"We now know that, among the anomalous community members opposing the [Thirteenth Department], the most radical ones all have direct ties to [Red Branch]. Every time they act, they have at least one [Red Branch] member with them."
After taking a moment to rein in his emotions, Wendell brought the discussion back on topic.
"These pairings seem to be fixed. We've found that each [Red Branch] member consistently accompanies the same anomalous community member responsible for spreading panic. Those people are most likely [Red Branch]'s employers."
After hearing Wendell out, Xia Xiu couldn't help asking:
"Which [Red Branch] member accompanies Eliyan?"
Wendell turned toward the young man with blond hair and golden eyes who had asked the question. He took a photograph from the files in his hands and pinned it to the whiteboard with a thumbtack.
"Rat King O'Brien."
The blond young man narrowed his eyes as he studied the person in the photograph. O'Brien was a handsome middle-aged man with a thick head of blond hair streaked with white. Overall, the man in the photograph gave an impression of gentleness and refinement.
The target has appeared, Xia Xiu thought.
Wendell continued with the meeting's agenda.
"We no longer intend to tolerate the actions of the anomalous community led by Eliyan."
With a grim expression, Wendell said:
"The time has come. The higher-ups have authorized us to take somewhat more radical measures."
The meeting lasted a little over an hour.
When it ended, Xia Xiu left the meeting room alone.
When Xia Xiu emerged from the basement of the [Thirteenth Department · Anomaly Affairs Department] and reached the entrance of the gallery above, he spotted Wendell standing beside a white stone pillar in the distance, puffing away on a cigarette. Seemingly noticing his gaze, Wendell turned to look