The moment Andy Lau left, Superintendent Wong issued new instructions in a crisp, commanding tone.
"Serious Crime Team, dispatch immediately! Set up an ambush at Long Bath Beach. When the Taikoo supplier delivers the goods, move in and arrest them on the spot!"
Gasps rippled through the room.
What?
Just minutes ago, Superintendent Wong had claimed they didn't know the delivery location. Why order an ambush now?
And the timing—right after sending Andy Lau out? That could only mean one thing…
Your taste! Your fine taste!
Superintendent Wong's voice cut through their stunned silence. "What are you staring at? Move!"
"Yes Sir!"
The team scrambled into motion.
—-
Downstairs
As they walked, the middle-aged woman sidled up to Fenric, unwilling to let go. Her voice was low, urgent.
"Hey, how much for you to agree to an alliance?"
Fenric didn't even glance at her. "It's not about money. I'm just not interested in teaming up."
"You—" Her face darkened. Then she switched tactics. "Fine. Then tell me this: how did you know Andy Lau was a mole?"
Fenric gave her a look that screamed, Are you an idiot?
"Do you really think I'd tell you?"
"I know you won't spill for free." She lowered her voice further. "But I can pay for intel. All of it. Whatever you know. As long as you agree, I'll guarantee the mission won't go south.
You clear this dungeon once, you can't come back in. Keeping all that information is just wasting it. Sell it to me."
A copy you can't re-enter after clearing it?
That was news to Fenric—a hidden rule of Samsara Space?
If that was true, then hoarding knowledge had no long-term value. Selling a walkthrough? Not impossible.
He thought for a moment, then said flatly:
"Fine. Ten million. Non-negotiable. Cash only—no transfers."
Wire transfers left trails. Even Fenric wasn't cocky enough to risk exposure. Cash was safer.
The woman scowled. "Ten million? That's insane! Don't you know? In every dungeon, only the first-timer gets the full rewards. If you're in here a second time, even a perfect score barely gives you half reward."
"Ten million. Final offer. Take it or leave it."
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't push it. Be careful—I can make sure you don't complete the mission."
Fenric smiled coldly. "Try. Superintendent Wong trusts me now. You'll just dig your own grave. And you do know death in a dungeon means death for real… right?"
The woman's face twisted in fury. "You…"
Before the argument could escalate, Luk barked from ahead.
"What are you two whispering about!? Get over here and help!"
"Coming!"
Fenric left her stewing and strode up.
At the tiny restaurant entrance, Andy Lau was already speaking to the owner.
"Boss, thirty pork chop meals, packed to go."
The boss's face lit up. Thirty boxes? That was a windfall for his little shop.
"Right away, sir! Give me a moment!"
The middle-aged police woman caught up, leaned close to Fenric, and hissed between clenched teeth:
"Fine. Ten million. Cash. I agree!"
Fenric's lips curled into a satisfied smile. Knew you'd fold.
Then Andy Lau turned suddenly.
"B, John, wait here. I'm stepping out to call home."
"Sure thing, Head. Go ahead," Luk said without hesitation.
Fenric wasn't so agreeable.
"Hold it."
He blocked Andy Lau's path, voice calm but firm.
"Inspector Andy Lau, you know the rules. During a confidential op, no private calls. You didn't forget… did you?"
Andy Lau froze, genuine surprise flickering in his eyes.
"John… what are you doing?"
Luk bristled, ready to blow.
"Are you out of your mind!? That's your superior! You dare block him? Who taught you to be so insolent!?"
He stepped forward, hand half-raised to shove Fenric aside—only for Andy Lau to stop him with a raised palm.
Instead, Andy Lau studied Fenric, gaze sharp.
"John… Superintendent Wong sent you to watch me, didn't he?"
Fenric didn't flinch. He didn't confirm either. His voice stayed steady, words cutting straight to the bone.
"Inspector Andy Lau… haven't you always wanted to be a good cop? Here's your chance. Cut ties with Eric Tsang tonight.
Even if your name comes up, your record is strong. I can promise you this: Superintendent Wong will speak for you in court. You'll walk with a light sentence."
"..."
For the first time, Andy Lau looked truly shaken. His eyes searched Fenric's face. How does he know what I've been thinking all these years?
Beside them, Luk was unraveling. His whole body tensed. He was here to watch Andy Lau—and now, Andy Lau was wobbling.
If Andy Lau turned, the fallout would hit him too!
He moved instinctively—but Fenric's cold voice sliced in:
"Luk. Right now, Inspector Andy Lau is under suspicion. And you… as a fellow officer, what should you be doing? Or do you need me to remind you?"
Lin froze mid-step, the realization crashing over him like a wave.
His cover. His mission. If he pushed this, if he openly shielded Andy Lau now—he'd blow everything.
He pasted on a strained smile.
"John… the Head's always looked out for us. He just wants to tell his family not to wait dinner. No need to make it ugly."
Fenric sneered. "Think carefully. One wrong move, and you're done. You really want Superintendent Wong wondering why you're bending over backwards for him?"
For a heartbeat, Luk looked like he might explode. If he had a gun, Fenric would already be dead.
Unfortunately for him, Intelligence detectives didn't get to carry firearms unless on special ops. Right now, Luk wasn't even packing a bullet.
Andy Lau let out a long sigh. His face turned bleak.
"Enough. Both of you. I'm not making any calls. Happy?"