"I can't believe she didn't bother."
Red's ears perked at those words. She turned sideways and looked at the feline complaining.
Now that the mission had ended, the group was on the airship heading back to Rhodes Island a day after the operation. Scout and Pith were napping, Skadi was staring out the window in thought, Ace was listening to Blaze complain about food of all things.
"Blaze, we were on a mission." Ace sighed.
"But the food smelled so good! The rest of you may be too far to smell it but we definitely did! Right, Red? We were both staring at the soup kitchen!"
Red certainly picked up on the smell from their position. The two of them had been stationed on a second floor overlooking the clinic street. The scent was guaranteed to reach them from their proximity.
That wasn't the reason she was staring at the soup kitchen though.
Because unlike Blaze, her attention was not on food…
But on the strong predator hiding in the midst of sheep.
.
.
.
The man smiled as he served another civilian soup.
He was different from the rest.
Red could feel it.
Like a hidden blade inside a sheath, only drawn in the presence of a threat.
Just as her eyes locked on to him, his also locked on to hers the moment he appeared.
Bronze against Yellow.
Steel against Fang.
Sword against Wolf.
Red tilted her head with interest.
While not on the same level as her Grandma, his aura was still silent and deadly.
Strong.
Dangerous.
His bearing was not that far from a wolf. More like a hunter. A fellow predator.
Just as she regarded him, he regarded her.
Two sides respecting each other. No aggression exchanged, only intention.
You shall not harm these people.
Red didn't intend to, but the man still projected his intent.
A warning.
From one assassin to another.
.
.
.
Red asked if she could stay behind to meet the doctor after the operation. Unfortunately, she was prohibited from lingering inside Chernobog. The situation in the city was relatively stable, but Reunion activities in the background could turn that around quickly.
"I will see if I can buy food next time."
Kal'tsit hadn't tried the food they offered during their visit. Not out of pride, but because they were focused on the objective. Now that contact had been established, more options were open to Rhodes Island.
Unbeknownst to the other members, Kal'tsit had bought a month's stock of Shirou's brew from the clinic. Rin had introduced the stress-relieving brew to the overworked leader and Kal'tsit could never imagine returning to her old brew after one try. The shipment was going to be sent directly to Rhodes Island a week after their meeting.
Too bad for the rest of them, they wouldn't learn about just how good the clinic's culinary expertise was until it was way too late.
"Really? You will?!" Blaze's eyes sparkled and her mouth began to drool.
Kal'tsit nodded. She was also interested in the food. While her priority was the objective during that time, that didn't mean they missed the aroma from the soup kitchen out front.
"Kal'tsit…can I come…too?" Red asked.
She wasn't used to voicing out her requests, but Kal'tsit was her guardian and Red respected her.
"Of course."
Now, Kal'tsit needed to think about how to further improve her relationship with the trio of doctors. Having them onboard Rhodes Island would be far more beneficial to everyone over being cooped up in a small corner of Chernobog.
When Shirou and Sakura arrived at the agreed meeting place for the second transaction with Mr. Dao, they found a different person handling the exchange.
The two sat on the chairs opposite the sofa Mr. Dao occupied. A new stranger sat with him on the other side. Someone the two had not met yet.
"Mr. Dao…who is this?" Shirou inquired while observing the person.
He quietly traced the stranger, collecting information and reading the individual from how he acted. Judging from the person's tension directed at them and none at Mr. Dao, it revealed that he trusted his employer- something that even Long Yan didn't do.
A henchman then. Not a third party hired.
"He's our new contact. He'll be managing the purchase when I'm busy with other affairs." Mr. Dao informed while pouring himself a glass of beer.
"Where is Long Yan?" Sakura asked.
"He…had a family emergency. An accident happened to his father and he wanted to return. We both agreed it was best to end our business on good terms."
Sakura smiled and nodded. "My condolences for him. I wish his father good recovery."
Shirou picked up on the unnatural smile she put on- one she used when she didn't like the other party.
