Chapter 659: Chapter 488: Probationary Investigator_1 Chapter 659: Chapter 488: Probationary Investigator_1 In this world, there is such a group of people. They are scattered across the globe, with various identities, from gangsters, swindlers, journalists, thugs to students, professors, archaeologists, businessmen, tycoons, even detectives, soldiers, and police…
Their professional backgrounds cover almost any occupation you could imagine. These people, men and women, young and old, distributed all around the world, are not members of a specific organization, do not adhere to the same religion, and do not share the same creed.
The sole thing they have in common—-is that, owing to some coincidence or unintentional contact, they discovered a horrific, spine-chilling existence hidden on the other side of this world, this universe. Facing a terrifying threat that could make ordinary mortals mentally collapse and beseech for annihilation, they, with courage, confront this unspeakable threat and fear, again and again, they thwart the plots that aim to plunge humanity and this world into chaos and destruction.
They are the world's greatest unsung heroes—-the investigators.
That's how the world is set up.
The government departments of this world know somewhat about this matter, and they are indeed clandestinely examining this unspeakable threat. Of course, they do not acknowledge such existence publicly. After all, exposing it would only create societal panic.
Logically, at this point, there should be a movie or comic-like setup where a specialized organization gets created—-like Men in Black or something. However, the reality is not so. The logic is simple—-the government refuses to admit to these creatures' existence, so naturally, they can't create an organization to study or combat these monsters, otherwise, isn't that tantamount to admitting their existence?
Similarly, they cannot have public employees handle these issues. It is like everyone knowing a superstitious act is merely feodal foolishness, then it would be absurd for government officials to perform the act.
But this threat does indeed exist, so what to do?
This is where the investigators come into play.
Basically, according to this world setup, if someone is lucky (or unlucky) enough to encounter such an event and manage to walk away unscathed, they will very likely call the police. If the police confirm the truth of the matter, these “survivors” will be recruited as investigators.
Technically speaking, from the government's perspective, the so-called investigators more resemble external contractors/temporary staff of the police department.
It's a makeshift solution, really.
Just look at what the investigators do.
You go to a small town to investigate a mysterious disappearance case, then you find a suspicious house and break in.
Then you find traces inside, forcibly opened the safe and discovered documents inside.
Next, you discover a secret chamber in the wall and directly break it.
An unspeakable creature is disturbed, to avoid any mishap, you set the house on fire.
Well, a one-stop service for breaking, entering, looting, and arson, isn't it?
If this involves human sacrifices and kidnapping, when the police come to arrest someone, they will throw a tantrum in court. How could you break in and torch my house without a search warrant, is this how you conduct an investigation? Is this evidence legal?
Of course, it's not legal.
But how about this?
If a thief breaks into someone's house to steal and finds drugs inside, then out of conscience takes the drugs to the police station to report a drug offense, isn't the police not involved in that?
After all, it wasn't the police who stole it!
But if someone does report it, doesn't it give the police a reason to search the house?
As for the thief, doesn't he just redeem his deed with merit?
The role that investigators play here is that of the “thief”.
That's why in every case, investigators must collect all clues properly. After all, this is part of the legal evidence. As long as there is sufficient evidence, no matter whether investigators are guilty of trespassing or arson, they can be let off, considering their merits.
But if the evidence is lacking…. well…. I'm afraid you might be wanted as a criminal.
Another reason why investigators would not take up a position in governmental departments is that as “outsiders”, whatever they do and however they do it is not associated with the government, they were not ordered to do it and the government certainly did not permit it to be done – everything they do is on their own.
Precisely for this reason, the title of an investigator is mostly nominal because you are not connected to the government. Therefore, you wouldn't receive special subsidies, the government wouldn't cover your insurance and social security, and there's no establishment.
If you encounter a bizarre incident, the police would probably think of you first.
Yes, most likely they're sending you into the lion's den.
