Otherworld Bone Dragon Operation Guide

Chapter 121 The Little Troublemaker Fully Exposed
"I've learned something from what you said." Su Ming rubbed his forehead. The White Triangle was becoming increasingly powerful, and he needed to keep up in terms of vision and strategy. "But don't apply double standards. What about your plan to use the discarded materials from the dimensional transfer to trick Charles?"

“That’s different,” Violet said matter-of-factly. “I didn’t steal or rob; at most, it was a business battle. If Charles got ripped off, it’s because he was too greedy and not as skilled as his opponent!”

Su Ming understood, "Did Charles offend you?"

Zijin shook her head. "No, but I hate him. I inexplicably hated him the moment I saw him."

That's a bit strange, as Violet is quite reasonable when it comes to hating people. She'll definitely seek revenge, but she doesn't go looking for trouble for no reason.

But that's not important; you have to deal with the trouble that's going to happen. Being too docile is a disadvantage in business; it makes people doubt your ability to fulfill contracts.

****
The complex strategic maneuvering left Su Ming exhausted. He shook his head and began discussing the next steps for the White Triangle with Zi Jin.

In a communication sent by the federation, it was requested that the White Triangle continue its search and hunting of the sea monster in the relevant waters.

They have no chance of complying with this request.

"We can't waste time here. The sea monster is definitely not in the same place anymore," Su Ming said. "We need to finish this quickly; there's a lot more to do afterward."

“Yes, let’s go straight to the source,” Violet said. The origin of the numbers on the sea monster was what they were concerned about.

With sea routes now open, the pirates were either killed or fled; they had done enough for the trade routes between China and the West.

"Any news from Xiwo?" Su Ming asked.

After the old elf Sivor left, he arranged for people to investigate the flow of magical materials related to zombies, and they achieved results.

Zijin unfolded Xiwo's communication records. "Grandpa Xiwo said he found several suspicious material purchases, all destined for Lingdao Island."

Su Ming pulled up the nautical chart and saw that Ling Island was located on the Tropic of Cancer in the Southern Hemisphere. Its main island was a long and narrow giant island with an area of ​​about two million square kilometers, running north-south, surrounded by a large number of smaller islands.

This is the settlement of orcs in this world, and also the origin of Yesia.

"It seems there's no mistake," Su Ming said.

Raising zombie sea monsters is a huge undertaking that requires continuous and frequent operations, so the base can only be located on a suitable island.

“Then let’s take a walk around Ling Island first,” he suggested, as the small islands surrounding Ling Island were the most likely locations.

“It’s not that simple.” Zijin pointed to the nautical chart. “Storms are very frequent around Ling Island, especially this season, with one every three to five days. Moreover, the seabed there is shallow and full of reefs, making it very easy for accidents to happen.”

Su Ming was a little confused, "How did the orcs deal with it on their own?"

“We’ll take the land route,” Violet explained. “The orcs’ trading port is at the northernmost tip of Ling Island, and supplies are transported to the main island from there. They can use small boats to transport supplies to the island from the closest point to the zombie base, taking advantage of good weather.”

"But we can't, the boat can't go ashore."

Once they leave the White Triangle, Violet's strength will be greatly reduced, and all their weapons and supplies are still on the ship.

"Is there a way to enter the Storm Sea, Su Ming?" Zi Jin asked.

After thinking for a moment, Su Ming replied, "There is indeed a solution to the storm problem. I have already installed weather radar in the past few days, which can monitor atmospheric movement within a range of 500 kilometers."

Zijin opened her mouth wide in surprise and covered it with her hand. "Five hundred kilometers? Is this a divine artifact?!"

“The electromagnetic environment here is excellent, allowing Earth’s electronic devices to perform exceptionally well,” Su Ming explained. “As for the reefs, towed sonar can detect them in advance. However, just to be on the safe side, I will also install a fixed obstacle avoidance sonar on the ship.”

"Double protection, not bad."

