Asura in Arknights

Daisy opened her mouth, but then hesitated, as if she wanted to say something.

For Destreet, it was more than just a notebook; it contained many shady secrets that she had uncovered through the internal channels of Long Ridge Law Firm. If these secrets were to be leaked, her career would be ruined.

And... if Destreet is not mistaken, someone has already seen her notebook.

Destle looked at Shuiyue with a complicated expression. It wasn't just enemies who had appeared in her house before.

Right now, they probably just want to make their stance clear.

Shuiyue keenly noticed Destreet's gaze, calmly glanced to the side, and pretended that she hadn't heard anything, almost crossing her legs and whistling.

"..."

Seeing that Destreet was still hesitant, Leon raised an eyebrow.

To be honest, Desty was somewhat stubborn and wouldn't admit her mistake until she was faced with a fatal accident. If Shuiyue hadn't happened to save her, Li Ang would probably have seen her obituary on the Changjiang Law Firm's official website by dawn.

Even though she's already faced a life-or-death crisis, she still hasn't given up. I don't know whether to say she's fearless or just incredibly loyal.

As Destreet remained silent, just as Li Ang hesitated whether to be more assertive, Adele suddenly handed her phone to Destreet.

“Destreet, I know you must be feeling very confused right now. But don’t worry, I just saw this on the intercity network and I think it’s necessary for you to see it.”

Perhaps to avoid upsetting Desmond, Adele softened her voice.

Destle hesitated for a moment, but she put down her cup and took Adele's phone.

As Destreet's finger continued to slide down the screen, her expression grew increasingly grim, even worse than when she had first entered the room.

"How could this happen... How could they..."

Destreet muttered to herself, looking utterly devastated.

What did you show her?

Li Ang couldn't help but feel curious, so he leaned close to Adele's ear and whispered a question.

What could Adele's phone possibly have that could scare Destle like this? Li Ang thought that even if he tried to intimidate Destle himself, it wouldn't be as effective as Adele's trick.

"It's a news item that was just released not long ago."

After pushing Li Ang away slightly, Adele whispered, "What happened at Destle's house has been discovered. The Long Ridge Law Firm issued a notice half an hour ago announcing that top lawyer Destle had unfortunately passed away in this terrorist attack."

"Wow, that's ruthless?"

Li Ang couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. Had Destle been 'killed' outright?

Just now, Li Ang was thinking that if Shuiyue hadn't gone to save her, he probably would have seen her obituary tomorrow morning.

Unexpectedly, Li Ang underestimated the speed of those people. Calculating the approximate time, it was probably only a few minutes after Destreet was attacked that Long Ridge Law Firm had already impatiently announced Destreet's death. Li Ang simply did not believe that there was nothing fishy going on.

However, this is not necessarily a bad thing for them, as it can help Destle come to terms with reality.

"It seems I have no other choice."

Destle sighed dejectedly and handed Adele's phone. "I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Li Ang also took the phone and looked at it, finding that it was a joint announcement issued by the Knights Association, Long Reins Law Firm, and the Meshko Group.

The Knights Association announced the preliminary findings of the on-site investigation, as well as the deaths of Destreet and several other residents. They characterized the incident as a terrorist attack launched by infected individuals in retaliation for the court's verdict, and arrested the perpetrator on the spot.

Long Ridge Law Firm expressed its deepest condolences for the loss of an excellent lawyer and strongly condemned the infected group that committed this heinous act. As for the Meshko Group… of course, they bowed and apologized, deeply regretting the inadequate security at the apartment complex.

At the end of the article, a photo from the scene was also attached.

The photo was taken from downstairs, and it is very clear that Desmond's room has completely disappeared, replaced by a large hole that is still emitting black smoke.

It seems that after Shuiyue took Destle away, those people, in order to destroy the evidence, simply detonated a high-yield bomb in Destle's room, which also affected several neighboring households. That's how the death list in the announcement came about.

The difference is that Destreet was merely 'dead,' while these people actually died in the explosion.

Leon felt a chill run down his spine, which reminded him of his escape from Letania.

