Finally, the last part of the prologue. It really took me long time to finish it...
Prologue: Special Support Section Part 5
"You've finally come back." Sergai lighted a cigarette and watched his subordinates. His room was spacious. There were two bookcases behind the desk, placing with different files and books, and some small accessories. This room was covered with a shade of light, making it looked warm. "So, have you managed to stop the fight?"
"Yes…but things seem a bit complicated right now."
"Hmm…?"
Lloyd explained the whole case to Sergei, together with the information they gathered up until now.
"I see…let me think for a while." He stared at the team for quite some times, wordless.
"… Chief?"
"…I'll leave the case to you. You can do as you want."
"Huh?" The team froze. Lloyd completely dumbfounded, as well as the others.
"Excuse me, Chief…may I know what this mean?" Elie asked, uncertain.
"What I mean is, whether to stop the investigation, or deal further into the case is all up to you guys. There's nothing I can tell about [Revache & Co.]."
"This is too hard." Lloyd had hoped to get some information before they could move forward. But now, they failed to get any information, and they're forced to decide to continue the investigation or ended it. He was their section chief, how could he be so irresponsible?
"…So, what if I told you to close the case? Can you accept it?" Sergei asked with dignified face. "Things would become more and more complicated once related to Mafia. As your superior, I should have stopped you. Can you accept my decision?" He asked once again.
Lloyd bit his bottom lip. He knew Sergei was right. Part of him told him to stop, however, part of him refuse to stop.
"…I can't."
"Yeah, me neither. Sure I will hold on grudge on this case in the future." Randy said.
"Yes…since we gathered so much information…I can't accept it, too."
"…Agree."
They had promised Łazy and Wald to uncover the truth. If they really stopped the investigation right now, inevitably it would trigger another problem. Let aside, it was impossible to recover the police's reputation.
"I know that…if something happen to you newbie, even it's me, I will feel uneasy too. Alright, I will introduce you a good consultant."
"Consultant…?"
Sergei handed a piece of name card to Lloyd.
"[Grimwood Law Firm]…? Sounds familiar…did I hear it somewhere before?" Lloyd stared at the name card, but he couldn't recall anything about this name.
"It located at West Street, belongs to a man named Ian."
"I remember now! The office is behind the bakery! Yes…I met him few times when I lived at West Street."
"I've heard about him too. He is the legal advisor of traders and enterprises. On the other hand, he also provides legal advisory service to the public as well." Elie said.
"Yes. He has beard like a bear, so people used to call him [The Bear Attorney]. He should have a lot of information about Mafia…perhaps, including the latest information which police have failed to grasp."
Sergei wasn't pointed it out loud, but the team was fast to understand the meaning behind those words.
"…That's amazing." Tio smiled a little.
"Wow…who is that lawyer?"
"Just meet him in person, you'll understand it. I have told him about Special Support Section before, so you should have no problem with that."
"Yes sir!" Lloyd looked at his team members. "Anyway, let's head there."
Lloyd was raised at West Street. He knew everything of this place. He remembered he met Ian somewhere before, but that's all he could remember.
The decoration of the office [Grimwood Law Firm] was elegant, located at the quiet corner of West Street. Next to it was a grocery shop. It was also one of the places Lloyd usually hanged out during his childhood life.
"We're here."
"Yes, I met him few times before." Lloyd couldn't recall how he met Ian before. "But I never know he is such a great person."
As they were about to knock the door, they heard a low and deep voice.
"…I shall be going now. I'll visit you next time."
"No problem…anyway, about this case, can you please do something about it? This can be said as the voice as the people in this city…"
"…Sorry, pleasing the public is not our job."
And then, the door pushed open, revealing a tall spectacular man with dark green hair. He dressed in blue suit, looked intellectual.
"Hmm? You guys are…I see." He smiled. "You are those puppies raised by Sergei, huh?"
"What…?" It was quite a surprise to be said like that, and what's the right he said so? "That badge…are you a police too?"
"It doesn't concern you." The man adjusted the spectacular. He had no intention to answer Lloyd's question. "It seems you guys came to visit Mr. Ian…don't waste his time. Unlike the worthless people like you, Mr. Ian is very busy. Do you get it?"
"You…!"
