Mister Zero, Her Story: Chapter 27 – Operation Flower Street
Chuunibyou or not, Qin Wen’s strength was undeniable.
Few “Ruin” level ability users could face her in direct combat, especially with her extensive combat experience.
And with Luo Yan present, even if the enemy somehow possessed the residual power of the “Witch of Envy,” they wouldn’t be a threat to Qin Wen.
“Sword Saint…”
Li Ping’s eyelid twitched, as if recalling something.
Clearly, he knew the Sword Saint Sect Master, and they had a history.
He just hadn’t expected the Sword Saint sect to still be so… eccentric…
But one thing was certain: the Sword Saint’s sword never disappointed.
“In that case, I’ll have to trouble you with this,” Li Ping pondered for a moment, then continued, “Coincidentally, the Apprehension Department also has a mission in Yan City. Perhaps you can seek their assistance.”
“Apprehension Department?”
Luo Yan tilted her head slightly, puzzled.
“Similar to the Disaster Response Department, but we handle disaster events, while they handle ‘ability user crimes’,” Hua Qiling explained from her hospital bed.
Li Ping added, “But this incident involves a Devil’s minion, so there’s no violation of protocol in having the Apprehension Department participate.”
The Anomaly Management Bureau was supposed to be independent of the mega-cities, its headquarters located in “Noah,” the largest human mega-city.
However, since each mega-city’s Anomaly Management Bureau was composed of local ability users, with close ties to their respective higher-ups, a strange organizational structure emerged.
—The mega-city’s administration and the Anomaly Management Bureau were on equal footing, yet the Bureau was also slightly subordinate, following headquarters’ orders when necessary.
This was why the deployment of the “Ice Coffin Weapon” required authorization from the Yan City higher-ups. The weapon belonged to the city, not the Bureau.
But even within the Bureau, the different departments operated differently.
The Apprehension Department usually carried out arrest warrants issued by “Headquarters” or the “city administration,” and couldn’t be mobilized freely, not even by Li Ping, the Director-General.
The Disaster Response Department had more freedom, able to assign missions related to disaster events as needed.
“So, is that alright?” Li Ping asked. “Don’t worry, you’ll be compensated fairly.”
Luo Yan and Qin Wen weren’t members of the Anomaly Management Bureau; they couldn’t be expected to work for free.
Moreover, dealing with a Devil’s minion was inherently risky.
Qin Wen, of course, had no objections. Whether or not there was compensation, she wouldn’t hesitate to slay demons.
Luo Yan had already agreed to help Hua Qingling, so she also nodded in agreement.
“Good. I’ll arrange for the Director of the Apprehension Department to meet with you. Yan City will be on high alert during this time,” Li Ping nodded slightly, then looked at Hua Qiling, who was craning her neck to listen. “Xiao Hua, stop straining yourself… focus on recovering.”
“Okay.”
Hua Qiling mumbled.
“Since Xiao Hua is out of danger now, I have other matters to attend to. I can’t stay long,” Li Ping stood up, then, for some reason, glanced at Luo Yan.
He paused, as if wanting to say something.
But in the end, he remained silent and quickly left the ward.
“Phew, the old man is finally gone.”
Hua Qiling breathed a sigh of relief and tried to get out of bed.
But before she could, Luo Yan gently pushed her back down.
“Miss Luo Yan…”
Hua Qiling grumbled.
“Rest,” Luo Yan sighed. “Qin Wen and I will handle this.”
“But you don’t have my ‘Eagle Eye,’ you can barely see, can you?”
Luo Yan’s eyes, gradually transforming into the “Eye of Fear, Envy, and Defilement,” couldn’t be opened casually; the consequences could be severe.
Yan City didn’t know the truth about Luo Yan’s condition. Neither Hua Qingling nor Hua Qiling had reported that she was a “Demonically Infected.”
“…It’s fine, Qin Wen is here,” Luo Yan whispered. “Her breathing technique can somewhat replace ‘Eagle Eye,’ and I’m… used to limited vision.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” Qin Wen nodded vigorously, puffing out her chest. “Leave your Miss Luo Yan to me!”
…Why does that sound so strange?
But with things having reached this point, Hua Qiling couldn’t argue and reluctantly lay back down.
