—Every individual is a book.
Ke Yiyi and Li Yuyi departed from the Worldly Affairs City Police Department. Although dusk had settled, numerous citizens still lingered around the station. For many who had once lived under Vega’s rule, this was their first encounter with Vega’s people in two decades.
Compared to twenty years prior, this iteration of Vega was markedly different…
Different uniforms, different equipment, and different faces greeted them. Scarcely any men were visible; women comprised the overwhelming majority.
Despite having heard Vega’s policy broadcast during the day, many still found themselves unable to believe the reality unfolding before their eyes as evening fell. They congregated to one side of the open space in front of the police station, posing a myriad of questions to Vega’s officers.
“Um… are you truly staying?”
“I was part of the ‘City Guard’… will I be arrested?”
“Those who surrendered… won’t be imprisoned, will they?”
Having been disconnected from Vega for twenty years, many remained skeptical of its policies, regardless of the propaganda department’s earnest efforts. They simply could not believe that Vega would pardon those who had surrendered to Xuanji Star during the World War, or even those who had joined Xuanji Star’s ‘City Guard’…
Xuanji Star had previously propagated similar narratives: that Vega would cast all who had surrendered to or served Xuanji Star into labor camps.
Yet, even with such fears, many were unwilling to depart. Some had family on Vega’s side, and crossing over to Xuanji Star would mean never seeing them again. Remaining here, even if it meant facing Vega’s punishment, at least offered the chance to reunite with loved ones.
Officers from the propaganda department, one after another, patiently explained Vega’s policies to the populace, each taking a turn with a megaphone before another seamlessly took over. Their voices rose and fell in continuous succession, creating a harmonious, unbroken flow rather than a cacophony.
Prior to the commencement of the takeover operation, Vega had issued an ‘Amnesty Order’. This decree stipulated that any citizen in the Great Promontory Region’s newly acquired territory who voluntarily joined Vega would not face repercussions for acts of surrender during the World War or Xuanji Star’s occupation. Ordinary personnel who had provided various services to Xuanji Star, including those who had participated in Xuanji Star’s ‘Town Guard,’ ‘Village Guard,’ ‘Security Patrols,’ or ‘Occupied Zone Government,’ were also exempt. Exceptions were made for cadres and leaders of these organizations, individuals who had joined Xuanji Star’s combat units and participated in hostilities or massacres against Vega, those who had actively aided Xuanji Star’s occupiers, and any intelligence operatives left behind by Xuanji Star.
This was not a special amnesty for the citizens of the Great Promontory Region, but rather a reiteration of the policy implemented for all citizens in recovered territories on the Cloud Mountain Peninsula after the World War.
Vega had suffered immense labor losses during the World War. Consequently, unless grave crimes were committed directly against Vega, most Vega citizens who had surrendered to Xuanji Star were declared innocent. Even captured soldiers were no exception, though officers typically underwent special scrutiny. Any officer who had voluntarily surrendered, such as Zhong Dengke, would be immediately arrested.
In truth, while Vega adhered to this principle in its screening process, many who had betrayed Vega still managed to evade punishment. Post-war Vega literature often featured villains depicted as such unpunished traitors.
‘—However, such occurrences were highly unlikely in the Great Promontory. After two decades, those who genuinely warranted arrest had already relocated to Xuanji Star before the territorial exchange, leaving behind only those eager to join Vega.’
Beyond the amnesty policy for citizens, other regulations were also in effect. For instance, all items connected to Xuanji Star had to be surrendered, particularly those with military or political connotations, such as weapons and propaganda materials.
Vega maintained a partial weapons control system. Citizens, under specific circumstances and within certain groups, were permitted to possess weapons, but all such possessions required rigorous registration and periodic verification. This measure primarily aimed to prevent organized civilian acquisition of weaponry from other academies, such as the Great Yan National Unity Party, which had ties to Xuanji Star.
As for why weapons were not entirely prohibited from civilian circulation, this was linked to Vega’s system. On one hand, citizens living in mountainous forests, engaged in activities like hunting or patrolling, would be vulnerable to wild beasts or monsters without weapons. On the other hand, Vega had inherited Qiming Star’s mobilization system, meaning all citizens underwent relevant military training during their eligible service period. While not necessarily combat training, instruction in weapon usage was always an indispensable component.
“Regarding weapon-related matters, citizens, please listen patiently. According to Vega’s current ‘Vega Academy of Sciences Weapon Management Regulations,’ all weapons with kinetic energy exceeding 17 J/cm² are classified as firearms. These must be surrendered to the police department’s ‘Custody Section.’ Subsequently, in accordance with the ‘Vega Academy of Sciences Weapon Management Regulations,’ firearms used for specific professions will be re-classified, re-issued, and relevant personnel will undergo re-evaluation and training. Furthermore, a ‘Firearm User Manual’ must be distributed to each individual firearm holder…”
An officer stood on the bed of a pickup truck, loudly expounding the police department’s current policies through a megaphone. She spoke without any notes, not even wearing an earpiece, delivering her address entirely off-script.
Beside her, a table was set up. Each surrendered weapon was disarmed by an officer at the table, its bullets removed, before being placed into a box.
Ke Yiyi halted, surprised to encounter that person here.
Li Yuyi followed Ke Yiyi’s gaze. The high-spirited officer, though female, displayed an enthusiasm that rivaled any man. Her resonant voice echoed far and wide, yet it wasn’t a mere shout. Could it be some form of ‘sonic ability’?
“You know them?”
“I met them years ago during a police academy social event. They’re from the Yggdrasil Police Academy—Yazuki Junko and Alexia.”
