Chapter 79: Checking the Patrol Car

Carrying two heavy bags of “loot,” Kexin stood in front of Room 401. The iris scanner verified her identity, and she gently nudged the door open with her elbow.

The apartment was quiet, only the low hum of the central air conditioning filling the space.

“I’m back—” she called out habitually as she bent down to change her shoes.

Glancing around the living room, she saw that only Lu Qisi was home.

Qisi had apparently just finished showering, wearing a loose white T-shirt and sports shorts. Her damp golden hair clung to her forehead, with droplets occasionally falling onto the white towel draped around her neck. She lounged lazily on the soft fabric sofa, one leg bent casually, focused on her phone screen, fingers swiping occasionally.

“Oh, welcome back.” Qisi didn’t even lift her head, replying casually while keeping her eyes on her phone.

“Mm, I got all the shopping done.” Kexin began efficiently sorting the items from the bags.

She carefully put the fresh vegetables and eggs into the fridge, then placed the snacks, sugar-free cola, and candy on the coffee table in the living room.

“Catzaki’s spicy sticks and cola, Xihan’s fruit candy, Yuetu’s tissues.”

Finishing that, she picked up the box of curry cubes and walked over to the sofa, handing it to the still-reclining Qisi. “Here’s the curry you wanted. Looks like I didn’t buy any chicken, but it shouldn’t matter if we don’t eat it today, right?”

Qisi finally put down her phone, a faint smile appearing on her face. “No problem. As long as it’s made by you, Kexin, I’ll eat it anytime.”

She said it as if it were natural, her tone slightly clingy, almost playful—but Kexin was long accustomed to this side of her.

Looking at Qisi’s still-dripping hair, Kexin sighed and turned to grab a hairdryer from the drawer, handing it over. “Dry your hair first, don’t catch a cold. Although, with your constitution, I guess it’s unlikely…”

Qisi pouted, seeming reluctant, but took the dryer anyway, plugging it in and muttering, “Sometimes you worry more than my mom… After soccer and showering, I just want to lie down.”

“Then go home to your mom,” Kexin retorted, not letting it slide.

“Not feasible—my home’s too far from school.”

Mu Zhou City was sprawling, and it took roughly two hours by subway from Qisi’s home to Crescent Academy. The daily commute was inconvenient.

“So, how was the friendly match? Win or lose?” Kexin asked casually, continuing to organize the remaining items and putting some daily necessities back in her room.

“We won.” Qisi’s tone was flat, as if stating a fact. “3–1, easy victory.”

She switched on the hairdryer, its whirring filling the living room, hot air brushing over her fine golden strands.

“Really? And you’re still so tired?”

“That’s not right. Even if the opponent is weaker, we have to give our best—that’s respect.” She paused as if remembering something, then added, “Oh, I should also say, the desserts at Danzhu Middle School’s cafeteria were really good. I bought extra pudding and put it in the fridge.”

“Oh?” Kexin, having finished putting away the groceries, sat down on the other side of the sofa. She hadn’t noticed this while unloading the fridge.

“Want some?” Qisi raised an eyebrow.

“You’re asking me that… never mind.” Kexin glanced at the fridge and then at Qisi’s mischievous expression, ultimately resisting the temptation.

“Oh, also, I ran into Leilin at Danzhu.”

“Leilin?” Kexin thought for a moment. “Isn’t she the captain of Yan Luofi and Yuan Lingfeng’s team?”

Although the number of magical girls in Mu Zhou City was small, Kexin at least knew the leaders of each squad.

“Yes, that’s her.” Qisi wiped her hair with the towel. “She’s the student council president at Danzhu Middle School. She came to watch the match as a student representative—looked quite impressive.”

Kexin recalled her impression of Leilin—a meticulous, composed girl, who normally seemed to enjoy reading dense philosophy books. Seeing her on a soccer field felt slightly out of place, though perhaps it was just Kexin’s lack of familiarity.

“After the match, we talked briefly,” Qisi continued, “but nothing important. Oh, and Mengyao sent the recent patrol schedule—have you seen it?”

Kexin nodded—she had not only seen it but also received an explanation from Mengyao herself.

Realizing something, Kexin’s gaze swept the living room. “By the way, Agent Guan said the patrol car keys have been delivered. Did you see them?”