Ignoring the flame from Lloyd, he walked pass the team with his usual arrogant style.
"What did he mean!?" Lloyd considered he was quite a good temper person. However, his so called good temper easily crushed in front of this man.
But how could someone maintain their good temper after hearing that?
"Looks like an Investigator from HQ…" Elie guessed.
"…A domineering guy."
"But this spectacular guy…seems quite strong. There's a pistol hanging on his left chest." Randy said.
"Eh? Is that so?" Lloyd and Elie completely had no idea about it.
"…I also found that through my sensor." Tio confirmed his guess. "It seems to be a large military pistol."
"Well, I guess so."
"Hey…you are amazing…" Lloyd and Elie were amazed by their attentiveness.
Randy raised a smile. His face twisted a bit, but went unnoticeable. "It's just a coincidence."
"Let's hurry visit the lawyer." Tio pointed the law firm behind Lloyd and urged.
"Yes…let's go inside."
The office furnishing was very simple. Once went in, on the left there was a table and sofas. Behind were some bookcases and shelves that used to put magazines and documents. Across the fence, there was also a large bookcase, and then further inside was the office.
"Hmm? Do you forget anything?" A voice sounded from inside. That's probably Ian. He must have thought the spectacular re-enter the place. He was a bit bloated, a middle aged man with bearded and spectacular. He seemed quite shocked when he found he mistook the team. "Oh my. Welcome to Grimwood Law Firm. What do you want to consult today? I welcome any of the consult and would like to give advises."
"Looks like an energetic uncle…" Randy said timidly beside Tio's ear.
"So he is the [The Bear Attorney]…"
"Hmm?" Ian suddenly furrowed his brows when he looked at Lloyd. "Did I meet you somewhere before? You look kind of familiar…are you kid from around here?"
"Yes, I lived in an apartment around here three years ago. My name is Lloyd Bannings."
"Bannings…? Don't tell me…your brother is Guy Bannings?"
"Yes…do you know my brother?"
"I do know him…come on, let's have a seat first." The lawyer looked somewhat disturbed, though Lloyd had no idea about it. Ian invited them to sit on the sofas. "There seems to be something for your visit here. It's not convenient to talk by standing here, let's take your seat. My name is Ian Grimwood, the lawyer of this firm."
Lloyd told him the purpose of visiting him, together with the thing happened in Downtown. They really needed more information to prevent the fight of [Sabel Viper] and [Testaments].
"I see…so you guys are the Special Support Section that Sergei had told me before…I've read the report on the [Crossbell Times Magazine] too. You've tried really hard."
"I think the reporter is stern to us." Thinking of the Grace's report, Lloyd couldn't help but let out a bitter smile.
"So Guy's brother has become a police as well…somehow I feel this is the arrangement of Adios." Ian gave a look of emotion when speaking about Guy. It seemed he was very close to Guy.
"Excuse me…do you know my brother?"
"He used to come to me for information exchanging, just like you did. He was an excellent investigator. He helped me a lot back then."
Whenever someone talked about Guy, they would always give that emotional look. Indeed, brother was an excellent investigator, everyone said the same, and Lloyd was proud of him. His brother affected him a lot when he decided to become a police.
Three years ago, in order to escape from the cruel fact, he chose to leave Crossbell. He realized no matter how much he didn't want to touch the topic of his brother, the fact always remained there. It would be more obvious after he became a police, and people would compare him with Guy. Sometimes, Lloyd would feel the pressure coming from Guy, too.
However, coming back to Crossbell meant he couldn't escape the fact that his brother has died.
"I see." Lloyd slightly raised a smile.
If there was no way to escape, he had to accept the fact.
"P-Please wait a moment!" Elie suddenly broke into conversation. "Lloyd…your brother is an investigator too?" Elie, including Randy and Tio were watching him.
"Hey, you didn't tell us before."
Compared to Randy and Elie, Tio remained silence. She just looked at him, waiting for his answer.
"Sorry, I didn't get the chance to tell you guys. Besides…he passed away."
"Eh…?"
"He was killed on the job, exactly three years ago."
"That's the reason you left Crossbell…?"
Elie lowered her head in sadness. Lloyd patted on her shoulder, hoping she wouldn't mind the matter.
