"When the Vault Sword Academy visits in a few days, most of the fighters will head over there. Target Number Two won't."
The man noticed that traffic ahead had grown heavier than before and began speaking faster.
"He's a member of the Purity Faction. He's worked with the International Investigation Group twice and pays extremely close attention to rifts. I think we can use that to find a way to draw him away. That would give me an opening."
"Startled Forest Bird, I'll consider your suggestion. Anything else?"
The man said, "I've been talking long enough. I need to get back."
The voice on the other end said, "All right. Remember, even if you can't get it, don't expose yourself recklessly."
"Understood."
After hanging up, the man stepped outside. He opened the umbrella he carried, crossed the road, and waved. A taxi pulled over.
He said, "Crane Street."
Crane Street was where Eastern Continent descendants congregated in the Federation Capital, though many people from overseas also lived there. It was a bustling commercial street.
When he arrived, lanterns simulated by domain fields hung high in the air. A giant phoenix crouched atop a high-rise, watching everyone who passed, while seemingly real cranes flew between the buildings.
Once there, he removed his mask. His face looked utterly ordinary, as though he had mixed Eastern Continent and Federation ancestry. He did not stand out in these surroundings at all.
After walking halfway down the street, he entered a restaurant. Many people were eating there at this hour, including some members of the Visiting Delegation.
He surveyed the seating, took a place near the entrance, and ordered a moderately priced meal for one, which he began eating slowly.
As he ate, people kept passing him after paying their bills, but he never once