Author's note: I must say I have been enjoying Il Siracusan. If only I can manage to get Texas alter BEFORE 100 pulls! I am in need of a cute mafia wolf girl. Alas, I have gotten Penance, which I am not complaining. I have an interest in law so getting her might not be so bad after all.

Anyways, as usual check the notes at the end.

Abandoned warehouse, Lungmen/2000 hours.

"And here it is… M4 Carbines, modified, and a whole crate of ammunition. Just like we agreed upon."

I opened the shipping container, revealing dozens of M4 Carbines on a rack, as well as crates filled with magazines and the likes.

By the way, I'm still in Lungmen. And I've never known true stress and anxiety in delivering a whole shipping container filled with firearms in broad daylight in probably the strictest city on Terra.

"Yes, yes… boss will be pleased. But why should we pay you? You are alone, while we are many." My client smiled sadistically. This is the type of person I have to deal with almost every time.

I can see through my peripheral vision that his underlings are closing in on me.

I sighed, "It's true that I maybe cannot beat all of you. But are you willing to be enemies with the Carolina Famiglia?"

Hearing this, the client's smile fades as his underlings stopped in their tracks and backs away slowly.

"Geh… the Carolinas!" He spats out. "Fine. Here's your money." He threw a briefcase which landed in front of me.

"That's rude. Don Carolina might hear about this…" I say in an almost threatening voice.

The client got the message, and he grumbles as he picks up the briefcase. "Here." He offers me the briefcase.

"Thank you." I replied. Taking the briefcase.

Once again, I am humbled.

5 million LMD.

That is the amount of the previous transaction.

To be completely honest, I'm running out of funds right now.

Sure, it might be because I'm overextending a bit and bought so many small businesses and casinos that I blew all my money away.

That company of mine doesn't make that much money, when in reality it's only a front.

Luckily, I don't need to pay taxes. Because technically, I have no income.

Sherry has been doing her job as acting CEO swellingly. I don't know what she's up to. But I'm guessing she's doing some company stuff that I can't be bothered with.

I have to get more money somehow…

I still have a lot of second-hand firearms, mostly handguns, in a warehouse.

And the stock of my explosives are also running low…

Oh boy, it's time to acquire more weapons to sell at an exorbitant price. I heard Reunion wants some weapons.

This is difficult to do, since I am again, dangerously running out of money.

So far, my operations in Lungmen have gone swimmingly. LIBCO (L'IberiCo) has handled PR very smoothly. And thanks to my connection to Fantasma and the Carolina Famiglia, I don't need to pay for bodyguards.

In turn, I helped him entrench his famiglias position in Lungmen.

It's a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"And now, I would like to call to the podium."

Ah, right. I'm in the Church right now. That was the Bishop calling.

Compared to the church back home, and the one in Victoria, the Church in Lungmen is far more grandiose. Fitting for a Church in the world's most prosperous city, I guess.

I went up to the podium where the Bishop stepped aside.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, brothers and sisters in faith." I began, "Thank you to the venerable Bishop Xieuxi for the hospitality, and to all of the visitors here today. May God bless us richly In a Godless world that often feels fragmented and divided, our gathering here serves as a testament to the power of unity and fellowship of the followers of God. Infected or not. Amen."

"Amen." The people murmured.

It's been a while since I talked like this. The last time was before my departure to the big city back in Iberia.

"I stand before you today not as a wealthy businessman, but a devout servant of God." I paused, " I am proud to share with you how our charity has had a significant impact on this very church and its outreach efforts towards the homeless and orphans in our community."

"Through our partnership, we have been able to provide substantial support to this church's initiatives dedicated to serving those in need. Together, we have expanded the resources available to the homeless, ensuring they have access to warm meals, shelter, and essential supplies. We have worked tirelessly to create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals from different backgrounds so they can find solace, receive counseling, and regain their sense of self-worth."

"God Bless… may peace be upon you, Amen."

I concluded.

I solemnly nodded and turned to leave. Not before the doors were spammed open by the…

You guessed it, the LGD.

The police blocked the exit as the visitors began to panic. Luckily, Xieuxi managed to calm them down.

"Again, officer Ch'en?!" He shouts in frustration, "I have repeatedly told you that there are NO Reunion affiliated members in this congregation! Not in this Religious institution! Not now, not forever!"

"Apologies, Bishop. But we can't afford to be cautious, especially during these times of uncertainty." She states with an authoritarian voice.

"This is Religious persecution!"

"Hey." I nudged at the Bishop, "I'm going out the back."

