Chapter 127: Portland Town Rules
Sheng Mao didn't know where he was hiding.
Behind him, countless monsters were chasing him relentlessly, tracking his tracks like wild dogs, sniffing out human scent. For the first time, his talent encountered its natural enemy, and he was deep in the enemy camp, with no way out in sight.
At first, after they split into two teams, they didn't think about going back and quickly returned to the office area before closing time.
As the place with the most hidden information, there are many areas in the office building that they have never had the opportunity to set foot in. They searched the residential area roughly but did not gain any useful intelligence.
The higher the number of floors in the central building, the more secrets it hides.
Their team had Chen Sisi's alarm detection plug-in, so the search should have been very smooth, at least they wouldn't encounter any danger.
Even when facing danger, Sheng Mao can attract the danger to himself, giving them the opportunity to escape from the dangerous place, and then use his talent skills to escape when they are far away from the two teammates.
However, as luck would have it, these patrolling monsters were very unreasonable. They completely ignored Sheng Mao's innate skills and chased him relentlessly.
It's such a rip-off!
Sheng Mao was in tears and ran wildly in the corridor in panic. The smooth floor and corridor seemed to be stretched and twisted infinitely. The dark end of the corridor was so deep that it seemed to suck away people's souls. The paintings, doors and windows around him were also blurry.
He didn't know how long he had been running, he only knew that his body was running mechanically and his strength was rapidly draining away.
He must escape as soon as possible, otherwise he will die in the monster's mouth.
Finally, Sheng Mao found a room, pushed the door open and hid inside. Before he could see the decoration in the room clearly, he rolled under the bed and curled up to reduce his presence as much as possible.
Don't find him, don't find him...
After the intense run, his chest was gasping like a bellows. The feeling of being on the verge of death made Sheng Mao's eyes go dark for a while, and he finally recovered.
After waiting for a while, he found that the monsters did not seem to chase him.
After realizing this, Sheng Mao's body relaxed and cold sweat covered his forehead.
He didn't know where he had run to, but he couldn't stay here for long. He had to rush back to Wang Qi and the others as soon as possible, otherwise it would be terrible if they were in danger.
Those monsters have lost their target and might turn back to chase Wang Qi and Chen Sisi. They lack mobility and are relatively weak in attack, so they need someone to protect them.
I don’t know what the situation is like on Tina’s side. If she encounters this kind of monster, she might get hurt. Now I just hope they don’t encounter the monster, and can meet up with Wang Qi and the others smoothly, and tell them the information about the monster.
After a short rest, Sheng Mao wanted to move without hesitation.
However, as soon as he moved, the door was suddenly opened.
He immediately lowered his presence, becoming as inconspicuous as the dust floating in the room.
The footsteps in the room were neither fast nor slow, as if this was his room. Sheng Mao's gaze stayed on the intricate and exquisite carpet not far away, and he concluded that this should be a private room.
Who would have an office like this in this office building?
Besides, where on earth had he gone?
Sheng Mao originally thought that he had discovered important information, but then he realized the problem. His excitement suddenly turned to another extreme, and his whole body was cold and he dared not move at all.
Can he really escape unscathed from the BOSS?
Will he really not be discovered?
Sheng Mao's vision under the bed was very narrow. He could only see a small area in front of him. Through the reflection of the floor, he saw a figure gradually approaching.
His heartbeat gradually quickened.
Finally, the newcomer came into view.
The thin ankles were exposed, looking white and fragile, and the high-end black leather shoes stepped on the ground with a bit of arrogance.
He seemed not to notice Sheng Mao's presence. He walked to the table and stopped. After a moment, the rustling sound of flipping documents was heard.
Sheng Mao felt dizzy and swollen. He forced himself to calm down. His heartbeat was frighteningly loud in the silent room.
He decided to leave the room as soon as the man left, remember the location of the room, and then tell his companions.
After a while, the shuffling of files stopped, and the man continued to walk around the room, muttering, "Strange, why does it feel like something is wrong in this room?"
