buildings, only his torso and raised arms were visible.

It can be inferred that he was either standing on a platform or even hovering in mid-air.

“Looks like that two million was well spent,” Chen Jing remarked with a slight smile.

She looked around at the researchers and said, “I need you all to analyze this file for any valuable intel.”

The assembled researchers immediately set to work, their expressions cautious.

Soon, an elderly man with glasses, Professor Chen – one of Qinggang’s Six Freaks – raised his pen and said, “The Technology Church has always mastered the art of persuasion. Four years ago, they used similar tactics to abduct a large number of civilians from Satellite City No. 4. Incidents like these have become all too common since the Red Moon incident…”

“What we need to figure out now is: what is their purpose in taking so many people?”

“…”

A neatly dressed woman continued, “After the Red Moon incident, people became an extremely valuable resource. For High-wall City, they’re crucial for construction and sustaining labor. With a sufficient workforce, settlements can be established, large-scale reclamation and maintenance can occur, and even investments from major factions and companies can be attracted…”

“That’s just their standard operation,” another interjected.

He added, “In the realm of these mysterious events, people serve not only conventional roles. When their numbers swell, many Ability Users see human crowds as giant batteries – even as weapons.”

“The Technology Church clearly isn’t gathering people for building cities. If that were their aim, they’d have more than enough by now.”

“…”

His words cast a somber mood over the room.

Even though they usually dealt with this type of subject, the idea of viewing people merely as batteries or weapons felt unsettling.

“So, what is the true aim of the Technology Church?” Chen Jing broke the silence with another pointed question.

She continued, “Based on Single Soldier’s report and the Intelligence from the Information Gathering Team, we’re pretty sure that the Technology Church is connected to the so-called Queen of Happy Town. When the Knights attacked the city earlier, Single Soldier chased after that Knight Order. That chase confirmed they had a much deeper understanding of Happy Town than we did – otherwise, they wouldn’t have chosen it as their hideout.”

Professor Chen said, “If we can pin the Technology Church’s current target on Happy Town, then regardless of friend or foe, their mass procurement of people could be linked to their abilities. I believe that should be our focus now. If our opponents really are the Church’s Calamity Archbishop and his three Knights, then what exactly are their powers?”

The room fell silent, everyone at a loss for words.

The Technology Church has always shrouded itself in mystery – every appearance is meticulously planned and executed, catching everyone off guard.

Even internal intel remains inaccessible – or perhaps no one dares pry, fearing that showing any interest might attract their attention.

“Information on the Technology Church is highly classified,” someone noted.

At that moment, on the screen, Mr. Su, hands clasped under his chin, suddenly said, “But ever since that incident four years ago, the City Defense Department has been monitoring their communications. There is at least some information available.”

His words sparked a wave of astonishment in the room.

Even Chen Jing was taken aback – at her level, she hadn’t realized Qinggang had already investigated the Technology Church.

“Forward the file to them…”

Mr. Su on the screen turned to the side and added, “Only send the portion concerning the Calamity Archbishop.”

Moments later, new information flashed on the screen:

Technology Church Major Archbishop (One of Four): Calamity

Ability: Unknown

Rank: S-level

“…”

Subordinate Knights:

Shenze, Rose, Blessing, Wish

“What does this… imply?” someone murmured after a long pause.

The file was glaringly incomplete – aside from confirming that the Calamity Archbishop was one of four major bishops, nothing definitive was known about his ability, identity, background, or even his rank, which was simply labeled as S-level.

In this desolate expanse beneath the Red Moon, everyone knew what S-level truly signified:

It meant the unknown. You only know it’s formidable, but not why it’s so or how to defeat it.

As for the four Knights, only a name was provided for each.

“There’s a lot we can infer from this,” Mr. Su whispered, “Although we’ve been tracking the Technology Church, we can’t make our moves too obvious.”

“After all, we worry they might come after us again…”

“One thing’s for sure – the Technology Church is extremely methodical. Their archbishops and knights operate in strict hierarchies, which, along with additional intel, has given us a rough idea of their power categories.”

