Chapter 428: Mission Preparations in the Face of Radiated Perils
by xennovel“This is all the answer I can give for now.”
The Drunkard took the Thermos Cup from Gecko and sipped slowly. “But at least it confirms that with control over this Case comes the possibility of neutralizing the effects on our Armed Forces. However, to safely and reliably harness the Case’s function to eliminate the contamination, our meager resources won’t suffice. I suggest we send it back to Qinggang City.”
“Let those Professors handle the proper research and management of the Case.”
……
Chen Jing immediately nodded. “Since the Godly Woman is injured, she can escort the Case home.”
With a slight furrow of her brow, she continued, “Besides, time is short—we can’t afford to take things step by step.”
“Right now, we’ve got a lot on our plate:”
“First, we must secure the area to eliminate dangers to Ordinary People and link up with our Armed Forces in Qinggang.”
“Second, we need to investigate the situation in Happy Town.”
She added, frowning slightly, “I just interrogated the Wish Priest and conducted a Mental Radiation Assessment around the outskirts of Happy Town. We can confirm that while the range of the radiation has drastically shrunk from a 50-kilometer radius to about 10 kilometers, its concentration is alarmingly high.”
“Even on the periphery, the readings near 1000 are detectable.”
“That already surpasses the combined Mental Power of many of us here!”
“It’s hard to imagine how intense the radiation is inside, or what dangers lie within…”
……
“In other words, we need someone to escort the Case and the injured colleague back, someone to stay behind to eliminate any potential risks and coordinate with Qinggang’s military, and someone to enter Happy Town for an investigation.”
After hearing Chen Jing’s instructions, Lu Xin smiled and said, “Then let me handle the investigation.”
Chen Jing lifted her gaze to Lu Xin, hesitating to speak further.
Ever since the issue with the Queen in Happy Town, it’s been Lu Xin’s assignment.
That’s also why Qinggang chose Lu Xin to lead this project from the start.
Moreover, Happy Town’s problems are glaring. Besides that scheming plan by the Cardinal, the overwhelming Mental Power within isn’t something any ordinary Ability User can handle. Lu Xin was always the only candidate.
Still, Chen Jing felt a pang of worry, reluctant to pile too much pressure on Lu Xin’s shoulders.
Yet, saying insincere words to ease the tension wouldn’t suit her nature.
“Work is work—there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Seeing Chen Jing’s hesitation, Lu Xin quickly chuckled, “Some of our colleagues, even when they know they’re done for, will give it their all as long as they can still move and think. So since I’m still alive, of course I have to…”
He paused briefly, then said earnestly, “Take responsibility.”
Several colleagues turned to look at him.
The injured Godly Woman appeared somewhat surprised, as she wasn’t very familiar with Lu Xin.
Bear Child adjusted his glasses with a forefinger, his expression one of mild astonishment.
Bear Child now seemed different. When they first met, he always wore an air of defiance, fearless despite his young age. Now, his eyes were red and he looked timid around everyone.
The Drunkard looked at Lu Xin with admiration and gave a nod.
After a brief moment of surprise, Chen Jing quickly regained her composure and looked seriously at Lu Xin, saying:
“In that case, the Godly Woman will escort the Case back, with the Drunkard accompanying her to ensure both her safety and the Case’s.”
“I’ll have Gecko, along with Bear Child, stay behind to eliminate any potential threats and coordinate with Qinggang’s military.”
“The Single Soldier will proceed into Happy Town for the investigation.”
“Doll…”
“……”
She paused briefly, and Doll immediately tugged Lu Xin’s hand nervously.
Gecko’s eyes widened instantly. He couldn’t help remarking, “Is this an office romance or what?”
Chen Jing shot Gecko a glare and also gave a long look at how Doll clutched Lu Xin’s hand.
Then she stated, “Doll will accompany Lu Xin and assist with the investigation.”
……
The Drunkard, Bear Child, and the Godly Woman all suddenly looked up at Chen Jing.
Just allowing Doll to push his limits and use her ability to distract the Armed Forces around Happy Town was already astonishing. Now, with the decision to send both Lu Xin and Doll into Happy Town—a decision that, if Qinggang found out, would be nothing short of a seismic shock—
either of them failing would be a loss Qinggang couldn’t afford.
If both were compromised, Chen Jing would be left to bear the brunt of the fallout.
……
Chen Jing’s expression hardened as she declared, “Making this decision and bearing this responsibility is my job.”
“Facing the Technology Church, we’re at a disadvantage. Since that’s the case, we can only go all out.”
“Being overly cautious will only worsen the situation!”
……
Her words were compelling, and the decision seemed justified…
Perhaps no one in Qinggang had the guts to make such a call?
Even Lu Xin himself wasn’t entirely sure about taking Doll along. Normally, he wasn’t used to truly collaborating with other Ability Users—he preferred working with family. Yet, having seen Doll’s formidable strength and since she was eager to accompany him, he felt it would be impolite to refuse her.
But now, Chen Jing had made the decision outright.
Everything was arranged perfectly, clearly laying out the responsibilities so Lu Xin could set his mind at ease.
After all, that’s why she was the Leader.
At first, Lu Xin had pondered who exactly was in charge of the team.
Now he thought, there’s no need to overthink it.
