Chapter 112: Internal Strife (Part Two) (Two Updates, Ten Thousand Words~)

Chapter 112: Internal Strife (Part II)

As he spoke, images of the battle began to appear on the large screen.

It was clear that the footage had been captured from a first-person perspective.

"These are materials captured by the portable detectors we carried during the battle; I activated the recording function," Robben said slowly.

On the screen, it was dusk. The main building, which resembled a church, was visible, but its front entrance was engulfed in flames. The surrounding lawn and plaza were pockmarked with deep craters from explosions.

The image shook, accompanied by the constant sound of blasts. Figures darted across the screen—some near, some far—with a few leaping onto the building’s exterior walls and roof. The clearest figure in the footage was a man wearing a camouflage mask. He raised his hands, and a terrifying, small tornado-like vortex materialized in the air, sweeping across the rooftop and nearly tearing the dome clean off.

Those from the Service Society who had been holding their ground on the roof, attempting to fight back with electromagnetic rifles, were instantly swallowed by the vortex.

The Service Society personnel were clearly in a desperate situation. Occasionally, a few of their psychics would counterattack, but they were outnumbered and overwhelmed, often forced to face multiple enemies at once.

Shi Gaofei even spotted Black Three in the footage!

Black Three was dressed differently from the others. She wore the black anti-electromagnetic leather suit unique to the field team, wielding a short dagger as she engaged three enemies in hand-to-hand combat. Her ability was focused on close-quarters combat; she possessed C-rank speed and agility, and was also capable of a degree of psychic attack—a form of telekinesis, though relatively low-level. She could not manipulate objects, but she could release brief psychic shockwaves to distract enemies, disrupt their will, or interfere with their consciousness, causing them to momentarily hesitate.

Unfortunately, the three enemies Black Three faced were clearly formidable. One appeared to have speed surpassing hers, another seemed to possess regenerative abilities—taking two stabs from her dagger only to twist and strike back, his wounds slowly closing on their own—while a third remained at a distance, seemingly providing support.

Everyone present in the room was a psychic and immediately deduced that the third enemy was also skilled in mental interference. By constantly emitting wave-like disruptions, they kept Black Three at a disadvantage, causing her movements to become increasingly sluggish as she struggled against the trio.

The footage flickered, often blurry, and was clearly a pieced-together compilation.

"There was another issue at the time. Our detectors seemed to be interfered with by some kind of force. It seems the enemy's jamming equipment didn't just block our detection capabilities; it also hindered the normal operation of our instruments. That’s why the recording was interrupted several times. What you are seeing now is the result of us stitching together all the content captured by my detectors," Robben explained slowly.

"After the three of us rushed back, we immediately joined the fight. However, it is a matter of great regret that I and my two colleagues were all from the branch liaison office; our abilities were not suited for combat. One colleague had the ability of shorthand, and the other had the ability of advanced linguistic simulation—neither of these provided any real value in battle, so they were quickly killed. As for me, I have had some training, and my ability is a simple form of invisibility. Combined with my combat training, I could barely serve as a combatant. But unfortunately, I am not a combat-type psychic, and in such a battle, I couldn't offer my companions much help, so I soon..."

At this point, a glimmer of guilt flashed in Robben's eyes. "I was wounded by the enemy and lost consciousness. The person who struck me was someone who could manipulate metal with their bare hands. Without the scanner functioning, I can only guess whether they possessed metal manipulation or magnetic-based abilities..."

"You are saying you joined the battle, were wounded, lost consciousness, and that is how you survived?"

The one who spoke was Spade, who had remained silent until now—also known as Red Fox.

"Yes," Robben replied. "My wounds were treated just last night after returning to headquarters. I have been recovering in the infirmary."

Red Fox remained silent for a moment before saying, "Please do not misunderstand; I do not mean to doubt you. For a liaison officer like yourself, you were not meant for the front lines, yet you bravely participated and were wounded. You have contributed far beyond your duties! I am deeply impressed."

Red Fox then continued, "Could you describe the situation after you woke up?"

