The next day, Lucas yawned as he arrived at the office. He hadn't even sat down when the department heads from the Secret Intelligence Bureau rushed in.
"Inspector! The elf Ela attacked Arcanum Academy last night and stole the Book of Calamity."
"Inspector! The city administration has issued a bounty on the elf Ela… anyone providing information can earn from a minimum of 1,000 Imperial Marks to a maximum of 100,000 Imperial Marks.
Recovering the Book of Calamity will earn a reward of 2 million Imperial Marks."
"Inspector! Chief Holt from the City Security Bureau wants to meet with you."
"Inspector! Congressman Virgil, responsible for Storm City's security, invites you to attend a city safety meeting at the city administration hall at 2 PM.
The agenda is to coordinate efforts across district security departments to capture the elf Ela and recover the stolen Book of Calamity, the Heart of Red Dragon Nielcolone, and Headmaster Willard's staff.
Since Ela first appeared in the Seawall District, you will be questioned during the meeting."
"Inspector! The Mad Axe Gang..."
Lucas stopped his subordinates from talking over each other: "Mamba stays! Everyone else, go out and summarize your reports with Karina. Then have Karina report to me."
"Yes, Inspector!"
The room emptied, leaving only Shelley.
Compared to yesterday's dejection, today Shelley was full of spirit.
"Inspector, the Mad Axe Gang fought brilliantly last night. Over two thousand reinforcements on enhanced berserk potions completely overwhelmed the attacking enemies.
Lambert even led a counterattack to the docks.
Now, those who bullied us are trembling. Tonight, as long as the enhanced berserk potions arrive, it'll be our turn to strike back."
The situation with the Mad Axe Gang was as Lucas had anticipated.
Although many forces attacked the Mad Axe Gang, they were disorganized. The City Security Bureau backed them but wouldn't openly organize them.
Meanwhile, Lucas had gathered the Secret Intelligence Bureau's resources to form the Fiery Sun Smuggling Group, creating a cohesive force bolstered by the enhanced berserk potions.
Another critical factor was Ela's raid on Arcanum Academy, which shifted the city administration's attention away from the Seawall District, preventing them from covertly striking.
Chief Holt of the Seawall District Security Bureau wanting a meeting likely indicated he saw the unfavorable situation and wanted to negotiate.
Lucas asked Shelley, "Did Holt specify the purpose of the meeting?"
"The messenger didn't say. Inspector, do you think the Security Bureau wants to mediate because the situation has turned against them?"
"That's part of it."
Shelley asked, "How do you plan to respond to Holt? The Mad Axe Gang is ready to launch retaliatory actions against everyone who attacked them tonight."
Lucas thought for a moment.
"Send someone to the Security Bureau and tell Chief Holt I'll meet him now at the docks on the Lucky Princess.
Have Zane and his men prepare the ship.
Then go to the Mad Axe Gang headquarters and tell them… once I start meeting with Holt, they should launch their retaliation. Make it quick, precise, and ruthless; finish by noon."
Hearing that the inspector wanted to move the retaliation up, Shelley couldn't help but ask, "Inspector, the Security Bureau issued a warning against causing trouble during the day. Starting a fight in daylight might put you in danger."
"That's why Zane is preparing first, isn't it?"
"Moreover, with such a significant event occurring in Storm City, the administration will want to resolve this quickly to focus on capturing the elf Ela.
The city administration is holding a safety meeting this afternoon. I believe Holt wants to meet me mainly due to pressure and hopes to re-divide the dock's interests before noon. When you head to the Mad Axe Gang, don't come back—help them escalate the situation. The better you fight, the easier it will be for me."
Hearing about the chance to fight, Shelley's combat instincts kicked in.
However, she still had some concerns and asked, "Didn't you and Holt agree that neither the Secret Intelligence Bureau nor the Security Bureau would get involved in this matter?"
"Are you dense?" Lucas reprimanded. "Can you compare the current situation to a few days ago? Holt now wants this incident to end as soon as possible! The city administration wants to concentrate on capturing Ela. Does Holt have the guts to start a war with the Secret Intelligence Bureau?
Besides, can't you come up with an excuse? The Secret Intelligence Bureau is investigating Ela, recovering the stolen 'Heart of Red Dragon Nielcolone'—this is a case assigned by the administration. Leave Holt to me, and you can go ahead without worries."
An investigation! This was right up their alley. Feeling reassured, Shelley was ready to go all out.
"Rest assured, Inspector, I promise to get everything done before noon!"
"Go ahead! Send Karina in."
"Yes, Inspector."
Shelley stood up, saluted Lucas, and left with brisk steps.
Karina soon entered, carrying a stack of files. She placed them on the desk and then said, "Inspector, there was a serious invasion incident at Arcanum Academy last night. The elf Ela, who killed over a hundred people in our Seawall District in one night, suddenly entered Arcanum Academy last night…"
Karina methodically recounted the events of the previous night to Lucas.
As the person involved, Lucas already knew the details but listened attentively.
After Karina finished, Lucas asked, "Any leads on the elf Ela?"
"Inspector, none. Her whereabouts are extremely elusive. Normally, she would need to eat and rest in the city… and as an elf, her appearance is distinctive. She would surely leave some trace.
But there are virtually no clues.
Now, key districts in the city are conducting thorough checks on all elves.
The city administration meeting this afternoon aims to coordinate all security forces for a comprehensive sweep of Storm City.
Our Seawall District, with its complex demographics, will likely be a key focus of this sweep."
Lucas nodded. This was as he had expected.
Chief Holt was eager to meet him because of the pressure from above.
So, he would add a bit more pressure.
"Okay, I understand. Ela stealing the Book of Calamity poses a threat to Imperial security, and as part of the Secret Intelligence Bureau, we are obligated to hunt her down.
Draft a search plan based on the Seawall District's situation and submit it to me."
"Yes, Inspector! If there's nothing else, I'll get to work."
Lucas stood up and said, "The search plan can wait. You're coming with me to the Lucky Princess to meet Chief Holt."
"Yes, Inspector!"