He leaned in towards me while maintaining a firm stare at Ch'en, "Here," he said, his hand grabbing a lever hidden beneath the podium. As he pulled it, a trapdoor beneath the podium opened, revealing a cellar below.

"Oh wow. That's convenient." I said, peering down at the trapdoor, "Welp, I'll be going, then."

"God bless you, Valor."

I headed down and closed the trapdoor above me.

I can hear the muffled sounds of Ch'en and the Bishop arguing over something.

Damnit.

Officer, or rather, Superintendent Ch'en has been a thorn in my side. The amount of surprise check-ups the LGD has done on my headquarters and on my other establishments has been baffling.

I calculated it, and I can safely conclude that the surprise check-ups happen 12 times a month.

That's bullshit. That is a breach of my privacy and economic freedom.

Luckily, they hadn't found any of my stash. At Least I hope not yet…

Huh. So, there's a Cellar under the podium. That's the first time I found out.

Neat. It's also filled with wine kegs and cheese wheels. How old are these I wonder?

Oh, there's a bottle of wine.

Let's see…

Il Volsinii, 890.

That is ancient.

I quickly hid that under my coat. It barely fits.

The cellar's interconnected hallways leads to a maintenance tunnel of an apartment building. How do I know this? Well, there was a sign reading 'Gruneville Apartement' above a metal door.

In the end, I got out through a hole in a toilet stall of a restaurant.

Simply put, I got lost inside the tunnels.

It's a miracle I haven't found the Lungmen rat people. Wait, isn't that racist?

"What's this?" I had just arrived to the headquarters when Sherry handed me a bloody letter.

"A letter. Bloodied." She sternly states.

Yeah well, no shit sherlock. I can see that it's bloody with that red colour.

"From who?" I ask as I grabbed it from her hand.

"Your 'friend' in the Mafia." She sneers, turning back to her desk, "One guy barged into the room and slammed that letter in your table. Doesn't even acknowledge me."

Ignoring her, I took a clear look at the letter. It and the insignia of the Carolina famiglia.

I opened the letter and began reading it.

"Al mio amico, beneficiario e fratello d'armi, Valor.

I'll get straight to the point here. Times are tough for la famiglia Carolina, especially when your own brother has taken up arms and has taken over of as the Don of the family.

It is unusual for me to request your help, especially when it comes to family matters.

But just this once, I want to ask for your help. Please.

If you aren't convinced, I am prepared to pay you a large sum of money.

Volsonii.

Firmato, Don Alessio 'Fantasma' Carolina."

That's unusually friendly, Fantasma isn't the type to ask for outside help like this.

Hold on a minute. He has a brother? I though he died In a… what was it? A drive-by yeah.

Wait, no. Am I mistaking something?

So his grandfather died? No that can't be right. I scratched my head.

I grabbed a pen and a pencil and started to draw a hypothetical succession to the Carolina famiglia.

So, his late-grandfather was the Capo previously, the line of succession should've gone to his uncle, as one of the grandfather's last living son. So they all died in… was it a drive-by or a car explosion? It's either of those.

Anyway, they all died, I think. Fantasma said something about his grandfather being alive? I can't remember.

So let erase out the Grandfather, he's dead.

Erase his son too because he died.

Then erase the grandfather's-son's-child, he or she died. Along with more of his cousins.

So that leaves Fantasma to succeed.

I think that's right?

Alessio Carolina. That does have some sort of Siracusan ring to it. I'm still calling you Fantasma, though.

"Are you done scribbling on my notebook?" I heard the unamused voice of Sherry.

"Sorry," I put my hands up in the air, "Anyways, Sherry, I gotta need you to hold down the fort."

"Why? Going to another war-torn country to sell firearms? Oh, or are you gonna finally sell weapons to terrorists?" She asks accusingly.

"I would never do that." Emphasis on the 'never' there, "I'm going to Siracusa for a while because I received an invitation." I flapped the letter in the air.

"A bloodied invitation?" She crossed her arms.

"Yyyyyeessss." I answered sheepishly.

"…"

"Anyways, I'll be off. Don't forget to deny everything the LGD accuses us of, and notify me if something happens." I turned to leave, before remembering something, "And oh! I need you to find a guy named Sesa."

"Who? Sesa? You mean Seesaw?"

"A black-market arms dealer I had a few encounters with. Ask him if he still sell modified Lateran guns. Adios!"

With that, I turned to leave for Volsinii.

Siracusa here I come!

Volsinii, Siracusa/1900 hours/Light rain.

