On the other side, within the New Eridu Public Security headquarters in Janus Quarter, Justin Bringer sensed something was wrong.
He set down the speech in his hand, frowning at the computer screen before him.
The display was empty—nothing but a city map grid remained where a red dot had been moments ago.
Just ten minutes earlier, that red dot had represented a signal moving from the Outer Ring toward central New Eridu.
But as it neared Public Security Headquarters, the tracking signal abruptly vanished, going silent.
That red dot represented the real-time tracking signal from Zhu Yuan and Qingyi's vehicle—its sudden disappearance was highly unusual.
The tracker, originally meant to transmit emergency signals for quick response, had now become a covert intelligence tool for undercover operations.
And at this critical moment, with Perlman captured, Bringer knew he had to be extremely cautious—something was verywrong.
He opened the internal Public Security interface to check Zhu Yuan and Qingyi's latest reports.
But aside from one report submitted three hours ago, there were no new updates.
Even if their vehicle had encountered an issue, with Qingyi's experience and Zhu Yuan's diligence, they should have reported immediately.
Bringer's frown deepened as he tossed the speech draft into the trash bin.
It was clear now—Zhu Yuan must have realized something was off for this to happen.
His own identity had likely been exposed. That damned speech was now worthless.
Bringer pulled out his private phone and issued a command to one of his key operatives. "Marcus, I've been exposed. Those within Public Security who have no direct contact with me are to remain undercover. Maintain silence for now and await reactivation from the organization."
When a fisherman hooks a big catch in the river, he usually stays put—for there are often more to come. And even if there aren't, small fish and shrimp will always bite.
During his years of infiltration in the bureau, Bringer had quietly arranged for many of the organization's agents to embed themselves across its ranks.
Even his own rise through the system had been thanks to certain powerful figures in the city backing him.
New Eridu Public Security had no shortage of heroes—but a title alone wouldn't get him far in politics.
"What? The elections are right around the corner—how could this happen?"
Marcus, the man on the other end, was visibly shaken.
The city's political reshuffling was at a crucial stage, and to him, Bringer had practically secured the position of Chief Commissioner of Public Security. With his long list of accomplishments, he even had a shot at climbing higher.
But now—exposed? Out of nowhere?
"The problem came from Vision Corporation," Bringer explained curtly. "Everyone who's ever had contact with Vision—drop your cover. No wishful thinking."
He continued, "Have those abandoning their covers take out the best equipment they've been issued. Follow my command when the time comes."
If his cover was blown, then he would make that exposure useful.
He would spend the last of his worth to extract as much intelligence for the organization as possible.
"Understood, sir! I'll relay your orders right away!" Marcus's voice grew fervent as he added, "For the Creator!"
Bringer paused for a moment, then answered in a deep tone, "For the Creator."
The line went dead. Inside Public Security, numerous embedded agents began to stir.
Those needing to retreat abused their authority to requisition weapons, stirring chaos to cover others' movements.
Those remaining undercover tightened their vigilance, blending seamlessly into the confusion.
Cut off one head, and eight more will rise.
Perhaps, he mused darkly, renaming Public Security the Serpent Shield Bureau wouldn't be such a bad idea.
After finishing his orders, Bringer turned his attention to a digital map on his desk.
It detailed a secret route leading to the abandoned Port Elpis—known only to him. Completely secure.
But now, he planned to intentionally leave traces, drawing pursuers toward it.
At Port Elpis lay a cache of high-concentration ether materials—transported and hidden through Vision Corporation's hands.
Originally, he had intended to activate those resources only after fully studying the Sacrifice suppressed beneath the Old Capital's Pioneer Plaza.
But now, with that plan shattered and Vision's exposure imminent, he had no choice but to act early. He wouldn't let those materials go to waste.
As Bringer pondered his next move, his encrypted private phone rang.
He glanced at the number—no surprise—and answered.
A sultry, teasing voice came through. "Oh? Our soon-to-be Chief Commissioner is about to be exposed? The timing's far from ideal, darling. If you move on Port Elpis now, you might throw away the life you could still save. Have you really thought this through?"
"Sarah, I understand the timing better than anyone. And I understand the danger better than you," Bringer replied calmly. "This is my decision—to give my last strength for the organization."
He had known from the start that Zhu Yuan and Qingyi had gone to the Outer Ring alongside Sol Mercer.
Back then, when multiple searches turned up no sign of Perlman, he'd decided to send them there on a false lead.
Never did he expect Perlman really was hiding in the Outer Ring—a stone lifted only to crush his own foot.
Now, he knew full well that Sol was the true opponent he'd have to face.
"I knew you'd say that," Sarah said lightly, as if his exposure were no big deal. "Ever the loyal one, aren't you? Then let me give you one more tip—Section 6 will be joining the operation under Hoshimi Miyabi's command. Be a dear and gather some intel on the youngest Void Hunter while you're at it~."
"…"
Bringer stared at his phone, momentarily speechless.
Testing Sol was already a death sentence.
Now she wanted him to probe Hoshimi Miyabi too? That was giving him far too much credit.
After several seconds, he finally responded in a low, steady tone. "Understood. I'll do my best."
If he was already doomed, then drawing out one more Void Hunter's strength before dying would be worth it.