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Kwon Tae-ho exited the building after earnestly advising the cornered branch manager, Tang Gangfu, to behave himself for the time being.

‘…They truly wrapped it all up without leaving anyone behind.’

The sight of corpses scattered everywhere as he stepped out gnawed at Kwon Tae-ho’s appetite.

Though they were all low-quality villains even in Chinatown, none of them probably deserved to die.

‘Speaking of which, I received a message from Seol earlier.’

Exiting the noisy throng of people in front of the building, Kwon Tae-ho contacted Yoo Seol.

“Where are you, aide?”

-It’s the tea room on the second floor of the building across from where the Commissioner is.

“Huh?”

As Kwon Tae-ho scanned the area, he soon spotted Yoo Seol sitting by the window, looking down. Across from her, Lee Ha-yeon waved her hand excitedly with a bright smile.

“I’ll be right there.”

Upon entering the tea room, Kwon Tae-ho found three people seated by the window.

Two were Yoo Seol and Lee Ha-yeon. The other one was…

“You’re Liu Pei-pei, aren’t you?”

His first impression of her was ‘young.’

Wasn’t she a barmaid? Yet she looked like she had just turned twenty at most.

“I heard the story from these two. They said you came from the Commissioner’s office…”

“Yes, I’m Kwon Tae-ho from the Commissioner’s office.”

Yoo Seol offered Kwon Tae-ho a cup of tea after he sat down. Grateful for the gesture, he was about to accept it when a sudden doubt crossed his mind.

“…Isn’t this what you were drinking, aide?”

“Yes, that’s true, but you can drink it. Unless that bothers you?”

“Not really.”

As Kwon Tae-ho lifted the cup, he noticed a faint lipstick smudge on the rim. When he turned the cup 180 degrees to drink, Yoo Seol chuckled and asked,

“Commissioner, you care about such things? I thought you were a natural man, but you have a surprisingly girlish side.”

“Cut the nonsense. More importantly, what progress has been made while I was away?”

“We’ve only conducted a simple inquiry. We gathered details about the incident at the shop, the suspect’s appearance, and the circumstances surrounding your abduction this morning…”

“The suspect’s appearance is that of an East Asian male with sparse white hair and a scar on his right eye, right?”

“K-How do you know that, Commissioner?”

Yoo Seol, about to ask a question, quickly realized the situation.

“You met him, didn’t you? The Vigilante.”

“W-What?! You met the culprit, Commissioner? Where? Did you fight? Did you win?!”

Lee Ha-yeon jumped out of her seat, excitement written all over her face. Pei-pei, sitting beside her, flinched in fright, prompting Kwon Tae-ho to reprimand Ha-yeon.

“Calm down, newbie. You’re startling the witness sitting next to you.”

“Right, Ha-yeon. Even though you’re still in training, remember you are officially a commissioner as well. Act with more seriousness, this isn’t a vacation.”

“Sorry…!”

With her head hung low, Ha-yeon mumbled an apology.

Yoo Seol observed her and thought how, despite being an official commissioner, being alongside her often made her feel like a caretaker.

“Um…”

Just then, Pei-pei, who had been silent, finally spoke up.

“Vigilante, the one who saved me, right? What happened? Did he die or…?”

“I won in the fight. However, I couldn’t catch him since he appeared in an avatar state.”

“Why did he show up at your place?”

“According to him, he was ‘cleaning up trash.’ He killed all the reinforcements at Cheongho Bang, plus the organization members I had subdued. The casualties alone easily exceeded fifty.”

It was indeed a massive incident, yet no police would come. Chinatown was extralegal; the authorities outside didn’t care about matters within.

“Yet something feels odd…”

However, that wasn’t the main concern now.

“He’s committed murders so meticulously planned until now. He made sure to avoid being tracked by the police, including exploiting blind spots in the CCTV, and only targeted individuals when they were alone.”

Such meticulousness is why the detective chief claimed he was among the most intelligent criminals he had ever seen. Kwon Tae-ho agreed with this assessment.

But why, then…

“Why did he charge directly into Cheongho Bang this time?”

He stated his reason—the trash cleanup, the intention to kill Cheongho Bang’s members.

However, the manner was completely different from past methods.