“What is calamity?”

“Pain and misfortune – that is calamity.”

“So what exactly brings about pain and misfortune?”

“…”

Mr. Su paused as if at a loss for words. After a brief moment, a junior secretary hovered over and handed him a document. Flipping through it, he continued, “There’s reason to believe the names of the four Knights are written in reverse.”

“There are many causes behind calamity – roughly four types: sudden injury, self-induced disaster, the effects of others and clashes of wills…”

“And, a lifestyle collapse spurred by some vice or relentless pursuit…”

“From these perspectives, we can broadly surmise the abilities of the Calamity Archbishop’s four knights.”

“They are likely: Shenze who inflicts injuries, Rose who undermines self-control, Blessing symbolizing curses and malice, and finally a form of delusional lust that blinds and drives one to ruin…”

“…”

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of rapid typing and recording.

Chen Jing didn’t take notes; her mind was on another question.

“If we look at it this way, it does explain part of our current mystery,” she mused.

Professor Chen was the first to raise his head, tapping his pen lightly on the table.

“Of course, even if we determine their general power categories, it’s far from enough for us.”

“We still don’t know what level these enemies truly operate at, or what form their abilities take.”

“When it comes to combat with Ability Users, solid intelligence and preparation are paramount.”

“But there’s no doubt we’re at a disadvantage in that regard…”

“But the Technology Church underestimates us!”

Chen Jing shot a glance at Mr. Su on the screen and continued slowly, “These past four years, we’ve been preparing as well.”

“Whether we deploy troops now is secondary – the crucial point is that among our dispatched personnel, there is a man with the codename Single Soldier currently engaging the Technology Church. We cannot simply abandon him.”

“So…”

Her tone softened as she addressed Mr. Su on screen, “Since you asked for my opinion, I’ll be blunt.”

“After four long years, the Technology Church has returned to Qinggang. That means…”

Biting her lip, Chen Jing declared, “Our chance for revenge has finally arrived.”

“…”

The meeting room fell into an oppressive silence.

Everyone could sense Chen Jing’s resolve, yet their hearts were filled with uncertainty and conflict.

Though her words were logical, they did little to ease the reality that Qinggang now resembled an isolated island – with little external information and nearly all dispatched forces decimated.

In this situation, no one dared to act rashly and endorse sending troops or any other measures.

After all, these were living people – who could bear to watch them march to their deaths?

Chen Jing’s expression remained calm and determined.

On screen, Mr. Su, with his round face and folded arms, also fell silent.

Some were torn, others speechless – no one knew what decision to make.

Then, suddenly, a loud ringtone shattered the quiet, startling everyone in the room.

Someone pressed the answer button and a panicked voice came through, “We have a problem – Doll…”

“Doll has left the city…”

“…”

“What?”

The news hit like a bolt – everyone was momentarily stunned.

“Why?”

Almost instinctively, Chen Jing shouted, “Why didn’t you stop her?”

A service personnel’s voice, both anxious and helpless, replied, “We tried to stop her, but nothing we said reached her…”

Chen Jing inhaled deeply, “Wasn’t there an emergency alternative plan?”

Through the channel, the service personnel’s voice nearly broke down, “Every plan is based on trying to persuade her.”

“How can you persuade someone who can’t even hear you?”

“…”

Chen Jing was momentarily lost for words.

At that moment, phones in the meeting room started ringing one after another, creating chaos like a conference call.

Staff hurriedly answered, and frantic reports from various departments flooded in:

“This is the Special Pollution Cleanup Department Outskirts Monitoring Station – Doll has left the safe zone…”

“This is the No.2 Defense Organization of the City Defense Department. How can an Ability User appear before citizens so brazenly – even… flying?”

“Old Zhang, I just saw a nuclear weapon being launched. Qinggang… is it over?”

“…”

“…”

Chen Jing and the other researchers were abruptly stunned. Professor Chen threw his pen in exasperation, shouting, “Chase after her…”

“Thud…”

At that moment, the meeting room door swung open. A few individuals – the Drunkard, Gecko, and the Godly Woman, who had been resting in the office – entered, clearly intending to speak, but were halted by the news of Doll leaving the city.