Ahh… Siracusa... Elegancia, cultura e infamia.

"Never knew I'd be back in Siracusa so soon…" I mumbled as I leaned on the car window and saw the sight of Siracusan architecture and its people, mainly Lupos.

Also a few individuals who may or may not be a part of some mafia family.

Also I am still very much a wanted person in Siracusa. Though I'm sure the so-called authorities here are also a joke in of itself. Only being a convenient tool for the famiglias.

This is my first time in Volsinii, actually. So everything here is new to me. Aside from the rampant mafia activities, that is.

"Where are we headed, driver?" I asked the driver.

"The Volsinii Grand Hotel, Signore." He replied, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Hum… did Fantasma already book me a room?" I leaned back on the seat.

"Si, Signore."

"Mhm."

For the sake of my privacy, and considering what Siracusa and its people are like, I'll book my own room, thank you very much.

I'm here on a very important mission. That is, save whatever family feud the Don of Carolina is in.

Which is why I'm carrying a sniper rifle with me.

And a foldable assault rifle, in addition to my concealed carry revolver.

All of those, excluding the concealed carry revolver, is stored in a suspiciously big guitar case and a briefcase respectively.

Thank you to the military industrial complex, special thanks to DWL, Raythean, and Blacksteel.

"We are here, Signore." The driver called.

"Thank you, driver." I got out, signalling the staff of the hotel to bring out my baggage from the trunk, "Say, you're going to Carolina estate?"

"Si."

"Are there any places you can recommend? Or some interesting places I can go visit?"

"There is the Teatro di Milano if you continue down the road, but there is also a church southwest from the hotel." He points his finger to the directions.

I nodded.

"I'll be off then." I turned and left.

The hotel was grandiose. Hard to believe this is a hotel in a country run by literal mafias.

"Signore, your key." The receptionist handed me a key to my room.

"Sorry, but can I change rooms? I'm willing to pay." I ask.

"Unfortunately, there are no more free rooms left. They're all booked." She shakes her head.

"All booked? Is it usually like this?"

"There's a screenplay at the Teatro di Milano 2 days from now. That is why."

"A screenplay?" Hoh. A screenplay huh? I've watched a screenplay before. I fell asleep not even 10 minutes in.

"Yes. La morte di Texas."

"I'm guessing you meant 'the death of Texas'?"

"Correct, it's been a long-anticipated screenplay written by one of the best playwrights in Siracusa."

"Mhm. Regarding the room change…" I slipped a letter across the table. Any Siracusan knows what this is.

"That can be arranged, Signore." She takes the letter and hands me the keys, "room 491. Your luggage will be delivered shortly."

"Gracias." I nodded. I smiled as I got into the elevator, money does indeed turn the world around. Especially here in Siracusa.

Too bad I'm low on them. Well, if one can consider 11.2 million LMD low.

Running a big organisation is very costly. Especially when it is on its baby steps.

Just like start-ups, most of them are either a hit or miss, and when they do hit, they hit big.

Fantasma better pay me well after this. Because I'd rather sell weapons to everyone rather than exclusively selling to Fantasma and his famiglia.

That's the capitalist mindset. No hard feelings.

Ah, here it is. Room 491.

I turned the key and opened the room.

I must say, it's very luxurious.

A flat screen tv, a window overlooking the park, and a soft bed.

I'm sleeping good tonight

And I can't forget that my luggage is already here. Placed on the bed.

Yes, the very much not suspiciously large guitar case and two very normal briefcases.

I'll go visit the Carolina estate tomorrow, maybe I'll even go out on a night stroll.

The weather? I've survived Londonium, I can handle a measly rain of Volsinii.

Welp. First, I'll take a shower and change clothes. I've been wearing the same thing for 2 days straight It's fucking itchy.

Now, first rule of visiting Siracusa, no matter where it is. Always dress to impress.

Which is why I brought over a very high-quality but very expensive custom-tailored suit, black in colour so as to blend in and to not stand out, same goes for the coat. Of course, can't forget the purple tie.

I checked my holster belt and holstered my S&W model 686 in.

I'm not taking any chances. Which is why I'm using originium bullets to make a quick job to anyone who dares to challenge me. It's called a deterrence; except they don't know it until I've shot them first. Potentially infecting them with oripathy.

Eh. Not my problem. Stuff break, people die.

An infected might be persecuted, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't affect me personally. Why should I care?

I wonder how many people actually care about them?

I like to think that I share this opinion with a majority of the world.

Cold indifference. Neither hatred nor support.

