In Byrne's understanding, the so-called "Emperor's Runes" were a complex system with a long history passed down through the ages. They served both as visual totems of Imperial authority and as vital mediums for carrying psychic energy, transmitting the Emperor's will, and resisting Warp corruption. Aside from the iconic runes that embodied authority and faith, another category consisted of functional runes designed to channel psychic power.
Marco had produced the latter. Three chips sat on the table, each roughly the size of a playing card. Apart from the Aquila emblazoned at the top, each chip featured a unique color and a corresponding rune.
"The grey chip on the left is a Melee Rune. It significantly enhances the user's hand-to-hand combat skills and the effectiveness of melee weapons. It's suited for frontal assaults."
"The black one in the middle is a Barrier Rune. Its function is simple: by injecting psychic energy, it creates a personal psychic shield. This barrier deflects physical impacts and energy rays. It's an excellent tool for staying alive."
"The red chip on the right is a Perception Rune. Its function is more specialized; it only enhances the user's sensory range and insight."
After introducing the three runes, Marco took a sip of water and leaned back. "These three have different focuses; none is inherently superior. Byrne, the choice is yours."
Byrne stroked his chin, his mind racing as he stared at the chips. The Melee Rune sounded practical, but Byrne wasn't fond of fighting. With the effects of NZT-48, he preferred using his brain over his fists. During the desert test, he never chose a direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary; if he could win through strategy, he would never rely on brute force. Furthermore, as an apprentice, his current missions wouldn't be overly difficult, making frontal combat unlikely. Thus, he ruled out the Melee Rune first.
His gaze shifted to the remaining two. At first glance, the Barrier Rune's survival benefits were tempting. A psychic shield could provide security against heretical ambushes or sudden dangers. In unknown investigative missions, one never knew what the next second held; having such a talisman would undoubtedly boost his survival rate.
However, Byrne didn't intend to choose the Barrier Rune. He recalled his narrow escapes during the desert test. Every time he survived, it wasn't through tanking hits, but through keen intuition and accurate judgment. Whether it was sensing anomalies in the tunnels of the first outpost or predicting the direction of an ambush in the sandstorm, it all stemmed from precise perception. Now that he was an apprentice, a tool that could actively identify hidden threats suited his needs better than a passive shield.
"I've decided," Byrne said, reaching for the red chip. "I'll take the Perception Rune."
"Heh. Choosing the Perception Rune? Interesting." A flash of surprise crossed Marco's face at Byrne's choice.
"Most rookies prioritize direct offensive or defensive means like Melee or Barrier when they first get a choice. They forget that the most important qualities of a qualified investigator are predicting danger and sensing anomalies. You see things more clearly than most your age."
Marco stretched. "Equipment distribution is complete. Now, let's talk about your mission."
Byrne and Selena sat up straight. This mission was the key to their official promotion.
Marco gave a light cough. "Your objective is to find the missing person in this photograph: Tim."
Tim?
The name startled Byrne and Selena. They both looked down at the photo on the table. The young man in the picture had clear features and a shy smile, wearing faded freight worker coveralls. The background was a freight station in the outskirts of Blackstone City.
"Tim Hawkins. Twenty-seven years old. A freight driver. He was last seen three months ago and has since vanished into thin air. I want you to find his whereabouts within a week. I want him back alive, or I want his body."
It really is him.
Looking at the photo and hearing Marco's description, Byrne's lip twitched as a sense of absurdity washed over him.
Having finished, Marco stood up, grabbed his leather case, and headed for the door. Selena immediately stood up to follow him. "Captain, wait! Can you give us more information on Tim?"
Without looking back, Marco said, "I've told you everything I'm going to. This is your mission; how you complete it is up to you."
As Marco disappeared from the conference room, Selena slammed her fist on the table in frustration. "Damn it! How can he be like that?"
Byrne picked up the photo. "Selena, don't be angry. He did it on purpose."
"Why?" she asked, confused.
Byrne shrugged. "Simple. If every clue was laid out on the table, what would there be to test? They might as well just promote us directly."
Selena's frustration cooled as she thought it over. "You're right, Byrne. I was too impatient."
She rubbed her temples and sat back down. "Even so, with zero extra clues, finding someone who's been missing for over three months in just one week is incredibly difficult."
Byrne shook his head. "No. While we don't have much information, we know the most critical detail: the last place Tim was seen—the storage room in Old Anton's house."
1:00 PM. No. 79 Wisteria Street, Blackstone City.
Old Anton had just finished lunch and was watering the plants in his courtyard. Just then, the doorbell rang. He frowned, wondering who would be calling at this hour. Probably another potential tenant, he thought.
"Who is it?"
"Sir, please open up. I'm here to rent the house."
I knew it. I just hope this one isn't as nosy as that young man yesterday.
"Coming!" Old Anton set down his watering can, wiped his hands, and walked toward the gate. When he opened it and looked out, he froze.
Standing outside was Byrne.
"Young man... you... why are you back again?"
Byrne gave a sheepish grin. "Hehe. Sorry about that. I've changed my mind."