Once she released her magic power, Lila Nestor became the dominator of the sensory world. Describing it with the logic of technology, her magic power was like countless nanobots spreading through the air, clinging to the target and feeding back the most intricate data in real-time.
In the past, Lila had to process this information with the brain of a Witch, but now it was done through the coordination and analysis of the consciousness chip and the Sky Crane robot’s processor, achieving higher efficiency.
Lila began tailing her target from the back alley of an arms dealer, watching as Huang Feng left the shop under the escort of accompanying personnel, moving toward Highland 26. Huang Feng was still wearing a veil, with a duckbill cap covering her messy hair. Her fashion sense was quite bizarre—a short black down jacket paired with a white T-shirt bearing a large skull print, and reflective pink plastic pants that were rather conspicuous, like a pair of walking lollipops in the dark.
Humming cheerfully and hopping around, Huang Feng made her way as the female companion, donning a Black Fire Security uniform, escorted her coldly. At the same time, she brandished weapons against the numerous hostile gazes around them to prevent any disturbances.
The streets of Highland 26 were chaotic. At the moment, the large screens used to simulate the sky had shifted to a gloomy dusk. Stamp vendors squatted at the corner, members of the Gang gathered in small groups, and street ronin with cybernetic surgeries wielded long swords, looking ferocious. Ordinary citizens had to stick close to the patrolling corporate security forces to avoid threats and violations. However, the security personnel would also drive away the citizens or forcibly collect fees, refusing to provide free protection. Smartly dressed corporate people traveled by shuttle machines, hovering above the Ground and keeping away from the countless potential dangers below.
They arrived at the entrance of a bar called "Sunrise," and at Huang Feng’s request, the accompanying personnel only stood watch outside Sunrise Bar without entering with her, giving Huang Feng a certain degree of freedom to move around.
Which gave Lila the opportunity she needed.
Killing Huang Feng, subduing and capturing her, or crippling her to diminish her influence on the next phase of the plan were all within the range of outcomes Lila was willing to accept.
She hung the Cassandro Comet on her belt and entered "Sunrise" Bar, where the inside was dimly lit, with pink and deep purple lights intertwining and flickering, casting elusive shadows.
Special service robots, Electronic Courtesans, and bioengineered geishas frolicked with customers in the private booths, emitting seductive sounds, the air heavy with the scent of liquor. Too much chaos and secrecy were hidden here. A shape-shifting performing Witch stood on the huge stage while crazy Dancing Girls shook their bodies beside her, eliciting cheers from the audience.
Lila soon found Huang Feng, who was drinking at the bar, tripping on stamps, and chatting merrily with robots. She seemed to have a high tolerance, not falling into a stupor despite consuming drugs, or perhaps her behavior was always so outrageous that it was difficult to tell the difference.
Lila captured the details reflected by Huang Feng’s signs. The target had been taking sedatives for a long time, resulting in irreversible nerve damage and slow reactions.
Most importantly, Huang Feng was carrying a Restrictor, a nearly transparent, dark golden short spear that was stabbed in her back—likely a special method employed by Black Fire Innovation to limit magic power. Under these conditions, it was exceedingly difficult for Huang Feng to use her magic.
She would be easy to kill, but one had to be careful of the bomb collar. Lila noticed the miniature bomb attached to Huang Feng’s neck, which was very difficult to disarm. If it were to explode under certain conditions, Lila would not be able to escape unscathed.
Further testing was needed.
She sat down beside Huang Feng, silently paying attention to her actions.
Huang Feng immediately turned her head, observing Lila, who could not be clearly seen through her visor and metallic motorcycle helmet. However, Huang Feng felt certain Lila must be a beauty; she had a strong ability to discern attractive women.
"Get her a drink," Huang Feng’s voice was hoarse, speaking to a waiter-type eyeball robot, which turned and stretched out its mechanical arm, taking a bottle of green-packaged tequila from the cabinet and pouring a shot in front of Lila.
"What’s this?" Lila, having never anticipated the other party would offer her a drink, lifted her helmet visor slightly and downed the shot.
Being a cyborg, she could drink without issue. Huang Feng wasn’t carrying any weapons, nor were there abnormal magical fluctuations; there was no threat.
"Your voice is really nice," Huang Feng supported her chin with one hand.
Through the veil, Lila saw Huang Feng’s flirtatious smile, her cheeks rosy, golden short hair, light blue eyes, and a somewhat round face.
"What do you want?" Lila couldn’t believe Huang Feng would say something .
"Smoke?" Huang Feng took out a box of Locke Brand Cigarettes from her pocket, which were popular in the Taixi Continent. Lila had occasionally smoked them in the past and felt nostalgic seeing the familiar brand.
Lila took a cigarette and performed the act of smoking. Huang Feng lit her lighter, helping Lila with the cigarette.
"From the Taixi Continent?" Lila deduced from Huang Feng’s appearance.
"A long time ago," Huang Feng lit a cigarette for herself, "now I drift from place to place, Xia, Taiya, Northern Archipelago. You too?"
"Yeah," Lila captured the scent of the cigarette in the air, enjoying its aroma in a different way, treating it as her own indulgence.
"Could I get your number? For future contact," Huang Feng took out her phone.
"There’s a really good hotel nearby,"
"I already have a lover," Lila heightened her alertness.
"Why so serious?" Huang Feng smiled, "How about a quickie?"