They were instantly taken aback.

Everyone in Qinggang who knew the truth understood what Doll’s exit implied.

“Mr. Su,”

Chen Jing reacted swiftly, turning to the screen.

Mr. Su gave a slight gesture, signaling Chen Jing that the decision was hers.

“Alright.”

Chen Jing nodded firmly and said into the channel, “Get Doll back.”

However, a service personnel urgently replied, “She can’t hear anything…”

Before the sentence was finished, Chen Jing added, “Tell her we’ll get there with her – it’ll be faster than if she goes alone.”

There was a brief pause before a response came through, “Doll has heard us, and… she’s flying back toward us.”

Then, with a note of worry, the voice added, “We’ve never tried deceiving Doll before – no one knows what the consequences might be…”

“We won’t deceive her.”

Chen Jing exhaled deeply, then turned and bellowed, “Given the chaotic state outside the city and all the uncertainties, immediately form a Special Investigation Team to support Single Soldier. Ordinary soldiers are too valuable to risk; under these conditions, we won’t let them venture out. This Special Investigation Team will consist solely of Ability Users.”

She continued, “The personnel will be: Drunkard, Gecko, Godly Woman, Bear Child, myself, and… Doll!”

Glancing toward the office door, she added quietly, “Cleaning up special pollution is the duty of the Special Cleaning Department. Since you aren’t soldiers and they have no grounds to force you, I can only hope you accept this mission – whether for yourselves, for your families, or for Qinggang. I expect your decision soon.”

She concluded, “We need to deploy our fastest transport immediately to the scene! Gather on the rooftop in five minutes. You have five minutes to decide whether you’ll join me.”

“…”

After a moment’s silence, the meeting room erupted into organized chaos.

Some rushed to prepare various weapons, others readied transport vehicles, and some returned to their posts to gather more intelligence – everyone clearly knew what they had to do.

A puzzled Gecko asked the Drunkard with a blank look, “Huh?”

The Drunkard chuckled, “What’s up, kid?”

Muttering to himself, Gecko replied, “This isn’t what I expected. I pictured coming here, outlining our challenges, then showing our integrity, promising great rewards as our leader, sharing a heartfelt goodbye kiss with Linda, and then, surrounded by admiration, boarding a helicopter like a true hero. But now…”

The Drunkard patted Gecko’s shoulder, “You’re still young, kid…”

He added with a laugh, “In moments of excitement, you tend to get hot-headed. Instead of a goodbye kiss, it’s better to freshen up and then exchange a slow, deliberate kiss upon your triumphant return…”

As he spoke, he slowly twisted the lid of his thermos and ambled upward.

Startled, Gecko felt a sudden flash of insight.

He quickly rushed after the Drunkard, exclaiming, “Old man, I underestimated you! Where did you learn all these techniques?”

Meanwhile, the Godly Woman, who had nonchalantly been fixing her lipstick at a makeup kit, approached the rest area where Bear Child was either doing homework or napping. Startled awake, Bear Child rubbed his sleepy eyes and looked around.

“What’s up? Hungry?”

The Godly Woman replied absentmindedly while heading out, “No, I need to run an errand outside the city.”

Bear Child got up, grabbed his bag, and dashed off after her.

“So, it’s been decided?”

At the same time, in the Qinggang Administrative Hall, a long conference table was occupied by several gentlemen.

Mr. Su’s secretary shut off his camera and set it aside.

All eyes turned to Mr. Su, their gazes a mix of hesitation and anxiety.

Mr. Su stated calmly, “This is a crisis.”

He continued, “But it’s also an opportunity to push forward the Heaven’s Kingdom Plan.”

He added, “After the incident with the Sea Country, we’ve discussed this many times. In an age where a child may be armed with deadly weapons capable of misfiring at any moment, we aren’t ones to be the first to pull the trigger. Our message must be clear: if we’re shot at, we will fire back.”

He concluded, “This isn’t about personal gain – it’s about sending a message to the world!”