Not long after Perlman gave the order to initiate the operation, another subordinate rushed in. Unlike the previous report, this one arrived visibly shaken, as if something catastrophic had just occurred.
"M-Mr. Perlman! This is bad! A bunch of Security officers just showed up outside—along with those folks from Belobog Heavy Industries... and they even brought the media!"
At that moment, Perlman had been leisurely enjoying his afternoon tea. The instant he heard about the presence of the New Eridu Public Security and the media, he choked and spat out his tea, nearly dropping the cup.
"W-what did you just say?!"
Before he could fully react, the screech of sirens and the loud shouts of reporters echoed from outside the outpost.
"Breaking news! Vision Corporation is exposed in a shocking scandal for endangering civilian lives! They falsely claimed to have evacuated all residents from Canvas Street, while actually planning to demolish the area—residents and abandoned subway included!"
"After receiving a tip-off, our reporters followed a New Eridu Public Security unit and have now arrived at the demolition command post near the entrance to the Dead End Hollow! The site has been locked down, and several imposters disguised as Security officers have already been subdued!"
With the reporter narrating the unfolding drama, the on-site work proceeded in a methodical and orderly fashion.
Against the real New Eridu Public Security officers, the imposters stood no chance. One by one, they were restrained, disarmed, and stripped of their stolen gear.
The top official of the Janus Quarter New Eridu Public Security—Bringer—led the raid personally. Alongside him were Zhu Yuan and Qing Yi, also of the Janus Quarter PubSec.
In addition to the New Eridu Public Security and multiple media agencies, Belobog Heavy Industries had flown in by helicopter to witness their corporate rival's downfall firsthand.
"Hmph, I knew those Vision Corporation creeps were hiding something. Just having people impersonate Security officers is enough to bury them eight hundred times."
President Koleda Belobog stood with her massive iron hammer, smiling in satisfaction at the sight of the captured imposters. She couldn't be more thrilled.
Thank goodness someone tipped her off and advised her to notify both the media and the New Eridu Public Security. Otherwise, Vision Corporation might've really gotten away with it.
As for the mysterious caller who suggested the cooperation—Koleda was quite curious. She planned to have someone trace the number later. With some luck, it might lead to valuable clues.
"D-Don't come any closer!"
In the command office, Perlman cowered in the corner as Zhu Yuan and the others approached.
Zhu Yuan, faced with someone guilty of such egregious crimes, showed no mercy. She pulled a long list from her pocket—detailing every charge against Perlman. Dozens in total.
Each of them, individually, carried the weight of a death sentence.
This was the end for him.
Perlman knew what awaited him once he was taken in. A sense of unparalleled dread washed over him.
"It's over. Completely over."
...
Shortly afterward, back in Canvas Street—
Zhao Anmen had been holding the squad leader hostage for quite some time. During that span, none of the subordinates dared make a move, terrified that even the slightest twitch might cost their commander his life.
"How long do you plan on keeping me here like this? How about we both back off—you let me go, I pull the team out. If someone with higher authority shows up, both of us are screwed!"
The blade at his throat had frayed the leader's patience. He shouted in exasperation, hoping Zhao Anmen would relent.
But Zhao Anmen wasn't stupid. He knew full well these people had no concept of honor. Letting the man go would likely mean nothing but a barrage of bullets in return.
Not that Zhao feared for himself—he was fast enough to dodge bullets. But the civilians of Canvas Street wouldn't be so lucky.
Even though they were in hiding, there was no guarantee none would be hurt. The fact that these people still followed Vision Corporation's orders even after learning the truth proved how little they cared for civilian lives.
And as for that so-called "higher authority" the man referred to? No one within Vision Corporation held more clout than Zhao Anmen.
Just as the situation reached a boiling point and both sides were nearing their limit, a group of heavily armed Security officers appeared from the external passage.
Seeing this, the squad leader mistook them for his reinforcements.
"There! See that? Our backup's here. If you don't let me go now, I can't promise they won't harm you!"
Zhao Anmen raised an eyebrow, then—surprisingly—let him go.
The squad leader was overjoyed, thinking, So much for how clever this Security officer is. Still ended up playing the fool.
"Listen up! Director Perlman said if those Canvas Street rats escape, it's over for all of us. And since this guy insists on getting in our way, we have no choice but to deal with him. Take him out!"
As expected, they were utterly untrustworthy.
But just as the squad leader gave the order, the incoming Security officers behind him also raised their weapons—pointed directly at them.
"Don't move!"
The shout of warning came too late. Only then did the squad leader realize—the new arrivals weren't their people. They were real Security officers.
No wonder Zhao Anmen had released him. It wasn't a sign of weakness—it was a clear indication that Zhao Anmen no longer needed a hostage to guarantee his own safety.
That entire standoff had just been a waiting game—for reinforcements to arrive.
Once the clash broke out in the narrow confines of Canvas Street, it didn't take long for the fake Security officers to be overwhelmed and taken down.
"Officer Zhao Anmen, all hostiles have been secured. Please advise next steps!" a Security officer reported.
Zhao Anmen's order was to escort all criminals back to the New Eridu Public Security Bureau and hold them for further sentencing.
Additionally, he requested the complete evacuation of Canvas Street's residents to New Eridu, and submitted an application for temporary housing on their behalf.
With the arrival of the New Eridu Public Security, the turmoil triggered by Vision Corporation finally came to a decisive end.