By the end of his statement, Blinger's voice had softened considerably, his eyebrows arching slightly in apparent surprise.
He knew the name Zane well—after all, the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team was one of his key assets, and many of his achievements owed much to their contributions.
He was also familiar with this individual—though not a formal police officer, he frequently visited the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team and maintained excellent relations with several of its members. Seemed to be a disciple of Qingyi...
How did he end up on this list?
Bringer continued scanning downward, then his eyes widened slightly, a hint of admiration flickering within.
So Qingyi's disciple was this exceptional—none other than that new member of the Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe he'd heard about. A Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe lieutenant... that rank was significantly higher than his own.
Though their units didn't interact and their jurisdictions didn't overlap, rank still mattered. In other words, even he would have to salute Qingyi's disciple if they met now.
...
"Bringer, what's the point of bringing this up in front of us? Why did you specifically summon us here?"
Across from Bringer, one of the group dismissed his concern. Another chimed in from the side:
"Bringer, plenty of folks in the old General Administration always handled things this way. If you have an issue, you could've taken matters into your own hands. Why waste time like this?"
"Let me tell you, we're not afraid of this stuff. The municipal elections are coming up anyway, and we're all at the end of our terms."
"With no future demands, do you really think these scraps of paper can threaten us?"
...
"Just because it's always been done this way doesn't mean it's right. Colluding, conspiring... Tsk."
Bringer quietly picked up the thread of the conversation, his gaze still fixed on the documents in his hands before speaking.
"Yes, I do believe these few pieces of paper can threaten you. True, you have no further need for them—after all, you're already sacrificial pawns.
"But... if you weren't afraid, why would you have come to this meeting?"
Bringer closed the documents, a smile spreading across his face.
The smiles on the faces of the people across from him froze. A hint of apprehension flickered in their eyes. Indeed, no one is without their vulnerabilities.
"Gentlemen, do you think that if these things were to leak out, the public's condemnation alone could drown you?"
Bringer spoke calmly, his tone as if stating a plain fact.
"As for the rest... Ha! Those in the municipal government are already teetering on the edge, unable to save themselves from the raging tide of public opinion. Do you really think you can withstand it?"
The repercussions of Zane's operation were far from over. The muddied waters had formed a terrifying vortex, with powerful hands from multiple factions swirling within. Shin was also leveraging this incident to advance his own agenda.
...
"Actually, you still have a chance to atone."
Bringer observed the silent group and spoke up.
"I have a proposal for cooperation. Would you care to hear it?"
Seeing their hesitation, Blinger knew it was time to bring out the "big guns." He slid another set of documents across the table, his expression cold as he said,
"Tell me, for those in high positions, if sacrificing a few individuals could save themselves, wouldn't they be delighted? Wouldn't they even give it a push?
"Or rather... haven't they already begun doing so?"
The words fell, accompanied by the compelling evidence on the table, becoming the final straw that broke the camel's back.
As the documents were placed down, Blinger smiled faintly, knowing the deal was all but sealed.
What followed unfolded exactly as he'd anticipated, smoothly and efficiently. After a short while, the negotiations concluded.
Blinger departed with a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with the outcome.
...
"Sir, isn't it unwise to collaborate with them? Those people clearly aren't trustworthy."
Shortly after leaving, one of Bringer's companions couldn't help but ask.
Bringer remained composed as he explained:
"It is indeed like bargaining with a tiger. But now they're a toothless tiger. To climb higher in the municipal elections, leveraging their power is indispensable.
"After all, they're insiders within the General Administration.
"But... atonement isn't so easily granted. Once everything is settled, I will forgive them. However, whether the Law Tribunal and the Law Court will forgive them, whether the citizens will forgive them..."
"That's none of my concern."
Chief Bringer recalled the instructions from the person behind him and spoke with confidence.
"Sir, aren't you afraid they'll drag you into it later?"
"That's precisely why we're handing it over to the law for judgment—to eliminate any future trouble. Rest assured, I've considered everything you could possibly think of. They won't get a chance to speak."
Bringer patted the shoulder of the officer beside him. Seeing the man's lips move with a complex expression, as if he wanted to say something, Bringer paused, then understood what he was about to voice.
"You're worried that in my relentless climb for power, I'll eventually become just like them, aren't you?"
"I... I'm not, sir."
The officer replied, though his slightly evasive expression betrayed his true thoughts.
Seeing this, Bringer sighed softly and said,
"Has my conduct lately caused even those of you who've been with me from the start to worry?
"Rest assured, this is merely about gaining power."
Hearing this, the officer's eyes flickered with confusion. Wasn't that essentially the same thing?
Bringer paid no heed to the officer's reaction. Turning, he placed both hands on the man's shoulders, adopting the stern demeanor of a father. His expression grew earnest as he continued,
"I seek neither fame nor profit. Truthfully, power itself holds little intrinsic value for me.
"Yet I still desire it.
"So remember this: the climb to power is for doing greater good. Greater power means greater deeds, not personal gain.
"My previous position truly limited what I could accomplish.
"As long as one climbs with a pure heart, regardless of the means—as long as the actions are righteous—then one is worthy of that power.
"Ha ha, of course, I'm not claiming my own heart is pure..."
Bringer laughed heartily, patting the officer on the shoulder, though his face held a hint of smugness the officer had grown accustomed to.
He then turned and walked toward his vehicle. The officer paused for two seconds before hurrying to catch up.
He fell into step beside Blinger.
...
"Old man, you're sitting here looking pretty relaxed, bossing us around while we run around..."
"I'm too old to run anymore—can't I at least give orders? Stop whining and get to work!"