He seemed to be looking for something, and the sound of his footsteps continued to erode Sheng Mao's mind.
Sheng Mao held his breath, not having time to think about why the voice sounded so familiar. He prayed frantically in his heart that he would not be discovered.
After searching for a while, the owner of the room found nothing and gave up the idea: "It must be an illusion, right?"
Sheng Mao's tense heart suddenly relaxed as he spoke. He did not notice that his emotions were affected by the owner of the room, who was closely watching his every move.
After a delay, Sheng Mao listened to his footsteps, moving away from his location step by step.
The next moment, someone leaned over and looked under the bed, staring straight at Sheng Mao.
The white-haired young man had a very familiar face with an unfathomable smile on his face, and his green eyes looked straight at Sheng Mao.
The smooth floor reflected his figure. He was wearing unfamiliar clothes, as if he was watching the frightened expression of the prey he was playing with.
At that moment, Sheng Mao suffered a cardiac arrest.
White-haired Rong Le spoke in a gentle tone, smiling, "Ah, I found you."
…
Rong Le was sure that she had encountered a difficult problem.
After he stayed up most of the night to complete the task, he immediately finished work and returned to the dormitory. Because he had left in a hurry before and did not tell Tina that they were on the night shift, it was already late at night when he returned.
After skillfully using a leave note to ask the building manager to open the door, he walked to Tina's door and knocked on it using a secret signal.
There was no movement behind the door.
Rong Le raised his eyebrows in surprise, because Tina was the most alert, and it was impossible for him not to notice the movement outside the door.
If there hadn't been an accident, there would have been no one in the dormitory.
He went to Sheng Mao's room to confirm, but there was still no movement.
Rong Le thought about it, then turned around and knocked on the girl's door.
It was not until he knocked on everyone's door that he was completely sure that they had all gone out together for some reason and had not returned yet.
Rong Le didn't expect that they would become so rebellious just because she left them alone for one night.
"They didn't think I was lost, did they? Really..."
Rong Le touched his chin.
He could easily guess what Tina and the others were planning.
On the one hand, they couldn't rest in peace because he was not around. On the other hand, after arriving at the foundation, it was Rong Le who had always been the one taking the risks, and the young investigators had no place to put their skills and knowledge to good use.
They had all been itching to do something, so it was understandable that they took advantage of this opportunity to take action.
However, the sudden occurrence of such a thing at this critical juncture is likely to give the person behind the scenes an opportunity to take advantage of it, and you may even be in his trap now.
But when he thought about the possibility he had guessed, he felt that it didn't matter if he was pressed step by step like this.
Rong Le knew that if he went to look for them now, he might not be able to find them all. Judging from the series of events he had experienced, that person was even more urgent than him.
He sighed in distress, "So it's up to me to save these reckless students. After all, I'm their team leader."
He followed the other person's pace, obediently closing the distance between them step by step.
It is undeniable that the other party has aroused his interest for the first time in a long time.
…
Wang Qi took Chen Sisi away quickly. Sheng Mao led away the group of monsters patrolling the building. She had to reach a safe place before he could no longer hold on.
Although Chen Sisi's ability is useful, she is still unable to move around easily and needs her care.
Wang Qi needs to take Chen Sisi to meet up with other teammates, seek protection, and tell others the news that patrolling monsters will appear in the office building at night.
When she found the others, she saw that they were also fighting monsters.
Tina rushed to the front with a cold expression, almost buried in the pile of monsters. Thor had some physical skills after training, but lacked practical experience. He couldn't help but scream in fear while looking at the hideous monsters, and kept slashing at the monsters that Tina missed with his hands.
Bai Tutu hid at the back, standing in a safe blind spot to observe the situation on the battlefield and give accurate reminders to his teammates.
Bai Tutu's eyes lit up when he saw them: "You're here, and where's Sheng Mao?"