So is this life we live.

Finishing up, I wore a watch and finished with the black cowboy hat. Not the old one though… you will be missed.

Right then!

I went over to pick up a briefcase and opened it. A folded modified M16.

I checked it over to make sure that it was perfectly fine. I already loaded a mag in it. I have 10 mags filled with originium bullets. So about 400 bullets in total.

A majority of my money went to this too, actually.

Was it worth the investment?

Well I'd like to live. So yes.

I gotta make sure to go on semi though… auto is for emergency purposes. Considering firing the gun is literally burning through my money.

I folded the rifle once again and put it in the briefcase.

Might as well bring the briefcase with me out on a stroll. I mean you never know what could happen to an unsuspecting civilian walking alone in the dark in the place notorious for organized crime.

Let's see… oh right!

I saw a pizzeria on the way here. Maybe I should go there?

I went down to the lobby and asked the receptionist for directions.

"Excuse me, but is there a pizzeria near here?" I asked.

"Yes," she brings a map, "down on Cittanova main street, there is Pizzeria Martino if you take a left. There is also a Cafe if you go straight." She points at the locations.

I hummed, "Do you provide car rental service?"

"Sadly, we do not. As our cars have been requisitioned by the families."

"Ah I see. Where can I get one?"

"The car wash over here provides car rental."

"Thanks then." I nodded.

I then headed to leave the hotel, it was still raining, light rain.

This is mildly inconvenient. Luckily, the hotel does provide umbrellas to its customers. As evident by the free umbrellas they're giving out.

Now then… the park first, yeah? I'll cut through the park and straight to the pizzeria, afterwards, I'll head to the car wash and get a rental.

Sounds like a solid plan to me.

"Are you kidding?! We booked that room a month ago! How did it suddenly go unavailable?!" The voice of a man reverberates through the lobby.

"I'm very sorry sir. But there was an emergency maintenance on that room. If you'd like, we can find an empty room for you." The receptionist apologizes.

"You better," The man points his cane at her, "We are here to find a terrorist criminal!"

"Hoh? May I know who it is? Maybe we, the hotel management can help."

"Racism, Sexism, xenophobia, antisemitism, ableism, ageism, classism, casteism, discrimination based on religion, discrimination based on nationality, discrimination based on disability, discrimination based on socioeconomic status, discrimination based on political beliefs, discrimination based on educational background, discrimination based on-" The man would've gone on and on, until his mouth was shut by a girl.

"Okay that's enough! Ignore the insane ramblings of an old man haha! We'll gladly accept the new room!" She smiles as she drags the old man away.

After she drags the old man far enough so that no one could hear them, she scolds him, "Are you kidding?! We're supposed to be on a secret mission here!"

"Secret mission, secret whammy. We've been put into probation, Superintendent. Thanks to that terrorist…" The man clenches his cane tightly.

"haah~" The girls sighs for a long time, "And it's our chance to redeem ourselves, See? The Military Intelligence have tracked him here!"

"The MI? You trust those idiots? They didn't say 'he is here', they said that and I quote, "We have tracked potential connection to him here in this location. Good luck.""

The man simply looks around at their surroundings.

"We'll bring the law to these uncivilized criminals. Siracusa is a lawless anarchy only being held up by the illusion of authority of the so-called 'Ruling mafia family' and that laughable 'law' of theirs."

"Didn't they copy the Columbian constitution, though?"

"Yes, they did copy it. But fully implementing it? that's a pipe dream.

Author's note: I'd like to add more in this first chapter in Volsinii today, but I had to go to an event this afternoon so unfortunately it had to be cut out.

So anyways, Volsinii, a lovely city. I really like the aesthetic. Il Siracusano might become one of my favourite events among Stultifera Navis and Under tides.

I really like the concept of a nationstate ruled by a supreme mafia famiglia and is held up by a law that appeases the mafia families.

I also like the mafia aesthetics of the characters that came in this event. And the UI design for the event.

One more thing, even though I want to get Texas alter, because she's a limited and all that, getting Penance isn't all bad.

Because remember kids, WaifuMeta

And back to the chapter. Uhh what is it to say?

I have some plans. This whole arc is set weeks before Texas arrives in Volsinii and kicks of the event of Il Siracusano.

There might be some "Slice of life" chapter(s).

And yeah that's it.

Oh and also… LUNACLUB YOU SON OF A BITCH ASS WHY DO I HAVE TO GET YOU 5 TIMES?! 5! GIVE ME ANOTHER FIVE STAR PLEASE.