Outside the Dead End Hollow.
"The third column is advancing south. The first column is conducting a flanking infiltration. The special unit is on standby to support the armored division in the sweep..."
"The second column is evacuating civilians. Requesting aerial guidance. Due to activity from a raider group, requesting escort support from the eighth column."
"The sixth column has engaged with a group of lawless elements 200 meters southwest of the Dead End Hollow. Requesting instructions."
"Try to capture them alive. Keep pushing forward. Make sure to clear the area within the mission time limit. Fourth column..."
The small, sleek black walkie-talkie on Shin's chest crackled with intermittent transmissions. Under well-coordinated orders, the defense forces steadily advanced their operation to clear the area outside the Dead End Hollow.
"Hey, Shin, could you turn off your walkie-talkie? Or at least stop using the full channel. It's so noisy..."
Shin stood tall in her military uniform, her expression calm and composed. Beside her, a laid-back young girl complained with mild exasperation.
"Don't you think it feels kind of nice?"
"It must be the same in a mercenary group, right?"
Shin turned her head and smiled slightly at the girl.
"What are you talking about, Major of the Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe... No, you're about to get promoted. And just this kind of military district operation gives you that feeling?"
"I recall you've done this kind of thing before too..."
The girl blinked casually, clearly unconvinced. She figured Shin was just putting on an act. And as for why...
Well, this one always had a habit of trying to drag her into things.
"Haha..."
Shin chuckled and shook her head, her eyes bright as she looked at the girl. Then she spoke gently,
"Yeyan, being too clever isn't always a good thing..."
Yeyan just snorted softly in response.
"What, you really want me to board your pirate ship?"
"You shouldn't put it like that. The Fire Pickers are already on my ship... What? You're not interested?"
As the words fell, Yeyan's eyes lit up. She leaned in with a mischievous grin.
"Shin, didn't you say you'd introduce me to the Fire Picker? Where is he? My Fire Picker Guild really needs him to join..."
A Fire Picker Guild without a Fire Picker—how could that even work?!
The Fire Picker Guild had already grown to a decent size. Once it was fully structured, and if the real Fire Picker joined...
Taking it to the next level would just be a matter of time!
As one of the only two organizations publicly tied to the Fire Picker, she might even angle to become his spokesperson...
After all, the "Hollow Walker" forum was online, but the Fire Picker Guild had developed an offline presence...
Spokesperson for the Fire Picker himself!
Just thinking about it was enough to make her giddy.
"Hehehe..."
Lost in thought, Yeyan couldn't help but grin. Shin glanced over, one eyebrow raised in confusion.
This girl...
What's she smiling about?
...
Outside the Dead End Hollow, the defense force's blockade continued. Meanwhile, over at the Janus District's Public Security Bureau headquarters, things were especially hectic.
"Seth, over here!"
"Coming!"
"This way, Seth!"
"On my way!"
"Hurry up, Seth!"
"Coming!!"
"Here, Seth!"
"Coming!"
"Seth!!"
"I—"
Today was the busiest day for Seth since joining the Criminal Investigation Special Task Force.
Not only was she swamped with task force duties, but Seth was also running between departments across the entire Bureau, handing off tasks and coordinating efforts. It was a full display of her so-called "work ability."
Naturally, all this had left her dizzy, the overwhelming chaos of being everywhere at once taking its toll.
Meanwhile, back in the task force office...
"Senior, is this really okay..."
Zhu Yuan sat at her desk, clicking through files while glancing out the small window at Seth running frantically past.
"Ah, as the saying goes: 'When heaven is about to bestow a great task upon a person, it must first wear down their will, exhaust their strength, starve them, burden their body, and confound all their plans...'"
Qingyi poured steaming water into a teacup, her gaze lowered, her demeanor unbothered.
"So, this is Seth's trial."
Zhu Yuan nodded along. It sounded pretty reasonable. But something still felt off.
Was dumping all the menial tasks on Seth really about some divine mission and refining her will?
"Zhu Yuan, don't worry about it."
"Look—Seth seems pretty happy doing it, doesn't she?"
As Qingyi said this, Zhu Yuan blinked.
That glazed look in her eyes... was that really happiness?
But then again, Qingyi was usually right...
So Zhu Yuan started second-guessing herself.
"Se—Senior..."
Bang! The office door burst open, and Seth walked in, wiping sweat from her brow. She opened her mouth to speak—but before she could say a word, a flash of red filled her vision.
Qingyi had suddenly stepped forward, holding a large silk banner high.
"Seth! Because of your diligence, efficiency, and friendly attitude, a respected elder from the Janus District sent this banner just for you!"
"Look!"
She held the banner in one hand and pointed at the bold inscription with the other.
"A public security officer who serves the people—keep up the good work and safeguard peace!"
After that, Qingyi patted Seth on the shoulder with a satisfied look, her expression completely serious.
Seth blinked in disbelief, staring at the banner.
"S-Senior, this is really for me?"
"Truer than pure gold!"
Seth carefully accepted the banner and tucked it away, a spark of excitement lighting up her face.
An esteemed elder was counting on her to keep going!
Seth turned to leave. As she reached the door, she suddenly froze—what did she come in for again?
Whatever. No point dwelling on it.
She had to keep working hard—she couldn't let that senior down!
With renewed vigor, Seth charged out of the office. Qingyi watched, nodding slightly.
"Senior... when exactly did that banner get delivered?"
Zhu Yuan looked suspicious, clearly puzzled.
"Delivered? It's always been here."
Qingyi sat back down at her desk, fiddling with the teaware. Zhu Yuan looked even more confused.
"And that respected elder...?"
"That was me."
Qingyi gave a small smile.
A respected elder—what's the issue?
No issue at all!
"Then... senior... about Seth..."
Zhu Yuan seemed to realize something. Qingyi calmly took a sip of tea and said softly,
"That was my way of recognizing Seth. So of course, the banner's real. I just made sure it served double the purpose at the right time."