Beautiful green scenery surrounds us as we drove through rural Iberia. It may be just me, but I'm honestly glad I can see this much greenery and not just gray concrete jungles of mobile cities. We really are surrounded by lush forests.

The same cannot be said as the interior of the car was littered with plastic bags, soda and beer cans, and empty food trays that we, I, bought from the convenience store. Let me see a receipt… aha, 300 LMD in a single purchase that only consists of cans of beer and soda, mineral water, and pre-packaged meals.

THUD

Woah. I hit something there. Shouldn't have been reading receipts whilst driving. I glanced at the rearview mirror and confirmed that I had ran over a squirrel, so nothing of value was lost. If anything, I'm helping nature's ecosystem.

Unfortunately, that did wake up Mostima, who was until now sound asleep leaning her head to the door. She rubbed her tired eyes and stretched her arms, letting out grunts as she does so. Then proceeded to lean on the window to see what was going on.

"Good morning to you. Before you ask, we're quite close to our destination. Probably 10 to 20 minutes left."

"Mhm. Do you have any coffee?"

"Empty since 5 minutes ago. If you simply wanna drink, we still have a bottle of mineral water."

"This is half empty." She holds up the bottle of mineral water.

"you're wrong, it's half full."

Mostima sent me an unamused glare before downing and emptying the bottle. She then organized all the trash into a single plastic bag that is now designated as a trash bag. Thanks to her, the interior is much cleaner. Maybe this is why men get married. Other than starting a family, you could get a person who'll clean stuff up for you because you're a lazy son-of-a-bitch.

"Anyways, I'm curious. More so than ever." Mostima started, "How come you get access to firearms? You even had models that are specifically used and produced in Laterano."

"Well… I have my contacts. It's what they say, deeper connections meant deeper pockets. And Sankta firearms are difficult to reverse-engineer, but not entirely impossible. You know how Sanktas use their Arts to power their rifle, or handgun, or whatever firearm they have. It's actually quite easy to rig it and make it not use Arts, you only need a brain." I pointed and tapped my head for emphasis.

"You do know that you are violating Lateran laws?" She questioned, "To tamper with illegal firearms?"

"Illegal, huh. Funny you should say that, I'm actually a wanted criminal in Laterano. Any good and honest person like myself has to start somewhere. Plus, tampering, is a bit of an overstretch, I prefer, modification. Blacksteel can do it, why can't I?"

"They are a legal and licensed company producing firearms licensed and approved by Laterano. And yes, I know about your crime in Laterano. First thing when I arrived back was an angry friend of mine complaining about multiple weapons were stolen, plus an Apostolic Knights machine gun. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

"Haha… anyways, we're here." I faked a cough.

True to my word, we entered a village. No check points for unknown visitors, just a wooden fence surrounding the village.

It's just as I remembered, the buildings are pretty much all the same. And the old Church still stands proudly at the end of the road.

One thing I noticed is the lack of people. Don't get me wrong, at this time of day, there are people working the field, the cattle, and children playing on the road —those annoying creatures— It's just that, it's less lively than before.

Though that might be me seeing things from the perspective of an adult, now that I am one.

I parked the car on the side of the road, and wore a cream-colored coat over my half tucked-in shirt. I didn't bother cleaning up my appearance, plus, it's a style of it's own. I carried a concealed revolver just in case, but other than that, I left everything inside the car.

"You're not bringing your sword?" Mostima asks as I was about to get out.

"Why? I'm not a fighter, a handgun is enough of a deterrence anyways. And it's not like danger is lurking around, I've known this village, it's safe."

We both got out and made our way towards the Church. Everyone spared a glance at us, it's unusual for anyone to visit this random village, let alone someone who's wearing expensive suit.

Messy, sure, but they kinda are expensive. All of my suits are custom-tailored to my size. Who would wear store-bought suits?

We reached the Church and I knocked on the door.

"Why don't we just come in? It's not like this is private property." Mostima said perplexed by my actions.

"Oh right."

The door wasn't locked and we went inside the Church. It's the same as I remembered. Nothing really changed. Except for a broken ceiling which I figured was fixed, since you know, it's been years at this point.

