The plane soared over the vast ocean, and when you looked down from the cabin window, the surface of the sea shimmered with a blinding glare. The roar of the engines was so loud that even the thick alloy walls couldn't block it out completely, constantly testing the nerves of the passengers. Especially on this rather dull flight, the endless howling noise was enough to drive anyone up the wall.
Charlie kept a straight face, scanning left and right with the corner of his eye. This flight was barely half full, and almost every passenger looked anxious. Their unnatural expressions and restless, twitching feet betrayed a deep sense of unease.
It’s a common sight these days. With the current state of international security, getting on a plane—especially an international one—feels like putting your head on the line for a game of disco roulette.
Charlie surveyed the scene and couldn’t help but furrow his brow. Honestly, even with all his experience, and all those times he bragged after a few drinks that he was still in his prime, going on an assignment in this day and age made even Charlie feel a bit jittery. With global terrorism running wild, if a few passengers suddenly whipped out weapons and tried to hijack the plane, even Charlie would find himself in a tight spot.
His fingers flexed, feeling oddly empty. Back in the day, every mission was a team effort, and his crew would always make sure he—and his big-caliber assault rifle—got out of the country with no hassle. But this time, flying solo, Charlie couldn’t shake the feeling of insecurity. Not having a gun within arm’s reach just felt wrong.
Man, those Chosen Ones’ storage spaces are just plain handy. If I ever get the chance, I’m definitely getting one for myself!
John Yang kept his cool on the outside, but inside he couldn’t help feeling tense, quietly steeling himself.
Seeing John Yang brace himself, Charlie felt an odd sense of relief, like he could finally breathe easy.
Charlie wanted to get in on some of John Yang’s meditation skills, so he asked, “John Yang, what are you reading?”
Charlie pointed ahead, staring at John Yang without saying a word. There was a tightly controlled inspection station, with staff tearing open every piece of luggage like a pack of wolves. There were dogs, too, but not the cute Shiba Inus—these were German Shepherds, tongues lolling out, looking fierce.
Charlie couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu—didn’t someone else do the same thing with a stack of travel guides on a trip to New Mexico not long ago? Still, something about this scene felt just a little off.
“It’s definitely smart to learn about the local scene, and our official cover story is that we’re just tourists. But travel guides…” Charlie pondered for a while, finally settling on the most diplomatic phrasing: “The info in those can be a bit outdated.”
“I checked the date—it was published just last month,” John Yang replied with mysterious confidence. “You can’t go wrong reading up before you head out. I don’t know much about Japan, honestly; my impression mostly comes from old movies in the countryside. If I didn’t look up the details, I wouldn’t even know you can’t bring fruit or meat into Japan—how would you know that without checking?”
John Yang pondered for a bit, then came up with an answer: “They’re probably on break…”
Out of respect for John Yang, Charlie let the comment swirl around in his mouth before swallowing it back down and staying silent.
But John Yang was just getting started, switching into full-on lecture mode.
John Yang, you’re still too naïve. Sure, that travel guide was published just a month ago, but while the place is the same, the world has totally changed.
Back in the Eternal Night Holdings Group headquarters’ family compound, there was tight security, a powerful Chosen Ones armed group, and solid financial backing. The folks there never felt any pressure. But out here, beyond all that protection, who really understands how regular people live in constant fear?
“So, how do they check? The travel tips didn’t mention it, but the secret’s hidden in the details—look here, this article says Osaka Airport keeps a few adorable Shiba Inu dogs.”
Faced with threats like this, those heavily armed security guards are really just psychological comfort. Everyone knows that if a Chosen One really goes rogue, the only thing those guards are good for is keeping them company in the afterlife.
"By the same logic, %￥￥##..."
Charlie stayed silent, his breath subtly rising and falling, and now there were two veins bulging on his forehead.
According to Eternal Night Holdings Group’s intel, after the London terror attack, the same warning signs started popping up in the UK as in China.
"The plane will soon be landing at Osaka Airport, Japan. Please gather your belongings."
Ever since the tragedy in Magic City, international flights have plummeted. In these stormy times, most people huddle in their nests like anxious little birds during a downpour. Only a rare few dare to brave the winds and waves—and honestly, you’d have to be nuts to do it. With the number of international travelers falling off a cliff, the scrutiny on these daredevils has reached an all-time high.
At 10:20 a.m., Yang Jin and Charlie joined the sparse crowd streaming off the jet bridge into Osaka Airport. Once a famous international hub, the airport was now eerily quiet, the announcements echoing through the cavernous halls, with a bleakness tinged by an air of menace. The security guards, decked out in full gear, were clearly equipped for urban warfare.
Yang Jin kept his cool on the outside, but inside he couldn’t help feeling tense, quietly steeling himself.
