The human psyche is indeed fragile, especially when detained and deprived of human rights.

Although Polk was merely following quarantine protocols, shooting to 'test' if the three people in the same quarantine compartment with the infected body were infected, what was called accidental harm was defined as an unexpected event.

But the entire Quarantine Zone A was still thrown into panic, with everyone on edge, fearing they would become the next target at the end of a gun barrel.

This fear was far more suffocating than collective punishment, as you had no way of knowing whether the roommate assigned to you next would be a human or a ghost.

Put plainly, it was: a gamble of luck!

The reason there hadn't been a riot yet mainly stemmed from two factors.

First, no one dared to lead a revolt; the checkpoint wasn't an independent entity but was backed by Happiness City with over two thousand guards at its disposal, making it a veritable enforcement agency.

Even if someone managed to escape the quarantine zone, where could they flee to? Back to the crisis-ridden city ruins?

Second, many people were close to the end of their quarantine period and could soon be released; even if someone detained for only a day or two tried to instigate them, they would think of getting out soon and wouldn't take the risk of responding.

These two overlapping factors divided the quarantined crowd into different groups.

This results in varied reactions even when the Raven walked in, despite the pervasive fear.

There was hope, terror, anger, and resentment.

"Alright, stop looking at me with those eyes. Whether you get out or not isn't up to me,"

The Raven cleared its throat, its voice broadcasting through the speaker:

"Inspector Cheng, um... the one who took down the infected body the day before yesterday, it's his shift now. The doors will soon open, you understand?"

Whoosh.

The previously silent crowd seemed to be switched on, as hundreds of figures stood up in unison.

In an instant, the quarantine compartment, which had been silent just a second ago, turned as lively as a vegetable market.

"Sir, I've been detained for 11 days. Please, please let Inspector Cheng know."

"Sir, I will absolutely follow orders. Whatever you ask, I will answer..."

"..."

If it had been Polk, everyone definitely wouldn't be reacting so frantically.

But hearing it was the Inspector Cheng, who decisively eliminated Barrett the day before yesterday, a group of people immediately realized the opportunity to leave.

The Raven lightly coughed twice, trying to quiet the noisy voices:

"Inspector Cheng has limited energy, and releasing people will happen batch by batch, so don't make a fuss."

"The people whose names I'm about to read are the first batch, all having been quarantined for over seven days."

The 108 names were called out one by one, causing great joy among those selected.

Those quarantined for over seven days but did not hear their names could only shake their heads and smile bitterly.

Although disappointed, very few loudly questioned why it wasn't their turn.

After all, everyone feared a repeat of yesterday's events.

Having a group go and test Inspector Cheng's character and temper first was naturally ideal.

"For those whose names were called, although your records have no issues, the risks cannot be entirely ruled out."

"Inspector Cheng is taking a risk by opening the doors to release people, so you need to voluntarily step forward and pay a bond."

"Don't worry, this bond, regardless of amount, the checkpoint only takes 5% as a safekeeping fee. The rest will be fully refunded in seven days."

"Do you understand?"

The quarantine compartment was silent, with no one responding or objecting.

The Raven nodded in satisfaction and gave a sign to the staff, who quickly distributed slips of paper.

...

The sun shone brightly.

The morning heat wasn't overwhelming yet, and the sunlight felt warm on the skin, dispelling the apprehension of the impending infection tide.

With the outbreak of the Stand-In Starfish imminent and the information highly classified, it hadn't affected the operation of Happiness City at all.

The number of vehicles coming and going at the gates noticeably increased.

Cheng Ye had been seated at the quarantine checkpoint for less than half an hour when three vehicles arrived to wait for the checkpoint to open.

Two common Big Golden Cups and one rather "rare" small pickup truck.

Judging by the arrow logo on the car doors, the three cars were likely part of the same team.

The small window on the quarantine gate slid open, and a man with stubbly beard alighted from the passenger seat of the pickup, handing over two envelopes.

"Sir, we are the Flying Bird Merchant Team. My name is Carson Bevin, the leader of this group."

"This is our exit permit and our entry notification form. Please inspect them."

Cheng Ye returned to the desk and opened the envelopes.

The exit permit wasn't anything unusual; even if it hid a large number of contraband items, they wouldn't be plainly written down.

The entry notification form was a privilege of the merchant teams.

The checkpoint had established a special credit score system:

For scores below 60, everything in the vehicle must be unloaded for a comprehensive inspection upon entry.

For scores greater than 60 but less than 80, unloading is skipped, but the staff must still assist with box inspections.

For scores above 80, only an entry notification form must be completed, truthfully listing the vehicle's contents.

Of course, as an Inspector, Cheng Ye still had the authority to direct the staff to perform a box inspection.

He could even dismantle the vehicle into parts and pierce each tire, all within the rules.

If any undeclared items were found on the entry notification form, the merchant team's credit score would be immediately reset to zero, and they would incur a heavy fine.

Thus, it was both a privilege and a constraint.

While encountering this for the first time, Cheng Ye wasn't unfamiliar and immediately focused his attention on reviewing the entry record of goods.

[Mutant Beast - Mutated Crystal, Quality: Ordinary, Quantity: 17]

The first line of the goods record immediately caught one's attention.

Mutated Crystals were the most valuable part of a Mutant Beast, similar to stones and only likely to form in the brains of Mutant Beasts at a very low probability.

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