We reached to the front of the altar and I looked around. The sun shone through the large stained glass.

"Alright, where is he?" I sat on the front row pew.

"So this is where you lived? I know many Sanktas leave Laterano to build Churches and such." Mostima sat next to me.

"Pretty much, there is an orphanage on the back of the Church where me and my friends lived. The Church has rooms which is used as a classroom."

"Oh? You must be the smartest of the smartest, then?" she grinned.

"Yeah, I built a computer from scratch by 9 years old." I replied sarcastically.

"He's actually very smart at math." A familiar voice came from our left. A voice that I know very well, even though it became deeper.

"Aro, you bastard." I smiled as I stood up and hugged him, "It's been a while." I said as I pat his back.

"It has been a while." He returned the pat on the back.

We separated, and I noticed his clothing.

"You're the Pastor now?"

"I am. Since Father passed away, he passed on his duties to me. When it should've been you." He smiled.

"Ah that's right. When did Father die?"

"Around 10 months after you left. Wished you returned back with me that time. But it looks like you're doing well yourself. Who's this?" He turned to Mostima and offered a handshake.

"Mostima. I'm accompanying Valor here." She shook his hand with a smile.

"Valor? Is that who you go by?" He raised an eyebrow, "You are anything but valorous."

"Ahem. People change," I coughed, "Anyways you said you had something to tell me?"

"Oh yeah. Come with me." He gestured to follow him to the orphanage at the back of the Church.

We chatted along the way, or I guess Aro and Mostima is. Something about him seeing another Sankta in so long. And about how his ascension into priesthood.

We arrived at the orphanage that was still in use. Children from ages baby to teenager were playing or hanging out. Staff were busy handling chores and the likes. We were stared at of course, the more mature orphans offered me a handshake and smiles, probably because they thought me and Mostima were searching to adopt someone.

I was busy reminiscing about my childhood to care about adoption. I remembered that I was pushed down a slippery floor when I passed a particular spot. I think I broke my arm once? It was when I played outside.

Meanwhile, we reached a door that Aro opens to be a empty bedroom.

"What's this?" I ask on instinct.

"Father's bedroom." He simply replied, "Father left you some things in his will, let me get it for you."

"Really?" I raised my eyebrow in curiosity.

Aro procured a chest from on top of a cupboard. Causing a loud thud as he put It on the floor. He then handed me the key to it.

"We'll leave you alone. Take your time, I think Father has a message for you." He smiled, before leaving the room with Mostima. With a click, they closed the door, leaving me alone.

"Huh, well guess I'll see what there is." I shrugged.

I crouched and opened the chest, with a creaky opening, it revealed a paper written by Father on an red cloth hiding everything.

"Let's see…" I took the paper and folded it open.

"I pray you find your way in this world."

Signed, Father.

It simply said.

… Err, okay then? What's in the chest, though?

I set aside the letter and unveiled the red cloth to see what's inside, and was met with something unexpected. An ornate grenade launcher of some sorts. I think I remembered it being used by the Apostolic Knights of Laterano.

Beside it was another letter. This time, it read;

"I entrust my Guardian Gun to you, I call it the Judgment. It was my most trusted weapon during the days when I was an Apostolic Knight."

Father was an Apostolic Knight?! The hell?! Isn't he skinny last I remembered?!

I picked up the gun with both my hands and silently gripped it tightly while inspecting it all over. The design is pretty… pretty useless for me. I can't use Arts, and Sankta guns requires a mastery of Arts. I'll probably modify it to put it to good use.

I rummaged through the chest again and found a shining item, which I found out was actually Father's cross necklace. A cross that has the Laterano symbol on the intersection.

Other than that was piles of books in the bottom of the chest. I'll read it later, after I got them back to Lungmen. Hey, some of them are antique, and I love to collect antique things.

I wore the cross as a replacement for my missing tie, but that warranted me to fix my messy clothing. Thankfully, there is a mirror here. I fixed my suit and my hair, after I was satisfied, I opened the door to leave. Aro and Mostima was talking about something and Mostima raised an eyebrow when she saw me carrying a Lateran Apostolic Knight gun.

