Wise and Yanagi's conversation revealed just how complicated the situation truly was, and Zhu Yuan's next words only confirmed their suspicions.
"The situation is urgent, so please help me confirm something first! Perlman is with you, right? Please check the back of his neck. Is there a small wound near his ear or hairline?"
Hearing this, Yanagi immediately ordered someone to inspect him, and the results came back moments later.
"Yes, Officer Zhu Yuan. There is indeed a very small wound, about 2 cm long, inside the right side of his hairline. How did you know?"
"For special major cases, Public Security sometimes implants miniature monitoring chips into suspects while they're in custody to prevent dangerous incidents in prison. I later discovered that the chips used on Perlman's batch of major offenders contain a wide-area tracking identifier... and it has remained active this entire time."
Harumasa was stunned for a moment before quickly responding in disbelief.
"What? A tracking identifier? And it's been active this whole time? Even after the airship accident?"
"That's right..."
As Zhu Yuan confirmed it, everyone's expressions instantly darkened.
After all, this meant Public Security had been able to track Perlman the entire time. Yet despite all that time passing, no one had gone after him.
The NEPS records also showed ongoing tracking activity, yet his whereabouts had somehow remained unknown throughout, making the situation deeply suspicious.
"Everything we've done so far has been based on one assumption. We believed the mastermind wanted to stop us from uncovering the truth and eliminate Perlman to cover up his crimes... But if they were always capable of locating him, then all the chasing, stealing, escaping, and interference along the way... must have been serving another purpose."
Yanagi calmly analyzed the situation, while Harumasa half-jokingly suggested that the real target couldn't possibly have been Miyabi.
After all, unless someone had a death wish, who would dare target a Void Hunter?
However, that very remark sparked something in Wise's mind, reminding him of what had happened earlier inside the Hollow.
"Wait a minute! Speaking of which, something happened in the Outer Ring!"
After briefly explaining the incident involving the out-of-control sabers, everyone fell into deeper confusion.
"No way... The problematic Commander target... was Chief Miyabi? But why?"
Harumasa looked completely baffled, while Yanagi was overcome with regret.
"No matter the reason, they've already taken Chief away right in front of my eyes! I was... careless! To let this happen...! No, I need to report this to the Minister immediately!"
"Yanagi, everyone, calm down first. What we need to do now is determine where Miyabi and Bringer are."
Wise tried to calm Yanagi, while Zhu Yuan, pressured by the urgency of the situation, attempted to speak.
Before she could say anything, however, a voice interrupted them.
"Miyabi is being transported in a Public Security prisoner escort vehicle. I have a way to track it. As for Inspector Bringer, he's currently at the unveiling site connected to the Vision Industry case, the location outside Dead End Hollow. Do you remember it?"
Qingyi's voice suddenly came from behind them, causing Zhu Yuan to turn around in surprise as she casually walked in.
"Qingyi? How do you know all this?"
"Because his special lecture is being held there today. The news just aired a preview saying the lecture will proceed as scheduled, and many eyewitnesses and enthusiastic citizens connected to the Vision Industry case are expected to attend."
Qingyi once again made her characteristic gesture.
Upon hearing this, Wise immediately made a decision.
"Everyone, let's split up! We'll search for Bringer and Miyabi simultaneously!"
"Alright! I'll go find Miyabi! Please guide us out of the Hollow immediately!"
Yanagi's voice was visibly shaken. Her concern for Miyabi had clearly disrupted her composure.
Harumasa immediately tried to stop her.
"No, we're not suited to chase after Chief."
"Why not? Aren't you worried about her? If something happens, I will...!"
"Calm down, Miss Yanagi. You're losing your composure. Our current location is closer to Bringer, and Perlman is still in our custody."
Harumasa spoke as calmly as possible, trying to steady her.
"Yanagi... I-I think Harumasa actually makes sense this time... He rarely makes sense, so maybe we should listen to him for once, okay?"
Soukaku gently tapped her index fingers together while looking down, softly trying to persuade her, though her words dealt considerable damage to Harumasa.
"Yanagi, don't worry. I'll go with Zhu Yuan to find Miyabi. We'll bring her back safely, I promise."
Under the combined persuasion of Wise and Zhu Yuan, Yanagi finally agreed to the division of labor, and Qingyi nodded in satisfaction.
"Hmm~ So the assignments are settled? Then I'll continue staying here to protect the video store and put everyone's minds at ease."
As Qingyi finished speaking, several deep breaths came through the communicator, followed by the crisp sound of someone lightly slapping their cheeks a few times.
"My apologies, everyone. I lost my composure for a moment. This division of labor is very reasonable, so let's begin immediately! Wise, I'm counting on you to protect Chief..."
'As long as you bring her back safely, I can overlook the artificial respiration incident... and even those ambiguous situations involving the other girls.'
Yanagi kept those thoughts to herself instead of voicing them aloud.
Once the communication ended, Wise and Zhu Yuan exited through the back door and arrived at the parking lot behind the video store, where a Public Security patrol car was waiting.
"I'm currently tracing the escort vehicle's exact location. We'll leave as soon as I have it."
After speaking, Zhu Yuan fell silent.
Wise immediately stepped forward, gently took one of her hands, and slowly leaned closer under her surprised gaze.
"Eh? Wise...?"
"Zhu Yuan, I'm truly sorry. I never intended to betray your trust, nor did I deliberately hide things from you. I promise that once this is over, I'll tell you everything honestly..."
Following the method Miyabi had taught him, Wise looked directly into Zhu Yuan's eyes as he moved closer. Her face visibly reddened, and her lips unconsciously parted slightly.
Then, as though embarrassed by her own reaction, she grew flustered. Yet moments later, something seemed to cross her mind, and her expression slowly turned conflicted.
It was as though something long suppressed in her heart had briefly been released by Wise's words, only for her to force herself to accept it once again.
After a brief silence, Zhu Yuan pursed her lips and slowly spoke while meeting Wise's gaze.
"I understand. About Qingyi... I-I'll seriously think about it..."
"Ah?"
Qingyi?
'Why did Qingyi suddenly come up?'
Wise froze in confusion, while Zhu Yuan looked equally puzzled by his reaction.
"What's wrong? Qingyi told me something before..."
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Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street
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✨ 55+ Advance Chapters • Early Access ✨
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🔹 Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street
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