Upon hearing the name "Gray Rat," Lin Taichu immediately exchanged a glance with Aron. They both understood that Gray Rat was the most crucial lead they could find at the moment. Now that they knew his codename and daily routine, capturing him should not be difficult.
"Do you know when Gray Rat will come to the general store next?"
Lin Taichu pressed the young captive. After thinking for a moment, the captive said, "Based on the usual pattern, he'll come tomorrow morning to pick up a new batch of potions, around eight o'clock. It's always at that time, very punctual."
Lin Taichu nodded and had the guards take the captive away before interrogating the other two.
The two captives knew roughly the same things as the young man, but they added more details about Gray Rat's appearance—he was short, had a black mole on his face, liked to walk hunched over, and always wore gray clothes. He would be easy to recognize.
Early the next morning, Lin Taichu and Aron brought five elite guards and lay in wait near the general store.
They had all changed into ordinary civilian clothes and spread out among the teahouses and snack stalls surrounding the shop, keeping their eyes on its entrance.
Just as eight o'clock arrived, a person dressed in gray appeared at the street corner.
He looked around, confirmed that no one was watching him, and quickly headed toward the general store. He was short, hunched over, and the black mole on his face was conspicuous. It was Gray Rat.
Gray Rat reached the door of the general store and pulled out a key to unlock it. The instant he inserted the key into the lock, Lin Taichu rushed out from the teahouse beside him and grabbed his wrist.
Gray Rat jolted