Chapter 21

She appeared cooperative, but in reality, she didn't mention anything about Ajax; instead, she exposed a lot of incriminating information about Charles. This nearly devastated the authorities and the Ashlin Group. Wasn't this a deliberate attempt to change the course of the investigation?

However, due to Alana's background and identity, they didn't dare take action. Consequently, they had no choice but to release Alana.

Alana's confession swiftly shifted public opinion within an hour. Previous media reports depicted Ajax as a cruel and psychotic murderer, but now he was portrayed as a mere man who was forced to resist and fight back.

Citizens following the incident were divided. Some understood Ajax's cruel actions, given Charles's initial attempted murder and destruction of his home. Others believed that committing a crime was unforgivable no matter what, especially considering that Ajax had even killed his own boss after he finished with Charles.

The sudden chaos caused by Ajax enveloped the entirety of Boirdale. The authorities diligently checked every possible hiding place, and the Ashlin Group increased their manpower for a large-scale search.

Unfortunately, their efforts proved futile as Ajax had long vanished without a trace. It wasn't until employees from the maintenance factory provided a clue that they learned a magnetic energy truck and many things from the warehouse were missing, likely used by Ajax after committing the crime.

This revelation sent a chill down the spine of the investigation's leader. It had been over ten hours since the crime had been committed, and if Ajax had driven away in a truck, then it meant that he was long gone.

Consequently, they expanded arrest warrants to cities within a thousand kilometers, conducted a broader inspection of road surveillance, and spread photos of the missing truck in major reports. Leonard even offered a substantial reward for any information regarding Ajax's whereabouts.

...

Ajax, unbeknownst to the ongoing chaos he had caused, had driven the truck nearly 800 kilometers without encountering any obstacles. He was close to Buron and planned to stay there for a few days.

Buron held memories of Ajax's childhood, as he had grown up in an orphanage there before seeking greener pastures in Boirdale. Returning to familiar roads and signs, Ajax suddenly remembered something, made a right at an intersection, and drove into the garbage incineration plant.

The plant, filled with the stench of urban garbage, operated 24 hours a day, with a solitary strong man nicknamed Black Hand, maintaining its operation. Black Hand was engrossed in watching the news about Ajax, oblivious to the approaching vehicle. When he finally saw the truck he shouted for the driver to dump the garbage elsewhere.

Recognizing the figure, Ajax grinned, parked the truck, and approached Black Hand.

"Hey, didn't you hear what I just said?" Black Hand, seemingly annoyed, turned around and froze upon seeing Ajax.

"Uncle Dion, long time no see," Ajax greeted.

Black Hand, whose name was Samson Dion, had known Ajax since his orphanage days. He smiled heartily and embraced him. Of course, he wouldn't turn his back on him, after all, Black Hand had supported Ajax throughout his early life and saw the kid grow up.

The two separated as Ajax started to explain his situation, and Black Hand, knowing Ajax's character, discussed the challenges ahead. Ajax expressed his plan to go to Buron first and then possibly head to the border if necessary. Black Hand warned that Buron wouldn't be safe, given the widespread search for him.

With a wry smile, Ajax acknowledged the difficulty but asserted his ability to protect himself with a mecha. Despite having grown taller than Black Hand, he remained the child who had once relied on his selfless support.