The man pondered for a brief moment, and as the count reached two, he blurted out his willingness to cooperate.
"Good, who's the mastermind behind all of this?" the officer inquired in a hushed tone.
"It's the youngest son of the Viscount of Aaron Island, Monge Aaron."
"So it's him. No wonder our investigation went in circles," a female voice chimed in. Wasn't this the voice of the woman claiming to be the tutor? As the man's vision gradually returned, he saw a shotgun pointed an inch from his forehead, held by a bespectacled, gaunt young man who seemed to wield it effortlessly with one hand.
To his side was a stunningly beautiful woman, not yet twenty, and not far from the door lay his unconscious accomplice, now being securely tied up by a man dressed as a coachman in his fifties. Next to his thigh was a teapot filled with warm water.
"You lied to me," the man wanted to rage but was met with a solid kick to the gut, threatening to expel his lunch.
"It's just a little interrogation technique. But if you're not honest, my gun might really go off. Congratulations, now your only way out is to help us take down your former master."
Elyon knew he had to continue with threats mingled with incentives. By offering a way out, he reduced the man's guilt for betrayal, which would make him more likely to cooperate. After all, a person in despair is not a willing ally.
The man curled up, taking a moment to recover. "How can I trust you again?"
Elyon idly picked his nose. "I'm a cop, a righteous one at that. Why else would I risk everything to save these two orphans? You've looked into these kids, haven't you? They have no kin left."
The man nodded, recognizing the truth in his words, but the cop in front of him hardly seemed the epitome of righteousness, leaning more towards the underhanded. The man took a closer look at the woman beside him.
"I don't believe your words, but seeing this distinguished lady here, I'll take a chance. If General Granger stands with you, I trust the Viscount won't be too heartbroken to abandon a son who's erred."
Emma, puzzled, asked, "You know me?"
The man gave a wry smile. "I've seen you at the General's banquet when I accompanied the Viscount. What brings you into this mess?"
"I'm interning at the Special Actions Division. Don't worry, the matter has been reported, and Lord Shadow himself has taken an interest. A Viscount wouldn't dare go against Lord Shadow's will."
Lord Shadow? This figure seemed to wield even more influence than Emma's General father. Elyon didn't ponder the identity of this Lord Shadow, pressing on with the interrogation. "What's the purpose of this plan? Where have you hidden little Cor?"
The man sighed. "I'm not privy to the core details, but it's said to be a ritual sacrifice to the Underworld God, requiring parts from five special people, culminating in a living offering. This kid is meant for the final step."
Elyon suppressed the urge to strike. "Where did you learn about this ritual?"
"I'm not sure. The young master has been consorting with a group of masked men in black. I don't know them."
Elyon thought back to a dinner with parliamentarians where he might have seen these black-clad figures. But that wasn't important now.
"Last question, where did you take Cor? How many of you are there, any superhumans?"
"The young master has a private estate to the south of the city, called Pastoral Manor, just a couple of miles outside the city gates. There are about twenty to thirty guards."
"So many? What kind of people are they?" Elyon was taken aback. Dealing with so many would be challenging.
"Most are hired by the young master himself, many with gang or military backgrounds, skilled with firearms. As for superhumans, aside from those executing killings in the streets, there are two employed by him. One can plant suggestions to ensure candidates appear on time and at the right place, and the other can turn into gas temporarily, avoiding physical harm and detection. I don't know the cost of their powers."
"Thanks for your cooperation." With that, Elyon knocked the man out with the butt of his shotgun and began stripping off his jacket.
"Whoa, what are you doing?" Emma exclaimed in shock.
"What does it look like? I'm disguising myself to infiltrate. Even if I fought those thirty men bare-handed, they'd wear me out. And they're all sharpshooters. Do you think you can outshoot them?"
"No."
"Exactly. Help the coachman strip our other captive, and by the way, your father is the city defense commander, General Granger, right?"
"Yes, what about it?"
"How about we play an exciting game? We'll storm the wolf's den together. But we'll need your help for reinforcements. First, get me that crimson cloak and hood."
Emma blinked, the seemingly rational man before her brimming with thrilling ideas. "Fine, but you promise not to leave me behind after using me."
"No problem," Elyon agreed without hesitation.
"Uncle Guji, help me get that captive's cloak and hood at the door."
The silver-templed coachman Guji had served the Granger family for years, and he'd watched the young lady grow up. Though her request was unusual, he complied.
"Barbara, come here." Elyon beckoned the silent girl crouched in the corner. Barbara approached obediently, calm as a porcelain doll. Elyon patted her head and said, "Uncle will go save your brother now. Stay with Grandpa Guji, okay?"
Barbara nodded, extending her pinky finger. "Elyon uncle, you promise to bring my brother back."
Elyon linked his pinky with hers. "Uncle will do everything to bring Cor back, even if it costs him his life."
After donning the cloak and hood, Elyon grabbed Emma's neck and pressed the shotgun to her waist.
"Mr. Guji, I'm taking Miss Emma to Pastoral Manor south of the city to rescue hostages. Please inform General Granger that this rookie cop might not be able to keep Miss Emma safe amidst gunfire. To avoid unnecessary injuries, please have the General send troops quickly. That little girl is innocent; make sure she's taken to safety. We'll go ahead, and Mr. Guji, remember to inform the General in time." With that, Elyon pushed Emma out the door.
Emma played along, "Ouch, be gentle! Uncle Guji, do as he says. Don't try to come alone to save me, this gun is really digging into my waist."