Chapter 12: District Fourteen (Part 1)
Jin Chi’an rubbed his fluffy ears, his fingers repeatedly brushing over the brand there. He had thought the white tiger would warily dodge away, but reality was different from what he had expected.
Feeling the warm touch on the branded spot, the white tiger’s eyes brightened. His wagging tail could not hide his secret delight, and he burrowed even more eagerly into Jin Chi’an’s arms.
Seeing him like this, Jin Chi’an once again wondered whether he was currently in a frenzy period. He helplessly held his forehead and smiled bitterly, mocking himself inwardly.
“Felix, did you come close to me because of his orders?”
The cold night wind blew in through the window, stirring the curtains and brushing against the white tiger’s fur. Inside the starship carrying the Allied Forces base, a virtual moon hung in the sky. The pure moonlight passed through the clouds, fell on the window lattice, and entered the room, reflected in the white tiger’s pupils.
On the narrow single bed, the white tiger encircled Jin Chi’an in his fluffy fur like a wild beast marking its possession. When the optical computer alarm sounded, he opened his eyes right on time.
Felix quietly jumped down from the single bed and transformed into human form, though his pupils still maintained their beastlike appearance.
After repeatedly confirming that Jin Chi’an was sound asleep, Felix gently lifted the clothing covering his back. Smooth, unblemished skin entered his eyes.
Felix frowned slightly. A trace of disappointment colored his eyes, making him look just like an abandoned child standing helplessly beside Jin Chi’an’s bed.
Only after a long while, when the person before him turned over, did Felix return to his senses.
Felix’s face darkened. He turned and saw the yarn-ball toy Jin Chi’an had remade for Puff. Felix suppressed the urge to tear the yarn ball to shreds. After hesitating for a moment, he cautiously put it into his pocket and pushed the door open to leave the room.
The next morning.
“All right, don’t be mad. I’ll make you another one later.”
Jin Chi’an raised his hand to tease Puff, who was sitting on his shoulder with a face full of grievance, as he walked side by side with Lin Chuan.
Lin Chuan said, “For several days in a row, one yarn ball has gone missing every day. If that’s not a thief in the dormitory…”
Halfway through speaking, Lin Chuan seemed to realize something. He glanced sideways at Jin Chi’an.
“Looks like felines really can’t resist the temptation of yarn balls…”
“Oh, so you were the one who let him in last night?”
Jin Chi’an deliberately pretended not to know and teased Lin Chuan, “Looks like the two of you were working together.”
“He came in by himself…”
Halfway through his sentence, the two of them turned a corner and happened to run into Felix, who was also heading to command.
Jin Chi’an froze for a moment. Puff, sitting on his shoulder, had already hidden back inside the mental sea as if it had seen a plague god. Felix’s gaze also fell on Jin Chi’an’s shoulder.
Following his line of sight, Jin Chi’an recalled the scene of the white tiger pouncing on and biting Puff before. He was just about to explain.
“Let’s go in together.”
Felix entered DNA recognition and opened the door to command. Before Jin Chi’an could say what was on the tip of his tongue, Felix entered the room first.
As soon as they walked in, Edwin led the lord of Hundred Birds City forward to greet them.
At this moment, the lord of Hundred Birds City had regained his usual dignified appearance. In his calm and steady gaze, there was not a single trace of yesterday’s grief over losing his son.
“I came this time hoping the marshal could send people to help me with something,” the city lord said slowly.
Felix replied, “The sacred tree’s heartwood is Hundred Birds City’s holy relic. Once we find it, we will return it immediately.”
The city lord shook his head. “It is not because of that. I came specifically this time to ask the Allied Forces to help me find someone. The child who formed a contract with my son. Please help me find her body.”
“Body? Are you talking about Oshta? But he’s still alive,” Jin Chi’an asked.
“It is not him. It was a snake beastman…”
Outside District Fourteen, in the marginal star region of Iskan.
Qin Hua had a lollipop in his mouth and was lazily lying in the aircraft’s co-pilot seat.
“That old bird said such strange things. He insisted that we find his son’s contracted partner. It was obviously that poison dart frog guide. Who knows which planet he’s flown off to by now?”
“According to what he meant, that guide controlled by the Kashemir Zerg race stole the mental brand of his son’s contracted partner, then forcibly controlled his consciousness,” Xi Lian said, supporting his face with one hand while considering the possibility.
“The aircraft is about to arrive at the port in Northern Area One of Iskan District Fourteen. Friendly reminder: the destination is a dangerous war zone. Danger index: Level Two. Passengers, please take protective measures. We wish you a pleasant journey.”
The aircraft’s announcement echoed through the cabin. The members of Frontline Reconnaissance Team Two immediately packed up their equipment and waited quietly for the aircraft to arrive.
The moment the aircraft docked, the cabin door opened. A shell descended from the sky and flew toward everyone.
Qin Hua immediately summoned his mecha and deployed a defensive barrier, blocking the explosion of the shell outside.
He looked at the shells flying across the sky in disbelief, withdrew his mecha, and hid behind Xi Lian.
“Brother Lian, why don’t we just go back? In this place, we could get blown to death by a shell falling from the sky after taking just two steps. I… I don’t want to stay here.”
