Colonel Samson took a sip from his cup before answering Arthur.

“There are a lot of reasons people want to spy on us, even those families living in this city. Our society is no longer a monolith after the Apocalypse. With the system, anyone can be powerful, thus making it hard to control people."

"Which was one of the reasons our old government fell so fast. Nowadays, people can only be controlled either by fear or benefit. Our city is part of a kingdom driven by benefit and fear. We are more like a group of cities banding together to share benefits while at the same time banding together to defend against a common enemy,” Samson explained.

"Spies might come from other kingdoms or nations, even though we are not at war. Spy networks are not made within a day; it is best to plant spies before the need arises. War is not rare in this day and age, so it's better to be prepared."

Arthur opened his mouth, but the colonel raised his hand, stopping him. “Let me finish; you may ask after I finish my explanation. There is quite a lot to explain.”

“The reason for war between human cities or kingdoms is resources. That's why they send spies—to find out what resources are owned by each city.”

“Rare and strong bond hatchlings can even trigger war between kingdoms; even other allied cities and sects may start a war if their spies find out an incredibly strong bond is having a baby. The spy can even kidnap the hatchling if they get the chance!”

“But the reason we are even expecting spies from within the city's big family is because of information. They want to know whenever we find important resources outside the city so they can take it before we do and keep it for themselves!” Arthur finally saw the colonel express something other than his usual calm attitude.

“What resource can make the families fight the military? Fighting among ourselves is asking for another civil war!” Arthur couldn't help but ask when he saw the colonel's frustration.

“Do you know about Tokens?” Samson asked.

“No, sir. It's the first time I've heard about Tokens,” Arthur replied honestly.

“You do know that normally humans receive only 1 Trait after unlocking the system, right? What if there is a way to have more Traits?” The colonel asked seriously.

“You don’t mean...” Arthur's eyes grew wide as he understood the significance of such a thing.

“Yes. Tokens can grant additional Traits to their owner and even their allies! Do you know why modern people create sects while families can rise to such heights in less than a decade? That's because of Tokens. There are a few known types of tokens, such as Sect Tokens and Family Tokens.”

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“And before you ask, the details about Tokens are classified, and the way to obtain one is also classified. All you need to know is, they are incredibly rare, and every group wants them. That's why they send spies. They want information if we ever find a possible Token location!” Samson finished and took another sip from his now cold tea.

“That's a lot to process...” Arthur said while thinking of all the possibilities.

“You don’t need to think too much about it... just think about finding the spy,” Samson told him seriously.

“How about Otherworlders? I recall Sergeant Hawkins talking about Otherworlders before,” Arthur asked again. There were just too many questions in his mind!

“Your Sergeant will tell you and your squad about it later. All you need to know is, Otherworlders and Spirit Beasts are enemies of humanity. They have their means to disguise themselves as humans, so they might also send a spy to know about our military situation,” the colonel cautioned him.

“How about...” Arthur was about to ask another question, but the sergeant cut him off.

“You just need to find the spy, don't think too much about it. I will assign Sergeant Hawkins to personally supplement your lack of general knowledge, so you can ask her later,” the Colonel said while motioning toward Layla to come closer.

“Let’s talk about something else. Since Sergeant Hawkins lost, you may ask her anything. I will see to it that she gives you what you ask as her punishment,” Samson smiled.

“I suggest if you still want her to accompany you tonight, you find somewhere else to stay tonight. The military compound is not for such a thing! Also, make sure this is only a one-time thing; other battalions might allow it, but in this battalion, you may not date each other,” the Colonel grinned before saying the last part in a serious tone.

Arthur glanced at Layla; she was trying to make a poker face, but he could see the mask cracking from frustration.

“No, sir. I don’t want her company tonight. If I can ask for anything, then I want the bracers and Katana she lent me for our duel,” Arthur said seriously. He didn't even need to feel bad about missing Layla's company, as he would rather be alone than being in the same room alone with the madwoman.

Moreover, the equipment he used during their duel was anything but ordinary; they were at least at Amplification realm, so they would last him quite a while!

“Fine, you can have them. I need to dispose of them anyway since my spatial ring is getting cramped,” Layla said a bit grumpy. She was glad Arthur did not ask for something inappropriate, but it also hurt her pride that he did not ask for it!

Arthur was giddy for the equipment he won; it was almost worth the beating he got. Almost...

“Alright, if both of you agree, then so be it. But I would still suggest you to stay somewhere else tonight, to make your squad mates think you stay with Sergeant Hawkins tonight, so the spy would not get suspicious of you. Make sure they know you are staying with Sergeant Hawkins before you go,” The Colonel suggested, but Arthur knew it was more a command than a suggestion.

“Colonel, there is one problem. I don’t have anywhere else to go,” Arthur sheepishly said, unwilling to sleep under the bridge while he could sleep in the dorm instead.

“Hmm, this is indeed troublesome... Sergeant Hawkins, you take care of his accommodation. Get him a hotel or take him home with you, consider it part of your punishment,” The colonel actually threw the problem at Layla.

“Ugh... I should have slept under the bridge,” Arthur thought as Layla stared daggers at him.