“After all these years, you still remember them so clearly.”
“Truly exceptional individuals always leave a lasting impression. Compared to them, I fall far short.”
Ke Yiyi resumed walking, shaking her head slightly.
“While at Yggdrasil Police Academy, Yazuki Junko simultaneously earned six professional police licenses. I recall they were for ‘Communications,’ ‘Assault,’ ‘Propaganda,’ ‘Records,’ and… ‘Vehicles’ and ‘Accounting.’ She was a true elite.”
Li Yuyi’s expression remained serene as he looked back at Yazuki Junko, who was still shouting from atop the vehicle. He could discern no outward characteristic that would immediately suggest ‘elite’ status—a testament to the saying that one should never judge a book by its cover.
Ke Yiyi pointed to the officer wearing a mask and disassembling weapons, then continued.
“And Alexia is even more impressive. She graduated from the Technical Department and was assigned to the Mirage City Police Department, specializing in the research and development of firearm automation and powered machinery for police equipment. The Vega Police Department only has Technical Departments in four cities in total…”
At this, Ke Yiyi suddenly fell silent. She glanced at Li Yuyi, then refrained from speaking further.
‘I got too carried away, talking like a tour guide. Li Yuyi must already know all this. Explaining it makes it sound like I’m showing off how amazing the police force is…’
‘That’s not good…’
“Which four cities?”
“Hm?”
Ke Yiyi was startled. Could Li Yuyi genuinely not know this?
Li Yuyi tilted his head towards the pickup truck and asked.
“Besides Mirage City, what are the other three?”
“Slat House City, Rainbow City, and Four Maidens in a Boat City.”
“I haven’t been to any of them. It seems my knowledge is limited.”
Li Yuyi shook his head with a helpless sigh, while Ke Yiyi gazed at him in mild surprise. It was the first time she had witnessed such a resigned expression on his face.
“Actually… I haven’t been to the latter two either. I did go to Slat House City once for some event.”
Ke Yiyi felt a pang of embarrassment, having spoken so much only to realize she hadn’t even visited most of the places herself.
As they were about to leave the open space in front of the building, she instinctively cast a glance back. While it was normal for police departments from various locations to send support, there seemed to be no logical reason for the Technical Department to be here. Why would Alexia be present?
Yet, the thought was fleeting. Perhaps Alexia was on some special assignment, much like herself…
****
Li Yuyi concealed the car, emblazoned with the Independent Observation Group’s livery, near a residential area not far from the police station. Parking it alongside the police vehicles would effectively deter theft.
Though it sounded preposterous, Li Yuyi acted on the principle of caution. No one knew how many ‘stragglers’ might be among the locals, and if the observation group’s car were stolen, it would be a major debacle.
However, the probability of such an incident was quite low. Vega had only just taken control of the area, and the populace remained somewhat distant from Vega. Even pedestrians made an effort to keep their distance from Vega’s police officers. While a large crowd gathered in front of the station, it represented only a small fraction compared to the local population.
Moreover, Vega police officers, upon seeing a vehicle with the Independent Observation Group’s markings, would likely keep an eye on it, certainly not ignoring it entirely.
Li Yuyi opened the car door and gestured for her to enter, prompting Ke Yiyi to shake her head.
“Why are you being so formal?”
“Because women deserve respect.”
“Equality between men and women, without exception.”
“In Vega, women hold up more than half the sky.”
Ke Yiyi said no more, understanding the implication of Li Yuyi’s words. Without further refusal, she climbed into the back seat.
“Officer Ke, I wish you pleasant dreams.”
“Oh? Aren’t you getting in?”
“I’m not tired yet. I’ll take a stroll around the vicinity.”
Li Yuyi gestured towards the residential area.
“I won’t go far.”
With twin blades strapped diagonally across his back, he gradually walked away.
Due to certain past events, Li Yuyi harbored a strong dislike for being alone with women in confined spaces. This aversion had nothing to do with their marital status; he simply preferred to avoid such situations, nothing more.
The sound of a car door opening and closing echoed from behind him, and Ke Yiyi, still carrying her blade, caught up.
“Officer Ke, you need to rest and take your medication on time.”
Li Yuyi paused, looking at Ke Yiyi, and gestured towards the driver’s seat.
“There’s water in there.”
“No, I’m not tired either. Let’s walk together!”
Though Ke Yiyi could be somewhat dull at times, she could discern Li Yuyi’s intentions. He was trying his best to keep his distance, avoiding any situation where they might be alone together.
Yet, Ke Yiyi found nothing amiss with this. They were merely colleagues, currently in a lull between executing a shared mission. Their joint presence was necessitated by the mission’s requirements, and she knew that if it weren’t for her, he would not have remained in Worldly Affairs City, but would have long since caught up with Lan Xifang and their group.
‘What right did I have to watch him wander outside while I comfortably rested in the car?’
“Officer Ke, your moments of poignant reflection are deeply moving, yet your stubbornness leaves one utterly helpless…”
Li Yuyi shook his head and led the way back to the car.
“If Officer Ke doesn’t mind, then let’s rest together!”
He paused, then turned back to add.
“What I mean is, I’ll take the front, and you the back. There’s no disrespectful implication intended.”
“I know.”
Ke Yiyi nodded. In truth, she had felt a flicker of awkwardness when Li Yuyi spoke, but it quickly vanished. It was precisely because she was not adept at social interactions that she had initially chosen the detective branch.
‘She had simply thought too simplistically back then.’
In Vega, the profession of a police officer was inherently intertwined with human interaction…
Whether professional, auxiliary, or volunteer police…
It was always so, without exception.