"Officer Qingyi, let's have a proper chat about the matter of compensation," Nicole said, following her client-first philosophy as she turned to Qingyi.
"As long as you're willing to assist, Public Security is prepared to offer five hundred thousand Denny as a reward."
Qingyi cleared her throat and smiled as she spoke.
Humans were so easy to read—they could never escape her keen insight.
"Five hundred thousand Denny? Deal!"
Nicole agreed instantly.
That sum was nearly equal to the combined monthly salary of Billy and Anby—definitely worth a shot.
Besides, it was just a hidden criminal gang. Could it possibly be harder to deal with than over a thousand Ethereals?
"That was fast!"
Zhu Yuan stared at Nicole in disbelief.
Just monts ago, she had flatly refused. Now, with money on the table, she flipped like a switch.
The speed of her change in attitude left Zhu Yuan completely unprepared.
"Uh… shouldn't you ask for their opinion first?"
Qingyi glanced at Sol, clearly hinting at sothing.
Among the group, Sol's strength clearly far outstripped the others.
Surely his opinion mattered more than most.
"No need. In the Cunning Hares, Nicole is the boss."
Sol placed a hand on Nicole's shoulder, smiling.
He had just pranked her earlier—now it was ti to give her so face.
Or rather, even normally, it was only right to show so respect. After all, the boss is the boss.
Besides, those lurking enemies seed to harbor hostility toward him—this was a good chance to deal with them.
"Now that's status!"
Nicole proudly puffed out her chest, shooting Sol a satisfied look.
At least he knew how to show respect in front of outsiders—it showed he cared.
"Alright then. Let's begin searching for the Hollow fissure," Zhu Yuan said seriously. "If you find anything, let us know right away."
"Leave it to the Cunning Hares!" Nicole patted her chest with confidence.
Qingyi and Zhu Yuan said no more and began their search in separate directions.
"Boss Nicole, I don't think we're exactly good at finding Hollow fissures," Billy said, puzzled. "You agreed so fast just now—do you have so secret thod?"
"Of course!" Nicole replied with utter confidence. "I have none!"
"Boss Nicole, if you don't have one, don't sound so confident about it!" Billy said helplessly.
"To be fair, it's not Nicole's fault," Sol said, shaking his head. "In the past three days, we've killed over six thousand Ethereals here, including several Charged-types."
"With both the Ethereals and us wreaking havoc, it's no wonder we can't find any usable clues."
He was certain—even if Sherlock Hols and Dr. Watson ca themselves, brute-force searching would be the only way.
Anby added, "So in other words… we really do have to brute-force it."
"For now, it's our only option." Nicole painted a new pie in the sky. "But once we complete Public Security's request, I'll take everyone out for a luxury buffet!"
"What?! Nicole, you're using the sa pie a second ti?!"
Sol's impression of Nicole was once again redefined.
They had just agreed to go for a luxury buffet after clearing Ethereals. Now it had beco "after completing Public Security's request."
One pie, used twice. Truly eye-opening.
"Ahem." Nicole coughed awkwardly, quickly changing the subject. "Enough with that—let's just get this over with so we can enjoy our luxury buffet!"
"For the luxury buffet!"
Billy charged forward, full of energy.
"I understand, Nicole."
Anby nodded seriously, not minding Nicole's little sche at all.
"Sigh, you spoil her too much."
Sol glanced at Anby, exasperated.
This girl… if he hadn't intervened, she and Nicole might've been the real couple.
"Sol, don't just stand there. Co with —we're moving out!"
Nicole grabbed Sol's arm and they began searching for the hidden Hollow fissure together.
Ten minutes later.
Within a kiloter-wide radius, the group had searched every area collaboratively—but found no leads.
They regrouped to discuss a new plan.
"Pinpointing a Hollow fissure with precision would require advanced tech from the White Star Institute," Zhu Yuan said with a frown. "But for a case of this scale, we won't be able to coordinate with the Institute."
"A Hollow fissure hides in the intangible—it could be in the air, on the ground, or behind any obstacle," Qingyi added calmly. "If we continue like this, even if we stumble across it by luck, the Bangboos inside might already be beyond saving."
"I have a plan!"
Sol stepped forward.
"Wait, Sol!" Nicole grabbed him and whispered in his ear, "Are you thinking of asking them for help? We shouldn't get Public Security involved with them."
She was clearly referring to Phaethon. As a legendary Proxy, he certainly had the ans to locate Hollow fissures.
While she also wanted to save the Bangboos, exposing Phaethon to Public Security—especially to these two officers she barely knew—was unacceptable.
"Mr. Sol, Miss Nicole, what's your plan? We'll do our best to assist!" Zhu Yuan stepped forward urgently.
She could tell Sol probably knew a capable Proxy, but he and Nicole were hesitating.
Amid Nicole's desperate attempt to stop him, Sol said, "No extra help needed. Just… take it easy when you make your move."
"???"
Qingyi and Zhu Yuan exchanged confused looks.
Was that warning directed at the Proxy they were bringing in—or at the criminals inside the fissure?
They weren't sure, but they nodded without hesitation. "Don't worry. If it's soone you trust, we won't go hard on them."
"Then I'm relieved."
Sol quietly activated [Taunt] and tuned his ntal frequency to the human range.
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