“We’ll make some preparations, then come back to see you when this is over. You just focus on resting for the next few days,” Luo Yan said calmly, then took Qin Wen’s hand and led her out of the room.
Qin Wen was slightly surprised, then a happy expression appeared on her face as she followed Luo Yan.
Hua Qiling watched them leave, a familiar pang of jealousy rising within her.
“Damn it…”
…
“Frick, this is a new arrest warrant.”
In the Apprehension Department office, Li Ping handed a file to a brown-haired, middle-aged man.
This man, “Frick,” was the Director of the Apprehension Department. However, he wasn’t from Yan City but directly under the “Noah” headquarters of the Anomaly Management Bureau.
Frick looked like an ordinary, middle-aged man in a nondescript suit, just like any office worker.
The only distinguishing feature was a long scar across his face, running diagonally from his right eyebrow to his neck.
Frick took the file, opened it, scanned it briefly, and said gravely,
“A Devil’s minion?”
“Yes, a ‘Ruin’ level Devil’s minion has infiltrated Yan City,” Li Ping said. “Isn’t the Apprehension Department currently investigating Dawn members in Yan City? Just one more target, shouldn’t be too much trouble.”
Frick was silent for a moment, then nodded.
“Alright.”
“One more thing,” Li Ping said. “Two external personnel will be assisting you. They are very knowledgeable about Devil’s minions and can be of great help.”
“…Oh?” Frick frowned. “Women?”
Li Ping was speaking in the Western language.
“Their strength is comparable to Hua Qiling’s.”
“Just more trouble. Suit yourself,” Frick’s eyes flashed with disdain as he put away the file. “But let’s be clear, this isn’t a game. I’m not responsible for any accidents.”
Li Ping was well aware of Frick’s attitude. He twitched his lips almost imperceptibly and said,
“Don’t worry, they can take care of themselves. I hope you can cooperate smoothly.”
“Let’s hope so,” Frick sneered, then gestured dismissively. “If there’s nothing else, Director-General, please?”
Although nominally under the Anomaly Management Bureau, the fact that the Director of the Apprehension Department was directly appointed by “Noah” headquarters indicated its unique status.
The Disaster Response Department handled disaster events, the Oversight Department focused on research, and the Exploration Department was completely controlled by the Yan City higher-ups.
Li Ping’s influence as Director-General was strongest only within the Disaster Response Department.
Promoting the younger Hua sister to Director of the Disaster Response Department was partly due to this consideration.
After Li Ping left, Frick opened the file again and narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Possessing a portion of ‘Envy’s’ power…” A smile played on Frick’s lips. “Good, just what I need.”
…
Soon, the Disaster Response Department shared all the information on the Devil’s minion with the Apprehension Department.
The Apprehension Department specialized in carrying out arrest warrants, almost every member having taken dozens of lives.
Whether refugees, ability users, or even Devil’s minions, once a warrant was issued, the Apprehension Department would pursue them relentlessly.
Ling Qi had been relentlessly pursued by the Apprehension Department because she was on “Noah’s” wanted list, forcing her to flee into Ghost Town.
Now, the Apprehension Department had received new orders and began their search operation in Yan City.
However, Frick hadn’t revealed the details of the order to Yan City. Even Li Ping only knew it was an operation targeting Dawn.
But… in reality, the Apprehension Department was searching for Dawn’s “Mister.”
According to the information from “Noah,” Dawn’s “Mister” was highly likely to be in Yan City.
However, to avoid alerting him, they hadn’t made a big fuss, instructing the Yan City Apprehension Department to act discreetly, without alerting other factions, including Yan City itself.
Dawn’s “Mister”… was a very important figure, the only one currently alive who had experienced the Old Era, possessing valuable secrets. They couldn’t afford to lose him.
Because of this, Frick, to avoid arousing Li Ping’s suspicion, had readily accepted the mission to hunt the Devil’s minion.
And even the two women… or rather, girls… that Li Ping had forced upon him, he had only sneered at, not refused.
However…
“…It’s you two?”
Frick’s eyelid twitched uncontrollably as he looked at the two girls before him, his face darkening.
The tall girl in white was fine. Carrying several swords, her aura no less than “Ruin” level, her sword intent even impressed Frick.
