novelhk Page 11
Page 11
Survey completed at 20:15 on July 11.
Key witness statement: Captain Kurokawa Sigri was taken back to the church for questioning and purification rituals at 21:00 on July 11.
Under continuous questioning (including psychological counseling and stress testing), he finally gave a complete account of the entire chain of events at 03:47 on July 12:
On the afternoon of July 10, the ship salvaged a gold-red treasure chest that exuded a strong allure during its return voyage (preliminarily identified as an anomaly, code name to be determined: "Greedy Treasure Chest").
Two hours later, another young man with black eyes and black hair was recovered from the water. (Key characteristics of this case: black hair and black eyes, unusual clothing, and a weak condition)
After the anomalous object boarded the ship, it rapidly activated and contaminated the hull, inducing crew distortion (partially fusing with anomalous object fragments, with intensity approaching Sequence 10).
Pollution outbreak and distortion time: early morning to afternoon of July 11.
危机关头（约7月11日16:00-17:00），那名黑瞳黑发的年轻人自称“张溯”，是一个神秘超凡组织的成员，可与其合作对抗异常物造成的污染。
The member demonstrated a precise understanding of sequence pathways (pointing out the captain's sequence name and characteristics on the spot) and claimed to possess a special ability to contain anomalous objects.
According to Kurokawa's description, after suppressing two aberrations (the former first mate and helmsman) who had merged with the core of contamination (around 17:30 on July 11), they successfully contained the "Greedy Treasure Chest" in the captain's cabin (which was already highly activated and contaminated).
The details of the containment process are unknown, but the outcome is certain (the source of contamination has disappeared).
More importantly, when the ship lost power and could not sail to the port, Zhang Su once again demonstrated his special ability: he placed his palm on the deck, seemingly activating some kind of power, which caused the "Black Sea" ship to undergo a violent change - a huge biological mouth-like water-absorbing structure appeared on the side of the ship, and a powerful jet organ formed at the stern.
The ship thus gained unnatural propulsion far exceeding the limits of sails, enabling it to sail at high speed to Muyun Harbor.
The activated state was actively deactivated by Zhang Su when they were near the port. The activated organ quickly decayed and disappeared, leaving only traces of corrosion.
Zhang Su left immediately after the Black Sea docked (around 19:00 on July 11), taking with him the contained anomaly, the "Greedy Treasure Chest".
Kurokawa knew nothing about the organization he belonged to, the principles behind its specific abilities, or its whereabouts; he could only infer its powerful background based on its methods.
Conclusions and Evaluation:
The anomaly "Greedy Chest" (tentative name) has been successfully contained and removed, and the port threat has been eliminated.
The cleanup work is expected to be completed before noon on July 12.
Captain Kurokawa Sigri was found to have committed serious dereliction of duty, becoming a Superhuman without permission from any official organization and advancing to Sequence 9. He also salvaged and transported unidentified anomalies during this incident, leading to the anomaly contamination event.
It itself has also been polluted to some extent as a result.
The purification ritual (completed at 04:30 on July 12) confirmed that his mental and spiritual state is still unstable and requires continued observation and psychological counseling.
According to the Maritime Anomaly Management Regulations, its vessels and cargo are subject to a one-month "behavioral supervision" by the church (starting from July 12).
Key focus: The unidentified individual "Zhang Su". Based on the consistent testimony of key witness Kurokawa Segrii, this person possesses the following clearly defined abilities and behavioral characteristics:
Exceptional knowledge: Accurately identify and reveal the sequence names and characteristics of others (accurately identify Sequence 9 Abyss Diver).
Containment capability: Successfully contained the moderately dangerous anomaly "Greedy Chest" (method unknown, result confirmed).
Non-living entity activation: Demonstrates the ability to briefly endow a large non-living structure (the sailing ship "Black Sea") with biological-like activity and powerful propulsion (characteristics: generation of biological mouthparts and jet organs). This ability can be actively deactivated, after which the activated structure rapidly decays.
Organizational background: They claim to belong to an unknown and mysterious organization.
Behavioral patterns: intervention in events, containment of anomalies, activation of ships, and rapid disappearance. Their motives and organizational background remain a mystery.
Last sighting: Around 19:10 on July 11, at the Muyun Port pier area, whereabouts unknown.
