I! Cleaner!

"Mm? Just like you!"

After reading the "Central Cross Theater Anomalous Cleaning Incident Report" on the table, the Red-haired Director couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. He looked at Leon with full approval and said,

"I've been away for just over two days, and not only did you catch Aquarius Director's leftover tricks in the Capital City, but you also resolved an out-of-control anomalous object while watching a show... Well done!

Haha, the year has just started, and you've already solved so many problems. This is definitely a good omen. It looks like our bureau's performance this year will be soaring!"

Soaring...

"I hope so..."

Hearing this less-than-perfectly-positive phrase, Leon's mouth twitched slightly. He then took the initiative to change the subject, asking,

"By the way, Director, how did your meeting go these past two days? Has the Central Bureau decided how to deal with the Aquarius Director?"

"I suppose they have decided..."

Hearing this, the Red-haired Director couldn't help but pout slightly, then said with some frustration,

"After a discussion among the three Directors, they decided to use two numbered anomalous objects against him, namely, number 017 [Directive List] and number 049 [Netherworld Streetlight].

The first one is a paper list, and once someone's name is written on it, the list will be sent to him. The person instructed must then act according to the behavior written on the list at a specified time and location.

The latter is a street lamp that connects to the Realm of the Dead. As long as someone stands under its light and is illuminated all night, when the sun rises and the streetlight goes out, no matter how long they still have to live, their soul will be forcibly stripped away and sent to the Realm of the Dead."

"..."

Man, that sure is a sneaky tactic...

After hearing the Red-haired Director's words, Leon pondered briefly and quickly understood the Directors' plan.

Given the effects of these two anomalous objects, they likely planned to write Aquarius Director's name on the [Directive List] first, and then require him to go at a specified time to be illuminated by the [Netherworld Streetlight], directly sending him off in one swift move to that so-called Realm of the Dead.

"Isn't that a good thing?"

Seeing the Red-haired Director's obvious displeasure, Leon couldn't help but ask,

"If the three Directors have decided to do this, surely they believe these two anomalous objects can thoroughly get rid of Aquarius Director. Wouldn't it be great to just eliminate him this way?"

"If we could really just eliminate Aquarius Director like that, then I wouldn't be so troubled... Sit down."

He gestured towards the sofa in the office, indicating for Leon to sit, then took a swig from a bottle on the table. Rubbing his temples, he said with some helplessness,

"Combining 017 and 049 is truly terrifying. Especially with the [Directive List] being activated by the combined force of all three Directors, it could normally compel a dozen True Gods to collectively surrender. Even the bureau's strongest, Aries Director, couldn't withstand it and would have to obediently wait for death under the [Netherworld Streetlight].

But when it comes to dealing with Aquarius Director, I just don't feel assured. His power isn't particularly strong, not even as strong as some Directors of Zodiac. But over the decades, who knows how many anomalous objects he's created. He has too many random and bizarre methods, always leaving one feeling unsettled."

At this point, the Red-haired Director took another swig of his drink, furrowing his brows as he spoke to Leon,

"The combination of 017 and 049 is a frequently used set of anomalous objects, so Aquarius Director surely knows about them. Moreover, the [Directive List] being an instruction-type anomalous object has to be delivered to his hands and complete the 'issuance' process before it can take effect.

So, if he prepares in advance, like during the inquiry, creating some targeted anomalous objects, such as something like 'absolutely can't receive mail,' 'can't see the contents of the mail,' or 'doesn't recognize words,' and whatnot, even if the [Directive List] manages to act on him forcibly, its effectiveness would be greatly diminished. It may not completely eliminate him."

"..."

Could it really go down like this?

After hearing the Red-haired Director's concerns, Leon pondered for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, Aquarius Director has too many tricks, and he's prepared for many years to ascend to the Watcher's Palace. No one knows what trump cards he's still holding...

Uh, by the way, Director, if you don't mind... could you..."

"I understand what you're trying to say, but that's not a viable option."

Seeing Leon's hesitant expression, the Red-haired Director's eyes darkened slightly, and he shook his head, saying,

"You want me to go upstairs, open the [Twelve Ant Nests], then find the ant corresponding to Aquarius Director among those that correspond to all humans, and directly squish it to kill him, right?

Frankly, I've considered that too. However, although I'm the holder of [Twelve Ant Nests], I don't have the authority to use it alone. Only with the approval of the Directors can I open [Twelve Ant Nests].

And even with permission, to directly kill Aquarius Director with this item requires twice his strength to suppress the resistance of the ant representing him for a stable kill. I can't do that alone."

So... we can only gamble that Aquarius doesn't have a backup plan and will obediently walk into the trap under the power of the [Directive List]?

...

"Alright, though the Central Bureau's plan might not be foolproof, you shouldn't dwell too much on this matter."

Seeing Leon's furrowed brow, the Red-haired Director comforted him, saying,

"The most dangerous time for the Aquarius Director was when the Central Bureau didn't know he planned to take the Watcher's Palace. Now that the Central Bureau is aware of his goal, there's no way he can succeed.

At present, the Central Bureau's vigilance has been raised to the highest level. In the six months before the Ascension, Taurus His Excellency definitely won't leave the Central Bureau. The other two Directors will also stay, fully employing the Central Bureau's anomalous shielding capabilities.

In such conditions, even if Aquarius Director were ten times stronger, he still couldn't ascend to the Central Bureau. And as long as he doesn't meet Taurus His Excellency, he naturally can't replace Taurus as the Ascending One."

At this point, the Red-haired Director sighed, saying,

"To be honest, reflecting on it now, the Directors' choice is actually correct. For the Central Bureau and all of humanity, what's truly important is not dealing with Aquarius Director but ensuring the safe operation of the [Watcher's Palace].

So rather than taking the risk of being ambushed or entrapped, trying to capture Aquarius Director globally, it's much more prudent for the three to secure the Central Bureau, then deal with him after Taurus His Excellency safely ascends.

It's only half a year, after all. As long as you don't give Aquarius Director the chance to act in these six months, let Taurus His Excellency steadily ascend to the Watcher's Palace, there will be plenty of time to deal with him afterward."

"..."

That's how it goes, but for some reason, this cautious decision by the bureau feels just as unreliable as when you said our division's performance would be soaring this year.