Approaching the elevator doors, Chu Feng couldn't help but commend Fairbanks's power system.

Even after enduring a fierce snowstorm, this city on the cusp of the Arctic still hadn't lost electricity.

Taking out the room card he still hadn't returned, Chu Feng re-entered his previous room.

"What a pity. The hotel staff is still nowhere to be found. I really should switch rooms!"

Due to his haste the night before, Chu Feng's room hadn't been cleaned; the bed remained a disheveled mess.

Time flew, and by afternoon, the hotel staff had still, mysteriously, not returned.

Sipping afternoon tea by the window, Chu Feng suddenly received a phone call from New York.

BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ...

Chu Feng picked up the phone from the desk, glanced at the screen, and saw it was Lin Qiu's number.

Could the federal government's commission have been transferred into the Exorcism Agency's account so quickly?

"Hello, has our Manager Lin Qiu received news that I've completed the task?" Chu Feng asked. He sat in his chair with his legs crossed, in a good mood, his voice exuding a relaxed tone.

"I wouldn't dare doubt the big boss's capabilities! However, it seems the federal government has run into a little trouble again." Lin Qiu's crisp voice carried a hint of amusement, especially when she mentioned the federal government.

"What, did they issue another commission to the Exorcism Agency?"

"Not yet, but they did purchase the Exorcism Agency's consulting services. It looks like they're seeking a way to deal with a High Rank Evil Spirit level Bizarre."

Hearing this, the smile on Chu Feng's face broadened. Had they still not given up on that plan?

"It seems they're set for disappointment!"

"Exactly. For Low Rank Evil Spirit level Bizarres, our Exorcism Agency did develop a few Arrays that might be somewhat effective. However, if we're talking about a High Rank Evil Spirit, right now we can only rely on an Exorcist's own strength!"

Speaking of the Arrays developed in-house, a hint of regret tinged Lin Qiu's voice. Evil Spirit level Bizarres were too rare; the Exorcism Agency had developed Arrays but hadn't yet found a Low Rank Evil Spirit level Bizarre to test them on.

"Then they must be seeking help from The Holy See now!" Chu Feng's eyes gleamed with amusement.

He figured The Holy See would surely use this opportunity to demand that Holy See's Relic from the federal government! He wondered if the hijacked relic might suddenly reappear.

"Keep an eye out. The federal government will probably approach the Exorcism Agency again. When they do, make sure to fleece them for all they're worth."

The perfect opportunity to extort them made a glint of gold flash in Chu Feng's eyes.

"Don't worry! The Exorcism Agency naturally won't let such a rare opportunity slip by!" came the reply, accompanied by soft laughter.

After months of experience at the Exorcism Agency, Lin Qiu was no longer the naive fresh graduate she once was; this transformation was evident in her tone.

「Meanwhile, inside Eielson Air Force Base.」

Outside a tightly sealed room, Felix and Colton stood with grim expressions, watching frost continue to spread along the wall.

"Fuck, the Bizarre has followed us! Should we get out of here?" Colton exclaimed.

When Colton said "get out of here," he didn't just mean leaving the building. Having narrowly escaped the Bizarre's grasp, he knew its power all too well; it was far beyond their capabilities. The only option was to leave the city immediately. To be truly safe, they might even need to leave Alaska altogether.

"The airport runway still needs some time to be cleared, and the snow outside the base is already thigh-deep, so we can't leave for now," Felix said, his expression gloomy.

There was one thing he hadn't voiced. The American government would never give up on this Air Force Base! Besides, knowing the federal government and the Military's tendencies all too well, he was quite certain. As one of only two survivors of the Bizarre's attack, he didn't believe the higher-ups in the Military and federal government would let them leave this godforsaken place so easily.

Colton, standing nearby, wasn't a fool, just a bit slower on the uptake. Seeing Felix's grim expression, it only took him a moment to understand the situation.

"Fuck!" he cursed, kicking the wall beside him fiercely before turning and heading downstairs.

They were in a dormitory building at Eielson Air Force Base. Since it was an Air Force base, the dorms were quite nice—double occupancy, fully furnished, and rather homey.

Emmm... At least it wasn't like the Army's crowded multi-person dorms.

At this moment, in the sealed room with frost-covered walls, a peculiar snowman—one Felix and Colton would likely never forget—sat quietly by the window. Beside it, another figure in an Air Force uniform sat with a smile, keeping it company. Their gazes passed through the window, fixed on the snowflakes drifting down from the sky. The peculiar scene possessed an inexplicable harmony.

「At this time, in an office on the west side of the white neoclassical building at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.」

"Sir, Chu Feng's Exorcism Agency doesn't have a solution for the Bizarre. We've sought help from The Holy See, but..." The assistant standing beside the desk shook his head. "The Holy See demands the return of the Relic before they'll continue negotiations."

BANG.

The sharp sound of a fist hitting the desk made the bowing assistant flinch.

"Those bastards, taking advantage of our misfortune! And that Exorcist is useless—couldn't even seize an opportunity handed to him!" After his outburst, Mr. President rubbed his throbbing temples. "After all this time, is there still no trace of that thing?"

The white-haired president turned his head, suddenly remembering the Holy See's Relic he had long since forgotten. He touched his forehead. He was getting old, his memory failing him. If his assistant hadn't mentioned it today, he'd probably have forgotten all about it!

"Still no news, sir. Their plan was meticulous, leaving no clues, so the investigation is progressing slowly..."

"Tell them to speed up! I don't care about clues; I just need that thing back, now!"

"Yes, sir!" The assistant noted Mr. President's flushed face and nodded.

After a moment of silence, the President asked, "So, do we have any other ways to deal with the situation there? The Military won't agree to nuke our own base!"

"The advisors suggest... we do what was done in Portland and San Francisco..." The assistant's tone was cautious; the president was clearly not in a good mood.

Leaning back in his chair, the president pondered for a moment, then rubbed his forehead in resignation.

"Alright. Do that."