243: Hidden chess game

Pierpoint, Interstellar Peace Corporation Headquarters, Chen Hao’s private residence.

The dome of the home theater projected a real-time view of Crossbell, with the busy figures of Lloyd and others clearly visible in the holographic image. Chen Hao leaned back in his armchair, the city’s lights and shadows reflected in his amber eyes.

“Chairman, your black tea.”

Bronya entered, her silver-grey hair falling over her shoulders, the bone china teacup on the tray in her hand steaming gently.

“Thanks, Ya Ya.” Chen Hao took the teacup and waved to Bronya, “Come, sit, sit. Another exciting day.”

Bronya sat down beside Chen Hao and looked curiously at the projection: “Is this that border autonomous region? It looks more vibrant than in the reports.”

“Bronya still can’t understand how such a deformed existence, born from the power struggles of great nations, could be so prosperous.”

In the holographic image, Lloyd was leading the Special Support Section members, rushing through the streets of Crossbell to investigate. Chen Hao’s lips curved slightly: “That’s why it’s called the Demonic City.”

“But there’s another explanation: precisely because neither side dares to openly do too much, it has become a stage for various forces. When there are more people, it naturally prospers.”

Bronya took the control terminal and quickly scanned the intelligence summary sent back by Topaz: “According to the Strategic Investment Department’s assessment, the overall combat power level of this civilization does not exceed 0.7. Even the Eastern Federation’s South Heaven Gate Fleet could easily suppress it, let alone the Corporation’s fleet.”

She turned to Chen Hao, a hint of confusion in her eyes: “But you chose to have Topaz execute an infiltration plan, and even personally monitor the actions of these grassroots police officers.”

“Is there something unique here?”

Chen Hao chuckled softly, his finger lightly tapping the void. The screen suddenly focused on the center of Crossbell City, where a golden light point was slowly pulsating.

“This is the reason.”

“The zero treasure.” Chen Hao’s voice carried a rare solemnity, “That little girl named KeA holds the authority of ‘causality’.”

Bronya’s breathing stopped instantly: “A causality weapon?! How is that possible!”

“More accurately, it’s an ability that can interfere with causality. Although its scope is limited to this continent, it is indeed genuine causal manipulation.”

His gaze deepened: “By modifying past causes, to rewrite present effects. While I’m not sure if a Causal Aeon exists, this is clearly a prototype (prototype) of one.”

Bronya somewhat understood Chen Hao’s thoughts, propping her chin with a finger, deep in thought: “So, you chose to guide discreetly rather than intervene directly? To avoid triggering the authority’s defense mechanism?”

“That’s one reason. Based on current intelligence, making this little girl ‘awaken’ clearly requires some special conditions. So, unless necessary, do not interfere rashly; this is the safest approach.”

Chen Hao took a sip of his black tea, “And also, there’s the consideration of market value.”

The projection switched to the situation on the continent, and Chen Hao’s finger outlined a complex map of forces in the void: “A market conquered by force and then ‘unified’ is a stagnant pool, with no remaining value. The struggle between the Empire and the Republic, the game between the bracers and the mafia, including variables like the ‘Demonic City’…”.

His fingertip paused on Lloyd’s image: “A stable, peaceful but disharmonious world is the best world for the Corporation. A market that exists due to confrontation and ambition is the most vibrant and in-demand market.”

Bronya nodded, popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth: “So (chew chew) you can make (chew chew) sustainable (chew chew) war profits?”

“Hmm~ o(*￣▽￣*)o” Chen Hao stroked his chin with a mischievous grin, “That’s not a bad way to put it. Anyway, besides a few individuals, the rest of this world isn’t much good. Heh heh—”

“So, do we need to adjust Topaz’s course of action?” Bronya popped a piece of popcorn into Chen Hao’s mouth, interrupting his evil cackle.

Chen Hao shook his head, swallowing the popcorn: “Just maintain the status quo. Oh, and tell Jade that phase two can begin.”

