Chapter 68
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
This chapter is edited by Cthulhu. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 68: The Persecution of the New Operator Begins!
“Logging intelligence of Core Operator Nightsaber.”
“Checking on the living conditions of children rescued from cult members, leaving money, mood increases by 1.”
“Upon returning to lodging, took a hot bath, studied methods to counter black magic, experienced mood improvement.”
“Reviewing battle footage, reflecting on areas for improvement, DEX+1.”
“Nightsaber” remains, in every sense, an impeccable operator without any discernible flaws, as always.
Bai Yan gently shook his head and slid his finger lightly across the screen.
Below was the latest intelligence report from operator “Mysterious Magic” Alan.
“Core Operator Mysterious Magic’s intelligence log.”
“Completed task report and monthly summary at the last minute, mood decreases by 1.”
“Visited cat cafe in full gear, only to be denied entry and suffered from cat allergies, feeling dejected.”
“Visited Teacher Lin’s daughter’s grave, placed fresh flowers and, in soliloquy, made a resolute promise. Mood improves +2.”
Alan loves cats but had never visited a cat cafe before due to his allergy to cat fur.
“He would actually venture to such a place. Perhaps it’s because he’s a superior being? Even with allergies, he shows little fear.”
Bai Yan sighed, noting that Alan’s loyalty currently stood at merely 1 compared to the other two Core Operators.
Simply put, he showed absolutely no sense of belonging to the “Babel Tower.”
This was understandable, as initially “Nightsaber” and “Psychic Dancer” had no connection to Babel Tower, but after discovering its advantages, their loyalty increased.
Given the current hostile relationship between Tatsumi City’s Demon Hunt Agency and Babel Tower, Alan’s forced involvement could naturally lead to confusion and even resentment.
“I must find a way to alter his perspective,” Bai Yan mused, contemplating strategy.
Lastly came the situation with “Psychic Dancer.”
“Core Operator Psychic Dancer’s intelligence log.”
“Shared a bath with personal maid while discussing intimate matters, laughing uncontrollably. Mood +1.”
“Had secret barbecue with personal maid without detection, mood +1.”
“Studying spiritual power application techniques, DEX+1.”
“Gathering necessary resources and funds for family departure, conducting terrain reconnaissance.”
Bai Yan narrowed his eyes, discovering something quite intriguing.
Indeed, as they say, “history repeats itself.” Psychic Dancer could no longer tolerate remaining with her family!
She was planning her escape and had nearly completed preparations. Clearly, she intended to execute her plan soon.
Psychic Dancer, based on what I know about you, this can’t be as simple as merely escaping the family. After all, how could you easily overlook the things that disgust you?
Indeed, in Bai Yan’s recollection, “Psychic Dancer” possessed an exceptionally strong vengeful nature, never easily forgiving those who wronged her!
This young woman simply couldn’t let go of grievances or forgive others readily.
Such an extremist personality often placed her in grave danger.
“It appears I must intervene to prevent any incidents… After all, the current ‘you’ belongs to Babel Tower and cannot perish without authorization.”
Bai Yan’s finger slipped suddenly, switching his phone screen, as Holly approached with a smile.
She announced cheerfully, “Oh, Bai Yan, the team’s ‘big guy’ has returned! He usually works as a caregiver at an orphanage but came back early today because of you!”
Bai Yan looked up to see a tall, dark-skinned muscular man entering through the door.
Exceptionally tall!
The strong man wore a gentle, benevolent smile, but his muscles were as solid as an iron tower, and his towering presence left Bai Yan somewhat startled.
“Hello, I am ‘Big Guy,’ Rien. You may call me Big Guy like the others.”
The big guy was truly enormous, standing at least 2.3 meters tall. Bai Yan had to stand to look up at him.
However, remarkably, there wasn’t the slightest sense of intimidation emanating from this man; rather, his expressions and gaze were almost overwhelmingly gentle.
“Hello, I’m Bai Yan. You are indeed very tall,” said Bai Yan confidently, tilting his head back.
Within his large frame, Rien shyly scratched his head and nodded gently with a warm smile, “I have some giant blood in me; actually, besides you and Miss Black Vulture, no one here is purely human.”
“When we venture outside, we must disguise ourselves through a ‘Disguise Ceremony,’ which can be quite draining.”
“Giant blood?” Bai Yan pondered, suddenly struck by a thought.
The first generation of giants breeding with humans… how did they manage that? He dared not imagine!
“This is my gift for you.”
Bai Yan, being emotionally intelligent, promptly produced a present, his face radiating joy.
The big guy appeared slightly surprised but smiled even more broadly as he accepted the gift, then pulled out an elegantly crafted cake from his bag on the table… and presented it to Bai Yan.
