The Magic of “Analysis” Sees Through Everything – Chapter 18

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫

“Isn’t that Alma?! What’s going on here?”

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About ten guards were outside.

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The tall, slim woman with short hair and brown skin who was leading them approached in surprise.

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Luke knew she was Rebecca Bartlett, Alma’s immediate supervisor.

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“There was a struggle when we found and protected the kidnapped woman. All who resisted have been detained.”

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“Really?!”

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Rebecca’s eyes widened at Alma’s report.

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Then Sicily brought in the women who had been kidnapped.

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“These are the women we’ve protected. They seem unharmed but quite weak, so I think they should receive medical treatment.”

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Rebecca’s eyes widened again at the sight of the rescued women.

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“This is. . . aren’t these all the people who were reported missing? To think they were imprisoned here. . .! We thought it was an explosion incident, but this is something else.”

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Sweat trickled down Rebecca’s cheek.

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“So, who is this man?”

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Suddenly, Rebecca looked towards Luke.

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“His name is Luke. He’s the civilian collaborator I mentioned before.”

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“Ah, the one you talked about earlier.”

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Interest gleamed in Rebecca’s eyes.

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It seemed like Luke’s involvement was already known.

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“I am Rebecca Bartlett. Alma and Sicily are my subordinates. Thank you for your cooperation.”

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“I’m Luke. Honored to meet you.”

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Luke smiled as he shook Rebecca’s outstretched hand.

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“But this has turned into a serious matter. It’s like poking a fox’s den and finding a wolf instead.”

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“We’ve checked around but haven’t found anything significant. It seems they’ve gone to great lengths to obscure any organizational ties.”

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“Hmm, it’s hard to believe that a crime of this scale was done alone. There were no ransom demands for the kidnapped women either. It suggests the aim was human trafficking, pointing to organized crime. . .”

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Rebecca clenched her fist.

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“Alright, we need to proceed carefully! First, we’ll thoroughly gather clues! We need to uncover their tracks as much as possible!”

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“In that case, please let me help too. I’ve already found some leads—”

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“Stop right there!”

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Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind.

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Turning around, there was another cavalry unit lined up.

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They were all clad in jet-black armor with golden trim, exuding a presence distinctly different from the city guards.

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“From this moment, we are in charge here. Leave immediately.”

The man at the front coldly declared.

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“Absurd! We were informed about this situation! Besides, isn’t the city’s security the responsibility of the city guards?!”

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Rebecca retorted.

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“The situation is different now. This is not a matter for mere city guards.”

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“Then let’s follow proper procedures. Until then, I have no intention of backing down.”

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The man, having dismounted his horse, confronted Rebecca.

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A tension like sparks about to ignite filled the air between the two.

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“What is that?”

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“That is. . . the St. Arrogas defense force. . .”

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Alma answered Luke’s whispered question with a stern face.

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“A special task force directly under the royal family, overseeing all criminal activities across the Arrogas Kingdom. An autonomous organization with investigative powers surpassing all others. Because its leader is. . .”

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Suddenly, the formation of the St. Arrogas defense team split apart.

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“!”

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An intense aura, like heat, surged from the gap.

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Almost instinctively, one might step back, reminiscent of a wild beast’s presence.

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Rebecca and the man she was facing knelt down as if spring-loaded.

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There stood a man.

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Wearing the same armor as the St. Arrogas defense force, but clearly not just an ordinary soldier.

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The man walked straight ahead, not sparing a glance at the surrounding soldiers.

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His stride conveyed absolute certainty of his authority.

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“Luke!”

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When he turned his gaze to the voices coming from below, Alma and Sicily were also kneeling.

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Luke hurriedly followed suit.

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“Who is that person?”

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Whispering to Alma.

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“That person is. . .”

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Staring at the ground, Alma replied with cold sweat.

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“He is the captain of the St. Arrogas Defense Corps and also the first prince of the Arrogas Kingdom. . . Prince Gale Arrogas.”

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“That person?”

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Luke gasped.

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He had heard the name many times and had seen him from a distance during his school days, but this was the first time he had seen him up close.

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His flowing golden hair in the wind, shining cobalt blue eyes beneath thick eyebrows, they sparkled like a new star.

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The firm jawline and strong chin spoke volumes about his well-toned physique below.

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He was not just a mere decorative prince; Luke realized it immediately.

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Prince Gale, who had approached them, fixed his gaze on Rebecca.

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“You there, now, you mentioned the proper procedures. I am here in person, do you have any objections?”

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“None at all!”

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Rebecca replied while still on the ground.

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“Then leave. You’re obstructing the investigation.”

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Gale said coldly.

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His voice allowed no room for compromise.

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“. . . Okay.”

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Rebecca replied shortly and stood up.

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There was a hint of frustration in her words, but it was not prudent to make it too explicit.

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There was too much difference in their respective statuses for that.

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“Let’s go.”

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With Rebecca’s words as a signal, the guards began to move quietly.

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Luke and the others followed.

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“Wait.”

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At that moment, Gale’s voice echoed.

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His cobalt blue eyes, reminiscent of glaciers, were fixed on Luke.

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“Why are there civilians here?”

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