Events unfolded just as Talan had anticipated, and at a pace far faster than he had expected.
The Evernight Port garrison subjected him to an intense forty-eight-hour interrogation, pressing him on where he had learned about the Enlightenment Society, as well as its creed, tenets, philosophy, organizational structure, and a host of other details.
Knowing full well the Wilante were testing him, Talan—having done his homework in advance—did not panic in the slightest. He had memorized everything from the official website and answered every question with effortless fluency.
Even when the Wilante rephrased the same questions from different angles, he did not let slip a single flaw.
Seemingly moved by his sincerity, the interrogators who took turns questioning him ended up believing him.
The final interrogator was so overcome with emotion that he could not resist rising to shake his hand.
"Mr. Talan, thank you for off—what I mean to say is, thank you for abandoning the darkness to embrace the light! Our great cause has gained another companion of justice. The Enlightenment Society welcomes you to our ranks!"
"For the great cause!"
Seeing that he had finally passed the evaluation, Talan sprang up in equal excitement, only to be yanked back into his seat because his hands were still handcuffed to the table.
"Allow me to unlock those!"
Noticing his predicament, the interrogator hurried around the table, unlocked the handcuffs with a key, and warmly clasped both of his hands.
"You've been wronged these past few days! I hope you can understand where we're coming from—we have our own difficulties... Reliable intelligence indicates the Alliance has set its sights on us, so we must proceed with absolute caution."
"Compared to the grievances I suffered in the Alliance, this little ordeal is nothing. I completely understand your caution... After all, what we're striving to accomplish is no child's play."
Talan beamed back at him, looking every bit like someone who had finally found his organization and reunited with his comrades. With glowing enthusiasm, he added, "So, does this mean I'm officially one of you now?"
The interrogator gave his hand a firm squeeze, nodding with a smile. "That's right! You've passed the screening. A colleague from the Personnel Bureau will see you tomorrow to walk you through your induction."
Talan blinked. "The Personnel Bureau?"
The interrogator smiled warmly. "The department handling personnel management... We are, after all, a tightly organized institution; specialized matters are handled by specialized personnel."
Realization dawned on Talan, and he gave a knowing nod. "Understood!"
"I'm glad you do!"
Returning to the desk, the interrogator squared the stack of documents, swiftly slipped them into a manila folder, and looked back at Talan with a grin. "I'll submit this file as quickly as possible. I'll have to ask you to bear with staying here for just one more day."
"You're far too polite. I already told you, it's no hardship... Go on, don't let me keep you."
Talan chuckled and nodded, courteously seeing the interrogator to the door before following an intrigued prison guard back to his cell.
As usual, he feigned exhaustion, flopped down onto his bunk, and logged off.
Ripping off his gaming helmet, he bolted to his keyboard, his fingers clattering across the keys.
"Boys! I've infiltrated the Enlightenment Society!"
Perhaps because it was the wee hours of the morning in the real world, most players were still in the game while casual lurkers were fast asleep, so not many people responded right away.
Even so, after spotting the post's title, quite a few players rushed in.
Medical Miracle: *Holy crap?! For real?!*
Pickled Fish: *Our corps leader is a beast!!*
Angry Fatty Liver: *Yo, not bad at all.*
Most of those chiming in were members of the Desert Corps.
Seeing their commander finally pull off something impressive, everyone heaped on heartfelt flattery.
In particular, the rookies who had landed ashore only to end up baffled and thrown straight into prison began clamoring one after another.
"Bro! I've been eating prison gruel for three days!"
"I haven't spent this long in the slammer in my whole life!"
"Hurry up and bail a brother out!"
"Should we just confess for leniency too?"
Basking in the effusive praise, Talan felt on top of the world. He banged out another long reply on his keyboard:
"Don't panic, boys! I've only just gotten inside the Enlightenment Society. You'll have to stay undercover a little longer!"
"Don't worry, though. I already asked the interrogator. They won't keep you locked up for long—you should be out in a couple of days. Just hang in there!"
The interrogator had indeed told him as much.
Not only that, but the man had also expressed hope that Talan could recruit those Alliance tourists into downstream contacts for the Enlightenment Society, so that once they returned to the Alliance, they could help gather intelligence.
Hearing that such an opportunity had presented itself, Talan had jumped on it immediately, pledging to get it done without fail.
Furthermore, he had thumped his chest and assured those big-nosed Wilante that the tourists, much like himself, were sick and tired of the lies in the *Survivor Daily*. They had only traveled to Evernight Port to see for themselves whether the Legion was truly as wretched as the newspapers claimed.
