The Deceitful One

The steam car looked very similar to a carriage, instead, there was a steam engine, including the boiler, an exhaust pipe that was pointing to the sky at the back of the car, and a steam condenser at the front.

There were four rubber wheels attached to the sides of the car. Two at the front and two at the back. The interior of the car could comfortably seat four people. Five, if they squeezed in together.

The driver's seat was at the front, right behind the condenser. There were also two vertical levers in front of the driver's seat that facilitated the operation of the car.

Furthermore, in order for night visibility, there were two lanterns fixed beside the driver's seat. However, unlike the passenger seats, the driver's seat did not have an overhead roof.

Bryan could already imagine the streets of Damascus being gradually filled with steam-powered cars in the near future. This was truly the age of steam!

Many carriage drivers would be out of jobs but this in turn would provide them with another opportunity to learn how to drive steam cars and make a living as a chauffeur.

Initially, the steam cars would only be privately owned by wealthy individuals or organizations. But over time, with the constant development and innovation of this vehicle, more public vehicles would be produced.

As Bryan marveled at the design and technology of the steam car in front of him, he thought inwardly as he stroked his chin, 'I wonder if they will ever produce a two-wheeler steam vehicle. Now, that would be really interesting!'

While he was lost in his own thoughts, Bryan suddenly felt someone's firm grip on his right shoulder. He turned his head to his right and saw a tall middle-aged man with black hair, brown eyes, and a black beard looking at him with a neutral face.

It was the captain of the Silver Owls, Robert Albright!

"Walk with me." He said to Bryan as he made his way out of the crowd. Bryan followed right after him as they walked toward his office.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Robert asked, "It's been two weeks already since you joined. Have you settled down?"

Bryan replied respectfully, "Yes, Captain! Everyone has been quite nice to me and has helped me a lot in getting the hang of things."

Robert nodded, "Good. Now time to get to work."

He then entered his office and sat down on his chair. Bryan followed behind him and closed the door of the office after him.

Bryan took his seat across from Robert and asked, "What do I need to do, captain?"

Robert looked into Bryan's eyes and replied in a serious manner, "Firstly, start going on night patrols with the other members of the Strike Team starting tomorrow.

Every alternate weekend you will have a night shift, the rest of the days you can come during the daytime. Also, you will get one day off every week. Discuss it with the others and select a day you would like to choose as your off-day."

"Understood! Is there anything else?" Bryan inquired.

Robert nodded his head, "Yes. I want you to investigate the whereabouts of the members of the Holy Blood Sect in Damascus. Consider this a long-term mission."

Bryan slightly gasped in alarm as he muttered, "Holy Blood Sect..."

He recalled the deeds of this cruel organization that only consisted of Blood Path Transcendents and felt a little apprehensive.

A few months ago, a lot of dead people had been found in the slums with their bodies being drained of blood. Detective Watson had said to him that this was the work of the members of the Holy Blood Sect.

The members of this evil organization engaged in mindless slaughter wherever they went as they needed the blood of others for sustenance as well as to advance in ranks.

Blood Path, as the name suggested, was centered around blood. Transcendents of this Path fed on it and even based their spells on it.

After the Church of Wisdom began its investigation in the slums, the Holy Blood Sect's members had been laying low.

However, from time to time, cases of missing persons were still reported in the slums. This too was most likely related to the evil organization.

Looking at Bryan's expression, Robert felt the need to explain further, "You are not to engage with the members of this organization should you encounter them. Your mission is to solely gather intel."

Bryan was slightly relieved to hear that he didn't have to directly engage with those blood-sucking scums. He thought for a while and then finally nodded his head, "I understand, captain."

"Since it is a long-term mission, you can take your time. However, do not dawdle around like Livia. Also, any expenses related to this mission will be reimbursed." Robert added.

Bryan smiled faintly as he nodded his head, "Yes, captain!"

Robert then got back to reading the documents on his table as he replied, "You may leave."

Bryan got up from his seat and left Robert's office. He then headed to the recreation room to look for Andrew and Elijah and ask them if they wanted to go out for a drink.

It was already past 6 in the evening and this was usually the time he left HQ. The reason why Bryan only hung out with these two was that Henry didn't like the consumption of alcohol, all he cared about was combat and getting stronger.

The only time Bryan spent time with him was in the ring, sparring with him.

Ron had a fiance so after he was done with work, he would go back home and spend time with her. Whereas, Emma almost always spent time with Olivia. Very seldom did they come out with him.

And as for Livia, she was a true sloth in every sense of the word. She would laze around all day at the HQ or the Church and then go back home and laze around some more.

So Bryan didn't even think of asking her because he already knew what her answer would be.

Therefore, Bryan always ended up going out with Andrew and Elijah. This also further deepened their friendship and now, all three of them were very close to each other.