BXBX NOVEL Chapter 251: Closer
Only a few guards at the gate had these suits, providing minimal defense against low-caliber bullets and stab wounds. They were essentially glorified full-body vests.
HuNovelBinees equipped with mounted machine guns also flanked the gate, a deterrent against any troublemakers.
CCTV cameras dotted the area, and drones flew overhead, scanning cars for illegal merchandise.
The driver handed over his ID, which read Richard Simon.
The guards scanned it, checking the system for any crimes associated with his name.
The ID's QR code ensured that even if someone else had committed a crime under the same name, it wouldn't flag in their system as a positive match.
"It's clear," a guard said, handing back the card.
However, he didn't let them pass immediately.
Instead, he shone his flashlight into the passenger seat, noticing a large metal ball, about the size of six basketballs.
"What's in the back?" the guard asked, his tone neutral but curious.
"It's a piece of art," Richard replied, following the alibi Reign had instructed him to tell.
The guards exchanged glances, their skepticism evident.
"Sir, please park over there for inspection," the guard instructed, pointing to a designated area.
Richard nodded, outwardly calm but inwardly anxious, hoping the guards would discover Reign so he could escape.
"We'll run a few checks. Keep your hands on the wheel and don't move," they warned.
"Alright, officer," Richard nodded in compliance.
The guards brought out an array of sophisticated sensors, each designed for specific purposes.
Handheld devices resembling scanners with glowing displays were swept meticulously over the metal ball.
Larger sensors, mounted on tripods, emitted faint hums as they scanned the vehicle's interior.
Richard recognized these devices. They were advanced technology capable of detecting Negative Energy, important for identifying demons.
He felt relatively safe because his abilities were concealed from detection.
However, he knew that Reign, being a powerful demon lord, would likely be detected due to the nature and intensity of his negative energy.
But to his surprise, the guards repeatedly scanned the round object but received no reaction.
"You can go now, sir. This art is beautiful. It must have been expensive," a guard remarked, impressed as he touched the object and felt its quality.
"Ah, yes," Richard replied, still in shock at this sudden turn of events. "It's a gift for my boss," he added before carefully maneuvering the vehicle through the checkpoint.
Once they were far enough , Reign morphed back to his original appearance and retrieved the skin and clothing he had concealed inside the ball.
As a Demon Lord, his control over his aura was on another level, enhanced further by the capabilities of the system. Passing through checkpoints like that was a breeze for him.
"Keep driving," Reign ordered.
It was still nighttime, but this part of the city bustled with people, showcasing its high population density.
Region 5, the largest but the least developed, was a lively area.
Tall buildings were few and far between, with most shops and establishments limited to just the first to fourth floors.
Brightly lit signs adorned the facades of shops, casting colorful reflections on the pavement below.
People filled the sidewalks, moving in and out of small, local businesses that lined the streets.
The atmosphere was lively, with the chatter of voices, the aroma of street food wafting through the air, and the occasional honking of horns from passing vehicles navigating the road.
Despite being less developed than other regions, Region 5 exuded a sense of community and vibrancy that was uniquely its own.
It was a kind of warmth not typically found in exclusive neighborhoods where people often lived separate lives.
This place resembled a cleaner, safer version of the Slump, with less crime and better security.
After navigating through turns, the car passed through a commercial center.
It was just one of many centers in Region 5, but this particular area was among the most popular. Situated closest to the outer gate, it offered direct access to the road leading to Region 4.
As a result, there was a four-way avenue designed to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion.
In this avenue, there were more attractive shops strategically positioned to attract business from the constant flow of people entering and exiting the city.
Consequently, the rent here was the highest too, so only those with a lot of financial resources could afford it.
"Is that a cat café?" Reign wondered, spotting a two-story building adorned with a large cat sign.
The concept struck him as out of place, especially considering that most stores lining this area sold expensive-looking merchandise.
"Do you want check it out?" Richard asked, uncertain why a demon lord would want to enter such a place.
"Why would I?" Reign shook his head. "Just drive. I want to talk to your leader. If I like what I see, I might also support your organization. Having another demon lord backing you up is not a bad deal," he added.
Richard nearly hit the brakes after hearing Reign's words.
He began to sense that this encounter could potentially work in their group's favor.
"Yes, Master," Richard replied, now adding the word "Master" to his response to show his respect and loyalty.
Without wasting any time, he stepped on the gas and drove the car towards their base.
VROOOOOM!
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<Cat Cafe>
Cyril opened the door to the balcony on the second floor to take a breather.
She leaned on the railing, watching the cars on the road below.
The traffic was no longer that congested due to the time, but it was still lively.
'I wonder how Wick is doing? It's lonely here without him,' she muttered to herself. George and Melissa had taken him, and it's been days since they came.
She knew they were safe because she had spoken to Melissa, but she was still worried about him.
Just yesterday, Wick started getting sick, like he had a fever.
They took him to the vet, but he ended up attacking the staff. So, Melissa and George decided to take care of him at home instead.
'Where are you now?,' she thought, gazing up at the night sky above. This time, her thoughts weren't on Wick but on his owner.
"Miss Cyril, you have a call," spoke out one of the female store employees.
Cyril turned around to answer. "Alright, I'll be down in a minute," she replied.
VROOOOOM!
She heard a loud noise and checked it out, only to see a car speeding away.
'Some people really don't know how to be a little bit patient,' she sighed before turning away.
Inside, the café was warm and cozy, with cats lounging on every available surface.
She made her way downstairs, picking up the phone. "Hello, Cyril speaking," she answered.
[Hi, Cyril, it's Melissa. Just wanted to give you an update on Wick, ]
"Oh, thank goodness. How is he?" she asked, relief evident in her voice.
[He's doing much better. ]
"That's such a relief to hear. I was so worried about him," Cyril said, her tension easing.
[We'll bring him back soon ]