"Right? I knew you looked familiar. You have been driving taxis in Old Shipyard Port for years, haven’t you?"
Zayne laughed and went along with it.
"You got that right. Thirty years behind the wheel. Kid, I’m not bragging, but I know every street and alley here. If an extra pile of crap showed up sowhere, I would know who dropped it."
Once the topic shifted to his job, the driver imdiately beca animated and started talking nonstop.
Zayne listened quietly, tossing in a few complints now and then, quickly flattering the driver into a great mood.
When they arrived, the driver was still not done and leaned over to give a few final tips.
"Kid, White Stockings is right here. Rember this. If there is a surprise inspection, don’t take the elevator. Use the ergency stairs, jump out the second floor window, and they will never catch you."
"Oh, and Technician Number Eleven is pricey, but she is gorgeous."
Zayne’s mouth twitched slightly.
"Alright, thanks."
Zayne walked straight into White Stockings Club.
A lavish hall opened before him, crystal chandeliers embedded in the ceiling scattering colorful light. Elegant oil paintings hung on the walls, thick carpets cushioned every step, and a faint fragrance filled the air. Everything radiated luxury and refinent.
It was still morning, so the club was quiet, but two receptionists were diligently stationed at the front desk.
White Stockings operated twenty four hours a day, offering bathing, dining, and entertainnt. There were fewer guests in the morning, but business never completely stopped.
"Welco."
One of the receptionists smiled at Zayne.
"Call the technician from yesterday to keep company. Make it quick. Get a private room too. Sa rules as always."
Zayne gave his instructions casually.
"Huh? Sir, which visit are you referring to?"
The receptionist looked confused.
"You don’t recognize ? You don’t watch the news? . National champion. Zayne."
Zayne lifted his chin proudly.
"Oh, oh, I am so sorry. I did not realize it was you. I will have soone take you to a private room right away."
The receptionist apologized repeatedly.
Soon, a staff mber ca to guide Zayne. He nodded and turned to follow, accidentally knocking over a vase at the front desk.
Zayne waved his hand calmly.
"Put it on my tab. We will settle it later."
After he left, the two receptionists leaned together and whispered.
"Which technician did he an from last ti?"
"No idea. Yesterday was probably handled by the night shift."
"There were so many guests yesterday. We cannot check the records."
"What should we do?"
"Forget it. Just send the prettiest one. That can’t go wrong."
Just like before entering the Gate of Apocalypse, Zayne plunged back into a life of indulgence.
In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and the events inside the Gate of Apocalypse began to spread.
Early that morning, the Old Shipyard Port Investigation Bureau canceled all leave and entered ergency status.
Howard stood with his apprentice Scott, staring at the report in front of them, his brows tightly furrowed.
"Deputy Director John, Adventurers Guild President Captain K, Vice President Triple B. All three are missing, status unknown. Astrachior is confird dead."
Howard trembled as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket. He tried to light it, but the lighter refused to spark. He crushed the cigarette into a ball and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing on it.
The sharp bitterness of tobacco cleared his head slightly.
"The sky is falling."
Fear filled Howard’s eyes.
John, Captain K, Triple B, Astrachior. Every one of them was a top figure in Old Shipyard Port.
One confird dead, the rest vanished without a trace. How could he not panic?
Scott slid another report in front of him.
"These are the city gate departure records."
"They show that Deputy Director John had been frequently leaving the city with his n, like he was searching for sothing. His last recorded departure was seven days ago."
"Astrachior and the Adventurers Guild group led by Captain K left five days ago, one after another. Astrachior went first."
"After that, none of them returned. Then three days ago, Astrachior’s body was sent back."
"Who brought it back?"
Howard frowned.
"Two people left the city with Astrachior. One is nad Double J, previously detained for womanizing. The other is called Shadowcaster. Other teams are already searching for them, but there are no leads yet."
Scott answered.
"Shadowcaster. Again, Shadowcaster."
Howard sprang to his feet.
Back when Dano and the entire underground black market were wiped out, the na Shadowcaster had co up constantly.
He had almost caught the real culprit back then and was nearly certain Zayne and Shadowcaster were the sa person.
But John had personally released him and blocked any further investigation.
Now Astrachior was dead, and John, Captain K, and the others were all missing.
"Where is Zayne? Where is he right now? Bring him in."
Howard barked the order.
"Master, he is the national champion now. Arresting him without evidence would cause huge trouble."
Scott forced an awkward smile.
Howard clenched his teeth.
"Then find out where he is. I will go see him personally."
Not long after, Howard found Zayne at one of the most famous adult clubs in Old Shipyard Port.
When Howard arrived, Zayne was wearing a wrist tag and a bathrobe, lounging on a sofa while a fair skinned beauty massaged his inner thigh.
Howard slamd the door open. The girl thought it was an immigration raid and imdiately crouched down, holding her head.
Howard ignored her and walked straight up to Zayne.
"Zayne, our national champion sure knows how to enjoy himself."
"Oh? Howard? Co on, call two more beauties to take care of Howard too. Put it on my tab."
Zayne said generously.
"No need."
Howard had dealt with Zayne before. He knew this young man was far more troubleso than he looked, so he went straight to the point.
"Zayne, where have you been this past week?"
Howard stared straight into Zayne’s eyes as he spoke, activating his lie detection ability.
If Zayne lied, there was no way he could hide it.
"How would I rember sothing like that? Seven days in a week. I did a lot."
Zayne answered innocently.
"Is that so?"
Howard’s tone shifted.
"Then let ask it this way. Five days ago, did you disguise yourself as Shadowcaster and leave the city with Astrachior?"
Zayne smiled brightly.
"Howard, what are you talking about? I don’t understand a word of it."
"Answer directly. Did you disguise yourself as Shadowcaster and leave the city with Astrachior? Yes or no?"
Howard’s gaze was sharp.
The smile on Zayne’s face slowly faded.
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