Green was not particularly surprised when he received Cyrabelle's message. He had expected this. If the rot had not gone all the way to the roots, how could the Rune Federation have infiltrated this Void World under the Lorenzo Kingdom's control so thoroughly?
In her letter, Cyrabelle urged him to step up the purge of nobles and capitalists in Stinnard City who had colluded with the Revolutionary Army. He did need to move faster. If Red Fortress fell and the Revolutionary Army reached the city gates, Stinnard City probably could not hold out for even three days. The enemy agents inside would open the gates and surrender.
Green left the Anomalies Bureau headquarters. It was the usual time for government offices to close, and the streets were crowded with people in suits and various uniforms, hurrying along with different expressions. Cyrabelle's departure south to defend Red Fortress against the Rebels had cast a pall of tension over Stinnard City.
Green stood on the steps outside headquarters. They descended nearly two stories, lending anyone who stood at the top an air of superiority.
From below, the building looked especially imposing. Its tall brass doors above the steps gave it an almost untouchable authority.
Green straightened his Black Leather Gloves, adjusted the brim of his military cap, and started down the steps.
A black carriage bearing the Anomalies Bureau insignia waited at the bottom.
Green was only a few steps from the carriage when he stopped short and snapped his head up toward the left.
A black line two or three meters long appeared in midair several meters away. It split open into a spatial passage, and a figure burst out, diving straight at Green in a flash of cold steel.
An assassin! Green realized at once. Though the attacker had concealed