Chapter 244: Bomb Countdown (2/2)

It was a bomb!

”Let’s get out of here first,” Xiaotao’s expression turned ugly. “I’ll call the bomb squad for emergency support!”

As she spoke, the numbers changed a few times again, from zero to twenty, and then back to zero. I understood immediately. ”Don't talk, it's a vibration-sensitive bomb!”

The main components of the bomb were just like any other ordinary bomb except the trigger was a vibration sensor that would detonate as long as the surrounding vibrations reached a certain value. The technology wasn’t that advanced with a principle similar to the voice-activated lights we commonly used. The Strongest Mantis Shrimp was an expert in homemade bombs. When we entered the building, we found that the voice-activated light on the first floor was broken, the parts possibly having been removed by him.

When I spoke, the value fluctuated a few times and then dropped back to zero.

”Song Yang, keep your voice down so you don’t trigger the bomb,” Dali’s voice drifted over in a low whisper.

”Speaking normally shouldn’t be a problem,” I said. “Otherwise, we would have already been blown to smithereens.”

At this moment, I heard a click that scared the wits out of me. Cold sweat ran down my forehead when I heard a voice say, ”Ladies and gentlemen, let’s play a game!”

The digitally-altered voice had just finished speaking but the delight in his tone couldn’t be masked at all. ”Hello, officers of the law,” he laughed. “I am The Strongest Mantis Shrimp whom you have been looking for. First of all, I have to say I’m surprised you found this flat and I like to give praise where it is due. You’ve all done a good job!”

I stood up and saw an MP3 player on the table that had started while our attention was drawn elsewhere. The MP3 file must have been recorded in advance.

”I wonder if you’ve found the gift I’ve left you under the bed,” the voice added. “...Do you see it now? Well, don't be nervous. Let me give you a brief introduction. This bomb has two methods of detonation. The first way to trigger the bomb is to reach a vibration value of 100. But don't worry, you can talk and move around normally. If you try dismantling it, you will... Bang! Don't make the mistake of sitting on the bed either, or else you’ll also go bang!”

Among the four of us, Dali looked the palest because he had been sitting on the bed in the other room.

The sound from the MP3 player was loud enough that the other officers came running into the room to ask us what was wrong. We tried our best to signal them not to talk or move.

The Strongest Mantis Shrimp continued, ”The second way to detonate is by remote control. I’ve placed some hidden cameras in the house to monitor your every move. If someone tries to enter or leave after hearing this recording, I will press the remote control and send you all to hell!”

”What the hell do you want?!” Xiaotao demanded through gnashed teeth.

However, the other voice was merely a recording and unable to answer her.

”Don't look so glum, everyone,” continued the voice. “Smile. From now on, you must do whatever I say. Your lives are all in my hands. My first instruction for you is to take off your uniforms in five minutes.”

My gaze flicked up to meet the others, and a veil of uncertainty swept across our faces.

Xiaotao quietly turned on her radio but left it on her waist belt. ”Calm down, everyone,” she said, intentionally raising her voice. “The murderer placed a remote control bomb in this room and no one is allowed to enter or leave the room. We will do as he says for the time being and try to buy some more time.”

A burst of consternation swept away the joy of finding the murderer's home. As it turned out, this entire incident was a trap the murderer had specially planned for us.

I looked around, my eyes attracted by a hole that had been dug in one of the book spines on the bookshelf. Ever since the MP3 started playing, a red light flashed from within the hole, suggesting that a camera had probably been placed inside.

Pointing to it, I announced, ”Ladies and gentlemen, don’t worry! We won’t die for the time being because we are now being live-streamed!”

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