Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

Chapter 100 : 58 Each Accepts Their Fate

The Federated military began to clear out the Underworld, and news of such operations quickly spread through the underground, causing panic to spread everywhere.

"Brother Long, what should we do?"

In a stronghold of the Haoun Gang, a group of people similarly huddled together to discuss.

"Our methods are fine for dealing with ordinary people, but if we're up against the Federation's formal forces, even a third-tier unit—there's no point in hoping for resistance." Unlike the people from the Underground World, Qiao Long had received elementary education from the Federation and was aware of the true situation within the Federation.

The strongest military force within the Rose Federation was stationed in the Central Star Domain—the six main fleets—followed by sixty-four cruising fleets of slightly lesser strength, distributed among various Star Domains.

All of these forces were directly governed by the Central Council of the Rose Federation, representing the T1-T2 stage military forces within the country. Their equipment was always the best and latest, serving as the skeletal structure that maintained the Federation's integrity and unity.

Then there were the stationed fleets within each Star Domain, generally commanded by the Star Domain's generals, supporting local Governors as needed and executing tasks such as escort missions, guard duty, suppression, and quelling rebellions, among others. Many of their ships and armaments were retired from frontline service, categorizing them as T3 stage military forces within the Federation.

Next came the ground formal forces stationed on Inhabitable Planets, residential space stations, and Mineral Stars, with a mix of good and poor equipment, mostly within the T4-T5 stages.

Further down were the special police forces within each city, like the soldiers currently carrying out clearance operations in Payin City's underground, roughly considered T6 stage military forces.

But even that wasn't the bottom tier. At the very bottom were the local police departments and the riot-control Autonomous Units installed in residential and living areas; they were about T7 stage armed forces.

The Federation allowed some special occupations to carry firearms, but these professionals had to be affiliated with licensed firms, allowing the Federation's authorities to conduct periodic inspections and audits. The arms permitted for these civilians could not exceed those of formal officers, roughly between T7 and T7.5 stages.

Although the Rose Federation's military was not weak, it was mostly far removed from the lives of ordinary people, and those from the Underground World had even less knowledge and access to it—the most they knew was the armed presence embodied by the formal police officers.

Lacking knowledge and exposure over time, many from the underworld gangs developed a certain illusion, believing the Rose Federation to be less formidable and unable to touch them, as they had lived freely for over a decade without witnessing the Federation's iron fist or violence.

After listening to Qiao Long's explanation, the people present became disheartened, abandoning their initial thoughts of fighting their way out to another city or remote region.

"In a moment, everyone throw away your weapons, and then disperse as best you can, preferably avoiding the areas where we usually operate. Head to those underground areas where they don't know us."

"After that, just wait for the Federation forces to detain us, as long as they don't take action against 'civilians'." Saying this, Qiao Long shook his head. In reality, he was not very confident, but there were no better options at this point.

"Let's go our separate ways, whether we will meet again is left to fate," he sighed, drew his gun from his waist, and threw it on the table.

Seeing Qiao Long do so, the others followed suit, each tossing their guns out.

"Without guns, the time awaiting the Federation's sweep is the most dangerous. Be careful of retaliation and framing from other underground people," Qiao Long advised once more.

"Understood, Brother Long."

"That's that, farewell. There is no longer a Haoun Gang; you are no longer bound by my orders. If you're fortunate enough to survive in the Federation, stay away from this line of work in the future. Just live a simple and honest life; living peacefully is enough."

Having said that, Qiao Long patted each of their shoulders in turn, then walked out first. Before long, the rest also dispersed, and the last fire ignited, consuming all the military arsenal and weapons left in that stronghold.

After leaving the stronghold and traveling several hundred meters through the cavern, Qiao Long stopped and looked back at the two figures who had been following him.

"Why did you guys follow me again? Didn't we agree to split up? I have a record at the Payin City police station, following me won't end well for you."

The gang members with no records might survive, but he was a marked man, and the Federation's sweep this time wouldn't spare him.

"Boss." The hefty man stood still, his expression uncertain.

"You're stuck again, dumbass." The skinny tall one kicked him, then stepped forward.

"Boss, we're still with you, no matter where you go."

"Heh, following me to your death?" Qiao Long glanced at the two, shaking his head.

"The other day, I went to great lengths to ask that young lady to treat both of you, not for you to throw your lives away so easily."

"Holmes, teacher, and you guys were the closest to me. Now that the teacher is dead, and Holmes has changed, it would be hard for me to rest easy if you just threw your lives away like this." He punched a wall, feeling frustrated.

"Boss…" The chubby man started to speak again, wanting to say something.

"No need to say, Blu, I know you're not good with words. I understand what you mean." Qiao Long waved his hand, then took a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and leaned against the wall, looking up at the dark cave ceiling, where a few bats hung upside down.

"Wanting to repay a debt, huh? You feel you can't leave me on my own, like it would be dishonorable?" He put down the cigarette and exhaled a bit of smoke.

"So foolish... tsk." He couldn't understand why there were such fools in the Underground World.

After a while, the cigarette in Qiao Long's hand slowly burned down, and then he threw it away.

"Alright, I'll give you a task, to ease your minds."

"First, I'm sure I'm marked on the Federation's wanted list, so I'm probably doomed. You both have the resident records I had the cops handle before, just reveal your identities in time, and there might be a sliver of a chance for survival."

"If you survive, do a few things for me."

"First, renew the gravesite fees for my teacher and Holmes's mother, try to ensure they're maintained for several decades, instead of getting destroyed before a hundred years."

"Also, take the opportunity to make secret inquiries in the residential area about some past events. The young lady who saved you once asked me to find someone for her. I guess I can't do that anymore. It's up to you now."

"When making secret inquiries, be very careful and don't rush. Spread out your questions over time, it's best to blend in for 2-3 years before you start, I'm afraid you'll blow your cover if you're too hasty. And that young lady certainly wouldn't want any trouble over this matter."

"We are the small fry; it's fine if we fail in our task. The big shots won't care too much, they have more means and channels. But if you cause unnecessary trouble, it's a grave mistake, understand?"

"Understood, Brother Long."

"That's all I wanted to say, now go." He flicked the cigarette away, then stamped it out under his foot, and disappeared into the dark depths of the underground.