Although he left because of this matter, however he chose this path instead of getting other offer. He hoped Randy and Tio wouldn't mind, too.
"I feel sorry for losing Guy as well. I've been privately investigated the incident. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any clue about it…" Ian showed painful expression as well.
Lloyd didn't expect to get any hint about Guy's death. If they could find any clue about the incident, they could have done it three years ago.
"…We shouldn't talk about brother right now. Mr. Ian, just as I told you about [Revache & Co.], if you know anything, would you mind telling us?"
"[Revache & Co.], huh?" Ian stood up to the bookcase at the back and flipped through some documents. "Many of them are disgraceful rumors, including smuggling trade with Erebonia Empire and Calvard Republic, sales of stolen goods, money laundering, and even Jaegers Corps intermediaries private sales of munitions…all these can be said as using the particularly of Crossbell."
"Particularly of Crossbell…?"
Lloyd's question gained the answer from Elie.
"That refer to the fast growing of trade and financial sector, however the political base is extremely fragile…right?"
"Yes, that's right. Crossbell State's political base is extremely fragile. Some of the politicians belong to Erebonia Empire, and some of them belong to Calvard Republic. Many people are greedy for power. Furthermore, all the Mafia related cases will be destroyed by the politicians that work with Mafia."
"…!"
"Is that true?" Randy looked at Elie, but Elie simply sighed.
"…Unfortunately, this is true. It is said that there is collusion of interest between politicians and [Revache & Co.]. Perhaps this is the biggest cause of police's out of action."
"…After all, it involves interest of the politicians…" Tio also sighed. "And then, that's the reason which [Revache & Co.] can do as they want?"
"Of course not." Ian shook his head. "If ignoring the obvious criminals, people and the surrounding country will not remain silent. [Revache & Co.] is taking the initiative to hold no direct implication to the people. This is the bottom line of them. As long as they don't go beyond the bottom line, police couldn't do anything to them. However, sometimes they will despise this bottom line."
"I…I know nothing about this."Though Lloyd knew Crossbell sat at complicated location…although the city looked prosperous, there was unknown darkness lurking in the city. However, after hearing all these from Ian and Elie, he felt he was too naïve. He knew nothing about this darkness. There was no means he could imagine.
"That's meant behind the prosperous and luxuries, there are ghosts wondering around, huh…?" Randy raised a bitter smile.
"Anyway, that's the situation of [Revache & Co.]." Suddenly, Ian lowered his face."However, something is changing recently."
"Changing…?"
"The police might yet receive any of this information right now…actually, a force that can fight against [Revache & Co.] is going to show up later…a fairly strong force."
"You mean…Bracer's Guild?"
"No, it is Mafia. There is a large organization, or Mafia in Calvard Republic's East Street. It seems to move toward Crossbell."
"What…?"
"Is it true?"
"Rumor has spread, and no doubt it is true. The organization named [Heiyue]. They are going to open a company named [Heiyue Trade Company] at Waterfront Area."
"…[Heiyue]…Dark Moon…quite an Oriental-style name." Tio nodded her head.
"Confrontation between the Mafias is more serious than the thugs' quarrels." Randy crossed his arm.
"Fortunately, the confrontation is not clear. However, there might be some form of fighting will happen recently. The Investigation Section I is trying to prevent this from happening."
"Investigation Section I…do you mean the spectacular man just now?"
"Yes, that's Dudley from Investigation Section I. He came for the information I told you."
Lloyd started to link all the information in his head.
Although some information were quite shocking, but they were surprisingly linked together. Up until now, Lloyd could have guessed who the real culprit behind all these was.
Noticing Lloyd's silence, Tio slightly pushed his arm.
"…Lloyd?"
"…Mr. Ian, thanks to the information provided, I've found the hints." Lloyd stood up from the seat and said. He then told the others to leave.
"That's good to hear. I support your work. You can come to me again if you need anything."
They finally gathered reliable information and intended to report to Sergei, but he wasn't around. They only found a note leaving on the table.
[I'm going out. I'm leaving the case to you guys. Do as you see fit.]
"So Chief is not around…" Well, Lloyd started to use to Sergei's style. It wasn't surprise at all.
