American comic book: I, with my abundant martial virtue, love to do good to others.

Chapter 231 The Ultimate Plan

"Kate, what's going on?" Lynn asked urgently.

"Lynn, I found some clues in an old news article," Kate said excitedly. "The mark of the red rose wasn't just a random choice. It was once the symbol of a workers' organization that opposed capitalist exploitation a hundred years ago, but was later bloodily suppressed."

Lynn gripped her phone tightly: "Go on."

"The survivors of this organization may have gone into hiding," Kate continued. "And now, these people behind the serial killers may have inherited the spirit of the Red Rose, directing their anger towards those they perceive as symbols of evil—such as businessmen, the powerful, or even ordinary people, as long as they see these people as symbols of 'corruption.'"

Lynn took a deep breath, quickly processing the information in his mind: "This explains their modus operandi and objectives—they don't kill randomly, but are driven by a deep-seated belief in hatred."

“That’s right,” Kate added, “but it also shows that they believe their killings are justified, a way to continue an unfinished mission. This is not just a crime, but an extreme ideology.”

Lynn nodded, his gaze sharp. "Kate, this lead is extremely important. It means that the Rose Overlord may not just be the head of a criminal gang; he could very well be the leader of this 'New Red Rose' movement."

“I’ve made another discovery,” Kate hesitated for a moment before adding, “The organization’s last stronghold before its disbandment was in an abandoned church in Manhattan’s East Side. Perhaps that was the key location where the Rose Lord was hiding.”

Lynn quickly assembled an FBI task force, incorporating the intelligence provided by Kate into the operational plan. The target was a long-abandoned church in Manhattan's East Side.

"This could be the Rose Overlord's command center," Lynn said at the war council. "We must proceed with caution. If they are still here, this operation could be extremely dangerous."

The team quickly set off. The church was dilapidated, and a sinister atmosphere hung over the area. Lynn led the way inside, walking step by step past broken pews and a dusty altar.

"There has been activity here," Carter said in a low voice, pointing to the fresh footprints on the ground.

Lynn nodded, signaling his team to continue the search. They followed the path inside the church to the basement.

A hidden iron gate was discovered.

"This place is suspicious," Carter said.

Lynn gestured to his team to use tools to pry open the iron door. Behind the door was a narrow tunnel leading to a spacious basement. The basement was filled with documents, maps, and a running computer.

"These are—" Carter opened a document, a look of shock flashing in his eyes, "detailed information on the city's celebrities, their whereabouts and schedules are all recorded in detail."

"The Rose Overlord is monitoring their targets," Lynn said coldly. "This means the next operation is already in the works."

The data on the computers thrilled the tech team. After a quick decryption, they discovered Rose Dominator's next plan: a full-scale attack on Manhattan's financial center.

"This isn't just about explosions or killings; they're trying to cripple the entire city's financial system," Lynn said.

His gaze was chilling.

"Moreover," Carter added, "based on this data, the Rose Overlord is very likely personally directing this plan."

A cold glint flashed in Lynn's eyes: "This is our chance to seize him. Notify all departments, launch a full-scale operation; Manhattan's financial center will be our final battlefield."

The net of the Rose Lord is tightening, and Lynn is determined to tear this conspiracy apart completely.

The atmosphere was heavy in the FBI Manhattan branch conference room early in the morning. All the agents were gathered together, and the screen displayed a detailed layout of the Manhattan financial center, as well as the latest intelligence from the Rose Domination organization.

Lynn stood in the center, pointing to a key area on the screen: "Based on Kate's findings and the intelligence we obtained from the church basement, the Rose Dominator's plan is to destroy the core data repository of Manhattan's financial center and create widespread panic through a series of bombings. This is not only a blow to the city, but also a deadly threat to the national economy."

Carter continued, "Their methods are extremely sophisticated, from security loopholes to timed detonation devices; everything is meticulously designed. And according to our declassified information, the Rose Overlord is very likely personally directing this operation."

