The streets of Jinzhou stretched ahead, a blend of old stone walkways and modern steel structures. Lanterns swayed lightly in the breeze, casting soft golden glows on the cobblestones, while merchants called out their wares from bustling stalls. The scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet pastries mingled with the faint tang of incense from nearby shrines.
Chixia led the way, moving with an easy confidence that made navigating the crowded streets look effortless. Rover followed close behind, eyes alert, taking in every detail—the flicker of holographic signposts, the guards pacing along the plaza, and the subtle hum of energy coursing through the city's infrastructure.
Jeff brought up the rear, hands tucked into his pockets.
"Are you holding up back there? " Rover asked, glancing over her shoulder.
Jeff offered a faint smirk. "Yeah, just enjoying the sights. And trying not to get lost in the crowd."
The trio passed under an archway adorned with carved dragons, the midday sun catching the gold accents and making them gleam. The sound of chatter and laughter echoed from the open squares, mixing with the occasional clang of a blacksmith at work.
Jeff's eyes flicked around, cataloging exits, noting the patterns of guards and civilians alike, the tactical instinct itching in him despite being outside of combat.
Chixia stopped in front of a towering, glass-and-steel structure. "Here we are. Jinzhou's Nexus Tower! "
"The Nexus Tower? "Jeff raised an eyebrow, scanning the building. Its sheer size made him feel like a kid looking up at a skyscraper.
"Exactly," Chixia said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Think of it as Jinzhou's largest server station… or an integration hub. Something like that. I'm not exactly a tech expert myself."
Rover tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Server station? "
Chixia laughed softly. "Long story short, it's a navigator, a defense system, and a regional information center all rolled into one gigantic package. Everything runs through here—maps, communications, even some of the city's security measures."
Jeff leaned on the railing, crossing his arms. "So… it's basically the city's brain."
"Pretty much! " Chixia said, her grin widening. "The smaller ones we saw earlier are Resonance Beacons. They sync with the Nexus Tower. Activate one, and the map data updates across the whole system. Your Terminal—or Rover's Terminal—can then access it instantly."
Jeff glanced down at his empty hands and raised an eyebrow. "Right… I'm terminal-less. Looks like I'm just along for the ride."
Rover's lips curved in the faintest smirk. "You're useful for moral support. Or commentary."
Chixia gestured to the activation pad. "Go ahead, Rover. This part's yours. Just place your terminal here."
Rover stepped forward, eyes scanning the pad and the surrounding holographic interfaces. She moved with calm precision, her fingers brushing over the controls. Lights pulsed along the terminal as data streamed into her terminal, the hum of energy in the room shifting slightly, almost like it was recognizing her.
This scene looks straight like in the game, damn.
Rover didn't look up, focused on the sequences flowing across her screen. "It's responding to the right frequency. The data will sync, and we'll have an updated map of Jinzhou in minutes."
Chixia clapped her hands softly. "See? Told you she's got it covered. You just watch and learn, Jeff."
Jeff smirked, shaking his head slightly. "Learning. Sure. Observing. Definitely."
Then Yangyang arrived. "I have the arrangements in place," she said. "Rover and Jeff, you can come visit the magistrate at any time."
Yangyang glanced at Chixia. "Chixia, can you bring Jeff and Rover over to the City Hall? "
Then the trio walked into the city hall. Chixia exhaled, scanning the square ahead. "Whew. First time seeing such a crowd in front of the City Hall."
Jeff shifted slightly, hands tucked in his pockets. "Looks busy… hope we don't get trampled before we even make it inside."
Yangyang's brow lifted. "I was surprised too. I've never seen so many non-staff personnel here before."
"Are they all here for an audience with the magistrate?"Chixia?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and incredulity.
"Most have applied, but I heard they've all been turned down," Yangyang replied.
"Turned down by who? " Rover asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The magistrate's bodyguard, Sanhua," Yangyang said simply. "Most people are politely advised to leave after sending in their applications. The ones who remain… are either trying to apply for someone else or just too stubborn to leave."
"Who's Sanhua? " Rover asked aloud.
"She's the magistrate's personal bodyguard," Yangyang said, her tone even.
"Oh, I've heard of her before," Chixia said, eyes widening. "She's the 'All-round Death Glare slash Terminator Ice Beauty.' …That's what the rumors say, at least."
I've read the wiki, studied the character profiles, and even played her in a game. But knowing about her in the game doesn't help me here.
It's all going to be different in real life. And if I rely too much on what I think I know… I could end up the first person to be politely, or not-so-politely, escorted out. Not just a bodyguard—practically a living deterrent.
He clenched his fists slightly, telling himself to keep it cool.