Wang Qi: "We also encountered a monster, Sheng Mao is buying time for us!"
They did not gain nothing. In the database of the building, Wang Qi hacked into the computer and found a list of important operators of the Foundation. Although he did not finish reading it because he was discovered by the monster, at least he copied some information to a USB flash drive at the last minute.
After Wang Qi finished speaking in a few words, Bai Tutu immediately made a decision and shouted to Tina: "Let's retreat!"
Tina showed through her actions that she would be the rear guard. Chen Sisi did not hesitate and immediately used her innate skills to plan the best escape route and directed everyone to leave the building.
The function of [Danger Warning] is close to foresight. In the beginning, one can only vaguely sense good and bad luck, which is equivalent to a sixth sense that is sharper than that of ordinary people. Chen Sisi's innate skills have also evolved to a certain extent.
The consequences of every choice can be judged. Whether she walks through the left or right passage, whether she chooses to take the elevator or the stairs, her innate skills will faithfully convey her predictions.
In this way, everyone escaped from the building in a very dangerous way and stood on the road in a panic, gasping for breath.
They looked at each other, and Thor suddenly realized: "Where is Sheng Mao?"
Logically, he should have been the first one to escape, but now he is nowhere to be seen.
There is only one possibility in this situation, that is, something happened to Sheng Mao.
Tina: "When I fought those monsters, I found that they were different from the shadows in the dormitory. They had fangs and claws, dog-like tracking abilities, and beast-like fighting instincts."
"Since it appears as a night-time building monster, it is very likely to restrain Sheng Mao's concealment ability."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's face changed.
If they wanted to rescue Sheng Mao, they had to go back to the building. However, they had just escaped from inside and were naturally aware of the dangers inside the building.
But if I don't save him, I can't just watch my companion fall into the tiger's mouth.
Chen Sisi took a deep breath, placing her hand on her chest and feeling the air carefully. "I can't predict the outcome too far ahead. There are too many variables in the future... But if I choose to go in, perhaps I can find a glimmer of hope in this moment of danger."
There are risks, but the results may not be good.
If the players were of varying qualities and had not been recruited, they would have probably abandoned their teammates long ago, just like what Sheng Mao encountered in the Qiu Hai High School module.
But they can't do that.
They are teammates, classmates, and comrades who will fight side by side with us in the future.
Bai Tutu smiled and said, "At least there's still a glimmer of hope. It's not like there's no return, right?"
Thor scratched his cheek and said, "If you decide to go in, I agree."
Tina didn't say anything, her face was still stained with blood splattered by the monster, and her face looked even paler in the dark night. He silently gripped the long knife, obviously showing his determination with his actions.
Wang Qi and Chen Sisi didn't say anything, but tears were glistening in their eyes, and they were obviously moved.
At this time, a familiar voice said with a slightly raised tone: "I am very pleased to see you all so united and friendly.
"Mr. Rong Le?!"
Everyone looked at the missing person who suddenly appeared in shock.
Rong Le greeted them with a smile: "You all look very energetic, not bad."
Several people stared in amazement at Rong Le appearing in front of them as if nothing had happened. This immediately diluted the warm and passionate atmosphere and made it a little funny.
Wang Qi: "Where did you come from?!"
The black-haired, green-eyed young man gestured a few times: "This is it, that is it... Anyway, I came to find you."
Wang Qi quickly dropped the topic and got to the point succinctly: "We went out without instructions. I apologize, but the current situation is that although we have found some useful intelligence, Sheng Mao is trapped in the building for unknown reasons."
The eldest lady obviously looked a little guilty, and her originally proud twin tails seemed to have wilted a little.
It seems that this trip dealt them a heavy blow, but the foundation is naturally very dangerous at night. The most important office building hides countless secrets. Without external interference such as S-level collections, its true hideous face is naturally revealed.
Rong Le comforted her: "The level of danger in the Foundation cannot be compared to the missions you have been involved in before. It is already amazing that you were able to obtain the intelligence."