Robben sighed. "I woke up during the rescue. After the African branch was attacked, personnel from the organization arrived and pulled me from the rubble. After a headcount, we discovered six colleagues dead and four injured. Furthermore, the African branch was severely damaged, and the main control room was destroyed."

"Based on your experience on-site, were you able to discern the purpose of this invasion?" Red Fox asked.

"Purpose?" Robben frowned. "I apologize, honorable committee member, I cannot make a judgment. However, at the time, the opponent seemed intent only on destruction. They destroyed everything possible, including the main computer in the control room. According to the post-incident survey, the main computer was completely totaled. However..."

"However what?"

"However, what is puzzling is that there were no signs that the data on the main computer had been stolen," Robben said honestly. "In truth, I don't believe the African branch held anything of great value. The most valuable thing there was the data in the main computer—our database, the list of liaison personnel, the branch roster, and information on peripheral members and potential recruits. That was all. Aside from that, as you committee members know, there were no real high-value scientific research materials at the African branch."

Robben continued, "In other words, the only things of value were the lists, especially the observation lists. The African branch's primary energy these past few years was spent on finding undiscovered psychics. Our efforts yielded many results; based on last year's data, the African branch discovered the highest number of new psychics among all our global branches. But even these lists showed no signs of theft. The main control room was directly destroyed, the computer was rendered unusable, and even the hard drives were not taken; they were incinerated in the fire. The survey team confirmed that the burned drives were indeed our main computer's drives and had not been swapped... So, I truly cannot judge what our branch possessed that would warrant such a large-scale invasion."

After listening, Red Fox simply said, "Thank you for your answer. I have no more questions. Mr. Robben, please continue your report."

"Yes!" Robben bowed toward Red Fox and continued. "I have brought the preliminary conclusions from the post-incident survey team. First, regarding the identities of the invaders, I have analyzed the footage I captured multiple times. We confirmed that many of the invaders were previously undiscovered psychics. For example, the invader who controlled the storm to unleash a tornado—the survey team judged him to be an air-current manipulator. However, according to our database of all known psychics worldwide, there are only nine people with similar abilities.

"Strict screening confirmed that none of these nine individuals matched the invader's identity, based on build, appearance, energy levels, and their known locations at the time of the incident. We have ruled them out. Similar situations occurred with many others; the survey team determined that the majority of the invaders were strangers."

"What do you mean by 'the majority'?" Queen of Hearts spoke up.

The woman seemed to have the most questions and the sharpest tone.

"Because a small number of the invaders have been identified," Robben replied. "But the results of those identifications have left us unable to reach a valuable conclusion."

He tapped the screen, and a list of figures appeared, complete with photos and data.

"These five individuals are the invaders whose identities we finally confirmed. Based on eyewitness accounts from other survivors, including myself, and cross-referencing with our database, these five are not strangers. They are known psychics with files in our system," Robben frowned. "But as you can all see, their files are detailed, and most importantly, each of these five individuals belongs to a different psychic organization! These five identified invaders actually come from four different organizations! They include small, insignificant underground groups in Europe, the 'Dark Renaissance,' a mid-sized psychic organization that operates year-round in Africa called 'Sunlight'... and finally, they include... the 'Club'!"

When he mentioned the "Club," Robben hesitated.

Clearly, as a large, rival organization capable of opposing the Service Society, mentioning the Club here was a sensitive topic.

"The Club," the Queen of Hearts whispered to herself. "Could it be them again?"

Robben remained silent for a while before gathering his courage. "Honorable committee members, I personally believe that this incident cannot necessarily be attributed to the Club. Because the five identified individuals come from four different organizations, and while the Club is the largest among them, the other three organizations have never had any relationship with the Club, nor are they peripheral subordinates. Especially the African 'Sunlight' group; historical evidence shows that Sunlight holds a certain degree of hostility and hatred toward the Club, so they would not accept being driven by the Club to do this."

Finally, he turned off the screen and bowed to the room. "My report is concluded."

