Phaga looked over at the sound and saw Ruby holding a pile of shards in her hands. Beside her lay a battered box, blown apart to just a half-remnant—barely recognizable as what had once been a music box.
Surrounding it was a ring of black scorch marks—likely from a stray bullet that had shattered it in the crossfire.
Ugh... While you might fail the assessment, isn't your focus a bit off right now?
Phaga rubbed his forehead, a wry smile tugging at his lips. He shook his head, then turned to glance at Ellen, giving her a subtle nod.
[Your bestie—your job to comfort her.]
Ellen rolled her eyes, then walked over to Ruby, pulling her aside to whisper soft words of comfort.
At first, Ruby sniffled quietly, but soon she seemed to come to terms with it. Her dejected expression vanished like a passing storm—sudden, brief, and gone—leaving clear skies behind.
Seeing this, Phaga turned his attention elsewhere. From the other side came the sound of New Eridu Public Security reporting in, and he decided to wander over to listen.
...
Meanwhile, Zhu Yuan was listening to Seth's data report while Qingyi sat beside him, filling out forms. Her eyes remained tightly closed, her expression unreadable and strangely serene.
Then, suddenly, her eyes snapped open. Traces of flowing data still flickered across her pupils—just one second of staring was enough to make anyone dizzy.
Now, Qingyi's gaze fixed on a nearby pillar. Her eyes, once filled with cascading data streams, quietly shifted back to their natural emerald hue, though a hint of helplessness flickered within them.
She sighed. "Phaga, if you want to listen, just come out openly. No need to sneak around."
What? Someone was eavesdropping?
Seth's hair stood on end. He whipped his head around, scanning the area frantically. After a few seconds, he finally remembered that Qingyi had mentioned Phaga, and he exhaled in relief.
Still, he was stunned. Even as a trainee law officer, he was a top student at the academy—counter-surveillance and stealth detection were core subjects. Yet he hadn't heard a single footstep, hadn't even sensed Phaga's presence.
That kind of stealth... was unreal.
Seth couldn't help doubting Qingyi's words. After all, he was "Uncle Seth"—surely older and more experienced than Phaga.
But then, Phaga calmly stepped out from behind the pillar.
Not a hint of embarrassment showed on his face. He wore the gentle composure of a gentleman, with a mild, apologetic smile.
"My apologies," he said lightly. "There's a painting behind the pillar. I got a little absorbed in it."
"No need to apologize... Never mind. Let's just say there was a painting there."
Though Qingyi's data memory clearly showed that there was nothing behind that pillar, she decided to let it go.
"Today's operation," she said, "was like a major exam. Classified before the action—but soon, the results will be splashed across every paper in every possible way. Even if you knew early, it wouldn't matter."
She turned her head slightly. "Oh, right. Seth, take a few more photos from different angles for the news broadcast. Zhu Yuan, keep handling your captain duties. I'll chat with our Mr. Phaga for a bit."
Qingyi—ever the habitual overstepper—walked up beside Phaga. She glanced toward the pillar again, her pupils contracting sharply before her gaze flicked back to him in mild astonishment.
Was he really crazy enough to sketch something with Ether Crystals just to sell that excuse?
"Take care of your health," she said casually. "Don't let your weapon corrupt you into an Ethereal husk. Remember—New Eridu's current medical tech can only save those with mild corruption."
After that brief reminder, Qingyi got down to business. "Seth just reported that the captives from [Mountain Lion] claimed only two members escaped—Jane, who ran off early, and their boss."
She paused, then added, "We owe this perfect outcome to you. Could you share Victoria Housekeeping's address? The New Eridu Public Security will pay a visit.
"With official endorsement, I wish your business all the best."
Phaga froze. His eyelid twitched, but he forced a polite smile and waved dismissively.
"No need, really. Victoria Housekeeping keeps to itself, has a good reputation, and we're perfectly content with where we are. No need to waste public resources."
Yeah, right!
Jobs like this were fun every now and then—but if Victoria Housekeeping got too busy, they'd never make any real money!
Quickly changing the topic, Phaga asked, "So what's Public Security's next move?"
"Next?" Qingyi tilted her head. "A triumphant return, of course. We'll hold a small celebration back at headquarters."
She turned to glance at the others. Even with her mechanical frame, her gaze softened as she looked at Zhu Yuan, Seth, and the rest of the officers.
"Hm... I won't join them. I'll just find a charging station with the right voltage. Seth'll probably head straight back to work after the party. And Zhu Yuan... she'll likely go home and chat for hours with her family."
"Sounds nice..."
Her voice grew faintly wistful for a moment, but the feeling quickly passed. She placed a hand over her neck and added with mock exasperation,
"Talking to you is exhausting—you're too tall, I'm wearing myself out just looking up at you... Anyway, today was a great success. Come on, it's time to get ready to head out."
With that, Qingyi turned and stretched lazily before waving to Zhu Yuan.
Phaga raised an eyebrow. "So you're not going after Jane or the Mountain Lion boss?"
"Jane, she—"
Qingyi paused mid-sentence. Her processors whirred rapidly before she turned back to him.
"Young man, you should know—no operation is ever perfect. Jane's already escaped. That means the Mountain Lion boss will get word soon. He's probably long gone by now."
"So relax. We've done all we could."
Before Phaga could reply, she cut him off and called out, "Zhu Yuan, wrap things up!"
"Understood, Senior Qingyi."
...
They'd arrived slowly, but left swiftly.
Two hours later, Phaga followed the New Eridu Public Security squad out of the Hollow.
Seth glanced back and grinned. "Why not ride with us? I'll give you all a lift home."
Phaga and Ellen both shook their heads.
Even Ruby refused. She puffed up her cheeks and said, "No way. I didn't do anything wrong! Getting in a car with a bunch of gang members? Forget it."
"Is that so?" Seth scratched his head. "Then how will you get back?"
"We've got a car from the Investigators' Association nearby," Phaga explained. "We'll drive it back to the Association first, then head home."
"Alright then. Make sure you get home safe."
Someone from Public Security called out to him from afar, urging him along. Seth waved goodbye, then climbed into his car.
A moment later, a convoy of police vehicles drove off, each carrying captured gang members.
Before long, New Eridu Public Security would enjoy their celebratory feast.
And as for the gang members—they could pour their hearts out singing Tears Behind Bars.
Everyone had a bright future ahead.
"Let's go," Phaga murmured softly, turning toward the Hollow.
Ellen seemed to understand what he was thinking and followed silently.
Only Ruby blinked in confusion. "Wait, what are we doing now?"
Without looking back, Phaga replied firmly, "Back to the Hollow."
There was still unfinished business.
...
Meanwhile, inside a patrol car elsewhere—
Qingyi, seated in the passenger seat, suddenly opened her eyes. "Zhu Yuan, turn the car around. We're going back."
"Why?"
Zhu Yuan was startled but followed the order, steering the car into a turn.
The other police vehicles halted, confused, unsure whether to follow their captain. After all, Zhu Yuan hadn't issued any command.
"You all keep going. Don't worry about us," Zhu Yuan said through the radio. She pressed the accelerator and looked ahead. "Senior Qingyi, do we have another mission?"
"To retrieve our comrade."
"Comrade? Who?"
"Jane."
"But she's not—oh. I see. Then why leave the Hollow in the first place?"
"Because if we don't make it convincing, we won't fool Phaga. The fact that Jane's an undercover agent must remain confidential—no one outside New Eridu Public Security can know."
"Understood."