Yangyang spoke quietly as they approached the City Hall. "There's a small chance Sanhua isn't here, but it's very unlikely. The magistrate rarely leaves Jinzhou."
Jeff glanced up at the imposing building. Not just anyone can just stroll in here. And Sanhua? From everything I know… she's the real deal. One wrong move and you're toast.
Yangyang continued, "With her schedule, finding time off is nearly impossible. As the magistrate, she can't leave her jurisdiction without authorization. The only exceptions are official business trips or serious threats to Jinzhou."
Chixia's eyes lit up. "Then if she's not here, something big's happening! "
Rover muttered under his breath, half to herself, half to Jeff, "Or… maybe it's me they're waiting for."
Chixia's grin widened. "So this is the true confidence of our Rover! Honestly, you've been ticking all the boxes in the magistrate's description so far."
Chixia tilted her head. "Can holographic messages even be prerecorded? "
"Sure," Yangyang said.
Rover was quiet for a moment, thinking. "Perhaps the magistrate didn't know who her guests were. I'm wondering why she wanted to meet in person. She must have a reason for drawing all this attention."
Yangyang's expression turned thoughtful. "You mean… it's not to avoid confusion for her guests? She'd have anticipated the public's reaction to the message. But still… how does she decide who qualifies as her guests? "
Rover shrugged slightly. "Nothing in particular."
"I can't really follow your line of thought fully," Yangyang said, "but a meeting with the magistrate wouldn't hurt."
Chixia nodded. "Agreed. No matter what she has in mind, she's our best lead for now."
Jeff observed both of them, thinking. The sequence of events is proceeding like in the canon. I have to meet Jinshi and hope to answer some of my questions.
Chixia's grin softened. "And after this? Maybe we can grab some chow together. I'll see how the timing works out."
Yangyang added, "It was us who… well, we brought you guys to Jinzhou. We should at least keep you company while you're here."
Rover looked between them, contemplative. "What if I'm not the person they're waiting for? "
Chixia waved a hand dismissively. "VIP or not, special or not… doesn't matter. Unless money's involved, of course! "
"And if you guys are that person? " Chixia continued, her tone turning serious. "Then that means we're on the right track. Memories will start coming back sooner or later."
Yangyang turned to Rover. "Are you in a hurry to recover your memories? "
"Most certainly," Rover said, eyes steady. "But losing memory doesn't bother me. What matters is how I live my life and make new memories."
Jeff couldn't help but notice the weight behind her words. She's grounded and keeping it real. Focused on the now and not dwelling too much on her past—that's just like her.
Yangyang smiled faintly. "In that case… how about meeting with the magistrate first? She may have the answers you're looking for. Chixia and I will wait right outside. We can't go in with you, but we'll be nearby."
Chixia added cheerfully, "That's right! We're not going anywhere. Just… you know, give us a shout if anything goes down. Well, actually, maybe don't shout. City Hall rules."
I and Rover walked through the desk in the front. The receptionist's voice cut through the murmurs of the hall. "Please, follow me. Kindly have a seat. Lady Sanhua will be with you shortly."
Rover's hand brushed against his shoulder briefly as she stepped forward. Quietly, she murmured, "Ready? "
Jeff nodded, smirking just a little. "As ready as I'll ever be."
The doors to the chamber slid open with a low, mechanical hum. Rover stepped inside first, Jeff following cautiously, his eyes immediately taking in every detail—the high ceilings, polished floors reflecting light from overhead lanterns, and the subtle hum of energy that seemed to make the air itself tense.
At the far end of the room stood Sanhua. Snow-white hair fell straight over her shoulders, framing a face so precise and controlled that Jeff felt an instinctive pull to straighten his posture. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, tracked their movements with an almost predatory focus.
So this is her, Jeff thought. The Lady Sanhua. Personal bodyguard, combat prodigy, and apparently able to send intruders running with a single look. And I'm standing here like a dumb tourist. She's smoking hot too godamn.
Rover stopped a few steps away, bowing lightly. "Lady Sanhua," she said evenly, her tone calm but deliberate.
Jeff hesitated, then followed suit, keeping one hand near his Tyro pistol out of habit. "Uh… Lady Sanhua," he said, voice careful. Don't fumble. Don't get noticed. And definitely don't get on her bad side.
Sanhua's gaze flicked toward him, holding his eyes for a brief, measured moment before returning to Rover. There was no overt expression—just a quiet, unsettling awareness of every small movement they made. Her voice was calm and precise yet carried the weight of someone who didn't waste words.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," she said. "I apologize for the delay. My name is Sanhua, bodyguard of Madam Magistrate."
Rover inclined her head slightly. "Call me Rover, for now and this is my companion Jeff."