Qisi stretched lazily and pointed to a corner by the TV cabinet. “No keys in sight, but there’s an envelope over there.”

Kexin walked over and indeed found a solid black envelope, unmarked.

Inside was a seemingly ordinary Bluetooth key.

“Did you… buy a car?”

“No way. This is a patrol car provided by Agent Guan. Want to see what it looks like?” Kexin said, her voice carrying a trace of excitement and curiosity.

Qisi, who had been slouched on the sofa, immediately sat up. She was clearly intrigued by the new car, leaving her hair damp and draping her towel over her shoulder as she followed.

The two took the elevator down to the apartment’s underground parking lot.

Because the complex wasn’t fully occupied, the garage was sparsely populated. Most residents in this building were high school students without private cars.

In the corner of the garage sat a brand-new sedan. Its body was a subtle yet elegant silver-gray, with a streamlined design that exuded modern industrial aesthetics. On the outside, it looked like a standard mid-to-high-end sedan, aside from its flawless paint and smooth lines.

“Looks… pretty normal,” Qisi circled the car, slightly disappointed. “I expected something cooler—like a rugged off-roader.”

Kexin approached with the key. As she stepped closer, the car seemed to sense her presence: the side mirrors unfolded automatically, and the door handles popped out with a faint unlocking sound.

“Let’s sit inside first.” Kexin opened the door.

As she took the driver’s seat and Qisi slid into the passenger seat, they immediately noticed something unusual.

The seats were made of high-quality breathable material, exceptionally comfortable—better even than their sofa at home.

Kexin’s gaze fell on the dashboard. The digital display lit up, showing the usual vehicle information, along with additional indicators for shield generators, magical energy reserves, and other specialized data. The HUD projected clearly in front of her.

The steering wheel had a futuristic design, with multiple multifunction buttons she had never seen before.

Placing her hands on the wheel, Kexin triggered the transparent dashboard, which displayed a complex holographic interface. Environmental data, maps, magical energy monitoring curves, even small icons representing Kexin and Qisi’s life signs were neatly arranged.

“Whoa…” Qisi’s curiosity was fully piqued. She reached out to touch the cold console. “Way cooler than it looks from the outside.”

Kexin explored the interface, opening the vehicle status menu. A dazzling list of functions appeared: Optical Camouflage Mode, Magical Power Amplification, Magic Shield, Life Support & Emergency Systems, Tactical Equipment Interface…

“Rather than a patrol car, this is more like a combat vehicle…” Kexin murmured.

“Then the trunk must have surprises too,” Qisi urged, eager to see what else the “ordinary” sedan concealed.

Using the interface, Kexin unlocked the trunk. The two stepped outside to the rear. The trunk lid opened silently.

Inside, everything was organized neatly. Besides standard items like barricade tape, first-aid kits, high-lumen flashlights, and breaching tools, there were several Special Search Bureau magical equipment pieces: multiple magical restraints, energy collection devices, portable barrier generators, even two compact energy pulse rifles. All secured in custom padding for immediate use.

“Why didn’t the Bureau let us use this sooner?” Qisi couldn’t help but comment, eyes shining as she examined the gear. “Can I drive it on a mission later?”

“That, I’m not sure. But Qisi, do you know how to drive?”

“Nope.”

“Then why ask?”

“I can learn! Nothing will stop me from driving such a cool car.”

Kexin noticed the nearly invisible rails and connectors on the roof interior—likely for tactical attachments, maybe even a roof-mounted weapon.

After closing the trunk, they exchanged a glance, excitement mixed with seriousness reflected in their eyes. The level of equipment provided hinted at the importance and danger of upcoming missions.

Back inside, Kexin found the vehicle manual in the interface and familiarized herself with common functions. Like normal cars, it supported voice control and had an AI assistant, though it hadn’t been officially activated yet—it would require future OTA updates.

—even that much had to align with civilian car standards?

“All right,” Kexin took a deep breath and patted the steering wheel. “Familiar enough with the car. Time to go up. We still have patrols tonight.”

“You’re on patrol tonight?” Qisi checked her schedule—she had no tasks, though she usually went on patrol with Kexin.

“Yes, with Senior Sister Luo Anying.” Kexin didn’t seem fazed.

“With Senior Sister Luo Anying?!” Qisi’s eyes widened in disbelief.