Fang Xiu furrowed his brow, sensing the inevitable unraveling of his plans. He had a gut feeling something would go wrong, and now it had.
Fang Moli was a key piece in his strategy because Yan Changshou and his group were most wary of the Xuanyuan Sword. Without his presence, it was clear the enemy would shift their tactics.
This creeping loss of control didn't sit well with Fang Xiu. It only meant one thing: he'd likely have to die once again.
Not long after, the Director made his entrance, with Xiao Zhenhua trailing close behind.
Xiao Zhenhua's expression was severe, his usual reserved demeanor intact as he shadowed the Director. His sharp eyes darted around, vigilantly scanning for any sign of threat.
Most of the crowd, except for the higher-ups, were clueless about who Xiao Zhenhua was. Unlike the five captains, he didn't command much public attention, but his strength was on par with theirs.
This made sense—just like in movies where all eyes are on the leading stars, the bodyguards fade into the background, unnoticed.
Xiao Zhenhua preferred it that way, operating under the radar. Only those who were truly in the know understood just how formidable he was.
"Now, let's welcome the Director to give his address," the host announced. The Director walked steadily to the podium, his gaze sweeping across the hall filled with hundreds of elite psychics from across the nation.
His eyes settled on the four captains seated on the stage, noting the empty chair meant for Fang Moli.
The Director's frown deepened for a moment, but he quickly masked his irritation and began speaking into the microphone, his voice commanding and serious, "Ladies and gentlemen, you represent the finest of the Investigation Bureau, the backbone of our nation's defense. On behalf of headquarters, I extend my warmest welcome. I'll keep this brief and focus on three key points. First, heighten your vigilance. The Specter situation is escalating across the country, and we must abandon any notions of complacency or overconfidence—"
BANG!
Before the Director could finish, the sharp crack of shattering glass echoed through the hall.
For a split second, everyone braced for an attack. Soldiers in the room instantly drew their weapons, the sound of guns cocking filling the air.
But then, a gleaming sword light flashed into the hall.
A man with a calm expression and sharp eyebrows made his entrance.
Dressed in flowing white robes, he stood atop a dark golden sword, a matching sword box strapped to his back.
Recognizing him, the soldiers eased up, lowering their guns, but the Director's face remained stern.
"Apologies for being so late," the young man in white said coolly, hovering above the crowd on his flying sword.
"Fang Moli! Don't you know about today's meeting? Where have you been?" the Director bellowed, barely containing his frustration.
"I got held up by a Class-A Specter on my way here," Fang Moli replied, his tone casual, as if such an encounter was mere child's play.
The room buzzed with astonishment at his nonchalance, amazed that he treated a Class-A Specter like a mere nuisance.
But instead of being relieved by Fang Moli's explanation, the Director's anger only deepened.
"Really? Weren't you supposed to be in seclusion at headquarters, meditating on your sword technique? So, tell me, where exactly did you run into this Class-A Specter? And which foolish Specter dared approach headquarters?"
Even after being called out, Fang Moli's expression remained unbothered. "Is this my seat?" he asked coolly.
A streak of sword light sliced through the air as Fang Moli descended silently onto the stage. Then he took his place among the other captains with an air of calm indifference.
"Sir, please continue," Fang Moli said, his tone as nonchalant as ever.
The Director's face darkened, clearly irritated by Fang Moli's attitude. To an outsider, it might seem like he was the one in charge, not the Director.
Each of the other four captains reacted differently to Fang Moli's grand entrance.
Luo Qingxin remained cold, her icy demeanor unshaken, as if she hadn't noticed him at all.
Yan Changshou's face held a polite smile, but a subtle flicker of caution appeared in his eyes.
Li Xiaoru scoffed, "Hmph, still the same show-off!"
Xiong Tianguang grumbled, "You glory hound! I asked for backup, and you were nowhere to be found. Now you show up just to steal the spotlight?"
The Director, struggling to keep his temper in check, realized it wouldn't be wise to lash out in front of so many people. He took a calming breath before resuming his speech.
"Second, we must ensure strict adherence to protocols, and third, we need to solidify accountability…"
The Director's speech dragged on, leaving many of the psychics fighting off drowsiness. The core of it all was pretty straightforward: Specter activity was on the rise, so everyone had to step up, train harder, and sharpen their skills.
Fang Xiu observed the five captains on stage, his mind racing. Initially, he suspected something had gone wrong, preventing Fang Moli from showing up earlier. But now it was clear—Fang Moli had orchestrated his own late entrance, flying in on his sword just to make a statement.
It became evident that none of the captains were exactly what you'd call "normal."
Luo Qingxin might look like an ice queen, but deep down, she had a flair for the dramatic. Naming her team "Illusionary Life"? That's the kind of thing only a college student could come up with—too pretentious for anyone else.
Xiong Tianguang was a gaming nerd, convinced that women were just distractions in the gaming world.
Li Xiaoru was blunt, loud, and had just enough education to be annoying.
Fang Moli was cold and pretentious, always acting like he was above everyone else, whether or not he actually was.
And then there was Yan Changshou—well, there wasn't much more to say about him since he wasn't even human.
Despite how strange they all were, their quirks didn't matter as long as the plan stayed on track.
After what felt like an eternity, the Director's speech was finally winding down.
"Now, as many of you are aware, a recent Grade-S Specter event occurred in Greenvine City…"
Xiao Chuxia leaned in close to Fang Xiu, whispering excitedly, "Xiu, they're talking about your big moment! They're going to give you an award. You're amazing!"
Fang Xiu didn't respond, instead preparing himself to head up and receive his recognition.
But then…
"This Specter event was unprecedented in its severity and the extent of the damage caused to Greenvine City. While the power of the Class-S Specter played a role, it also highlights the lack of emergency preparedness by the Investigation Bureau for city-wide incidents, and the failure to…"
Another half-hour passed…
"Fang Xiu, an investigator from Greenvine City's Investigation Bureau, and the key hero in this incident…"
"Xiu, it's finally your turn to get the award. This director can really talk—I almost fell asleep," Xiao Chuxia yawned, her voice heavy with boredom.
Fang Xiu's frown deepened. He wondered if the Director was intentionally droning on to lull Yan Changshou into a false sense of security, or if this was just his usual style—long-winded and tedious.
Just as Fang Xiu was about to stand and accept his award, the Director continued,
"Fang Xiu, with his extraordinary ability to foresee the future, along with the qualities and determination expected of an investigator, risked his life with the safety of the people in his heart, saving Greenvine City from disaster…"
Fang Xiu's patience, already stretched thin, finally snapped. Right in the middle of the Director's passionate speech, he stood up and began walking directly toward the stage.