This week passed in the blink of an eye.
Kogan learned almost everything important, especially the major taboos that Ray Kang explained to him daily.
"First, murder is strictly forbidden, and it comes with consequences you can't bear."
This was Ray Kang's first piece of advice to Kogan.
"But if it's in self-defense and you had no choice, the heavens will understand."
"Second, don't take what isn't yours."
This was Ray Kang's second piece of advice.
"But if it's from criminals and you're going to use it for the benefit of the city, the heavens will understand."
"Third, your partner's life comes before your own."
This was Ray Kang's third piece of advice.
"There are no exceptions here."
Kogan nodded, "Even in my world, all of these things are forbidden."
'For the poor, actually,' he thought sarcastically.
But he paused for a moment and asked, "The third point, what do you mean by partner?"
"Your spiritual partner, the person you live with, who is considered the safeguard of your life," Ray Kang answered.
Confusion appeared on Kogan's face.
Seeing him like that, Ray Kang let out a sigh and explained,
"Your partner is Mei Lan. That means her safety is your safety, and her demise is your demise. The same applies to her as well."
"If something happens to either of you, the other will face the consequences."
Kogan nodded, "I see."
He wanted to ask what those consequences were, but doing so might reveal a hidden ill intent.
Surely, he would ask later—when the time was right.
But for now, there was a more important question.
"I came here with Hinako, which makes her my partner, and now she's been taken away."
Although Kogan didn't speak in a questioning tone, Ray Kang understood what he meant.
"You fall under a partial exception to the third point. The group that kidnapped Hinako won't kill her—they'll recruit her and exploit her in their demonic work. Because of that, part of your punishment is lifted. Also, Mei Lan's partner was killed, and since you two were the first to meet, the opportunity allowed you to become partners, which removes another part of the punishment."
"I see. I understand," Kogan nodded, then asked again, "What will happen when Hinako returns?"
"You'll be reunited with each other."
"And Mei Lan?"
"Her time will be over," the captain replied as he thought, 'But she'll never return.'
"In fact… I hope she doesn't come back," Kogan said, lowering his head.
"Huh?" Ray Kang raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I've started to feel sorry for Mei Lan. I'm not saying I don't want to see Hinako again, but just knowing she's safe would be enough for me. At least that way, Mei Lan will survive."
'Could it be that you've fallen for her in just a few days?' The captain was truly surprised.
In truth, he had hoped Kogan would remain attached to Hinako for a while—that emotional bond would keep him grounded and working hard until he adapted to this place and eventually forgot about her.
But Kogan's response caught him off guard. It showed he hadn't forgotten about Hinako, yet at the same time, he also had feelings for Mei Lan. That meant he had already started to adapt—and in such a short time, too.
"We never know what the future holds," Ray Kang said, placing a hand on Kogan's shoulder.
He treated Kogan differently from the rest of the team. If someone had seen them, they'd have been puzzled.
Kogan was first-grade. Even if he was deaf and a bit weak, he was still first-grade.
And now, he was beginning to feel attached to this place—and to the people in it.
That made Ray Kang start to admire Kogan's character, even if just a little.
*****
And after completing the tour of the city and its facilities, Kogan and Mei Lan were officially registered as partners, and they would soon begin working and receiving missions.
The missions were divided into two main categories:
Internal missions and external missions.
Even the external missions were divided into several branches.
There were the stationary camps scattered beyond the city's borders.
There were the guard units and the scouting and security patrols.
And finally—and most importantly—there were the Essence Retrieval Teams.
These teams were responsible for the city's very survival.
There is no life without Essence