Mastermind Behind The Scenes

After hearing Daniel's speculation, everyone present frowned. The speculation wasn't impossible. If there truly was a source, then what was it? A demon? A god? A giant octopus in the deep sea? Or, like in online novels, a time traveler or someone with a mysterious system or artifact?

What was its purpose? Aura revival? Global evolution? Or just entertainment?

The room fell silent. The man with black-framed glasses, leader of the investigation team, finally picked up a pen and a small notebook.

[000: Source (tentative)]

[Real Identity: Unknown]

[Ability: The source of all extraordinary things, others unknown.]

[Threat Level: Ultimate threat (tentative)]

[Note: The existence of this entity has not been confirmed. This is speculation.]

After recording, he looked up. "Continue."

Daniel nodded. "Given 001's vitality and recovery ability, despite being shot in the heart by my sniper rifle, he's likely alive and hiding in the city sewer. After this, he'll be cautious, making a second capture attempt difficult."

The room collectively nodded.

"The sewer network in Riverton City is complex. Even with construction drawings, finding him is nearly impossible. His strength, speed, and perception far exceed human limits. Finding him without a massive search effort is unrealistic.

"First, the city's security force is insufficient, and deploying the military would cause panic. Second, such an operation would likely lead to casualties. Lastly, 002 could intervene. If that happens, not only will we fail to capture 001, but she might eliminate us entirely."

A man spoke up. "We do have a way. Today's action proved 001 isn't invincible. Conventional weapons can harm him. The issue is finding and luring him into a trap. But he has a fatal weakness."

Arthur frowned. "You mean…?"

"Yes. His wife and daughter."

The room tensed.

"It's clear 001 is Alex. Despite his transformation, he risks exposure daily to see them. We could—"

"Shut up," Arthur barked, his voice cold.

The man stammered. "I didn't mean harm them, only to use them as bait."

Arthur's glare didn't soften. "We're police, not criminals. Alex may be a monster, but his wife and daughter are citizens under our protection. Don't forget that."

"Yes, sir."

The man with glasses added, "Arthur is correct. His family must be protected. As a last resort, this could be an option—but only with their consent. For now, focus on monitoring 001, investigating 002, and uncovering the Source."

He closed his notebook. "Meeting adjourned. I'll report this to the Ten Elders. Don't act without orders, but if the chance to capture 001 arises, take it."

---

Night had fallen. After dinner, Ethan took a walk while Gina sat on her bed, counting money.

The payment had arrived. Though Ethan requested $420,000, the wealthy patron delivered $1.4 million in cash.

Ethan had insisted on cash to avoid detection. A bank transfer of that size to a tavern owner would raise questions. Handling cash ensured safety.

Back at the tavern, Ethan lay on his bed, scrolling through his phone. News of the police operation that morning had spread, sparking heated discussions online. Theories about lizard people resurfaced but were swiftly dismissed.

Director Arthur responded to the media: "This operation was related to two recent criminal cases, not lizard people. The suspects have been apprehended, and the cases are closed."

Despite his statement, speculation about the truth lingered online.