Tina: "What should we do now? Should we charge in again?"
Rong Le shook her head: "No, I now have the authority of the secretariat and can freely pass through the central building, even the top floor."
The prosecutors of the secretariat have the authority to report to the president without going through the secretary-general Yan Liu when necessary to prevent their superiors from being suddenly unreachable. In special circumstances, they will be handed over to the president for custody.
Of course, if you break into the president's office without permission, there will definitely be a record, but it doesn't matter now.
Rong Le could be described as a rebel for using this authority on the first day of her transfer to the department.
Hearing him say this, the others felt relieved and followed him back to the office building. This time they did not encounter any monsters patrolling the building, and they entered the elevator smoothly.
Rong Le swiped the permission card and went straight to the top level.
After the numbers reached the top floor, the door slowly opened, and the first thing that came into everyone's eyes was the spacious, carpeted living room.
The thick carpet looks expensive, and one can't help but speak softly for fear of disturbing the people resting inside.
But the owner of the office was already prepared to welcome them.
A person was sitting by the window not far away and spoke slowly: "I have been waiting for you for a long time, Rong Le."
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and were all shocked by the scene before them.
The foundation’s collection is the same as the collection museum, but why does the villain behind the scenes look almost exactly like Rong Le?
The white-haired young man smiled as he watched everyone gasp for air. His gaze moved to the young man with black hair and green eyes in the middle. Only his expression remained unchanged from beginning to end.
While he was looking at Rong Le, Rong Le was also looking at him.
If Rong Qing is only 50% or 60% similar to him, then he and Rong Le are like cast from the same mold.
He sat on a chair, wearing a satin shirt and a tight vest, with a relaxed posture, his long white hair flowing like water over his shoulders, his green eyes deep and indifferent.
Compared to Rong Le, he has a more religious mystery and weirdness, as if he walked out of a medieval oil painting, with a smile on his lips, as if everything is under control.
The figure, the temperament, the habitual curve of the mouth corners, the tone of voice, the only difference is the white hair.
Under his feet, the dark carpet with intricate patterns looked noble and elegant. At his feet lay Sheng Mao, who was tied up in a strip. When he saw them, he rolled on the ground excitedly, making a whimpering sound with his mouth blocked by a white cloth.
Obviously, Sheng Mao did not come back because he was captured by him, and his purpose was obviously to lure Rong Le into the trap.
After seeing his face, the barrage of comments suddenly exploded.
"My God, what kind of famous scene is this?!"
"Rong Le, his hair turned white?!"
"Is this me hitting myself?"
"It's over. I'm so disappointed. The dark version is ten times stronger. How can Rong Le be a match for the white-haired Rong Le?!"
"Did Rong Le already guess that the mastermind behind the foundation was another version of herself?"
Tina subconsciously took a step forward, but was immediately stopped coldly by the prosecutor who appeared out of nowhere.
These prosecutors wore the same uniforms and were as silent as shadows. Their eyes beneath the steel masks were silent and cold, and their aura was like a drawn sword, as if any unwarranted movement would result in their blood being splattered on the spot in the next second.
Rong Le knew that the guys behind him were eager to save people, so he signaled them with his eyes not to move, and then he looked at another version of himself.
White-haired Rong Le nodded slightly, motioning him to look at the chessboard opposite his seat, on which the black and white chess pieces were already placed.
Obviously, this was an invitation for him to play against him.
Rong Le was not stopped by the group of prosecutors. She walked smoothly to the seat opposite him and sat down, looking at the chessboard in front of her.
The chessboard where black and white intertwine is full of countless possibilities.
He had previously played chess alone in silence, but this was the first time he had found an opponent to fight against.
Even though the existence of this opponent is beyond common sense and makes everything seem so different, it is actually more interesting because of this.
Neither of them spoke, perhaps because they both knew what the other was thinking, so there was no need to waste time talking.
They started the game, ignoring everyone else.