Lynn's eyes sharpened: "This means this is our only chance. Capturing him is not only the key to stopping this attack, but also the key to ending this organization."

The screen switched to the operation plan, and Lynn continued, "We have two objectives: first, to ensure all explosive devices are removed before the operation begins; second, to capture the Rose Overlord alive, no matter what. He is the core of the entire organization, and we need him to reveal all the details behind the scenes."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Once the operation begins, each group must strictly adhere to its assigned tasks. No one is permitted to act without authorization. Does everyone understand?"

"Understood, Inspector!" The unanimous response was full of strength.

That evening, security was quietly deployed around the Manhattan Financial Center, with multiple teams from the FBI and local police lying in wait. The building's lights remained on, and the outside world was completely unaware of the impending crisis.

Lynn sat in the makeshift command vehicle, monitoring every camera inside the financial center. They had already identified several suspicious individuals, all mutants on the previous suspect list.

"Target one has entered the building's underground storage facility, and target two is patrolling the outer perimeter," the technician reported. "We haven't spotted the Rose Overlord yet."

"He will show up," Lynn said coldly. "His beliefs won't allow him to stand idly by."

At 1 a.m., the first suspect opened the door to the underground storage facility. His movements were practiced and skillful, clearly demonstrating his familiarity with the building's structure.

"All teams, prepare to move out," Lynn commanded through the headset.

Carter led the bomb disposal team into the underground level and quickly located the first explosive device. They worked intensely, racing against time.

Meanwhile, Lynn personally led a team into the top-floor monitoring room, attempting to pinpoint the exact location of the Rose Overlord. Suddenly, a technician reported, "Detective, we've discovered a third homing target; it's moving through the underground ventilation system."

"Locate his position," Lynn ordered immediately. "Don't let him get close to the core storage area."

Just as all the teams were carrying out their mission with great tension, Carter's voice came through Lynn's earpiece: "Lynn, a person wearing a mask has been found outside the underground storage facility. It should be the Rose Overlord."

Lynn's gaze turned cold: "Is it confirmed?"

"Yes, he's inspecting the explosive device," Carter replied. "It looks like he's personally ensuring the plan executes."

"Don't alert them," Lynn said decisively. "I'll do it myself."

Lynn led his team stealthily toward the underground storage facility. When he pushed open the door, he saw a tall figure wearing a dark red mask standing in front of the explosive device, his hands rapidly adjusting the fuse.

"Rose Overlord," Lynn shouted coldly, pointing his gun at the other man.

The masked man slowly turned around, his voice low and mocking: "Detective Lynn, I knew you would come, but you're too late."

"Put down the device." Lynn approached step by step, his gaze sharp as a knife. "Your plan has failed. All the exits are blocked. You can't escape."

"Failure?" The Rose Sovereign chuckled. "Detective, do you really think that capturing a few henchmen will bring us down? You underestimate the power of faith."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly pressed a switch on his waist. Lynn reacted instantly, firing a shot into his wrist, and the device fell from his hand.

"Action team, handle the explosive device immediately!" Lynn shouted as he rushed toward Rose Overlord.

The two engaged in a fierce struggle. The Rose Overlord was exceptionally agile, clearly having undergone professional training. He forcefully pinned Lynn to the ground, attempting to regain control of the switch.

"You will ultimately be unable to stop the purification!" the Rose Sovereign roared.

"Purification?" Lynn roared in retaliation, slamming him heavily to the ground. "Your purification is nothing but a disguise for slaughter and terror!"

The Rose Lord struggled violently, but Lynn finally subdued him and took his hands in her grasp.

With the explosive device successfully defused, the FBI gained full control of the financial center. The capture of Rose Dominator completely thwarted the organization's plans.

When the mask was removed, Lynn saw a familiar face—Elliot Weiss.

"It's you." Lynn's gaze was cold, and his tone was low.

"It's me, Lynn," Elliott said softly, his eyes still stubborn, "but you can't win."

