Inside the Guild Hall.

Sauron scanned the assembled City Watch officers, his gaze finally settling on Andrew. He was well aware of Andrew's agitation and unease, but he didn't betray it, maintaining a smile as he slowly began, "Gentlemen, today's operation is a decision made by the Adventurers' Guild. Our aim is to maintain the security and order of the West District, and we will resolutely crack down on any illegal or criminal behavior."

Andrew's expression darkened upon hearing this, but he didn't lash out. The current situation was unfavorable to him; he needed to respond calmly.

Sauron continued, "I understand your concerns and dissatisfaction. But please believe that our goal is to make the entire West District safer and more orderly. I apologize for any inconvenience this operation has caused. At the same time, I hope we can work together to strive for the future of the West District."

A hint of hatred flashed in Andrew's eyes upon hearing this.

Sauron's words were polite, but the meaning was simple: these City Watch officers would have to obey his orders from now on.

However, the strength of the Adventurers' Guild was already evident. He needed to reconsider his position and the path ahead.

The entire meeting hall fell into a brief silence.

The City Watch officers were all contemplating Sauron's words, while Andrew was secretly plotting his next move.

Kexin, the City Watch officer of Pedestrian Tourist Street, spoke up: "Your Highness, governing the district for His Majesty is our duty, but I don't quite understand your meaning."

Sauron immediately understood Kexin's implication: You are only a prince; it's not appropriate to interfere in our district's affairs like this!

"City Watch Officer Kexin, I understand your concerns," Sauron said slowly, his voice steady and strong. "As a prince, I indeed should not interfere too much in your district's affairs. But please understand that I am not ordering you as a prince, but as the Chairman of the Adventurers' Guild, an organizer dedicated to maintaining the security and order of the West District, communicating with you."

He paused and continued, "Our goals are the same: to make the West District safer and more orderly. The Adventurers' Guild does not seek to usurp the power of you City Watch officers, but hopes to work with you to provide the residents of the West District with a better living environment and promote the prosperity and development of the West District."

Kexin frowned slightly upon hearing Sauron's words, obviously weighing Sauron's proposal. He was naturally aware that the strength of the Adventurers' Guild should not be underestimated, but the entire West District was full of commoners, poor and destitute. What prosperity and development could they talk about? Moreover, if all these gangs were cleaned up, what would happen to their future gray income? They couldn't possibly target commoners who couldn't even afford to eat!

"Then, Your Highness!" Kexin said after a moment of contemplation, "How do you intend to cooperate with us?"

Sauron smiled slightly. "It's very simple. We can share intelligence, coordinate actions, and jointly respond to major security incidents. At the same time, we can also provide you with certain support and assistance to jointly improve the overall security level of the West District."

Kexin remained silent after hearing this, obviously seriously considering the feasibility of the proposal.

The other City Watch officers also began to whisper to each other, discussing Sauron's proposal.

"Your Highness Sauron!" Andrew's voice carried a clear chill as he questioned, "We understand your meaning. But we have been working hard to maintain the security of the West District. Have you considered our feelings and positions in such a large-scale operation?"

Sauron maintained his smile, fully aware of the meaning behind Andrew's words, and responded gently, "City Watch Officer Andrew, I fully understand your concerns. We do need to respect and consider the feelings and positions of the City Watch. But please believe that our goals are all for the safety and harmony of the West District. I do not wish for any unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts to arise between us."

Andrew snorted coldly and did not continue to speak, but a deep wariness was revealed in his eyes. His words had just reminded the other City Watch officers not to be deceived by Sauron's sweet words.

This time, Prince Sauron could arrest whoever he wanted, and this behavior made them feel deeply uneasy about the future, lest they be the next ones arrested.

Kexin also nodded slightly at this moment, expressing his agreement with Andrew's concerns.

Prince Sauron's actions this time completely broke the original rules, which made them feel very uneasy.

If they continued to cooperate with Sauron, the power in their hands would likely be gradually hollowed out, eventually becoming figureheads, which was a result they absolutely did not want to see.

For them, the power in their hands not only meant responsibility and honor, but also meant a constant stream of wealth and benefits. They would never allow anyone or any organization to touch this piece of their pie.

Sauron keenly captured the wariness and dissatisfaction in Andrew and Kexin's eyes. He rubbed his temples, and when he raised his head again, the smile on his face had disappeared, replaced by a serious and stern expression.

A surge of anger welled up in his heart. These City Watch officers were so ignorant of the times, not appreciating the favor shown to them. But he was also clear that he could not act too radically, otherwise it would easily arouse the dissatisfaction of his father and the resentment of other ministers.

"Guards!" Sauron suddenly shouted sternly, "Take Kexin and Andrew down for me!"

Following Sauron's order, Ido and Cass quickly entered the conference room. Both of them were fifth-tier transcendents. Working together, they subdued Kexin and Andrew in short order.

Andrew and Kexin's expressions changed drastically. They had not expected Sauron to suddenly attack, nor had they expected their power to be stripped away in an instant. They struggled, trying to resist, but it was already too late.

"What are you doing?" Andrew roared, "We are City Watch officers, the people of His Majesty. You can't treat us like this!"

"Can't treat you like this?" Sauron sneered, "The number of people who go missing in your districts every year is in the hundreds. Are you not aware of this? Haven't you been using your power to seek personal gain all along? Now, it's time for you to pay the price."

Kexin and Andrew were stunned by Sauron's words. The anger and dissatisfaction on their faces gradually disappeared, replaced by panic and unease. They began to realize that their actions might have been grasped by Sauron with solid evidence.

As the two were taken away, the atmosphere in the entire conference room became extremely tense. The other City Watch officers also began to feel uneasy. After all, none of those present were clean.

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