Seeking Peace

The next day, Luke arrived at the office yawning. Before he could even sit down, the department heads of the Secret Intelligence Bureau rushed in.

"Detective Chief! The Elf Clear Sky broke into Aolu Academy last night and stole the Book of Calamity."

"Detective Chief! The City Hall has issued a bounty for the Elf Clear Sky... Anyone who provides clues can receive a reward ranging from a minimum of 1,000 Imperial Marks to a maximum of 100,000 Imperial Marks.

Those who can recover the Book of Calamity will receive a bounty of 2 million Imperial Marks."

"Detective Chief! Holt, the Chief of the Security Bureau, wants to meet with you."

"Detective Chief! Councilor Virgil, who is in charge of public security in Raging Wave City, invites you to attend a city security meeting at two o'clock this afternoon at City Hall.

The agenda is for the security departments of each district to coordinate the capture of the Elf Clear Sky and the recovery of the stolen Book of Calamity, the Heart of Red Dragon Nilcolon, and the wand of Dean Wilfred of Aolu Academy.

Since Clear Sky first appeared in the Cape District, you will be questioned at the meeting."

"Detective Chief! Regarding the Mad Axe Gang..."

Luke stopped his subordinates from chattering all at once: "Black Mamba, stay! Everyone else, get out. Summarize your matters with Kailina first, then have Kailina report to me."

"Yes, Detective Chief!"

The room cleared out, leaving only Shelley behind.

Compared to her dejected state yesterday, Shelley was in high spirits today.

"Detective Chief, the situation at the Mad Axe Gang last night was handled beautifully. Over two thousand reinforcements equipped with Potent Berserk Potions caught the attacking enemies completely off guard.

Lambert even led men on a counter-offensive, fighting all the way to the docks.

Now it's the turn of those who bullied us to tremble. As long as the Potent Berserk Potions arrive tonight, it will be time for our full counter-attack."

The situation at the Mad Axe Gang was within Luke's expectations.

Although the various factions attacking the Mad Axe Gang were numerous, they were a disorganized mess. The Security Bureau could back them up, but they dared not openly organize them.

As for himself, he had gathered the men under the Secret Intelligence Bureau to form the Blazing Sun Smuggling Group; a fist formed by clenched fingers hits with a different kind of power, not to mention the enhancement of the Potent Berserk Potions.

Another important factor was... Clear Sky had raided Aolu Academy last night, drawing all of City Hall's attention away from the Cape District, leaving them no way to strike in the shadows.

Holt from the Cape District Security Bureau wanting to meet was likely because he saw the situation turning against him and wanted to negotiate.

Luke said to Shelley: "Holt wants to see me... did he say for what purpose?"

"The messenger didn't say. Detective Chief, is the Security Bureau trying to mediate because they see the situation has suddenly turned against them?"

"That is part of the reason."

Shelley asked: "How do you intend to reply to Holt? The Mad Axe Gang is already prepared to launch a retaliatory strike tonight against everyone who participated in the attacks."

Luke thought for a moment.

"Send someone to the Security Bureau and tell Chief Holt that I invite him to meet me now on the Lucky Princess at the Cape Port docks.

Have Pisco take some men to the ship to prepare.

Then you go to the Mad Axe Gang headquarters and tell them... as soon as I meet with Holt, they are to launch their retaliation immediately. Be fast, accurate, and ruthless. Finish it before noon."

Hearing that the Detective Chief wanted to move the retaliation forward, Shelley couldn't help but ask: "Detective Chief, the Security Bureau has issued warnings against causing trouble during the day. If we start a war in broad daylight, won't that put you in danger?"

"Isn't Pisco going ahead to prepare?

Besides, with such a major incident in Raging Wave City, City Hall will certainly want to end things here as quickly as possible so we can focus our efforts on capturing the Elf Clear Sky.

There is a security meeting at City Hall this afternoon; I suspect Holt is looking for me more out of pressure, wanting to re-divide the pie at the docks before noon. You don't need to come back after you go to the Mad Axe Gang; help them stir up as much trouble as possible. The better you fight, the easier it will be for me."

Hearing that there was a battle to be had, Shelley's combat cells were activated.

But she still asked with some concern: "Didn't you and Holt have an agreement that our Secret Intelligence Bureau and the Security Bureau would not participate in this matter?"

"Are you stupid?" Luke reprimanded: "Can the current situation be compared to the last two days? Holt is the one who wants this incident to end as quickly as possible right now! With City Hall wanting to concentrate its strength on capturing the Elf Clear Sky, does Holt have the guts to go to war with our Secret Intelligence Bureau?

Besides, can't you find an excuse?

The Secret Intelligence Bureau is investigating the case of capturing the Elf Clear Sky and recovering the stolen 'Heart of Red Dragon Nilcolon'—this is a case commissioned by City Hall.

I will handle Holt; you can go ahead and do your work with confidence."

Investigating a case!

This was right up her alley.

Doing it with confidence... made Shelley feel like she could finally let loose.

"Please rest assured, Detective Chief, I guarantee that the work will be finished before noon!"

"Go! Send Kailina in."

"Yes, Detective Chief."

Shelley stood up, saluted Luke, and strode out.

Kailina soon walked in carrying a stack of documents, which she placed on the desk.

She then said: "Detective Chief, a serious intrusion occurred at Aolu Academy last night. The Elf Clear Sky, who once killed over a hundred people in our Cape District in a single night, suddenly entered Aolu Academy last night..."

Kailina systematically recounted the events of the previous night to Luke.

As someone involved, even though he knew the details of the incident more thoroughly, Luke listened very carefully.

After Kailina finished speaking, Luke asked, "Are there any leads regarding the Elf Clear Sky?"

"Detective Chief, none. The movements of the Elf Clear Sky are extremely erratic. By all logic, she is hiding within the city, needing to eat and rest... and as an Elf, she has distinct physical features. As long as she is active, she should eventually reveal something that can be tracked."

"But there are almost no leads."

"Currently, several important districts in the city are screening all Elves."

"The City Hall held a meeting this afternoon to prepare for coordinating all security forces in the city for a massive sweep of Raging Wave City."

"Our Cape District has the most complex population, so it will likely be the focus of this sweep."

Luke nodded.

This was about what he had expected.

The fact that Holt from the Security Bureau was so anxious to see him meant there was pressure from above.

If he had pressure, then he would just create some more pressure for him.

"Hmm, I understand. The theft of the Book of Calamity by the Elf Clear Sky already involves threats to the security of the Empire. As the Secret Intelligence Bureau, we have an obligation to hunt down the Elf Clear Sky."

"Based on the situation in the Cape District, write up a search plan and submit it to me."

"Yes, Detective Chief! If there is nothing else, I will go back to work."

Luke stood up and said to Kailina, "There is no rush on the search plan. You are coming with me to the Lucky Princess to meet Chief Holt."

"Yes, Detective Chief!"