A secondhand black Pons sedan crossed four parallel railway tracks, then forced its way onto a stone road. After a violent jolting ride, it finally stopped in front of a Lookout Tower.
In its early years, the Lookout Tower had served to monitor the nearby waters and guard against smuggling vessels. Later, with the expansion of the empire's colonial system, petty smuggling could no longer attract the imperial government's attention. Yet the Lookout Tower had not been abandoned; it had remained in use, equipped with telephone lines and armed observers.
There were fewer boats smuggling goods, but more smuggling people. Every year, large numbers of illegal immigrants entered Vien this way.
Kallen got out, bent down, and looked beneath the car at its chassis.
This secondhand car had been excellent value. Not only did its appearance suit Kallen's tastes, but more importantly, it was durable and had hardly ever given him any trouble.
"Perhaps I could have Alfred drive it to the Black Market for some modifications?"
There was no need to modify it like Neo's VIP Carriage. That would cost far too much for Kallen to afford. Just a few extra features and additions would do.
Pushing open the Lookout Tower door, Kallen saw two middle-aged men lying unconscious on the floor. They were probably the observers originally stationed here.
He climbed the rusty iron stairs. On the uppermost platform, he saw Neo huddled in a corner with the earthenware jar in front of him.
"Squadron Leader?"
Kallen took another step closer.
"Don't move!"
Neo suddenly raised his hand. His eyes were somewhat red, and his lips were trembling.
With that movement, Kallen discovered strands of White Threads in front of him, completely enclosing Neo.
These threads had not existed before, because they were not defending against anything outside,