Inside the Blackthorn Security Company's conference room.
"So this is what happened in Tingen recently?" Dunn, who had returned from Backlund, gazed at the report before him and fell into thought.
"Kenley, Old Neil... and Klein."
"I never imagined so much would happen while I was away for such a short time." His deep voice struck everyone's heart like a blunt instrument, and a trace of self-reproach surfaced in his gray eyes.
He should have been in Tingen protecting his companions, rather than traveling to the capital for personal reasons.
"Captain, this was my failure. I didn't fulfill my responsibilities as acting captain." Frye took the blame upon himself.
"No, you can't blame yourself. We all bear some responsibility." Royale spoke up to comfort him.
"Right, the urgent telegram the Holy Cathedral sent earlier has been deciphered."
Seeka Theon remembered something and spoke up.
"An urgent telegram... what did it say?" Dunn asked.
Seeka Theon, the white-haired, black-eyed lady, answered without hesitation, "Beware of Ince Zangwill. Beware of Sealed Artifact 0-08."
"0-08? I see... so that's the real reason behind all these incidents in Tingen..." Dunn nodded thoughtfully.
The other Nighthawks present also fell silent. Clearly, they had realized part of the truth as well.
"Old Neil was taken away for investigation over the black magic incident, and he's reached retirement age anyway."
"How are Kenley's injuries?" Dunn asked about their other injured teammate.
"He needs another month or two of rest." Frye's answer was concise.
Dunn nodded. His Adam's apple bobbed, and after a few seconds of silence, he spoke.
"Does anyone have any leads about Klein?"
Silence settled over the room again.
Over the past few days, everyone had been deliberately avoiding the subject of Klein.
"Ever since Klein was reported, he'd been staying behind Chanis Gate..."