This incident highlights the extremely high risks associated with the circulation of anomalous objects through unofficial channels and the activities of wild superhumans/organizations. Particular attention must be paid to the "containment of anomalous objects" and "animation of non-living entities" abilities demonstrated by "Zhang Su," which are rare and pose a significant potential threat.
It is recommended to immediately strengthen the monitoring of suspicious items at the port, increase the collection of information on wild superhumans, and focus on investigating the whereabouts of suspicious persons in the dock area around 19:10 on July 11.
Suggested submission date: July 12.
……
Salem looked up from the report, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the smooth tabletop, where July dust floated slowly in the sunlight.
His gaze was sharp as a knife as he repeatedly scanned the keywords in the report: "member of a mysterious organization, Zhang Su", "containment of anomalies", "activation of non-living entities", "unknown mysterious organization", "last sighting: July 11, 19:10".
“Zhang Su…” Salem murmured the name, the heat of July seemingly unable to dispel the coldness in his voice.
As the 'Raging Wave Messenger' of Sequence 7 and the bishop of the Dusk Cloud Harbor branch of the Church of the Sea God, the person and his abilities described in the report before him were like an unpredictable and eerie undercurrent, impacting the rules he knew.
His mind raced.
Are you from the 'Abyss Society'?
Those scholars who are obsessed with studying the 'secrets of the abyss' and 'lost knowledge' are indeed very knowledgeable, and sometimes they will take the initiative to deal with abnormal events that endanger ordinary people and society, and maintain world order.
However, its members acted in secrecy, disregarded the laws of the church and the state, and ignored repeated attempts by official organizations to recruit them; therefore, they were listed as an illegal organization.
However, they are usually more interested in "research" than "containment," and rarely get so involved in the heart of an incident, let alone such a horrific act as activating an entire ship.
'The Hand of Ashes'? Those extremists who call themselves the world's cleaners? They seem to be keen on destroying anything they deem "dangerous" or "unclean," including anomalies, using brutal and direct methods that seem inconsistent with the containment described in the report.
Activating ships is also not their style, because they would only destroy the people and things that have been contaminated along with them, and would not actively utilize the power of pollution.
'The Eternal Imprisonment Alliance'? A legendary organization said to have originated from ancient nobles and secret societies, possibly possessing some lost-era 'imprisonment and containment' technology; if it is, then it's possible.
However, the organization has almost disappeared for nearly two centuries, and the identities of its members are shrouded in mystery, with no verified individuals to date.
Could it be that they have reappeared in the world?
The ability to revitalize ships is unheard of.
Regardless of which organization Zhang Su belonged to, or whether it was a completely unknown emerging organization, a core issue churned in Salem's mind, bringing intense displeasure and vigilance: overstepping his bounds!
In the world order that Salem recognizes and is determined to uphold, power and responsibility are clearly and unquestionably divided:
Supreme authority: The state and the Church of the True God coexist.
The state apparatus represents secular power: represented by the king, emperor, parliament, and government agencies, it manages secular affairs, people's livelihood, economy, law, and the military. It possesses secular law enforcement power over all people, things, and matters within its territory.
The Church of the True God represents the extraordinary order: as the spokesperson and guardian of the gods on earth—such as the Church of the Sea God, which believes in "the crown forged by the waves, the guardian of the order of the abyss, and the eternal ruler of the silent abyss," it is responsible for monitoring, researching, containing, purifying, or destroying all events and items involving "abnormality," "extraordinary," and "mystery," and has exclusive jurisdiction and religious law enforcement power over the extraordinary realm.
The church has a well-established system for training through sequential pathways, facilities for containing anomalous entities such as stasis chambers, purification rooms, and specialized law enforcement teams, such as their church's "purifiers."
The seven major orthodox churches together form the core pillars for managing the supernatural side of the world.
Monopoly of law enforcement power:
Only state-authorized law enforcement agencies, such as the police, military, special operations forces, and church-authorized superhuman law enforcement agents, have the legitimate power to use force, including superhuman abilities, to arrest, interrogate, sentence, and execute.
Any unofficial individual or organization, regardless of its motives of "research," "protection," or "utilization," is considered to be acting illegally if it involves supernatural powers, including possessing, using, or researching anomalous objects, or cultivating unofficial supernatural beings!
