Chapter 530: The Loyalty of the Workshop Families
06:55 PM.
In the heart of Hell's Kitchen, the Administration headquarters - Helserem Tower.
In the Director's office, Xia Xiu sat upright in a spacious office chair, his hands folded across his chest, his chin resting lightly on them. Several virtual screens surrounded him.
The largest screen in the center displayed a detailed map of Hell's Kitchen, a microcosm of the city. Each red dot represented a key target in his upcoming plan.
The other screens surrounding the map displayed various intelligence and information, from the movements of the esoteric cult to the latest reactions of the ever-changing Workshop Families. Xia Xiu was fully aware of everything.
[Hell's Kitchen News Report]
[Today, the Hell's Kitchen area witnessed a number of unusual incidents, including but not limited to sudden traffic accidents, damage to public facilities, and minor power outages, totaling 267. Local police and the city administration have launched a detailed investigation into these incidents and are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.
[Incident Summary:]
1:00 PM. At the intersection of Third Street and Oak Lane in Hell's Kitchen, an out-of-control truck crashed into a roadside utility pole, temporarily shutting down power to several nearby streets. Fortunately, the driver was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is currently out of danger. The cause is under investigation.
1:55 PM. A sudden fire broke out near 10th Avenue Park in Hell's Kitchen and was quickly extinguished. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire may have been caused by a fuel leak from a rear-end collision involving a modified vehicle. The city advises that driving is risky; please refrain from illegally modifying your vehicle.
2:44 PM. A partially collapsed abandoned building, resulting in the deaths and injury of three people in a car and one injury, causing panic among nearby residents. Preliminary investigations indicate that structural aging and illegal intrusion may have contributed to the collapse.
At 4:00 PM, a gas leak and explosion occurred at a restaurant on 52nd Street, injuring twelve people inside and outside the restaurant and killing one person. The cause of the accident is under further investigation. This incident has raised public concern about the safety of aging public facilities in the Hell's Kitchen area.]
…
Among these accidents, traffic accidents account for the majority. During today's lunch rush hour, an out-of-control truck overturned at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 49th Street, damaging four vehicles, injuring fourteen people, and killing seven. Witnesses said the truck appeared to have lost control while avoiding a small dog that suddenly crossed the road.
Official Response: In response to the recent frequent accidents, the Hell's Kitchen Community Council held an emergency meeting to discuss plans to strengthen safety measures in the area.
Police and the District Administration have also increased their enforcement of traffic violations and reminded residents to pay attention to daily safety to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Hell's Kitchen has always been a vibrant community, but the recent spate of accidents reminds us that only by strengthening safety management and ensuring the safety of residents and tourists can we ensure its prosperity and development.
"Dong, dong, dong—"
Xia Xiu's gaze finally settled on the virtual screen displaying the latest intelligence on Hell's Kitchen. His right index finger tapped unconsciously on the tabletop, seemingly assessing the information.
"The Protean Workshop family has contributed significantly to today's good fortune." "
The data on the screen showed that of the accidents that occurred in Hell's Kitchen today, 267 were directly related to members of the Protean Workshop family, accounting for three-tenths of all accidents today.
While this three-tenths number of cases seemed quite staggering, Xia Xiu knew that the story behind it was far more complex than the number itself.
The "gift list" provided by Mira Change only contained thirteen names, representing all the necessary targets within the Workshop family.
The actions of these thirteen individuals directly or indirectly led to today's astonishing statistics.
Moon Rabbit, in collaboration with [Adam], completed comprehensive intelligence gathering and in-depth investigations on these targets in less than a day.
This efficiency and precision pleased Xia Xiu greatly, but it wasn't enough.
He wasn't displaying violence; he was precisely controlling the entire situation to ensure the successful achievement of his ultimate goal.
"Adam, is the two-way, two-limit encirclement still in place? "
[Restrictions and controls have been implemented in accordance with your instructions—]
[This operation has already gained control of some projections of the Wall of Sighs of Heaven—]
[The encirclement is now fully complete—]
[External communications have been severed: All forms of communication between the Workshop family and the outside world (including other families, organizations, or forces) are blocked, including but not limited to physical communication, genealogical emails, and technological messaging. The target organization has been isolated to prevent it from receiving external aid or transmitting information.
