Seeing that someone was willing to take over her case, Shelley suggested, "Inspector, let the newcomers handle such minor cases. This... this young man's abilities are quite good."
Thomas, noticing that Captain Shelley didn't know his name, was about to introduce himself to the inspector.
But before he could speak, Lucas said, "Your name is Thomas Waller, right?"
Thomas was surprised that the inspector could say his full name so easily.
As a new recruit, being recognized by his superior and feeling valued made Thomas stand up straight.
In a loud voice, he said, "Yes, Inspector. I'm Thomas Waller, graduate of the 135th class of the Imperial Royal Intelligence Academy, with a final score of 689.
Interned at the Empire's Sosial Fort on February 4, 2646 of the Century Calendar.
Transferred to the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau on March 9, 2647, responsible for office duties."
Lucas had already found some information about Thomas on his phone.
There wasn't much documentation about Thomas's early career.
But graduating from the Imperial Intelligence Academy with nearly 700 points indicated that Thomas was exceptionally talented from the start.
However, his low background probably meant he ended up in the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau by chance.
Lucas patted Thomas on the shoulder, saying, "I also graduated from the Imperial Royal Intelligence Academy, so you're my junior in terms of seniority. I appreciate your proactive attitude. It suits me well. This case is yours. Show me what a top graduate of the Royal Intelligence Academy can do."
Thomas hadn't expected the inspector to be so approachable, not only entrusting him with the case but also acknowledging him as a junior.
This honor and treatment made Thomas excitedly declare, "Rest assured, Inspector, I will not disgrace the Royal Intelligence Academy."
"Do well; I have high hopes for you!"
Lucas didn't waste much time on Thomas. Given the current situation, he wasn't sure if Thomas would still become the future "Silence" with his interference.
But Thomas's boldness made Lucas optimistic about his potential. Opportunities always favor those who are prepared and seize them. He's worth mentoring.
Thomas, now tasked with the case, went to gather information from Hilm about her missing son.
Shelley, seemingly reminded of something, used the excuse of coordinating evening support for the Mad Axe Gang to slip away. Lucas returned to his office alone.
His confidential secretary, Karina, brought him a cup of coffee and placed a stack of documents on his desk.
"Inspector, these are the backlogged documents that require your signature before you took office. This one needs your immediate stamp to take effect..."
"What is it? Why the urgency?"
Karina explained, "Inspector, before you took office, the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau was temporarily directed by the Central Bureau. Now that you're here, command authority needs to be transferred back. This is your seal, recovered from 'Envelope's' body."
Karina placed a seal on the desk along with some other items belonging to the "former" inspector.
Lucas briefly reviewed the command transfer document and then stamped it with the "Meteor" seal.
"Is the body handled?"
"Already cremated." Karina pulled out a letter from the documents and said, "This is a notice from City Hall. They require us to quickly recover the 'Heart of the Red Dragon Nielcolone,' which was stolen from the Alchemy Association."
Lucas picked up the notice and read it, asking, "Shouldn't the Security Bureau handle the theft from the Alchemy Association? What does it have to do with us?
And even if the Secret Intelligence Bureau were to assist, that's the Central Bureau's job. Why are they involving the Seawall District Bureau?"
Karina explained, "Inspector, the Central Bureau reported that the thief who stole the 'Heart of the Red Dragon Nielcolone' disappeared after entering our Seawall District. They also mentioned that this alchemical artifact is related to the Dragon Nation, and if the Red Dragon Nielcolone is misused, it could potentially cause a diplomatic incident.
City Hall assigned us the task of finding this alchemical artifact. If we don't recover it in time, it could affect City Hall's financial allocations to us. This case has been under Captain Black Mamba's supervision..."
No wonder Shelley ran off so quickly—she wanted to dump this case on me.
The Heart of the Red Dragon Nielcolone is in Ela's spatial backpack.
Handing it over is out of the question. As for the Central Bureau's mention of a diplomatic incident...
The Kingdom of dragons is just a map populated by dragons without any formal government, so there's no diplomacy involved.
Since the Red Dragon Nielcolone signed a summoning agreement with the Alchemist Association of Storm City out of greed, both parties must bear the risks associated with that agreement.
The Central Bureau's excuse is just a way to shirk responsibility and cause trouble.
But the threat of withholding funds from City Hall really strikes at the lifeblood of the Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau.
The Seawall District Secret Intelligence Bureau was broke!
Lucas glanced through the other documents, noting that a large portion involved various expenses and reimbursement requests.
After Ela "massacred" the Mad Axe Gang, the already financially strapped Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau was pushed to the brink.
"Alright, I understand the situation... You can return to your work now. I'll review these documents more carefully."
"Yes, Inspector." Karina left the office.
Lucas began thinking about where to get some money. Only financial independence can prevent outside interference.
With money, he could build his own "rabbit hole."
Lucas browsed through the strategies on his phone, looking for quick money-making opportunities.
There were many strategies, but distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. Most options were either too far away or too long-term.
The only nearby and timely opportunity was the Clover Armed Airship Heist.
The Clover Armed Airship Heist was orchestrated by the pirates led by Lady Tasya of Fishbone Island.
They not only stole ten tons of gold but also kidnapped over a dozen high-ranking individuals from Storm City aboard the airship.
The subsequent rescue operation for the gold and hostages resulted in a very exciting and complex story.
It was one of the most spectacular events in the early history of Raging Tide City.
But now that Lady Tasya doesn't have the Heart of the Red Dragon Nielcolone, would she still dare to target the Clover Armed Airship?
Lucas spent the entire afternoon repeatedly watching the storyline of the Clover Armed Airship Heist.
Lady Tasya had prepared thoroughly for this heist, with more than just the Heart of the Red Dragon Nielcolone.
The attack, boarding, robbery, and retreat were all meticulously planned.
Time, place, personnel, coordination.
All of this indicated an extremely well-thought-out plan that wouldn't be abandoned just because one alchemical artifact was missing.
Moreover, even if Lady Tasya wanted to back out, Lucas wouldn't let her.
He was even more eager to meet her now.