She wasn't the only one to notice then. Shirou felt that his body language didn't match the sad tone and story. In the underground business, it was best to avoid building emotional bridges with those you worked with. Long Yan certainly didn't act like Mr. Dao's friend, so why inform him of something so personal.
…and why did Mr. Dao freeze when he answered Sakura?
Shirou secretly used his magic on the man.
Something was different. Not the clothes, it was expected to change at each meeting. Instead, it was one small object…
The knife he carried. It was different from the last time.
Particularly, the military-grade weaponry that was previously held by Long Yan- which exposed to Shirou his background as an agent from a city called Lungmen, where the weapon came from.
Now why would he be carrying something from Long Yan? Stolen obviously. No doubt taken from the dead man himself. Shirou doubted agents would willingly give up their weapons to anyone.
Something happened behind the scenes. Something big enough to warrant his death.
"Let's move on, shall we?" Shirou smiled while bringing up the briefcase. "2 kilograms of Originium as we agreed."
Mr. Dao smiled while motioning for his henchman.
"As per the agreement, here's our payment."
Sakura accepted the suitcase and opened its contents. She counted the cash inside and nodded to Shirou after confirming the amount.
Shirou opened his case for extra measure to show the Originium shards within- then handed it over to the henchman.
"To good fortune." Mr. Dao raised his glass and chugged it.
"To good fortune." Shirou mirrored the man's actions.
The disappearance of Long Yan worried him. While the criminal world was not one they were active in, it would sooner or later set its sights on them. The Reunion's presence around the clinic wouldn't stop established cartels and syndicates from reaching them.
Shirou would have to investigate starting now. Keeping an eye out would alert them early of any threats. It also helped that Rin finally allowed Shirou to probe the undercurrents of Chernobog. Kal'tsit's appearance and the attention of another organization showed that their cover was slowly breaking.
As nice as it was to take a step back for 4 months, it was time for Shirou to ramp up his activities.
.
.
.
Shirou met up with FrostNova and Faust a few days after.
The two Reunion commanders watched Shirou as he studied the blueprint in his hands.
It was the original copy- and had the same contents as the one they supplied before.
"So even the real copy is wrong."
FrostNova raised an eyebrow.
"We gave you the one straight from the archives. This cannot be wrong."
Shirou returned the plan back into its case.
"I can tell this is the real copy. But it does not match our expedition group's findings. Whatever they constructed, they intend to keep it hidden."
Faust exchanged glances with FrostNova. Their silent conversation picked apart the clue.
They were interested in an object. Searching for it under Chernobog District 1.
The Reunion's activities were focused around the outskirts along the slums. They didn't have the reach to send spies that deep into Chernobog territory.
"On another topic…how well acquainted is the Reunion with the Chernobog underworld?"
"Very. We deal with many factions and collect information on those against us." FrostNova answered.
Shirou hummed.
"How much for the current status and major groups?"
It was a double-edged sword. By sharing the information they knew, it would also tell Shirou which factions dealt with the Reunion and those who didn't.
But then again, they were dealing with Oripathy medicine.
It was a gamble…but they could at least limit the information they shared. Enough to keep Shirou in the dark about the Reunion's connections.
"We will only share should you continue to provide medicine."
"Deal."
"Agent Langyon has gone MIA."
There was no response from the rest of the mission panel. At its head, Superintendent Chief Ch'en slowly closed her eyes. The other officers shuffled their papers silently at the announcement.
Nobody wanted to talk.
The message was obvious.
The withdrawal of their agent in Chernobog had failed.
There was a small chance that he was still alive, but in this line of work- it was more likely that Agent Langyon had been caught.
Dead.
It had been two weeks since the order to withdraw. In that duration, he would've reached the first checkpoint that the LGD deployed their covert network. It was activated for a whole week- waiting for their agent to report his successful departure from Chernobog. If he couldn't, then mission procedure required him to return as soon as possible to Lungmen and notify the LGD directly. This was done with the consideration should the agent need to dispose of his LGD network identity module during the operation.
None of the two happened.
Two weeks was more than enough time to retreat to Lungmen based on the close distance between the two cities.
"...Ma'am?" One of the officers asked.
