Just as Ushio shouted in alarm and the entire Intelligence Division was about to rush outside—
"Everyone, there is no need to panic."
A voice rang out above the room.
It was calm and unruffled, yet when it reached everyone's ears, it seemed to carry an extraordinary magic that involuntarily soothed their frantic thoughts.
Looking up, they saw the image of officer Rex Goodwin appear in midair through a holographic projection, his expression composed.
"It was nothing more than a prank."
Kira addressed everyone through the projection.
"None of you need to take it to heart."
Ushio froze, conflicted. "But... Officer, there really was an explosion just now—"
"They only had that one bomb, and it was planted somewhere unimportant on the perimeter. It caused no actual damage."
Kira said calmly.
"They only planted that one bomb. It was merely a bluff. I already have agents handling it, so there is no need for concern."
With that, the transmission was cut off and the image vanished.
Ushio and the others in the Intelligence Division looked at one another.
After a moment, Ushio could only spread his hands helplessly. "All right, if the officer says so. Everyone, return to your posts for now."
Sherry LeBlanc was feeling very frustrated.
This was completely different from the plan.
Originally, Gōchi was supposed to infiltrate the building first and plant a Trojan program. Then they would use the bomb threat to force the people inside out, allowing her to sneak in and "borrow" the Security Maintenance Bureau's Supercomputer.
However, Gōchi had gone around the back and never returned. By now, there had not even been the slightest word from him. She had no choice but to assume the worst—that Gōchi was already gone, most likely arrested by the Security Maintenance Bureau.
That was why