The King of Spades spoke: "Mr. Robben, please leave first. We need to hold our final deliberations."

Robben stood tall and left. The room was left with the twelve face cards and Shi Gaofei.

The King of Spades, clearly the person with the highest status, said slowly, "I will propose a few points. See if they are feasible."

After waiting a moment, and hearing no objections, he continued:

"First, we must immediately form an investigation team, drawing at least two squads of field personnel. I believe this matter has significant implications. The team needs a leader, and I believe we must appoint someone from our committee to take direct charge of the investigation's responsibilities! We will decide on that candidate shortly.

"Second, the issue of many unknown psychics among the invaders is concerning. The Service Society has a long history, and we have always spent massive amounts of energy and manpower searching for new, undiscovered psychics, attempting to bring as many as possible into our line of sight to fulfill our duty of watching over this world. But now, so many unknown, new psychics have suddenly appeared. We must pay attention to where they came from. Why have our branches around the world failed to find so many strangers? How did so many new psychics evade our global search? And why are they all our enemies?! This matter... Red Fox, you have always been responsible for the work of finding new psychics. This needs your increased attention."

Red Fox replied immediately, "Mr. King of Spades, I believe your points are very valid! Why haven't we discovered these new psychics before? I am not shirking responsibility; I can solemnly tell everyone that our search work has never once slackened. I do not believe my subordinates have been negligent. Therefore, I suspect this is a conspiracy! These suddenly appearing new psychics must have been trained in a planned and organized manner by a hostile organization! Otherwise, under normal circumstances, we would not be ignorant of so many new psychics. However, as you said, I will investigate this carefully. If I find anything new, I will report it to the committee immediately."

The King of Spades acquiesced to Red Fox’s words and continued: "Third, regarding the reconstruction of the African branch! This cannot be delayed. I suggest transferring personnel directly from headquarters to Africa, as well as from the European branch. Furthermore... the reconstruction of the African branch requires the participation of Mr. Shi Gaofei to re-evaluate our defensive capabilities. Gentlemen, ladies, although we are the world's largest psychic organization, we have many enemies! We must think of our own safety."

"I have no problem with that," Shi Gaofei said flatly. "I will conduct new research and evaluations of the defensive equipment."

"Then, Mr. Shi Gaofei, please leave. We will discuss the final appointment of the investigation team leader."

Shi Gaofei snorted, turned his wheelchair, and headed toward the door.

Once he exited, the doors automatically shut, and no sound from within could be heard.

Outside, Shi Gaofei’s impatient expression vanished, replaced by a grave and serious look.

His assistant, "The Waiter," was waiting outside. Shi Gaofei asked, "Where is that guy named Robben who came out earlier?"

"He went to the lounge."

Shi Gaofei went to the lounge alone and found Robben, who was sitting there looking heavy-hearted, staring blankly at a cup of coffee.

"Robben!"

Shi Gaofei approached, and Robben stood up immediately. Shi Gaofei’s status was far above his, and he bowed respectfully. "Mr. Shi Gaofei!"

"I need your help with something." Shi Gaofei looked around and pressed a button on the armrest of his wheelchair. The movement was so subtle that even Robben, standing right in front of him, didn't notice.

From the back of the armrest, two tiny holes silently opened, emitting an invisible audio interference wave to ensure their conversation would not be overheard.

"In the main control room of the African branch, I installed a backdoor device in the core section years ago," Shi Gaofei said slowly. "Very few people know of its existence! I need you to go to the main control room after you return to Africa and help me retrieve it!"

He paused, his expression stern. "This is top secret! I hope you tell no one until you find it and give it to me! Do you understand? Including... the committee!"

Robben’s face changed. "Hide it from the committee? Mr. Shi Gaofei, I cannot fulfill this request..."

"Don't you want to find out the truth about your colleagues' deaths?" Shi Gaofei said coldly. "Don't you want to avenge them?"

"..." Robben stared at Shi Gaofei, his eyes wide.