He had heard rumors of a sword maniac in the Endless Wasteland, hunting demons. This must be her.
Seeing her in person, she was indeed impressive. The rumors were true; she was the current Sword Saint successor.
With such strength, she was certainly qualified to participate in this mission.
But the one beside her…?
Huh?
Not only was she blind, but her aura was only “Difficulty” level. Against a “Ruin” level Devil’s minion, she wouldn’t even qualify as cannon fodder, more like a snack.
She was pretty, but beauty wasn’t useful in combat, and might even make her a target for some perverse Devil’s minions.
And that wasn’t even the strangest part. Why… was she wearing such a frilly outfit?
Due to his unique position, Frick hadn’t heard about Luo Yan and didn’t recognize her.
Luo Yan was now wearing the Lolita-style maid dress designed by Hua Qingling and made by Anna.
Not because she liked it, but because it was also a combat outfit.
Luo Yan’s pockets were filled with throwing daggers, she had two spiritual energy pulse pistols at her waist, and on her back, she carried a sniper rifle called “Overlimit,” provided by Hua Qingling using her authority.
However, to outsiders, this outfit looked… unusual, to say the least.
A young lady going on a picnic with guns…
Frick suppressed his anger and turned to Qin Wen.
“You two are together? Can’t you operate separately?”
“Ah, yes,” Qin Wen nodded. “Miss Luo Yan and I are a team. Just treat us as one person.”
Qin Wen knew that Miss Luo Yan was incredibly effective against the power of “Envy”; she couldn’t possibly be separated from her.
Besides…
Hee hee.
“…”
Frick was silent. This combination was truly bizarre.
If Qin Wen’s combat strength alone was 10, adding a blind young lady who insisted on wearing frilly clothes to a battlefield reduced it to 5, or even lower.
Operating with dead weight…
“I’ll… try to arrange a suitable task for you,” Frick took a deep breath, suppressing his annoyance.
“How about… Flower Street? Can you handle that?”
As mentioned before, Flower Street was a shopping street owned by the Yan City higher-ups, the majority shareholder being the Hua family (not just Hua Qiling’s branch), with other influential families also involved.
Security was always tight there; nothing major should happen.
Moreover, Flower Street wasn’t a particularly important location.
Although in the core district, it was far from key locations like the “Ice Coffin Weapon” storage facility, the Yan City Council, and the Exploration Headquarters, practically in an inconspicuous corner.
The likelihood of either “Mister” or the Devil’s minion being on Flower Street was extremely low.
Frick’s plan was simple, just like how he usually dealt with privileged youngsters looking for easy missions to pad their resumes. He would assign them a safe, low-risk task.
After the operation, he would write something like “Participated in a level XX incident, fought bravely, and made outstanding contributions” on their resumes, and that would be the end of it.
Although Frick disliked such people, he often had to deal with them.
If Hua Qiling were here, she would have seen through Frick’s intentions and objected.
Unfortunately, it was Qin Wen and Luo Yan. The simple-minded Qin Wen, and Luo Yan, whose understanding of Yan City was limited to books, didn’t know any better.
Therefore, they simply agreed, slightly surprised.
Time was of the essence. After accepting the assignment, Luo Yan and Qin Wen immediately headed towards Flower Street.
“Flower Street… why does that name sound so… suggestive…?” Qin Wen scratched her head.
“The ‘Flower’ in Flower Street actually refers to a family name—Hua Qiling’s family name,” Luo Yan explained softly. “According to Hua Qiling, Flower Street is owned by her family, but she’s not directly involved, it belongs to the main branch… or something.”
From the first generation who pioneered Yan City to the present, three generations had passed, and the Hua family had branched out considerably.
Yan City encouraged childbirth; population was crucial for a mega-city. Therefore, every pioneering family had many descendants, forming large clans.
Hua Qiling and Hua Qingling’s grandfather was the younger brother of the first Hua family head, and their father was the unremarkable third son.
So, Hua Qiling’s branch was relatively minor, and she had little to do with the family’s businesses.
Of course, Hua Qingling’s rise to prominence, and Hua Qiling’s good relationship with Yan City’s top two officials (Li Ping and City Lord Lin Cheng), were different matters.
To appease Hua Qingling, the main Hua family had offered her the most prosperous area of Flower Street, but she had declined, only accepting a small, remote location, which was the “Flower Shop.”