"That uncle…don't tell me he's feeling trouble and escape."
"…I can't deny the possibility…"
"Let it be. He left the decision to us. I think that's good." Elie chuckled.
It seemed the others used to it, too. They just let it be and started to proceed to next step.
"We'll have a meeting to sort out the things - I'll tell you my thoughts about this case."
Lloyd brought the whiteboard closer and drew the present situation. The other three got their seats.
"It happened five days ago in late night. The members of [Sabel Viper] and [Testaments] were being attacked by someone. The locations are here and here." Lloyd drew x mark on Downtown map, which was the alley on the west and east - in front of Live House [Ignis]."
"…It appears to be the opposite side of Downtown." Tio said.
"So, they couldn't learn the attack was occurred on the same night. They were moved into their gathering place for first aid, and sent to the hospital on the next day."
"As I remember, they were sent to the hospital on the same day, right?"
"Yes. I think the hospital staffs were quite perplexed as well." Lloyd nodded. "At last, they thought the attacker was each other, and that's the cause of everything."
Randy rubbed his chin. "Then, there must be third party in this case. If the members of both gangs didn't do any prior statement, both gangs are not the culprit."
"Yes…I think, we can assume it was done by third party."
"I think we can point out the name of the third party by now." Elie said.
"Yes, it is no doubt [Revache & Co.]. According to Ms. Grace, the members of [Revache & Co.] showed up in Downtown around half month ago. Although I don't have time to double confirm the information…but first, we are going to assume it was done by [Revache & Co.]."
"…So, the problem is the intention of [Revache & Co.]."
"This is the problem. Without this, we'll have to overthrow everything."
"Intention, huh?" Randy put his foot together, shrugging. "Mafia and thugs…I don't see any relation between them."
"Lloyd, don't keep us guessing. You have clue, haven't you?" Elie chuckled.
"Well, I do…though I am not very sure about it. Talking about intention…the logical point will surely be [Heiyue]."
"I agree. Does it have anything to do with [Sabel Viper] and [Testaments]?"
"No, there must be a point that can link the three of them together." Elie said. The other three just rubbed their heads, having no idea about this. At last, they looked at Lloyd helplessly.
It was remarkable that they could make it this far. But they probably didn't anticipate the real purpose of [Revache & Co.]. Even now, Lloyd wasn't quite sure with his speculation.
"…Let me explain." Lloyd got a chair and sat down. "[Heiyue] is going to get into Crossbell soon. What do you think [Revache & Co.] will do?"
"Hmm…force multiplier? Like strengthening the members' abilities or weapons?" Randy said.
"To Mafia, strengthening weapons can be done through smuggling trade. But how about force?" Lloyd threw questions and gently leaded them.
"My opinion is hiring Jaegers Corps…no, this is not possible. Neighboring countries pay great attention to Crossbell's movement. Furthermore, there is peace treaty. If hastily using Jaegers Corps, Erebonia and Calvard will not ignore it…" Suddenly, Elie's face turned white. Tio and Randy followed suit. They might have guessed what Lloyd was trying to tell them.
"Hey hey hey…don't tell me they are intended to make the gangs as their force!?"
"Well, I think so. Those young people are energetic and organized. They are the best force to use in the city. However, what if there are obstacles in the gangs?"
"I understand now." Elie rubbed her chin. "That Łazy certainly would not help Mafia."
"…Yes. Wald too, the King type, would not take orders from Mafia." Tio continued.
"So the Mafia let them fight each other and swallowed them when they are weak enough…I see now! That's the picture!" Up until now, Randy could finally understand the whole things.
"Well…it is only one of the possibilities after gathered all the information together." Lloyd shrugged, smiling bitterly.
"Here you go again…stop being humble!" Randy made fun of Lloyd.
"Yes. I think the speculation is in place." Seeing his shy expression, Elie couldn't help but chuckled. "It sounds reasonable and persuasive in current situation."
"…Your qualification as investigator is valuable."
"Thanks, everyone." Lloyd took a deep breath. "Anyway, don't you think…we should tell them our speculation?"
At evening, Wald came to the front of Crossbell Station all alone.
He didn't come here for strolling. Besides, he was not the type to come here just for strolling. He was not some guy from blue kids.
