Prologue

"We've arrived Mr. Daemonara."

Daemonara glanced up from the article he was reading on his data scroll and turned to look out the window of the groundcar. "So we have."

Switching off his scroll, he stowed it in his suit pocket before opening the door and stepping out of the groundcar. Sabbaton Towers stood in uniform shape in front of him, stretching up as far as the eye could see.

Why a single tower had so many floors was beyond him. What was the point of having so many facilities in one building? The Viscount's office was located here as well, so couldn't the building have just enough for only him and his family?

As he observed the building, Daemonara could hear the clatter of the manekale's saddle as the beast settled down. He always wondered if those creatures enjoyed pulling groundcars all day and night. Probably not.

"That'll be 20 lucre," the driver spoke as he approached the observer.

Daemonara reached into his pocket and pulled out several coins. He handed the amount needed to the driver.

"Thank you," he responded before heading back to the groundcar. "Have a good day sir."

"I'm sure I will," Daemonara mumbled as he placed the rest of the coins back into his pocket. He proceeded up the stairs to the entrance of the building.

He had a lot to do during this visit. Meetings with gang leaders, tracking down a liability, catching up with "old friends," et cetera. Being pulled away from his work all the way to Anduruna was frustrating, but he knew the importance of the situation.

That's why he brought along Nautico. Maybe the two of them would be able to finish their objective in a matter of days, though Daemonara knew he shouldn't get his hopes up.

As long as the job gets done, he thought as he reached the entrance.

Daemonara moved swiftly through the lobby, maneuvering through the sea of people both visiting and leaving. He again questioned the need for so many facilities in one building.

Too many people drawn to this place. Like bugs to the flame.

He knew all too well.

He soon reached the elevators, stepping aboard one just before it closed, and pushed the button to the correct floor. From residential floors to hotels, from malls to studios, Sabbaton Towers had it all.

Daemonara however, had another destination in mind.

Several sets of eyes focused on Daemonara as he strode confidently through the headquarters of the Central City Authority, his hands clasped behind his back. He had to agree, his suit's white and gold color did make him stand out. After all, coming by one like it was rare nowadays.

He shook off his thoughts as he approached the secretary's desk. "I'm here for an 8:30 appointment with Guard Captain Antioch."

"Of course sir, let me just-" She trailed off when she glanced at something above his eyes.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance. Of course, they were looking at that, not the suit. That one little scar always seemed to catch people's attention wherever he went. It annoyed him to no end.

Daemonara tapped his foot impatiently, huffing in frustration. "You were about to inform Antioch of my arrival."

The comment brought the secretary out of her stare. "O-of course! Please excuse me."

Daemonara rolled his eyes as she got up from her desk and swiftly moved to the Guard Captain's office. Why did everyone he came across have to stare at his scar? Was there nothing better to do?

"He'll see you now," the secretary said, looking flustered as she sat back down. Daemonara noticed that she avoided making eye contact with him. It was most likely to avoid repeating her earlier offense.

"Thank you," he replied, as he walked towards the door.

"Daemonara, welcome," Antioch greeted Daemonara as the latter entered the room and closed the door. "Please," he gestured to a chair by his desk, "have a seat."

The Guard Captain had the appearance of an enormous grey and white owl with a giant curved horn on each side of his head. He wore a grey, red, and white uniform with golden buttons, two of which sported the symbol of the Central City Authority.

Daemonara had much respect for Antioch. The Guard Captain was a man who represented authority and knew how to get the job done. He made sure none of his men stepped out of line when questioning the law, even though Antioch himself questioned how far they could stretch the law to Nabonidus' needs. Daemonara had considered asking Antioch to be a part of his project for some time, but he would bring the matter up when the time was right.

"I must admit I was surprised when I heard you were coming to Anduruna," Antioch continued as Daemonara sat down. "I can tell it's not a leisurely visit."

"You're correct in your assumption," Daemonara leaned back in his seat. "To be perfectly honest I'd rather be back home, continuing my work. I also believe that this trip will leave me with a serious headache."

Antioch opened one of his desk drawers and pulled a small glass and a red fermentae bottle from inside. He offered Daemonara the glass after pouring a drink. "This should help calm your nerves."

"I doubt it, but thank you nonetheless," Daemonara answered as he accepted the drink. He took a sip of the intoxicating beverage. "Hmm... Fire Reed?"

Antioch nodded as he poured himself a glass. "Not your favorite?"

Daemonara shrugged. "I'd prefer the Agro Mix, but I'll take what I can get." He took another sip before setting the glass down.

