Since The Red Moon Appeared

Chapter 19: Tracing the Threads of Psionic Maleficence

At Chen Jing’s direct behest, the investigation team sprang into action with astonishing precision, their choreographed maneuvers bearing witness to their exceptional prowess.

Qin Ran found himself momentarily transfixed, his penetrating gaze assessing the three heavily armed men before him. Within the depths of his eyes, a delicate interplay of astonishment and disdain unfolded, revealing his astute recognition that these warriors surpassed the ranks of ordinary desperadoes or mere security personnel from the city, having only known a sheltered life within its high walls. Their distinct aura exuded an irrefutable sense of formidable strength and unparalleled skill.

Amidst the deafening silence, Qin Ran deftly signaled his men, conveying a wordless command to maintain their positions, underscoring the paramount importance of avoiding any hasty actions.

With an acutely perceptive eye, Lu Xin delved into the facets of Cui Wang’s murder and the covert disposal of his body, prompting Qin Ran to respond with commendable forthrightness. Hastily, he divulged the information, deftly blending unwavering conviction with his underlying sense of trepidation.

“Investigate the scene immediately and bring Qin Ran along in case he conceals the truth,” commanded Han Bing through the earpiece, her authoritative voice resonating with an aura of power, leaving no room for doubt.

In response, Lu Xin crisply barked orders to the armed men, “Get in the car,” before turning his incisive gaze towards Qin Ran, nodding affirmatively, “You come along too.”

Efficiently, the armed men seamlessly assumed their positions, moving with a harmonious synchronicity that bore testament to their rigorous training and unswerving discipline. One of them promptly ignited the engine, while the others formed a protective phalanx around Qin Ran, their submachine guns poised for any unforeseen circumstance.

As Qin Ran meticulously assessed their formidable armaments, his jaw clenched, grappling with uncertainty over Lu Xin’s underlying motives. Yet, ever mindful of the gravity of the situation, he consciously chose the path of compliant cooperation, skillfully subduing any impulse for confrontation. With measured steps, he embarked upon the jeep, steadfastly abstaining from voicing even a solitary word of protest.

As they arrived at the front yard, Qin Ran endeavored to halt the armed men through the window, his gestures urgent. However, the stoicism in the armed personnel’s expressions, coupled with their nonchalant attitude towards the Square Transportation Company, ensured his lack of an effect.

Similarly, Lu Xin’s keen observations quickly picked up on the palpable shift in the atmosphere that followed the Tactical Data Reconnaissance report. Despite Qin Ran’s company holding a numerical advantage, the three armed personnel’s training and formidable firepower served as an undeniable reminder of the glaring disparity in their capabilities.

Sensing the same realization, Qin Ran seemed to consciously opt for a course of cooperation, his demeanor gradually reflecting a sense of measured compliance.

Throughout the journey, Lu Xin couldn’t help but take note of the youngest warrior’s intermittent glances, tinged with palpable apprehension, directed towards him. Each time their eyes met, the young warrior promptly averted his gaze, seemingly unable to withstand the intensity of Lu Xin’s probing scrutiny.

Upon reaching a sprawling, desolate factory in the remote southern outskirts of the city, they skillfully traversed the rugged terrain with remarkable ease, their modified jeep deftly maneuvering through the challenging landscape. The dilapidated walls of the factory loomed overhead, while the surrounding desolation lent an air of eerie solitude to the scene.

“Just ahead,” Qin Ran pointed to a specified location outside the car, his apprehension palpable in his heightened verbosity. “I dealt with them behind the pile of dirt. Old Cui was shot there. Despite his visible inebriation, nothing seemed off
.
I disposed of his body behind the patch of grass, a place frequented by wild dogs.”

“Testing the two areas and a 300m radius for psionic fluctuations is strongly recommended,” advised Han Bing through the earpiece.

“Agreed,” Chen Jing confirmed with a nod, her expression betraying no emotion. “Identifying the psionic corruption source necessitates tracing intense psionic fluctuations that occur during someone’s demise. Mutations often originate at that crucial moment. However, we mustn’t overlook the possibility that mutations can be triggered after death.”

As the armed personnel disembarked, their sharp eyes turned to Lu Xin, seeking any potential objections before proceeding. Recognizing this as a rare and invaluable learning opportunity, Lu Xin attentively observed their every movement, meticulously absorbing every detail.

With consummate skill, the investigation team deftly retrieved a black box from the car, expertly unlocking its intricate mechanism through a series of encrypted codes. Inside, they uncovered a rectangular-shaped silver device bearing a resemblance to a satellite phone, accompanied by four metal pillars supporting a ring and an alarm device reminiscent of vintage metal detectors seen in classic movies.

Two of the team members donned specialized helmets, round and substantial, equipped with a transparent visor. Lu Xin was taken aback by the realization that most of the helmet’s composition consisted of a peculiar glass composite, a product of cutting-edge technology.

“The instrument they’re employing is a rudimentary psionic detector, recently developed,” Chen Jing provided a knowledgeable discourse through the earpiece, her voice resonating with experience. “Ordinary psionic power remains imperceptible, exerting negligible influence on the instrument’s readings. However, contaminated sources or mutants with heightened psionic influence can induce significant deviations. Leveraging materials from “The Institute of Selenology and Lunar Studies,” we’ve made some headway in detection, though accuracy remains a challenge.”

“The helmet serves as a safeguard against abnormal influences. It comprises the most advanced materials we have to date, aimed at containing the spread and detrimental effects of the ‘plague,’ as mentioned in the documents you received earlier.”

Lu Xin offered a nonchalant hum in response, discreetly suppressing his interest in the salary and subsidies alluded to in those documents.

With precision and swiftness, the investigation team tested the two locations where Qin Ran claimed to have dispatched Cui Wang and disposed of his body, meticulously extending their scrutiny to the surrounding areas. Despite finding tissue suspected to be Cui Wang’s remains, no abnormal readings were detected.

Lu Xin turned to Qin Ran and sought confirmation, “Are you certain these are the locations?”

Qin Ran’s face turned pallid, concealing an undercurrent of fear, “This concerns my life; why would I lie?”

Lu Xin held conviction in Qin Ran’s veracity and placed his trust in the investigation team’s discerning evaluations. No anomalies were apparent to him as well, unlike the café and their initial encounter, where he distinctly observed mutated flesh and aberrant creatures.

This is where the Tactical Data Reconnaissances battalion role proved pivotal.

Without hesitation, Lu Xin inquired, “What’s our next course of action?”

“We must consider other variables if the death and disposal sites yield no results,” said Corporal Han Bing calmly through the communication channel. “Every corruption source possesses a circumference. Individuals become contaminated upon entering that region. Based on our analysis, the victims were unrelated and had no prior acquaintance, yet they were part of the ‘avengers’ team, implying that their paths must have intersected while they were alive. Investigating the routes they traversed before their deaths is essential in pinpointing the source of corruption.”