According to online encyclopedias, the first moon of this world, the larger Silver Moon, formed about 5 billion years ago. In the early stages of galaxy formation, a massive planet collided with the planet where the Federation is located due to orbital changes.
Federation scientists speculate that the original Silver Moon was nearly twice its current mass. If such a satellite existed, its strong tidal forces would have drastically altered life forms, potentially preventing human civilization from ever emerging.
Fortunately, 500 million years later, a massive comet, with a probability of one in a trillion, collided perfectly with the original Silver Moon. This event caused the Silver Moon to split off a large chunk, significantly reducing its mass. The separated portion, mixed with fragments from the comet, formed the second moon, the Black Moon.
Based on lunar soil samples returned from missions, the soil of the Black Moon contains a large amount of light-absorbing metals, which is why the Black Moon reflects very little sunlight. In the Federation, people often make wishes at night while gazing at the Black Moon. This is not only because the formation of the Black Moon is almost a miracle, but also because, without the Black Moon, humanity might not have existed at all.
In the early days of planetary civilization, various ethnic groups had similar religious beliefs regarding the Black Moon, seeing it as a symbol of mysterious fate. Even today, most people regard the Black Moon with a sense of untouchable sanctity.
Qin Xuezhong also found an article reporting that when mining companies initially sought to exploit the Black Moon, they faced intense opposition from numerous religious organizations and grassroots groups. All this information convinced Qin Xuezhong that the Black Moon is real, no doubt about it.
At first, she thought perhaps the animals' eyes were faulty and couldn't see the Black Moon. However, there were no relevant explanations online. She then took several photos of the sky with her own eyes, and everything appeared normal. Just as the materials described, the two moons quietly watched over the world, clearly visible in the photos.
The more confirmations she gathered, the more anxious Qin Xuezhong became. A question that should have been simple now had no answers, which made her sense something was off. When you know something significant that nobody else does, what would you do? The first thing to remember is to keep it a secret.
Right now, Qin Xuezhong had no idea how this situation arose. Was it her problem, or was it something wrong with the world? Or... was her time travel just a massive hoax?
With so many threads tangled together, Qin Xuezhong felt a headache coming on. It was exhausting; since her arrival in this world, the time spent worrying far exceeded the moments of leisure.
"It's our turn." Jin Anan, sitting beside Qin Xuezhong, gently nudged her. The Langfu family kidnapping case had already passed a few days, a huge case involving thousands of victims, causing a stir throughout the entire security department. Especially since the instigator of the case was actually from the New Continent.
Once this matter became public, it could ignite extremely intense conflicts. Though the Federation government and the media-controlling conglomerates were corrupt, they still held power and quickly stabilized the media narrative to prevent the incident from escalating.
As the primary department handling the case, the Chip Data Analysis Department and Technical Division were once again recognized. Of course, the reasons for recognizing Qin Xuezhong were fabricated.
A deputy minister from headquarters specially came to the Bayflow Branch and held a grand awards ceremony. "... It was their diligent and meticulous work that led to the first breakthrough in this case, making a significant contribution to uncovering this shocking case and providing invaluable clues for subsequent investigations!"
"I declare that the Chip Data Analysis Department of the Bayflow District Public Security Bureau in Creek Valley City is officially upgraded to an independent department at the quasi-director level, with all members elevated by one rank. I hope you will contribute even more to the peace and safety of Creek Valley City!"
The applause thundered in the room.
Qin Xuezhong let out a quiet sigh. She thought to herself that at this rate, in another year, she might just become the president of the Federation.
"Agent Qin Xuezhong!" The deputy minister suddenly called her name. "Due to your outstanding performance recently, headquarters has officially included you in the annual outstanding agent assessment. I hope you will continue to excel and bring glory to the Bayflow Branch."
Qin Xuezhong felt murderous rage building within her.
While chatting with other colleagues, she learned that being included in the so-called annual outstanding agent assessment was something everyone coveted. Even if someone didn't end up being selected, merely entering the assessment would be an essential highlight in their agent qualifications.
Such individuals had many opportunities for advancement. Thus, when someone from the branch achieved such recognition, all resources in the branch would tilt towards that person—easier cases to solve, opportunities for learning, and the best departments to choose from.
The reason was simple: if this person rose to high positions in the future, would they remember those who had helped them? Would they facilitate better resources for their former colleagues in higher positions?
Because of this, surrounding colleagues would not be jealous; instead, they would think of ways to please this individual.
Qin Xuezhong could foresee that the previously tranquil office of the analysis department would soon become quite lively.
She glanced at Xue Zhi Shi, who had a mournful expression, but dared not show his frustration. After all, Qin Xuezhong was no longer the new clerk in the security department; she was the true embodiment of the most influential underground organization in Creek Valley City—the Phantom!
Old Xue, who had been slacking off for so long, was inwardly beating his chest in regret. If he hadn't recruited Qin Xuezhong back then, he wouldn't have attracted so many troublesome cases, wouldn't have joined the Phantom organization, and wouldn't have ended up in this predicament.
Both of them harbored their own secrets, unable to speak them aloud, but exchanged glances to express the need for caution moving forward.