“Thank you very much. This is a gift I prepared for you. Everything was made by me personally, so please don’t stand on ceremony.”
“You made this yourself? It’s beautifully crafted with excellent workmanship,” Bai Yan couldn’t help but marvel.
Clearly, this big guy didn’t seem like someone capable of creating such exquisite cakes.
The contrast was rather striking.
“I hope it suits your taste, but if not, feel free to discard it,” Rien responded gently. His broad lips parted as he added, “If you need any assistance with work or daily matters, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m glad to help.”
Holly chimed in, “I’m happy to help too, after all, I am your senior here!”
Bai Yan smiled and acknowledged their offers before they went their separate ways.
He had been in the office for some time but still hadn’t seen Black Vulture awaken.
She continued sleeping regardless of the circumstances.
The little rabbit Holly was talkative, occasionally muttering to herself. She seemed quite pleased whenever addressed as “senior.”
Still childlike, indeed…
Rien, despite his height, was remarkably enthusiastic, careful, and patient. He regularly poured water for himself and Holly, even covered the sleeping Black Vulture with additional clothing, and voluntarily swept the floor.
Hmm, Rien gave Bai Yan the impression that his behavior and mannerisms were somewhat more… maternal?
Could such a person truly have been a cultist?
Though it was only Bai Yan’s first day with the team, he felt genuinely puzzled. The Twelfth Team claimed this was normal, yet something about the situation seemed decidedly unusual.
Then, he casually arranged Alan’s first Training Simulation.
“Mysterious Magic” received three rewards.
The first was ‘Mystical Power: Substitute Puppet,’ the second ‘Blood of Darkness,’ and the final one ‘Mystical Power: The Sun Anthem’…
The reasoning behind granting the “Substitute Puppet” had been previously explained, while “Blood of Darkness” would become standard issue for all future Babel Tower Core Operators.
As for ‘The Sun Anthem,’ it was Bai Yan’s attempt to compensate for Alan’s lack of offensive capability.
“Do not disappoint me.”
——
Alan sat composedly in his office, reviewing new videos posted by Babel Tower, slight perspiration forming on his brow.
Incredible!
The person in the video was his exact duplicate; only someone blind would fail to notice, yet amazingly, not a single person in the department could recognize him.
Perhaps the members of the Demon Hunt Agency weren’t powerful enough; even Lin Bian couldn’t break through the mental barrier!
But what of the “Emperor” from Eyes of the Empire? Would he fail to perceive the situation?
“They say the ‘Emperor’ shows no mercy to enemies yet loves his people like his own children,” Alan mused thoughtfully.
Naturally, nothing would be more despicable to such a man than a traitor!
Alan’s anxiety grew steadily.
[You have entered the Imaginary Space, and will now undergo adjusted training designed to enhance your cognitive abilities.]
“What?”
Suddenly, Alan noticed all his office colleagues had vanished.
What was happening?
“Is this… the Imaginary Space?”
He rose slowly, furrowing his brow, taking time to process the situation.
The voice that had echoed in his mind was unmistakably a simulation of Bai Yan, the voice of the “Savior” who controlled Babel Tower.
And now, his consciousness had been pulled from reality!
“What do you want from me?”
Alan shouted but received no response, his unease intensifying.
As a member of the Demon Hunt Agency, he had been affected once again. Perhaps Babel Tower’s owner could destroy the Demon Hunt Agency as easily as turning his palm.
This terrified him most! He dared not pursue the thought further.
Suddenly, the office door opened.
Alan instinctively turned to see a masked figure in a purple tailcoat entering from outside.
Its height and build were intimately familiar to Alan.
His pupils contracted slightly; without doubt, this masked person was himself!
What was happening?
Alan faced his “self,” ready to attack at any moment, having activated his Enchanted Costume.
[Within the prescribed time frame, you must overcome your own projection. After each failure, the projection will reset.]
Was this the training simulation?
Before Alan could react, the “projection” before him attacked immediately!
Several flying knives materialized from nowhere, hurtling directly toward him!
“Damn it!”
Alan instinctively deployed Transparent Wall, gritting his teeth while utilizing all his skills against the “Projection.”
Remarkably, both sides possessed identical abilities and tactical approaches.
Alan only occasionally managed surprising maneuvers to create slight advantages.
Two minutes later, just as Alan sensed victory over the “projection,” it vanished.
“Is it over?”
Alan gasped, maintaining vigilance. Suddenly, he noticed the office door opening again, and an unharmed “projection” entered from outside.
[Within the prescribed time frame, you must overcome your own projection. After each failure, the projection will reset.]
The familiar voice in his mind left Alan stunned, realizing this ordeal wouldn’t end easily.
“No!”
