And at this moment, on Sol's and Zhu Yuan's side.
"Senior Qingyi successfully intercepted Bringer's team over there. Billy was a huge help."
Receiving Qingyi's good news put Zhu Yuan in a noticeably better mood. She said, "Consultant Jane sent intel. Bringer is heading toward Port Elpis. Looks like something there is drawing him in."
"Hoshimi Miyabi's side has also cleared out a portion of the remaining troops and is heading toward Port Elpis as well."
For now, everything was progressing smoothly. Even if there were small setbacks, they were quickly overcome.
They had also encountered a batch of fleeing remnants, who were easily captured by Belobog Heavy Industries' automated construction machines.
"In that case, it seems our plan is solid. Everything's going smoothly."
Nicole's delight was visible on her face as she spoke cheerfully.
Strength in numbers truly made a difference. With so many of them working together, they were literally chasing a high-ranking undercover officer from the New Eridu Public Security around like a scared rabbit.
Just a while ago, the Cunning Hares would avoid even a mere Chores Division officer from Public Security. Now they were driving a deputy district chief wild.
Life's twists were truly remarkable.
Koleda frowned and said in a low voice, "I looked through the records Perlman hid earlier. They seemed to mention that Bringer used Vision Corporation to stockpile a massive amount of ether supplies in Port Elpis."
"If he's going there now, could he be planning something?"
Her instincts told her this would not be simple.
"No worries. If soldiers come, we block them. If water comes, we hold it back."
Sol gave a soft laugh, completely at ease.
With resources in hand, there was no need for panic—this was exactly his current mindset.
"Wait—Senior Qingyi and Hoshimi Miyabi are catching up!"
Through the rear-view mirror, Zhu Yuan spotted the dedicated vehicle from Hollow Special Operations Section 6, as well as the patrol car she and Qingyi often used. She felt a spark of pleasant surprise.
"They're still on the road. Let's regroup a bit further ahead."
Sol glanced at the surrounding traffic and spoke.
"Alright."
Zhu Yuan nodded and continued driving steadily.
Moments later, they arrived at a coastal port.
Nearby was an abandoned old dock, enveloped in a colorfully shimmering Hollow—this was Port Elpis.
Four vehicles stopped together. The two teams that had split off from the Outer Ring reunited, now accompanied by people from Belobog Heavy Industries and Section 6.
Jane, who had been tailing Bringer, also stopped here. The road ahead was too open—no longer suitable for stealth.
Everyone involved in apprehending Bringer was finally gathered.
"Boss Sol! The transformation belt you gave me works amazingly well!!"
Billy jumped out of the car and practically leapt to Sol's side, presenting his achievement like a treasure. "With one kick, I smashed five robots—each ten meters tall!"
He enthusiastically reenacted the moment, full of pride and excitement.
"Got it, got it." Sol pushed him aside with mild annoyance. "I built those things. I know better than you how strong they are."
"Oh—oh."
Billy rubbed his head with an embarrassed chuckle. "Then, Boss Sol… could you teach me how to use it properly? There are so many moves I don't know how to activate."
"No problem. I'll write you a manual when we get back."
Sol agreed casually.
Meanwhile, the members of Section 6 walked over to Sol.
Asaba Harumasa lazily waved a hand, a gentle smile on his face. This kind of greeting really did save energy.
Sol nodded and returned the smile.
"Long time no see. You're as impressive as ever, Mr. Mercer."
Tsukishiro Yanagi adjusted her glasses and smiled gracefully.
"Yanagi, you're still as good with words."
Looking at the sweet-natured Yanagi, Sol felt his mood lift.
If someone spoke pleasantly, he didn't mind indulging in a bit more conversation—worth at least ten additional units of small talk.
"Sol-nii, you've gotten even more handsome!"
Soukaku skipped over to Sol with a bright grin.
Sol unwrapped a lollipop and popped it into her mouth. "Good manners."
Soukaku clasped her hands behind her back, looking smug yet shy. The sweet taste delighted her.
Just as Yanagi had said—well-mannered children got treats. And Sol-nii was a good person; he always had something tasty for her.
Hoshimi Miyabi rested her hand on her katana and nodded at Sol. On her refined, cool expression appeared a nearly imperceptible smile. "It seems this will be our first time working together."
Their previous encounters made her view Sol differently.
Especially after experiencing those astonishingly fast martial arts techniques last time—whenever she looked at Sol, her body felt a subtle, tingling sensation. She knew it was a phantom tactile memory, caused by how deeply the impression had been carved in.
Clearly, her mental discipline was lacking. She needed more training.
But dual practice would have to wait until after Bringer's arrest.
With that thought, her eyes sharpened. She needed to finish Bringer quickly and resume her endurance training.
Sol's lips curved upward. "It may be our first time, but I believe this will be a highly enjoyable collaboration."
"Mm."
Hoshimi Miyabi nodded in agreement.
Given Sol's reliability and capability, she also thought it would be a smooth experience.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Caesar, Lucy, Koleda, Grace, Belle, Wise, and others were somewhat surprised at how well Sol seemed to get along with Section 6.
Nicole, however, was not surprised at all. Sol practically radiated some kind of social magic—he always managed to maintain good relations with every faction.
It made her proud. With Sol, their social circle at the Cunning Hares had expanded tremendously.
After a brief round of introductions, the groups established basic trust and began discussing Bringer's situation.
Qingyi was the first to speak. "Bringer's main force was wiped out near Public Security Headquarters. The other scattered troops should have been cleared by everyone else by now."
"Yes, we eliminated a portion on our end as well."
Hoshimi Miyabi nodded.
Koleda said, "Same here. We cleaned up some too."
Jane flicked her clamp-blade and spoke. "I followed Bringer all the way. His vehicle only has him and a driver. He's cornered. But I'm sure he's plotting something. I tailed him very closely the entire time—under normal circumstances, even an idiot would've noticed me."
"But he pretended not to. It's like he wanted to lure us here intentionally."
She was fully confident in her assessment.
After years undercover, she had seen and set up plenty of such baited traps.
"In any case, he should be inside the Hollow across from us."
Hoshimi Miyabi suddenly spoke, gazing at the port shrouded by the Hollow above the water.
"Yes. He's definitely inside that Hollow."
Jane confirmed firmly.
Hoshimi Miyabi placed her hand on her sword hilt, calm yet confident. "Since we know where he is, we simply need to go in and capture him."
She then looked at Sol, phrasing it as a question but speaking with certainty. "You think the same, don't you?"
As one of New Eridu's Void Hunters, confidence in overcoming any obstacle was expected.
And besides—she wasn't alone.
Section 6 was here. Sol, Zhu Yuan, and their trusted allies were all here.
Sol blinked, then smiled slightly. "Since Bringer brought us here deliberately, we might as well enter and see what trick he's trying to pull."