A kilometer away from the greenstone mine, McCleary lay hidden in a patch of bushes on the hillside. His camouflage uniform provided excellent concealment.
The old man held a pair of binoculars, carefully observing the situation inside the mine. His gaze swept across the three mechas, including "Xiniang."
"The Strategic Affairs Department's dragon riders are indeed here."
McCleary lowered the binoculars. "There are three mechas standing guard inside the mine, but I noticed that two others haven't been activated."
"In other words, the Golden Apple should be inside that mine. At least two dragon riders have gone underground."
Jack asked solemnly, "Sir, should we take action now?"
McCleary thought for a moment. "Wait first."
"If we act now, we'll alert them."
"Let's wait until they come out of the mine."
He took out a device resembling a remote control. "This is a measuring instrument sent by the Papal Hall. The 'relics' of the gods all emit a special kind of energy."
"When it enters the instrument's effective range, the device will react."
"Jack, you and Loki take this to the vicinity of the mine. Once the instrument reacts, notify us immediately."
"When that happens, we'll take action."
Jack took the measuring instrument from the old man, then looked at Loki.
"Yes, yes, yes."
Loki seemed to know what he was about to say and answered in advance. Then she walked over and lightly touched Jack's arm.
Jack's figure rippled and shifted. A moment later, he had become a woman—a woman with distinctly Greek features.
"What are you doing?" Jack discovered that even his voice had changed.
Loki transformed into a man and laughed. "This way, no one will suspect you, right?"
Jack shouted angrily, "Change me back into another form, now!"
Loki spread her hands. "I can, but anyone who