Alliance citizens who doubted the *Survivor Daily* were just like Wilante who questioned the *Southern Legion Victory News*—they had sold their souls and were loyal no longer.
Turning such disloyal fellows into assets wouldn't be hard at all.
While Talan was vividly detailing his grand scheme of deceptive substitution on the official forum, the interrogator who had questioned him slid into the back of a black sedan parked outside Katnode Prison.
Watching the interrogator get in, Garrison Commander Willoughby leaned forward from the rear seat and asked, "Well?"
The interrogator dared not delay, respectfully handing the folder to his superior. "He spilled everything. All the information on the Enlightenment Society is in this file. Most of the leads match what Triumph City provided, and there are even several details we didn't know ourselves!"
After two days of probing, they had basically pieced together the structure of the Enlightenment Society.
For example, entry-level operatives were called initiates, mid-level handlers were called Guides, and above them sat the Elders.
As for the president at the very top, their codename was "Guixu."
Armed with this intelligence, they could construct an Enlightenment Society cocoon out of thin air, place this Alliance spy—who believed he had successfully infiltrated the organization—right into it, and squeeze even more intelligence about both the society and the Alliance out of him.
This was the core concept behind Operation Hornet!
If there was no bait, create the bait. There was no fear the other side wouldn't bite!
Willoughby tore open the folder, scanned through the papers, and broke into a grin of delight. He handed the file to the head of the Intelligence Division in the passenger seat.
"The target has taken the bait! Carry out the arrangements immediately according to these documents!"
Without hesitation, the division head accepted the order. "Yes, sir!"
Watching his subordinates bustle about like busy ants, Commander Willoughby leaned comfortably against his seat, casually popped open his thermos, and took a sip of hot tea.
At this moment, the Alliance spy had no idea he had fallen straight into a trap.
By the time that fellow realized this so-called "Enlightenment Society" was merely a setup manufactured by the Evernight Port Garrison, it would already be far too late.
By then, they would have used this elaborate ruse to uncover all leads regarding Shelter 0 and the Torch Project, and through those clues, become the true masters of the secret weapon capable of rebooting the world!
He truly was a genius!
With the order issued, an operation codenamed Hornet officially raised its curtain.
Following the intelligence provided by Commander Willoughby, over a hundred personnel from the Intelligence Division mobilized at once. In just a single day, they erected an "Enlightenment Society" safehouse near Blackwater Lane.
The entire setup looked convincing, disguised as a hotel, with the actual office situated between the fourth and fifth floors—accessible only through a hidden panel—dubbed "Floor 4.5."
In addition, the thirty staff members stationed on Floor 4.5 were all trained Intelligence Division operatives.
They would pose as his colleagues and seniors, accompanying him on missions and squeezing every drop of intelligence out of him during their interactions.
All preparations were completed within a day.
Just like that, the Enlightenment Society gained a branch in Evernight Port that it didn't even know existed.
To win the Alliance spy's full trust, the intelligence personnel even concocted an ingenious induction ceremony.
Every convoluted, mysterious arrangement served a single purpose: to make this counterfeit Enlightenment Society look as authentic and genuine as humanly possible.
A day later, Talan was summoned to the interrogation room once again.
This time, he met the older guard who had interrogated him at the very beginning.
Unlike their first meeting, the old man did not put handcuffs on him. Instead, he greeted him with a warm smile and a handshake.
"Mr. Talan, we meet again. It seems you passed my colleague's evaluation."
Talan smirked inwardly, though he grumbled aloud, "I told you from the start I genuinely wanted to join, but you simply wouldn't believe me."
"Trust is something built over time, and through your sincerity, you have earned ours."
The guard cleared his throat, maintaining a gentle smile as he continued, "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Daniel, the head of the Enlightenment Society's Evernight Port branch, and your Guide."
*A Guide!*
*Holy crap, a big fish took the bait!*
Excitement surged through Talan, but he assumed an expression of solemn reverence and flattered humility. "An honor, truly!"
He was about to exchange a few polite pleasantries when a detail suddenly clicked in his mind.
Word had it that the Enlightenment Society only accepted shelter dwellers, yet this fellow's prominent nose marked him unmistakably as a Wilante.
How had this guy become a Guide?!
As if discerning the suspicion in his eyes, Daniel gently patted his shoulder and explained, "Truth be told, I only joined a shelter ten years ago, and didn't find the organization until eight years ago... It was from that moment onward that I found meaning in life, no longer living merely to survive."