How could a criminal who had meticulously managed risks suddenly charge into the heart of Chinatown’s largest mafia organization? Of course, being an avatar, he wouldn’t fear for his life, but he was still risking exposure.

“My thought is this: the reason he appeared this time is different. If his previous crimes were solely about murder, then this time, something else surely motivated him. And I suspect that motivation is…”

Kwon Tae-ho’s gaze landed on Pei-pei. Following his gaze, Ha-yeon gasped and chimed in,

“To save Pei-pei!”

“That seems likely. He might have come to rescue a woman he saved once who was abducted. It’s a touching story, but hardly realistic. To charge into a mafia organization for just one woman he met once?”

“…”

“So, Pei-pei, do you have any connection with the suspect?”

Asking about the reason behind the Ghost Blade breaking his previous cautious behavior to storm into Cheongho Bang. Was there a hint?

“…Well, I’m not really sure…”

“Pei-pei, what was your relation to him?”

“There’s no relationship! Just that he saved me from being harassed by one of the members, and that’s it!”

“Is that so?”

Kwon Tae-ho’s gaze shifted subtly to Yoo Seol. Just with that look, she understood instantly what he was getting at.

-Then.

Yoo Seol opened her eyelids, and her orange pupils began to glow subtly.

The Eye of Truth. The Eye that perceives lies.

“I’ll ask again. You met the culprit for the first time at the bar yesterday. Is that correct?”

“…That’s right.”

“During that encounter, did anything happen or was there a conversation that could have led the culprit to obsess over your safety?”

“…N-No, there wasn’t. I just thanked him for saving me, that’s all. We parted ways right after without much conversation.”

“You haven’t contacted or met since you parted ways until you were abducted this morning?”

“None at all.”

“So you have no clue why the suspect charged into the Cheongho Bang building?”

“…No.”

“All right.”

With a faint professional smile, Kwon Tae-ho turned to Yoo Seol.

Then—

“Except for the first question, everything was a lie.”

Yoo Seol calmly stated her findings. Ha-yeon’s eyes widened, and Pei-pei shook her head, trying to stand up.

“Sit down.”

-Thunk!!

However, in that moment, an invisible pressure emitted from Kwon Tae-ho pressed down on Pei-pei’s shoulders.

“Gah…!”

It was a breath-stealing sensation. Kwon Tae-ho had only slightly let out his aura, but Pei-pei was an ordinary person. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes and make her strength evaporate.

-Thud.

As Pei-pei slumped down, Ha-yeon looked at her with concern, but she felt powerless to do anything.

‘Commissioner…’

That was understandable, as she had never seen Kwon Tae-ho that furious before.

“Liu Pei-pei. Listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

He dropped the honorifics. It was a statement that there would be no mercy.

Yoo Seol quietly contemplated Kwon Tae-ho’s demeanor.

No matter what actions the other had taken to support the suspect, his attitude seemed excessively harsh.

…Had something happened at Cheongho Bang?

“He has killed many people. Nine outside, and at least fifty here in Chinatown. Most were heinous criminals. But still, murder is murder. It’s even worse. He thinks he’s the righteous one and is indulging himself in that delusion.”

-Crack.

Kwon Tae-ho’s fist clenched tightly. Each word dripped with fury.

Pei-pei wanted to avert her gaze from his blazing eyes but couldn’t. The immense pressure surrounding her held her captive.

“From now on, protecting him means you are an accomplice to those murders. No matter how much of a barmaid you are, basic morals must exist, don’t you think?”

“…”

“Let’s ask again. What’s your relationship with him? What happened between you two? Tell me everything without omitting a single detail.”

Could words alone kill? When posed with such a question, most people envision curses or insults.

But Kwon Tae-ho was answering that question in a different way. His words, dripping with rage and bloodlust, were something an ordinary person could not endure.

-Drip.

A tear slid down Pei-pei’s cheek under Kwon Tae-ho’s pressure. Seeing this, Yoo Seol placed her hand on Kwon Tae-ho’s arm.

“…Commissioner. I understand your anger, but please calm down a bit. Pei-pei is an ordinary person. Moreover, she has been injured quite a bit. She was just abducted by an organization and has barely been freed.”

“…”

At her words, Kwon Tae-ho slowly regained his composure. A sigh escaped his lips as he attempted to rein in his emotions.

