Chapter 162: No More Running

Inside a spacious conference room overlooking Zenith City’s eastern commercial district, Adesewa stood beside a large display screen, examining a map covered with several marked locations.

The long wooden table behind her was crowded with documents, surveillance photographs, and financial records gathered throughout the investigation.

Cassian, Marcus, Safiya, and Bastian occupied their usual seats, while Jet sat near the center of the table, studying a photograph of the young man they had finally identified as the mastermind behind the assassination campaign.

Damian Visconti.

Twenty-three years old, extraordinarily wealthy, and apparently willing to sacrifice countless lives to obtain the Palladium Tree.

The discovery of his identity had changed everything. For weeks, the survivors had been forced to react to attacks arranged by an enemy whose identity remained concealed.

Now, for the first time, they possessed enough information to consider taking the initiative.

Adesewa turned away from the screen and examined the people gathered around the table.

"We’ve spent enough time defending ourselves," Adesewa announced, her expression serious. "We know who’s financing the attacks, we’ve identified several of his intermediaries, and we have a reasonable understanding of how his organization operates. It’s time we started dismantling what remains of it."

Cassian nodded, folding his arms. "Agreed. Every day we wait gives Visconti another opportunity to hire replacements or move his operations elsewhere."

"Then we need to make certain he doesn’t escape," Safiya added, examining the map. "If he realizes we’ve identified him, he’ll probably abandon the facilities we’ve been investigating."

Marcus opened another document on his laptop. "That’s why I’ve spent the night comparing his financial records with the transportation routes we recovered. We’ve identified three properties that appear to be involved in the operation."

He highlighted the first location.

"The warehouse near the old freight terminal is still active," Marcus explained. "Surveillance confirms regular deliveries, and several individuals connected to the assassination network have visited it over the past forty-eight hours."

The second location appeared on the screen.

"This is a private security facility in the northern commercial district," Marcus continued. "It’s officially registered as a training center, but we’ve identified payments from accounts associated with Visconti’s intermediaries."

Bastian leaned forward. "A place for gathering hired Awakeners?"

"Possibly," Marcus answered. "We haven’t confirmed exactly what happens inside, but the movement of personnel suggests something beyond ordinary security training."

Adesewa examined the third location. "And this one?"

"A private residence registered through one of Visconti’s investment companies," Marcus replied. "We believe it’s being used for meetings and administrative activities, although we haven’t confirmed whether Visconti himself is staying there."

Jet studied the three locations carefully. Each represented a different part of the organization that had spent weeks hunting them.

"Are we attacking all three?" Jet asked, looking toward Adesewa.

"Not simultaneously with the people in this room," Adesewa answered. "We’ll divide our resources according to what we know. Our priority is disrupting their ability to coordinate further attacks while preventing their leadership from disappearing."

Cassian gestured toward the warehouse. "I can handle the freight terminal. We already have people watching the property, and I know the surrounding district well enough to establish a perimeter."

"Take a small team," Adesewa instructed. "If you encounter armed resistance, neutralize it, but I want the people responsible for coordinating those shipments captured whenever possible."

Cassian nodded. "Understood, Captain."

Safiya examined the northern facility. "I’ll take the security compound. If they’re using it to recruit or prepare operatives, we should be able to identify who has been working for them."

"I’ll accompany her," Bastian offered, resting his enormous hands on the table. "If they’ve hired troublesome Awakeners, she’ll appreciate having someone who can take a few hits."

Safiya glanced toward him with a faint smile. "For once, Bastian, I won’t argue with you."

Adesewa nodded before turning toward Marcus. "You’ll coordinate communications and monitor their financial channels. If anyone attempts to transfer funds or activate emergency arrangements, I want to know immediately."

Marcus adjusted his glasses. "I’ve already prepared alerts for the accounts we’ve identified. We won’t catch everything, but any movement through their established channels should become visible."

Jet listened to the assignments, noticing that Adesewa hadn’t mentioned his role.

"And me, Captain?" Jet asked, leaning forward.

Adesewa looked toward him. "You and I will focus on Visconti."

The room became quiet for a moment.

Jet straightened in his chair.

"You’ve identified where he is?" Jet asked.

"Not with certainty," Adesewa admitted. "But we’ve narrowed down several locations associated with his movements. The private residence is our strongest lead, and we have people confirming whether he’s currently using it."

Cassian frowned slightly. "Are you planning to approach him personally?"

"Eventually," Adesewa answered. "But I still have several matters to handle concerning the organization’s remaining forces. Once the operation begins, I’ll coordinate with the others while Jet follows the intelligence concerning Visconti."

Jet understood what she was proposing. While the experienced survivors dismantled the network supporting the assassination campaign, he would become directly involved in confronting the person responsible.

"Are you certain about this?" Cassian asked, glancing toward Jet. "Visconti might be young, but we still don’t know what kind of protection he’s arranged."

"Which is why Jet won’t be walking into an unknown location without support," Adesewa replied firmly. "We’ll confirm his movements, identify the guards surrounding him, and establish a withdrawal route before making contact."

