Chapter 1122 - 209: Emergency Contact

When the light projected onto the table flickered, Vid already frowned slightly, the pen tip stopping on the parchment, and looked up.

This interference with the signal was a scene he was all too familiar with.

The image fluctuated with a snowy wave and stabilized, revealing a familiar face.

Selena Goldstein's pale face filled the entire screen. She gazed into the lens and spoke in a voice that sounded especially heavy and powerful:

"Good evening, fellow citizens. I am Selena Goldstein..."

Vera paused her work, and the bedroom door was pushed open; Vito and Riddle emerged one after the other — evidently, they had also heard the voice.

Only Victor's interrogation hadn't ended, but his voice had been lowered considerably.

"...I am sorry to disturb everyone on such a rainy night..."

The voice in the Flow Mirror continued, Vid said nothing, merely watching in silence, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table.

"Is this the Auror who was responsible for greeting the Master when he first arrived in New York?"

Vito asked softly, moving to Vid's side, his gaze also fixed on the Flow Mirror.

"It's her," said Vid.

Vito said, "I know her. Vilan originally planned to give her some trouble! But after digging up some information, Vilan felt it was unnecessary."

"Why?" Vera frowned and asked displeasedly.

Vito shrugged, "Because Vilan heard she's one of those 'righteous to a fault' women. Persistent, rigid, not well-liked, but… It's said that even the Dark Wizards locked in Azkaban believe she's an absolutely fair Auror, someone who wouldn't twist facts due to personal likes or dislikes."

In this country, filled to the brim with blatant discrimination and differential treatment, such conduct is quite rare, even more so her persistence throughout.

Just as with her current actions — she's doing something the high-ranking officials of the Magic Congress thoroughly despise, but she believes it's right.

The image on the screen suddenly became chaotic; Rex Grim burst into view, and a fierce clash broke out between both parties, quickly evolving into a battle.

Riddle commented, "Very brave. But after today, her future in the Magic Congress is likely over, and she might even face charges and imprisonment."

"Then I'll have to mock a bit at that time," Vera sneered, "Does the Congress prison allow visitors? She definitely... oh!"

She gasped softly, her words abruptly cut off.

In the living room, everyone — including Victor, who had just emerged from the bedroom while wiping his blood-stained hands — was holding their breath, watching the scene:

A green light, appearing from nowhere, instantly struck Selena's chest.

The woman, who had been in control moments ago, suddenly fell.

For a moment, the living room descended into deathly silence.

Not because they hadn't seen death — they had wrought plenty of it these past days themselves.

But because, this way — on broadcast, in front of all the American Wizards, using an Unforgivable Curse to openly murder a high-ranking government official revealing the truth — in the Magic World, this clearly crossed the line!

Moreover, this act of killing, many Wizards found hard to accept, which differed significantly from Muggles.

Vid's eyes narrowed slightly, his fingers ceased tapping.

"Did anyone see who cast that green light?" he asked, his voice frighteningly calm.

Vera softly replied, "It came from outside the view, from the left edge; judging by the angle… it wasn't Grim."

However, the camera kept tracking Selena's figure, while the few Aurors Grim brought along were battling fiercely with Selena's people on the other side of the room, unable to see who had fired that fatal spell.

Soon after, Laira Piqueley appeared suddenly, her tears, her resilience, perfectly like a theatrical performance.

Riddle snorted coldly, "Looks like the eventual victor of this Magic Congress coup is her. But now I'm curious..."

He lowered his head, looking at the confession and evidence of John Stonefield he had just brought out from the bedroom.

"The wizards colluding with Muggles," Riddle said, "Is there a direct connection with this woman who's about to become the new Congress President?"

"Even if not her directly, it's surely the forces supporting her rise."

Vito said, "They did acquire a hefty sum from the Muggles. And for most of the Congress officials to be on their side — apart from blatant interest transfer and coercion, what else could it be?"

Vera thought aloud, "So, what Selena Goldstein was about to expose, was not just Prometheus's crimes, but the entire corruption network within the Congress… So she had to die — in front of the camera, because they couldn't allow her to say another word."

"But are American Wizards really that dumb?" Victor said incredulously, "Just think about it! If Laira really wanted to investigate Selena's death properly, she should've immediately detained everyone present and used (Priori Incantatem to check every Magic Wand in their hands!"

"You have to understand, Victor." Vid said softly, "Many people have actually given up on using their ability to think; they believe whatever authority figures tell them. Furthermore...

His gaze swept over the chaotic scene displayed on the screen, and the struggling feet of Grim being dragged away, saying:

"The 'culprit' has already been apprehended on the spot, so there's no need to check the Magic Wands."

"Once they're off-camera, using (Priori Incantatem again is meaningless," Vera added, "Changing a Magic Wand isn't that difficult."

The living room fell silent once more, only the "hahaha" laughter still coming from the Flow Mirror — the broadcast had switched back to its regular programming, but that jovial atmosphere was grossly out of place with the current situation.

It was at this time, Vito suddenly pressed the Communication Pea in his ear. He listened closely for a moment, his expression changing slightly, then quickly walked over to Vid:

"Master, Vilan urgently sent a message: Stonefield Manor has suddenly ramped up its security, at least quintupled the number of security personnel, and is preparing to send invitations to several Muggle dignitaries."

"Based on clues, Vilan determined that the Stonefield Family is ready to hold a distinctive 'Soul Transfer Experiment' showcase, inviting over a hundred participants."

"He said that this time, the majority of Prometheus members would be heading to Stonefield Manor. This is a rare opportunity..."

"Soul Transfer Experiment?" Victor frowned, "If they succeed — even partly succeed — those guys left in the manor might lose control."

Riddle said, "Even if the transfer doesn't succeed, they might react excessively to protect themselves. At that point..."

He paused for a moment, leaving the sentence unfinished.

But it was evident, poppets weren't invincible; even regular firearms could harm them.

In the heart of the enemy's territory, rashly challenging the opponent's firepower reserves was definitely not a good idea.

Vito looked towards Vid, speaking softly, "We can't just leave them behind, Master. They are... 'us' too."

Vid was about to speak when he suddenly felt his Friendship Book start to heat up.

His own Friendship Book had a special filtering feature; if it weren't an extremely urgent message, it wouldn't trigger a notification.

Vid unfolded the Friendship Book, turning to the heated page, and saw a line of text rapidly emerging:

[Machioni: Vid, do you remember Nelson? The head of the FMC American Branch, he said he met you before.]

[Nelson just acquired something remarkable, from the recently fallen Champion. He hopes you'll decide how to handle it...]

There was no hesitation in Vid's eyes. He closed the Friendship Book gently, shelved the Quill, and then stood up.

"It's time to go back to New York... Victor, that John Stonefield, you haven't killed him yet, have you?"

"No," Victor said. "He fainted. I was planning on making it look like he 'accidentally slipped in the bathroom and hit his head on the sink' to kill him."

Vid said, "Good, I'll use his identity to attend this showcase; you all get ready — "

His gaze swept across everyone's faces, "Package all the evidence and take it with us; leave no trace that we were here."

"Leave the orphanage in its current state for now; after we leave, I'll inform Delaine in a few days to find a way to settle those children."

"Additionally, Vito, inform Vilan — maintain surveillance, don't act rashly; everything waits until we reach New York! Pass this message to those companions within the Manor as well."