The Security Bureau issued a city-wide annou:
"During the day, no violent is are permitted, and everyone must prioritize the normal operation of the docks.
A curfew will be enforced from 8 PM (York Street, Windshield Alley, Tos Street, Tinas Street, and the area near Watchlight Lighthouse are exempt from the curfew).
The curfew will be lifted at 4 AM the day, and the Seawall District will resume normal operations."
Simultaneously, all those aiming to carve up the Mad Axe Gang's territory received verbal notices from the Security Bureau: the Security Bureau would offer no assistance, aering the curfew area at night rohibited.
Beyond that... anything goes!
As dusk approached, the streets of the Seawall District emptied. Windows and doors were shut tight, and lights were kept off if possible.
Residents of the Seawall Distriew that something big was going to happen tonight.
At the Secret Intelligence Bureau, aside from a few clerical staff who went home, the remaining agents were on standby.
Though they were chatting and pying cards, their ons were within easy reach.
Shelley knocked on the ior's office door and walked in.
Uhe desk mp, Lucas sighe st dot and ha to Karina, who was standing by. "You clock out now. It's not safe tonight, so sleep in the offiitory. Alse a room for me."
"Yes, Ior." Karihe office. Shelley sat across from Lucas at the desk.
"Ior, the Mad Axe Gang headquarters has been arranged. We mao support them with 467 meraries, who are now with Lambert. They have a castle to utilize, so they should be able to hold out tonight. What should we do? Just wait here?"
Lucas tidied up his somewhat messy desk and pced his pen ba the holder.
While doing so, he said to Shelley, "This flict won't be resolved in one night. If the Security Bureau keeps their promise and doesn't get involved, there's no need for us all to stay up and exhaust ourselves.
You have military experience, se for the men to rest in shifts a up sentries around the building."
Shelley replied, "I've already set up the sentries... Ior, do you need me to secretly assist the Mad Axe Gang?"
"No he agreement with Holt was that her the Secret Intelligence Bureau nor the Security Bureau would intervene directly. If the Security Bureau finds out you're involved, it will only expedite the Mad Axe Gang's demise.
Our primary task is to secure our own base and prevent anyone from taking advantage of the chaos to attack us."
Shelley fidently said, "Who would dare attack the Secret Intelligence Bureau?"
Lucas, having fiidying up, stood up, put on his coat and hat, and picked up his e.
He then said to Shelley, "The situation in the Seawall District is far more plicated than you think. Many people want us gone, and one misstep could lead to the same fate as my predecessor. I'm going to rest in the dormitory. The defense here is in your hands. As a warrior, you are excellent."
Shelley stood up and saluted Lucas. "Rest assured, Ior! I will not let ahreaten your safety."
Lucas gave a simple return salute ahe office.
The Seawall District's Secret Intelligence Bureau was a square-shaped building with a courtyard in the middle.
The front part of the building was the office area, while the rest housed the cafeteria, dormitories, recreational facilities, warehouses, and meical engineering rooms.
Many bachelors in the bureau lived in the dormitories.
Given the current situation in the Seawall District, returning to Shelley's house was out of the question, so Lucas chose to stay in the bureau's dormitory.
He received the key to the ior's private dormitory from the dormitory manager.
Room 203.
Upon finding the room, Lucas saw Karina with two female clerks holding a rge pile of items at the door.
They had bs, pillows, toiletries, and a meal box.
Seeing Lucas, Karina, who was holding a white enamel basin, said, "Ior, your dormitory hasn't been used for a while, so we're here to help up. Here's your dinner."
"Thank you."
Karina and the two female clerks said in unison, "It's our duty."
Lucas took out the key and opehe door.
Although it hadn't been occupied for some time, the room was retively thanks tur ing.
The room was more spacious than expected. There was a living room, a bedroom, and a private bathroom.
Karina and the clerks came in, made the bed, pced the items in their proper pces, and gave the room a quick .
After the clerks left, Karina closed the door.
"Ior, please follow me."
Lucas uzzled when he saw Karina heading to the bedroom.
Karina usually seemed shy and introverted; he didn't expect her to be so bold.
This enter seemed sudden! But he had important matters tonight and o trol himself.
Following her into the bedroom, Lucas said, "Karina, I think we should..."
Karina removed her bck-framed gsses, revealing a stunning face that left Lucas momentarily speechless.
She then lifted her hair, revealing her right ear.
Her right ear, extending to the occipital bone, was entirely metallic. The ear's shape was like an ied dish that could extend arae degree.
Karina tied her hair into a bun, and the ear meism slowly rotated, emitting light from its crevices.
Lucas realized his previous thoughts were mispced.
Standing aside, he watched to see what Karina intended. He soon heard meical gears turning ihe walls.
Karina then said to Lucas, "Ior, the security system in your room has been activated. Please look into my eyes as I unlock the Seawall District Secret Intelligence Bureau ior's cssified access for you."
Lucas moved closer until he was almost toug Karina. "Is this close enough?"
Karina, looking up at Lucas, stood on tiptoe and pced her hands on his waist for bance.
Her body then became rigid, and her eyes devoid of expression.
Aionless voice emerged from her mouth: "Ior Meteor, I am an alchemical cyb developed by the Imperial Alchemy Maery Institute and the Transdent Biology Researstitute.
"I have recorded your features. During your tenure, I will remain absolutely loyal to you. Please firm."
Lucas looked into Karina's eyes and said, "firmed."
Karina's eyes instantly regaiheir normal appearance.
She quickly let go of Lucas and took a step back, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Ior. I didn't mean to offend you. As your fidential secretary, I must ensure my absolute loyalty to prevent any leaks of Secret Intelligence Bureau secrets."
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