Their very existence is a challenge to the existing order, a potential destabilizing factor, and a blatant disregard for the authority of the state and the church.
Therefore, the Church of True God collectively refers to such entities as 'heretical threats,' while national laws define them as 'illegal supernatural organizations' or 'organizations endangering public safety.'
In Salem's view, Zhang Su's actions—such as taking possession of the "Greedy Treasure Chest," an anomalous object that should have been dealt with by the church, and openly using the "activation" ability, which is enough to shock common sense and control large creations, to move the ship—have far exceeded the principles of "forced intervention" or "emergency avoidance."
This behavior itself constitutes a double violation of the Church's exclusive jurisdiction: stealing anomalies and abusing high-risk supernatural abilities.
An extreme threat to public safety: the destructive power of an unregulated entity that can arbitrarily contain dangerous goods and activate giant ships is immeasurable.
Serious disruption of order: blatant display of illegal power and challenge to official authority.
The arrogance and danger of the organization behind it: daring to seize resources right under the church's nose and displaying such capabilities, its organizational schemes and strength must be unfathomable, and it must have absolutely no sense of awe.
Salem pressed his fingers heavily on the name "Zhang Su" and the time "July 11, 19:10" on the report, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure.
Anger gathered in his eyes.
"Containment...activation of the ship..." Salem's voice was as deep as the sea brewing a storm, full of oppressive force, "No matter who is behind you, daring to trample on the boundaries drawn by divine grace and royal power, and toying with power that does not belong to you... is courting your own destruction."
"The Black Sea is just the prologue, Zhang Su... From the night of July 11th, your name has been etched on the purification list. We will find you, and drag you... and the organization hidden in the shadows behind you, out of the woods and bring them to the judgment of divine might and raging waves!"
He picked up the report and walked to a metal box embedded in the thick stone wall, covered with intricate runes and brass pipes—the church's internal document transmission conduit. He placed the report inside and pulled the lever.
After a slight hiss of steam and the sound of gears turning, the report, marked with the "Deep Blue" security classification and detailing Zhang Su's two key abilities (containment and activation), along with the will of Bishop Salem, the messenger of the Raging Waves, was sent to higher levels of the church and to the relevant official departments of Twilight Cloud Harbor.
The comprehensive investigation into "Zhang Su" and the mysterious organization behind him officially began on a hot July morning in 1173, accompanied by the hum of machinery.
……
On the other side, Zhang Su, who was completely unaware that he was about to be listed on the 'Wanted List of All Official Organizations', had just finished a sumptuous breakfast in the restaurant inside the 'White Whale and Anchor' hotel and was now wiping his mouth with a napkin with satisfaction.
He then planned to wander aimlessly through the streets of the central area of Muyun Harbor, enjoying the city scenery while trying to find some clues about the extraordinary.
Although he wasn't in a rush to get into the cornerstone, he couldn't be too complacent. He still needed to investigate when necessary to avoid becoming clueless and ineffective if things dragged on for too long.
He still wants to go home.
Volume 1: Chapter 11: [jiu澪刘寺熘q"i（」八）〗“尔「 !Rare race, descendant of the dragon god, information flood]
The morning sunlight in Muyun Harbor carries the unique heat of a steampunk city, mixed with the smell of coal smoke.
Zhang Su, dressed in a low-key yet luxurious dark blue trench coat, strolled along the main commercial street called "West Coast Corridor".
The streets are lined with shops: the windows of mechanical workshops with exposed brass pipes and slowly turning gears display precise pocket watches and steam valves; the neon tubes (inert gases humming inside glass tubes) of alchemy shops exude strange and tempting smells of herbs and chemicals; next to the bakery with the aroma of freshly baked bread is the clanging blacksmith shop.
He tried to appear as an ordinary traveler curious about exotic places, his eyes lingering on the unusual goods and bustling crowds.
However, a strange feeling lingered in his mind—his gaze.
Many eyes were on them.
At first, it was a veiled, curious glance.
As he walked by, one could clearly feel the pedestrians' steps pause almost imperceptibly, their gaze lingering briefly on his face.
As several workers in coarse overalls, carrying heavy wooden crates, passed by, one of them couldn't help but mutter, "Obsidian Eyes?" He was immediately nudged by his companion with his elbow and quickly lowered his head and hurried away.