"Here is the place…I didn't expect they will contact me at late night and told me to come here all alone. Damn those police…!"
He walked down the stair. Around the same time, there was a blue train pulled out from the station. He looked down to the train road, and eyes were certainly drawn to the train.
"That's…"
"I think it is the last train to Calvard Republic."
The voice coming from the back and it really shocked him. He didn't found anyone here a moment ago.
"Łazy…!?"
"Good evening, Wald." The greed haired man leaned against the goods behind, alone. "What a beautiful night. Look at the moon, it shines in dim light."
"You little brat…I get it now. You call me out using the name of those damn kids?" He walked to Łazy. "Fine, come on, we're going to settle everything here!"
"Well…I don't mind. But unfortunately, I was invited too, just like you." Ignoring his provocation, Łazy looked to the back of Wald. "Here they are."
"What…?"
The SSS team walked down from the stair. They were the one contacted the two of them to wait here.
"Sorry for the wait."
"Thanks for your invitation. I think you will let me hear some interesting information, just like the promise, right?" Łazy didn't mind their late at all.
"Let alone your interest, I bet you want to listen to it. Can I start now?"
Before Lloyd started to explain, Wald suddenly stopped him.
"W-Wait a minute! What's so interesting!? What deal have you done with this brat!?" Why he felt like he was leaving out?
"…Are you a stupid?" Łazy sighed.
"What…!?"
"They must have a clue about the culprit of the injured cases happened five days ago."
Lloyd was amazed by Łazy. He watched the other three, smiled bitterly.
"So you doubt it from the beginning?"
"At first, I thought that the members were acted without permission. But after I carefully thought and sorted everything out, it was obviously unnatural. That's the far I could speculate."
"Then, this is easy for me to explain." Lloyd nodded. "Wald Wales, the next I will explain might not appear to be too strict to you, but I hope you can listen it carefully and let me finish it."
"…Tch…make it short. Don't dare to tell me anything funny. I'll make you pay for it!"
Lloyd appreciated him and started to explain all information he had gathered and the speculation he got. He also told them about [Heiyue], the Mafia soon coming into Crossbell. After all, he would have to tell them about [Heiyue] in order to explain the purpose of [Revache & Co.]
After Lloyd finished explaining, Wald and Łazy only remained silent.
"…Anyway, I would like to hear your opinion."
"… …" Wald was completely dumbfounded.
"Oh…I just never thought I would be playing by Mafia."
"Can you accept the speculation?" Elie carefully asked.
"Well, why not? Actually, the members of [Revache & Co.] did come to me once." Łazy shrugged. "They said they would like to invite [Testaments] to work under them. Of course, I took them off. Wald, how about you? I assume the same happened to you?"
Wald hesitated for a while." Yeah…around a month ago. I just got rid of them." Thinking about this, he felt flame started to build. "…Damn, how dare they look down on me…"
Immediately, he pulled out his weapon. No, he was not going to swallow this without doing anything!
"Łazy, I'll deal with you later! I don't care! I'll beat them all!"
Although they had expected Wald would be angry over the thing, but they never thought he wanted to deal with [Revache & Co.] directly.
"W-Wait!"
"…Moody…" Tio face palmed.
"P-Please calm down."
"I say…you're really stupid." Łazy simply stopped his pace by a word.
"WHAT!?"
"Do you think you stand the chance to win? You will only end up being a honeycomb."
"Shut up! I wouldn't know if I don't try!"
"…I know you don't care. But…are you going to put your little brothers into this as well?"
"I…!" Łazy's words just hit the point and shut Wald up immediately. Although he didn't care about himself, but he would not let his men involved in the matter. Wald usually looked fierce and always bullying his men, but he would never let anything happened to them. "What are you going to do!? Being play to this point, are you just going to let it be!?"
Compared with Wald, Łazy was surprisingly calm. However, if you looked carefully, you could see he was angry. Lloyd could see Łazy was sneering.
"Do you think I am person like that?" He smiled fiercely. "I think there are only few members of Mafia involved in this matter. I will make them pay…without the way they could get revenge."
Lloyd sighed. He just didn't know what kind of person Łazy was. He looked so gentle, yet he could be so fierce.