Internal connections have been severed: Communication between members of the Workshop family has been restricted or completely blocked, especially for individuals or groups identified as opposition or neutral. The current organizational structure within the Workshop family A large portion of it has been disintegrated, and its ability to coordinate operations has been greatly reduced.
[Information flow has been restricted: Through the Adam monitoring system and the interference of the Moon Rabbit, the flow of information within the Workshop family has been restricted, particularly information regarding the Authority's actions and plans. Using the [Crown Element] hack you provided, we have taken over the Workshop Anomaly Network, reviewing and controlling all Transformers' Anomaly emails, messages, and data transmissions to ensure that sensitive information is not leaked or disseminated.
Communication scope has been limited: Strict geographic and scope restrictions have been placed on communications permitted within the Workshop family, allowing only minimal communication under specific circumstances and only within specific areas authorized by the Authority.]
"You did a good job, Adam." Xia Xiu nodded in satisfaction.
Making those unexpected events happen isn't difficult; the challenge lies in making them appear to the outside world as if they never happened. This is the true test of wisdom and ability.
In the profound chess game, the ability to manipulate the situation from the shadows, making everything appear to happen naturally while remaining completely under one's control, is an extremely precious and powerful talent.
The Fourth Sword-Bearer of Heaven had already demonstrated this extraordinary talent when handling the complex game of the Inner Earth Civilization.
His actions were not only precise and accurate, but he also managed to quietly guide events in a direction favorable to Heaven at critical moments. This ability naturally did not escape the notice of Xin Liezhi, known for his unfathomable depths and cunning tactics.
He wandered within the shadows of the starry sky, forever searching for pawns that could bring him greater power and influence.
To him, Hugh Abraham was like a supernova sent from heaven, possessing immeasurable potential and value.
He yearned for the abilities of the Fourth Sword-Bearer of Heaven, hoping to transform this outstanding representative of Heaven into his own chosen one, a key component in advancing his complex plan.
If Xia Xiu would nod his approval, Xin Liezhi would even be willing to pay for it with a "miracle."
"Report on the progress of the seven-point operation." "
Xia Xiu continued to question [Adam] in a calm tone.
[Turs and the Moon-gazer of the Moon Rabbit have secretly visited the clan leader and management of the Ever-Changing Workshop.
As expected, they will select a new leader at seven o'clock, and the only old-fashioned telephone that can communicate will express respect and... submission to you and the Administration.]
"Seven o'clock," the blond youth repeated softly, his lips curled up slightly, as if he was satisfied with this progress.
The time was one minute to seven.
Xia Xiu's eyes unconsciously followed the ticking of the second hand on the clock in his office. Then, his gaze shifted to the antique-like old-fashioned telephone on the desk. This rotary dial phone stood out in this high-tech office.
He had asked Chief of Intelligence Pansy Jane to place it here this afternoon. It is a symbol..."
He stopped talking, and silence returned to the room.
But the silence was soon interrupted.
Dang, dang, dang—
A rapid "dang, dang" sound rang out from the old telephone, shattering the stillness of the room.
It was exactly seven o'clock.
Punctual and resounding.
Night had fallen, and this rapid ringing was not only a signal of the Ever-Changing Workshop Family's submission, but also a sign that his and the Administration's rule over Whispering Square would enter a new phase.
It also proved that the "Midwinter Purge Plan" could proceed smoothly.
Xia Xiu slowly reached out and picked up the heavy, old-fashioned telephone.
The silence on the other end seemed to stretch for centuries. Xia Xiu acquiesced to this silence. He didn't press, but rather indulged the other party's weakness and incompetence.
This was a manifestation of his "kindness."
Finally, a voice broke the silence.
It was so humble and yet filled with awe, each word trembling with endless respect and deference.
"Respected Excellency 'Saint Abraham,' this is the Thousand Changes Workshop. I am the new leader of our family, after careful selection—Mira Change.
At this most wise and decisive moment for our family, I, carrying the will of our entire family, express our deepest respect and most sincere submission to you and the entire Administration."
