Chapter 489

After having listened to the female journalist’s explanation, Leon couldn’t help but scratched the back of his head somewhat awkwardly. He then followed the instructions of the flight attendant, took a seat by the airship window, and continued asking:

“So, that means if we find Research Zone 001 and Administrative Zone 001, we’ll be able to locate the royal family and Apheta 01?”

“In theory, yes.”

The female journalist nodded upon hearing this, then reminded him with a hint of helplessness: “But to know the exact locations of those two places, we’d need to ask for directions on the wayfinding machine first. Not only might we not even get in, but just entering ‘Zone 001’ into the wayfinding machine could already draw Apheta 01’s attention.”

Indeed, it was quite a troublesome situation…

After hearing the female journalist’s reminder, Leon pondered for a moment before speaking:

“The royal palace shouldn’t be too much of an issue. I have the identity of a prince, and according to international protocol, the Crocodile Kingdom must dispatch a royal family member for reception.

At that time, I can record the soul fluctuation of the person I meet and follow their soul to find the location of Administrative Zone 001 where the royal palace is. But the research zone is a bit more complicated… Do you know anyone who has access to Research Zone 001?”

“I don’t.”

The female journalist shook her head, looking slightly apologetic as she said:

“Important districts in the Crocodile Kingdom are mostly closed off from each other. Normally, I only move between my residential area, the Gemini Division administrative area, and a few living zones; I barely come into contact with people from the research zones… Hmm… Wait a second!”

She seemed to recall something at this point, furrowing her brow as she remembered, then spoke with a touch of excitement: “I remember! Residential Zone 039 is a green plant park. I once went there to handle an incident involving a suspected anomalous item and met a very capable scholar who might have access to Research Zone 001!”

A scholar with access to Research Zone 001? Upon hearing the female journalist’s words, Leon immediately became interested and asked curiously:

“Where does this person live? How do we find him?”

“Honestly, I don’t know where he lives or how to find him…”

“What about his name? What’s his name?”

“Uh… It’s been several years since then, and I’ve forgotten his name, or maybe I never even asked…”

“…”

Not… So all you know is that he’s a scientist and possibly has access to Zone 001, right? Why bring it up if that’s all you know?” “I’m not familiar with him. I just happened to meet him once, and I really don’t remember much else.”

Seeing the dumbfounded Leon sitting across from her, clearly holding back a torrent of complaints, the female journalist blushed slightly and quickly added:

“But I do remember his research findings! We might be able to find him using that!”

“Research findings?”

“Yeah!”

After recalling the situation carefully, the female journalist hesitated and said: “I think it was either summer or autumn when the bureau received a report one evening stating that strange sounds were often heard in various places within the park in Residential Zone 039.

According to the person who reported it, despite no one being around, they kept hearing a man’s voice coming from the bushes, public restrooms, and even trees, repeatedly asking if anyone could hear him.

Since I was on duty that week, I brought some equipment and headed over. I spent the night crouched by a tree next to the restroom waiting, and eventually encountered a rather scruffy-looking man.”

“Was he the scholar?”

“No, he was a homeless man hired by the scholar.”

The female journalist shook her head and explained:

“The homeless man said someone gave him a little money and a map, instructing him to wait in several locations like water areas, trees, grasslands, and public restrooms to see if he could hear anything.

Then I followed the map with the homeless man, and near a tree by the park gate, we found a man carrying a strange iron rod. When I found him, he absolutely refused to come down from the tree, claiming that if he did, there would be no signal.”

No signal?

Realizing what was happening, Leon couldn’t help but ask incredulously, “Did his research involve a device that allows people to communicate over long distances?”

The female journalist was greatly surprised and looked utterly astonished as she countered:

“Do you know him? Or have you seen something similar before?”

“I’ve seen something similar.”

After giving a vague response, Leon thought for a moment and said,

“I think I can guess what he’s researching. If he actually came up with something, Research Zone 001 will definitely have a place for him.

However, since he’s probably a scholar from Research Zone 001, wouldn’t our sudden visit to find him and tailing him attract Apheta 01’s attention?”

“Not at all.”

The female journalist blinked upon hearing this, somewhat puzzled as she questioned: “You’re a prince, aren’t you? Can’t you just change the delegation’s target? Since you’re in charge of the delegation, simply tell the person responsible for receiving you in the Crocodile Kingdom that the kingdom plans to purchase a similar set of equipment.

Once you’ve tested the samples and shown satisfaction with them, you can then request to meet the scholar who developed this technology. Wouldn’t that solve everything?”

“Of course.”

That’s right! You can use your status as both a prince and ambassador!

With the female journalist pointing this out, Leon suddenly realized that solving problems doesn’t always require relying on “anomalies.” His official princely status often suffices to resolve issues and is sometimes even more convenient.

Sigh… Even without anyone reminding me, I should have thought of this method. Recently, I’ve become accustomed to handling things rashly, always resorting to “muscle” solutions, which has led to my brain becoming somewhat neglected due to lack of use.

“You’re right.”

Silently warning himself to exercise his mind more and avoid becoming a pure muscle brute, Leon noted down the task of purchasing the “telephone” and then praised her with newfound respect:

“Even a fool may have a wise thought now and then. I didn’t expect your brain to function so well; I underestimated you earlier.”

“…”

Although she was sincerely complimented, for some reason, it felt like she had been harshly insulted.

After savoring the meaning behind Leon’s words, the female journalist couldn’t help but glare back.

“What do you mean, ‘didn’t expect’ my brain to be useful? Do you think I’m stupid?”

“Uh…”

It’s not that you’re stupid. Being manipulated by Director Aquarius isn’t your fault, but based on your past performances, you’re not exactly the brightest bulb either.

You bastard!

After deciphering the answer directly from Leon’s hesitant expression, the female journalist felt a slight ache in her chest.

Just as she was about to argue further with Leon to seek a fair evaluation of her intelligence, a loud explosion suddenly echoed through the cabin.

A masked man appeared, wielding a crude homemade nail gun. With a bang, he shattered the panel above everyone’s heads and roared fiercely:

“Nobody move! This airship is now under our control!”

“…”

What? Hearing this standard declaration, Leon’s mind momentarily blanked, then he exchanged a completely stunned look with the female journalist.

Not… Though my luck is indeed terrible, how did we encounter a hijacking so soon after takeoff? And these guys are hijacking the royal delegation too? Isn’t that a bit ridiculous, big brother?