Chapter 42: The Disappearance of Senior Qing Lan

“Senior Qing Lan has gone missing?”

Not long after arriving at the Weichangzhe branch, Lin Xi received this startling news.

“More accurately, contact has been lost. Normally, we conduct routine communications every few hours to ensure safety. However, since her last message yesterday evening, there has been no further contact, and even her anomalous energy signature has vanished without a trace.”

It wasn’t a mere clerk or communicator delivering this urgent news to Lin Xi and the other Weichangzhe members; it was Branch Chief Yu Menghua herself, a clear indicator of the gravity of the situation.

“Um, where was the last signal from her detected?”

One of the Weichangzhe members present raised a hand and inquired.

“That information is confidential… No, that’s not right. You have a right to know this, and in fact, I wish for you to know it.”

With that, Yu Menghua produced a projector, casting a map of Tiangong City into the air.

“Her last signal was pinpointed to an industrial district in the northwest of Tiangong City. The signal didn’t gradually weaken; it vanished in an instant. This leads us to surmise that if an enemy truly exists, their power must be immense.”

“Wait, isn’t that industrial district largely derelict? Why would she go there?”

A closer look revealed that the spot Yu Menghua marked on the map was a gradually abandoned industrial zone within Tiangong City. The only people who ventured there were scattered, low-tier laborers, those unable to secure work in larger factories. Their numbers had dwindled even further in an age where AI could fully replace such workers.

That industrial district was originally slated for demolition in recent years, yet for some unknown reason, it had been delayed until now.

“That, I’m afraid, is classified information. Suffice it to say, she was on an investigative mission.”

Upon hearing Yu Menghua’s resolute answer, the others refrained from pressing further. After all, if certain information was classified, there was undoubtedly a good reason for it; knowing might not necessarily benefit them.

“…Speaking of which, Branch Chief, you mentioned the enemy’s strength earlier, didn’t you? What are the specifics?”

Gradually, the conversation shifted back to the enemy’s combat prowess.

“Qing Lan is by no means weak. Someone capable of neutralizing her in such a short span would be a rare find, even across Tiangong City and beyond. Excluding certain unusual circumstances, we estimate the enemy’s strength to be at least peak D-class, possibly even C-class or higher, or perhaps multiple high-level adversaries were involved.”

“Oh, dear…”

The average Weichangzhe member present was around E-class, with some newcomers still at F-class. Forget peak D-class; even a regular D-class opponent would be more than they could handle. As for C-class… such an entity could effortlessly eliminate all of them.

Even if they were brimming with righteous fury, ready to avenge their fallen comrade, confronting an enemy of that caliber would be akin to a mantis trying to stop a chariot – a futile charge destined only to become cannon fodder.

“I understand that facing such formidable power can naturally cause apprehension. However, if possible, I still hope you can offer assistance, even if it’s just remaining on standby at the branch or helping civilians evacuate should the situation spiral out of control. As for the combat, leave that to us high-level ability users.”

Yu Menghua was not without empathy. She understood the others’ feelings perfectly, having once been in their shoes. Thus, having those with insufficient combat strength provide support from the rear was the optimal choice.

“Since the Branch Chief herself has said so…”

“I might not be skilled in direct combat, but I’m quite experienced in providing support.”

“With us here, you can fight to your heart’s content!”

Hearing Yu Menghua’s words, the previously hesitant Weichangzhe members rallied their courage. After all, if the high-level ability users were stepping forward, there was no reason for them not to put in their best effort.

While most people regarded the work of official ability user organizations like the Weichangzhe as mere livelihoods, akin to programmers or accountants, the actual prerequisite for joining was a kind heart. If one was deemed malevolent, membership was impossible.

In essence, every individual present was someone willing to dedicate themselves fully to protecting others.

“On behalf of the Weichangzhe Organization, I thank you all for your dedication. Furthermore, any ability users of mid D-class or higher who wish to participate in the battle should approach me. Given the urgency of the situation, a raid is anticipated before noon.”

After delegating the remaining tasks, Yu Menghua turned to discuss the plan with other high-level ability users who held positions within the branch. Lin Xi, who had remained silent since her initial question, merely watched them from a distance.

“Xi Xi, do you want to participate?”

“Agh!”

Bai Li’s sudden question beside Lin Xi startled her into an odd cry.

“Ba… Bai Li…”

“So, do you want to participate? In the battle at the industrial district?”

Bai Li repeated the question, but Lin Xi remained silent, uttering not a word.

Ultimately, under Bai Li’s gaze, she conceded.

“Yes, I truly wish to participate. I want to confirm Senior’s safety as soon as possible.”

For Lin Xi, Qing Lan was a crucial senior who had guided her onto the right path in her work with the Weichangzhe. Qing Lan frequently advised her on various matters and personally brought her along on missions, allowing her to gain significant experience and absorb a wealth of knowledge. Without Qing Lan’s help, Lin Xi, a student who hadn’t even graduated high school yet, likely wouldn’t have ascended to D-class so swiftly. She might even have given up long ago due to the immense pressure.

“I see…”

Observing Lin Xi’s worried expression, a pang of jealousy stirred within Bai Li. However, considering Qing Lan was merely a senior to Lin Xi, and had occasionally even assisted them, there was a valid reason for her to hold a significant place in Lin Xi’s heart. Bai Li suppressed the feeling for now.

Though Bai Li wished Lin Xi would only have eyes for her, she wasn’t so possessive as to completely disregard Lin Xi’s personal will.

“But with my current strength, wouldn’t I just be a hindrance if I went?”

Lin Xi hadn’t officially reached mid D-class yet, failing to meet the threshold Yu Menghua had set for combat participation. Moreover, that threshold was merely a minimum; even reaching it didn’t guarantee involvement, and if she did participate, it would likely only be as support, needing protection from others. Rather than that, it seemed better not to join at all, to avoid burdening anyone.

However, Bai Li’s next sentence shattered that notion.

“Don’t worry, just leave it to me.”

With only those words, Bai Li turned and walked resolutely towards where Yu Menghua and the other ability users were discussing their plans.