White-haired Rong Le said, "You're more patient than I thought. I thought you'd find a way to find me as soon as you saw the Scales of Judgment."
Rong Le: "After all, this is not my territory. In someone else's organization, of course I have to abide by their rules."
He glanced at Yan Liu who was standing in the dark corner. He lowered his eyes to the ground, as if he couldn't hear their conversation.
White-haired Rong Le said with a hint of sarcasm: "Are you such a rule-abiding person?"
"I consider myself a rule-abiding person." Rong Le remained calm and asked with a smile, "Don't you think you are not?"
White-haired Rong Le was not angry at Rong Le's counterattack: "Maybe."
The two played chess quietly for a while.
Rong Le looked at the chessboard and spoke again: "What is your goal?"
White-haired Rong Le: "Guess?"
"I know myself fairly well. We are all interested in the same things and will continue to work hard to pursue the same goals."
"Actually, I never thought that one day I would become my rival. If that day ever comes, then we should just be friends."
Rong Le said cheerfully, "I think a friendship like this should at least not conflict with one's own goals."
White-haired Rong Le smiled at him: "Really... Then it's really a pity."
"After all, only we know ourselves best. Our personalities won't change for each other, right?"
When the guess in her heart was confirmed, Rong Le's heart sank slightly.
All the clues so far told him that fact, but when he really communicated with the president of the foundation face to face, he didn't know what attitude to adopt towards him.
Opposite him was a being that was similar to him yet completely different. They had similar appearances, even similar methods and thinking patterns, but they did not have similar stances.
That self of his stood on the opposite side of him.
The battle on the chessboard became more and more intense. The two players' chess strategies were very similar at first, but as time went on, the development of the game clearly showed the difference in their attitudes towards the game.
Baifa Rongle's chess style is treacherous and fierce. He is good at using extreme and fierce moves. He has great lethality and his step-by-step pressure makes it difficult to resist.
Rong Le's chess style is steady and solid, and he is good at layout. He is like a big net that wraps up the whole chess game. Every move is carefully calculated, but there are also some brilliant moves.
The two men were equally powerful. From an outsider's perspective, the moves they made were enough to make one break out in a cold sweat. The complexity and thrill of the moves were unfathomable. Perhaps only those in the same field could see through their thoughts.
When the others were beginning to feel drowsy, the white-haired Rong Le suddenly said, "That's all."
Everyone's spirits lifted. Rong Le lowered her eyes and looked at the chessboard in front of her. The situation had reached a stalemate.
White-haired Rong Le folded her hands and propped up her chin: "If you want to stop me, you should at least know everything about me. It doesn't matter to others, but you are 'me'."
"The only one who can change me is myself. I think you will agree with this."
Rong Le raised her eyes and looked at the smiling white-haired Rong Le.
White-haired Rong Le: "My past, my future, everything, do you want to come and see it for yourself?"
As his voice fell, the reminder sound of the main task also sounded in Rong Le's ears along with his invitation.
The Foundation exists like another collection house in the world, its systems and personnel strikingly similar: the Scales of Judgment, Rong Qing, Chang Shan, Yan Liu... and your alter ego. Light and darkness clash, and you can't help but wonder about your alter ego's past. You've fallen prey to a conspiracy, devoured unless you fight. Your counterpart invites you to join this invisible battle.
[Sink into the Foundation and become assimilated into it, or do everything in your power to save it all.]
【Your choice will change the fate of this module. 】
Rong Le: "Such a romantic invitation, coming from another me, how can I bear to refuse it?"
He sighed, "Although I'm somewhat aware of my own arrogance, when we really meet, I want to ruthlessly break through your mask."
"Once a game begins, even the best player cannot predict the final outcome. The opponent may break their plan at any time. However, the ever-changing situation is the charm of chess."
Rong Le said meaningfully: "Just like I will change you in the end."
——He chose to accept the main mission.
[Stepping onto the chessboard, entering the game, I am both the player and the chess piece.]
…
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
