After leaving Aurelia's house, Leo went straight up to the top floor of his building. From the balcony, more than half the city was visible beneath him. A short while later, the building manager arrived and handed Leo a report.
"This is the list of our guests who have been living here for the past three years. We've maintained all documents, dates, and complete records so that you can trust us completely. Our boss benefits greatly from your property, sir. Thank you for placing such trust in our small company."
Leo took a drag from his cigarette, nodded, and said calmly,
"I'm not taking the property back. You don't need to worry."
The manager felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
"I only need information about the people living on the top floor," Leo continued, putting the cigarette aside. "I'll be staying in Riverdale for some time, and I want that floor for myself."
"That's wonderful news, sir. My boss and I thought you were going to cancel the contract."
"I'm not interested in the headache of managing a building," Leo said with a faint smile. "Please talk to the residents on the top floor. Pay them whatever they ask and have them shift elsewhere."
"No problem at all, sir. This building is in high demand, but I'm sure people will move once they're compensated."
"Thank you," Leo replied, nodding.
After the manager left, Leo picked up his reference letter and headed toward the police station. His position in the army had been strong—strong enough to secure a job at a local police station without much difficulty.
A short while later, Leo reached the station and handed his reference letter to the officer in charge. After reading it, the in-charge immediately handed him a uniform.
"Here's your ID card and badge number. From now on, you'll be working with me. Our jurisdiction runs from here to the city river."
"Yes, sir," Leo replied, saluting him.
"You've been away from this city for three years. A lot has changed," the in-charge said. "This area is very different from the rest of the city. You'll need a license before you can carry a gun. Until then, you'll patrol with the team. And you still remember the city routes, right?"
"Yes, sir. I may have been away, but I grew up here. I know all the roads," Leo said with a smile.
"Three years can change a lot. The country is progressing, and Riverdale is a massive city. People come here from everywhere for work. The traffic is exhausting, and our days are buried in legal complications. Nights are worse—you'll see things you've never seen before. They're right when they say Riverdale never sleeps. It's not just a city; it's a spectacle. And beneath all that shine, crimes happen. Our job is to stop them. The work is tough, but the salary and benefits are good. Do well, and you can rise far."
Leo listened carefully and took permission to begin work.
After changing into his uniform, he looked at himself in the mirror and smiled, speaking softly to himself,
"Police or army—it's all the same. Serving the country is what matters. This is temporary. I'll work hard and return to the army soon. I'll join the Midnight Intelligence Bureau, no matter what."
Wearing his cap, Leo stepped into the station hall. The in-charge was introducing him to the other officers when a visibly exhausted policeman walked out from another room. His face bore multiple bruises—clearly the result of night duty.
"Sir, I need one day off… please," he said.
"If you take leave, who will patrol the night shift?" the in-charge snapped.
"I'm completely exhausted. Either give me a day off or move me to the morning shift."
His condition made it clear how badly he needed rest.
"That won't work. You're assigned near the city river—an area that already needs extra attention. If you leave, who will replace you?"
The in-charge's anger grew as he asked the others,"Who here is willing to take his night shift? Answer quickly."
All four officers immediately refused.
Pointing at his injuries, the exhausted policeman said,
"Those people aren't afraid anymore. They attacked a policeman in a public place. It happens every night. I tried handling a few cases, and this is what I got. They even threatened to get me fired. Those rich brats think money can buy everything."
The in-charge placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know it's hard. You know how these spoiled elites are—no matter how much you explain, money blinds them. Just hold on for a few more days. I'll request more officers for the night shift."
Looking at the officers, it felt as if they were the criminals being hunted. The difference between the city's daytime charm and nighttime reality was terrifying.
"Can I take his place?" Leo suddenly asked.
The injured officer's eyes lit up.
"Sir, if someone is willing, please assign me to the day shift."
"No," the in-charge replied firmly. "Leo joined today. He doesn't know the area well. I'll assign him office work for now."
"Sir, I'm injured badly. I need to visit the hospital. I can't work like this," the policeman pleaded.
"Sir, I have to do this sooner or later anyway. Please don't worry—I'll handle it," Leo said calmly.
Hearing this, the injured officer walked up to Leo and patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry. Once I recover, I'll take you out for a proper dinner."
Leo smiled faintly.
After a moment, he said to the in-charge,
"Sir, I grew up in this city. Night patrol won't be a problem. And I won't be alone—I'll have others with me."
"Fine," the in-charge said, not wanting to argue further. "But remember—Leo is new. You all are responsible for watching out for him."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Soon, officers dispersed—some went to rest for the night shift, others headed to the nearby canteen. Leo moved to a quiet corner and lit a cigarette.
Suddenly, another policeman approached him and said bluntly,
Tell me something—are you actually stupid, or just pretending? Riverdale is a city that shows you good people and good food during the day. But at night, everyone's true colors come out. At night, it's not the police who rule—it's the rich. I've never seen a madman like you, willingly choosing the night shift.