"Wald, you have to help me in this."
"You little brat…"
Now, it was clearly they want to revenge. Lloyd had a bad feeling about this.
"Wait…what are you going to do?"
"Don't worry, I will count you in, of course." Łazy let out an evil smile and send chill to Lloyd. "Your mission is to end this matter. I think you have the responsibility to tell the Mafia to stop all this..am I right?"
Being draped by the shoulder and whispered in the ear, Lloyd suddenly felt helplessly and started to get stammered.
"I…uh…"
The other members of SSS looked at each other, not knowing what the two were talking about.
"Since you have showed me such interesting speculation, I'll assume you will take the responsibility and accompany me to the last…right?"
Three days later at night, because of the unusual silence at Downtown, the culprits from [Revache & Co.] showed up in this area again.
They heard the gangs were going to start a fight soon. But after few days of observation, they didn't see any action coming from the gangs. Having no choice, they set out again.
On a quiet night, there were four men with black suit and sunglasses showed up in Downtown.
"It is too silent…we have done so many things, why they haven't start the fight?"
"Hmph…as long as we lit the fuel, they will start to kill each other. Let's give them a little push." The older Mafia members sneered.
"Yes…[Sabel Viper] and [Testaments], no matter which gangs they're from, just do it."
"Be careful not to been seen. Remember, if we found member of [Sabel Viper], use slingshot to attack. If it is member of [Testaments], attack from the back."
"Then, let's go!"
After discussing, they split up and hid near the gathering point of two gangs.
The hunt began.
… …
In the middle of night, there was blue hoodie man came out from the underground bar [Trinity]. He appeared just drunk with other members and now was heading home.
Coming out from the bar, he went right down to a stair. He paused before the illegal Trading House and continued moving further a moment later. Beside the Trading House was a small slope. Further in was a small warehouse. At this time, it was the quietest and most secluded place, and it appeared to be the easier place for the Mafia members to start their plan.
One of the Mafia members was hiding in the small warehouse. When the blue hoodie man passed by, he hit the blue hoodie man hardly on the back.
"Hmm…!" The blue hoodie man fell down.
"Hmph…found the blue rabbit."
The other three Mafia members came by.
"This was fast."
"Hurry up and beat him." The older Mafia member urged. "Remember, don't kill him."
"Don't blame us -" When they were to beat the hoodie man, strange thing happened. "What!?"
The hoodie man suddenly stood up and defended using a pair of tonfa.
"…Got you!"
"What the…!?"
"Phew…I never thought you took the bait so easily." The hoodie man sighed under his breath.
In order to bring the Mafia to the lure, they intentionally spread the news of the gangs had cancel the fight. They also expected to wait for few days, but it seemed the Mafia simply couldn't wait.
"You…who are you!?"
The hoodie man - Lloyd took off the uniform. "Although I would love to arrest you…but I just don't like it. So this time, I will just letting it go."
"You…You're police!?"
"Hah…he's merely a helper."
Suddenly, another voice sounded on top of them. They quickly raised their head and found Łazy and the other SSS members were standing on the small warehouse's roof.
"They really took the bait." Randy shook his head. He thought this was not going to work so easily.
"…It was precisely." Tio agreed to randy's words.
"Are you alright, Lloyd?" Elie quickly checked on their leader's condition.
"Don't worry. I put some pad in the hood just in case. Thanks to it, I'm fine." Hearing his words, Elie obviously felt relieved.
And with that, the Mafia members couldn't deny it no matter how they explained.
"…Didn't think you have aware of us…"
Łazy smiled. "So, what do you want to do? Surrender on the spot…or you want to be hunted by us this time?"
"Damn…!"
"Split up!" The older Mafia member ordered, and the four of them immediately split up and ran.
As long as they could get back to [Revache & Co.], everything should settle! Having this in mind, they split into two groups and ran to separate directions.
"Stop there!"
Łazy jumped down from the roof and said. "The two of you, come with me." And then, he quickly chased after the Mafia members.
"What the…h-hey!" Lloyd almost didn't understand his words and slowed down a little. He might not accept the instruction from Łazy, but captured the Mafia members was the priority!
"Elie, come with me! Randy and Tio, chase after the other group!"
"Understood!"
