"So, that man destroyed all the data inside the research institute?"
The high-level official on the video call was shrouded in shadow, his face obscured. He seemed remarkably calm about the intelligence that had been relayed.
"Yes. Aside from those medical pods, he didn't take anything else."
Hearing that the equally valuable medical pods had also been taken, several of the people present winced, but in the end, they just sighed and said:
"As long as this research is completely destroyed, that's all that matters. However, this means our deal with Wesker is now void."
Just then, another figure, a woman also cloaked in shadow, spoke up.
"They were just disposable pawns that the other side didn't want anyway, and now he's a complete cripple. Once the dust settles, just make him 'disappear' in prison."
No one objected to her words.
The previous deal was merely to ensure all the research data was destroyed. They didn't care who, specifically, did the destroying.
"In any case, we won this struggle. Those within the military who wanted to collude with the Exaltists have been removed. They won't be able to make any waves for the next few years, at least."
The man let out a cold laugh, filled with contempt for such experiments.
"As long as we ensure the research data can't be reused by anyone else, that's what counts. This kind of research should never appear in New Eridu again."
As soon as he finished, the woman who had spoken earlier immediately interjected.
"Regarding the clones, the reason we only left one was to prevent them from being used as leverage against us. Now that they are all considered dead, even that last possibility no longer exists."
The man in the shadows nodded in agreement. He tapped his index finger against his cheek, pondered for a moment, and continued:
"As for the new member we were supposed to add to the Obols Squad… just tell them the reinforcement has been canceled. We'll continue to recruit suitable personnel for them later."
————
Pre-dawn hours.
"Click-clack, click-clack, click-clack."
A pair of mechanical metal legs took measured steps across the tiled floor, producing a crisp sound. In the dark of night, an evening breeze blew in through an open window, gently lifting the curtains and obscuring the path ahead.
Lamps on the wall at regular intervals illuminated the corridor. Under the warm yellow light, the well-decorated hallway, elegant yet not without a touch of splendor, was fully revealed.
But none of this caused the Wolf Thiren's steps to falter in the slightest. The crisp, rhythmic footfalls became the sole melody of the corridor, like a solitary musical piece.
Pushing open a heavy wooden door, he entered an office where a middle-aged man was hunched over his solid wood desk, buried in paperwork under the lamplight.
"Mr. Mayor, this is an urgent report that just came in. Please take a look."
The middle-aged man, the Mayor, looked up. Recognizing the visitor, he immediately put down his pen and offered a gentle smile.
"Lycaon, it's you. Are you getting used to this new pair of mechanical legs?"
The Mayor looked up, accepting the report Lycaon handed him, but instead of reading it right away, he first inquired after his well-being.
In response to the Mayor's concern, Lycaon gave a slight bow, his left hand clenched into a fist behind his back and his right hand over his chest. His tone was respectful as he said:
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Mayor. These mechanical legs are a perfect fit. I'm even faster now than I was before."
Although his own question had been skillfully deflected, the Mayor didn't point it out. He trusted Lycaon; if Lycaon didn't want to talk about it, he was certain the man could handle it himself.
Though Lycaon maintained a composed expression, the Mayor could still sense a flicker of sadness when the topic of his legs was brought up.
No matter how much Lycaon insisted he didn't care about the incident from a few months ago, the sorrow in his heart couldn't be faked.
Not pressing the issue, the Mayor tactfully moved on and began to read the report in his hands.
As he read, his brow gradually furrowed, but by the end, it began to relax.
Finally, he let out a breath, closed the report, and remarked with feeling:
"Excellent, truly excellent. To think that New Eridu is home to such a powerful individual that even I was completely unaware of."
Yet there was no displeasure on the Mayor's face, only relief and appreciation.
"It seems that even if I hadn't intervened this time, someone who couldn't stand it would have eliminated them anyway. Wonderful, simply wonderful. We can consider our investment in the military as preparation for any other potential incidents down the line."
At this, the Mayor turned his head to look at Lycaon, who had been standing motionlessly before the desk.
"Aren't you curious what kind of intelligence this is?"
But Lycaon remained where he was, unmoved. He gently closed the eye not covered by the leather patch, showing no sign of wavering.
"If you wish for me to know, Mr. Mayor, then I will know. Otherwise, I will not inquire."
Seeing that Lycaon had no intention of asking, the Mayor didn't hold back either. He placed the report on the desk and said to Lycaon:
"It's fine. There's no need for secrecy at this point. Although it differs slightly from the actual situation, the news reports on TV will cover what happened. The only difference in my version is the information about our collaborator."
On the adjacent intelligence report, Andrew's trail was clearly marked by a series of emergency call locations—where he was reported as a cultist—and traces captured by surveillance cameras. A red line connected these points, continuously extending.
The line ended with a circle drawn around Sixth Street, where he now resided. The only thing not specified was his exact address.
"The man doesn't wish to reveal his identity, but as Mayor, I can't let such a contribution to New Eridu go unacknowledged."
He pulled open the drawer on his right and took out a stack of New Eridu citizen ID cards—no more, no less, exactly twelve.
The light shone on the documents, revealing their detailed information. The first card belonged to the captain, Anby, and even her photo was already printed on it. It was clear that the Mayor had been prepared for this all along.
"Lycaon, I must trouble you. Please collect the reward prepared at the police station in my name, and take this humble gift from me as well. Deliver it all to that enthusiastic citizen of Sixth Street."
As he spoke, the Mayor placed the stack of ID cards next to a special bank card and pushed them both toward Lycaon.
"I'm sure that with this intelligence and your skills, Lycaon, finding out who he is won't be difficult. When you do, please deliver these for me."
Lycaon silently reached out, taking the stack of cards. He once again placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly in a butler's salute, preparing to exit.
Just then, the Mayor suddenly called out to him again.
"Please wait a moment, Lycaon. Can you tell me how many people in City Hall currently know about this intelligence?"
Lycaon paused his steps but didn't change his posture.
"I was the only one who handled it. No one else knows."
The Mayor nodded, his demeanor unchanged.
"I understand. Please take it to the top-secret archives and have it sealed. Without my permission, no one is to view it."
"Yes, Mr. Mayor."
After Lycaon had completely left the office, the Mayor shifted his gaze back to the map of Sixth Street and stared at it for a long time.
The location he was focused on was precisely the Random Play video store where the siblings resided.
"The Helios Academy… Carole Arna's two students… No, no, it's still too early to make contact. I'll wait a little longer."
Such a towering figure, combined with his sudden appearance—these two conditions made him far too conspicuous when confined to Sixth Street.
Especially since he appeared right next to the subjects I've been keeping under observation.
However, judging from this incident, it seems we've finally gained a sufficiently weighty and reliable counterweight on the fragile balance between humanity and the Hollows.
"For the future of New Eridu…"
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