"If you don't want to, you can go report this conversation to the committee right now," Shi Gaofei said calmly. "I am not asking you to hide it from the committee, but the fewer people who know about this right now, the better! Besides, this is an unverified guess of mine; I don't want baseless speculation to confuse the committee's judgment! My meaning is: once you find the item and give it to me, I will verify it and then report to the committee! At that time, if I conceal it, you can report me."

Robben’s breathing quickened. He struggled internally. Finally, after a moment, he gritted his teeth and nodded firmly.

Shi Gaofei smiled slightly and turned to leave. Robben spoke up from behind him:

"Mr. Shi Gaofei, I agree to your request for one reason only! I want the truth! I have many doubts about this incident myself! My colleague... my best friend, he had a wife and three children. I am the godfather to those three children! I don't want to watch him die so senselessly!! Thinking of his wife’s tears, my heart has been in turmoil!"

"I promise I will give you the truth," Shi Gaofei said flatly. "On the condition that you cooperate!"

When Shi Gaofei returned to his lab, Red Fox arrived shortly after.

Red Fox walked in with a look of helpless resignation, a wry smile on his clean, handsome face.

"What's wrong?" Shi Gaofei asked coldly.

"Unfortunately, I have been nominated as the head of the investigation team," Red Fox laughed softly.

"Isn't that perfect?" Shi Gaofei snorted. "Didn't you suspect there were internal problems? Now you can investigate it properly."

"That's impossible," Red Fox shook his head. "A real investigation must be conducted in secret! But by becoming the head of this team, I've been put on display! I have no opportunity to do anything covertly now! Many eyes will be watching me at all times..."

He smiled bitterly. Then, he looked at Shi Gaofei. "What about you? Do you have any valuable information to tell me?"

Shi Gaofei suddenly smiled mysteriously. He looked at Red Fox. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you anything—valuable information? Hmph. Maybe there is, maybe there isn't, but I won't say a word to you."

"Why?" Red Fox frowned.

Shi Gaofei spread his hands. "It's simple! You said there are internal problems... fine, I believe that now! But the question is, why should I trust you, Red Fox? If there are internal problems, then as an insider, you are also a suspect! I won't trust anyone now... including you. Of course, I suggest you suspect me, too! Don't trust me too much, don't tell me everything, because I have always been an insider, too."

Red Fox heard this and laughed instead. "Good! That fits your usual style, you old madman. Fine, let's each do our own thing."

He turned to leave, but at the door, he hesitated, turned back, and gave a dashing smile. "Hey, old madman, if I unfortunately die, you know what I want. Pour all those good wines you hide on my tombstone."

"Don't worry," Shi Gaofei said flatly. "If I die... hmph, I won't care about anything, and I won't need you to do anything."

Far away, at the clock shop on Cul-de-sac Street, Old Tian looked into Chen Xiao’s eyes and smiled. "Actually, I never supported you joining the Service Society precisely because of this... because I don't believe everyone in the Service Society is truly pure. At the very least... extremism and excessive obsession often lead to one consequence: fanaticism! Under the banner of a 'mission,' they do many things that hurt people."

Old Tian sighed and continued: "Moreover, the current Service Society is no longer the one from the past. When I retired years ago, the leadership was already experiencing a lack of unity in their will... two different philosophies began to appear among the top brass. I am very worried that this divergence will once again cause the Service Society to split!"

Chen Xiao was puzzled. "Split... but why do you say 'once again'?"

Old Tian smiled.

His gaze grew profound, and he then said something that shocked Chen Xiao!

"Because the Service Society once split before." Old Tian’s smile was complicated. "The Club was originally formed by a group of people who split from the Service Society holding different philosophies!"

Chen Xiao was stunned.

"You mean the founders of the Club were... were..."

"They were a group of people who came from the Service Society! But later, their philosophies diverged, and they ultimately chose to leave the Service Society to establish their own path. That split happened many years ago, a long time ago. But that split caused great damage to the Service Society! A group of elite personnel left the Service Society and created the current Club! Those who left even included several high-ranking members of the Service Society at the time."