Su suddenly remembered something, "When will Siwo be able to come back?"

"In about a year, Grandpa Siwo will be preparing to return to Crescent Forest."

Su Ming asked in astonishment, "Is he seriously injured?"

Zijin looked up at Su Ming and said, "No, his injuries are almost healed. He's been out here for more than three months, it's time for him to go back and rest."

Su Ming looked at the girl with a puzzled expression.

"Didn't I tell you already?" Violet shrugged. "That's how it is with immortal beings. They can be active for a while, but then they need to find a place to stay for a long time."

"Is that so?" Su Ming was very surprised. He had thought that immortal beings simply slept longer each day. During his time on the ship, Siwo had also been wondering why this old elf's daily routine was no different from that of ordinary humans.

“Grandpa Siwo is quite old. If we keep him waiting for too long, his emotions will become unstable, he will become lethargic, and he will lose his appetite,” Violet explained, “until he breaks down.”

Su Ming finally understood. He looked at the scholar, "You shouldn't be like that now, right?"

“Of course not.” Violet glanced at him, then sighed, “Compared to before, I can now use up a year’s worth of emotional points in a single day—I’m always worried that I might be acting strangely.”

“No, it’s fine,” Su Ming said. “I don’t feel there’s anything wrong with it.”

"Really?" The girl looked at herself. "Is there anything about me that you dislike?"

"If so, I will communicate with you properly."

"Thanks then."
-
Su Ming connected with Miao Xin.

Miao Xin has completed the task assigned last time. Ghost found a large number of mechanical water pressure gauges in the basement of an unfinished building in the warehouse of an instrument manufacturer.

Su Ming completed the teleportation without much effort.

Instead of leaving immediately, he manipulated the little troublemaker to climb to the roof of the unfinished building and casually found a place to sit down.

Sunny day, light breeze.

This is the edge of Haiphong, Vietnam, where the skyline is filled with rigid building lines. Most of them are vertical, lacking variation and dynamism. Irregularly shaped lanes are crammed with hurried traffic. Further away, along the port, a sparse row of container cranes stands diligently, working tirelessly.

This city lacks depth and historical accumulation, but it also possesses a beauty that is waiting to be developed.

"Miao Xin, should we contact the police?" Su Ming suddenly asked.

There are currently no items that urgently need to be obtained, but it's time to discuss this long-standing issue.

Su Ming had planned to proactively contact the police, recounting details of the case to prove his identity. He would then escalate the communication as much as possible before narrating the fantastical otherworldly part of the story. The little troublemaker's performance and structural characteristics, far exceeding those of a robot, should be quite convincing.

This would allow them to cancel the warrant and gain unimpeded access to assistance from large industrial nations.

"Master?" Miao Xin's question came through the phone. "Are you asking such a complicated question to an amnesiac spirit?"

"You never had amnesia from the beginning, did you?" Su Ming said calmly.

Miao Xin's soul flame trembled slightly. [...When did you discover this?]

[When you use the power of vengeful spirits.]

Back at Everett Naval Base, the troublemaker was attacked from multiple directions by drone gun emplacements and snipers. Miao Xin awakened some kind of power and deflected most of the bullets.

These powers did not originate from Su Ming's magic, but rather from the characteristics of vengeful spirits. Su Ming only gradually discovered the problem as he gained a deeper understanding of necromancy.

"Can't this be explained as the instinct of vengeful spirits?" Miao Xin asked, somewhat unwilling.

Su Ming shook his head. "Without memories, how could there be resentment?" Miao Xin paused for a moment before organizing her thoughts to explain. "I'm sorry. Suddenly going from life to death, waking up in a daze only to become a puppet, pretending to have amnesia was just my way of telling myself—"

Miao Xin had initially wanted to suggest protection, but then realized it wouldn't actually offer any real protection. [It's more of a self-comforting thought. Did I interfere with your mission?]

I know I didn't mean to blame you.

