"Don't rush into action yet," the Crown Prince said calmly. "These thugs have some connection to the society. As for the actual situation, we still need them."
"Need them? Then I'll try to take them alive." Qinlan Jiuge scratched his chin. "No idea where this bunch came from, but they picked quite the moment... Could their target be Miss Grina?"
"That won't be necessary. Go all out. Let us see what they are capable of."
"You mean we should use this chance to investigate their background as well?" Qinlan Jiuge asked in surprise. "The Philosopher—does that lord see something?"
"You do not need to know that. Besides, this is not entirely the idea of the one in the chair. I am curious as well."
The Crown Prince Mistofen chuckled.
"Director Qinlan Jiuge, wait for my orders before making your move."
The next moment, the ghost domain ended, and the gray building instantly returned to its original colors.
"Everyone, prepare—"
Qinlan Jiuge was about to shout when the Crown Prince raised a hand to stop him and said flatly:
"Form up where you are. Do not display hostility."
"Huh?" Qinlan Jiuge froze, then repeated, "Uh—the enemy may have hostages. Form up in place, spread out, weapons on standby."
The Imperial State's enforcement troops did not question the order. Facing forward, they took quick, short steps as the formation began to spread out.
At that moment, the doors of the Deep Abyss Bureau building slowly opened.
Clack, clack, clack...
From within the corridor, the sound of metal combat boots striking the ground grew clearer and clearer.
"He's out." Mistofen nodded. "Let us see just who you are."
As soon as he spoke, it was as though the figure in the corridor had heard him. The man stood still, his upper body shrouded