Jeff gave a small, cautious nod. "Hello." His inner thoughts raced, cataloguing every detail: posture, tone, subtle movements—nothing could be wasted here. This is the kind of person who could neutralize an entire room without raising her voice.
Sanhua's gaze flicked briefly to him before returning to Rover. "I regret to inform you that Madam Magistrate is currently away. Before her departure, she instructed me to bring you these tokens, as well as a welcome gift." She laid a small, neatly wrapped package on the table.
Rover picked it up, examining it without opening it. "Tokens… welcome gift. Noted."
"Madam Magistrate advised that you explore what these tokens represent during her absence," Sanhua continued. "It may help you acquire the information you desire sooner."
Jeff shifted slightly, keeping his eyes on Sanhua. Tokens, instructions, careful phrasing… every detail is deliberate. Nothing here is random. And I already knew the reason why she gave it to us.
Rover tilted her head. "Where is the magistrate?"
Sanhua's expression remained unreadable. "I'm afraid I cannot disclose her whereabouts at this time. Please trust that she is eagerly looking forward to meeting you both in person."
Jeff felt a small pang of frustration, but he kept it in check. Figures. She's precise, calculated. Won't let anyone probe unless it's necessary.
"Did something happen to her? " Rover asked.
Sanhua shook her head slightly, her tone unchanging. "Pardon my inability to provide a better answer. Madam Magistrate has a task she must handle alone. But she has never for a single moment forgotten about her meeting with you guys."
"Not knowing exactly when you'd arrive," Sanhua added, "she had to leave without the chance to welcome you in person."
Rover nodded once, accepting the explanation. Jeff, however, lingered on the edge of the room, still analyzing every detail, the faint hum of unease and fascination mixing in his chest. Three days… plenty of time to study the situation, but not enough to relax.
"Why three days? " Rover asked, folding her arms, unconvinced.
Sanhua's expression remained neutral. "Because she will require at least three days to complete her current task. Madam Magistrate wanted to assure you that, in three days, by any means, she will return to meet you in person."
Rover's lips pressed into a thin line. "And there's nothing I can do to speed it up? "
Sanhua's gaze flicked to her, then to Jeff. "You… I will convey your willingness to help to Madam Magistrate. Please accept my sincerest gratitude. Yes, she does hope to have your assistance, but there is no rush. She does not want to pressure you into any decision you may not desire. We invite you to learn about the situation before making a final commitment."
Jeff's brow furrowed, quietly noting the phrasing. Invitation to observe before commitment… classic control of the narrative. She's not asking—they're managing the information flow. And both Rover and I are included equally.
"How am I supposed to know what
these tokens represent? " Rover asked, skeptical.
"When it comes to the tokens," Sanhua replied, "it is never Madam Magistrate's intention to confuse you with puzzles. They are clues meant to guide you toward the truth. She deeply regrets not being able to deliver her messages personally. We value your presence far more than you might imagine. The same goes for any and all information about both of you."
Rover raised an eyebrow. "Clues, huh… Seems awfully convenient that we got them before she even showed up."
Sanhua's gaze softened, focusing briefly on Rover. "It is because both of you share the same frequency with Madam Magistrate. My sight perceives the frequencies of all living beings—or rather, frequencies are all I perceive. You… you are readable to me, just as she is."
Jeff tilted his head, trying to process the words. "Frequencies… like some sort of signal or energy signature? "
Sanhua nodded. "In essence. Your constitution allows you to appear undistorted and authentic in your original form. That is why I recognized both of you immediately. Others appear warped, indistinct, or incomprehensible. You are exceptions."
Rover folded her arms, frowning slightly. "So basically, we're the rare VIPs of the frequency world. Not because of skills, but because of… a completely unique constitution."
"Exactly," Sanhua said. "It is not ability that sets you apart, but your nature. That is why Madam Magistrate values your presence and why she entrusted these tokens to you."
She kind of reminds me of Matt Murdock from Daredevil blind like a bat but can still navigate her surroundings through other means.
Rover shook her head slightly, letting out a soft hum. "I don't know if I should buy the whole frequency thing. But… I guess we'll see what happens with these tokens."
Sanhua's tone grew even more deliberate. "In my eyes, you appear exactly as you are—authentic, undistorted. That is rare. That is why Madam Magistrate wishes to meet you both personally, even if she cannot today. And that is why your presence is valued beyond what you might imagine."
Rover met his gaze, a subtle smile on her face. "Guess we're in this together… at least until the magistrate shows up."
Jeff nodded silently, still processing, but with the quiet understanding that some things can wait.
Sanhua's gaze swept over Rover. "May I have your terminal for a moment? "
Rover raised an eyebrow. "What for? "
Sanhua's expression remained calm. "For Access Pass authorization and to configure the latest Utility module. Your terminal needs to be updated to ensure full functionality in Jinzhou."