My faith will not end because of my failure.

"Your beliefs? They're ultimately wrong," Lynn said coldly. "What this city needs is justice."

It wasn't a massacre.

With Elliott taken away, the Manhattan night sky returned to calm.

Lynn sat at the table in the interrogation room, opposite Elliott Weiss, who was slumped in a chair. His mask had long been removed, revealing weariness and resentment on his face, but his eyes still held a stubborn glint. The room was empty except for the two of them; the atmosphere was oppressively quiet.

Lynn stared at Elliott, his voice low but powerful: "Elliott, all the evidence points to you. You have nowhere to run. Now is your chance. Tell everything, and maybe you can retain some dignity."

Elliott raised his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips: "Dignity? Do you think I still have any dignity to speak of? In your eyes, I'm nothing but a madman, a terrorist."

Lynn was not provoked; his voice remained calm: "Perhaps you believe you are fighting for justice..."

But killing innocent people and creating panic is not justice; it's indiscriminate killing. Tell me, why do this? What exactly does the Rose Dominator represent?

A flicker of doubt crossed Elliott's eyes. He said softly, "You'll never understand, Lynn. This isn't terrorism; this is rebellion. The red rose was once a symbol of hope, but in the hands of those in power, it became a symbol of sacrifice. We must give it new meaning."

Lynn moved closer to the table, his tone softening slightly: "Elliot, I know the history of the Red Rose. It does represent resistance and sacrifice, but that was against the real oppressors, not the innocent. Did those you killed really deserve to die?"

Elliott was silent for a moment, then lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly: "They are not innocent. Do you know what they have done? Those so-called rich and powerful people, they buy and sell lives on the black market, they fund wars, they exploit the poorest people. And the law? The law has never touched them."

"So you think you're above the law?" Lynn's tone was icy. "You and your organization call yourselves judges, but do you really know the whole truth about those victims? Or are you convicting them based on only partial information?"

Elliott looked up, his eyes filled with struggle: "I've investigated their crimes, I've seen the evidence! If we don't act, this world will never change."

"Is that so?" Lynn's tone softened. "What about the ordinary people who were injured or lost their families because of the explosions and attacks? You've hurt not only so-called 'villains,' but countless innocent people as well. Is your action really worth it?"

Elliott opened his mouth, but didn't answer immediately. His expression became complicated, as if he were beginning to question his own faith for the first time.

Lynn pressed his advantage, continuing, "Elliot, I don't deny that there are problems in this world, nor do I deny the injustices you see, but your methods will only bring more chaos and suffering. Tell me the whole plan of the Rose Lord. Let's stop more tragedies from happening."

Elliott remained silent for a long time, then finally sighed and spoke: "Fine, Lynn, you win. I can tell you everything, but you'll never understand why we did it."

Lynn didn't interrupt him, but just listened quietly.

"Our organization consists of several core groups, each with its own mission. The red rose symbol is not just a symbol, but a warning. Every attack is a signal to the powerful—their safety is no longer a given."

"What about Manhattan's financial district?" Lynn pressed. "Why did you choose that as your target?"

Elliott said in a low voice, "That's one of the Rose Dominator's ultimate plans. Destroying the financial center is not only to create panic, but also to paralyze the system and shake the foundations of their power."

"Any other plans?" Lynn continued to ask.

Elliot nodded: "Two more operations are in the works. One in Los Angeles, the other in Chicago. The targets are critical infrastructure in various locations."

Lynn's brow furrowed even more: "Who are the ones carrying out these plans?"

Elliott gritted his teeth and finally said, "They were mutants I personally selected, and each of them believed in this faith. But they didn't know that their actions would sacrifice many more innocent people. I didn't tell them the whole truth."

Lynn stared at Elliott, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "So you know, these actions aren't about change at all, but just about amplifying fear."

A hint of pain flashed in Elliott's eyes, and he finally lowered his head: "Perhaps. But now, I have nowhere to turn."