Meanwhile, Jane, who had been closely monitoring both the Public Security Bureau and Justin Bringer's movements, soon realized something was wrong.
Although Bringer was still inside the Bureau, within her surveillance range, several of her fellow officers were suddenly acting strangely—especially in the way they were requisitioning dangerous equipment.
That level of activity was highly unusual, like a cornered beast lashing out.
Throughout her long career as an undercover agent, Jane had seen countless ruthless gangs behave just like this in their final moments.
Recalling the intel Zhu Yuan had given her, she quickly confirmed her suspicions—Bringer was indeed an undercover operative, and not just any kind: a vicious, meticulous, and utterly mad one.
If someone like him went on a rampage in the city with a team of armed subordinates, the resulting bloodshed would be unimaginable.
Jane's expression darkened. "Looks like Bringer's realized he's been compromised and has started mobilizing. Judging by his reaction, he might be preparing to trigger a large-scale riot within the city."
In such circumstances, the other upper divisions wouldn't have time to react, meaning they couldn't immediately send reinforcements to Janus Quarter.
Right now, the only hope lay with Zhu Yuan, Sol Mercer, and the others—they'd have to take control of the situation first.
Her first call was to Qingyi.
That was because Qingyi was stationed near the city's transportation hub—if Bringer wanted to mobilize forces or flee in large numbers, that would be the fastest and most convenient route.
But at the same time, it was also the most densely populated area, where any conflict could cause disastrous civilian harm.
If possible, Bringer had to be stopped before reaching that route.
After explaining the situation and its risks to Qingyi in detail, Jane finally hung up.
Then, while discreetly tailing one of Bringer's subordinate units, she dialed Zhu Yuan.
Jane's voice was low and grave. "Zhu Yuan, Bringer seems to have realized his cover's blown. He's ordering his people to retrieve dangerous weapons—it looks like he's preparing for a final stand."
"Understood. We've got this under control," Zhu Yuan replied, her voice firm. "Sol and his friends are helping on our side, and I've called in Section 6 for additional support. In terms of strength, we hold the advantage."
She was speaking from inside the Cunning Hares' van, racing toward Public Security Headquarters.
In addition to her original team, a Belobog Heavy Industries engineering truck had joined them. Everyone here was determined to bring down the corrupt official Justin Bringer—for justice and the people!
"I see."
Jane's tension eased slightly. "But Bringer and his men are heavily armed. If they make a move inside the city, the fallout will be severe."
"We've already considered that possibility," Zhu Yuan said quickly, glancing at the blurring scenery outside the car. "Qingyi and her team are holding the front. Sol and I will flank from behind, while Section 6 provides side support."
"Jane, we'll need you to keep updating us with Bringer's real-time movements. That way, we can adjust our encirclement strategy and draw him into a neutral area to resolve this."
Their side had Sol and Hoshimi Miyabi—two Void Hunters—plus the Cunning Hares, a renowned team of Agents, and the Sons of Calydon, a powerful faction from the Outer Ring.
On paper, their combined strength far outmatched Bringer's.
As long as they could drive him into an uninhabited zone, victory would be certain.
Jane scanned her surroundings warily. "Understood. I'll relay his movements as they happen. But Bringer's men will likely head straight for Qingyi's position—can they really handle the pressure?"
Zhu Yuan looked at Sol, who gave her a confident nod before she replied, "Qingyi's team is strong. They'll hold."
"Good. Bringer's on the move. I'll shadow him and report any changes immediately."
Jane kept the line open but muted, allowing her to send intel without revealing her position.
"Sol, are you sure Qingyi's side will be fine?" Zhu Yuan asked, worry flickering in her voice.
"Relax," Sol said, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't underestimate Qingyi or the Sons of Calydon—they're tough."
And indeed, Qingyi and Caesar were formidable fighters.
But what truly reassured Sol was Billy—the Starlight Knight himself.
With his armor's power, victory was all but guaranteed.
"Alright."
Zhu Yuan's expression steadied, her nerves calming.
Meanwhile, Anby drove without pause, racing toward the tactical rendezvous point for their ambush.
An engineering truck, a classic car, and a retro film van—such an odd convoy drew plenty of stares along the way.
If only the onlookers knew that this strange group was on their way to take down the city's own Public Security Commissioner… it would've caused an uproar.
…
Elsewhere, on the main road leading from Public Security Headquarters to the city's transportation hub—
A weathered cargo truck blocked the center of the road, with "No Entry" signs raised at the surrounding intersections.
Several dusty motorcycles were parked around it, their riders equally road-worn.
Five hundred meters ahead, a Public Security vehicle sat idle, broadcasting emergency warnings through its loudspeakers.
[An emergency Level-One Hollow disaster has occurred ahead! Residents are advised to evacuate immediately and ensure personal safety!]
[An emergency Level-One Hollow disaster has occurred ahead! Residents nearby, please clear the area immediately and stay safe!]
This was where Qingyi, Caesar, and Billy had taken position.
Thanks to Qingyi's authority as a veteran Public Security officer, the area had been cleared efficiently, leaving no civilians at risk.
If they could block Bringer's path here, he'd be forced to retreat through smaller streets—reducing collateral damage.
"Who would've thought the Sons of Calydon would one day be arresting a government official in the city?"
Caesar rubbed his head, laughing sheepishly.
"Catch him first," Lucy muttered, grimacing. "Honestly, I don't know what got into me when I agreed to this crazy mission."
"If you're scared, you can hide behind me," Caesar said with a grin, thumping his chest. "I'll protect you, Lucy!"
"You idiot! That's not what I meant!" Lucy snapped, a dark vein pulsing on her forehead. She promptly headbutted him. "Stop playing the hero—who's protecting who here, huh?!"
"Ow!"
Caesar winced, clutching his head and muttering, "Jeez… you were the one who said you were scared…"
Standing nearby, Piper sighed with the air of a wise old man. "Kids these days—so stubborn. Can't even admit when they're touched."
"Mhm. You're not wrong," Qingyi said, nodding sagely beside her.
The two pint-sized girls looked oddly in sync.
And Billy?
In the middle of the intersection stood a lone red-coated figure, his back to the others, radiating solitude.
Billy held two Starlight Knight transformation belts in his hands, his voice somber and poetic. "My life has always been as fragile as thin ice… Tell me—can I make it to the other side?"