Superhunt

Chapter 29: "Are you guys into charity?"

"August 1st, Port Patrol Log:

At 9:23 a.m., a brawl ensued, detaining two individuals and admonishing three others.

At 10:56 a.m., workers at berth five engaged in a fistfight over trivial matters and were subsequently escorted to the port's detention facility for reflection and admonishment.

At 3:11 p.m., we received a robbery alert. Upon arriving at the scene, the suspect had already fled. After collecting evidence from the crime scene, the victim returned to the security office for a written statement.

At 6:05 p.m., a group of idle individuals was caught ingesting drugs in a narrow alley at 168 Baker Street. Apprehended on the spot, they were taken to the investigative headquarters for further questioning.

"August 2nd, Port Patrol Log:

At 8:02 a.m., a floating body was discovered in the southeast corner of Dock 5. The deceased has been identified as a dockworker, and the cause of death was determined as drowning due to intoxication. The Preliminary investigation reveals no foul play; the case was deemed an accidental death. The family claimed the body at 12:32 p.m.

At 1:56 p.m., a street brawl resulted in the detention of five individuals.

At 3:14 p.m., another street brawl led to the detention of four individuals.

At 5:09 p.m., a street fight involving weapons such as steel pipes, crowbars, bone-pickers, and old-fashioned revolvers broke out. After security patrol warnings were disregarded, shots were fired, killing two and detaining the rest.

"What a fine day... yet another splendid, peaceful day draws to a close, and it has been a leisurely one," mused Jonathan as he sat in his office, tapping the final character on his screen and stretching languorously.

Jonathan had much to learn as a newcomer, such as crafting reports and handling disputes during port patrols.

Jonathan has been writing the reports for the past few days, entering the work logs into Moss's system for archiving.

For two consecutive days, nothing occurred.

Fox diligently collects data every day. After replacing the mechanical hand, Rose took on some of the workload. Red's contact with Jonathan has lessened, likely due to their mission reaching a critical point. Given the size of the docks and the frequent patrols of security officers, gathering data is no easy task.

Having not worked at Mechanical Dawn for two nights in a row, Jonathan felt slightly off. Working only one job afforded him ample leisure, and he could devote time to evening studying.

The thought of the stacks of thick textbooks in his room makes Jonathan's head spin. Mastering all the college courses in a matter of days is a tall order. Fortunately, he didn't need any Criminal Investigation expertise at the moment. Most incidents at the port could be resolved with force.

"Are you finished, Jonathan?" Martin inquired while organizing documents on a nearby desk. Turning off the projector, he said, "You've worked hard today."

"No trouble at all; the report is only a few hundred words. Captain, you've worked much harder than I have," Jonathan replied, saving his work and turning off the projector as well.

"Time to leave," Martin glanced at the time.

The coastal security team's patrol duties are divided into day and night shifts. The daytime work is relatively easy, but the real danger lies in the night shift. Under the cover of darkness, all manner of unsavory activities come to the fore.

Like disgusting bugs, they will burrow into the earth to escape the harsh sunlight, only to crawl out when darkness falls.

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People could hardly fathom just how wild the night can be in Black Sea City.

"Is our night shift starting tomorrow?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes, no need to come in during the day. Shift starts at 8 p.m.," Martin replied.

The high-intensity night patrols can wear a person down, so day and night shifts are rotated every two days. The Seventh Squad was on daytime patrol the last few days; tomorrow, it's their turn for the night shift.

"Would you like to take a stroll together?" Martin invited.

"Sounds good, let's take a walk. It's much cooler in the evening than during the day," Jonathan replied.

Patrolling the docks during the day was stifling for him, facing temperatures in the thirties or forties while clad in thick gear to be prepared for any contingencies.

Jonathan's standard patrol posture with his teammates these past few days had been to stand upright, alert to his surroundings, with his right hand constantly resting on the holster at his waist, ready to draw his weapon.

He had been on edge since hearing from his Coastal Security colleagues about frequent encounters with armed gang members near the port. What if a gang member with a vendetta against the investigative department suddenly emerged during his patrol and shot him?

Jonathan didn't want to be killed by anyone, so he stayed vigilant with his hand on his holster while patrolling. If anyone tried to kill him, he would beat them to it.

