Deja vu

The golden-haired female assistant saw the people in the arena nodding, so she continued.

"Regarding him, I need to emphasize a few points."

"First, if we can obtain important information about him, we will receive a substantial reward, but this is not crucial."

"Second, while he is present, try not to look directly at him. I don't want any of you to be inexplicably controlled and do something irrational, forcing us to lose a compatriot on the way back." She paused, her tone low and filled with warning, "Or more than one."

Everyone except Smith felt their throats tighten, unconsciously swallowing a mouthful of saliva.

They were well aware that the golden-haired assistant was not joking.

This was serious.

Before leaving the Bit Seraph Nation, they had gathered for a meeting like today.

That meeting venue was more formal than this one, a well-furnished conference room.

Before entering the conference room, they were searched by fully-armed soldiers, went through a mental power test, and were interrogated in front of a thick book.

The content of the meeting was Mr. Johnson recounting his harrowing experience of falling victim to Qi Yuan's illusions.

The haggard-looking Mr. Johnson appeared completely different from before. The phrase he repeated the most was, "That damned illusion felt as real as every day of my life."

The content was worthless, with Mr. Johnson merely repeating similar words over and over again.

Finally, he snapped, howling, "All the instruments tell me this isn't an illusion now, but that's what I thought that day too!"

"What's real? What's that damned illusion! I can't tell anymore!"

His eyes were bloodshot, his expression manic, making it hard to connect him with the previously confident superhuman.

These people couldn't help but associate it with the experience of dreams within dreams.

Upon waking from such dreams, they too would be dazed like Mr. Johnson, unable to discern whether they were still dreaming or awake.

The previous meeting did not avoid mentioning his name directly, so they hadn't reacted at first.

Now, after being solemnly warned, they finally realized what it meant to enter this place.

"Why didn't you tell us before we left the Bit Seraph Nation?"

A young man angrily stood up and questioned.

He suspected the Bit Seraph Nation's higher-ups had done this intentionally.

No wonder there were no romantic encounters with privileged ladies or arrogant young masters abusing their power on this trip!

The golden-haired assistant smoothed her long hair, her gaze fixed on him as she spoke calmly and sadly.

"I'm here too, aren't I? Along with Mr. Smith."

She skillfully avoided his question, aligning herself with him in the same camp, implying that she too was being oppressed.

Whether her situation was as she claimed remained unknown.

The young man was soothed by her tone; most men found it hard to stay angry when a beautiful woman spoke softly and reassuringly.

He plopped back into his seat, remaining silent.

"Third, don't actively seek information about him, including searching for him online."

"Fourth, don't say his name or title. If you must, use an alternative."

"Finally, if you feel you've fallen under an illusion, immediately inform us. We have detection equipment that will help you return to reality."

Upon hearing the last point, they silently let out a sigh of relief. There was still hope.

However, these young people failed to notice that the golden-haired assistant used the word 'help' instead of 'clear' the illusion.

This implied they would only attempt to help using instruments, with no intention of dispatching special personnel to clear the illusions.

Moreover, the assistant did not mention how they could seek assistance if they fell under an illusion.

She placed her hand on her chest, the cross necklace around her neck giving her solace.

It was a spiritual guardian artifact.

...

At the Duty Bureau,

Hong Feiheng prattled on incessantly in Qi Yuan's ear.

"Yuan-ge, I've been looking for you these past few days, but haven't seen you once. Did you use an illusion to avoid me?"

"I also wanted you to help me train. Just set up an infinite illusion filled with powerful figures for me."

Qi Yuan heartlessly pushed away Hong Feiheng's invading face and said indifferently, "This is an illusion too. I'm not really here."

Hong Feiheng looked shocked. "Huh? Since when?"

You actually believe that?

Qi Yuan didn't know where to begin mocking him. After the Bit Seraph Nation's exchange group left, he'd ask Director Yu to find some work for Hong Feiheng, preferably not involving Sakura Island.

Last night, Su Ke had texted him that the Bit Seraph Nation's group had arrived yesterday afternoon. She suggested he visit the Bureau today if he had time and included the best time slot to come to the headquarters in parentheses.

It was clearly instructed by Director Yu.

Things weren't as Lv Cheng had expected. He thought this was an elder gathering where the juniors would put on a performance, but in reality, the "elders" were very busy.

The alliance letter of intent, non-aggression pact, scope of cleanup plans, cooperation methods, and more—any one of these topics could occupy an entire day of discussion.

But none of that concerned Qi Yuan. He came here today to hold the fort and browse some materials, as per Director Yu's suggested timeframe.

Upon arrival at the Bureau, he encountered Hong Feiheng, who was waiting for him.

Qi Yuan ignored Hong Feiheng's daydreaming and looked towards a group of people.

Director Yu, grinning like a Buddha statue, led a team headed by a tall, red-brown-haired man.

As the Bureau Director, he too had people behind him, including Su Ke.

"Mr. Smith, this way, please."

Director Yu noticed Smith's attention was elsewhere and followed his gaze, his smile deepening.

Qi Yuan saw Smith nod in acknowledgment, returning the gesture from afar.

The two sides briefly intersected before going their separate ways.

"Why does that guy's gaze seem so shifty?" Hong Feiheng commented bluntly after Smith had left.

"No idea."

Smith's behavior had indeed been strange. After nodding at Qi Yuan, he immediately averted his gaze, only to turn back again, his eyes darting around erratically.

For some reason, Qi Yuan felt a strong sense of déjà vu from his demeanor.