Just then, hurried footsteps sounded in the distance.
"Vice Admiral Rock—!!!"
Spandine came scrambling over from the elevators with an entire squad of Cipher Pol 0 agents.
He wiped cold sweat from his forehead as he ran.
When he saw that Rock had already reached the far end of the plaza, he nearly fell apart.
"Wait for me!"
"Why didn't you take the elevator?!"
Rock paused.
He turned to look at the figure chasing after him, panting.
"Oh?"
"Spandine?"
Surprise tinged his voice. "You're still alive?"
Spandine stiffened and forced a smile uglier than a grimace.
"Th-thanks to you!"
"I've done all right these past few years!"
As he spoke, cold sweat soaked his back.
His cautious manner left the agents behind him staring in disbelief.
Lucci, in particular, had never seen this image-conscious Cipher Pol 0 superior look like that.
Rock looked Spandine up and down. "With your personality, I figured someone would've killed you by now."
More sweat beaded on Spandine's forehead.
"Al-almost."
"Thanks to you, sir, I survived!"
He gave two dry laughs, then seemed to remember something. Hurrying closer, he lowered his voice. "Vice Admiral Rock."
"This summons from the Five Elders... something feels off."
"They've posted quite a few extra guards around the Room of Authority today."
As he finished, Spandine glanced instinctively toward the distant palaces, afraid someone might overhear.
Rock showed no surprise. He merely chuckled.
"Well..."
"I'd be disappointed if they didn't put up a little resistance."
Spandine's mouth twitched. "You... you'd better be a little careful."
"This is the Holy Land, after all..."
Rock turned toward the palace that symbolized the world's supreme authority.
Sunlight washed over its white stone steps. The Holy Land remained solemn, magnificent, and far above the rest of the world.
But there was no reverence in