บท 24: Unusual Assignment
After witnessing the end of their conversation, Alex started roaming around the pub, socializing, and trying to gather all the information about Francis and Jack from drunk people.
After all of his efforts, Alex found out that Francis Mullen was the main leader of the miners in the city, and he had a good reputation among the public. Not a single person had anything negative to say about him.
Jack, on the other hand, was a miner who worked under Francis. He was known for being hot-headed and troublesome. He was an orphan whom Francis took care of and raised as his godchild. Jack was also the best friend of a person named Thomas Cain.
All the men Alex spoke to had the same opinion about Jack - were it not for Thomas and Francis, Jack would have been dead a long time ago. It seemed that Thomas and Francis were the ones who prevented Jack from causing trouble.
After completing his business, Alex decided it was time to leave. He realized, 'I have already gathered enough intel for the mission.'
As Alex made his way to the location where he would be staying during the mission, he carefully organized all the information he had collected and reported to Agent Kirf.
***
Agent Eris left the customer chamber and was thinking of heading to a place for a drink when she heard Agent Kirf's voice.
"Agent Eris, come up to my office for a minute," a voice echoed through her earpiece.
"Yes, sir," she replied dutifully, exhaling a weary sigh. 'No rest for the weary.'
Approaching Agent Kirf's office, she noticed the elegant nameplate that bore the inscription [Viscount Kirf]. Pausing briefly, she tidied her attire and then rapped gently on the door.
"Come in."
Agent Eris entered the room and inquired, "Did you call for me, sir?"
Agent Eris didn't receive a reply. Instead, she saw Agent Kirf holding a tablet, which he tossed towards her. She caught it and looked at Agent Kirf with a puzzled expression.
"Read it," Agent Kirf simply said, leaning back in his chair.
Agent Eris examined the report on the tablet. She couldn't help but be impressed by the meticulousness and precision of the report and thought, 'It's very neat and detailed. It looks like the work of a highly intelligent agent.'
After finishing reading the report, Agent Eris lifted her head and tried to gauge Agent Kirf's expression, attempting to understand what he wanted from her.
However, she couldn't decipher anything, so eventually, she responded, "I have read it, sir. It's an excellent report."
Agent Kirf nodded and repeated, "Check the name of the agent who prepared the report."
Agent Eris did as she was told and saw the name, "Novice Agent Silas."
"He's just a rookie agent," Agent Eris remarked, feeling somewhat surprised.
"Indeed, it's quite impressive, sir. To write a report like this as a rookie agent is excellent," Agent Eris shared her genuine thoughts.
"I'm aware of that. That's why I decided to dig a little deeper into this rookie agent and discovered that you were the one who recruited him," Agent Kirf explained.
'I am his recruiter,' Agent Eris pondered for a moment, glancing at Silas' name once again. Suddenly, she remembered her encounter with Alex when she arrived in the city and came to the realization, 'So he is Alex.'
"It is a pleasant surprise to work with him on his first mission," Agent Eris thought, a faint smile appearing on her face.
"From your expression, it seems like you already know Agent Silas's true identity," Agent Kirf observed.
"Yes, sir. It's only natural since I was the one who recruited him," Agent Eris replied confidently.
"I understand," Agent Kirf replied, and after a pause, he asked, "Can you tell me about his personality?"
"Sorry, sir, but you know the rules. As I am, no one except recruiters and headquarters can know the identity of an agent," Agent Eris swiftly denied.
Agent Eris gracefully contemplated, 'I should protect my junior.'
"Don't worry, I understand. It's just that the circumstances are a little unusual, which is why I asked," Agent Kirf reassured and continued.
"I was simply curious because of headquarters' decision to assign him to this mission," Agent Kirf asked, displaying his puzzlement.
Observing Agent Eris's puzzled expression, Agent Kirf proceeded to elaborate, "This operation has been in planning for nearly three years. I am living proof of this. You know that I am an undercover agent for Jay Spencer, who belongs to the branch family of the actual Spencer family."
Agent Kirf continued, "Moreover, this is not the only operation center in the world. There are others located in different Tier 1 cities, eagerly awaiting the successful completion of our mission. We serve as the starting point for a collaborative mission spanning the globe."
Agent Kirf asked, "Now, do you understand why I am questioning the decision of headquarters regarding Agent Silas' assignment?"
'Indeed, it seems unwise to assign a rookie field agent to such a critical mission,' Agent Eris also began to raise doubts and felt curious about the reasoning behind it.
"I understand, sir, but as I mentioned before, I'm unable to provide any information about Agent Silas," Agent Eris apologetically responded.
"But if you still need reassurance, why don't we put him through a test?" Agent Eris suggested with enthusiasm, outlining her plan.
"I didn't quite grasp your objective, but I suppose there's no harm in trying," Agent Kirf replied.
'Ah, things are going to get a little more interesting from now on, Alex,' Agent Eris thought and asked Agent Kirf, "When do you think we should start, sir?"
"I have already sent Agent Silas the coordinates of our operations center and asked him to join us. He should arrive within the hour," Agent Kirf informed.
"In that case, with your permission, I'd like to leave and make some preparations," Agent Eris declared.
"Very well, you are dismissed," Agent Kirf replied, motioning with a gesture.
***
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