Miao Xin breathed a sigh of relief. She chose to return to the original topic, "...Regarding what you said about the police, my perspective is fear. You are human, but I am not."

This is understandable; Su Ming can get what he wants from the relevant departments. However, as a ghost, Miao Xin can probably only be considered a tool and a research subject.

"However, this isn't something we can avoid by being afraid." Before Su Ming could speak, Miao Xin continued, "Things always have to move forward, and we can't stay away from going back forever. My suggestion is to go see my father first; he should be able to give some professional advice."

Now that they've stepped into the light, there's no point in hiding it from Miao Xin's family, and that includes Su Ming's own side as well.

Su Ming nodded, but he remained puzzled by one point: "Your father's professional advice?"

"I don't really know his specific profession," Miao Xin replied. "But he's quite knowledgeable about these things. Although he hasn't worked since the car accident last year."

Su Ming considered it carefully and felt it wasn't a mistake. As the deceased's closest relative, he should be the one to accept the situation the fastest. At the very least, Miao Xin's father could act as a bridge between the police and the deceased.

"How's your father's injury?" Su Ming asked casually. "And your mother?"

Miao Xin's soul fire suddenly leaped up, and the mark of the dead began to tremble. The surrounding air stagnated, and a dark power appeared out of thin air.

Is this the power of vengeful spirits?
"Are you alright, Miao Xin?" Su Ming called out.

The ghostly girl steadied herself, and her soul fire quickly returned to stillness. "I'm sorry... my mother was also in that car accident. She died instantly."

I should apologize for bringing up something that upset you.

Is the power of the vengeful spirit related to Miao Xin's emotions? Su Ming pondered.

****
Someone approached from downstairs, but Su Ming didn't pay much attention at first. Although it was an industrial park that had been shut down, there were still some scattered construction works being carried out.

But the person kept getting closer and closer, until he was almost at the top floor.

"Let's go," Miao Xin suggested, wanting to leave before the other person came up.

Su Ming shook his head. "No need."

Looking down, several vehicles transporting construction waste are entering the site.

Outside the compound wall, two armored vehicles happened to pass by. On the other side, power emergency repair vehicles also began operations. Behind them, ambulances and fire trucks appeared like a flash mob.

What a coincidence!
"Good morning!" came the voice, a familiar and fluent Mandarin. Su Ming turned around and saw a woman in business attire. She didn't approach rashly, but stood at the top of the stairs where there was no railing, and nodded to Su Ming.

In my psionic vision, the opponent was not carrying any weapons except for the headset.

Without needing to ask, Su Ming was certain that this was not a Vietnamese person.

He didn't know how the other person found him. He hadn't turned on his old phone for days, hadn't made any calls, and hadn't shopped online. He was using a brand new phone connected to Wi-Fi to search for information, and he had deliberately chosen a hiding place in an area with virtually no security cameras.

This is especially true in Vietnam, where infrastructure in various aspects is far behind.

But none of that matters anymore. The power of the state apparatus inspires awe in individuals.

Su Ming, who had been anxious and worried about what would happen, breathed a sigh of relief as the moment approached. After all, it seemed that the other party was prepared to have a proper exchange.

The precautionary measures being taken on the perimeter are understandable and normal.

"Hello, are you a negotiation expert from the police?" Su Ming asked.

A hint of joy flashed across the woman's face; communication was going smoothly! She nodded, "You can call me Ling Wen."

Actually, no. The full name of her company on her business card is "Pacific Rim Insurance Claims LLC", International Services Department, Customer Service Manager.

From the second day after the case was filed, the matter went beyond its scope. And much earlier than today, the claims team had caught the target by the skin of their teeth.

The reason I've always been cautious in keeping my distance from the observer is simply because I've found that conventional behavior patterns are ineffective in restricting the opponent.

The criminal investigation team that acted too quickly set a good example for everyone, even at the cost of giving all its members a severe dressing-down and having three months' bonuses deducted.