"Now onto business. Nabonidus has sent me to track down a rogue element in our group."

"A rogue element?" Antioch arched an eyebrow. He corked the bottle and placed it back in the drawer. "Who?"

Daemonara shook his head. "Unfortunately we don't know who, but one of my associates is currently tracking them down. It shouldn't be long now."

"Is Nabonidus worried that this individual could expose our organization?" Antioch asked. "I could offer the assistance of several CCA Shock Troopers."

"That would be appreciated," Daemonara answered. "However, if shock troopers were to assist in the search, it could attract unwanted attention from the media. That, in turn, would alert our target. You should instead have your men keep a closer eye on gang activity.

Antioch looked perplexed. "Why should we only focus there?"

"We believe the rogue has come to Anduruna to bribe gangs such the Neon Knives or the Souls Reapers to work under them," Daemonara explained. "They'll most likely focus on the small groups around Anduruna, especially in the Margate District."

Antioch leaned back in his seat. "That would be a problem, especially with the recent shipments coming in for the Reapers."

"Indeed," Daemonara nodded as he picked his glass up and took a drink. "Those are being monitored by my associate as well, while Nabonidus has tasked me with talking to O'Naicul and Zhu about their subordinates. We need to weed out those who aren't loyal."

Antioch took a drink as well. "Why are you so certain this rogue individual won't try to expose us?"

"From what we've already gathered about this person, that's not what they wish to do."

The Guard Captain set his glass down. "What do you mean?"

Daemonara took another sip. "If they were trying to expose us, why come here of all places? This city is definitely under Nabonidus's influence. Who would even believe them?

"Whoever this person is, they have their own goals, which currently remain unknown to us. All we know is that before they fled, they were looking up criminal activity in Anduruna. They'll most likely hire anyone who can wield a weapon, won't ask questions and isn't afraid of killing. And we both know that's the kind of people the Neon Knives and Soul Reapers are made up of."

Antioch briefly stroked his chin as he processed Daemonara's answer. "We can handle small-time thugs, and the Neons aren't that big of a group, but the Reapers have outposts in most of the districts here in Anduruna. It will take a while to sort through them all."

"While it is possible that the delinquents and the gangsters of both groups could easily turn traitor," Daemonara continued, setting his glass back down. "I believe that we should primarily keep an eye on the lieutenants of the Soul Reapers."

"Why just the lieutenants?"

"It's simple. As you know, the Neon Knives reside in the Calypsa district while the Soul Reapers have control of the other districts except for Margate which both groups share," Daemonara explained. "In each of the districts controlled by the Soul Reapers, a single member is placed in charge.

"These individual members hold complete control over their outposts, and if one were to join the rogue..."

"...control of the outpost shifts to the latter," Antioch realized. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk, hands folded together. "Allowing them to interfere in the Soul Reapers operations undetected."

"Precisely."

Antioch sat deep in thought for several moments. "Will you be meeting with any other of our associates besides the gangs?"

"A few, but I'd rather not get everyone involved. Things would get too-"

Their conversation was cut off by a soft ping that came from the pocket of Daemonara's suit. He held up his finger to Antioch to ask for a quick moment, which the Guard Captain allowed.

Daemonara reached into his pocket to pull out his data scroll and turned it on. Checking his mail, he saw there was a request for a voice call from someone named H2OhS#%T!Urded.

Daemonara sighed as he leaned back in his seat. He rubbed his head before accepting the call. "What is it?"

"H-hey boss! What's up? Hope you're doing well." Nautico's voice sounded nervous over the speaker. "The search is going well, so no need to worry about that."

Daemonara was unimpressed. He looked at Antioch who had a confused look on his face before going back to the scroll. "What did you do?"

Even though he couldn't see him, Daemonara could tell Nautico was shuffling uncomfortably.

"Uh, n-nothing at all boss. Heh. Although, there is something you should know."

Daemonara could feel his anger slowly build up, so he let out a slow exhalation of breath. He had a feeling he knew where this was going. "Go on."

Nautico hesitated. "Do you remember the shipment that held the special gas tanks?"

Daemonara's expression was neutral except for an arched eyebrow, though his grip on the scroll tightened. "Yes?"

"Well uh, you see the thing is... It's gone."

Daemonara exhaled slowly. He had expected the thieves to escape, but not with the cargo. Hopefully, Nautico acquired the one thing Daemonara needed to know about them.

"Did you at least figure out who they were?"

Several moments went by with no response. Daemonara tightly gripped the arm of his chair as his anger increased with every second.

"...No."