Yes—'Saint Abraham.'
Poor Mira Change seemed frightened to the point of incoherence.
But the Director of the Administration didn't correct him. He accepted the address as a matter of course, as if it was his proper address.
"Mira Change, I receive your respect."
Xia Xiu finally spoke, his voice steady, gentle, and filled with kindness. "I hope our cooperation will benefit both parties and ensure peace and order in Whispering Square."
Mira Change's excited and trembling voice echoed from the other end of the line.
"The Thousand Changes Workshop is willing to put aside all past differences and fully support every decision and action of the Administration. Tonight, as the head of our family, I solemnly pledge our loyalty and obedience."
This unequal conversation didn't last long. After listening to Mira Change's expression of submission and commitment, Xia Xiu responded succinctly with a few words.
After the call ended, Xia Xiu gently hung up and leaned back in his office chair. His blond hair gleamed in the light, and his golden eyes reflected the flickering data on the screen.
He looked up at the massive clock covering the entire wall of his office, lost in a brief moment of contemplation.
It was four days until Midwinter.
**********
Time goes back half an hour.
06:30 PM.
[Genealogy Think Tank - Adam has been connected—]
[Authorization request submitted—]
[Authorization under review—]
[Approved. Welcome authorized personnel: Turs Corbett—]
[Current mission directive: Preliminary task for "Midwinter Purge"—]
—[Seven-Point Action: Protean Workshop Family Correction Plan]—
Time: January 12, 1591 Terran Calendar
Background:
In response to the factional issues within the Protean Workshop family, particularly the destabilizing factors within the opposition and neutral factions, the Administration has formulated a corrective plan, called "Seven-Point Action."
This plan aims to demonstrate the Administration's resolve and strength through a series of precise strikes and threats, thereby ensuring the loyalty and obedience of the workshop families.
Operation Objectives:
Precisely locate and target dissident and neutral members within the Workshop Family, ensuring their loyalty or silence through displays of force.
Restrict communications between the Shapeshifter Family and the outside world, particularly preventing the spread of information about their mutations to key areas such as Whisper Square and Hell's Kitchen, to prevent wider instability.
Results:
The implementation of the seven-point operation directly affected 267 family members, effectively demonstrating the Authority's resolve and strength.
Concurrently, the "two cuts, two limits" communications control measures successfully limited the spread of information about the Shapeshifter Family's mutations, reducing the potential threat to Whisper Square and Hell's Kitchen.
Notes:
This operation is the initial phase of the Midwinter Purge Plan, and its successful implementation lays the foundation for subsequent operations. The Authority will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its strategy as needed to ensure the plan's overall success and the long-term stability of Whisper Square.
Now, please lead the Watchers to the heart of the Protean Workshop Family for the final mission correction.
--
Turs's gaze calmly scanned the mission template provided by the Adam Think Tank. Then, with a gentle wave of his hand, a simple gesture imbued with power, it signaled the beginning of the purge.
Next to him, the members of the Moon Rabbit Unit were already geared up, their eyes gleaming with determination and focus on the mission ahead.
Led by Turs, this elite force advanced silently yet with unstoppable momentum towards the meeting place of the Protean Workshop family.
The night, like a curtain, provided a cover for their movements.
As they advanced, the members of the Protean Workshop family remained unaware of what was about to unfold. They might be debating the family's future, or perhaps making final preparations for the upcoming Midwinter Festival. However, on this crucial night, the actions of Turs and the Bright Moon Rabbit Unit would be a heavy blow, a resounding blow to the fate of the Protean Workshop family.
This was a meticulously planned, silent attack, a direct action by the Administration to "correct" the Thousand Changes Workshop family.
In the heart of the Thousand Changes Workshop family, tension and chaos were rapidly spreading.
The Administration's precise strikes, the continuous loss of contact with family members, and the complete blockade of vital information plunged the entire family into unprecedented panic.
Faced with this sudden crisis, the family head quickly convened an impromptu operational meeting, hoping to find a response.
Family members entered the meeting room one by one, and the air was filled with oppression and tension.
At this moment, they knew nothing.