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墨書 Inktalez
The morning breeze carried a hint of chill as it swept through the semi-industrial island city, where a few hundred thousand people lived, most of them at the bottom of the social ladder. For them, this place had become their home.
Lu Fei Fan could smell the heavy scent of machine oil mixed with the briny sea air even while jogging along the coast. A ten-kilometer run in the morning was merely a warm-up for him; his life had taken on a routine as rigid as a meticulously planned schedule.
At night, he kept vigil at the hospital. By six in the morning, after warming up for ten minutes, he would run those ten kilometers, returning to the hospital by seven. At eight, he assisted the doctors in examining his father and administering IV fluids. The busy morning passed quickly, during which Lu Fei Fan also massaged his father's hands and feet and helped him with back rubs. Before lunch, he accompanied his mother to the market to sell vegetables.
This orderly life seemed to reassure Lu Fei Fan's mother that everything was back on track. However, Hua Jun Tang appeared increasingly busy. Though rarely seen during the day, he would consistently visit the hospital in the evenings to see their father, and then all three would return home together for dinner.
Hua Feifan's Mother watched her two sons grow into capable young men with pride and satisfaction swelling in her heart. Just like her son Lu Fei Fan’s life, she believed that what needed to pass would eventually pass.
Yet that evening's dinner was surprisingly quiet. Hua Feifan's Mother attempted to speak several times but found no words. Hua Jun Tang remained silent, focused on his food, not sharing any challenges he faced at work or how many clients he had managed to secure.
Although his start wasn’t entirely stable, with the help of a few colleagues, the company was already running smoothly. He estimated that it wouldn’t be long before they were fully operational, which eased Lu Fei Fan's mind.
After finishing his meal, Lu Fei Fan was the first to set down his bowl and chopsticks. He patted his full belly and said, “Mom, I’m full. There’s something I need to tell you both.”
His brother and mother paused with their utensils; it seemed that their silence stemmed from what Lu Fei Fan was about to say. It was no surprise that they could easily sense what he wanted to discuss.
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Lu Fei Fan announced.
“Where are you going?” Hua Feifan's Mother asked instinctively, though she likely had an inkling of what he meant.
“Out to sea,” Lu Fei Fan replied with a smile. “Jiang Ge helped me get into a Special Operations Team. The captain even came by our house recently to meet me. I’m reporting for duty tomorrow.”
Hua Feifan's Mother remained worried and asked, “Is it dangerous?”
“It should be fine; there’s not much danger,” Lu Fei Fan reassured her, knowing he had to lie a little to ease her concerns.
“Brother, what about that Chang Wu Officer? He came looking for me afterward,” Hua Jun Tang interjected.
“Oh? What did he want from you?” Lu Fei Fan asked curiously. He had turned down Chang Wu's invitation to join the so-called Free Federation's Special Training Camp, opting instead to go out to sea with the cavalry to earn some money. He never expected that the other party would be so persistent.
“Oh, it’s such a pity that you’re not going to the Special Training Camp. You’d be wasting your talent. He even gave me a business card and said he could grant you an extension of one month to report. I’ve been too afraid to give it to you,” Hua Jun Tang said, pulling out a special card from his pocket. The front was emblazoned with the Free Federation's Azure Blue Emblem, while the back was blank. When Lu Fei Fan infused the card with Pulse Energy, intricate patterns appeared, revealing a contact number.
“One month, huh…” Lu Fei Fan felt a twinge of regret for not being able to attend the Special Training Camp. After all, he came from humble beginnings; if he received proper training and honing, it would undoubtedly enhance his perspective and mastery of Pulse Energy. Moreover, he had heard that those who graduated from the Special Training Camp could join elite units and hold official positions, enjoying state benefits.
A Teng and Da Li had been forcibly recruited by the Military Police of the Main Force Corps two days ago. Their qualifications as Fusers met the recruitment criteria of the Main Force Corps, so they were snatched up immediately.
It was likely not just them; many others in the Free Federation experienced similar situations during that time period. Only someone like Lu Fei Fan, who had passed the Practical Assessment and qualified for entry into the Special Training Camp, would attract attention from special assessment officers like Chang Wu personally coming to recruit him.
Lu Fei Fan tucked away the card, seemingly with his own plans in mind.
Seeing that her older brother wasn’t sharing his intentions, Hua Jun Tang didn’t press further.
“Afan, when are you leaving?” Hua Feifan's mother put down her chopsticks, losing her appetite for food as worry etched across her face.
The idea of a Fuser going out to sea with a Special Operations Team for missions or monster hunting was extremely dangerous. Many families had lost loved ones who never returned after such ventures.
Hua Feifan's mother was worried about this; her husband had already fallen, and she didn’t want her son to meet the same fate or face any unforeseen dangers.
“Mom, don’t worry. This time there’s a skilled leader guiding us; nothing will happen,” Lu Fei Fan said mysteriously.
“Skilled? Is it that Jiang Wannian?” Hua Jun Tang interjected.
