Chapter 279

The Sun: "Shocking: Central Cross Theatre Attacked, Over Three Thousand Spectators Collapsed on the Spot!"

The Financial Times: "Char Department Store Has Completed Compensation, Yet Grand Sale Continues, Severely Impacting Multiple Department Stores"

Entertainment Weekly: "Tragic News: Master Wang Erde Missing, Suspected Kidnapped by Unknown Attackers"

Political Outlook: "Rebel Factions Split; Moderate Wing Abandons Attacks, to Form New Labor Party in Old Town District"

Royal Gazette: "After the Princess's Engagement, the Old Aristocracy Suddenly Switches Allegiance to the Prince—What Lies Ahead for the Robin?"

"Huh…"

After flipping through the morning's newly delivered newspapers and magazines, the Red-haired Director blinked in surprise, feeling the headlines seemed oddly off—but couldn't quite say why.

Only after rereading them twice did she finally realize why these headlines felt wrong…

Because of Li Ang!

Though none of these publications mentioned Li Ang by name, every incident—the theater attack, Char Department Store's compensation, rebel movements, and royal infighting—seemed somehow tied to him.

What a troublemaker.

With a faintly exasperated shake of her head, the Red-haired Director idly flipped through the papers while absentmindedly curling her bright red hairtips between her pale, slender fingers, frowning in thought.

The state Li Ang had been in two days ago, after drinking too much, had genuinely startled her.

Though she didn't know what this "Wine Immortal" he mentioned was, the fact that a Level-3 Cleaner could withstand even partial effects of 【Bloody Hair of Slaughter】 strongly suggested this alcohol-related anomaly possessed potential for a numbered classification—and its survival utility was astonishingly potent.

So… since the Bureau is short-staffed, should we give him more responsibility?

"Tap. Tap-tap."

Just as the Red-haired Director set down the papers and opened a drawer, someone knocked on the office door.

"Director, it's me."

Piony?

Hearing the voice outside, the Red-haired Director raised an eyebrow slightly, then replied:

"Come in."

As her words settled, a hazy silver figure "seeped" mysteriously through the office door and walked slowly to the desk.

"Here is the cleanup report for this mission."

Placing several folded sheets on the desk, the "Silver Man" reported calmly:

"The operation went smoothly. The well leading to the Black Plague Tide has been sealed. No casualties among townsfolk. All relevant personnel's memories have been erased by the 【Illusion Jar】. No one remembers the plague-spreading demons."

"Excellent."

After briefly flipping through the 【Black Well Incident Cleanup Report】, the Red-haired Director nodded approvingly, smiling warmly:

"As swift and efficient as ever. No wonder you're the one I trust most in the Bureau—next to Emma and Li Ang."

Emma and Li Ang?

Hearing this, the Silver Man paused slightly, then smiled and asked:

"Director, you mean the Level-3 Cleaner who joined the branch less than two months ago? If you're genuinely praising him like this, his abilities must be strong?"

"Hmm… if I had to say… he's decent."

Recalling Li Ang's anomalies in her mind, the Red-haired Director answered uncertainly:

"In terms of contamination level—how deeply he's been affected by anomalies—he's roughly on par with a Level-3 Cleaner who's been here two or three years. Still far behind you all.

But his mind is sharp, his methods diverse. He always finds a way to complete missions—even exceed them—no matter the situation. In short, he's remarkably reliable."

Having given Li Ang a surprisingly high evaluation, the Red-haired Director glanced at the thoughtful Silver Man and smiled:

"Piony, how about it? Interested in meeting Li Ang? Take him to your 'Heartbreak Place'—see if he can solve your problem."

"No… better not."

The silver-glowing figure, face indistinct, chuckled wryly and shook his head:

"Director, I don't doubt your judgment—but even if he's exceptional, he's still a Level-3 Cleaner who's only been here a few months. If even you and Miss Emma couldn't resolve the Meibis Silver Mine issue, what can he do?

Besides, you know: every return to Meibis Silver Mine feels like reliving… ah! Without absolute certainty, I simply can't bring myself to go back there. I'm sorry."

"No problem. I just thought of him and mentioned it casually. Whether to ask for his help is entirely your decision."

The Red-haired Director didn't take offense at the refusal, only chuckled:

"But Piony, don't underestimate Li Ang just because of his seniority. Without him, I might never have toppled the Bottle Director. His secrets may run deeper than yours.

So I still suggest—if you have no other options—take him to the mine. If he fails, you only suffer a little more. But if he succeeds, your future will be far easier."

"I… I'll think about it."

"Take your time."

As she spoke, the Red-haired Director rummaged through the pile of newspapers. When she spotted the ad: "Aimei Wine's Couple's Wine Sells Out; Manufacturer Rewards Customers—Couples Get 40% Off," her gaze paused briefly, then she folded the page and pulled out another booklet beneath it.

"The mine can wait. But this is urgent… take a look."

The Silver Man, puzzled, took the booklet and read the title on the front page:

"Airship Schedule… Krook Kingdom's Sniffers… VIP Cabin… Private Vessel… Director, is this my next mission?"

"Not your next mission. It's your and Li Ang's joint mission.

Li Ang uncovered something dangerous. If we don't intervene, the Kingdom may soon face a devastating war."

Correcting the Silver Man's assumption and emphasizing the mission's gravity, the Red-haired Director said seriously:

"Originally, I planned to send Emma with him. But Emma's clearing a Scale Gold Cult gathering. Jerry's 'friends' can't operate well on airships. Tom's dice are too unstable. So after consideration, you're the best choice.

Piony, the Krook Kingdom's sniffers will arrive at the Boarding Tower in three days. I need you to work with Li Ang to alter their data—and erase their memories…

Finally, this mission must succeed. Absolute failure is not an option."