He could simply focus on his work and enjoy a sense of relief…
“For now, the task assignments are as follows. Let’s make our final preparations before formally starting the mission.”
Chen Jing seemed to be finalizing a minor detail. Clearing her throat, she continued, “Entering a heavily contaminated zone is extremely dangerous. We absolutely need armed support for our investigators, information support, and an emergency rescue plan.”
“Considering the unique nature of the Single Soldier and Doll, the armed support and rescue plan aren’t as critical.”
“But information support is indispensable.”
“The problem is, Happy Town is now saturated with dense Mental Radiation. Once you enter, our signals are likely to be distorted, making real-time communication nearly impossible. We have to find a solution to this.”
“Otherwise, there will be a communication breakdown between those inside and outside, complicating any support or assistance efforts.”
……
Lu Xin was momentarily stunned by Chen Jing’s words.
Not being able to communicate would indeed be a major hindrance.
Looking at the area shrouded in Mental Radiation, it was clear that even using Signal Flares inside would be futile.
After Chen Jing’s explanation, the Drunkard, Gecko, and the others huddled quietly to discuss.
For a moment, none of them had any clear ideas.
Under normal circumstances, slight Mental Radiation wouldn’t severely affect electronic signals. But once the radiation reaches a certain level, such distortions become inevitable. They were now facing an unsolvable problem.
While Lu Xin pondered this, he subconsciously glanced at Mom beside him.
Mom was as elusive as ever—if only she could be used to send messages…
Noticing Lu Xin’s glance, Mom turned and gave him a small smile.
Instantly, Lu Xin dismissed the idea.
How could Mom possibly handle message transmission?
Yet that fleeting thought sparked another possibility in his mind.
“Perhaps I can figure out a solution to this problem.”
Upon hearing Lu Xin’s remark, everyone around him turned to look, their expressions puzzled.
They were now discussing how to establish communication between the inside and outside of the forbidden zone—a technical challenge.
Among the Ability Users present, Chen Jing held the highest academic credentials, followed by Gecko.
The Drunkard, though older and experienced with solid professional knowledge, was also well-versed.
As for Lu Xin…
Academically, he was basically on par with Bear Child.
How exactly was he going to solve this problem?
Lu Xin smiled and said, “I’m not too familiar with electronic communications, but we can always get help.”
With that, he pulled his Black Bag and retrieved his Black Communicator.
After signaling Chen Jing, he opened the ‘Undercover Units’ software on it.
Having used it several times before, he was now quite adept. As soon as he clicked the summon button, the Communicator began to buzz lightly.
None of the present had seen the Undercover Units Communicator before; only Chen Jing knew its purpose.
Everyone stared at Lu Xin in bewilderment.
……
Silence fell over the group.
After a dozen seconds, the Mental Radiation Detector beside Chen Jing and the others suddenly began flashing a red glow.
On the dusty beams of a small rural house, draped in cobwebs, a faint vortex appeared.
After a moment, a Black Top Hat emerged from the vortex, followed by a small hand pressing at the hat. Then came a gaunt head, large eyes, and an ugly face forced into a fake smile.
Seeing the Undercover Unit appear lifted Lu Xin’s spirits.
A smile spread across his face as he prepared to tell it his task.
But to his surprise, the Undercover Unit tumbled to the ground, gently dusting off the hat.
Soon after, another head emerged from above, also sporting a smile.
Then came a third, and soon numbers three and four followed.
In the end, no fewer than seven Little Monsters came out, neatly aligning in a row on the ground before Lu Xin.
Two wore smiles on their faces; the other five looked timid.
Led by the first two, they simultaneously removed the Black Top Hat from atop their heads and courteously bowed to Lu Xin.
“Wha—why are there more coming out now?”
Lu Xin was somewhat taken aback—first one appeared, then two.
This was the third time he had summoned them. How did a whole cluster just appear?
Astonished, he turned to Chen Jing and the others.
Chen Jing and the rest could see the Undercover Units too; their eyes widened in shock.
They seemed so frightened that no one dared to speak.
Amidst the constantly flashing red lights of the detectors, everyone’s expressions grew tense.
Notably, the quickest to react was Gecko, who promptly drew his Gun with a “swish”.
Fortunately, he realized it wasn’t an enemy and refrained from firing.
Lu Xin glanced at Gecko, feeling that his quick thinking was wise.
It was a good thing he didn’t shoot.
Considering their collaboration with the Research Institute, the level of these Undercover Units might even exceed his own.
Opening fire might have jeopardized their standing with the Superiors.
……
Glancing at his colleagues, Lu Xin smiled at the Undercover Units. “Soon I’ll be entering an area with extremely high Mental Radiation where communications will be tricky. I might need you to help shuttle messages back and forth.”
“Can you handle this task?”
……
Using as few words as possible, he explained the job and waited for their response.
After hearing Lu Xin’s instructions, the seven Undercover Units exchanged looks.
Then, in unison, their eyes lit up with delight and they gently removed their Black Top Hats.
They all then extended their hands toward Lu Xin.
……
Lu Xin exhaled in relief and turned to Chen Jing. “Preparations are complete.”
Chen Jing adjusted her posture, giving Lu Xin and Doll a serious look, and declared, “Then let’s set off!”