Seeing Qin Hua put one foot back into the aircraft, Jin Chi’an pulled him back without saying a word.
At this moment, a beastman wearing a pink floral shirt, large shorts, and flip-flops walked toward them.
“Sorry. The missile interception system here is a little sluggish. No one was hurt, right?”
Qin Hua looked suspiciously at the sloppy beastman before him and asked Jin Chi’an, “This is the liaison the beastman military arranged for us?”
Before Qin Hua could finish speaking, Xi Lian, who was standing to the side, respectfully walked toward the other party and gave him Iskan’s standard military salute.
“Lieutenant General Charles.”
Charles nodded at him, then walked straight toward Jin Chi’an and naturally slung an arm around his shoulders.
“Long time no see, younger sibling-in-law. I didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful, specially coming to this poor, remote District Fourteen to visit your big brother.”
Looking at him putting on such an exaggeratedly moved expression, Jin Chi’an speechlessly tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Who are you?”
“Damn it, that brat Felix never mentioned me to you?”
Charles was so angry that he looked ready to explode.
“If District Fourteen hadn’t suddenly been attacked on the day of your wedding, your big brother definitely would’ve gone to attend the ceremony. Ugh, damn enemy forces. Because of them, I could only watch my adorable little brother get married through a video.”
Jin Chi’an pushed at the head resting against his shoulder.
“Lieutenant General Charles, we came this time to look for a snake beastman. I hope you can cooperate with our investigation.”
Charles wiped away the emperor’s tears at the corners of his eyes and waved toward the District Fourteen soldiers following behind him.
“Is the shuttle ready?”
“Reporting, Lieutenant General. The shuttle is ready.”
Charles curved his lips into a smile and led the group into a shuttle that could hold a hundred people. Right after that, the sound of high-speed wind rang out, and everyone successfully arrived in a bustling cyber city.
“Welcome, everyone, to District Fourteen’s underground city.”
Charles once again placed his arm on Jin Chi’an’s shoulder.
“Younger sibling-in-law, this is your big brother’s territory. Whatever catches your eye, just use your big brother’s name. We’re family, no need to be polite.”
The bustling city before them struck everyone’s vision. This thriving scene was like a completely different place from the ruined city above ground, which had been bombarded by artillery fire. The streets on both sides were packed with customers lining up, and the commercial street rang everywhere with the endless calls of vendors.
“Boss, I want one cheese grape smoothie, and also a spicy rabbit head…”
Before the members of the frontline reconnaissance team could adapt to the environment, Qin Hua had already blended into the crowd on the commercial street. His excited voice echoed throughout the entire area.
“Big brother, can we really eat all of this for free?”
Charles smiled slightly. “Of course you can.”
“No, you can’t.”
Jin Chi’an cut him off and explained helplessly, “Lieutenant General Charles, we’re here to work.”
“Of course I know. When I received the news, I had already helped you investigate.”
As Charles spoke, he pulled up a file from his optical computer.
“The snake beastman you want to investigate was a soldier in our District Fourteen military. She died three months ago. Her remains have already been sent back to the orphanage where she used to live.”
As Charles spoke, he ordered someone to catch Qin Hua, who was running around wildly on the street, and bring him back.
The group once again boarded the shuttle and arrived at an orphanage on the edge of the underground city.
The sounds of children playing came from nearby. Jin Chi’an followed the voices and looked toward the orphanage’s sports field.
Several little boys were shooting water bullets at each other, playing a game of interstellar warriors.
Only when Charles’s gentle voice rang out did they return to their senses and run toward the group.
One of the little boys tripped over his companion. He simply transformed into a green tree python and slithered toward the crowd.
“Charles!”
A little boy threw himself into Charles’s arms and naturally began searching him for good things.
Charles crouched down and picked him up, smiling softly as he rubbed the boy’s head.
“I didn’t bring snacks this time. Later, I’ll have the soldier brothers make it up to you.”
Charles looked around.
“Why don’t I see Xiao Yi?”
The boy twisted his body uneasily, leaned close to Charles’s ear, and whispered, “I’ll tell you something. Xiao Yi has been acting really strange lately. A few nights ago, he kept making a fuss about going to find his sister. Since last night, he’s been staying in his room the whole time.”
Hearing his answer, Charles’s expression darkened. He gently placed the boy back on the ground.
“You all go play first. Once uncle finishes work, I’ll take you to eat something delicious.”
“Okay!”
Watching the group of children in front of Charles scatter, Jin Chi’an stepped forward and asked, “Who is Xiao Yi?”
“He is the adoptive younger brother of the snake beastman you’re looking for.”
Charles gestured to the orphanage director walking toward them.
“Please take us to Xiao Yi’s room.”
“Of course, Lieutenant General.”
The director led the group to a dormitory and gently knocked on the door.
“Xiao Yi, Uncle Charles is here.”
“Xiao Yi?”
The knocking grew more urgent. After calling several times with no result, the director anxiously opened the door.
The four-person dormitory was empty. Children’s books were neatly placed on several desks. Only one desk with a photo frame on it was scattered with loose wires, repair tools, and several electronic cards that seemed to have failed during production.
The director picked up an electronic card containing biological information and cried out in alarm.
“Oh no. That child has run above ground.”
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