Of course, there's another very important reason. The claims team had persevered for many days and finally found a suitable area, far from residential areas, where they could fully focus their efforts!
****
A few blocks away, a command vehicle was parked with its white exterior bearing the words "Pacific Rim Insurance Claims." Upon closer inspection, a "No" had been written before "Insurance," and "Claims" had been crossed out with double horizontal lines, circled, and rewritten as "Debt Collection." A somewhat perfunctory Vietnamese flag was also affixed to the front of the vehicle.

Inside the command vehicle, a large amount of equipment was in operation, and more than a dozen staff members were nervously monitoring everything around them.

[Sniper team three is in position; visibility is good.]
[The armored assault team is in position.]
[The artillery position is ready.]
[The laser interception system is functioning normally; drones within a 20-kilometer radius have been cleared.]
On the radio channel, the various groups reported the situation in an orderly manner.

"All units, stand by on the perimeter and await instructions," the on-site commander ordered. "Attack helicopters, conceal yourselves behind buildings and do not enter our field of vision!"

If the target can be communicated effectively, the first step can be taken smoothly. Therefore, as a last resort, it is best not to activate it if possible.

So far, in particular, the other side has not committed any acts of destruction against humanity that go beyond the bounds—the damage to the lighthouse doesn't count, but smashing the other side is a bonus.

In total, the damage amounted to only 30 million yuan. The vast majority of this was caused by the train tampering with the high-speed rail. According to regulations, this level of damage requires not only a complete overhaul of the train itself, but also a thorough investigation of the entire line to identify and address any potential hazards.

The lines it frequents most often are where the rolling stock depot and track maintenance depot are constantly cursing.

But money was the least noteworthy aspect of the whole incident. The claims team even made special arrangements, advancing the payments to the affected companies.

“Mr. Transmigrator.” On the rooftop, Ling Wen carefully chose her words. “We have quite a few questions we’d like to ask. Also, we’ve noticed that you have a great interest in various devices from Earth. We can provide those directly, so you don’t need to go through the trouble of collecting them from all over.”

"Traveler?"

A sudden thought flashed through Su Ming's mind: these people thought he was Galio who had traveled from another world!

But upon closer examination, this actually makes sense! A car's onboard camera, or even road surveillance, might have captured Galio traversing the wormhole and summoning a bone prison to confront the heavy truck. Such an outsider, clearly fitting the characteristics of a "necromancer," controlling a skeleton to roam this world is the conclusion investigators should reach.

As for Su Ming, a machine shop worker, it's not surprising that he was completely obliterated in the collision and the massive natural gas explosion. The transmigrator must have read Su Ming's memories to visit his dormitory. They even attempted to impersonate him and infiltrate human society.

"Miss Lingwen, please wait a moment." Su Ming gestured for her to stop. He shook his head, starting to think about where to begin explaining this completely off-topic situation.

If I had to say, his story is even more outrageous than "Galio travels to Earth and wanders around," right?
****
On the command vehicle.

Another team reported: [Clear ultraviolet cross-image, successfully captured the 'ghost' target.]
The apparent target is the skeleton warrior composed of Miao Xin's bones, controlled by the transmigrator. However, in the high-energy ray camera's field of vision, a ghostly object can be seen.

This ghost is believed to be the true form of the time traveler, which is why the task force remained cautious and did not take action on several occasions.

Faced with this unknown entity, the research department has done its best to develop weapons that can theoretically target it, but whether they will actually be effective is really hard to say.

[The surrounding area is normal; there are no unauthorized personnel within a ten-kilometer radius.]
[Stay alert!] the commander replied.

The "time traveler" has turned the United States upside down, and it cannot be ruled out that the CIA has already infiltrated the country, so we must be on high alert at all times.

If it weren't for that complicated interception operation at a certain international cargo airport, the other party would never have been allowed to leave, the commander thought to himself with resentment.

The phone rang urgently. The commander answered it, and his expression changed drastically upon hearing the call.

(End of this chapter)