"Sorry, everyone, it seems our planned gathering will have to wait until next time."
Sol turned around, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness as he spoke to Burnice, Caesar, and the others.
"It's alright. You all go handle what you need to. Parties can always wait for another day." Burnice smiled brightly as usual, unfazed.
"That's right. You're already friends of the Sons of Calydon. You'll always be welcome with us," Caesar said sincerely as she looked at them. "If you need help with the investigation, don't hesitate to ask."
She was just as shocked by the information Perlman had provided. If what he said was true, then this would be a matter of grave importance.
A deputy chief of New Eridu Public Security's Janus Quarter—one soon to be promoted to chief—Justin Bringer was ranked among the top hundred most influential people in New Eridu. His influence and network were massive.
Even though Caesar was busy preparing for the upcoming Tour de Inferno, helping her friends was far more important. Skipping a race for them was nothing.
"Since you said that, then I'll take you up on it," Sol said thoughtfully. "If Bringer really is a mole, then the corruption in the Public Security Bureau runs much deeper than expected. I'll need your help to seal off one of their possible escape routes."
Though his own power was overwhelming, his numbers were few.
To execute a flawless operation, they would need cooperation from multiple fronts—a full surround and suppression, leaving no chance for anyone to slip away.
Of course, Sol could personally travel back and forth at Mach 25, annihilating every enemy in seconds.
But that would be boring. He preferred everyone to take part—to have an experience they'd remember together.
Besides, he would eventually be traveling to other worlds; he wanted to give Nicole, Zhu Yuan, Caesar, and the rest more real combat experience. No need to let them get rusty.
"No problem. Leave that to us," Caesar replied straightforwardly. "Just tell us what you need us to do."
"Follow Zhu Yuan's arrangements," Sol said, turning to her. "She knows the Public Security Bureau better than anyone."
"If that's the case," Zhu Yuan began after a moment's thought, "then we should station a team near the northern intersection by the Bureau. It's the most likely escape path. I'd also like Qingyi to accompany the Sons of Calydon. She understands the Bureau's operations and can adjust tactics accordingly."
Deep down, Zhu Yuan still didn't want to believe that Chief Bringer was corrupt. But the situation was unfavorable, and taking precautions was the right move. It was better to contain the issue before it grew out of control.
"Understood. During this operation, the Sons of Calydon will follow Officer Qingyi's commands completely," Caesar affirmed first, and soon Piper, Burnice, and Lucy all nodded in agreement.
They each held a strong sense of justice. Even though they lived far out on the Outer Ring, they would never sit by and watch New Eridu fall into turmoil.
"Thank you all for your help," Zhu Yuan said gratefully.
Sol thought for a moment, then looked at Billy. "Billy, you'll go with the Sons of Calydon this time. Make sure everyone stays safe."
"No problem!" Billy said with a salute, full of energy.
He was genuinely eager to protect the members of the Sons of Calydon. However, he couldn't help but feel Sol was overestimating him a bit.
"Take this Transformation Belt."
Sol didn't explain much and simply tossed a red-and-black device toward Billy.
Its design was based on the Emperor Armor's structure and power system, shaped like the Starlight Knight's W-Engine, and its transformation sequence was exactly the same as seen in the show.
It was a byproduct of Sol's research of the [Construction Principles] with the [Emperor Armor], specially made for Billy. Though technically a simplified version, its destructive power was enough to level a mountain.
He had originally intended to give it to Billy before heading off to Star Rail, just to see his best friend moved to tears.
But given the situation, he decided to hand it over early. After all, it was made for him.
"Boss Sol… is this the Starlight Knight's Transformation Belt?" Billy asked, holding it carefully, hesitating to believe his eyes.
He had always loved Starlight Knight—even receiving a toy version of the summoner would have made him ecstatic.
But he could still tell fiction from reality. There was no way the Starlight Knight actually existed… right?
"Of course. I made it myself, and it's fully functional," Sol said lightly.
Without another word, he clenched his hand.
Conceptual Materialization—activate.
Another identical summoner appeared instantly in his palm.
Once the principle was understood, making more was effortless.
He fastened it to his waist, and in an instant, a brilliant red armor enveloped his body.
Moments later, Sol deactivated the transformation and twirled the device in his hand. "See?"
He tossed the duplicate to Billy. "Keep that one as a spare."
"Whoa!" Billy yelped, fumbling to catch it like a startled octopus.
His eyes went wide, filled with disbelief and excitement.
When dreams come true… Mom, I can transform into Starlight Knight!
Everyone around was stunned speechless.
"This guy must still be dreaming. There's no way that was real," Piper said, rubbing her eyes hard.
"No, I saw it too," Lucy muttered, pinching her soft cheek. "It wasn't an illusion…"
"Whoa! That's so cool!" Burnice shouted, her energy bubbling over.
Starlight Knight was a massive New Eridu franchise—even those who hadn't seen the show had heard of it.
And now, they had just witnessed Sol Mercer transform into Starlight Knight in real life.
Wait—did that mean Starlight Knight wasn't a TV series, but a documentary?
That was unbelievable.
"He actually made a real Starlight Knight," Nicole, Anby, and Nekomata said almost in unison, their expressions twitching as their understanding of Sol shattered once again.
He had always seemed like a man who solved everything with his fists—a reckless fighter.
And now they found out he was a scientist capable of creating a functional Starlight Knight suit? That was absurd.
Then again, this was Sol Mercer.
After all, when being with him could dramatically enhance one's physical abilities, creating two summoners was nothing more than basic science.
Just another small technological breakthrough.
"Truly, talent lies among the common folk," Qingyi commented as she examined the two belts in Billy's hands.
Exoskeleton armor was already common in New Eridu, and as an Intelligent Construct herself—a living product of biological engineering—this was within her understanding.
Though the design of the Starlight Knight armor was a bit over the top, it was still comprehensible.
She hadn't expected Sol, the supposed muscle-brained fighter, to be a technical genius.
Apparently, even a Intelligent Construct shouldn't cling to stereotypes.