Chapter 8 Not a Single Good One

Chapter 8: Not a Single Good One

The waiter only glanced at the badge, and his expression changed slightly.

"Please wait a moment," he said with a polite smile, stepping aside to say something into his earpiece.

A moment later, a large-built sentinel in black emerged from a side door and nodded slightly to Fang Ran.

Although the sentinel had the lower half of his face covered, Fang Ran recognized his build and the scar on his forehead and quickly followed him.

The two entered the restaurant's kitchen through the side door.

Heat and aromas wafted over them.

The space was cramped, the walls soot-stained. Fang Ran took one glance and averted his eyes.

The people in the kitchen were indifferent, barely looking up before returning to their work, as if unbothered by their sudden arrival.

Fang Ran followed the sentinel to the restaurant's freezer, where he watched him activate a mechanism on the wall.

A hatch instantly slid open, revealing a hidden elevator entrance.

The two entered the elevator one after the other.

The sentinel was burly; he stood in front of Fang Ran, blocking nearly all light.

Only after the elevator doors closed completely did Fang Ran ask, "Brother Heifeng, how have you been lately?"

Heifeng kept looking straight ahead without looking at him.

"Not bad."

From the sentinel's tone, Fang Ran could tell he was in a good mood.

Heifeng was a strength-type Sentinel, with astonishing explosive combat strength, which explained his exceptionally developed muscles.

Fang Ran could tell from the lines of his body that the Sentinel had likely been promoted in rank recently.

The elevator began to descend.

The speed was so fast that Fang Ran jolted slightly, and clamor began to rush in through the gaps in the elevator.

"This place is as lively as ever."

Fang Ran wanted to chat a bit more with Heifeng, but the elevator doors opened.

Loud music mixed with applause and cheers flooded Fang Ran's ears, making his eardrums pulse.

The center of the underground level was a huge circular stage, and many people had already taken their seats in the audience, though most wore masks, making it impossible to see their faces.

Performers on and off the stage wore revealing outfits and performed energetically, while the audience reacted intensely, creating an electric atmosphere.

Fang Ran felt the entire hall vibrating with the music and cheers. The psychedelic lights and piercing music made him instinctively slow his steps.

Debauchery and extravagance.

The irony wasn't lost on him that such a place could exist in a post-apocalyptic world.

The Sentinel tilted his head, gestured for him to hurry. "The auction is about to start. Follow me first."

The two wound through a passage behind the stage, turned a corner, and finally stopped in front of a room.

Heifeng entered the password for Fang Ran and said, "She's inside." Then he turned and walked back toward the hall.

The door automatically unlocked, and with a gentle push from Fang Ran, it opened.

The room was dimly lit, cluttered with a pile of miscellaneous items and two office desks.

A female Sentinel in tight combat gear was writing something at one of the desks.

She had long, wavy hair and a strikingly bold beauty. When she saw Fang Ran enter, she looked up and gave him a smile.

"Fang Ran, long time no see."

Fang Ran took off his mask and greeted her, "Hello, Sister Wanqing."

Wanqing and the Sentinel Heifeng were a married couple, both unregistered Free Sentinels.

After Fang Ran fell into the sea, they were the ones who pulled him out.

Because they had unregistered status, the couple left after taking Fang Ran to the hospital.

By chance, the three met again, at a time when both Wanqing and Heifeng were severely injured.

Fang Ran was not from this world. In his eyes, there was no difference between official Sentinels and Free Sentinels. Somewhat recklessly, he saved the two and performed Purify on them.

Through their interactions, the three became friends. It was only later that Fang Ran learned these two commanded their own faction.

Wanqing stood up, gave Fang Ran a once-over, and teased, "My, my, our Guide Fang Ran is looking handsomer every time I see you."

Fang Ran smiled, not minding her teasing. "How could I compare to Sister Wanqing?"

"Well," Wanqing tossed her hair, giving a charming smile, "you're also getting better with words."

The two chatted for a while, and Wanqing finally asked about his reason for coming.

"What brings you to me today?"

Fang Ran hesitated for a moment but still took out the list and handed it to her. "Sister Wanqing, I need these drugs."

"Hmm?" Wanqing took the list and scrutinized it. Just as Fang Ran had expected, her expression grew increasingly puzzled.

"Aren’t these drugs also used by your Sentinel and Guide Center?"

Fang Ran averted his gaze guiltily.

"The Center has tight controls on these kinds of medications."

The first three items on the list were indeed used by the Center.

Some Sentinels could never find a Guide with a high enough compatibility rating and could only rely on medication to alleviate the pain of being unable to receive Purification.

However, injections were administered under complete monitoring, with every dose registered and supervised. Trying to obtain the drugs directly from the Center was not a wise choice and would raise unnecessary suspicions.

Seeing Fang Ran’s evasive attitude, Wanqing knew he didn’t want to say too much, but she couldn’t help asking, "The last item—isn’t this a not-yet-released new drug from Hua Yan?"

She arched an eyebrow. "What do you need this for? Even if it can be obtained, it won't come cheap."

Fang Ran remained silent for several seconds.

He understood this well.

Although this newly developed suppressant-soothing drug was developed to enhance the Purification effect for sentinels, it was the closest thing to an Omega inhibitor he could find.

Fang Ran now had a mindset of treating a dead horse like it's still alive.

Better to have several options ready—just in case they might work.

"Sister Wanqing, I need it," he said, his voice growing softer.

Wanqing stared at him for a moment but didn’t press him further. In this apocalyptic world, everyone had their struggles, and she wasn’t the type to dig too deep.

"I can get someone to help you get the medication, but you need to be prepared for the price."

"Still, these are all drugs for sentinels..." She seemed to suddenly remember something. "I heard you matched with Fu Zhangzhou? Is this related to him?"

Wanqing looked incredulous. "At his rank/level, does he really need you to get medicine for him?"

Fang Ran was stunned, surprised by how well-connected she was to have even heard about that.

"No! I’ve only performed Purification on him once or twice," he quickly denied. "There’s nothing between us."

"Oh?"

Wanqing clearly didn’t believe him and said earnestly:

"People like him are too dangerous. Keep your distance if you can. A sentinel that powerful can't be normal." Then she laughed. "Then again, what sentinel is normal?"

"And I’ve heard Fu Zhangzhou has some complicated connection with Hua Yan Pharmaceutical..."

Knock, knock, knock. Knocking at the door interrupted Wanqing. Heifeng opened it and leaned in.

"The auction is about to start."

Wanqing answered him and said regretfully to Fang Ran, "I have to go host the auction. No time to chat today."

Fang Ran shook his head. "It’s fine, go ahead."

Before leaving, Wanqing quickly added:

"Just be careful, no matter what."

"Sentinels are no good."