"Surprised? I need you to shoot this gun."

"Can't you do it?"

"I can't use Arts."

"Mmm… I'm curious as well, I haven't fired a gun in a long time." She grins. I'll take that as a yes.

"Any place we could test this?" I turned to Aro.

"Remember the plains we used to play in?"

"The road to that other village?"

"It's basically a town now. Yes, the plains near the road to Sentinel." Aro confirms.

"Then we'll go there," I nodded, "Help me carry the chest."

The chest was lighter than expected, though maybe it was because it was carried by two people. Whatever the case, we managed to get it into the jeep and we drove to the plains.

I handed Mostima the gun and made my way 500 meters to make a crude target out of fallen logs.

After stacking about 3 logs against each other, I returned to Mostima. Aro was observing from the back.

"Alright, you see that pile of logs? There," I pointed to the direction of the target.

"Crystal clear." Mostima affirms as she aims down sight.

"Alright, on the count of 3," I counted, "2, 1, fire!"

Mostima unleashed a stream of fire towards the target. Blazing hot fire that is almost blinding. In it's wake, it left charred grass and hot air. Unfortunately, I didn't hit the target. Meaning the range is limited. I'd say… about 100 to 200 meters. That's still long, but use will be limited. Although… on closed environments…

"Whoa, so this is what Fia feels every time…" I heard her mutter something.

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing."

"What was that?! I can feel the hear even though I was all the way back!" Aro comes to our side.

"A regular weapon from Laterano," I smirked.

"Never use this in cities or any population centers," he sighs, "But let's go to Sentinel, it's getting dark" He says as he observes the setting sun.

"Scared of the dark now are we?"

"Not at all. It's just… people, mainly kids, have gone missing a lot lately. Heck, even in broad daylight."

"Missing? Missing how?"

"How should I know? People have been on edge. Military presence is increasing, but the kidnappings persist more boldly," He crossed his arms, "I don't want any of you to get kidnapped."

"When has this started?" Mostima questions, now interested.

"6 months ago. First, it was kids missing in the night, then people missing traveling this road," he glances to the dirt road, "then kids start to go missing in broad daylight."

"Hmm… A syndicate of some sorts maybe? Motive might be ransom money, a crime like this is probably structured very well with a clear hierarchy and a goal to make money." I rubbed my chin.

"You seem to know a lot about crime." Aro questions.

"I'm an… I'm experienced on topics regarding this somewhat," I smiled.

I was somewhat tired when I drove to the town. We checked in a three star hotel and bid Aro farewell. He says he has something to do in the town before returning to the orphanage. Despite his warnings about kidnappings occurring very frequently.

Mostima is in the shower. Did I not mention we got a 2-bed room? I'm not about to let a woman sleep in separate rooms in a town where kidnappings of people are frequent, for all I know, those kidnappings are done by organized syndicates. Worse of all, multiple syndicates trying to one up each other.

And God knows what they do to the kidnapped in the mean time while the ransom is being prepared. I shuddered just thinking about it. Aro didn't mention genders though… just… fucking hell. Kids. Children. Even I'm not that cruel.

COUGH COUGH

Huh… that was weird… I may have a sore throat.

Now then… What do I do now? The purpose of going here was to meet with Aro about Father's will. I guess we'll stay for a day or two before going to the Iberian capital.

"Hey, I'm finished with the shower." Mostima's voice called out.

"Alright," I stood up and prepared to get a shower.

Mostima was wearing a bathrobe only. Not like I'd care, I've tasted better.

I got inside the bathroom while yawning, and took off my coat and put it on a coat hanger in the wall. I then washed my face with water first, which refreshed me somewhat.

That's when I noticed something. The unnatural placement of a thermometer. Who would want to see the temperature of bathrooms at all times? And I suppose the hotel would want to cut costs with his, assuming they also outfitted every other room with this thermometer that is suspiciously looking towards the shower.

