Chapter 25: "We've cultivated a new species of Xenobiotics creature"
The snake python cautiously through the streets, scanning his surroundings with equipment every few minutes to confirm if anyone is following him.
The harbor area of Black Sea City is dim and quiet at night, with only a few vivacious places, such as bars, underground fighting arenas, and casinos. The gangs control this territory, and even the Investigation Department must act cautiously here. In such a place, bloody incidents often occur.
Poor and backward areas are most likely to breed crime, and darkness and chaos are the best protection for those who lurk here.
Snake Python slipped into a small casino where patrons shouted around gambling tables, colorful cards flying everywhere, and gamblers with bloodshot eyes pushing stacks of chips forward. Snake Python had a penchant for gambling, but he wasn't here to play today. He's here to trade with his informant and get his hands on the god blood that belongs to him.
He quietly walks up to the second floor and opens the door to room 208. The room is dimly lit, and a person wearing a mask sits on a luxurious vintage-style chair.
"You're three minutes late," the informant says coldly.
The snake python doesn't take off his mask or respond immediately. Instead, he activates his equipment to scan the room, afraid listening devices might be hidden here.
The informant watches the snake python's cautious movements and waits for him to explain.
"That woman, Rose, is too annoying. She likes to give orders, and I can only listen to her because she's my superior," the snake python turns off the scanner. "Quick, give me the god's blood. That woman has gone to do some beauty treatments. I finally got away from her control, but I still have to go back and meet her later."
"So eager?" The informant chuckled.
"We had an agreement. I give you intel, and in return, you arrange a new identity for me to leave Black Sea City and a bottle of god blood," the snake python says coldly. "This is what I deserve. I've taken such a huge risk and should receive an equal value in return. Are you planning to break the contract?"
"We always keep our promises ." The informant takes a test tube filled with dark red liquid from his pocket. "This is your reward."
Snake Python's gaze was fixed intently on the test tube. He stepped forward, reaching out to take it, but the informant subtly shifted his hand, evading Snake Python's grasp. His eyes narrowed, and his voice deepened, "What are you playing at? We had an agreement. You owe me for the God's Blood."
"Don't be so tense. As I said, we'll honor our promise," the informant replied with a placating smile. "There's just a small matter that requires you to do."
"Hah," Snake Python scoffed coldly, "How did you negotiate with me last time? Have you forgotten in just a few hours? You said I didn't need to work for you. Just focus on passing on information."
The informant apologized insincerely, "I'm sorry, this is a direct order from my superiors. I don't have the authority to refuse on your behalf."
"Then may I ask, do I have the right to refuse?"
"You have," the informant said, "but if you refuse, I cannot provide the god's blood."
Veins bulged at Snake Python's temples as he struggled to contain his anger. "So, I'm just a tool for you, right? What do you take me for, an idiot?"
"Of course not," the informant replied earnestly. "You're a brilliant undercover agent. How could you be an idiot?"
Snake Python cursed under his breath. His muscular chest heaved with suppressed rage. "I feel like a wild boar in the forest, lured by bait on a path set by hunters. I follow the trail, but at the end, instead of delicious food, there's a trap waiting for me."
"We are not hunters; we have no desire to capture you. We are your collaborators, your business partners," the informant said calmly. "Consider this a negotiation. We are bargaining. You have the right to refuse, but you will lose certain benefits. You can accept, but doing so will entail a certain investment risk."
"Is there any point in continuing the deal when my supposed collaborators and partners try to tear the contract apart?"
"No, that's not how it works," the informant countered. "We are still negotiating and haven't signed a formal contract. Introducing new conditions during negotiations is perfectly normal, isn't it?"
"I understand." The snake python glanced at him suspiciously.
As his rendezvous with Rose drew near, Snake Python turned and spoke, "I can tolerate this last-minute additional asking, but only this once. I know I don't have much leverage in negotiating with you. You have the resources; you hold the cards... but I, Snake Python, am a person of temper."
The informant watched as Snake Python pushed the door open and left.
The room fell into silence after his departure. The informant turned his head and raised his right hand. The air in one corner of the room rippled slightly, and a blurry shadow suddenly appeared in the corner.
Snake Python had scanned the entire room three times with his scanner, yet had completely missed the presence of a third person lurking within!
"Did the Snake Python lie?"
The shadow shook its head.
The informant chuckled, "He's fairly honest, but alas, he can't change his gambling nature."
The Snake Python was indeed cautious, but he had a gambling problem. This habit had, to some extent, affected his behavior. Even he doesn't realize that he's gambling, taking risks.... Perhaps he had discovered it, but he fantasized about winning big by risking small like a true gambler.
When he sensed something was amiss, he didn't think about cutting his losses in time but instead wanted to gamble even more to recover his costs and gain profits.
...
Fox entered the living room with heavy steps, catching his breath before exclaiming, "I've brought more than enough ammunition!" He unzipped his bulging jacket, revealing boxes of ammunition-taped all over his torso.
"Couldn't you have brought a bag?" Jonathan gazed at Fox, speechless, as he diligently tore the tape away and removed the ammunition one by one.
"I only realized I'd forgotten a bag when I arrived, and there were no backpacks or bags in the armory... Thankfully, there were medical adhesive tapes, so I just taped the bullets to myself," Fox explained, seemingly quite pleased with his own ingenuity.
Jonathan silently acquiesced, reluctantly saying, "Well done... Be more careful next time."
Eyeing the equipment scattered across the floor, he picked up a bulletproof vest and retreated to his room to change. This material for the bulletproof vest was not only lightweight but also durable. Donning it wouldn't hinder one's movements; it covered not just the torso but also the limbs.
He couldn't afford to repeat past mistakes. He might not always be lucky enough; last time, he had the metal skull, and he might not be so lucky this time. Wearing a bulletproof vest would increase his chances of survival, even when enemies targeted his torso.
Back in the living room, Jonathan conducted a final equipment check: a K80 sniper rifle, a handgun, magazines, tactical knives, miniature bombs, an environmental scanner, a communicator, a locator, and night-vision goggles...
"What's this?" Jonathan inquired, pinching a button-sized black object.
"The headquarters has developed a new optical camouflage projector. It's still in the experimental phase, and I brought two back to try," Fox explained as he pressed the button. His entire body blended into the surroundings like a chameleon. However, the disguise wasn't as effective when he moved.
"Seems best suited for static camouflage," Jonathan remarked.
Tossing the button aside, Fox said, "I don't need it. I can turn my body into the transparent water."
Jonathan glanced at the map on his bracelet, "It's time for us to go."
He communicated with Rose before planning the move. Once Rose and Snake Python rendezvous, she will use the pretext of gathering data to lead him toward the port. Along the essential route to the harbor, Jonathan would lie in wait, ready to kill him.
Rose activated real-time tracking, allowing Jonathan to monitor her location and ascertain Snake Python's whereabouts.
Carrying a fully assembled rifle would be too conspicuous, so he slung a case containing the K80 components over his back and fastened magazines, knives, and a handgun around his waist while Fox carried the miscellaneous items.
Mask in place and voice modulator attached, Jonathan pulled his hood down and leaped from the third-floor balcony. Alongside Fox, he moved through the veil of night toward the predetermined ambush location.