Don't Mind Me

157 Don't Mind Me

High walls surrounded H.A.R.M.'s Recruitment Division compound on all sides, isolating it completely from the outside world—even from the rest of H.A.R.M.

This isolation allowed new recruits to forget Seattle's prosperity and dedicate themselves fully to training.

Most martial artists wouldn't even dare to dream of reaching the First Realm within ten years.

But with the abundant resources and rigorous training of H.A.R.M., First Realm martial artists emerged from within these walls as rapidly as bamboo shoots after spring rain, one after another, continuously. Many achieved this milestone in less than five years.

The entrance stood unguarded—there was no need. The trainers pushed new recruits to their physical limits daily, ensuring none had the energy to attempt leaving the compound.

Under Jade Rivers's guidance, I slowly stepped into this land filled with the smell of sweat.

Had I not broken through to the First Realm back then, I would likely be one of them now.

The dark night was thick, and in the distance were densely packed, cramped houses, flickering with dim lights that formed an unbroken line extending to the horizon.

"These are all single-family houses." Jade seemed very satisfied with this environment. Compared to their home in Pinewood County, her brother's current residence offered much more space.

As a family member, she too had been assigned separate living quarters nearby.

"Not bad," I said with a casual nod.

While strict with new recruits, they didn't force them to sleep in crowded barracks. These weren't soldiers, after all—they would become independent agents in black uniforms. Once they earned merit and added stars to their cuffs, they'd receive excellent treatment.

The backyard of these houses was merely a narrow space between buildings, wide enough for only five people to stand side by side.

In the yard stood the small stove Jade had mentioned. A clay pot bubbled atop it, sending the aroma of meat wafting through the air.

Two men, who were obviously much stronger than before, were dressed in sleeveless vests and squatted on the ground, staring at the clay pot.

Michael Wright swallowed his saliva. "Luckily your sister is here. What the hell are we eating every day?"

Wade Rivers gently fanned the fire and smiled. "What are we eating? Elixirs and nutritional food we never even dared to dream about before we came here."

H.A.R.M. provided plenty of quality food—medicinal herbs and meat—but after three months of the same meals, even nutritious food became tiresome. The organization simply hadn't bothered to add variety to their bland menu.

Suddenly, a silvery voice called out from behind them. "Brother!"

Michael Wright instinctively shielded the clay pot with his body while raising his arm to protect the back of his head.

Wade turned around and his hand, which had been waving the fan, gradually came to a stop as surprise spread across his face.

Then he leapt to his feet excitedly. "Sergeant Kane!"

Although only three months had passed since we parted ways in Seattle, the unfamiliar environment and intense training made it feel like a lifetime ago.

He carefully examined the young man's black uniform and was pleasantly surprised. "You're already wearing H.A.R.M. uniform."

Though his cuffs bear no stars yet, given Sergeant Kane's strength, earning them is inevitable.

"How have you guys been? Make some room." I squatted down in front of the clay pot, not bothering to explain to this kid the difference between an agent's uniform and a personal attendant colonel's one.

"Sergeant Kane." Michael Wright hurriedly moved aside, still shielding his head with his arm. Though clearly traumatized by the sight of H.A.R.M. uniform, he managed a genuine, warm smile—proud to see his fellow villager.

Even in Seattle, the sergeant of Pinewood County Police was not someone to be trifled with.

Jade Rivers quietly retrieved three sets of bowls and spoons from the room and distributed them to everyone. "Shh, don't let the agent discover us."

"Heh, I'll eat this in my room." Michael Wright quickly served me the beef stew, just like he used to during our lunches at the police station cafeteria.

I took the bowl and gazed at the simmering deep-red broth, laden with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions.

Though it could have used more time to stew, the meat was tender and the vegetables had softened to a perfect consistency, soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth.

I couldn't tell whether I was craving the tender beef or if the comforting sense of normalcy in this world simply gave me an appetite.

"Ha! Caught you red-handed again!"

With a shout, an agent in a star-patterned black uniform strode in, brandishing a baton. "I told you that family members aren't allowed here," he said with a mix of anger and amusement. "Do you want to be kicked out again?"

Michael slammed the door and ducked inside, gulping down the scalding beef broth.

Wade turned around sheepishly. "Agent Liu... just this once..."

"Don't think your natural talent gives you a free pass to do whatever you want." Agent Liu rolled his eyes, though without real anger. "You've already wasted enough years. Focus on breaking through to the First Realm within two or three years—wouldn't you rather graduate early?"

Then he turned to me and asked, "And you, which class are you from..."

He raised his baton and pointed it at me. Suddenly, his whole body began to tremble.

This fair-faced young man sat quietly on the ground, holding a bowl of stew… Though his dark blue eyes had softened somewhat, they still reminded Agent Liu of the imposing figure he'd seen sitting outside the Kongo Shintai Temple.

"Y-y-you, I-I-I..." He hastily hid the baton behind his back.

"Don't mind me." I said with a slight nod.

I'm only here for a meal. I don't want to disrupt anyone's routine.

Agent Liu's strange expression clearly bewildered the siblings. Fortunately, after a single sentence from Sergeant Kane, the agent hastily retreated from the courtyard, fear still visible in his manner. "Enjoy your meal, sir."

Wade was stunned, then quietly squatted back down. "..."

As he had told Butcher Garcia before, there was no need to be surprised by anything Sergeant Kane did. People like him naturally commanded everyone's respect.

In such a short time, even H.A.R.M. agents had become deferential toward him. While Wade was still focused on his training, it seemed Sergeant Kane had accomplished many more remarkable feats.

"Sergeant, is it dangerous being a H.A.R.M. agent?" Wade asked curiously.

"I'm not sure, I haven't been one for long. But it's always good to be careful." It was the truth—I'd only completed one mission before being promoted to captain.

I waited for the beef stew to cool before taking a gulp. The warmth spread through my stomach, and my earlier melancholy melted away into contentment.

Beyond slaying vampires and eliminating evil, I found myself drawn to the simple life of ordinary people.

"Agent Liu said I have natural talent and will soon break through to the First Realm." Wade announced excitedly.

Then he eagerly shared his recent experiences—which police officers from various counties had broken through to the skin refinement stage and earned rewards from their agents, and which newcomers had been caught slacking off and received whippings as punishment.

I held the bowl, savoring each bite of beef while offering brief responses to his stories.

Jade Rivers sat quietly beside us, listening. As night deepened, she rose, tidied a room, gathered the wolf-emblazoned cloak, and bid us goodnight.

After escorting his sister to her residence, Wade turned back. "I overheard some agents talking. They mentioned Cascadia has become unstable lately. Sergeant Kane, please be careful."

"Alright, I'll stay here for the next few days. I won't be going anywhere." I said with a lazy stretch.

"Okay." Wade carried the clay pot and bowls inside to wash them. The house had a kitchen, though it lacked a hot stove.

He didn't question why Sergeant Kane chose to rest here instead of staying in the agent's quarters.

Kane had once casually tossed him a large bundle of cash, yet couldn't share with him some takeout food. Wade had grown accustomed to these peculiarities.