Of course, investigators aren't just scapegoats – for one, becoming an investigator gives you a green channel to trade favors with the police. As long as there' ample evidence, regardless of whether you committed trespassing or arson, you're likely to be released on bail the same day to sleep at home.
In addition, once you become an investigator, you will be sponsored by an organization called “Foundation”. After all, they are ostensibly a civilian organization… isn't this unconnected to the government?
In fact, the day after Duanmu Huai returned home, an empty letter appeared in his mailbox containing only two pieces of paper.
One of them was a card, with Duanmu Huai's name on it and a large “D” symbol.
The other paper listed a web address.
Duanmu Huai quietly opened his computer, typed in the web address, and entered the Foundation's website.
At first glance, it seemed like a simple public welfare foundation website with most of its content focused on public aid projects. However, after entering your name and ID to log in, the website reveals its true nature.
But…
“It's of no use…”
Looking at the list in front of him, Duanmu Huai couldn't help but complain. It's an internal “benefit” for the Foundation's staff. Simply put, you can exchange the points earned from evidence and items brought back after each investigation for corresponding goods on this website.
Of course, it offers a wide range of items, from houses and transportation, to weapons and vehicles. But since Duanmu Huai was still a D Level Personnel, his redeemable items were basic and ordinary.
As for reality anchors or Cubic Count tools, he couldn't even dream of those at his current level.
After all, he was a D Level Personnel (shrugs).
For Duanmu Huai, the most important thing right now was, of course, the weapons.
For the average investigator, standard-issue weapons included daggers, revolvers, or small knives. These were easy to carry and handy to use. But for Duanmu Huai, firearms were basically useless due to his poor shooting skills. In his hands, an ordinary pistol would be just like a child's toy gun.
He could choose a weapon, but no matter what he chose, wouldn't it attract too much attention?
A great sword? An iron hammer? You can't just lug these around on the streets – this isn't a fantasy world…
Fortunately, Duanmu Huai finally found a suitable weapon: a cane.
Games have similar weapons called sword canes. At a glance, it looks like a regular gentleman's cane. But with a quick pull upward on the handle, a blade hidden inside can be revealed.
This item was quite popular in games. Many players loved to dress up in sharp suits, brandishing their sword canes for show.
After all, it could help them look imposing and even fight, right?
However, having a regular sword cane wouldn't do for Duanmu Huai. It's way too small, similar to a toothpick in his hands. Taking it out would be a joke.
But… he could customize one for himself!
No need for a hidden blade or any mechanisms, just request a solid black steel cane. Problem solved, right?
Considering Duanmu Huai's height, a cane should be over 2 meters long and weigh several dozen or even a hundred kilograms. If you also carve the head of the cane into the shape of an eagle's beak, it wouldn't just look good, but also work as a handy tool or weapon. He wondered who could withstand the impact of such a cane weighing a hundred kilograms?
Big guys should drive big cars and hold big canes, aiming on a large scale. What's wrong with that?!
Oh, right, about the car…
After returning home, Duanmu Huai had his maid send his truck off for customization. That thing is basically a shipping container used to transport lions and tigers. How could someone sit in that?! At least they could modify it to accommodate passengers, right? Even if he is a bit larger, that doesn't mean they could just give him an empty container. Isn't that ridiculing him?
For the modification company, this request was quite shocking. Especially after meeting with Duanmu Huai, they felt that this could be the most challenging task they've ever faced since opening their doors.
However, considering the amount of money involved, they still gritted their teeth and accepted Duanmu Huai's request, commencing the modifications on the heavy truck and the containe.
Of course, this would take time, and during this period, Duanmu Huai didn't plan on sitting idle.
Since he's here, if trouble doesn't come to him, he'll find it himself!
Thus, Duanmu Huai quickly set his sights on a pilgrimage site all players visit after arriving in this world.
It's well-known, praised by everyone, sought after by players–a place of treasures.
Innsmouth.
Chapter end
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