"So you've been hiding your identity to avoid retaliation? I understand your reasoning, but I didn't expect them to be so deranged," Moody nodded thoughtfully. "So, what is your next move? Have you found him yet?"
"I have." Alan nodded in agreement. "The Silver Spears' masks have a remote communication function, similar to my Communication Amulets, and both can store communication beacons. I just tested it; there are only four masks within Britain currently receiving a signal. Excluding the three we've already taken down, the remaining one must be Thunderbird!"
"There's no need to rush, though. These guys aren't easy to deal with, mainly because they're so elusive. I'd prefer to launch an assault after more thorough planning," Moody cautioned, fearing Alan might make a rash decision in his state of fury.
"No." Alan shook his head. "Although I'm angry, I haven't lost my mind. The reason I want to track him now is because I noticed the target's location is quite peculiar this time."
"Location?" Moody frowned, puzzled, before a look of realization dawned on him. "Are you saying—?"
"That's right. The signal is coming from the west." Alan's expression had returned to a chilling calmness. "I suspect the target is currently on the island of Ireland!"
"So that's it," Moody said, the pieces falling into place. "It seems they are aiming for two birds with one stone. By attacking you, they eliminate the alchemy supplier who has been causing them trouble. Simultaneously, they play a feint with the Ministry. A major incident in London draws the attention of Auror Command, giving them a clear window to conduct a smuggling operation. They are playing their cards well."
Moody was no longer surprised that Alan knew about the smuggling operations in Ireland. He assumed Alan had extracted the information from his captive. As for the current state of that prisoner, Moody wisely didn't ask; he only needed to know that Alan was on their side.
"I suspect the same. The fact that he went to such lengths to cause destruction at the shop suggests his primary goal was to cover his tracks. This smuggling operation might be on a much larger scale than the one you previously busted!" Alan judged.
"I see. It seems these guys are planning something significant." Moody realized this was a golden opportunity to strike a major blow against the Silver Spears. "Without further ado, let's get moving. I'll have to trouble you to lead the way."
"My pleasure." Alan gave a cold smile. "And remember to keep this confidential. we must catch them off guard."
Moody nodded gravely. He turned around and walked back out into the main shop.
"Attention, everyone!" Moody barked, his eye scanning the Aurors. "We are now entering Level One Combat Readiness. From now on, everyone must strictly adhere to the Secrecy Statute. No external communication, no Patronus Charms, no owl mail, and no leaving the team without permission!"
The Aurors, seeing Moody become so severe after his private talk with Alan, exchanged bewildered glances. However, awed by his authority, they stood at attention and nodded.
Next, Moody turned to a senior Auror nearby. "Emmeline Vance, come here. There is urgent intelligence that requires you to return to the Ministry immediately to report to Minister Bagnold and Amelia Bones."
Emmeline knew the situation was dire; normal communications didn't require an Auror of her standing. Only highly sensitive information would be entrusted to her. As a member of the Order of the Phoenix, she understood the weight of the moment. Moody leaned in and whispered the details. Emmeline's eyes widened in surprise. After receiving a confirming nod from Moody, she rushed to the fireplace and vanished in a flash of green flames.
"Alright, the rest of you, follow me," Moody said, heading toward the fireplace himself.
The remaining Aurors followed their captain, though a few less experienced members couldn't help but whisper to those beside them. Alan, watching from the side, shook his head. The individual skill of these Aurors was high, but their discipline was uneven; some couldn't even follow a simple order to remain silent.
Moody reached the fireplace and turned to Alan. "We'll use the Floo Network to transit to the eastern part of Ireland. Once we're there, you can perform another scan to confirm his position."
Alan agreed. It was a logical tactical move.
"Alan and I will go first. Keep an eye on your Communication Amulets. Once you receive my signal, follow immediately." Moody stepped into the flames and shouted, "Barry Figo's Pub!"
By the time Alan stepped out of the Floo Network, Moody was already waiting. They were in a pub similar in atmosphere to the Leaky Cauldron, though it was currently empty.
"This is eastern Northern Ireland. The owner is Figo Finnigan. If you ever need to reach Ireland quickly, this is a reliable waypoint," Moody briefed him. "Hurry now. We don't know if we can catch him if we wait."
Alan nodded and pulled out Aethonan's mask, fitting it over his face. He then produced a large, compass-like tool and began to calibrate it.
"The target is still to the west, over 150 kilometers away, near the coast. Are there any other transit points closer than that?" If they had to fly by broom, it would take over an hour.
"None, but the last smuggling ring we broke was also in the west. I remember the coordinates. We can Apparate there first," Moody offered.
"Alright. Let the others catch up, and we'll head out."