Lucas assigned Shelley to handle the matter.
She was well-versed in gang culture, had a good rapport with gang members, and knew most of their backgrounds.
She could make informed selections.
When Karina heard that the Inspector was planning to recruit these gang members into the Secret Intelligence Bureau, she couldn't help but express her concern, "Inspector... organizing the smuggling of magical potions is already illegal. Recruiting these gang members into the Bureau could cause trouble later on and implicate you."
"Implicating me is a minor issue; the major issue is how to ensure everyone lives comfortably," Lucas said selflessly and earnestly. "The Administrative Hall is always making things difficult for us, and the Security Bureau is constantly trying to take over the docks.
If we don't have a force ready to fight and kill, the check in your pocket might be the last bonus I can give you.
The people at the Mad Axe Gang headquarters have fought with the Security Bureau's men. They have guts, strength, and share our interests. Only by recruiting them can we quickly build a force to counter the Security Bureau.
If we went through regular channels, could we recruit so many reliable people?"
Definitely not! The department heads were moved by the Inspector's dedication to his subordinates.
As imperial agents, they frequently dealt with gang members and criminals, but such tasks were usually handled by lower-ranking agents.
Officials typically cherished their reputations and avoided tarnishing their records, which could severely impact their careers. Lucas, so young and already in a high position, had significant potential for future promotion!
Yet, the Inspector was willing to risk his future for their livelihood and prospects. Such a superior must be cherished. He deserved their respect.
"Inspector..." an emotional Karina, her eyes welling with tears.
As an administrative staff member, she spent most of her time at the Bureau and didn't have the lucrative side jobs that Shelley and others did.
The check she had just received was the largest bonus she had ever gotten since joining the Bureau.
Other department heads, in similar situations, felt the same way. They didn't have the time or means to extort money like some of the field agents.
Everyone felt that following this Inspector had a promising future.
Shelley, aware of the Inspector's strong backing but cautious not to speak out of turn, promptly headed to the Mad Axe Gang headquarters to select personnel upon receiving the order.
Lucas, indeed, didn't need to worry about promotions. His priority was to do whatever benefited him the most.
With the expansion plans settled, the next issue was how to effectively use the funds at their disposal.
Only by investing wisely could they build a solid and extensive network.
The most immediate option was the production and smuggling of magical potions.
Ralph's potion workshop was too small, and its location was not suitable for large-scale production and secrecy.
Lucas decided to allocate funds to purchase land and build a potion factory. The location needed to be near the docks to facilitate the timely shipment of produced potions.
It also needed high walls and watchtowers to isolate the factory and prevent outsiders from peeking in.
One supervisor suggested, "It's best to build it as a prison under the Bureau's jurisdiction, within the Bureau's security zone."
Hanging the Bureau's sign would deter anyone from even trying to sneak a glance, let alone approach.
Lucas thought it was a good idea: "This task is yours!"
Next, he allocated funds for purchasing potion production equipment.
This included transport vehicles and a range of items needed for potion production.
These decisions couldn't be made on the spot; they needed Ralph's input.
Lucas assigned this task to Karina, as she would be responsible for the factory's operation in the future.
The next investment direction proposed by Lucas was unexpected for the department heads.
"Night school?" Several people exchanged puzzled glances.
What is that?
Lucas explained in detail what a night school was, the target audience, and what subjects would be taught. As the saying goes, "An educated rebel is the most dangerous insurgent."
The Mad Axe Gang's headquarters managed to hold out mainly due to the support of over two thousand reinforcements, but the effect of the 500 bottles of potent berserk potions likely played an even greater role.
Take Karina, for instance. As an imperial agent, she saw the 80 million Imperial Marks and immediately thought about how to assist the Inspector in planning and making the best use of it.
Shelley, on the other hand, thought about how to split the money.
This highlights the difference between being educated and uneducated.
In Lucas's plans for potion production, smuggling, and future initiatives, what he lacked were not henchmen and laborers, who were abundant in Seawall District.
What he lacked were skilled workers, lower-level executors, middle-level managers, and upper-level decision-makers.
Setting up a night school was meant to cultivate such talents.
Lucas's night school would cater to sailors, dockworkers, and gang members. He planned to recruit part-time or full-time teachers to teach them practical courses like navigation, logistics, accounting, mathematics, machinery operation, and cooking.
Classes would be held for a few hours after the day's work, following dinner.
When Zane heard that night school would mean classes at night, he was dismissive.
"Inspector, I don't think your night school will work. After a busy day, everyone just wants to have some fun at night.
Instead of a night school, we should open casinos and brothels. Those businesses make money fast."
Other supervisors also seemed skeptical about the night school.
They had spent enough time in Seawall District to know the habits of sailors, laborers, and gang members.
Books... are less appealing than women. Lucas, however, was firm in his vision.
"I admit that most people at the docks think like you, but I also believe... there are definitely some who want to learn and improve themselves. Although such people are a minority, given the large base, their numbers are significant.
Our era is changing constantly, and at an increasing pace.
Those who can keep up with these changes are the ones willing to invest time in accumulating knowledge.
In Seawall District... no, even in the entire Storm City, those who can receive a good education are a small minority. Most people who want to learn either lack the money or the opportunity.
The purpose of this night school is not to make a profit but to help those who wish to change their lives and futures."
Most in the room did not fully grasp Lucas's vision.
Seeing his supervisors looking puzzled, Lucas decided to exercise his authority.
"That's settled. Karina, draft a plan for the night school, and we'll call it 'Solus Technical School.'
I want every department to treat this technical school as the most important task for the Intelligence Bureau in the near term. Spread the word, tell everyone at the docks what Flame Sun Technical School is about.
The more people we get into night school, the fewer drunks we'll have at night in Seawall District.
This will help improve the district's security. If we do this well, it will be a significant achievement for the Seawall District Secret Intelligence Bureau."
The supervisors finally understood.
"Inspector, if you had put it that way earlier, we would have gotten it immediately!"