Chapter 188 - 186: Two Women Settled Down
"No matter how they got in, why are they causing trouble in this city? This is the heart of Flame Country, not somewhere like Southeast Asia. Aren’t they afraid of getting crushed by an iron fist?" Chen Xin asked, carrying Qin Lan’s things into the shelter.
This was Chen Xin’s biggest question. Flame Country wasn’t like other nations — not only were firearms strictly controlled, but social order was also rigidly enforced. Before the disaster, the streets were filled with surveillance cameras, and strict household registration systems could track everyone’s movements.
This changed only because the original social order collapsed after the disaster, and the harsh environment weakened the government’s control over the nation. Otherwise, these people would have been identified, crushed with force, and brought to justice long ago.
Therefore, Chen Xin was puzzled as to why a group of mercenaries who operated in Southeast Asia had come all the way to Xiang Province, deep in Flame Country.
"Because a few core members of these mercenaries are from this city," Ding Ning explained to Chen Xin.
Qin Lan, having been injured and in the hospital, didn’t know much about this matter, but Ding Ning, having participated in this mission, understood the situation in more detail.
"Based on current information, the leader of the mercenaries is from this city, and several core members are companions who ventured into the Southern Ocean with him back then," Ding Ning continued to explain what the police currently know to Chen Xin. "Before the disaster, they were active in Southeast Asia. While not exactly committing every atrocity, they had no qualms about killing and arson. They were primarily hired by local warlords to fight and train armies.
When the disaster struck, the entire Southeast Asia region’s order collapsed. A large number of refugees poured towards the borders, intending to seek refuge in our country. Some had crossed into our borders at that time, likely including these people.
As for why they came back to this city, it probably has to do with their origins. They might have relatives or friends here. However, we haven’t fully figured it out yet. It’s no longer like before; even extensive investigations can only cover official shelters or privately known shelters. If someone truly wants to hide, it’s hard for us to find them."
At this point, both Ding Ning’s and the atmosphere became a bit gloomy. If it were before the disaster, it would have been much easier for the police to locate these mercenaries.
Even without considering the surveillance systems spread across the streets, the grassroots-level community and village officials of Flame Country could be very familiar with their respective areas, down to every house. Mobilizing them would have been enough to identify these mercenaries.
Chen Xin understood this logic but said nothing more. He simply led Qin Lan and Ding Ning to the bedroom prepared for them, put down their luggage, and introduced, "This room is specially cleaned out for you two. The conditions are limited, so if there’s anything inconvenient, do let me know."