"Brooom," the sound of a sports car with a roaring V8 engine echoed through the town. Mark was in the driver's seat with Drake as the front passenger, and they moved swiftly, weaving through traffic.

"Tell me, where are we going?" Drake's curiosity broke the silence, his tone still calm and firm.

"Police Department HQ. It seems they want to know more details about this Seraph thing," Mark replied.

"......" Drake remained silent, already anticipating the answer. He continued looking out the window with his poker face.

"Drake..." Mark continued the conversation, "when you were alone with Seraph, did she say anything new?"

"Nothing," Drake replied. "If information is what you seek, then there is nothing."

"I see," Mark replied.

The car then arrived at their destination, the Police Department HQ. As they entered the building, the receptionist was already expecting them.

"Welcome back, Mr. Mark and Mr. Drake," she greeted them.

Mark replied with a big smile, "Hello Jenny, my number one front desk girl, long time no see."

"It's only been one week since our last meeting, sir," she replied with reluctance, speaking to a higher officer.

Knowing Mark's behavior when he meets women, Drake left the front desk, searching for a sofa meant for visitors. He waited for Mark to finish his business.

"Tell me, how many people are attending this meeting, Jenny?" Mark asked with a big, curious smile.

"It appears it's only your squad and Mrs. Mira's squad, sir," she replied.

"Only two? And with that ice-cold witch?" Mark replied in surprise.

The girl just nodded, agreeing with Mark's statement.

"Oh mannn, my troubles never end, do they?" Mark grumbled to himself as he walked away from the reception table. His hand signaled Drake to follow him. The two then entered the elevator. Mark pressed the button for the 22nd floor, where the meeting was going to be held.

The elevator doors closed with a soft hum, and the ascent to the 22nd floor began. The silence between Mark and Drake was heavy with unspoken thoughts and anticipation.

Mark broke the silence. "You know, I can't stand dealing with Mira. She's always so... intense."

Drake's poker face remained unchanged. "She's efficient."

Mark scoffed. "Efficiently terrifying, maybe."

The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival. As the doors slid open, they were greeted by a long, dimly lit corridor. The walls were adorned with various commendations and accolades, a testament to the department's long history of service.

Mark and Drake walked down the corridor until they reached a set of double doors at the end. Mark pushed them open, revealing a large conference room with a round table at its center.

"Always falling behind, Mark," a stern-looking woman with sharp features and icy blue eyes acknowledged their presence with a curt nod.

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"Mira," Mark replied, his tone noticeably less enthusiastic. Then he looked at the stylish man sitting beside her. "It seems you're getting along well with her, boy."

"Don't call me boy, old man. I have a name, Katsura," the stylish man replied with an angry tone.

Mark then took a seat opposite Mira, while Drake settled next to him. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of professional rivalry and shared purpose. Not long after, an old man entered the room with three of his staff. His name was Commander Lotus, the department head of the intelligence bureau, one rank above Mark and Mira, who were senior area detectives.

"Welcome, Mr. Mark and Ms. Mira. Also, your squad members, Mr. Drake and Mr. Katsura. Thank you for responding to my call."

Commander Lotus took a seat at the head of the table, his presence commanding attention.

"As you know, we have captured a member of one of the Ravencourt Kingdom's rebellion groups, The Silent Dawn. Thanks to Mr. Mark's team's efforts, we have gathered some important information and wish to share it with you."

Commander Lotus then gestured for Mark to share the intel regarding the Silent Dawn. Mark stood and opened a folder, his loud, deep voice filling the room. Everyone gazed at him with full attention, ready to take notes.

As Mark's speech went on, these were the important conclusions:

First, the rebel's captured name is Sarah Jameson, also known as Seraph the Guiding Flame. It appears that she's one of the leaders of the rebel organization called The Silent Dawn.

Second, she revealed that one of their hideouts is located on the western outskirts of the capital, in a city called Briegdown.

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the new information. Suddenly, a voice broke the silence, elegant but intimidating.

"Impressive, Mark," Mira praised. "But tell me, how did you make that rebel talk?" Mira's icy eyes were fixed on Mark, her mind already strategizing.

Mark was silent for a moment, then he looked sharply at Mira. "Pardon!?"

"I've known you for more than five years, but given your communication skills set, I just don't believe she would open up to you and spill all that intel," Mira said, her tone dripping with intimidation.

The room once again fell silent, but now it was filled with tension as Mira questioned Mark's method.

"I helped him," Drake said, breaking the silence. All eyes turned to him.

"We made a deal through a magic battle, and she lost to me," Drake stated bluntly.

"So, with her loss, she spilled all her organization's secrets?" Mira asked, her tone icy, trying to intimidate Drake. "Then tell me, is her testimony trustworthy or just made up?"

Commander Lotus, who was sitting at the head of the table, remained silent, his fingers steepled as he strategized about the upcoming possibilities.

"She's not lying," Drake testified. "I could tell from her breath when we spoke."

"One of your wind magic abilities, huh?" Mira confronted. "But sorry, kid, it's hard to believe what you say when we all know you're the son of a woman who was part of that rebel organization."

Drake looked at Mira sharply, their gazes meeting with an icy cold aura. "Then, it's your problem, not mine," Drake replied, his voice and posture as firm as ever.

Drake's answer surprised Mira for a moment. She stopped questioning him, seeing that he remained calm and composed.

Commander Lotus then interrupted the situation, giving his closing speech and orders.

"Enough," he said, his authoritative voice cutting through the tension. "Drake's testimony has been verified through multiple means, and we have no reason to doubt the validity of the intel provided. Now, let's focus on the tasks at hand."

He turned to Mark. "Mark, your squad will infiltrate the hideout in Briegdown and gather as much intel as you can. Understand their network, identify their key members, and uncover any plans they might have."

Mark nodded. "Understood, Commander. We'll be thorough."

Commander Lotus then addressed Mira. "Mira, your squad will be responsible for the transfer of Sarah Jameson to a more secure facility in the capital. Given her importance, we cannot afford any mishaps. Execute this with the highest level of security."

Mira's expression remained stoic. "Consider it done, Commander. We'll ensure she doesn't escape."

With their missions clear, Commander Lotus dismissed the meeting. The squads went their separate ways, each preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.

As they left, Mark turned to Mira. "Hey, I know we've known each other for five years, and you always doubt my skill or my leadership. But maybe you're forgetting something..."

Mark's statement made Mira stop for a second. Her overproud figure waited, curiosity increasing.

Mark continued, "I'm good at choosing people, especially to be my partner."

Mira looked away, continuing to leave the meeting room without a word. Mark watched her go, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.