Seeing Yang Jin brace himself, Charlie felt an odd sense of relief, like he could finally breathe easy.
Me, I’m an expert in special ops. John Yang, when you’re out in the field, you—a teacher who couldn’t hurt a fly—should really listen to a pro like me!
Charlie pointed ahead, staring at Yang Jin without saying a word. There was a tightly controlled inspection station, with staff tearing open every piece of luggage like a pack of wolves. There were dogs, too, but not the cute Shiba Inus—these were German Shepherds, tongues lolling out, looking fierce.
A dozen or so SWAT-looking officers stood guard all around, their eyes hidden behind sunglasses, staring down everyone in line. If anything seemed off—like one of those German Shepherds whimpering—they’d flip the safety off their guns and be ready to shoot in an instant.
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After staring at Yang Jin for a long moment, Charlie finally asked, “Where’s the Shiba Inu?”
Yang Jin pondered for a bit, then came up with an answer: “They’re probably on break…”
That white-haired gal might be a handful, but at least she could handle herself. But you—John Yang—a regular schoolteacher—what can you handle? If anything goes wrong, it’ll be on me!
Before anyone could blink, John Yang’s suitcase was ripped open, and a mountain of packaged meat was suddenly on display for everyone. Security staff stared at the meat, SWAT officers stared at the meat, and the German Shepherds stared at the meat.
Old Yang, you’re still too naïve. Sure, that travel guide was published just a month ago, but while the place is the same, the world has totally changed.
Back in the Eternal Night headquarters’ family compound, there was tight security, a powerful Chosen Ones armed group, and solid financial backing. The folks there never felt any pressure. But out here, beyond all that protection, who really understands how regular people live in constant fear?
"Well..." John Yang smiled politely, a little embarrassed. "Just_for_Eating."
Faced with threats like this, those heavily armed security guards are really just psychological comfort. Everyone knows that if a Chosen One really goes rogue, the only thing those guards are good for is keeping them company in the afterlife.
In this day and age, regular folks really don’t feel safe at all.
Just like that, John Yang was cleared, and they didn’t even confiscate his meat.
According to Eternal Night’s intel, after the London terror attack, the same warning signs started popping up in the UK as in China.
Charlie was stunned. After passing through security, he hurried to catch up, still staring at John Yang in disbelief.
Shiba Inus greeting guests?
Not a chance.
These days, even the tiniest anomaly will set off alarms all across the country.
So, travel guides? Yeah, right!
Me, I’m an expert in special ops. Old Yang, when you’re out in the field, you—a teacher who couldn’t hurt a fly—should really listen to a pro like me!
“Don’t leave anything that could cause suspicion. So, get rid of all your food right now, and go through security squeaky clean.” Charlie’s voice was low and commanding. “Hurry up. If you don’t know how to handle it, let me do it—I’m the expert. We’ve got a little time, so let’s hang back in the line.”
John Yang snapped his travel guide shut, grinning with a clean, mysterious confidence. “Charlie, trust your big bro—you can’t go wrong.”
Three veins popped on Charlie’s forehead at once.
Who am I even working with on this mission?!
This maddening feeling is way too familiar!
That white-haired gal might be a handful, but at least she could handle herself. But you—a regular schoolteacher—what can you handle? If anything goes wrong, it’ll be on me!
Before anyone could blink, Yang Jin’s suitcase was ripped open, and a mountain of packaged meat was suddenly on display for everyone. Security staff stared at the meat, SWAT officers stared at the meat, and the German Shepherds stared at the meat.
Charlie’s muscles tensed up all over.
Is this assignment really going to get tripped up in such a ridiculous way?!
"Well..." Yang Jin smiled politely, a little embarrassed. "Just_for_Eating."
And then—
"OK, GO!" The security officer flipped through everything, found nothing special, and waved him on. "NEXT!"
Just like that, Professor Yang was cleared, and they didn’t even confiscate his meat.
What the heck?!
Charlie was stunned. After passing through security, he hurried to catch up, still staring at Yang Jin in disbelief.
Wait a second… Oh, I get it now! The whole anti-terror game has changed. They used to watch out for terrorists, but now it’s all about the Chosen Ones! So, they’re probably paying more attention to people who look out of place—like those traveling light, who don’t seem like real tourists at all.
But a middle-aged guy with a suitcase full of meat and instant noodles, who couldn’t hurt a fly?
That’s as normal and unremarkable as it gets.
If he’d actually tried to sneak off and ditch the meat, all those security cameras would’ve caught it—and then good luck explaining yourself.
Totally blew it, totally blew it—I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!
Was this just dumb luck, or… did he actually plan it all out?
Yang Jin snapped his travel guide shut, grinning with a clean, mysterious confidence. “Charlie, trust your big bro—you can’t go wrong.”