"I'll do it. I'll personally inform his family."
That was the hardest part. Talking to relatives about how their loved one disappeared. Ch'en wouldn't say they died, but it was close- as close as they could tell anyway.
"What do we do about Chernobog? Some of the connections…" Another one voiced out.
"We don't do anything. It's too dangerous to send more agents. Instead, I want you all to focus on intercepting the information coming in and out of Lungmen. Develop a new program to filter suspicious connections and messages. I want these bastards out of Lungmen!" Her voice started out low until it changed to a growl.
This…was unacceptable.
Ch'en stormed out of the command room and bristled angrily.
Only. If only they had pulled him out earlier- then all this would've been avoided.
Incompetence.
She stormed into her office and locked the door. Once, twice, her fist punched the wall out of anger. These were mistakes that couldn't be rectified. Mistakes that cost lives. Ch'en wouldn't forgive herself for such oversight.
Someone knocked on the door.
"I'm busy."
They knocked again.
"I'm busy!" Ch'en growled loudly.
"Ch'en, it's me."
The Chief of the LGD paused. With a sigh, she opened the door to her friend.
"...Hoshiguma."
There was someone else behind her.
"Hmph. About time you opened that door. Too busy moping around inside? Everyone could see you stomping down the halls."
"Not the time, Swire." Ch'en murmured angrily.
Hoshiguma watched as the feline pushed her way into the office. She followed afterwards, closing the door behind her.
"Exactly. Now is not the time for you to sulk in your office." Swire turned to face Ch'en.
"I wasn't sulking."
"Mmhmm, sure- and that wall and your first don't look too good."
"Swire." Hoshiguma interrupted. She was pushing the limit with how Ch'en currently was.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Swire backtracked. "Ch'en, everyone makes mistakes. Nobody is perfect."
"This one is a failure on my part. It cost a life. What's there not to be pissed off about?!" Ch'en argued back.
"Hmph. If you feel like you can't do it, then why not ask for help then? Explain the problem and we'll go over it." Swire proposed.
Ch'en stayed silent as she mulled it over. The idea was good, but this was Swire suggesting it. A blow to her pride should she accept.
But it was exactly what she needed to do.
She couldn't do things alone. Not when she was not confident with how to go forward.
"...okay. Let me fix my thoughts first…" Ch'en sighed while rubbing her forehead.
"Heh, I'm just too good. Maybe I should get your job instead." Swire smirked while her superior narrowed her eyes on her.
Hoshiguma smiled. She was here to keep Swire from causing trouble but it seemed that the officer was onto something else instead. No doubt even Ch'en understood the situation. Trying to do things alone wouldn't help her past this point.
"Alright, here's my problem…" Ch'en started. "We have no source of information from Chernobog after we withdrew all our agents. As confident as I am that we can collect information from surveillance in Lungmen, it won't help us to rely on one method. We won't be able to react if moves are done without using Lungmen's network."
Swire brought a hand to her chin while she thought it over. Hoshiguma stayed silent. She specialized in heading ground teams- not managing operations from behind the scenes. Though she would try to give an answer if they two asked her for her opinion.
"What if we had a contact that had access to Lungmen's industries?"
"!?"
Hoshiguma and Ch'en did a double-take at Swire's question.
"W-what?" Ch'en stuttered.
"You know how my family's into business and all that…right?" Swire rubbed her head. "When I'm off duty, I still have to help out. So, I joined the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Lungmen…and guess who the president is."
Ch'en and Hoshiguma exchanged glances.
"It's Lin Yuhsia."
Hoshiguma raised an eyebrow. She didn't know who that was.
"...where are you getting at?" Ch'en asked.
Swire grinned with evil intent. She could see that Ch'en was getting uncomfortable.
If I'm going to feel awkward each time I have to attend the association's gatherings, then I might as well make Ch'en suffer too!
"Well…we could go ask her for help."
Ch'en swallowed audibly.
"...this is going to help us?"
"Of course! She has contacts with successors of many big companies. You wouldn't know how many of the members try to gain her favor! With your status we could enter into a cooperation and solve your problem!"
