To Nicole, a Hollow Raider like herself running into Public Security officers was like a mouse spotting a cat—better keep your distance if you value your life.

Now that they'd actually run into the Public Security, and she wasn't about to sell out Phaethon, her only option seemed to be waiting for death.

But then Sol Mercer claimed to have another idea—which immediately piqued her curiosity.

"Alright, tell me—what's your plan?" Nicole asked, intrigued. Then her face suddenly darkened. "Wait... you're not thinking of robbing them, are you?"

It hadn't crossed her mind at first. After all, their group couldn't take on a squad of Public Security officers.

But add Sol Mercer to the mix—the man who took out a thousand Ethereals in an hour? Suddenly, that possibility didn't seem so far-fetched.

Anby calmly assessed, "Given the circumstances, Sol Mercer has a 90% success rate if he attempts to rob Public Security. Highly feasible. As long as there are no injuries, our wanted level should remain low."

"Ohoho! Getting on the Public Security's bad side for the sake of a comrade?" Billy's eyes lit up with reckless nostalgia. "I've already made peace with being a fugitive!"

The very thought brought back memories of his glory days in the Outer Ring—the gunfire under the setting sun, the scent of rebellion... that was the taste of youth!

"What are you people even thinking! I'm a law-abiding citizen, alright? I'd never attack Public Security!" Sol Mercer rolled his eyes.

These three… Nicole's instinct was to lay low like a guilty thief, but the other two? Their reactions were way too wild.

Clearly, the Cunning Hares weren't sheltering any saints—every one of them had a little outlaw spirit.

Good thing they had him, the upright gentleman, single-handedly raising their legal standards.

"If it's not robbery, then what's your plan?" Nicole asked, still unsure.

"A legitimate request for help, of course." Sol Mercer straightened his back. "I'm a proper trainee investigator with an active mission from the Hollow Investigative Association."

"My Carrot malfunctioned. Asking the officers for one isn't too much, is it?"

He'd only accepted the mission this morning—he had every right to be in the Hollow.

Nicole slapped her forehead. "Oh! Can't believe I forgot about that!"

Billy let out a relieved sigh. "So that's what it was. I really thought you were about to do something illegal."

As thrilling as his old life was, he had zero desire to go back.

Anby muttered flatly, "Technically, entering the Hollow without authorization is already a criminal act."

"Let's not dwell on that. Sol Mercer, go! Before they walk out of range!" Nicole urged him quickly.

Sol Mercer nodded and headed toward the investigative team.

...

On the other side, Zhu Yuan and Qingyi flanked the Hollow Investigative Association team, scanning for potential threats.

As elite officers of the Public Security Bureau, this wasn't supposed to be their assignment.

But after the Hollow mysteriously shrank overnight, they had been ordered to escort the investigators and assess the anomaly.

"Qingyi-senpai, we already know why the Hollow shrank… Why are we still out here?" Zhu Yuan asked in confusion.

The video had already gone viral across the Inter-Knot and internally within the Association.

Everyone who needed to know already knew.

A rookie investigator had taken the Hollow Elimination mission and went on a massive Ethereal-killing spree.

Naturally, the Hollow shrinking was his doing.

"This is what you call a 'routine protocol.'" Qingyi replied lazily, resting her chin on her hand. "Even if we know the truth, the procedures must be followed. Otherwise, it'd seem like the Public Security Bureau's just sitting around."

She spoke while surveying the signs of battle around them, deep in thought.

"I see… Senpai's as experienced as ever," Zhu Yuan said admiringly.

"Speak of the devil." Qingyi smirked and gripped her collapsible truncheon. "That Sol Mercer is coming. Stay alert."

Even if his identity was verified, caution was always prudent.

"Understood, Qingyi-senpai."

Zhu Yuan flipped the safety off her riot pistol and readied herself.

As Sol Mercer approached, Qingyi asked calmly, "Mr. Sol Mercer, may we ask your purpose here?"

"No need to be on edge—I've simply lost my way in life and would like to borrow a Carrot," Sol Mercer replied with a smile.

His eyes scanned the two officers. Zhu Yuan stood tall and valiant, her uniform accentuating her impressive figure. Her high ponytail added to her aura of determined grace.

Qingyi, with her forest-green twin-tails, looked delicate and doll-like—adorable, yes, but with an air of mature aloofness.

The only issue was her… petite proportions. Honestly, she looked like an elementary schooler. On par with even Koleda.

How did citizens of New Eridu not feel guilty watching someone like that enforce the law?

Did creeps ever try to chat her up? "Such a little girl working already? Come home with Uncle and look at his goldfish~"

Too terrifying. As a model citizen, Sol Mercer denounced such thoughts harshly.

He'd kill every last pervert he met!

"If it's just a Carrot you need, that's fine." Qingyi squinted suspiciously. "But just now… I felt a sudden malicious intent?"

She had a natural sixth sense—lolis could smell the presence of lolicons, even if they themselves were expired lolis.

"Really? Maybe an Ethereal nearby meant to hurt you." Sol Mercer grinned. "But don't worry—I'll protect you both."

"Ugh~" Qingyi shivered.

She had a feeling—the greatest threat in this Hollow… might be the man standing in front of her.

Zhu Yuan subtly stepped forward to shield Qingyi, offering a diplomatic smile. "Mr. Sol Mercer, please hand me your phone. I'll upload the Carrot data for you."

"Thank you."

Sol Mercer obediently handed it over.

Soon, Zhu Yuan had uploaded a Hollow map into his device.

Though less powerful than a Bangboo, the phone now held two exit paths—more than enough.

Sol Mercer gave a thumbs-up. "Thanks, beautiful officers! Without your help, I'd be in real trouble. You two are the best!"

Having gotten what he wanted, he didn't hold back the praise.

"No need to thank us—it's our duty," Zhu Yuan murmured, face slightly red.

She wasn't used to such direct flattery—it caught her off guard.

Qingyi, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes. "What if we hadn't given you the map?"

Sol Mercer smirked. "Then I'd kill."

"Eh!?"

Both Qingyi and Zhu Yuan tensed, their expressions turning sharp.

"Relax—I meant I'd kill Ethereals. I figure killing ten thousand would eventually lead me out." Sol Mercer grinned even wider, delighted at their reactions.

Was this kind of teasing too much?

Who cares?

He was the Fourth Calamity, after all.

And this was way too much fun.

Seeing Sol Mercer's smiling face, both officers realized they'd been played.

"Mr. Sol Mercer, you have quite the sense of humor," Zhu Yuan forced a smile. "But next time, please try to be more serious."

"Got it. See you ladies next time."

Sol Mercer waved and turned away.

It had been fun—so next time? Definitely doing it again.

Zhu Yuan watched him go with a sigh. "Didn't expect Mr. Sol Mercer to be such a handful. He really doesn't match his looks."

He was handsome—more handsome than Seth back at HQ.

He'd taken on the Hollow Elimination mission—a real hero.

But that playful, mischievous streak? Hard to handle.

Qingyi muttered, not hiding her irritation. "The ancients had a saying: 'A wolf in sheep clothing.' Another: 'A monster with a human face.' The ancients knew what they were talking about."

Just thinking about his teasing—and that faintly pitying look he gave her—made her blood boil.

Even with her composure and experience, she couldn't help but get angry.

Zhu Yuan chuckled—it was the first time she'd seen the usually reserved Qingyi lose her cool.

It was only their first meeting, yet Mr. Sol Mercer had already left an unforgettable impression.