"All right, everyone's bonuses have been credited to your accounts, remember to treat your colleagues to a meal, ha ha ha." The deputy minister wore a friendly demeanor.
On stage, Qin Xuezhong, Old Xue, Xie Kedu, and Zhang Yuan all had strange expressions. Below the stage, Qin Xuezhong recognized several high-ranking officials from the branch, who had previously joined the Phantom organization through various connections.
Their faces also looked a bit odd.
After the incident at the Langfu family's offshore base, Qin Xuezhong's identity had basically been revealed among the members who went to the sea.
Under the guidance of Kai Si, Zhang Yuan, and Yu Zhe Zhu, the incident where Qin Xuezhong went alone and caused the black space to disconnect became intentional.
As the number of members in the Phantom organization grew, the leader needed to use this action to purify the team.
If you went to the offshore base, it signified your loyalty, allowing you to access the true identity of the Phantom.
—This is the Phantom: doing one thing is never simple!
Not only did they resolve the Langfu family issue, but they also purified the ranks of their followers.
With this series of moves, combined with the Phantom's unpredictable technology, everyone's awe for the Phantom deepened.
Many believed that Qin Xuezhong might merely be a puppet of the Phantom; who knows who the real mastermind is?
Perhaps it's not even human, but a data ghost drifting through the network... Who would dare take the risk of saying that Qin Xuezhong is the Phantom?
It could be said that almost half of the Bayflow Branch is now under her control. Qin Xuezhong wore a serious expression, and no one below dared to laugh, only clapping mechanically.
The deputy minister also appeared somewhat embarrassed, forcing a smile. "Hahaha, Old Wu, your branch is impressive, maintaining such a serious demeanor! I look forward to your even better achievements!"
At this point, Qin Xuezhong joined in the applause. The room erupted in applause once more—like a symphony orchestra playing along with a conductor.
Meanwhile, in the boardroom of the Fifth Family.
"What? A full investigation?"
"Yes, but everyone needn't worry. It's just that the equipment seized in the Langfu family case all belonged to Dream Inc. and Mythical Beings. The Security Department wants to trace the production and usage records." The elderly lady's secretary spoke respectfully to those present.
"Hmph, that's more like it."
"I think the Fifth Family has been too quiet for too long if the Security Department dares to investigate us?"
The elderly lady slammed her hand on the table, stopping the chatter, and gestured for the secretary to continue. "You may proceed."
"Yes," the secretary nodded. "There's also a minor detail that may relate to us."
"Oh?"
"We don't have specific details, but when the Phantom organization or the Security Department entered the Langfu family's base, the Langfu family had previously contacted our after-sales department, requesting to activate the energy detonation."
As he said this, everyone understood. The activation of the device's energy detonation required the after-sales department of the Fifth Consortium. This method was publicly promoted as a means to protect the user, but in reality, it was a means of destruction.
Many illegal virtual dreams exist on the market, and even crimes can occur within them. If the Security Department shows up, an emergency destruction can be initiated.
Fortunately, the after-sales department did not activate it. If they had, the Fifth Family would have undoubtedly been embroiled in the case.
"Why wasn't it activated at that time?" someone asked.
The secretary chuckled, "Well... it was because of Director Qin's two-hour work policy."
Upon hearing this, the elderly lady also chuckled.
The secretary continued, "By the time the after-sales department received the communication, they had already finished their shifts. Only one employee, who was about to leave, answered the call and said they could help call the police, then disconnected the line."
As he spoke, the secretary couldn't help but smile more widely, a hint of relief in his tone.
The directors present wore various expressions, but only the elderly lady laughed heartily.
"This little Qin really is our lucky charm! What do you think we should reward her with this time?"
The woman who had previously suggested promoting Qin Xuezhong now looked troubled. "Aunt, it's hard to say; you've already given her the Sky Garden. What more can we reward her with?"
The others shared similar expressions.
Only the secretary beside the elderly lady carefully signaled with his eyes.
The elderly lady immediately said, "Xiao Bai, do you have any ideas?"
The secretary pretended to think for a moment before speaking. "I was wondering, Director Qin has always expressed that she doesn't want to manage the group's affairs, but she's very active in the Security Department. Perhaps she actually wants to develop in that area?"
The elderly lady clapped her hands. "Good, that's a great line of thought. From recent events, it seems that Xiao Qin has a strong sense of justice. Perhaps she just wants to practice her ideals in the Security Department?"
She pondered for a moment before continuing, "We've made so much money and controlled so many people, but what have we really gained? The world continues to worsen, and our enemies are lurking in the shadows..."
"Perhaps it's time to adjust the Fifth Family's business strategy."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback.
Last time, she had given Qin Xuezhong immense power, and she had been indifferent. This time, she intended to adjust the Fifth Family's business direction according to Qin Xuezhong's ideas?
This wasn't just a normal business strategy... because the direction of the Fifth Family could almost equate to the direction of the era!
Everyone wore expressions of shock and confusion.
After making this statement, the elderly lady casually said, "Call Minister Liu. I want to have a chat with him."
This time, even the secretary was momentarily stunned.
Because the head of the East Continent Federation Security Department is named Liu.