Chapter 352 Highest City Authority (3)

“I need them to give me supreme command of the Disaster Management Bureau and the base-level code for the Reality Hotbed.”

“Also, I need the council to add a clause to the acquisition contract they’re drafting for Skinning Manor and all its associated properties. Ten percent of all assets incorporated into Giant Horn City will be given to me as a reward after this matter is resolved…”

“And of course, they must guarantee that the Giant Horn City council will recommend me for the Circulating Knight Order!”

“…”

“But, Mr. Wei Ya…”

The person on the other end of the walkie-talkie was one of Mr. Wei Ya’s own men, but even he hesitated after hearing this string of demands.

“Please relay this to the council.”

Mr. Wei Ya, however, cut him off. “Tell them the most pressing concern right now is that the longer the Fertile Forest remains in Giant Horn City, the more likely it is to affect the person on that altar.”

“After all, the Fertile Forest now has a proper Heir, who is currently on the Fertile Altar. It’s difficult to guarantee that the two won’t become entangled on the level of Mysterious Power.”

“The Circulating Knight Order’s investigation is certainly a concern, but if an error on Giant Horn City’s part triggers a resonance between the Black Goat and the Heir on the Fertile Altar, affecting the Divine Descent Plan, *that* would be the most unforgivable crime!”

“…”

After calmly stating all this, he put the walkie-talkie down, leaned back slightly in his chair, and closed his eyes to rest.

Beside him, the Old Count’s pupils constricted slightly. After a long moment, he said in a low voice, “No wonder everyone thinks you Independent Investigators have too much power. Normally it’s not apparent, and you’re still constrained by the council, but once something happens…”

“Your leverage for negotiating with the city is just too great.”

“…”

Meanwhile, the young Vampire beside them was grinding his teeth in frustration, so vexed he looked like he might draw blood.

“Mr. Wei Ya…”

Not much time was wasted. As the vehicle approached the overpass before Giant Horn City, the voice on the walkie-talkie crackled to life:

“The council has agreed to all of your demands.”

Giant Horn City’s Independent Investigator, Wei Ya, snapped his eyes open. “Then it’s time to get to work.”

At this moment, a group of armed personnel and people carrying briefcases had already gathered before the overpass. When Mr. Wei Ya stepped out of the vehicle, he was immediately surrounded.

Some handed over various signed documents, while others eagerly asked about how to handle different issues. “Mr. Wei Ya, if we’re to activate the Reality Hotbed’s power within Giant Horn City, the entire city might experience a three-second daze.”

“Within Giant Horn City’s limits, all Mysterious Power will also be suppressed. As per protocol, the observation and handling of all ongoing anomalous events must also be suspended.”

“The Disaster Management Bureau has urgently reported eleven ongoing tasks.”

“Among them, six B Level tasks and three C Level tasks have already been screened and confirmed by others.”

“There are two requiring your signature, both A Level anomalies: the ‘Ghost Plane’ incident, which is awaiting observation and classification, and the ‘Overlapping Doors’ phenomenon that appeared at the South City Winery…”

“…”

Mr. Wei Ya paused briefly and asked, “What is the Ghost Plane incident?”

The staff member immediately replied, “It’s an unregistered civilian aircraft discovered four hours ago. It’s circling aimlessly one hundred kilometers above Giant Horn City. We can’t establish contact, we can’t determine its objective, and no mysterious properties have been detected.”

“Just now, the City Defense Department was preparing to dispatch an aircraft to investigate, but if we use the power of the Reality Hotbed, that plan will have to be suspended.”

“…”

“Suspend it!”

Mr. Wei Ya made his decision instantly, then held up another thick file in his hand. “And what’s this?”

“Those are the Mercenaries hired in your name. They were originally meant to…”

The speaker glanced at the Old Count and the other people from Skinning Manor trailing behind Investigator Wei Ya, then lowered their voice. “Meant to prepare for war with Skinning Manor. A portion of them have already arrived, and the rest are still on their way…”

“Send them all back.”

Investigator Wei Ya said, “Cancel the Mercenary contract. Just settle the deposit with them and order them to leave Giant Horn City immediately.”

“This is a critical time. We can’t allow these outsiders the chance to get near Giant Horn City.”

“Yes, sir!”

One by one, people approached him, received their orders, and left. In the shortest possible time, Mr. Wei Ya had arranged everything. Finally, he arrived at an observation post on the very edge of Giant Horn City.

He entered the command room, while the Old Count and the others remained outside.

Gazing at the bizarre, metallic apparatus before him, Investigator Wei Ya felt an eager sense of challenge stir within him.

Even for an Independent Investigator like him, opportunities to directly interface with a city’s most fundamental and powerful piece of machinery were rare. Time was short, so he didn’t dawdle. He slowly reached out and pressed his hand against the complex, strange machine.

He spoke in a low voice, “Giant Horn City, prepare for full alert!”

“…”

As his voice was broadcast, traffic lights at intersections all across Giant Horn City began to flash in a strange rhythm. Armed personnel, people carrying briefcases, and even some forces from the Hidden Schools all gradually reined in their activities.

Some experienced people even cut the power to their buildings and shut down all equipment with kinetic components.

…

…

“Oh, it’s starting…”

In the hotel, Han Su had just finished explaining the four main points he’d summarized. Meeting the gazes of the few other people in the room, he gave a slight nod and walked to the window to look down. He could feel the city growing preternaturally quiet.