Meanwhile, at MI6 headquarters,
in an unmarked room under heavy guard.
The atmosphere here was completely different from the Ministry of Magic. There were no lavish decorations, only practical alloy walls, constantly flickering electronic screens, and the low hum of machinery.
Carlton stood before a large display screen showing processed satellite footage. A blurry fire dragon rose into the air near Whitehall in London.
Several sharply composed people in plain clothes were also in the room, including the new director who had taken office last year, John Kyle.
Carlton paused the footage so everyone could clearly see the figure on the dragon's back. "Creating maximum chaos and visual impact, declaring his presence and power—that is Mr. Vincent Wayne's style. He may be using this method to send a strong message to the Ministry of Magic, the murderer, and other forces that may be lurking in the shadows."
Director John nodded slightly. "His actions were never under our control. I hinted to the Queen and the Prime Minister several times that he should keep as low a profile as possible. Clearly, it had no effect."
Carlton pondered for a moment. "Director, should we investigate where the fire dragon went?"
"No." John turned to another display screen, which was filled with photographs of the scenes where the murderer had planted Opal Necklaces. "MI6's foremost duty is to protect our citizens from supernatural threats and to understand, as much as possible, this world that is rapidly becoming unfamiliar before our eyes. Everything concerning the Wizarding World is not our priority unless it directly endangers civilians."
London, utterly submerged in the night, remained bustling.
Unlike the Ministry of Magic, which was struggling amid panic and bureaucracy, the most informed people in the Muggle government were calmly watching events unfold.
What Vincent had unleashed was