"Roger!"
One group of Mafia member went passed [Trinity]. They moved with amazing speed, thinking it was impossible for them to catch up. However -
"Damn the police…let's get reinforcement…"
"W-Wait! How are we going to explain this to Deputy Master…!?"
"Tch…anyway, let's get out of here…"
"Do you think you can get away from here?"
Wald leaded the members of [Sabel Viper] and [Testaments] and waited at the entrance. This was the only way to get out of Downtown, and they were not going to let them out of here.
"You…!"
When Randy and Tio reached there, the two Mafia members have been surrounded by Wald and the gangs.
"…Checkmate."
"Well, we'll leave it to Lloyd, then."
On the other hand, the other group of Mafia member came from the direction of [Ignis]. However, when they found their friends had been surrounded, they immediately back down. The entrance was blocked, and they didn't want to risk.
"We're having no choice…take the short cut!"
They turned around and ran to another direction. There were many metal frames set up from one rooftop to rooftop. They didn't know who did it, but this was only secret path other than the entrance, and the only way they could get out of here. Climbing the rack was an easy job for the trained Mafia members. They walked along the metal frames on the roof, and intended to just leave their friends for the moment, while requesting for help. However, Łazy blocked them in the half way.
"Yo, hard work, huh?"
He was waiting for them.
"Damn…get down!"
The Mafia members lowered their bodies and jumped off. Just like knowing what in their minds, Lloyd and Elie were waiting for them down there too.
"You can't run anymore."
"Phew…what a pain."
"Hmm…!"
"Enough of the hide and seek. I think it's time for you to surrender." Łazy jumped down elegantly and stood beside Lloyd.
"You little brats…" The older Mafia member bit his bottom lips and pulled out a gun. "Do you think you can fight against us!?"
"We'll make you regret!"
Łazy shook his head, looking to Lloyd and Elie.
"Well…can I count on you?"
"You should worry about yourself and don't pull us down!"
"The two of you, they are coming!"
Łazy and Lloyd ran separately to the Mafia members, while Elie shot from the back to distract the Mafia members. Although the Mafia members mainly used gun in battle, but never looked down on their combat skills. In close range battle, they had to discuss the gun and used combat skills instead. Elie couldn't simply shot in that situation, so she cast support magic and healing magic to the front team.
Close range battle was most suitable to Łazy. Although he looked quite fragile, but after seeing him defended the Mafia's attack and counter back with one hand, Lloyd and Elie were admired by his martial skills. He really good in martial, with his amazing speed, he was a great fighter.
"How is it? Can't stand it?" Łazy raised a grin.
"…Don't look down on us!"
Lloyd was taking advantage from the tonfa he used. His opponent used combat skill without weapon support, but he had tonfa on hand. Plus, tonfa good in defending. He had no problem to deal with Mafia member. Overall, Lloyd was in great advantage. With the help of Lloyd, Elie managed to shot the Mafia down.
"Thanks, Elie!"
"No problem!"
At last, with the cooperation of the three, they took the Mafia down by Elie's wind magic.
"Urgh…!"
"Damn you…little brats…" They were in such a loss to deal the three of them in one time…having this in mind, the Mafia members lost consciousness.
"…This is hard." Lloyd sighed.
"The guns they used seem to be the new models…from the empire."
"Mostly the weapon they bought in smuggling trading." Łazy said while cleaning the dust on his body. "Then again, your acting was really good. It was so realistic."
."…That's because you have raised such a plan. I'm just helping. I can't leave this kind of task to the others."
"So you volunteered to become the bait because of this? You know we are all worried about you." Elie crossed her arms and glared at Lloyd.
"Err…S-Sorry."
"…I can see such a nice guy like you could potentially be very hard in the future. Well, I don't hate this type of people." Łazy said and place a hand on Lloyd's shoulder, smiling elegantly.
"Y-Yes…?" Not knowing the reason, Loyd suddenly trembled, chill rose from the back.
"Heh…anyway, it's done. Thanks for your help."
That night, the Mafia members were beaten hard by Wald. Łazy suggested letting them go, since they were from [Revache & Co.]. They couldn't simply offending the Mafia. Plus Grace had taken few pictures of them and threatened in the name of [Sword of Wind]. To take care of the reputation of [Revache & Co.], the Mafia members had no choice but agreed not to lay a single finger on the gangs anymore.
