The next day, at the gates of the Jiangbei Military District.
"I heard the new Second Executive Officer is a girl?"
"Why would a young girl come to this godforsaken place? It makes no sense."
"I heard she's an SSS-level speed awakener—probably not much of a fighter."
"That's even crazier. Jiangbei isn't nearly as safe as the capital…"
A group of seven or eight middle-aged men in uniform stood waiting for the newcomer. It had been a long time since anyone new had been assigned here, but the three executives all looked far from pleased to be receiving an SSS-level talent.
"Chief Zhao, promoting her straight from Pioneer Team deputy captain to Second Executive Officer—doesn't that break regulations? What about me? What about Chief Wang?" Liu Zihao, the current Second Executive Officer, complained while wiping his mouth.
In front of him stood Zhao Huan, the First Executive Officer, gaunt but steady. He let out a tired sigh at the grumbling.
He had been trying to recruit strong awakeners for ages, and now the capital had approved a transfer in an instant.
"You think this girl came here just to be a Second Executive Officer? You're being naive. She'll hold the same rank as you, and you'll be working together. But let me warn you: someone with her status in the Pioneer Team is a big deal in the capital. She would never settle for this second-rate position."
Zhao Huan's words left Liu Zihao speechless.
The Jiangbei Military District had long been squeezed by the Jiangbei Triad, bleeding talent and sinking into a desperate situation. This was hardly a cushy posting.
"Mark my words," Wang Yan, the Third Executive Officer, said with a sneer. "She'll be First Executive Officer before long."
Zhao Huan sighed. "Enough. Straighten yourselves up. Our district is struggling, but we can't break the rules. If she can lead Jiangbei forward, she's far better than me."
Liu Zihao folded his arms, clearly unconvinced. "We didn't do anything wrong. It's just that Jiangbei has the Mad Ghost Butcher and the Triad—no military district wants to touch this place. All the talent ran off. What development can we even have? I refuse to accept this. They just sent someone here without knowing the situation. She's obviously here to replace you. Who knows whether we'll even keep our jobs?"
Wang Yan nodded. "Chief Zhao, let us handle it. We'll take care of it."
Zhao Huan sighed. "And what exactly do you plan to do? I'm not going to disobey orders."
Liu Zihao grinned. "We won't disobey them. We'll just work around them. When she arrives, we'll announce her as Second Executive Officer, but delay her actual appointment. Have her start with clerical work and get familiar with the basics. That way we're following the transfer order and still keeping control of the district."
Before Zhao Huan could respond, someone called out, "Chief Zhao, they're here!"
Zhao Huan looked up and saw two figures approaching.
One was energetic and casual, wearing jeans and a white T-shirt, completely untouched by the apocalypse. The other wore a black cloak, his aura blurred and indistinct, almost as if he were merging into the surroundings.
It was Chen Xiao and A Yao.
The black cloak on Chen Xiao's body was no ordinary item. Embroidered on the back was a dark crescent moon. It had been sent from the capital military district two days earlier, obtained through a trade arranged by Old Pei at the cost of four Opportunities.
Night Moon Cloak
Description: A gift from the Moon God to the mortal world, woven from darkness and imbued with lunar power.Effect 1: Reduces the wearer's presence and blurs all traces, including appearance, energy flow, unique aura, and killing intent.Effect 2: Evades all forms of information and rule-based targeting.Effect 3: Grants the wearer the Moon Walk ability, increasing speed by 10% to 30% depending on the moon's phase.
Chen Xiao was extremely satisfied with the purchase.
It was a win-win for both him and Pei Tianyuan. The cloak perfectly made up for his weaknesses in stealth and defense.
Its first effect was a stronger version of Cicada Skin, concealing not only appearance but also aura, energy, and killing intent. Even his own Dragon Sense could no longer detect him properly.
Its second effect was even more formidable: it blocked all forms of targeting. Even the most terrifying long-range assassination techniques from his previous life would be useless against it.
The third effect, while not as critical, gave him an extra speed boost at night. A nice bonus.
As they neared the gate, Zhao Huan called out, "Miss, are you A Yao from the Capital Military District?"