Unlike the hunt they faced before, Destle is now facing a completely different kind of crushing defeat. Everyone from the referees to the contestants is an enemy. What can Destle use to fight against them?

Being 'dead' is not just a simple death notice. If Destle were to show her face now, she would likely be hunted down by the corporate private army.

The "security guards" privately employed by those large corporations are not necessarily weaker than regular troops; the Unarmored Alliance, which specializes in doing dirty work, is not even worthy of carrying their shoes.

Returning the phone to Adele, Leon couldn't help but sigh, "It seems like only a day has passed since we last met, right? What did you do to get these people to gang up on you?"

It was like poking a hole in a flea's nest.

"I...I don't know either..."

Destreet's voice sounded somewhat dry.

When Desmond saw the joint announcement, she knew she was doomed.

Destreet was filled with regret. Knowing there was a trap in this case, why did she continue to investigate?

She thought she was saving herself, but what was the truth? She slammed on the gas and plunged straight down the cliff.

What made Destreet even more upset was that she didn't even know what evidence she had. She might as well have just run away; at least that way she could have saved some of her assets.

Now look what's happened; her bank savings are about to be completely gone.

What worries Destreet even more is that losing her savings is a minor issue; her family could very well be implicated.

"Fine, show me your investigation results, and tell me what you did yesterday."

Seeing Destle's bewildered expression, Li Ang knew he wouldn't get anything out of her and it seemed they would have to investigate on their own.

Leon felt somewhat fortunate; the fact that Destle had attracted such intense scrutiny meant she must possess some very important clues.

If he hadn't made a timely decision and had delayed Shuiyue's arrival, he might have missed this lead.

"...The notebook is here."

This time, Destle didn't hesitate. She took out the somewhat worn notebook from her bosom and handed it to Li Ang.

That's more like it.

After all that effort, I finally won Destle's trust.

However, just as Li Ang was about to pick up the notebook, he suddenly couldn't lift it.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that Desmond Desmond was holding the notebook tightly in her hand, showing no intention of letting go.

"?"

A simple symbol is enough to express Li Ang's feelings at this moment.

Even though he's already handed over the laptop, he still won't let go. What is this guy trying to do?

"I……"

Destreet took a deep breath and mustered her courage to say, "I can give you the notebook, but I hope you can promise me one thing."

Even the most good-tempered person would start to get angry at such a flip-flopping, especially since she needed his help.

So, before the man in front of her could get angry, Destle spoke quickly, "My family may have been implicated because of me. I beg you for help. Just getting them out of Kazimierz will be enough."

As she spoke, Destle released her grip, allowing the notebook to fall into Li Ang's hands.

"Given your relationship with Boer Pharmaceuticals, this should be a trivial matter."

Perhaps because she needed something from her, Destreet's tone became extremely respectful.

The joint announcement clearly shows how big a mess she's made this time, yet these people show no sign of backing down and obviously want to continue the investigation.

Destreet was very clever. Recalling what she had seen and heard on Plot Zero that day, she realized that these people were definitely more than just hired private investigators. They must have a deeper relationship with Ball Pharmaceuticals.

Some clues can be seen from the room they are currently in. Although it has been cleaned very well, some details show that the room has obviously not been used for a long time.

For example, the coffee she just drank had a subtle taste that was clearly the kind of flavor you'd expect from instant coffee that was about to expire.

Because of her work, Destle needs to consume a lot of caffeine every day, and she noticed this detail as soon as she took a sip of that coffee.

Everything here...it's as if this room was temporarily put into use specifically to disguise the place as a private detective's place.

"……interesting."

Li Ang hadn't expected that Destreet had already guessed that their identities were fake. He was trying hard to suppress the urge to complain about this seemingly familiar request.

Do all entrepreneurs in Kazimir like to use family members to threaten others? However, Li Ang had to admit that although this tactic was despicable, it was quite effective.

As long as one shows even the slightest consideration for family ties, one will be hampered by this kind of threat.

Not long ago, someone made the same request to Li Ang, and Li Ang agreed.

