The two-week silence from the Naga was a small victory, a testament to Elias's karmic tripwire. But it did nothing to quiet the insistent hum of the Sutra Corps invitation, now less than a month away. The summons to Commander Valera's office arrived, crisp and unavoidable. It was time for his "interview," which Elias knew was more likely an interrogation.
He arrived at the Sutra Corps' sector, the air thick with concentrated prana and the almost physical weight of countless data streams. Valera sat across a polished obsidian table, her expression as unreadable as ever. This time, however, the faint, hidden ties to the Alchemists' Guild that Elias had observed with his Karma Lens seemed to pulse with a subtle, predatory energy around her.
"Analyst Thorne," Valera began, her voice smooth as polished stone. "Your two-month delay period is nearing its end. We appreciate your dedication to your current department. However, we are curious. What pressing matters have occupied your time that necessitated such an extension from an opportunity as significant as a position within the Sutra Corps?"
Elias maintained his calm facade, his mind racing. He couldn't confess his manipulations, nor could he simply refuse. He needed a bluff, a compelling reason that would align with Bureau values and, ideally, deflect suspicion. He thought of Magistrate Lian, his persistent, inconvenient scrutiny.
"Commander Valera," Elias began, his voice earnest, "my request for a delay was not borne of hesitation, but of a deep concern for the integrity of the Ledger itself. I have been engaged in a highly sensitive, albeit discreet, internal investigation."
Valera's eyes remained impassive. "Indeed? And what is the nature of this investigation?"
"Corruption, Commander," Elias stated, allowing a flicker of controlled righteous indignation into his voice. "I have uncovered what I believe to be systemic 'irregularities' in the adjudications handled by Magistrate Lian. His records, particularly concerning wealth transfers and the enforcement of Guild contracts, display patterns that suggest a... preferential application of karmic law."
He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "This is not merely negligence, Commander. It hints at deliberate manipulation for personal gain. A direct threat to the Ledger's impartiality. My continued presence at the Bureau was vital to gather sufficient, unassailable evidence without alarming the subject. I needed to stay at the Bureau to expose him properly."
He watched her carefully. Lian, for all his bureaucratic power, was still susceptible to accusations of corruption, especially if they came from within. And the Alchemists' Guild, with its influence, would likely appreciate any effort to expose a Bureau official who might be seen as 'rocking the boat' or potentially interfering with their own quiet machinations. It was a risky gamble, sacrificing a minor adversary to shield himself, but it was his best shot.
Valera listened, her expression unchanging. Elias braced himself for an immediate dismissal, for a demand to see his "evidence."
Then, a slow, almost imperceptible smile spread across her lips. It was a chilling smile, one that didn't reach her eyes, which remained cold and calculating. "We'll revisit this... soon," she said, her voice softer than before, yet laced with an unspoken understanding. "Your dedication is noted, Analyst Thorne. You may return to your duties for now."
Elias was dismissed. He walked out, his internal alarm bells screaming. Her smile, her knowing gaze, the unsettling "soon"—it wasn't a sign of belief. It was a sign of recognition. She hadn't been fooled. She knew he was lying, or at least, manipulating the truth. And the faint karmic ties to the Alchemists' Guild around her seemed to ripple with a quiet, satisfied power. Elias realized with a gut-wrenching certainty that his bluff hadn't saved him. It had merely confirmed to the Guild, through Valera, that he was a player, and one they now intended to control, or eliminate.