Chapter 81: The Balcony Assault Incident
A collaboration with this nun? Indeed, from Mea's presence, Zhang Fan sensed considerable pressure. She was likely a powerful Butei, no, Zhang Fan had a feeling that Mea was a Super Butei with special abilities, though he was unsure of her exact powers.
"Alright, since that's the case, I accept this mission," Zhang Fan declared, motivated by the 4,000 game points and the support of Lei Ji and Mea. He believed the task would not be too challenging with their assistance.
"Thank you so much, this is a great help," Mea said, her expression brimming with joy. Having Kanade's brother on the team was a boon, ensuring the operation would be more effective. Unbeknownst to her, Zhang Fan had no real connection with the Yamasaki family.
After a day's rest, the mission commenced. Zhang Fan couldn't help but wonder if Mea and Lan Bao were related, seeing Mea's exaggeratedly large sword. Surprisingly, the gentle Mea wielded such a fierce weapon, decorated with intricate golden patterns, hinting at its extraordinary nature. Her status as a Vatican's exclusive exorcist and a foreign student at Roman Butei High indicated their target was likely an enemy of the Vatican.
Verona, a city steeped in history in northern Italy, known as 'the city of supreme elegance' in Latin, also held the title of the second largest city in the Veneto region after Venice. It served as Italy's gateway, a city where a massive criminal group secretly flourished, smuggling arms and drugs worldwide, their headquarters nestled in a luxurious estate near Verona's outskirts.
"It's a beautiful city. A tour here after completing our mission seems like a fine idea," Zhang Fan remarked as they arrived in Verona, admiring the picturesque scenery.
"Absolutely, I can be your guide after we finish our task," Mea responded, smiling. Her fondness for Zhang Fan, perhaps influenced by her connection with Kanade, was evident.
"Really? That's settled then! Lei Ji, you'll join us, won't you?" Zhang Fan asked, turning to the stoic Lei Ji.
"It doesn't matter," Lei Ji replied impassively, her brevity almost endearing.
With the target identified, Lei Ji first split from the group to find an ideal sniping spot, while Zhang Fan and Mea prepared to stealthily infiltrate the castle. According to Mea, finding concrete evidence of the group's criminal activities would bolster their case.
Specializing in covert operations, Zhang Fan quickly located an optimal entry point and, to Mea's amazement, used suction cups to scale the building to the top floor. His recent acquisition of advanced equipment from friends in the Equipment and Intelligence Departments had expanded his capabilities significantly.
Despite his extensive knowledge gleaned from Little Tear and Little Tong, Zhang Fan recognized the twenty-year gap in experience could not be bridged merely by expertise. He resolved to seize more advanced equipment during the mission to aid his friends' future endeavors, though he lamented the prolonged pursuit of the elusive Cat's Eye by Junfu and his team.
The manor's security was daunting, heavily guarded at every turn by stern men in black suits and sunglasses. It almost felt like a scene from a gangster movie. Locating the crime lord's office on the third floor, Zhang Fan and Mea decided to make their move.
As night fell, they carefully timed their entry, avoiding the sweeping searchlights. Due to the cramped balcony space, accidental contact was inevitable. Startled, Zhang Fan inadvertently touched Mea's chest, immediately apologizing for the unintended intrusion.
"Never mind... let's focus on the mission!" Mea managed to suppress her initial outrage, recognizing the unintentional nature of Zhang Fan's action.
With a silent understanding, the duo cautiously entered the room, where they found their corpulent, balding European target, fitting the stereotypical image of a villain. Before he could react, Zhang Fan swiftly incapacitated him with a precise strike.
As the unconscious man lay on the floor, Zhang Fan and Mea prepared to gather the evidence needed to dismantle the criminal network. Their operation, though risky, was off to a successful start.