Chapter 281 - 277: Researching the Essence

Chapter 281: Chapter 277: Researching the Essence

After a long period of peace, the establishment of the Special Incidents Police Department showed that Japan did have a certain level of concern for special events and changes. But it was clear this level of concern was far from sufficient. They lacked an understanding of the world’s changing state, at least not to the point of viewing it as a crisis. Instead, they were more focused on scientific and academic research.

The events of the past few days had undoubtedly served as a wake-up call. The Americans’ warning seemed benevolent, but it revealed a painful truth: they had long been preparing on their own, leaving Japan out of the loop.

However, what the Japanese didn’t know was that while they were desperately trying to obtain more intelligence from the Americans or any other possible source, the Americans themselves, along with all the member nations of the World Alliance, were in a state of utter shock.

In accordance with the World Alliance treaty—or more accurately, because the "natural phenomenon" at Dajing Bay was impossible to conceal—the Americans had bluntly disclosed all available information to their treaty allies.

The perspective of these top leaders was, of course, worlds apart from the online discussions of amateur wonder-seekers.

Without a doubt, the Sea God’s Fury incident was the handiwork of the Dawn Association.

They had long known that certain Magic Controllers within Dawn possessed the ability to influence the weather or trigger natural forces, but what happened a few days ago was simply too much to believe.

A video, filmed by a US Army helicopter that had risked everything to approach the edge of the thunderstorm, had already been circulated among the World Alliance nations.

The massive ocean vortex was terrifying enough on its own, but the constant roaring from within indicated something was actively creating it.

Afterward, bolts of lightning struck one after another, as if a natural disaster was locked in a contest against an invading mutation from the Outer World.

As the vortex expanded and then dissipated, a giant, fanged maw made of water appeared in the sea. It silenced the monstrous roaring, heralding the end of the supernatural phenomenon.

Without any disagreement or debate, the assembled experts and leaders from every nation immediately designated the incident "Category 1"—a threat capable of causing nationwide instability. It had simply been neutralized by Dawn before it could escalate.

After their shock subsided and they were forced to re-evaluate Dawn’s strength, a more pressing question emerged: what level of threat could possibly have provoked Dawn into unleashing such power to eliminate it?

Everyone’s greatest fear was that this might herald the arrival of the "Dark Tide" the Dawn Association had warned them about.

Currently, only Hua Country was suspected of having a direct line of contact with the Dawn Association. And even though Hua Country was reluctant to admit it, this matter was simply too important to ignore.

Therefore, Tao Xingzhi ultimately used a precious Sound Transmission Flower Seed to contact the Dawn Association.

The response brought a sigh of relief from the nations of the World Alliance. The Demon in the sea had been powerful, but its appearance didn’t signal an accelerated deterioration of the global situation. It was merely an anomaly due to the Demon’s unique nature.

It was a powerful Demon capable of controlling puppets and possessing considerable intelligence. The risk of it escaping was too great. To ensure a foolproof outcome, a high-ranking Magic Controller from the Dawn Association had personally intervened to destroy it.

They also understood this was the same monster Japan had mistakenly believed it had eliminated the previous night. Due to their ignorance and improper handling, it had nearly escaped.

Ironically, according to the intelligence provided by the Americans, Japan’s Special Affairs Department was touting its handling of the incident as a classic success to boost morale. The irony was palpable.

The think tanks of the various nations were no slouches, either. They had long theorized about using electrical containment. Currently, most super-bases and civil defense bunkers were being built with electric grids installed on their defensive barriers.

The fact that Dawn had used lightning this time confirmed that electricity was indeed effective against certain types of Demons.

Although the outcome was better than expected, it still served as another stark wake-up call for every nation.

As for Japan, this incident was a blessing in disguise. It had at least created an opening for them and served as a much-needed jolt to their senses.

...

Asakura Mountain, an obscure little hill, was located in the northeastern suburbs of East Great Capital, not far from Naoqutian City.

Calling it a mountain was the locals’ way of giving it more credit than it was due; to be precise, it was at best a few large, rocky mounds.

On one of these mounds sat the equally obscure Asakura Shrine. In the words of someone from Hua Country, the shrine was utterly deserted.