“…I apologize. I was too harsh with the witness.”

After all, it wasn’t Pei-pei who had disturbed his calm; it was the Ghost Blade. Kwon Tae-ho suppressed the rising anger and donned a professional façade once again.

“Pei-pei, please be honest if you recall anything that stands out. You surely know by now that lies won’t work.”

“…”

Pei-pei’s gaze met Kwon Tae-ho’s. The tearful young girl soon hardened her expression and shook her head.

“I can’t say anything.”

“Pei-pei.”

“The uncle saved me. Whether he’s a ghost or whatever, he’s my savior. I can’t betray my savior.”

“Many people have died. And if we don’t catch him, even more will die. Despite that, you can’t say anything?”

Unlike earlier, Kwon Tae-ho didn’t express his anger. However, irritation was undeniably creeping in.

But oblivious to Kwon Tae-ho’s feelings, Pei-pei shut her eyes tightly and shook her head.

“…My late father always said to repay kindness and enmity across generations. I can’t betray my savior. I’m sorry.”

Pei-pei bowed her head in apology. She then added,

“…Moreover, I don’t see him as that much of a bad person.”

“You, really do have a connection with him—”

Before Kwon Tae-ho could finish, Pei-pei sprang up from her seat.

“…Thank you for saving me. I’ll be sure to repay you someday. May I go now…?”

Her voice trembled. Yet her resolve was firm. Kwon Tae-ho realized further conversation would be futile.

“…Thank you for your words. Please return safely. If you need help, feel free to contact us.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Pei-pei accepted the business card Kwon Tae-ho offered her.

As she walked away towards the stairs, Lee Ha-yeon queried Kwon Tae-ho.

“Is it really okay to let her go just like that?”

“I have no choice. We’re not exactly here with an arrest warrant. No matter how extralegal this place is, a commissioner can’t detain a civilian at will.”

“Even so…”

“Of course, even if we let her go here, I won’t be giving up. She’s hiding something for sure. I’ve noted her address, so let’s head over and watch her place. The Ghost Blade might show up.”

“Ghost Blade?”

At Yoo Seol’s question, Kwon Tae-ho explained the title. After hearing his explanations, she murmured,

“Someone who claims such a nickname is likely a returnee from a martial arts world.”

“That’s a common nickname; it’s hard to determine much from it. For now, let’s investigate on the ground.”

“Understood. So we should watch near Liu Pei-pei’s house first.”

Assured of her role in the stakeout, Yoo Seol nodded.

“Let the stakeout be handled by trainee Ha-yeon.”

“What? Me?”

Ha-yeon looked wide-eyed, evidently surprised that she had been chosen.

“Ha-yeon… is going? Why? Am I not more suitable?”

“I have another task for you, aide.”

“What task?”

“Administrative work.”

Yoo Seol looked puzzled at Kwon Tae-ho’s sudden mention of administrative duties.

“What’s with the administrative work?”

“I’ll be requesting cooperation from the Incheon Police through the Seoul Metropolitan Police. To assist in catching the suspect. Since it’s unlikely someone from the Seoul Police will arrive immediately, we need someone here to coordinate the related matters. It wouldn’t be suitable to leave that to a trainee, would it?”

“…The Incheon Police will likely hesitate to intervene in Chinatown.”

“I’m not asking them to come into Chinatown itself. Just block off the external roads leading out. If we can trap him inside Chinatown, I’ll handle the capture.”

“Chinatown is vast, though. How do you plan to find him?”

“With this.”

Kwon Tae-ho pulled out a psychic pattern analyzer from his possession. Yoo Seol exclaimed,

“Ah, you mentioned there was a fight with the suspect, right?”

“Yes, I obtained his personal psychic pattern during that fight. If I input the pattern into the detector, I should be able to find where he is. We’ll have to search around Chinatown extensively…”

The detector’s effective range was about a kilometer at most. It would likely take a day or two to make a complete round to gather a profile.

“Now, let’s wrap this up. I’ll be on regional patrol with the detector from now on. The newbie will monitor Pei-pei’s residence. Aide, please request assistance from the Incheon Police. Additionally, I’d like you to report everything that has transpired so far to the Seoul Police. Let’s gather as much support as we can.”