A mother holding her child's hand instinctively pulled her child closer to her after seeing Zhang Su's profile as he turned around, her eyes filled with a barely perceptible wariness and curiosity.
Even a seemingly lazy beggar leaning against the wall on the street corner made his eyelids tighten slightly as he passed by.
Zhang Su was reminded of Kurokawa's words, "Black hair, black eyes, a rare race... can fetch a good price."
And everything I've observed since morning clearly points to one fact: in a world dominated by blond, brown, red hair and various shades of blue, green, and gray eyes, his pure black hair and black eyes are extremely rare physical characteristics.
"Looks like I've really become a 'rare animal'..." Zhang Su felt the gazes from all around him, smiled bitterly to himself, and suppressed the unease in his heart.
He forced himself to ignore those gazes and focus on the exploration.
He entered an alchemy potion shop called "Stardust," where the shelves were filled with shimmering crystal bottles and jars labeled with words such as "Awakening Elixir (refreshing and invigorating, side effects: may cause short-term visual hallucinations)," "Secondary Healing Ointment (accelerates the healing of small wounds, with little effect on burns)," and "Night Vision Potion (effect lasts for 2 hours, causes sensitivity to bright light after consumption)."
The air was filled with a strong, mixed scent of mint, sulfur, and some unknown flower.
The shop assistant, dressed in a white coat and wearing protective goggles, enthusiastically introduced the products, but Zhang Su could sense that the other person's gaze lingered on his face many times, with a look of inquiry.
Zhang Su listened attentively to the shop assistant's explanation, thinking to himself that these medicines sounded like magical potions with extraordinary effects, yet they could be openly sold in shops on the street.
Hmm... It seems that the official control over 'supernatural things' in this world is not so severe as to 'prohibit mortals' from doing so, and there have been some leaks.
He still needs to explore further to determine the exact extent of the control measures.
Then, he went into a bookstore.
This place sells a variety of beautifully printed books and maps, as well as rolls of blank parchment and special inks.
The bookshelf is clearly categorized: "A General History of the Calidor Empire", "A Record of the Customs of Twilight Harbor", "Basic Principles of Steam Machinery", "A Pictorial Guide to Common Herbs (with Taboos for the Use of Magic Potions)", and even "A Brief History and Doctrine Overview of the Seven Great Churches of God".
Zhang Su picked up the book with the gold-embossed cover, "A Brief History and Doctrine Overview of the Seven Great Orthodox Churches," flipped through it casually for a few seconds, and then went to the counter to pay.
This book, "A Brief History of the Church of the True God," costs 3.5 Sola. Converted to modern purchasing power using the currency system of this world, it's roughly 500 RMB, which is outrageously expensive for a book!
In his mind, only textbooks from America across the ocean would dare to sell at that price.
No matter how expensive it is, he has to buy it, because if he wants to understand this world, he has to start by understanding the beliefs of the people of this world.
Since the purpose is to explore this world, this money is naturally indispensable. Money is meaningless if you don't use it when you need it.
Just buy it!
Fortunately, he still had the 8 Sorah change he received when checking into the hotel last night; otherwise, he would have had to take out a large amount of British pounds to make change.
After buying the books, he prepared to head home and read them carefully.
But then, a small shop on the street corner, but one that was exceptionally clean and tidy, caught his attention. The signboard read "Qing Teng Pharmacy" in elegant lettering.
What caught his attention was the person standing behind the counter arranging medicinal herbs.
The man was tall and slender, wearing a plain linen-colored long robe with the sleeves rolled up, revealing a section of his equally yellowish forearm.
His hair was dark chestnut brown with natural curls, and his eyes were a gentle amber color.
But that face! That soft facial contour, the slightly restrained corners of the eyes, and those familiar facial features that set it apart from most people on the street!
He seems to be of Eastern descent, or at least someone with the Eastern ancestry he perceives!
An indescribable sense of familiarity and the joy of "meeting an old friend in a foreign land" instantly overwhelmed Zhang Su's composure that he had maintained throughout the journey.
He quickened his pace almost subconsciously, and with a hint of excitement that he himself was unaware of, he jogged into "Qing Teng Pharmacy".