Of course, Japanese shrines aren’t temples and generally don’t burn incense. In short, only a few scattered visitors would come to pray during the New Year. Even the paint on the entrance’s torii gate was peeling.

The mountain belonged to the shrine, and with business being so poor, the Divine Master had decided to sell or lease the rest of the land.

Now, with the exception of the plot the shrine stood on, the several hundred acres that made up the rest of the great Asakura mound belonged to the Chakus Clan.

Foreigners face a complex process to buy land in Japan, but long before Hanato Doichi and his group had even departed, the Chakus Clan already had a local agent handling the matter.

This would become the site of their Japan branch.

Makino Xiangnai and the others, of course, weren’t qualified to ask Qin Xiaoxia to take them as students. In truth, the Mentors in Dawn now chose their own students, and most Association members simply went through systematic training.

But they weren’t disappointed. Though they were still in a probationary period, their countryman Hanato Doichi, acting like a caring big brother, had thoughtfully signed them up for the Silent Knight Training Camp.

Hanato Doichi told them in earnest that if they could just endure and pass the final assessment, they would be completely transformed.

The five youths, all in that grandiose phase of adolescence, eagerly awaited the unforgettable training.

...

As for Qin Xiaoxia, he could have taken the opportunity to tour Japan for a while. Instead, after a few authentic Japanese meals, he returned home through a Secret Realm Array that had been set up in advance.

He was truly busy now. In particular, he was worried about Brother Gou’s three test tubes of Descendant Essence; he wasn’t sure if letting it sit for too long would affect its potency.

The first thing he saw upon appearing was Su Su, who was studying Magic Patterns, and Gou Dandan, who was struggling to fly.

The former was diligent and making excellent progress. The latter... ’He’s a bird without a single feather,’ Qin Xiaoxia thought. ’How the hell is he supposed to fly?’

Fortunately, the little creature was tough as nails. It had fallen from the roof countless times but had yet to sustain a single injury.

Seeing her Mentor return, Su Su shot up from her rattan chair.

"Mentor, you’re back~! Huh? What’s that black ball in your hand?"

Doudou came bounding over to the rattan table, kicked Gou Dandan—who was just about to peck at the fruit—sending it flying, then turned to Sister Su.

"That’s the corpse of the Puppet Demon Spirit! The Boss crushed it into a little can."

Qin Xiaoxia tossed the black ball, sealed with his Magic Power, to Mumu, who had already extended a branch to receive it.

"Toss this into the Crystal Forest. It should last a good long while."

Saying this, he ignored the gesticulating Big Thorn and looked around. Monkey was probably off studying with Mo Shaoge, but what about the Red Demoness and the Gou Junbao couple?

"The Red Demoness isn’t back yet? And Brother Gou and Sister Gou?"

"Mhm. Sister Hong is still busy with the Secret Realm Ring on Dawn Silent Moon Island. Mr. Baru wants to create a multi-layered environment, and Sister Hong wants to run some experiments in the nearby waters."

After answering the first question, Su Su blushed slightly.

"Brother Gou heard you were coming back, so... he and Xiao Lili went to the island too. He said he was going to help..."

Qin Xiaoxia was left speechless and muttered under his breath, "This Brother Gou... am I supposed to keep hounding him for donations? Besides, it’s not like he has to do it himself. He could just have Xiao Lili help."

"And I should at least use up these three test tubes first, right?"

The headquarters Secret Realm had always been Qin Xiaoxia’s tranquil sanctuary. No Association member dared to visit without a good reason, so it was usually quiet.

He glanced at Sister Su’s flushed cheeks. ’Girls really have a wild imagination sometimes,’ he thought with a sigh.

"Su Su."

"Ah? Yes!"

"Come on, help me with an experiment. We’re going to see if we can use Brother Gou’s essence to overcome immune rejection..."

"Uh, o-okay!"

However, Su Su didn’t move to follow until after her Mentor had already disappeared through the door.

The fiery red of her lips receded as she took a deep breath. It seemed her imagination had run a little too wild, nearly causing her to slip into her more flamboyant Witch state.

"Wait, I’m coming too!!"

Doudou grabbed a few pieces of fruit and scurried to catch up.

PS: Chapter 2 for Tuesday.