After receiving the special item provided by Caesar, Edward finally displayed the composure and decisiveness expected of a Nighthawks captain. He immediately organized a small team, personally taking charge of the pursuit while remaining at headquarters to coordinate. From there, he constantly received updates from the field, adjusting strategies and formulating the final arrest plan.
According to the information Ms. Daly had sent to Caesar and his team, the investigation squad eventually traced the target to the warehouse district of Enmat Harbor. This area bordered both the slums and the harbor, notorious for its chaotic Public Security and mixed population. Countless warehouses stood densely together, providing an abundance of places to hide.
However, with the aid of the item Caesar provided, the scope of the search was shrinking rapidly. It was estimated that they would soon pinpoint the target's location and launch their operation.
"With a Sequence 6 leading the team and several powerful Sealed Artifacts at their disposal, if they still can't catch him, I'll have nothing left to say."
Caesar, looking ruddy and spirited after eating several large steaks the night before, remarked casually, "Also, Ms. Daly, we'll be taking the carriage back this afternoon."
"So soon? Aren't you going to wait for us to capture the suspect before leaving?"
Daly asked, a little surprised.
"No, there's no need to wait. Besides, we're not exactly welcome here," Leonard replied with a faint smile. "And we're eager to return to Tingen quickly to share that matter with the Captain." He deliberately emphasized the words and winked at Daly, reminding her that the three of them still needed to tell Dunn about the Acting Method.
"Ah, I see. Then thank you for your hard work." Daly no longer tried to dissuade them. "I also need to get back to the team and finalize our action plan. You're welcome to visit Enmat Harbor again next time."
"Let's hope there isn't a next time," Klein murmured under his breath. His voice was so soft that Daly, already heading downstairs, didn't hear him.
After packing their belongings and luggage, the three sat together in their hotel room chatting idly. Leonard suggested a few rounds of poker, but Caesar declined, saying he had already arranged for someone to come over.
"Someone? Is it a lady?" Leonard's curiosity was instantly piqued.
"Yes," Caesar admitted.
"Is she pretty?"
"I suppose she's pretty," Caesar said after recalling Gereira's face. "But not as pretty as Cecilia."
"This isn't the time to mention your sister! Caesar, you sly dog—meeting a pretty girl in secret, huh? Do we need to step out for a bit?" Leonard teased, grinning widely.
"It's not what you think," Caesar said helplessly, forced to explain.
When Klein heard that the visitor had an interest in solidifying ritual magic, his curiosity immediately ignited. "Can I participate?"
"Of course, my esteemed teacher of mysticism," Caesar replied with a laugh.
Leonard decided to stay as well, partly out of curiosity about the young lady's appearance.
They began preparing the ritual materials. After a short while, they noticed a carriage stop outside through the hotel window. Gereira stepped out, carrying a small suitcase. Caesar waved to her from the window before going downstairs to greet her in person.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late," Gereira said apologetically. Her hair was even messier than the last time they'd met. "Something unexpected happened in the team. A member was injured, and we've been busy until just now."
The reason you're busy probably has something to do with me, Caesar thought silently.
"It's alright, we still have some time before our carriage departs," he said. "Let's make the most of it. I haven't asked yet—which aspect of ritual magic do you want to learn about?"
At the mention of the topic, Gereira's eyes brightened instantly. She set down her suitcase, her expression full of excitement. "I want to see the ritual magic of your Secrets Suppliant Pathway—preferably one with particularly striking effects!"
Young lady, you're far too bold, Caesar thought, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. He chuckled softly. "The effects of those rituals are rather dark, and the process can be… disturbing. I wouldn't recommend observing or learning from them. How about I demonstrate a ritual related to the Evernight Goddess instead?"
"No." Gereira shook her head firmly. "There'll be plenty of chances to study those later. But opportunities to personally witness a Secrets Suppliant casting a ritual are rare."
Her reasoning was flawless, and Caesar found himself unable to argue.
"…Alright then. I'll show you a few of the less dangerous ones," he said with a resigned sigh.
He set up a spiritual wall, lit two candles, and used his own blood to establish a connection with the True Creator. The entire process was smooth and confident—precisely what one would expect from a Secrets Suppliant who had mostly digested his potion.
Just as he was about to recite the True Creator's honorific name, Caesar suddenly felt something strange—a spiritual resonance from the same Sequence. It was as if another presence tied to the Secrets Suppliant Pathway had appeared nearby.
Could it be… the Aurora Order has launched an attack?
"No way," he muttered, halting the ritual abruptly. Amid the puzzled and startled looks of the others, he strode quickly to the window.
——
A Nighthawks carriage was speeding down the street, its sides emblazoned with the police department's insignia. Other carriages hastily made way as it thundered past, finally screeching to a stop before the Fishing Club.
Several Nighthawks jumped out and rushed into the building.
"Captain! Captain Edward!" the leading man shouted, his voice filled with urgency. The people inside turned toward the commotion and immediately recognized the newcomers as members of the squad Edward had sent to monitor the target.
"Mark, why have you brought your men back?" Edward demanded, frowning as he paused his discussion of the operation. "Did something go wrong with the investigation?"
"Captain Edward!" Mark panted heavily, his face twisted with anxiety. "We've discovered something we must report!"
The others behind him looked equally agitated, their presence drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"What is it?" Edward asked, sensing that something was off.
"It's… it's—" Mark stammered. He glanced around at the gathered people, then slowly turned back toward Edward, a crazed, distorted smile spreading across his face as his abdomen began to swell grotesquely.
"I just wanted to say—Ms. M sends her regards."
Behind him, the carriage outside suddenly crashed into the building.
Boom!
A deafening explosion erupted from within the Fishing Club.
The shockwave hit like a meteor strike—violent tremors, scorching air, a roar that drowned all sound. The hotel where Caesar and the others were staying shook violently as if struck by an earthquake.
Windows shattered. Glass shards flew across the room like rain.
"Cough, cough—"
Caesar's vision blurred as he opened his eyes. His ears rang so loudly it was as though molten metal had been poured into them. He couldn't hear anything—only feel the chaos around him.
He was sprawled on the floor, surrounded by dust, debris, and the acrid scent of smoke. His arms and thighs were cut open, streaked with blood.
What… happened?
A hand tapped his arm. Caesar looked up to see Leonard, forehead bleeding, shouting something he couldn't hear. Behind him, Klein was shielding Gereira, a wooden splinter lodged deep in his shoulder as blood streamed down his arm.
Ah… so that's what it is, Caesar thought as the realization settled in.
We were attacked.