And that's precisely what he did today. In the afternoon, when a group engaged in a brawl, he didn't hold back, taking down their leader with just two shots.

Jonathan and Martin changed into casual clothes and left the Coastal Security office. Martin accompanied Jonathan on his usual route home.

"How have you been feeling these past couple of days?" Martin asked with concern.

"I'm fine," Jonathan said, "The first and second times might be overwhelming... but after that, the feeling fades."

Martin said, "You're the most adaptable rookie I've ever seen."

"Thanks for the praise, Captain," Jonathan calmly accepted the compliment.

"You were internally recruited from Black Sea Academy to intern with the investigative department, the only newcomer of your batch. It might be difficult to find someone with the same mindset to converse with, but seeing you've adapted to the department's tasks puts me at ease," Martin said. "In a normal process, you'd need even more training before being ready to handle things on your own. Putting you on patrol might have been a bit hasty."

Jonathan replied, "Don't worry about my mindset. I anticipated the chaos of the harbor and mentally prepared myself so it doesn't feel unbearable."

"Right, you're from the harbor area," Martin said. "In a month, we'll be recruiting externally. Once we train more rookies, the pressure will lessen significantly. For now, we have to withstand it."

"I know, it's extraordinary times," Jonathan said. "it has been more chaotic than usual lately."

As darkness fell and a cool breeze blew, the lights in the low-rise residential buildings of the harbor area flickered on.

Martin said, "Jonathan, as a security officer, you must not only learn to endure pressure but also resist temptation."

"What do you mean?" Jonathan turned his head, pretending not to understand.

"You're still young. Although you've seen some dark things, the filthiest and darkest acts are beyond your imagination," Martin said. "Do you know why our Coastal Security Team rotates every month?"

Jonathan listened attentively.

"Because of bribery," Martin whispered. "Smugglers at the port bribe the long-term stationed Coastal Security Team, turning them into accomplices."

Jonathan wasn't surprised by this. Such things happened everywhere, differing only in scale and severity.

"Rotating the squads stationed at the Coastal Security Office each month raises the cost of bribery for criminals. Every time a new group comes in, they must spend time and money cultivating relationships," Jonathan continued, guessing Martin's point. "Is that right, Captain?"

"Yes, it's an unavoidable situation," Martin said, "We can't completely prevent these things from happening."

"Captain, I believe you are an honest and kind person," Jonathan hesitated and looked at Martin, "You wouldn't take bribes, would you?"

Martin was taken aback: "What are you thinking? Who would be so corrupt and still tell you all the ins and outs?"

"What if you're trying to silence me and want to discuss splitting the spoils with me?" Jonathan said, stroking his chin.

"Alright, I know you're joking," Martin said, unable to hold back a smile.

"Captain comes from a wealthy family, so I guess you wouldn't care about that little money," Jonathan said, "I feel at ease working with you."

"Thank you for your trust," Martin replied.

Jonathan thought seriously, "You just said that we can't completely prevent these things from happening... A month is not a short time; someone might indeed be bribed. That means not only do we face threats from gangs, but sometimes we may also be betrayed by our teammates?"

"Yes, that's the case," Martin said. "The world is too complicated, as are people's hearts. Jonathan, you just graduated from college. You need to adapt to the fight and society."

"My parents are not around, and there are no reliable relatives or elders. No one tells me about these things," Jonathan paused, "You're the first person to teach me about the ways of the world, Captain."

"Having someone teach you is better than fighting alone and struggling alone," Martin said. "If you don't understand, just ask. If you can't do something, just learn. Gradually, you'll get it."

"Mhm, okay," Jonathan replied, "I'll remember that."

"you should head back," Jonathan said.

"Rest well during the day, or you won't be able to handle the night shift," Martin nodded in farewell. "Goodbye."

Jonathan stood at the entrance of his building, watching Martin's figure disappear around the corner of the street. He turned and went upstairs, opening the door to his home.

Fox was bored at the dining table, playing with a water ball, "Who was that guy downstairs? You talked to him for quite a while."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow, "You saw?"

"I saw him, but he didn't see me," Fox said.

"Be careful. He's my captain at the Investigation Department," Jonathan said, entering the door and changing his shoes before washing his face in the bathroom.

