Chapter 244
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Chapter 244: Assisting the Investigation
Ink Drench and her group were swiftly ushered inside. Various instruments scanned over them, emitting sharp, jarring beeps, as if leaving the city had stripped them of their humanity.
However, their examinations revealed no issues, and they were promptly seated, receiving the first question:
"Please summarize the entire mission process."
Bright red text appeared on the screen before them, a result of multiple discussions aimed at preventing potential contamination from spreading.
"Before that, I would like to check the information on a person."
"Who?"
The text on the large screen changed.
"Zhang Tong."
In less than ten seconds, Zhang Tong’s personal information began scrolling on the screen:
"Zhang Tong, male, born in the first year of the New Era, no elementary education, no middle school education, received higher education in the 18th year of the New Era, major in…
"Since the 20th year of the New Era, he has held the positions of researcher at research institutes and team leader of the superhero team, with teammates including…
"Family: wife Zheng xx, missing since the xth Exploration Plan; only son Zhang Wangyang, C-level superpowered individual, ability is… currently serving as a logistics military officer on the northern city wall of the outer city…"
After reviewing the information on the screen, Ink Drench compared it to the memories in her mind, then began recounting her group’s experiences.
For the people in Hope City, especially the researchers who pride themselves on their vast knowledge, it was their first time hearing about such an exploration process.
The Nian team’s exploration experience could be summarized in two lines:
"When we went, the ground was covered in tall grass."
"When we returned, the ground was covered in short grass."
Even if they cracked open the researchers’ heads, they could not analyze anything from such a simple summary.
But what Ink Drench described was different; just the mention of the Marsh Settlement village was enough to keep them analyzing for a long time.
The researchers were also very curious about the creature that disguised itself as a human while being completely unaware of it.
If there are indeed survivors outside of Hope City, what methods would they use to fend off the attacks from the mycelium beings?
If there are no survivors outside, it doesn’t make sense either, as mimicking requires an object to imitate.
Those mycelium beings disguised as humans spoke with great precision about their ancestors and various underground shelters, seed warehouses, making it seem as though it were all true.
Ink Drench continued her narrative, while other teammates occasionally added comments or offered perspectives from different angles.
Except for Mercury, who found it hard to get a word in.
They spoke about the mysterious rituals that took place in the Marsh Settlement at night, the decisions made upon confirming those humans were completely unaware, and the relief and rebellion expressed by Zhang Tong and others upon learning that they had already passed away.
Ultimately, everything came to a close under Ink Drench’s vast abilities, and the entire settlement was easily stripped of life, turning into a barren land.
The researchers fell into deep thought; even from a non-research perspective, this story was captivating enough, the only issue being that it had a somewhat unsatisfactory ending, with the final conflict unresolved and the mechanical god eliminating everyone.
But reality is often more absurd than drama. After a few minutes of contemplation, new text appeared on the big screen.
This text came from Zhou Zhuo:
"You all did well. Protecting yourselves in dangerous moments is the most important thing."
"Every superpowered individual is a precious resource for Hope City and cannot be easily lost."
The researchers continued their inquiries until the following morning, when a basic outline and some deductions were finally compiled by everyone.
Based on the current observations and inquiry results, there is reason to believe that the Nian team has been secretly contaminated or eroded since their return to Hope City.
Of course, there is also a small chance that they were replaced.
As for the team’s mysterious disappearance, it may have other reasons; perhaps they completed their mission, but there is also a possibility they were eliminated.
Regardless, it seems that the disappearance of the Nian team is not necessarily a bad thing.
To further the investigation, the military and research institutes swiftly signed a joint case file.
Several superhero teams and Purger teams quickly launched operations to temporarily detain the family and friends of these superpowered individuals who had come in contact with them, including one councilman!
To carry out this action, at least three other council members had to sign the joint document.
However, the families of the other superpowered individuals clearly did not require such complexity, as they all arrived within two hours and were then separately detained for questioning about their interactions with the Nian team.
—
Inner city, near the central area.
This place wasn’t as bustling as a normal city center, as it served as the headquarters of the Hope Council.
The central black spire signified the council’s supreme authority, surrounded by a few scattered mansions, obviously belonging to significant figures.
The sound of knocking echoed, and a domestic worker in uniform opened the door.
Upon seeing the men and women nearly bursting through the doorframe with their somewhat fierce expressions, the domestic worker sensed that something serious was about to happen.
"What are you here for?"
"Is Councilman Bordeaux at home?"
The leading man stepped forward, showing a short-term arrest warrant.
The target of the arrest was none other than Councilman Bordeaux.
The domestic worker initially thought it was nothing significant; after all, in this city, no one could afford to touch a councilman.
But soon, her expression changed to one of heaviness and contortion.
This was due to the familiar names appearing on the signature line of the arrest warrant:
Nia, Zhong Ding, and Sharma.
Although the councilman’s information was classified, this domestic worker had served in Councilman Bordeaux’s household for many years and was quite familiar with the names of the other council members.
Her expression shifted in an instant, and she dropped the cleaning tools, rushing inside.
Soon, a furious voice echoed from within:
"Arrest me? With you lot?
"Has the case been solved?
"Have the followers been captured?
"Has Vine been found?
"You useless fools who can’t accomplish anything now want to arrest me? Who gave you the power?"
Zhuang Mian, hidden among the crowd, was inexplicably called out and furrowed her brows, quickly shielding everyone in front of her.
The leading superpowered individual had anticipated this situation but had to step forward regardless:
"Honorable Councilman, I am Captain Shadow Master of the Seventh Superpowered Team. We desperately need your cooperation for this investigation, so please assist us with our work."
