Chapter 213: Ethan Blake’s Dilemma

Chapter 213: Ethan Blake's Dilemma

Ethan Blake allowed a faint smile to play at the corners of his lips as he adjusted the collar of his security uniform. He replied tersely into his phone, "Keep up the good work," and ended the call.

He then picked up his radio and broadcasted to his team:

"Happy New Year, everyone. Once this shift ends, drinks are on me!"

A chorus of cheers erupted from the radio.

There was an old saying: A lax officer leads a lax team; a sharp officer leads a sharp team.

In the same vein, Ethan's hands-on approach and relentless commitment had inspired the security and military officers of South Sea City to perform far better than their counterparts in other cities.

Just then, a young voice crackled through the radio:

"Deputy Director Blake, there's movement at Gate 2. A group of people is approaching."

Ethan's brows furrowed at the report.

Refugees?

There hadn't been any recent reports of monsters overrunning nearby towns, so the idea of refugees didn't add up.

He made his way toward Gate 2, where several security officers were already stationed.

One officer, distinguishable by his vertical-slit pupils, saluted sharply upon Ethan's arrival. His ability, Eagle Sight, allowed him to see clearly and at great distances, even at night.

It was this officer who had first spotted the approaching group.

Ethan himself possessed two talents: Bull Form from his Spirit Beast fruit and Enhanced Senses.

Activating his abilities, his senses sharpened far beyond human limits.

Through his heightened vision, Ethan observed the approaching group. They were dressed in tattered clothing, resembling beggars.

But something was off.

Their steps were steady, and they moved without fear of the night.

And in this world, where the darkness outside the city walls was teeming with monsters, fearlessness in the night was unnatural.

"Fire a warning shot," Ethan ordered.

One of the officers raised his rifle and fired into the air.

The group halted in their tracks. One of them stepped forward, gesturing animatedly toward Ethan as if trying to explain something.

Ethan's enhanced hearing picked up the words clearly despite the distance:

"We're villagers from a nearby settlement. Monsters attacked our village this evening, and we've been fleeing ever since."

Ethan called out loudly, his voice echoing across the gate:

"Which village?"

The ragged man hesitated briefly before responding,

"From the village near Great Ridge Mountain."

Ethan let out a cold laugh.

"Prepare the heavy artillery," he ordered.

The security officers on the wall immediately tensed, pointing their weapons at the so-called "refugees."

The ragged man's face contorted with confusion and anger. He shouted,

"Didn't they say South Sea City would take in refugees?

Why are you doing this to us?!"

One of the officers, holding a megaphone, responded with a mocking tone:

"Great Ridge Mountain? That village was wiped out by monsters three months ago.

Attacked by monsters this evening, you say?

Let me tell you something—our team monitors the status of every village within a hundred miles of South Sea City.

Refugees? I'd say you're a gang of awakened criminals posing as villagers!"

Ethan made it a point to send patrols to survey the surrounding areas daily, ensuring that his officers memorized the status of every nearby settlement.

The "refugees" were dumbfounded.

In most cities, officers wouldn't bother with the state of nearby villages, preferring to indulge in their comforts.

Mistaking South Sea City's officers for the same lazy sort was their critical error, giving them the confidence to spin such an obvious lie.

The ragged man's expression darkened. He pulled out a phone and made a call.

Minutes later, he put away his phone and stared at Ethan with a provocative smirk.

Ethan's phone began to ring. Frowning, he answered:

"Hello, Director. This is Ethan Blake."

On the other end was the cheerful voice of the Security Bureau's director, Reed Richards:

"Ah, Ethan! Working on New Year's Eve, are we?

You need to take better care of yourself!

You're the deputy director now—there's no need for you to personally stand watch.

Come on, relax. What could possibly happen on a night like this?

Why don't you come over to my place? Let's have New Year's dinner together."

Ethan's tone was cold as he replied,

"We can't afford to be complacent these days."

Reed Richards chuckled and continued,

"Come on, Ethan. If not for your own sake, then think about the other officers. They deserve a break, don't you think?"

Reed Richards' tone softened, almost as if he were a caring older brother.

"Ethan, think about the other officers if not yourself. Who wouldn't want to spend New Year's Eve with their family in a warm home?

Don't overdo it. There are security bureau managers in the city, so nothing's going to happen.

I've booked a private room at the South Sea Seafood Buffet Hotel. Let Sarah take the team for a drink.

You come to my house; your sister-in-law even brought out some of the wine I've been saving for years."

Ethan remained stoic as he replied,

"Thank you for the kind invitation, Director, but the drinks can wait until the second day of the New Year.

There's a situation outside the city gates. I need to handle it first."

Reed's tone turned anxious.

"Wait, hold on.

Ethan, those people outside—they're friends of mine, folks from my hometown.

It's New Year's, and I wanted them to celebrate with me.

Just let them in, will you?"

Ethan's gaze darkened.

"No. According to security regulations, the city gates cannot be opened at night except for emergencies."

The other end of the line went silent for a moment. When Reed spoke again, his voice was somber and low.

"Ethan, are you really going to deny me this favor?"

Ethan responded coolly,

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now."

Reed's voice flared with anger.

"Ethan! Who's the director here, you or me?!

Don't mistake my patience for weakness!

Do you believe I can't file a report and have you removed from your deputy position?"

Ethan's eyes grew colder, his tone icy as he replied,

"When I was the captain of the Security Division, Director Welma said the same thing to me."

Reed's voice rose in frustration,

"Ethan! You don't understand who you're dealing with—"

Before Reed could finish, Ethan cut him off and ended the call.

He stared icily at the group below the city walls.

The security officers had already unlocked the safeties on their heavy weaponry, and their weapons were aimed directly at the group.

The supposed "refugee" leader twitched slightly at the sight, then turned back to someone behind him, speaking deferentially.

"This one's a stubborn fool. Reed Richards can't control him."

Behind him, another figure emerged, also clad in tattered clothing. Upon closer inspection, red fabric peeked through the tears in his attire.

The faint outline of a crescent moon was embroidered on his chest.

They were disciples of the Moon Worship Sect.

Since the Security Bureau began operations in South Sea City, the city had been placed under secondary alert status.

All entries and exits from the city required detailed registration.

The Moon Worship Sect disciples had no records with the Security Bureau.

Flying over the city walls under the radar would be equally risky—if even one of them was detected, it would jeopardize the entire operation.

So, they planned to infiltrate South Sea City on New Year's Eve, counting on the city's relaxation during the celebrations. Dividing into two groups, they attempted to enter through both the New and Old Town gates.

Unfortunately for them, they ran into Ethan Blake—a man who didn't sleep or indulge on New Year's Eve. He had intercepted them at the gate.

Realizing there was no way into the city tonight, the Moon Worship Sect leader's expression turned icy. He glared at Ethan and made a slicing motion across his throat.

His voice dropped to a venomous whisper.

"When the Security Bureau leaves South Sea, I'll make sure your head is mine."

With that, he turned and began walking toward the Old Town gates, hoping for better luck there.

{W cop Ethan Blake!!}

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