Chapter 448
“According to the information provided by the Inquisition, the group responsible for stealing the Saint’s blood has been identified as a cult organization known as ‘Al Kair.'”
A bluish light washes over the screen, while navy hues seep through the cracks of the shattered wall.
Curved letters dance across the white background. The moment I press the button, images emerge beneath the insignia of the religious organization.
I pointed at the building in the photo.
“The group affiliated with Al Kair is currently believed to be staying on Ash Tree Alley in the Necropolis. As you can see, this location consists of two three-story buildings, which are the residences of those scoundrels.”
“……”
“For convenience, we’ve designated the two buildings as Building A and Building B. Eight individuals are residing there. Surveillance has confirmed that individuals matching the descriptions of the suspects who infiltrated the refugee camp have also been spotted.”
Photos captured by the camp’s surveillance equipment and reconnaissance images taken by Kair flashed simultaneously. Locals with copper-toned skin. The members of the Order of the Holy Knights stared intently at the photos.
After displaying images and blueprints of Buildings A and B, I scanned the serious faces around me. I explained to the Holy Knights and the Operations Team.
“The operation is set to commence at midnight tonight. Given that the festival known as ‘Walpurgis Nacht’ will be starting in the evening, it is estimated that many residents nearby will head toward the streets where the festival is taking place. However, not all residents will participate in the festivities.”
“Therefore, it is crucial to remain aware of this point not only during the approach to the target point but also while carrying out the operation inside the buildings. The risk will only increase the longer we delay.”
“While you subdue cultists and search the buildings, our personnel will be deployed in the perimeter to support you.”
I added several pieces of information that the Holy Knights should be aware of.
Due to the civil war, illegal firearms have flooded into the Necropolis, cultists only use the front door and lock the back door, and we have learned about the existence of a basement through interrogating the architect.
“I can’t ascertain the purpose of the basement, but I believe it is highly likely that there are blood packs stored there. The documents I am about to distribute contain personal information on the group that infiltrated the refugee camp. Memorize them, and if you encounter any of these individuals on-site, shoot them immediately.”
“I will now explain the operation. The target area is divided into Building A and Building B. I will take charge of Building A, and Ismail will handle Building B. After subduing the cultists inside, we will proceed with the SSE to secure information and the holy blood….”
Ibrahim, serving as the commander, took over and began explaining the plan.
As he was wrapping up his explanation, one of the members of the Order of the Holy Knights quietly raised a hand.
“Are there any civilians inside the buildings aside from the cultists?”
Leaning against the wall, I shrugged my shoulders.
“There were indeed people coming in and out of the building while we were monitoring the neighbors, but I couldn’t confirm whether they were affiliated with ‘Al Kair’ or the cultists’ family members.”
“So, what are the rules of engagement?”
Ibrahim began subtly glancing my way.
Matt, who was changing into military gear in the corner, looked at me as well.
“…….”
The rules of engagement.
Well, is there really a need to worry about that?
I pulled out a cigarette and spat it out.
“…You can do whatever you want. Just shoot anything that moves.”
After all, in a situation where things get tangled, you’ll have no choice but to start shooting anyway.
Even if you don’t want to shoot.