Inside the commander's office at X113 Branch, candlelight flickered, casting the elongated shadows of Liu Bei and Bastille across the wall. Outside the window, the unrest within the branch had gradually subsided, replaced by an oppressive silence, as though, after a storm, everyone awaited the final verdict. Only the occasional sharp, forceful commands and synchronized footsteps in the distance hinted that control was quietly changing hands.
The office door was gently pushed open, and Zhao Yun appeared once more like a ghost. He was still dressed in night clothes, but his breathing was steady, with only a lingering trace of sharpness deep in his eyes. He nodded slightly to Liu Bei, his voice low but clear. "Brother Liu Bei, the mission is complete. One member of Cipher Pol Aigis Zero was killed; all the others have been captured. Every hostage is safe, and the explosives have been disarmed. All identified undercover Cipher Pol Aigis Zero informants within the branch have been secured."
Bastille shot up from his seat, gripping the edge of the desk so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His voice trembled with disbelief. "R-really? My wife and the others..."
"Your daughter and wife are both unharmed. They had a fright, and the women have comforted them and settled them down to rest," Zhao Yun added calmly.
Bastille let out a long, deep breath, as though an enormous stone that had weighed on his chest for years had finally been lifted. He staggered a step and sank heavily back into his chair, covering his face with both hands, his shoulders trembling slightly. This commodore, renowned for his toughness, seemed almost drained of strength. It was fear after the fact, relief, and above all, complete release after prolonged tension.
A long time passed before he raised his head. His