I have a sneaking suspicion that a camera might be installed in this non-functioning thermometer. Just to be sure, I pulled that thermometer our from the wall and sure enough, one I cracked it open, a camera revealed itself.

It must be sending the footage live somewhere. So maybe the hotel is responsible for this? I doubt any previous occupants of this room would bring a small wireless camera to put in the room's bathroom of a three-star hotel in some random insignificant town somewhere in Iberia, which is hell in of itself.

Just to be safe, I smashed the camera to the ground and with a satisfying crunch, the camera shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces. What was I supposed to do now? Take a shower then sleep and pretend like nothing happened?

No, someone is going to get hurt.

"Yo, I'm going down to see the hotel's bar." I said as I got out of the bathroom in the most natural way possible, "Want anything?"

"Nahh." Mostima was already under the sheets.

"Be right back then," I closed the door behind me.

Now… first things first, we find the mastermind. But how? The answer's obvious, I'll just be that customer to the receptionist. Solid plan.

Going to the elevator and soon arriving on the lobby, I made my way to the receptionist who is still working at this hour.

Noticing my approach, the receptionist put on a typical customer service smile.

"Good night, sir. What do you need help wi-"

"I want a refund." I stated. Here it comes, I've seen videos about this and I think I know how to successfully replicate it, it can't be that hard, right?

"W- What?" She choked, I caught her off guard.

"You heard, me!" I raised my voice, just like the simulations, "I found a hidden camera, a C-A-M-E-R-A at the bathroom! I'm sure that means I'm eligible for a refund and a free room and a like a can of beer!"

"Uh, I- I'm not sure…" She stuttered.

"didn't you just hear me?! I HAVE A FUCKING HIDDEN CAMERA IN MY BATHROOM YOU SICK FUCK." I switched to full blown shouting, "YOU BETTER GIVE ME COMPENSATION OR ELSE I WILL SUE YOU TO OBLIVION." A legal threat should make her shake her boots.

"U- uhh…" She tried to formulate a response but trailed off. Shaking, she didn't know what to do.

"IT'S YOUR DUTY AS A MINIMUM WAGE WORKER TO CORRECT THIS MISTAKE! I WANT TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER!" I banged on the desk causing her to flinch. Pointing to her status as a minimum wage worker working in this hotel in a remote town would be very effective. They earn like 20 LMD an hour in Lungmen, I'm sure it's much lower here.

She was teary eyed, at any moment she might cry, though she's trying very hard not to.

"DID YOU HEAR ME?! I'M GONNA HURT YOU!" I raised my fist to hit her but was grabbed by someone from behind. The receptionist is now crying and ran away. Threats of violence always works.

"Sir, you are harassing our employee." I turned around and saw a man in security guard uniform looking at me with a displeased face.

"Ah, are you the manager here?"

"Sir, you know full well I'm a security guard. And if you keep harassing our employees, I'm going politely ask you to leave our establishment."

I yanked my arm from him, "You can't tell me what to do! I'm the customer! And customers are always right! I want to speak with your manager!"

"Sir, if you are being demanding I will have to see you out." He rests his hand on the baton. Clearly intending to harm me.

Naturally, I pulled the victim card.

"Police brutality! I'm being beaten by a ROGUE police officer! How can a FASCIST be out in the open beating MY RIGHTS away!" I screamed.

The sensation of a blunt object hitting my stomach jolted through me, interrupting my dramatic outburst. I winced in pain as the air was knocked out of my lungs. The so-called rogue police officer— who was probably just another minimum wage worker trying to provide for his family— glared at me, unimpressed by my attempt to turn the situation against him.

"S-See what I'm talking about?" I said in between breaths.

"Well, well. We have a dramatic customer at our hands, eh?" a voice chimed in, followed by approaching footsteps. I turned to find a flamboyant Liberi wearing a sharp floral-patterned suit that left his chest exposed. yellow-tinted round glasses adorned his face. I think you should honestly jump off a building with your style.

"Who are you?" raising one eyebrow, I questioned him.

"Why, I'm the person who you are looking for, my friend!" He raises his hand in an overdramatic fashion, "I am the manager!" he proudly announces.