The heartfelt conviction in his tone convinced Talan halfway. Any lingering doubt evaporated completely when Daniel revealed the Vital Signs Monitor (VM) on his arm as proof of his identity.
"Shelter 68. This is my credential. I passed that shelter's assessment, its Administrator recognized my identity, and he personally bestowed this VM upon me... That gentleman was also my Guide."
Watching Talan stand there struck speechless, Daniel lowered his sleeve, concealing the VM, and offered a friendly smile. "This isn't the place to talk. Let me take you to our safehouse."
Talan perked up. "Right now? But I'm still under detention. Don't we need paperwork—"
Daniel cut him off with a wave of his hand. "You're being far too formal, my friend. You have already joined our glorious and great cause. How could we leave you behind bars over a minor misunderstanding? Your release papers were processed yesterday. You're a free man."
At this point, he lowered his voice. "Our collaboration with the Legion authorities began long ago—not just here, but in Avent, even Triumph City... We have our people everywhere."
Talan instantly assumed a knowing expression. Restraining his thrill, he gave a thumbs-up. "Impressive!"
To think the Southern Legion and the Enlightenment Society had been collaborating so intimately!
"Keep it quiet," Daniel said.
Scoffing internally at how gullible the spy was, Daniel turned to the prison guard nearby and presented his paperwork. "I'm taking him with me."
The warden took the documents and inspected them from beginning to end, paying special attention to the signature at the bottom.
Once satisfied that everything was in order, he returned the papers. "All right, he's yours."
Though he was the warden of Katnode Prison, he had no part in the garrison's special operation. He only had a vague notion that the garrison was up to another big move.
That lot was notoriously unreliable; he only hoped they wouldn't stir up another massive disaster this time.
Daniel nodded and was about to escort the Alliance spy out when he noticed the guard standing beside the warden staring straight at him.
He raised an eyebrow, taking a closer look at the man. "Is there a problem?"
Snapping back from his daze, Andrew squeezed out an awkward smile. "N-No, nothing at all."
Daniel frowned slightly at the unnatural smile.
Right then, the warden gave a hearty laugh and stepped in to smooth things over. "Pay him no mind. He's always like this—clumsy, thick-headed, and constantly daydreaming. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed under me for nearly twenty years."
The warden couldn't remember the exact number of years, but ever since he took office, this odd old fellow had been here, keeping to himself and rarely speaking with colleagues.
Looking at the timid, head-bowed simpleton, Daniel nodded, his suspicion gradually fading.
Reclusive people had all sorts of reasons for being reclusive; the rigid expression was likely just his own overthinking.
After all, anyone who could work in Katnode Prison for nearly twenty years was unlikely to be entirely normal. Most people couldn't stand it for more than two or three years before transferring or changing jobs altogether.
The priority right now was to get this "big fish" settled.
Without further delay, Daniel hurried away with Talan.
Andrew raised his head, watching their receding backs through the gaps of his bangs, his heart pounding violently against his ribs.
*That was close!*
*I almost gave myself away!*
Events were growing increasingly baffling. Were he not on duty, he would have loved to tail them and find out when an Enlightenment Society safehouse had popped up in Evernight Port without him, an actual initiate, being told a thing.
Beside him, the warden remained entirely oblivious, merely shaking his head at the shifty guard.
The notorious Katnode Prison housed the dregs of Evernight Port. Usually, the garrison threw people in cages here and forgot about them. Yet this time, they had uncharacteristically conducted several rounds of interrogations, signaling a major case.
Given this rare chance to assist the garrison, the warden had deliberately kept a few veteran guards by his side, hoping they might show some wit and catch the eye of the big shots, earning a transfer to the garrison or another department.
He hadn't expected these old fogies to fail him so utterly. He had wasted his breath.
"...Hopeless, the lot of you!" the warden grumbled, shaking his head as he ambled away.
***
Meanwhile, the two "big fish" who had mutually swallowed each other's hooks were sitting inside the black sedan parked outside the prison.
Daniel lit a cigarette and offered one to Talan. "Smoke?"
Talan gave an apologetic smile and waved a hand. "I'll pass. Never got used to the taste."
Daniel didn't press the matter. He snubbed out his freshly lit cigarette in the ashtray and slipped the pack back into his coat.
Seeing his newly acquired "superior" show such consideration touched Talan for a brief moment.
Naturally, he wouldn't let a trivial gesture compromise his identity or loyalty.
The ride passed in silence.
After about ten minutes, the car pulled up beside an inn.
Talan took note of the signboard above the entrance. The inn bore a rather peculiar name, which translated directly into Chinese as "The Marshal's Armory." Anyone unaware would have assumed it was a weapons shop.
