Seeing that both Zhu Yuan and Qingyi had decided Sol was innocent, Nicole finally relaxed.

This was perfect—she wouldn't have to spend a pile of dennies to bail him out.

Now the only concern was whether the Public Security would withhold their commission.

"Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, there won't be any issue with our commission, right?" Nicole asked, still a little uneasy.

"Don't worry, the 500,000 dennies will be transferred to the account you gave us soon." Zhu Yuan smiled faintly, answering with ease.

This Cunning Hares leader really was as money-hungry as the rumors claimed.

Once Nicole confirmed that the Public Security wouldn't cause trouble and would pay in full, she had no more doubts.

The group hoisted the Bangboos out of the Hollow, leaving in good spirits.

Meanwhile, Sol made sure to collect the Boo-Nappers' seventeen submachine guns, six-barrel heavy machine gun, and that single-use rocket launcher.

The submachine guns were just filler—what he really wanted was the heavy machine gun and the rocket launcher.

Unlimited ammo + six-barrel heavy machine gun = The Compassionate Gatling Bodhisattva.

Such a combination, making swiss cheese wouldn't even be an exaggeration.

And unlimited ammo + a rocket launcher?

When poor—precise strikes. When rich—blow them up. The idea of infinite rockets was explosive just to imagine.

Even if he didn't use them himself, handing them to Billy would be excellent.

Six-barrel heavy machine gun + rocket launcher + high-level combat android specialized in suppressive fire = mobile firepower platform.

That version of Billy would easily be gold-grade S-rank in any gacha pool. Pulling him instead of Qingyi or Zhu Yuan would still feel worth it.

Lost in these far-fetched daydreams, they soon exited the Cretan Hollow.

"Officers, would you like to join us for a luxury buffet?" Nicole, in high spirits, extended the invitation to Qingyi and Zhu Yuan. "Of course, we'll split the bill."

She thought these two officers seemed anything but ordinary—building a good relationship could mean more connections in the Public Security.

"Thank you, but if I had the time, I'd definitely come." Zhu Yuan declined with a warm smile. "We still need to file the case report and get these Bangboos treated as soon as possible. Maybe next time."

"All right then."

Nicole was a little disappointed.

Not being able to strengthen ties with the Public Security left her feeling a bit let down.

"Goodbye, Cunning Hares."

Zhu Yuan and Qingyi boarded the Public Security vehicle, bidding them farewell.

"Qingyi, Zhu Yuan, goodbye."

Sol and Nicole returned the smile.

Just as the car was about to leave, Qingyi turned her head from the driver's seat. "Oh, Sol—interested in working with us at the Public Security? With your skills, you could get promoted and get a raise in no time. If you join, I'll even treat you to top-grade tea."

Sol's strength and boldness appealed to her. If he joined, he'd be an excellent partner.

"If Mr. Mercer is willing, I believe Commander Bringer would gladly welcome you," Zhu Yuan added after a moment's thought.

Sol's combat ability and range of unique skills were rare to find.

And if he dared to kill a prisoner right in front of Public Security officers, it might be safer to keep someone like that close.

Hearing their offer, Nicole clenched her teeth inwardly. I was just thinking about treating you two to a buffet, and you're already poaching my people?

She glanced nervously at Sol, unsure how he would respond.

"I'll pass. I prefer a bit more freedom."

Sol politely declined.

He had no interest in being a Public Security officer. If Zhu Yuan or Qingyi saw his true nature, they might very well "clean house."

After all, he wasn't exactly the virtuous type—he occasionally played the part of a certain "patriotic man" too.

Nicole, relieved at his refusal, proudly straightened her chest in front of the two officers.

"If that's your decision, Mr. Mercer, then we won't insist." Qingyi didn't seem disappointed.

She'd only been testing the waters anyway, not expecting success on the first try.

Zhu Yuan smiled. "In that case, Sol, Nicole—we may need you to provide some records of this case later. Let's exchange Inter-Knot IDs."

"That's fine by me."

Sol and Nicole readily shared their IDs.

After a bit of back-and-forth, they were connected.

"If you ever get into trouble and one of my colleagues catches you," Qingyi said to them, "just drop my name."

"You'll fix everything for me?"

Sol raised an eyebrow, sounding slightly surprised.

"Of course not." Qingyi started the car, winking playfully. "It depends on the case. If you commit a major crime, I'll support a harsh sentence."

Sol wasn't surprised—if Qingyi offered blind protection, that would've been strange. He waved them off. "Then until next time, officers."

Qingyi and Zhu Yuan's vehicle sped away.

Sol then joined Nicole's group as they headed toward the luxury buffet in Lumina Square.

On the way, Billy stuck close to Sol, chatting about the day's events and weapon mechanics.

Sol didn't mind—having a good friend to hype him up while bragging was always enjoyable.

Behind them, Nicole and Anby walked side by side.

Nicole, flush with the 500,000-denny commission, was in a great mood.

Anby, however, frowned slightly. She leaned in and whispered, "Nicole, I don't think Sol should get too close to those two officers."

"Why? Are you worried they'll arrest him?" Nicole waved the concern off. "Qingyi and Zhu Yuan might be righteous, but they're reasonable. They won't go after Sol."

"That's not my worry." Anby shook her head, speaking seriously. "I'm worried the Public Security will offer him such good treatment that once he spends enough time with them, he'll see the gap between us and them—and might choose their side."

A reliable friend. A friend who always watched movies with her. A friend who always brought her a burger at just the right moment.

She didn't want to lose Sol—especially not to the other side.

"T-there's no way!" Nicole broke into a cold sweat but kept her voice firm. "You're overthinking it, Anby. Sol's not like that!"

But inwardly, she felt uneasy.

Belle had once joked about inviting Sol to join Phaethon.

She'd known that was impossible—adding a third person between siblings would always be strange.

But Zhu Yuan and Qingyi were different. The Public Security was a real official force.

If they offered something irresistible, Sol might actually be tempted.

Since Sol had joined the Cunning Hares, he'd only given to the group, while they'd given him almost nothing in return.

That kind of unequal give-and-take was the easiest to fracture.

No… I have to make sure Sol stays with the Cunning Hares.

As long as Nicole lived, Sol would be a Cunning Hare in life—and a Cunning Hare in death.

Her gaze flickered as she stared at Billy and Sol walking ahead.