I scoffed, "You?" I expected management to be more professional than this.

"Not impressed? Come on, let's go to my office, it seems you have a lot to discuss, friend."

I was skeptic, but oh well, I've reached this far. Were in an elevator, to floor-4. I'm surprised this place has underground floors at all. The elevator opened to a hallway that has… an interesting design choice.

Look, I'm not the one to question people on things. But there's a limit on how much I can tolerate these things.

"Interested?" The 'manager' nudged me with a big smile, "These are the finest ladies I could find. Of course, only accessible through our membership."

What he is referring to are big images of girls in sexual related poses designed to deliberately get any man a hard on. As well as corresponding doors to where I can only assume as their 'workplace'

"Not interested." I simply replied.

The manager simply nodded, "I see that necklace of yours then, are you a man of God?"

"Something along those lines…"

We reached an office the end of the hallway where the manager sat behind a desk and nonchalantly put his feet up. On the desk were empty bottles of alcohol of various kinds.

"Look, I'm assuming things here, but, looking back at the… hallways and the contents of said hallway. I reckon you know a thing or two about the hidden camera at my room."

"Well. Here's the thing. I truly do not know anything about any hidden cameras. Especially in your room." He sighs, "We only put cameras on 'other' rooms."

I raised an eyebrow, "You mean you didn't put any hidden cameras in any room?"

"Except for the rooms you passed earlier."

Okay… this wasn't what I was expecting… I thought he would just lie or something and then I'll kill him and take over this establishment as future investment. Now, it is no longer possible and I don't want the hotel anymore anyways.

"You're quite renowned, Valor, you know that right?" The manager casually drops my name.

"What?"

"After the VBC terrorism, your name is very widespread among underground circles as the man who did domestic terrorism and got away with it." He states matter-of-factly.

I coughed, "Calling it terrorism is a bit too far-fetched I believe…"

"People are starting to call you 'The Maniac', 'The Terrorist', and more popularly, 'The Phantom'."

I winced and asked, "… Is that from the people on underground circles or…?"

"It is,"

"Well, I don't know how to feel about those titles, except for making me sound like an edgy teenager." I honestly want to kill myself.

"Nevertheless, I'm more inclined to call you as 'The Businessman'." He sits upright and places his hands together while resting on the desk and looks at me with a discerning gaze, "I'm here to make a deal with you."

"Hmm?"

"You see, this town is ruled by three syndicates. Each controlling each a significant portion of the town, namely, prostitution, drugs, and organ harvesting—"

"Hold on, organ harvesting?"

He nodded, "All other businesses were unprofitable, a crime syndicate turned to organ harvesting to earn money. I'm sure you heard about the disappearances?"

"And the police did nothing about it?!"

"There are no official police presence here. The residents form 'Civil Guards' who acts as police. Even that is entirely being puppeted by the drug syndicate."

I scowled, "I'm assuming you're the one in charge of the 'prostitution'?"

"Correct. Which is why I want to strike a deal with you. The drug cartel was destroyed by the Seraphim syndicate, the ones who do the organ harvesting."

I rolled my eyes, "Seraphim syndicate? Really?"

"Yes. I need your help to destroy the Seraphim syndicate. Before they destroy me." He said, before quickly adding, "Of course, you will be rewarded. A lifetime membership, free rooms and services for a lifetime, and protection."

"That's all nice and all. But since I would like to personally strangle the mastermind of the Seraphim syndicate myself, I would agree to your request. Just one thing." I put up a finger.

"What is it?"

"I'm gonna need advanced payment. In LMD. Maybe something like… 3 million up front, and 2 million upon completion?" I smiled.

I enjoyed the look of the guy widening his eyes. But eventually, having no other choice, we struck the deal and I'd be helping him in purging the Seraphim syndicate.

His name is Alejandro, fitting given his appearance and fashion I guess.

Personally, for me, I couldn't wait to bask the sinners of the Seraphim syndicate in holy fire. Analogy for me killing the people who harvest the organs of children. It felt like a righteous cause.

After all, we can't solely rely on God to address every injustice, can we?