Quinn Family Palace… Inside the Throne Room of Emperor Ryon…
The tension within the emperor's throne room was nearly suffocating as Emperor Ryon's voice reverberated through the grand chamber.
Lord Loki stood before him, his head slightly bowed, bracing himself against the ruler's wrath.
"This is unacceptable, Loki!" Emperor Ryon thundered, his fists clenched as he glared down at the general from atop his golden throne.
"You, Loki, who have accomplished the unthinkable on countless missions, have failed to track down a few escaped criminals. More than five hundred criminals are on the run, and not a single one has been captured! Where are the results of the wealth and manpower spent on this operation?"
Loki found himself speechless. His mind raced to find some justification, some explanation. Seven days had passed and he couldn't find a single solid clue. But he lifted his head, met Ryon's intense gaze, and forced himself to speak.
