Chapter 438: Taking an Unconventional Path

In the Metaverse.

Yet another meeting was being held in that same mysterious conference room.

As usual, those partaking in the meeting were arguing with one another, and it seemed that they knew no other way to communicate. However, this also seemed to have been very effective as it allowed them to cut straight to the chase rather than wasting any time with small talk.

The civilized facade was only kept up for less than two minutes before insults began to fly in all directions.

𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

The table was receiving a vicious pounding from multiple fists, and it seemed that whoever made the most noise would receive the most attention.

"What did I tell all of you? If we're gonna go after him, then we have to make sure to take him down in one fell swoop! We played right into his hands!"

"Yeah, yeah, you're always right, except for the majority of the time, when you're dead wrong!"

"Who was saying that they could easily take him down? He's uncovered that entire factory, and I don't see him suffering any consequences for it!"

"Wasn't he captured on all of our cameras? We can accuse him of trespassing on foreign territory and private property, as well as harming innocent civilians!"

"Are you an idiot? He didn't show his face even once in front of our cameras! How can we accuse him of anything?"

"There's no point in arguing about all of this. As I've always been saying, we should just find someone to take him out directly, and all of our troubles will disappear!"

"Then go do it! All you ever do is run your mouth!"

"This is not something for me to do on my own! Everyone has a part in this, isn't that right?"

"Right my arse! He's basically holding a gun to our heads, and we're still here arguing about whether we should get serious about all of this. When are all of you going to finally realize that he poses a serious threat?"

"I think we should all think about how to deal with the controversy that's surely to come from all of this. We need to minimize the damage as much as possible."

"I should've never expected that all of you would be able to work together, even on the most minor of things."

……

All of the chaotic voices were arguing back and forth, and nothing constructive was being said. Finally, as everyone grew tired of arguing, and the commotion began to die down, the person who had made the decision last time opened his mouth to speak.

"I'll admit that I underestimated him, and I'm willing to accept culpability for half of the losses that we suffered from this failure. However..."

He raised a hand before anyone could start speaking again, and the vicious look in his eyes silenced everyone that was about to hurl insults at him.

"However, I hope to continue to receive everyone's support and conduct a comprehensive re-evaluation of him. I also propose setting up a crisis group that's specifically responsible for quelling all of the trouble that he causes."

After a brief silence, 30% of the people present expressed their support of these ideas. After some more hesitation, another 20% pledged their support, and 10% were in opposition, while the remaining 40% were sitting on the fence.

In an almost unprecedented turn of events, a proposal was approved on the first go.

However, more arguing began to take place over the personnel selection, leadership structure, and resource and profit distribution among the crisis group.

Having said that, it was already quite remarkable that they had reached this point at all.

"There's no need to panic. Let's think about what he could've possibly gotten from the factory and what consequences could arise even if he did get his hands on those things. He'll require funds and a pathway to disseminate this information, endorsements from authority figures, and a verdict from the legal departments."

There was no need to continue as everyone already knew what he was implying. All of the aforementioned areas were ones that they had control over.

In their eyes, there was no way that a blank slate would be able to truly threaten them, just because he had been fortunate enough to attain some psychic power.

"Let's see exactly what he's going to do. I hope he takes this case to court. I'm sure Herman Glenn would love to do another 400 days of community service."

Despite the heated arguments that frequently took place, everyone present was aware of just how much power they wielded. Essentially, they were only finding an excuse to gather together and have a chat.

……

At the election center.

Adam's office was very spacious, enough to fit all of the core employees working at the central hub.

She was looking at all of the managers and assistants who were busy at work with a bored look on her face, and she was feeling quite perplexed. Did these people not know that the majority of what they were doing was completely useless?

"What do you plan to do next? Organize another press conference to release the new evidence?"

In her eyes, the most straightforward and effective way to proceed was to show everyone the evidence they had gathered.

Toshiyuki Matsumara was holding the election schedule, inside of which most of the voter meet-and-greets and television interviews that he had suggested had already been canceled. According to his past experience, this was only something that a candidate did when they were essentially giving up on their campaign, and so it was a rather strange course of action, given how well Adam's campaign was going.

"I suggest that no matter what type of content we decide to release, we should pace ourselves. Otherwise, the general public could easily become desensitized to frequent revelations."

The attention of the general public was limited, and using similar things to repeatedly try and evoke emotional responses out of them could result in emotional exhaustion or even feelings of aversion.

Ultimately, the election was nothing more than an interesting spectacle for the vast majority of people. They knew that they couldn't decide anything, and they were only participating to give themselves some slight sense of hope.

Adam was gently tapping the table with a mysterious smile on his face and a determined look in his eyes.

"If everything goes according to plan, we have no chances of success whatsoever. Hence, we need to turn to some unconventional means to shake things up. The general public doesn't like to see monotony and repetition. Everyone is chasing the next new thing, and that's something that we can take advantage of."

This was a rather ambiguous sentiment, and it sounded like he had a plan, but Toshiyuki Matsumara had no idea what it was. He couldn't help but feel as if taking on this job had been a grave mistake.

However, this was also a completely unique experience, and it seemed that taking occasional detours in life like this one wasn't a bad idea.

……

The next day, Adam commenced a new operation.

He put on his psychic police officer uniform, then assembled his team and drove toward Area 48 in an open and blatant manner in his private vehicle.

Given how massive Sandrise City was, it would've taken at least two hours to drive to his destination, and if he wanted to capture someone from Area 48, they would've had plenty of time to get away.

Independent reporter Shivani had been invited to accompany Adam, and she was very excited.

"I thought you didn't require my services anymore."

Adam's status was completely different from in the past. At the moment, he was surrounded by an exceptional team, so she had thought that she had been made redundant.

"Don't underestimate yourself. In certain niche fields, you're more influential than anyone else," Adam said in a very earnest fashion.

"Is that so? I just want to be of help."

Shivani was giddy with the joy of being needed, and she almost forgot to ask about the objective of this operation. Given her past experience, her opinion was that Adam's actions were a little unconventional.

"I made a promise to the voters, and I have to deliver. This is just a small appetizer for what's to come."

He didn't directly reveal what his plan was, and Shivani understood the need to keep things confidential.

Area 48 was the largest economic central hub in Sandrise City, perhaps even the entire world.

Following the previous world war, it had taken over the economic operations of roughly 80% of the world, and all those who had made a name for themselves there were considered to be the elite of the elite, making them comparable in status to some politicians.

Hence, as Adam and his team stormed into a skyscraper in Area 48 and flashed his special psychic police officer badge at the manager inside, the latter couldn't help but burst into incredulous laughter.

"Is this supposed to be some type of joke? Do you know what this place is? Do you know who I am?"

In the face of his haughty attitude, Adam wore a serious expression as he declared, "Mr. Ivan Whistler, we have sufficient evidence to indicate that you have been providing financial services to an illegal international organ smuggling organization. I'll need you to cooperate and come with us."