169. Entering Gemini Blue

As Aguilar's elevator arrived at the banquet floor, Akechi Squad had already finished clearing all designated routes.

"Lord Akechi, all personnel have been subdued and cleared." The operative put away his crackling shock weapon. Scorch marks from high-voltage arcs still stained his insulated gloves. "Following your instructions, we used shock weapons set to neural paralysis mode to deliver nonlethal strikes. All targets' vital signs are stable, and they are expected to remain unconscious for four hours and thirty-eight minutes."

The operative glanced at the Barghests being carried aside by the squad's technicians and continued his report. "We have confirmed that the bioelectric feedback from all implanted sensors in their bodies has been severed. Their monitoring systems will only show them as being in normal condition."

"You did well."

Akechi gave a slight nod. That simple praise made the operative standing before him unconsciously straighten his back. "It is our honor to receive your praise, Lord Akechi."

To make up for the mistakes caused by their earlier rash actions, every operative in this squad was willing to brave fire and water for Lord Akechi.

Akechi nodded slightly and turned his gaze toward the young hacker who had accompanied the team. "How long until we gain higher-level access?"

"Mr. Tenkai has deployed relay equipment while ascending." The hacker girl replied quickly, her fingers flying across her portable computer's keyboard. "We should be able to take control of the perimeter elevators and entrances within ten minutes."

No fortress, however strong, could withstand collapse from within.

With Tenkai disguised as Aguilar and the intrusion devices he had deployed in the elevator shaft, Gemini Sapphire Tower's defense systems had been breached with ease despite Hansen's men guarding it.

The progress had gone surprisingly smoothly.

The mysterious hacker who had put immense pressure on the hacker