“Especially that child named KeA, do not approach her for now.”

“Understood.” Bronya nodded, sending the command to Jade, then suddenly remembered something, a slight smile playing on her lips: “Speaking of which, Silver Wolf asked a few days ago when she could land. She seems very interested in that child named Tio Plato.”

Chen Hao burst out laughing: “Oh, so excited to see a kindred spirit, that Hagi Wolf. It’s not impossible, but Kafka has to go with her. If she has no objections, then go ahead.”

As his laughter subsided, a deep light flashed in his eyes: “Now, let us continue to enjoy this good show.”

The holographic projection lit up again, showing Lloyd standing in front of the port authority warehouse, holding a suspicious cargo manifest.

In distant Crossbell, the gears of fate were quietly turning. And a ‘disruptor’, ready to doodle on the chessboard at any moment, was leisurely sipping tea in his home in Pierpoint.

Crossbell City, outside the Special Support Section Headquarters.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a warm orange glow on the Special Support Section building, coloring its glass windows. Lloyd and the others got out of the orbal car with KeA, the day’s fatigue seemingly lightened by the little girl’s cheerful laughter.

“Did you have fun at school today?” Elie asked gently, holding KeA’s hand.

KeA nodded vigorously, her emerald eyes sparkling: “Yes! The teacher taught us new arithmetic problems, and I even helped my deskmate, Xiaomei, solve them!”

Wazy smiled and ruffled her hair: “Oh, our little princess is getting smarter and smarter~”

Just as everyone was about to enter the building, Lloyd suddenly stopped.

“Wait…” His gaze fixed on the area outside the Special Support Section’s main door, “Is that, Zeit?”

The police dog (divine wolf) was sitting in front of the door, its golden eyes fixed on the Special Support Section’s entrance, its fur slightly bristled in an alert posture.

Noel immediately gripped the submachine gun at her waist: “Something’s wrong!”

Randy’s hand was already on his axe-halberd: “Zeit never gets alert for no reason. There’s a problem.”

Lloyd gestured for everyone to stay quiet and slowly approached Zeit: “Zeit, what happened?”

Zeit growled softly, its gaze still locked on the door. KeA suddenly scurried over, squatted beside Zeit, and gently stroked the fur on its neck.

“Zeit says…” KeA tilted her head, seemingly listening intently, “A red-haired little girl is waiting for us on the sofa inside.”

Elie looked at KeA in surprise: “KeA can understand Zeit?”

KeA nodded innocently: “Yes! Zeit’s voice is very clear~”

Lloyd exchanged glances with his companions. While KeA’s ability to understand animal language was surprising, it seemed like nothing compared to the other wondrous things she usually displayed.

For example, effortlessly solving math problems that even Lloyd and the others couldn’t.

Wazy chuckled: “Oh, it seems our little princess has gained another special ability~”

Just as everyone relaxed slightly, KeA added: “Oh, right! Zeit also said that the girl’s hair color is exactly the same as Randy-gege’s!”

The air instantly solidified.

Randy’s expression turned unusually serious in an instant, his pupils slightly constricted. He didn’t speak, but his fingers gripping the axe-halberd were tensed until they were white.

“Randy—” Lloyd was about to speak when Randy already strode forward, pushing open the Special Support Section’s door.

Special Support Section Hall

The creaking of the door hinges was exceptionally clear in the quiet hall.

On the sofa, a petite figure was swinging her legs, and turned her head when she heard the door open.

Her long red ponytail swayed gently with her movement, like a dancing flame. The girl’s face held an innocent smile, but dangerous light flickered in her sky-blue eyes.

“Oh, you’re finally back~” Her voice was clear and melodious, with a slight upward lilt at the end, “Randy-ge, long time no see!”

Shirley Orlando, “Bloody Shirley,” the ace of the Red Constellation Jaeger Corps, and Randy’s younger sister.

Randy stood at the doorway, his axe-halberd in hand but not raised.

His voice was so low it was almost a growl: “Shirley… why are you here?”