Perhaps because of the odd name, there were virtually no guests inside. Only a white-haired old man was slumped behind the counter, dozing.
Had the old man not cracked one eyelid when they entered the lobby, Talan might have wondered if he had dropped dead.
"You're here—*cough!* Welcome. Looking for a room or a meal?"
Daniel gave him a meaningful look, produced a silver keycard, and tapped it twice against the counter.
The old man gave a knowing nod and went right back to dozing on the desk.
"Follow me."
Calling along the bewildered Talan, Daniel led him straight through the kitchen and into a hidden stairwell behind a secret panel, climbing all the way to the top.
The moment Daniel pushed the door open, the space opened up before them, making Talan's eyes widen.
A secret safehouse hidden in plain sight!
A floor inaccessible by normal means!
Add to that the décor steeped in mysticism and high-tech flair—everything here matched his vision of the Enlightenment Society to perfection!
Of course, perhaps because the place was concealed so thoroughly, he had wondered while climbing the stairs whether he was being led somewhere he shouldn't be.
Seemingly pleased with his astonished reaction, Daniel smiled faintly. "Welcome to the Marshal's Floor 4.5. This is our safehouse in Evernight Port."
Looking around at the busy faces, Talan swallowed hard, managing to squeeze out a single word after a long pause: "Awesome..."
Turning his gaze toward the bustling office, Daniel said, "Most of the initiates handling logistics and administration work here. Others are deployed outside on field assignments."
"Although we have established a degree of cooperation with the Southern Legion, our operations cannot be made public, which is why we must operate in secrecy... By the way, I would appreciate it if you refrained from mentioning your affiliation out there."
"Understood!" Talan nodded eagerly, unable to contain his impatience. "Right, you mentioned assignments just now... Is there anything I can help with?"
Realizing he might sound a bit too eager, Talan quickly covered his tracks: "Forgive my impatience. I just want to contribute to the organization as soon as possible."
Watching the fish eagerly swallow the hook, Daniel offered a secretive smile. "I understand how you feel. Most who join us are like that... But I hope you understand that before entrusting you with a truly significant task, we must test your competence."
*In other words, you want me to do some starter fetch quests first, right?*
*I get the drill!*
Though grumbling internally, Talan nodded with vigor. "No problem. I'll prove what I can do."
"Excellent. That's what I wanted to hear."
Daniel nodded approvingly, took a folder from an approaching staff member, and handed it to Talan.
As Talan flipped through the documents, Daniel succinctly summarized the contents.
"Recently, a hallucinogen known as 'snake oil' surfaced on Evernight Port's black market. It isn't extracted from snakes, however, but refined from a crop called snake grass."
"Investigating the source of snake oil was originally the job of the Garrison Intelligence Division. But according to their follow-up leads, the waters run unusually deep. It may involve strategic dumping of illicit drugs by the Alliance as retaliation for our frontline forces employing chemical weapons."
Talan was completely dumbfounded after hearing that.
*Since when does the Enlightenment Society handle narcotics investigations?*
*And what in the world is 'strategic dumping of illicit drugs'? We never did anything that dirty!*
"Does this... have anything to do with our great plan?" Looking up from the file, Talan asked in bewilderment.
Daniel smiled pleasantly. "It has nothing to do with our great plan. However, the Southern Legion is our ally. Occasionally, they require us to leverage our grassroots reach and clandestine nature to handle and investigate thorny matters on their behalf... In exchange, they assist our plan. Do you understand what I mean?"
The spread of snake oil on the black market had already drawn the authorities' attention; whether it was truly strategic dumping by the Alliance remained to be seen.
Still, considering the substance originated from Snake State, which was under the actual control of the State of Brahma, he believed the likelihood was not low—in fact, it was very high!
After all, the Army of the State of Brahma needed dinars to import ammunition for Legion-standard weapons. Black-market arms fetched prices far above market rates, and only equally lucrative narcotics could plug that financial hole.
The Intelligence Division was already looking into this case. Since it had to be resolved anyway, they might as well dump it on this Alliance spy to test his mettle.
If the Alliance wanted to infiltrate the Enlightenment Society, they surely wouldn't skimp on sinking a little extra capital, right?
He had already made it this far.
With a shrewd, calculating smile, Daniel clapped Talan on the shoulder. "I'm leaving this job to you. I'll arrange an assistant for you."
Suddenly saddled with such a heavy responsibility, Talan was utterly bewildered, but he braced himself, nodded, and accepted the troublesome task.
"Leave... leave it to me."
Chapter 887