He went to the kitchen and frowned, "There's no food left... I guess I'll go to the convenience store to buy something to eat for now, and I'm too lazy to cook." Jonathan returned to the door, preparing to leave, "Next time you finish a mission, buy some ingredients; don't forget."

"Oh, okay," Fox said listlessly, lying on the table.

Jonathan walked downstairs and headed to a convenience store, following the direction from his memory.

His fellow townsman Daniel's parents owned a convenience store in the Second World, so since he was going out to buy something, he also decided to check up on Daniel's situation.

"Welcome," an old-fashioned announcement machine said with a muffled mechanical sound as he entered.

The convenience store was small but well-stocked with daily necessities and various foods. The sound of wheels rolling could be heard.

"Jonathan?"

"Daniel?"

Jonathan was shocked to see Daniel in a wheelchair, covered in bandages and plaster. His head was wrapped tightly, exposing only his eyes, nose, and mouth. He looked miserable.

"What happened to you?" Jonathan asked in surprise. "It's only been a few days since we last met."

Daniel pursed his lips, "I got hit by a car while delivering food... The person who hit me was a rich second-generation, very arrogant."

"Did you get compensation?" Jonathan asked.

"He said he would go through the legal process, but compensation would take at least three months to arrive," Daniel said sadly. "I've lost sensation in both legs and need prosthetic limbs. My parents are raising money for me..."

As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. Daniel had experienced many hardships recently, and he had never felt life so difficult. It was so hard that he could hardly breathe.

The excitement and anticipation of coming to this world were being worn away by reality. The injuries and pain he experienced in the Second World were real, as were all his experiences. His game system was just a decoration, serving no purpose beyond viewing the panel. There were no scenarios where he would awaken superpowers, obtain a cheat skill, or dominate the world.

In the Second World, Daniel lived like an ordinary person, humbly and genuinely. He worried about money and livelihood and experienced various accidents.

Most of the lower-class residents in the Second World lived like this.

In the Second World, Daniel's identity is set up in such a way that. If he could not change his situation, he would continue to be ordinary in the Second World.

"I'm sorry for making you see me like this... I just couldn't control my emotions," Daniel sniffed. "You wanted to buy something, right? Just pick what you want, and you can pay by facial scan at the front desk."

Jonathan grabbed some bread, milk, and a few bags of snacks. Just as he was about to pay, a low-key black car pulled up outside the convenience store. A well-dressed man in a suit got out of the car and walked straight into the store, his gaze fixed on Daniel.

"Hello, Daniel," the man in the suit handed out a business card, "I'm Davis from the Recruitment Department of Rick Technology Corporation. I'd like to introduce you to our company's talent recruitment program."

Daniel was stunned, "I was admitted to the Black Sea Academy but haven't graduated yet. I haven't even started my studies. Isn't it a bit too early to recruit me now..."

"You've misunderstood our intentions," Davis explained gently, "We have a partnership with the university for recruitment, and we saw your information. Your grades are excellent, but the tuition fees for the Black Sea Academy...to be honest, not many ordinary families can afford it. Our Rick Technology Corporation Talent Cultivation Foundation can provide low-interest or even interest-free loans to impoverished students."

"Are you guys into charity?" Daniel asked, his mouth agape.

"Of course not; there are conditions for obtaining the loan," Davis revealed his true intentions, "You need to sign a contract guaranteeing that you will work for Rick Technology Corporation after graduation."

This was... a monopoly on technology talents, Daniel realized belatedly.

He knew almost nothing about Rick Technology Corporation, so he instinctively looked to the "native resident" Jonathan for guidance.

"Jonathan, what do you think?"

Jonathan pondered momentarily before saying, "Rick is a reliable company. You should take a good look at the contract and discuss it with your parents when they come home. Whether to accept or not is up to your personal choice... If you don't have a better option at this stage, you can consider Rick Technology Corporation."

Davis politely nodded at Jonathan, "This gentleman's opinion is quite reasonable." He glanced at Daniel's legs, "Our company's bionic mechanical technology is world-leading. If Mr. Daniel signs the agreement, we will offer suitable prosthetic limbs at a relatively preferential price."