“I’m not sure yet, but he should be quite powerful,” Lu Fei Fan replied. In truth, he didn’t know much; he had only chatted briefly with the amiable cavalry leader who informed him about the assembly time for this mission without revealing specific details.
However, ever since Lu Fei Fan acquired the Gods' Armor, he felt confident in his ability to protect himself in any danger.
The meal passed without further questions. His mother quietly got up to clear the table and wash the dishes while Lu Fei Fan organized his belongings in his room. On his bed lay neatly arranged equipment and a portable brain device—something strongly recommended by “Heroes.” As long as there was access to a Virtual Network, he could seek its assistance anytime.
A finely crafted silver sword, known as the Silver Sparrow, lay quietly on the bed in its elegant sheath. This was a purchase made by Lu Fei Fan on the Virtual Network. Measuring three feet and six inches, it was exceptionally sharp, capable of slicing through iron like mud. Lu Fei Fan had used it to neatly cut through a block of rock. He particularly appreciated its weight; though heavy in hand, it suited someone with his strength. He had researched its metallic composition and discovered that it was forged from dozens of special steel alloys, placing it in the mid-range category of swords. In the Free Federation, there were only a little over a hundred of these swords available.
Next to the Silver Sparrow War Blade rested a large, dark red handgun with an oversized cylinder, accompanied by five energy bullet magazines below it. These five magazines had cost Lu Fei Fan a hefty sum of one hundred thousand, each one outrageously expensive, but the gun's power left him thoroughly satisfied.
Naturally, the Gods' Armor had already seamlessly merged with his body. Lu Fei Fan could summon it at will by merely focusing his consciousness. He could even feel it enveloping his upper body, as if it were nestled between his skin and clothing—both present and elusive, like something beneath his skin yet also on its surface. Though he couldn't quite articulate that sensation, he was acutely aware of its existence. The armor responded to his needs, becoming visible or invisible at his command, or unfurling its Feathered Wings with just a thought.
Lastly was a deep blue sniper rifle named You She. He loved the sleek lines of its body; whether he touched it or held it close, it provided an immense sense of security. Although its range was only one thousand meters, the power of this rifle was enough to instill fear in many.
Lu Fei Fan had also prepared five or six magazines for the sniper rifle, along with two pairs of military boots and protective socks, two pairs of combat gloves, an ordinary dagger, rations, and more.
Due to the extensive gear he had purchased, the virtual platform had generously gifted him a cost-effective military backpack, which made him quite pleased as it could hold all his equipment. When he slung it over his shoulders, he resembled a fully armed warrior.
As the clock struck five in the evening, Lu Fei Fan stepped outside. Hua Jun Tang had borrowed a vehicle to take him to the dock. His mother accompanied him there as well, personally buying him a large assortment of food out of concern that he might get hungry on the way.
The bustling dock was alive with activity; whether trains or military vehicles were present, this ordinary Civilian Island remained remarkably busy.
Lu Fei Fan got off with his heavy pack on his back while his mother followed suit and handed him the large bag of food she had been holding onto throughout their journey.
“Afan,” she said softly, “this family doesn’t seek wealth; we only wish for peace. Your mother may not have much ability in life; my greatest achievement is giving birth to you two. I hope you can return safely; your father is waiting for you. Remember, if you encounter danger, just run.” Hua Feifan's Mother adjusted Lu Fei Fan's clothes.
“Yeah, I know, Mom,” Lu Fei Fan replied, feeling uncomfortable with such farewells—it wasn’t like they were parting forever.
“Take care of things at home; it’ll be tough for you until I return from sea,” Lu Fei Fan instructed Hua Jun Tang.
“Okay,” Hua Jun Tang replied. Then Lu Fei Fan pulled him closer and said seriously, “If I really don’t come back, promise me you won’t tell Dad. The burden at home will fall on you.”
Hua Jun Tang felt a lump in his throat upon hearing this; he always considered everything for the family. If their father faltered, he instinctively took up the responsibility himself—there’s an old saying: “the eldest brother is like a father.”
In that moment, Hua Jun Tang suddenly wished he could earn more money so that his elder brother wouldn’t have to risk his life at sea. If something happened and Lu Fei Fan truly didn’t return, this might be the last time he would hear his brother’s guidance.
“Brother, you must come back safely,” Hua Jun Tang said, his voice trembling with barely suppressed emotion.
“I will,” Lu Fei Fan replied, giving his brother a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He then embraced their reluctant mother one last time before hoisting his bulky backpack and striding toward the security checkpoint at the blocked-off dock.
The setting sun cast its golden rays upon the sea surface, creating a shimmering reflection that stretched his shadow long and thin. Yet he did not slow his pace, for behind him, his brother and mother stood watching.
As Lu Fei Fan presented his Fuser credentials and stepped onto the ferry bound for Bayflow Island, he turned back to wave at his mother and brother, signaling them to return.
Reluctantly, their mother was persuaded by his brother to board the vehicle and leave.
Toot—
The long sound of the ferry's horn echoed as it set sail.
Standing on the deck, Lu Fei Fan gazed out at the vast expanse of the sea surface glimmering in the light. He softly declared to it, “Ocean, I have arrived.”
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