That person is still working overtime in the office... No, working overtime until 5 a.m. is too much. The diligent secretary should have been asleep for a while now.

Li Ang felt it was time to send the newcomer to accompany the secretary while she worked overtime. Otherwise, Li Ang was worried that if things continued like this, the secretary might suddenly fall ill and never recover.

For the sake of sustainable development, let's find an assistant for the secretary.

Desty in front of me is quite good; she's become the youngest top lawyer in Kazimierz, so she must be quite capable.

The legal department is also a very important part of the company, so it's not a waste of Destreet's talent.

As for Destle's 'death'... Li Ang didn't take it to heart at all. After everything comes to light, who knows who will be crying?

It can't possibly be him.

With that in mind, Li Ang was already plotting how to trick Destle into signing a contract of servitude.

"This request isn't difficult; I can agree to it. But... what price are you willing to pay for it?"

"Let's get this straight, this notebook doesn't count. This is your life-saving money." Li Ang waved the notebook in his hand.

“…everything.” Descartes gritted her teeth. “Anyway, I have nothing left now.”

As long as you agree, that's fine.

Having grown up in Kazimierz, Destreet knew all too well that in this country, the only people who could stand up to the powerful entrepreneurs were the same entrepreneurs themselves.

Didn't you see that even the Securities and Futures Commission has to make concessions at every turn when dealing with business alliances? In a sense, those businessmen are the true masters of this country.

"Everything, gurgle—cough cough."

Li Ang smiled, and just as he was about to agree, he felt a sudden, heavy blow to his abdomen, and he couldn't help but make a strange sound.

It turned out that Adele, who was standing next to him, couldn't stand it anymore, so she quietly moved closer to Li Ang and gave him an elbow strike to the stomach.

Although he didn't use much force, Li Ang still obediently pretended to be knocked down and lay down on the sofa, handing over the initiative in the conversation to Adele.

"Don't listen to his nonsense, we will help protect your family."

Desmond Desmond glanced at Li Ang lying on the sofa and, seeing that he didn't object, finally felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulders.

"...Thank you. I will definitely repay you if I have the chance."

"What a pity... but let it be."

As he flipped through Destreet's notebook, Li Ang casually remarked something.

"Tell me your family's location, and I'll send someone to find them as soon as possible. As for whether we can make it in time... that's not something I can guarantee."

Destreet nodded solemnly, indicating that she was mentally prepared.

"As for you... stay here until everything is over. As long as you don't wander off, it's safe here for now."

Chapter Forty-Eight: Notes and Clues

This place is, after all, a safe house carefully prepared by the former Platinum King, so its seclusion is relatively guaranteed. Even if the Knights Association and the Commercial Union were to combine their efforts, they wouldn't be able to find it for a while.

Even the safest place can't stop people from deliberately courting death. However, the lawyer's will to survive is quite strong, and she's not one of those brainless supporting characters in movies used to showcase biodiversity.

However, after thinking for a moment, Li Ang added, "If you feel it's not safe here, I can send you to the Lin Guang family's manor. I have some personal connections with their patriarch, and I can let you stay there for a while."

Not to mention the Great Knight Territory, even across the entire continent of Terra, there is no place safer than Nearl Manor at this moment.

Two beast incarnations, a champion knight, and a working dog whose abilities exceed those of ordinary people—this level of treatment is probably only found in the war fortresses on the border of the Great Yan.

"I... I think I'll stay here."

Destle's face showed great struggle, clearly indicating that the Glorious Manor was very attractive to her, but in the end she decided to stay.

There was no time to guess what kind of internal struggle Destle had gone through; at this moment, Leon was completely absorbed by the contents of the notebook in his hand.

Since Destreet entered the profession, she seems to have never changed her notebook. It contains a lot of case analyses, and even if you just read it as a story, you can still enjoy it.

However, Li Ang was not there for that. He flipped directly to the last part of the notebook, looking at the section on the investigation into Boer Pharmaceuticals.

The further Li Ang read, the more alarmed he became.

Adams and Ayin, those two scoundrels, got together and did more than just human experimentation; they committed far worse things.