CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116: EITHER ACCEPT OR GET LOST!

The fourth floor of the mansion had been completely renovated into a miniature exhibition hall.

The moment you stepped out of the elevator, you could see the collection behind bulletproof glass.

However, the entrance was located along the side hallway, while the front-facing glass walls on either side of the hallway offered a full view of the collection, making the display look grand and impressive.

To enter the hallway after exiting the elevator, you had to pass through the first layer of security.

A three-hundred-jin heavy steel security door required the manual input of a six-digit mechanical code to unlock and open the door to the hallway.

Further in, right in the middle of the hallway, there was a hidden laser grid. Without Landon’s fingerprint verification, stepping through would immediately trigger the alarm.

The final barrier before entering the collection zone was a biometric double-verification system requiring both facial recognition and fingerprint authentication. Only when both were verified could anyone step into the collection area.

Landon skillfully verified his identity and entered the collection zone, carefully placing Kaitō Kid’s calling card on top of the display case containing the Yongle Encyclopedia.

He even took out the pen clipped to his chest pocket and placed it on the card.

"If Kaitō Kid leaves his autograph on this card, then this display case will showcase the card instead from now on."

He didn’t expect to catch Kaitō Kid. All he really wanted was for Kaitō Kid to autograph the calling card—that would be enough to make him satisfied.

As for the Yongle Encyclopedia, it was just one of many treasures in his collection. As Kaitō Kid’s biggest fan, no single item seemed all that important compared to this chance.

Before long, Sente and his team got word of the challenge and rushed to Landon’s mansion.

At that moment, Landon was busy directing his staff to set up streaming equipment, preparing for a full-angle live broadcast.

Being a die-hard fan of Kaitō Kid himself, Landon knew exactly how much the global audience longed to witness the event live.

When Landon learned that Sente and his team had arrived, he frowned slightly.

"Those people are armed. They shoot to kill."

To Landon, this was just a thrilling game. He didn’t want Kaitō Kid to actually get hurt.

Even if his security team did manage to capture Kaitō Kid, Landon would still have no choice but to hand him over to the FBI.

After all, being a fan didn’t mean he’d ignore the rules of the game.

Just like how he had placed the calling card inside the display case—if Kaitō Kid could reach that spot, it meant Landon had lost.

And his wish was simple: for Kaitō Kid to leave his autograph before leaving.

"Hello, Mr. Landon."

After getting permission to enter, the butler led Sente’s team into the mansion to meet Landon.

"Hello, Director Sente."

Both parties exchanged handshakes.

"Mr. Landon, I’m sure you’ve already received Kaitō Kid’s calling card."

"With your security system in place, we’ll have a better chance of catching him."

Sente had noticed that Landon’s staff were busy setting up various devices as soon as he entered.

He assumed they were boosting the surveillance system, but Landon’s response nearly made his jaw drop.

"No, no, Director Sente, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood."

"Those aren’t surveillance cameras. They’re for a live broadcast. I’m streaming the entire event."

Sente’s shock quickly turned into immense pressure.

Back in the Island Nation, all three operations had been broadcast live and all three had ended in failure.

Those livestreams had turned them into laughingstocks, turning the whole thing into Kaitō Kid’s personal stage.

And now, in Eagle Nation, their first operation to capture Kaitō Kid was again going to be broadcast live.

Sente and his team had no confidence that they could actually capture Kaitō Kid, and the fact that Landon insisted on livestreaming made Sente even more worried they would end up as a joke again.

"Landon, Kaitō Kid is extremely cunning. I think we should focus on planning how to catch him," Sente said seriously.

"As for the livestream, I really think you should reconsider."

Landon let out a light chuckle. He couldn’t care less whether they caught Kaitō Kid or not.

The Yongle Encyclopedia might be part of his collection, but Landon wasn’t nervous about it. In fact, he seemed excited.

"No, Director Sente, I think you’ve misunderstood."

"I’m actually a fan of Kaitō Kid. Receiving his calling card makes me extremely happy. Whether we catch him or not is irrelevant to me."

"This is just a game between me and Kaitō Kid. Even if he takes the Yongle Encyclopedia, I honestly don’t mind."

Landon spoke frankly, revealing his true feelings, because he was about to make a more difficult request—he wanted Sente and his team to surrender their firearms until after the operation was over.

Sente knew Kaitō Kid had a huge global fan base, but he never expected a billionaire like Landon to be one of them.

But this was Eagle Nation, a place that valued extreme personal freedom. Who Landon supported was his personal right, and outsiders had no authority to interfere.

Not even during a high-priority operation like this.

"Alright, Mr. Landon, that’s your choice."

"Tonight, the five of us will be stationed here to protect your collection while carrying out the mission to capture Kaitō Kid."

Landon didn’t make things difficult for Sente—that was their responsibility.

However, Landon added one condition: he would temporarily hold on to their firearms and return them only after the operation ended.

When Sente heard that, he couldn’t agree.

"Mr. Landon, this is a dangerous mission. Carrying weapons significantly increases our chances of success."

"I’m sorry, but we can’t agree to that condition."

Just then, the butler walked over to report.

"Mr. Landon, the livestream equipment has been fully tested. Should we start streaming now?"

Landon let out a deep breath and nodded in acknowledgment.

At the same time, he locked eyes with Sente, his tone firm and undeniable.

"Director Sente, if you won’t agree, I’ll have to ask you to leave my home right now."

Landon was absolutely direct, leaving no room for negotiation. Sente was momentarily stunned.

According to Eagle Nation’s laws, if Landon refused their presence, they had no legal authority to carry out their operation on his property.

And given Landon’s status, Sente had to tread carefully. Any misstep could spark a public backlash.

If that happened, not only would they fail to capture Kaitō Kid, but they could also end up being the target of public outrage, damaging the FBI’s reputation.

"Mr. Landon, I understand your feelings as a fan of Kaitō Kid, but I hope you’ll reconsider. What if—"

Before Sente could finish, Landon raised his hand, cutting him off.

"Kaitō Kid doesn’t hurt anyone. That’s part of the game’s rules."

"Besides, you already have the advantage in numbers. If you add firearms to that, what fairness is left in this game?"

Sente stared at Landon’s meaningful smile, realizing there was no way to persuade him.