Jet nodded. "I can handle myself, Captain. And I have no intention of underestimating him."

Adesewa studied him for several moments before returning her attention to the map.

"Good. Because our objective isn’t revenge for its own sake," she explained. "We need to end the attacks and make certain the people connected to us can live without constantly looking over their shoulders."

Jet’s expression became serious.

He thought of Inez and Nadia, who had already been placed in danger because of his involvement in the expedition. He thought of Frey, still recovering from his injuries, and the members of Frey’s family who had been forced to take additional precautions.

Then there was Mikhail, whose assistance with the financial investigation had made him another potential target.

None of them deserved to suffer because someone wanted the Palladium Tree.

"That’s exactly why I want to help," Jet replied, looking toward Adesewa. "I’m tired of waiting for someone else to decide when they’ll come after us."

Adesewa nodded slowly. "Then we’re in agreement."

---

After the meeting, Jet remained behind while the others departed to prepare their respective teams. Adesewa stood near the display screen, examining the private residence associated with Damian Visconti.

Jet approached her, studying the photograph of the property.

"Captain, do you think he’ll actually be there?" Jet asked.

"Possibly," Adesewa answered. "But men like Visconti rarely depend on a single residence. He has money, connections, and access to private transportation. If he suspects we’re approaching, he could disappear before we arrive."

"Then we need to move quickly," Jet observed.

"Quickly, yes. Recklessly, no," Adesewa corrected, turning toward him. "There’s something I want you to understand before we proceed. Identifying the person giving orders doesn’t mean we’ve uncovered every individual supporting him."

Jet nodded thoughtfully.

The investigation had revealed numerous connections, but several questions remained unanswered. Lucien Veyr’s precise involvement was still being examined, and the financial network contained intermediaries whose identities had yet to be established.

Even the individuals associated with Darkstar Guild remained under investigation.

"We might still encounter people we haven’t identified," Jet acknowledged.

"Exactly," Adesewa replied. "And Visconti may have resources he hasn’t used yet. If he realizes we’re closing in, there’s no telling what he might attempt."

Jet examined the photograph again.

"Then what happens if he refuses to surrender?" Jet asked.

Adesewa’s expression hardened. "We respond according to the threat he presents. But don’t let anger make your decisions for you, Jet. I know what happened to your sister frightened you, and I understand why you want this finished."

Jet remained silent for a moment.

Inez had been the reason he fought so desperately to survive. In his previous life, he had been an ordinary human without a Divine Rune or any supernatural abilities, powerless against the catastrophe that eventually claimed his life.

He had died trying to protect her.

Now, however, things were different.

He possessed extraordinary abilities, and he had already grown stronger than he could ever have imagined during his previous life.

Yet the danger surrounding Inez had reminded him that strength alone couldn’t guarantee her safety.

As long as people continued targeting those close to him, he would never be able to relax.

"I understand, Captain," Jet finally answered, his expression firm. "But I won’t let him threaten Inez again."

Adesewa regarded him quietly before placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Then make certain you return to her," she replied. "Whatever happens during this operation, remember that your sister needs you alive."

Jet nodded.

"I will," he promised.

Later that morning, Jet found Inez sitting on the living room carpet beside the white plush fox he’d given her. Nadia occupied the sofa nearby, reading something on her phone.

Inez immediately looked up when he entered.

"Brother!" Inez exclaimed, scrambling to her feet before running toward him.

Jet smiled and crouched to catch her as she threw herself into his arms.

"Someone seems unusually energetic today," Jet remarked, lifting her slightly.

"I finished my drawing!" Inez announced proudly, pointing toward the table. "Aunt Nadia said it’s really good!"

Nadia looked up with an amused expression. "I said it was excellent, actually. Apparently, there’s a difference."

Jet laughed as he carried Inez toward the table.

The drawing depicted three figures standing beneath an enormous yellow sun. One had white hair, another wore a blue dress, and the smallest held what appeared to be a fox.

Jet examined it carefully before smiling.

"It’s beautiful, Inez," Jet told her, gently patting her head. "You should make another one so I can keep it."

Inez beamed. "Really? Then I’ll draw you fighting a big monster next!"

"I’d prefer something a little less dangerous," Jet replied with a chuckle.

Nadia smiled at their exchange, although her expression became more thoughtful when she noticed Jet’s unusually serious demeanor.

"Everything all right?" Nadia asked quietly while Inez returned to her drawing.

Jet glanced toward his sister before answering. "We’re making progress with the investigation. Hopefully, things will settle down soon."

Nadia studied him for a moment. "Just be careful, Jet. You’ve already had enough trouble lately."

"I will," Jet assured her.

He remained with them for a while longer, enjoying the ordinary conversation and watching Inez enthusiastically explain her drawings.

Eventually, however, his phone vibrated.

A message from Adesewa appeared on the screen.

The surveillance team had confirmed new activity at one of Visconti’s properties.

Jet read the message carefully before putting his phone away.

The counterattack was beginning.

And this time, he had no intention of waiting for the enemy to come looking for him.