Tsukishiro Yanagi nodded in agreement. "Generally speaking, once a Hollow enters its decline phase, it's considered resolved. The rest can be left to the Security Bureau."
Mountain Shaper also nodded. "That will do—"
With that, he was about to leave.
But just then, Hoshimi Miyabi's phone suddenly rang.
When she answered, she realized it was a high-ranking officer from the Hollow Special Operations Department—he had probably already seen the situation on Ninth Street online.
The moment she picked up, the commander's urgent voice came through:
"Ya, where are you now?"
Hoshimi Miyabi replied calmly, "Ninth Street..."
The commander's voice came again: "Are the Adeptus with you? Bring them to headquarters immediately."
Hoshimi Miyabi glanced at the Adeptus nearby, took a deep breath, and said, "Understood. I'll do my best to bring them to headquarters."
She hung up.
Hoshimi Miyabi relayed the commander's orders to Keqing and the others.
Keqing thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I wanted to discuss our next steps with them anyway."
So, Hoshimi Miyabi led Keqing and the Adeptus toward the Hollow Special Operations Department headquarters.
Watching the vehicles drive off, Hu Tao sighed.
"Well, I guess we should head back too. We didn't even get a chance to check out that building."
Tsukishiro Yanagi quickly offered, "I'll drive you back."
Xiangling grinned. "Thank you, Miss Tsukishiro Yanagi."
Guoba: "Lu-lu-lu—"
...
While Hoshimi Miyabi was escorting Keqing and the Adeptus to the Hollow Special Operations Department headquarters, Tsukishiro Yanagi brought the others back to their previous building.
At that very moment, inside a conference room at headquarters, the highest officials of the Anti-Hollow Division, the Public Security Bureau, the Defense Army, and the Hollow Investigation Association—nearly all of New Eridu's top brass—had gathered.
Their eyes were fixed on the large screen at the front of the room. What played was the recording of Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver suppressing the Level 1 Hollow disaster.
Cloud Retainer unleashed a storm of multicolored gales.
Mountain Shaper summoned a surging river.
And Moon Carver transformed into a hundred-meter-tall stag, charging headfirst into the Hollow.
That single impact from Moon Carver left the New Eridu's officials utterly stunned. Who would have thought an Adeptus would employ such plain, straightforward methods—and with such overwhelming effect.
Shocked though they were, excitement rippled through the room. The stronger the Adeptus proved to be, the greater the hope of defeating Hollow Zero.
The Public Security Bureau Director said gravely, "With power like this, perhaps Hollow Zero really can be suppressed directly."
The Hollow Investigation Association Chief smiled. "Even if it can't be destroyed, it could at least halt its expansion. At the very least, New Eridu would no longer be under threat."
The Defense Army Commander spoke loudly, "My Defense Army is fully prepared. We can enter Hollow Zero alongside the Adeptus right away!"
At this, the Public Security Bureau Chief quickly objected.
"Not so fast. As powerful as the Adeptus are, they likely aren't familiar with Hollow Zero itself. I recommend first having them suppress a few regular Hollows..."
The Hollow Investigation Association President nodded immediately. "Agreed. Let's proceed that way."
By the time Keqing and the Adeptus arrived, the leaders had already decided on this plan.
Soon after, Hoshimi Miyabi led Keqing and the Adeptus into the conference room, where they met New Eridu's senior officials.
The moment the Adeptus appeared, the officials all rose to their feet, giving the Liyue immortals the respect they deserved.
Without delay, the Public Security Bureau Director laid out the plan: he asked the Adeptus to first help suppress several A-rank and S-rank Hollows to save New Eridu's citizens from disaster.
Hearing this, Cloud Retainer answered without hesitation.
"Very well. Having witnessed the danger of these Hollow disasters today, this Adeptus cannot allow the people to suffer further."
Besides, it would also be a chance to study the nature of these Hollows.
The officials looked visibly pleased.
They immediately called for attendants to bring in over a dozen S-rank W-Engines and a pile of Drive Discs for the Adeptus to choose from.
Cloud Retainer picked up one of the S-rank W-Engines and instantly sensed the power within.
Indeed, the design was ingenious. For mortals, it could significantly boost their strength.
But for an Adeptus, these W-Engines and Drive Discs had little value—less useful even than carrying an extra mechanical puppet.
With a flick of her wrist, Cloud Retainer tossed it onto the table.
"An amusing design, but the materials are too poor and the flaws too many. When I have free time, I'll try refining it with my mechanical arts."
The executives and Hoshimi Miyabi exchanged stunned glances.
These were S-rank W-Engines—New Eridu's most advanced and valuable technology.
Yet this Adeptus dismissed them outright and even claimed she could improve them.
If anyone else had said such a thing, they would never have believed it. But after witnessing the Adeptus' power, they couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.
The Hollow Investigation Association President said happily, "Our thanks, Cloud Retainer, for your assistance—"
According to the plan, the executives then appointed Hoshimi Miyabi as guide, sending her with Keqing and the Adeptus to deal with an A-rank Hollow within the city.
The Anti-Hollow Division Commander said firmly, "Ya, this is in your hands."
Hoshimi Miyabi replied evenly, "Yes. That Hollow will soon be gone."
Then she turned to Cloud Retainer and the others.
"Adeptus, please follow me."
Before leaving, Cloud Retainer glanced again at the table, casually picking up two of the S-rank W-Engines to toy with.
On the way to the Hollow, she took the chance to modify them using the materials she carried, applying her mechanical arts.
By the time they reached their destination, the two S-rank W-Engines had been completely transformed.
She handed one to Keqing and the other to Hoshimi Miyabi.
Such tools were of little use to an Adeptus, but perfect for the two of them.
Keqing accepted hers without hesitation.
Hoshimi Miyabi hesitated. "This is one of the S-rank W-Engines from earlier? I already have one..."
Keqing smiled faintly. "This one was modified by Cloud Retainer. Its performance has been greatly enhanced. Take a look before deciding."
Hearing that, Hoshimi Miyabi accepted the other W-Engine.
When she examined it, her expression immediately changed.
So powerful?
Its attributes had nearly doubled?