"What's wrong, Lloyd?" Elie asked.
"No…it's nothing. I just feel a little bit unhappy."
"You think this case was not solve with your own strength…is that so?" Grace looked through him.
"Err…"
"If necessary, do not hesitate to use the power of the others, in order to reveal more truth. If you can do that, you're a qualified investigator…yes, just like your brother."
"What…?"
Ignoring the question from Lloyd, Grace simply gave them a wave.
"Well, I better go back. It's time for me to do the beauty treatment. Bye!"
"Hey, your brother..was quite famous." Randy hoped he could meet this guy in person. It's too bad.
"Yes, it seems he was an excellent person."
"Well…he was quite excellent…in the other ways though." Lloyd smiled bitterly. Would they still think the same if they met Guy in person?
"… …" Tio just watched Lloyd and kept silent.
"Anyway, mission completed."
"Alright. I understood now." Although it was late night, Sergei tried to keep sober and listened to Lloyd's report. "As a newbie, you have done well. With limited knowledge, you have racked your brain and thought a lot."
"Y-Yes…"
Smiling bitterly, Lloyd wondered was he praising him or teasing him.
"Through this case, you should have seen through the trouble of Crossbell."
"Well yeah, this is really quite a troublesome place." Randy crossed his arms, yawning.
"…All kinds of darkness and disorders…feels like a breeding place of evil." Tio was trying her best to keep sober.
Among the four of them, Lloyd and Elie were the one felt the most of it. Crossbell was their hometown. It was impossible for them not to feel distressed by it.
"Yes…"
"The police in HQ are absolutely not incompetent…although few of them are bastard, but most of the investigators are excellent and armed with strong justice. However, they is a intangible [wall]." When Sergei said this, he felt heavy in his heart. "For example, the activity of trading money of the Mafia and members of government."
Hearing that, Lloyd lowered his head.
"What is it, Lloyd?" Sergei saw his expression. "Do you want to resign from the job and become a Bracer instead?"
"…No." Although Sergei was quite reasonable, but… "I think this is the purpose of the establishment of SSS, right?"
"Well…?" Sergei raised his brow.
"[Protecting People]-Bracer's concept is commendable, but some of the problems cannot be solved with this concept. Smuggling, illegal arms trading, sale of stolen property and conspiracy of Mafia and government members and so on…Bracer cannot direct involve in these."
"…This is true." Hearing the words from Lloyd, and thought carefully, Randy felt it was reasonable.
"…In other words, [The Supporting Hand] is limited in power."
"However, police should be able to solve these problems. Even in reality, there are varieties of [wall] blocking in front of us, but the possibility of breaking through is not zero."
Elie smiled after hearing his words.
"I see…We may be able to find the possibility in SSS, right?"
"Well…although I don't know if it's a bit too optimistic." Lloyd scratched his head.
"…I don't think it would be so easy in reality. But just like you said, the possibility is not zero." The poker face Tio also smiled.
"Challenging the boss of gang and acting as dangerous decoy…you look serious and mature, but inside indeed a hot-blooded guy, huh?"
"Hot-blooded? I don't think I am this type of person…but this time, through working with you guys, I have learned a lot. We are immature, but as long as we are together, I believe we can overcome anything."
He really thought this way. Although they merely knew each other now, but after this, he had faith that they could overcome everything. He could do nothing alone, but together with his comrade, he knew they could do it.
"Lloyd…"
"…You're too contrived…"
Suddenly, Sergei burst out a laugh.
"W-What's wrong?"
"…Well, SSS was established under a lot of barriers, but it is your freedom how to use it." In the other word, he granted them the rights. "Though I couldn't help you, but in case you go too far, I'll cover for you, avoiding you from being scolded."
"Chief…"
"In short, we're free to make any decision."
"I really don't know whether this is too reasonable or too casual."
"…You just don't want to take any trouble…"
Facing the glare from the subordinates, Sergei simply shrugged.
"I will carefully observe whether SSS is just intimating the Bracer, or becomes a new possibility…"
He smirked, lighting the cigarette on hand.