Before the Mission

The official transfer order came sooner than Wang Xun had expected.

That night, just after he finished training and returned to the longhouse, a regular member found him and handed him a document bearing the seal of the Second Division Captain.

"Wang Xun, effective immediately, is being transferred to the Punishment Force's directly subordinate squad. Report to the third operations room on the east side of the squad barracks to collect your equipment and familiarize yourself with the squad's procedures."

Wang Xun took the document without much surprise.

Given his performance these past few days and the instructors' previous comments, his early promotion was to be expected.

He quickly packed his personal belongings and followed the instructions to the third floor of the barracks.

The door to the third operations room was ajar, and low voices could be heard coming from inside.

Wang Xun knocked on the door.

"Come in."

The cold voice sounded familiar, which surprised Wang Xun slightly, before he pushed open the door and entered.

The room was small and simply furnished, with a map of West Rukongai and some mission logs hanging on the walls.

Soi Fon stood in front of the map, her black Punishment Force combat uniform highlighting her capable figure.

Two teammates sat in front of her, their expressions calm and mature, both appearing to be very experienced.

When Wang Xun's gaze fell on Soi Fon, he paused subconsciously.

The two had spent a lot of time together in the past few days and should have been quite familiar with each other, but their meeting under these circumstances was somewhat awkward.

Moreover, Soi Fon's aura today seems somewhat different from when she was in training.

Her short black hair was meticulously styled, and she exuded an aura of authority.

But for some reason, the moment their eyes met, Wang Xun noticed that she seemed to be subtly and deliberately avoiding eye contact with him.

illusion?

Soi Fon, on the other side, naturally saw Wang Xun as well.

She met Wang Xun's gaze with a businesslike attitude, then quickly looked away to look at the map.

"Wang Xun, your transfer order has taken effect. From today onwards, you will be assigned to my direct squad."

"You can listen in on today's mission briefing first. Tomorrow, I'll familiarize you with the team's procedures. The day after tomorrow, you'll come with us on a mission."

Soi Fon's voice was calm and even, devoid of any emotion.

"These two are Sugimoto and Kawasaki, veteran members of the team. This mission will be carried out by the four of us."

The two team members who were called out nodded to Wang Xun, their eyes scrutinizing him, but also showing a hint of curiosity.

"Alright, everyone's here. I'll begin explaining the mission."

Soi Fon pointed to a marked point on the map with her short stick.

Two days ago, two members of the Tenth Division, who were stationed in the vicinity and on patrol duty, lost contact.

"After an initial search, the Tenth Division found no signs of battle or residual Reiatsu. Furthermore, given the proximity of the incident area to some previously monitored locations and the suspicious manner of the disappearance, the mission has been transferred to the Second Division for a thorough investigation."

Her gaze swept over the three of them.

"Mission level unknown, intelligence unknown, actual danger level may be upgraded."

"Our goal is to determine the cause of the disappearance, search for any possible clues or traces, and assess whether there are any ongoing threats."

"In the event of unforeseen circumstances, prioritize self-preservation and intelligence gathering. If necessary, abandon the infiltration and evacuate immediately. Do you understand?"

"Clear."

The group responded in unison.

"Alright, dismissed. Meet at the west gate of the team dormitory at 5 PM tomorrow."

Soi Fon finished her presentation crisply and efficiently, then turned her gaze to Wang Xun.

"You, stay here for a moment."

The other two got up and left, while Wang Xun remained seated, waiting for Soi Fon's instructions.

Soi Fon didn't speak immediately; she turned her head to look out the window, and the atmosphere in the room became slightly quiet.

"What, you've kept me here? Is there anything else you need, Commander Soi Fon?"

Upon hearing Wang Xun's voice, she turned her head slightly.

"Don't call me 'sir,' it sounds too strange."

"That's true. So, how should I address you, my superior?"

"... It would be better to just call her Soi Fon."

Soi Fon looked out the window; night had fallen, and her expression was blurred against the darkness.

She turned around and pointed to the package next to her.

Your team uniform and equipment are here.

"Remember to change into the Stealth Force uniforms of the Second Division members and the Stealth Force uniforms when going on missions."

Wang Xun, picked it up and weighed it in his hand; it was very light.

"That's all. Tomorrow, we'll meet here again, and I'll show you around the team's procedures."

After saying that, Soi Fon turned her head to look out the window again, seemingly not wanting to say anything more to Wang Xun.

Wang Xun looked at Soi Fon with some confusion.

Although they were often out of breath at night a few days ago, their communication was still quite smooth.

They have both learned and grown a lot, so their relationship should be quite good.

How come after just one day, he's like a complete stranger?

Now that you've become your boss, you're starting to put on airs, aren't you?

Wang Xun got up and walked to the door. Before leaving, he thought for a moment and decided to ask.

"So, tonight... shall we continue?"

Upon hearing Wang Xun's voice, Soi Fon took a deep breath, pursed her lips slightly, and gently dug her fingertips into her palm.

She recalled the teasing look on Lady Yoruichi's face.

Then he thought about his own embarrassing behavior, which only made things worse.

I felt a sudden, raging fire erupt from the depths of my heart, boiling and burning fiercely.

She finally turned around, looked directly at Wang Xun, and a sinister smile appeared on her lips.

"Of course, why not go?"

Wang Xun felt a chill run down his spine as he watched Soi Fon suddenly become excited.

For some reason, he suddenly sensed something was amiss.

The following afternoon, Wang Xun hastily arrived at the meeting point.

The two veteran team members frowned slightly when they saw the disheveled look on his face.

What happened to your face? Did you get into a fight?

No, I fell.

Wang Xun awkwardly touched the bruise on his face, his hand glowing with a Kaidō light, which he then applied to his face.

After all, the injuries on my body were more serious. After healing them with the Kaidō last night, I neglected the one on my face.

I don't know what went wrong with Soi Fon last night; she suddenly hit her so hard.

A flattened explosive barrel, something that can't even satisfy a child's hunger despite all efforts...

Wang Xun secretly grumbled to himself.

But the two people in front of him were surprised when they saw the Kaidō light up in Wang Xun's hand.

This little Kaidō looks quite professional.

"Your Kaidō was quite good. Did you serve in the Fourth Division?"

"It's alright, I've dabbled in some things, so-so, but I've never been to the Fourth Division. I came directly to the Stealth Force after graduating from the Spiritual Arts Academy."

Hearing their discussion, Wang Xun replied humbly.

"Wow, what a talent!"

The two exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

This kid will definitely be a hot commodity in the team in the future.

Looks like I need to build a good relationship with them beforehand.

With this in mind, the two of them became much warmer and started showing concern for Wang Xun.

Before long, Soi Fon arrived, and was quite surprised to see the three of them chatting so happily.

She glanced at the faint bruise on Wang Xun's face and felt a subtle sense of guilt.

I think I went a bit too far last night...