"By the way, what is the response of the association to that Hosman?" asked Rhys.
"Hahaha, kid, you speak like our colleague. It's probably the effect of staying for several years in the trial, but don't worry, that doesn't matter to us."
"Yeah, it's because I'm probably already older than you," thought Rhys.
Argam's face turned serious. "There were cases of problems in inspection, but they were minors only. We are cooperating with various worlds to help us evaluate the beings that wanted to enter Earth. You know, electronics don't work in those worlds, so checking them on our own is extremely difficult, so we have to cooperate with royal courts or whatever government is leading those kingdoms and empires.
Our influence is not that deep in the other worlds yet. We can't blatantly force them because there is a monstrous multiple world's organization, the Exonn Alliance called Vanguard, that will prevent our abuse of power. They are periodically sending inspectors even to Tier 1 worlds to make sure that no exonn will forcefully put himself or herself on a kingdom's throne. Trade and communication with other beings in various worlds are important to us, so we can't prevent beings from entering Earth.
We have no choice but to rely on the help of those in power in other worlds. The problem with that Hosman is the timing. He might not be the only one who has problems with his background, but was able to pass the inspection. Those beings could have spread to the whole world. They could have just arrived in our world or have been living here and waiting for the signal. It is a very vicious plan."
Rhys was surprised as he looked at Argam.
"Kid, don't be surprised. It's what I told him," said Harty. "The plan was probably made by demons, and it could be just part of their overall plan. They might be planning something big."
"Does the association have a countermeasure?"
"For now, all registered beings are being monitored. If they suddenly went missing, then they would be suspected. It will take time before finding who passed the inspection of beings who don't have a clean background. We have the right to force the kingdoms and empires to cooperate in the investigation because Earth is at stake here, and that powerful organization of exonns hates traitors.
We might find the traitors, but the beings that already went here could have been hidden. They could escape the pursuit of the federation because the demons and their underlings will help them," said Harty, then he sighed. "The demons have been invading worlds. They are crafty and have tested underhanded moves in their arsenal."
Rhys gripped his fists hard as he stared at the city. "Will the world be in chaos?"
Argam smiled. "The demons could use the other beings, but we could also use the help of other beings. Vanguard will send help, and we could also ask for help from other races."
Harty flew and stood on Rhys' shoulder. "Kid, are you surprised that we are willing to talk and share information with you?"
Rhys nodded his head. "Yeah. Why are you doing it?"
Argam and Harty smiled.
"It's because you are our wildcard," said Harty. "Now, show us what a wildcard could do. You should have an idea, right?"
Rhys smiled when he heard the penguin.
Meanwhile, in the underground of Enberg City, Hosman was talking with a man who was wearing a hood and mask.
"I didn't expect to meet someone who knows me well in the city. It seems the plan will be affected," said Hosman.
"If they try to investigate Hosman, then I might also be exposed," said a man who had snake eyes. His name was Vilret.
Bishop, the masked man, turned silent for a moment. "It will be fine. The plan just needs to be modified. The exonns will still dance in our palms."
Hosman and Vilret grinned.
A tier 2 demon named Gasgor approached Bishop when the two men left. "Lord Tenel is asking if there is no problem in the plan."
"There is a little change in the plan, but everything is still fine."
Gasgor chuckled. "Two tier 2 were sacrificed while making the arrangements. I'm currently the remaining tier 2 under Lord Tenel's command. If a mishap happens, I think the Lord will not mind that you will slowly die in my hand."
In the morning, Rhys' team visited the condominium that he saw in the commercial. It was called Hope Park. Mayor Siegbert was there.
"Every citizen of the federation yearns to live in Exonn Park, not because of its elegance, but because of its safety. That dream is far from the reach of most ordinary citizens, because they are not family or friends of an exonn. Hope Park is not as safe as Exonn Park, but it will be guarded by retired exonns who will be paid by the city," said Siegbert as he stared at the completed infrastructure.
Argam smiled. "Exonns are not lacking money. How did you convince them?"
Siegbert chuckled. "Money is not the only tool. We could use emotional cards as well. They are from ordinary families. They understand the position of most residents of the city."
Then he looked at Argam. "Sightseeing at Hope Park should not be your purpose, right?"
"That's right. We followed you here to ask about the missing people."
"You should already have the information in your hand. Why do you still need to ask me?"
"You have been the mayor of Enberg City for eight years. You have connections and are familiar with the top figures in the city. The missing people could not disappear in thin air. They should have a way to kidnap them, then hide them within or outside the city. They should not be able to do it if no one is helping them. Someone influential is lending a hand."