Returning to Flower Street, even without “Eagle Eye,” Luo Yan felt a sense of familiarity.
The smells, the auras, the faint conversations, the bustling environment, the elusive gazes…
With her vision gone, everything else became clearer.
The breathing technique Qin Wen had taught her was indeed useful. In just a few days, Luo Yan could vaguely sense her surroundings.
Of course, she hadn’t yet reached Qin Wen’s level, where closing her eyes was better than opening them.
“So it’s here,” Qin Wen walked down Flower Street, looking around with a strange expression. “This is where I first met you and Hua Qiling…”
“Eh, really? What a coincidence.”
Luo Yan opened her parasol.
The midday sun was too intense; she wasn’t used to it.
Fortunately, her “Envy” life hack was useful. If she was also stared at by so many people, she would be even more uncomfortable.
As Luo Yan opened her parasol, Qin Wen said sheepishly,
“Yes, I mistook you for a Devil’s minion back then. I sensed a strong danger from you, and there was also… wait!”
Qin Wen’s expression suddenly turned serious.
“What’s wrong?” Luo Yan asked, turning her head.
“I… sensed the aura of a Devil’s minion back then,” Qin Wen said gravely. “My senses can’t be wrong. It was an aura I had been tracking for months, so I mistook you for him.
“The second time we met, in the Abandoned District, that aura wasn’t present.”
Although the flesh sample carried the Devil’s minion’s aura, it had been sealed and hadn’t leaked out.
“This is… a fatal oversight!”
Qin Wen’s breathing quickened. This was Flower Street, a bustling marketplace!
And the enemy’s ability was to quickly create flesh puppets using “Gu Seeds”!
Although these puppets were just cannon fodder to Qin Wen, easily dispatched with a single sword strike, they were still made from living people…
Luo Yan’s expression also turned serious, realizing the gravity of the situation.
“You mean, the Devil’s minion might be on Flower Street?”
“He was there before, but not necessarily now,” Qin Wen’s palms were slightly sweaty, and she hesitated. “The aura I sensed is a bit far from here. Should we go and investigate?”
“But what if he’s still there? We’ll be alerting him,” Luo Yan whispered. “I think we should inform Frick first.”
“Yes, it seems he must have suspected something to send us to Flower Street,” Qin Wen said admiringly. “As expected of the Director of the Apprehension Department, he thinks further ahead than we do.”
(Frick sneezes)
“Anyone who reaches the position of Director isn’t simple, including Hua Qiling. Her advantage is… perhaps because she has a ‘Peril’ level sister?”
Luo Yan racked her brain, trying to find an explanation.
She had read “Rules and Management of Mega-cities” and had a general understanding of the administrative structure.
But logically, Hua Qiling shouldn’t have reached the level of Director yet…
However, theory and practice were often different. There were many factors behind Hua Qiling’s unusual promotion.
“Don’t worry about Hua Qiling, let’s focus on the current situation,” Qin Wen said, changing the subject. For some reason, mentioning Hua Qiling always brought a sense of unease. “After the Apprehension Department’s backup arrives, we’ll go and scout the area. But… he’ll probably recognize me.”
Having been pursued relentlessly for months, even if Qin Wen turned to ash, her aura would still be recognizable.
“Should we disguise ourselves?” Luo Yan suggested. “There’s a ‘Flower Shop’ in a remote corner of Flower Street. It used to belong to Hua Qiling’s sister, Hua Qingling, but it’s now owned by a little girl. She might be able to help.”
“Yes, I also have some methods to mask my aura, although they won’t last long, it should be enough,” Qin Wen nodded, agreeing with Luo Yan’s suggestion.
So, after Luo Yan sent a message to Frick, they avoided the area where the demonic aura had been detected and headed towards the “Flower Shop,” waiting for the Apprehension Department’s backup before taking further action.
…
Anomaly Management Bureau, Apprehension Department.
Frick looked at the message he had just received, his gaze narrowing. He murmured,
“Flower Street… demonic aura? Suspected? Possibly? Perhaps?”
Luo Yan’s wording was cautious. She hadn’t exaggerated or speculated, simply stating the facts.
For anything uncertain, she used tentative language.
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