Director Meow took note of Byrne's reaction and continued.
"Back then, I was young. I simply assumed that man was a reclusive, powerful psyker and didn't look into it further. It wasn't until later, when I consulted the old archives of the Inquisition and learned about the history of the Laenian family, that I realized things might not be so simple."
Byrne stopped his musing and asked, "Did you find anything?"
Director Meow shook her head. "No. A large portion of the Inquisition's archives regarding the Laenian family was deliberately destroyed, leaving only fragments like 'colluding with Chaos' and 'profaning the Emperor.' I also sent people to investigate that mysterious person in secret, but for thirty years, he has seemingly vanished from the face of the earth, leaving not a single trace."
Hearing this, Byrne thought of the skeleton kneeling before the furnace. The ruby ring in his drawer had been taken from those very bones. Could that skeleton be the person Director Meow mentioned? No, it was too early to judge. After thirty years, the possibility of it being a descendant couldn't be ruled out either.
Director Meow caught Byrne's expression and chuckled. "I know you have your reservations. But rest assured, just as I didn't press that man for his origins back then, I won't force you either. However, I hope you remember that regardless of the source of that energy, as long as you uphold the bottom line of the Bureau and are not used by Chaos, I will always be on your side."
Byrne looked up, meeting Director Meow's gaze. In those mismatched eyes, there was no suspicion or calculation, only the admonition and expectations of an elder.
"Alright, enough of that." Director Meow leaped back onto the back of the high-backed chair, her tone returning to its usual laziness. "Pay close attention to the Governor's inspection in three days. Not only must you guard against the followers of the Lord of Corruption, but you must also observe the people around you. Perhaps there are other conspiracies hidden behind that anonymous tip."
"Yes, Director," Byrne responded respectfully.
"Go back and rest. Get enough sleep to deal with the events in three days."
Byrne lay in bed, pulling his consciousness from his memories back to reality. As sleepiness washed over him, he reached out to turn off the lamp and gradually drifted off.
In the blink of an eye, three days passed.
At the Governor's Palace on Central Avenue in the Upper District of Blackstone City, Byrne saw the residence from such a close distance for the first time. The magnificent white architectural complex stood before him, its tall columns carved with intricate Imperial patterns. Sunlight spilled onto the marble floor, reflecting a dazzling luster. Two massive lion statues stood on either side of the entrance, silently guarding the residence that symbolized power.
Byrne and Marco, dressed in the black uniforms of the guard detail, stood at the end of the line. To avoid drawing attention, they had set aside their Bureau equipment and carried only the standard weapons of the guard. They also deliberately suppressed their psychic signatures, making them appear no different from ordinary guards.
At the front of the line, the guard captain scanned each member and barked, "Everyone, stay sharp! The Governor is inspecting the Lower District today. No negligence will be tolerated. If you spot any suspicious persons approaching, kill them on the spot—no reporting necessary!"
"Yes, sir!" the guards responded in unison.
Just then, the gates of the Governor's Palace slowly opened, followed by the sound of rhythmic footsteps. Leading the group was Governor David Rick of Kolor. He had a tall, upright frame and a resolute face. Though there were streaks of white in his hair, he didn't appear old at all. When he scanned his surroundings, he carried the majesty of one who had long held a high position.
Following behind him were three close bodyguards and five or six aides. David walked up to the guard detail and, without any extra pleasantries, simply said plainly:
"Move out."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable command. The aura around him was steady and oppressive, causing even the airflow to seem stagnant.
The guard captain immediately replied, "Yes, Governor."
Subsequently, the Governor's party and the guard detail boarded separate hover-vehicles. The convoy split into two parts, front and rear, and headed toward the Lower District.
An hour later, the convoy arrived in the Lower District and proceeded along the planned route. Knowing the Governor was coming, every street and alley he was to pass had been cleaned. Yet even so, it couldn't hide the decay and poverty of the district. Beside the swept streets stood low, dilapidated houses with mottled, blackened walls. Many doors and windows were crudely covered with old wooden boards. Occasionally, a few bold residents would curiously watch the passing hover-convoy.
Byrne and Marco shared a vehicle at the rear of the convoy, responsible for monitoring any movement from behind.
"Be careful. The Lower District is a mixed bag. Not only are there followers of the Lord of Corruption, but there are also many desperate outlaws. Coupled with the complex terrain, it's very easy for someone to hide."
Before long, the convoy stopped at the first inspection point according to the route plan. This was a public ore transfer station in the Lower District, one of the key points of Governor David's inspection. After the calamity in Lobo City ten years ago, many refugees flooded into the Lower District of Blackstone City. The mines became their only source of livelihood, and this transfer station was the heart of ore circulation in the district.
Once the vehicles stopped, the guards were the first to disembark, quickly fanning out around the transfer station to form a tight security perimeter. As per their prior agreement, Byrne was responsible for guarding the east side, while Marco held the west.
With the personnel dispersed, the two quietly spread their psychic power like a fine net, capturing every trace of abnormal aura in the vicinity.
Surrounded by his aides and close guards, Governor David walked slowly into the transfer station. Inside, black ore was piled like mountains. Dozens of workers in overalls, their faces covered in dust, were scattered about, mechanically busy with their tasks. Seeing the Governor's party, many only spared a quick glance before lowering their heads again.
A moment later, the station manager and two subordinates hurried over to meet them. A fawning smile was plastered on the manager's face as he bowed before David. "Governor, welcome to the inspection. Everything is prepared; this way, please."
David nodded slightly, his expression flat and devoid of emotion. Once the manager finished speaking, he gestured for his aides to follow, though his gaze inconspicuously swept over every corner of the station. The mountains of ore, the decaying conveyor belts, and the numb expressions on the workers' faces were all taken in. The aura around Governor David remained steady, yet deep in his eyes, an undetectable trace of gravity flickered.
Byrne stood at the east side security point, his back against a cold pile of ore. His psychic threads, like invisible tentacles, spread across the entire eastern area of the transfer station. While checking the surroundings for movement, Byrne was also observing the Governor in secret.