Chapter 066: The Mysterious Organization

“In reality, leaking information about the paranormal world doesn’t benefit us at all—no one’s bored enough to do something so detrimental to themselves and others,” Jason said. “A stable and peaceful environment is what allows us, the Overlimit Warriors, to fight at the front lines against extraordinary creatures without worrying about what’s happening behind us.”

He shook his head, continuing, “There’s no need to spell out the reasons. Just think of the fate of mutants in movies—it’s clear enough. We may not be mutants, but we’re different from ordinary people now. Who wants to be cast aside as an outcast?”

“Exactly. Even those guys in the Black Shades Division, who have no scruples at all, wouldn’t be so bored as to openly reveal their paranormal identities. Quietly getting rich is the true way,” Drumstick laughed as he explained. “As long as there isn’t overwhelming evidence of the existence of the paranormal world, society and the general public remain quite tolerant.”

“Besides, we have official agencies like the Lanzhou Internal Guard (Internal Intelligence Interception and Defense Bureau), S County Special Ops (External Assassination, Ambush, and Deterrence Unit), Baishijie Cleanup and Aftercare Company (Corpse Collection, Scapegoating, and Environmental Restoration), the City Management Bureau (Urban Combat and Sweep Unit), and the General Directorate of Broadcasting (Information Dissemination and Intelligence Interception).”

“As for those keyboard warriors online, always eager for chaos, as long as they still fear the City Water Supply Company (Counter-Espionage Search Agency) and SF Express (Special Capture Assault Squad), there’s no need to worry about them stirring up trouble.”

“As for the various prohibitions issued by LDH, there’s a Handbook for Paranormal Personnel in your personal information terminal—just skim through it to get the gist.”

Bai Yuxi broke out in cold sweat. Only now did he realize how many mysterious official agencies existed…

The Changnan Freight Station was some distance from the Jialuo Mountain Base, but the traffic was light at night. Once they exited the Third Ring Road and picked up speed, the journey of several dozen kilometers took the Seventh Squad only about half an hour.

As the SUV neared Tieting Village, the scenery began to change. High-rises grew sparse, replaced by vegetable gardens, fields, and ponds—a landscape with a distinctly rural flavor. When a cluster of low, dilapidated, chaotic buildings appeared bathed in the glow of the car’s headlights, the GPS indicated they had reached their destination.

But when the group disembarked, they found the urban village eerily dark, like a ghost town, with even the streetlights powered off.

“Damn!” Willy put on his night-vision goggles and looked around, complaining, “Did they really have to make the atmosphere this creepy?”

“Ah—Willy!”

“You black coal ball, don’t sneak up behind people and talk!”

Standing beside Willy, Xia Youyou shrieked briefly, then angrily kicked at him. “You frightened me!”

“How is that my fault?” Willy dodged, protesting indignantly, “I’ve been standing next to you for ages—how was I supposed to know you didn’t notice me?”

“Hey, Blackie, open your mouth!” Drumstick laughed. “At least you’ve got your own reflective strip!”

“Can you guys stop fooling around and focus on the search?” Luo Fei snapped, exasperated. “We’re not the first to arrive—there are energy signatures in some of the other village directions, meaning squads from other teams have already started their sweep!”

“Youyou and Drumstick, you’re paired together. Maya and I are a team. Bai, you and Willy form a group. Jason, stay by the vehicle and protect Xiaoke. We’ll split up for the search!”

She turned and instructed, “If any group encounters extraordinary creatures or abnormal conditions, signal everyone immediately!”

Bai Yuxi nodded. Since this was his first mission, it was reassuring to be paired with a seasoned member. Luo Fei’s arrangement was also logical, considering his status as a newcomer, the two injured members, and the female academic who lacked self-defense skills.

“Hey, boss lady!”

“Finally, I don’t have to be alone!” Willy grumbled. “Can’t I be paired with the lovely Youyou? I’m allergic to guys!” He cast a disgruntled glance at Bai Yuxi and complained, “I’m allergic to men!”

“But I’m allergic to you!” Xia Youyou, petite and sweet, rolled her eyes at the goofy foreigner and retorted, “Teaming up with you is like having a ghost beside me—sooner or later, you’ll give me a scare. No thanks!”

Willy suffered a massive blow, covering his face and fleeing in tears. Bai Yuxi glanced at Luo Fei and the others, shrugged, and hurried after him.

Though he didn’t manage to join a group with a beauty, Willy, ever the optimistic fellow, quickly bounced back. Having experienced over twenty bizarre incidents, he roamed the abandoned, empty urban village like a treasure hunter, poking about here and there—he was just short of humming a tune and rapping.

The night’s darkness didn’t hinder the Overlimit Warriors; after all, they often worked at night and always equipped themselves with night vision gear. Bai Yuxi wasn’t sure how effective Willy’s data goggles were, but his own Dream 7 data mask granted him a clear field of vision. The colors might not be as vivid as in daylight, but the clarity was more than sufficient.

Trailing Willy through Tieting Village for some time, Bai Yuxi realized that Willy’s meandering route wasn’t random; rather, he crossed directly to the far side of the village before doubling back, making the search easier for their teammates.

After searching for a while, Willy suddenly turned and let out a startled howl, leaping several meters away.

“Xiao Bai, it’s you? I’m so used to wandering alone, I nearly forgot we’re teamed up tonight. You scared me!”

“But really, how come you walk without making a sound? It’s even stealthier than me, and I’m supposed to be the scout…”

Seeing Bai Yuxi’s confused face, Willy finally relaxed, laughing sheepishly. “But of course, your stats are way higher than mine. Your agility is almost double mine, and I’m supposed to be the ‘agility specialist’…”

“So I’ve been following you for ages, and you never noticed?” Bai Yuxi replied, exasperated. “I thought you were sulking because you couldn’t team up with a girl and decided to ignore me!”

“How could I?” Willy grinned and sidled up, throwing an arm around Bai Yuxi’s shoulders as they continued their search. He winked and whispered, “Now that the others aren’t around, tell me—how did you train your Overlimit Combat Technique?”