“Understood.”

“Yes! Le-Leave it to me…!”

Ha-yeon responded, her voice slightly trembling. She seemed nervous about her first stakeout assignment.

“Don’t worry, Ha-yeon.”

“C-Commissioner?”

“You did excellently during the rescue mission just now. You’ll do great this time too.”

“Thank you, Commissioner…!”

Yoo Seol’s supportive gesture, grasping Ha-yeon’s hand, felt to her like a kind goddess descending from the heavens. Gripping Yoo Seol’s hand with both of her own, Ha-yeon nodded repeatedly, saying,

“Leave it to me! I will certainly make this a success!”

“…Is there even such a thing as succeeding or failing in a stakeout?”

“Haha, just don’t get caught…”

So, the three parted ways for their respective missions.

Kwon Tae-ho headed deeper into Chinatown. Yoo Seol went to the Incheon Police station outside Chinatown.

And Ha-yeon…

“Bonus~♪ Bonus~♪”

With a carefree song, Ha-yeon bounced along to her destination, which was the shabby residential building on the outskirts of Chinatown.

This area housed regular citizens living in Chinatown. Although most residents were still somewhat involved with crime, they were certainly not mafia members or wanted fugitives.

Thus, this place was relatively safer within Chinatown. Indeed, the scenery here hardly differed from the outside compared to the utterly slum-like ghettos or the bustling commercial districts filled with various businesses.

“If I succeed, it’s bonus~♪ If I succeed, it’s bonus~♪ If all goes well, it’s bonus bonus~♪”

And now, Ha-yeon arrived in front of the four-story villa where Pei-pei lived.

“Hm!”

Ha-yeon quickly scanned the surroundings, looking for a hiding spot. Soon, she spotted an abandoned car against the outer wall of the opposite building and darted behind it to conceal herself.

‘So, should I wait quietly until Pei-pei arrives?’

While she thought to wait patiently, Ha-yeon wasn’t quite up to the standards of a proper stakeout agent.

Her blatant hiding drew attention instead, not to mention her wide, cheerful smile that hardly resembled someone on a surveillance mission.

However, there was a simple reason Kwon Tae-ho assigned the stakeout to her.

It was because it was the least dangerous option.

Since Yoo Seol’s administrative tasks couldn’t be given to her, Ha-yeon naturally ended up being assigned to either monitoring Pei-pei or tracking the Ghost Blade. Undoubtedly, monitoring Pei-pei was the safer and less risky mission.

Of course, it wasn’t entirely without risk. Even in a relatively safe residential area, Chinatown had its dangers. She could still fall prey to pickpockets or robbers.

But Kwon Tae-ho believed that probability was low enough for Ha-yeon to resolve on her own.

The only other risk would be a chance encounter with the Ghost Blade himself…

“Hmm, hmm, hmm~♪”

But even if that encounter happened, the odds of a fight breaking out were minimal.

The Ghost Blade didn’t know Ha-yeon’s face. Moreover, he generally wouldn’t attack unless the target was a criminal. Unless Ha-yeon revealed her position as a commissioner first or provoked him in some way, there wouldn’t be an altercation… he thought.

Kwon Tae-ho reasoned thusly.

However, he overlooked one crucial point: the uncertainty around the relationship between the Ghost Blade and Pei-pei.

‘Oh? Someone’s coming out!’

Pei-pei had mentioned the favor the Ghost Blade had shown her.

But what if that wasn’t the end of it? What if they were much closer?

For instance, hypothetically speaking…

‘Oh?’

A man stepped out from the entrance of the villa where Pei-pei lived.

A robust East Asian man in his fifties. His hair was flecked with white, and he bore a large scar running across his right eye.

While Ha-yeon had never seen the Ghost Blade in person, she could recognize him from just those features. However, with her lack of field experience, she lacked the judgment to derive immediate action from that realization.

‘The Ghost Blade!? Why is the Ghost Blade coming out of Pei-pei’s house? No, maybe he’s someone else…’

In contrast, the Ghost Blade was experienced. His judgment and senses were keen. Thus, even while stepping out for a quick cigarette, he remained vigilant.

“!!”

Naturally, he noticed.

The presence of a woman hiding suspiciously behind a car, watching him.