Rover gave a skeptical tilt of her head but handed over the gourd-shaped device. Jeff watched closely, analyzing every movement.
Sanhua's eyes shifted from Rover to Jeff. "Since you do not possess a terminal, Madam Magistrate has authorized me to provide you with one. It is fully configured for your use."
Jeff raised an eyebrow. "I get a terminal? Seriously? "
Sanhua held out a sleek, gourd-shaped device. "Indeed. This terminal contains all standard utilities: sensor, levitator, grapple, mapping, and communication modules, and access to all resonance beacons in Jinzhou. Madam Magistrate wishes for you to operate independently when necessary."
Jeff took it cautiously, turning it over in his hands, his analytical mind already cataloging its functions. Sensor for detecting anomalies, levitator for vertical mobility… grapple for tactical maneuvers… access to beacons gives instant map updates and regional control. Not bad. This is—surprisingly—intuitive. Like the advanced satellite phones I used back on Earth, but with more functionality.
Rover glanced at him, skeptical. "Don't tell me you're going to start geeking out over it already."
Jeff smirked faintly. "It's hard not to. I need to understand what I'm holding before I can trust it—or use it effectively."
Sanhua nodded. "The Terminal also allows full access to City Hall facilities, border passes, and all regions in Jinzhou. Your ID is linked to every official checkpoint and patrol station. Simply display it or activate a nearby beacon for entry."
Jeff studied the device, flipping through the interface with practiced curiosity. "So… it handles security, navigation, communications… and you said it links to Rover's Terminal too? "
"Yes," Sanhua said. "It will synchronize with any nearby Resonator Terminals, ensuring data is shared across your team. In your case, it will reflect Rover's presence and allow for coordinated operations."
Rover crossed her arms, her smirk softening. "Looks like you're officially part of the club now. Just don't break it."
Jeff chuckled, slipping the terminal onto his belt. "No promises, but I'll try to be careful."
Sanhua inclined her head. "Additionally, Madam Magistrate has ensured that your Terminal ID includes a utility upgrade: all modules are the latest iteration. Sensors are more sensitive, grapple strength is calibrated for your constitution, and levitator stability is enhanced. You are fully equipped to explore and operate in any part of Jinzhou without limitation."
Sanhua's gaze was steady as she spoke. "You are now granted unlimited access to all regions in Jinzhou. I've sent your Terminal ID to every border pass and Resonance Beacon. You only need to display it or activate a beacon with your terminal for entry, but I will remain on standby should you require assistance. Your presence here is highly valued by Madam Magistrate, as is your cooperation with Rover."
Jeff's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed it. No paperwork. No lines. No bureaucratic headaches. Just… freedom. He let out a low chuckle, half to himself. "Well, that's… unexpectedly convenient."
Sanhua's expression remained unreadable. "Correct. You are free to visit any part of Jinzhou, including the City Hall."
Freedom, huh? Jeff thought. Not something he'd ever take for granted, especially in a place like this. He caught Rover's gaze out of the corner of his eye—her golden eyes calm, calculating, silently evaluating the same scene. She wasn't impressed, of course.
"And… accommodations? " Jeff asked, testing the waters. "Have you decided where I'll be staying? "
Sanhua's lips curved just slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner. She knew this was going to amuse him.
Sanhua tilted her head. "Madam Magistrate has arranged accommodations for you in advance, here within the City Hall."
Jeff blinked, caught off guard. Home… here? He glanced at the sleek walls, the polished floors, and the quiet hum of the building around him. "Home sweet home, huh… Royal Suite, here I come? "
Rover scoffed lightly. "Don't start fantasizing. It's not a vacation."
"I can lead you both to your room if needed," Sanhua offered.
Jeff shook his head, fastening the terminal to his belt. The weight of it felt oddly reassuring. "That won't be necessary right now. We've got friends waiting outside."
Sanhua inclined her head, her composure absolute. "Understood. The accommodations will remain ready. You may access them at any time and here a generous sum of credits you can use at your convenience. You may use them as you see fit."
Rover's golden gaze softened just a little as she glanced at him. "Looks like we're officially part of the city now. Don't lose the key to it."
Jeff couldn't help but smile, the corners of his lips tugging upward. The Terminal at his hip felt heavier now—not with weight, but with possibilities. "I wouldn't dream of it. Let's see what this city really has to offer."
Rover fell into step beside him, her pace easy, silent, and somehow protective. Jeff matched her stride, a grin tugging at him despite himself. Jinzhou stretched before them, alive with sound, color, and bustle of the crowd. Somewhere between the crowded streets and the distant sounds of the City Hall, things are finally looking up.