Chapter 681: Dual Mission

The Sun: "Shocking: Central Cross Theater Attacked, Over Three Thousand Spectators Collapse on Site!"

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

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

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

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

"Hmmm…"

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 she couldn't pinpoint why.

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

Because of Li Ang!

Although none of these publications mentioned Li Ang by name, the theater incident, Charl Department Store's compensation, rebel movements, and royal infighting all seemed inexplicably tied to him.

What a troublemaker.

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

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

Though she didn't know what this "Wine Immortal" was, the fact that a Level-3 Cleaner could withstand even partial effects of the 【Bloody Hair of Slaughter】 strongly suggested this anomaly—likely alcohol-related—had potential for a numbered classification, and its survival benefits were extraordinarily 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 newspaper 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 voice ended, a hazy silver figure "seeped" strangely through the office door and walked slowly to the desk.

"Here is the cleanup report for this mission."

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

"The mission proceeded 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 Plague Well Cleanup Report】, the Red-haired Director nodded in satisfaction and smiled warmly:

"As swift and efficient as ever—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 Li Ang—the Level-3 Cleaner who joined the branch less than two months ago? If you're sincerely praising him, he must be very strong?"

"Hmm… if I had to say… he's decent?"

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

"If we measure Li Ang's value—the degree of contamination 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 usually very reliable."

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

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

"No… better not."

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

"Director, it's not that I doubt your judgment—but even if he's outstanding, he's still a new Level-3 Cleaner. If even you and Miss Emma couldn't resolve the Meiibis Mine situation, what could he possibly do?"

"Besides, you know—every return to Meiibis 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 you ask for his help is entirely your decision."

Undeterred by the refusal, the Red-haired Director chuckled:

"But Piony, don't underestimate Li Ang because of his junior status. 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 the Red-haired Director rummaged through the newspaper pile, her gaze paused briefly on an ad: "Aimei Wine's Couple's Wine Sells Out—Manufacturer Rewards Customers: Couples Get 40% Off." She folded the page, then pulled out another booklet beneath it and handed it over.

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

The "Silver Man" took the booklet curiously 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 an extremely brutal war."

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

"Originally, I planned to send Emma with him—but Emma is clearing out the Scale Gold Cult's gathering. Jerry's 'friends' can't operate well on airships. Tom's dice are unstable. After consideration, you're the best fit."

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

"And this mission must succeed—absolutely no failure allowed!"

(End of Chapter)