"...you're evil."
Swire's grin was growing.
"Evil, but necessary."
"You could call her yourself."
"Me? Absolutely not. It already feels awkward just meeting her in the gatherings…which my parents want me to."
Swire rubbed her shoulders uncomfortably. The shaky relationship between her and the president was one that went back years.
It all started when Ch'en, Swire, and Lin all promised each other to attend the same secondary school. Instead, Ch'en and Swire went abroad to study in Victoria, leaving Lin behind in Lungmen. Ever since their return, Lin hadn't contacted them since.
The betrayal they did to their childhood friend was palpable.
"Here's her number. If you call her, we might have a chance."
"Why don't you help me talk to her!?"
"We'll have a better chance if the chief of the LGD herself calls her no?"
Ch'en glared at Swire.
"You're enjoying this."
"I am."
She swallowed her unease and sighed. Ch'en reluctantly started dialing the number on her phone.
The other end answered immediately.
"Who is this? How do you have this number?"
"Lin…it's me."
The other end stayed quiet.
"...what do you want?"
"I-I need your help." Her tone was hesitant.
Ch'en knew that contacting her old childhood friend after avoiding her for all these years was awkward to say the least.
"Need my help?"
Ch'en looked at Swire for help.
'Ask her about her position and contacts!' Swire mouthed at her.
"Y-you're the president of the Lungmen's Young Entrepreneurs Association, right?"
"Yes." A straightforward answer.
Ch'en swallowed nervously while drumming her fingers on the phone.
"We-no. The LGD- I mean me- I need a favor…" Ch'en stumbled on her words.
"A favor…from me?"
"Y-yes."
"I need to hear it first."
Ch'en stomped on her nervousness and brainstormed how to phrase it out.
"Something is happening between Chernobog and we are the closest city. As a precaution, the LGD is monitoring all traffic coming from Chernobog but we are having difficulties keeping track of it all. We're afraid that parties with ill intentions have infiltrated the city. I'd like to ask if you can help keep an eye out if anything unusual happens through your connections…"
"...through my connections?"
"The Entrepreneurs Association. We hope that they can help report if anything looks out of place. If something is happening, then the subtle signs can help us find out."
"I-I see…very well. I shall assist you and the LGD."
Did that reply sound like a relief?
Ch'en must be hearing things.
"T-thank you…Lin."
"You're welcome, Chief Hui-chieh."
The call ended.
Ch'en couldn't help but press her lips together uncomfortably. Clearly, Lin was still hurt. The way her old friend called her by her position…
She sighed. They really messed up.
"So, it's a success then?" Hoshiguma confirmed.
"...yes."
.
.
.
On the other side, said president was rubbing her face irritatedly.
Lin Yuhsia, the childhood friend of Ch'en Hui-chieh.
President of the Lungmen Young Entrepreneurs Association.
"I swear that girl…" She murmured
After all those years…and Ch'en just calls her for a favor.
The nerve!
Lin shook her head as she got her act together. When Ch'en mentioned her connections- it made Lin panic for a moment.
How could Ch'en know of my background?!
But no, it was about her status as the president of the Young Entrepreneurs Association.
At least, that was how the public saw her.
In reality…
Lin switched to her second device- an encrypted phone provided by her father for other dealings she had.
Her world was built on connections. Because of her exceptional skill, Lin grew popular and was voted to become the president of the elite association. Future successors of Lungmen tycoons would flock and build rapport with her because of how many other connections she attained over the years.
But all that skill was because of her other background.
Lin could use her connections in the association later. For now, she needed to get in contact with others. If a threat was surfacing in Lungmen, then there were better ways to monitor it.
Lin dialed a number.
The receiver instantly replied.
"Young Miss, what can I do for you?" The old voice replied.
It was her father's aide. A close and trusted friend of the Lin family- almost an uncle to Lin in all but blood. He had been there since her father's rise to power.
"Things are happening in Chernobog. I want to know everything that reaches Lungmen from that city."
"I shall inform your father."
"No. Tell him I wish to join the meeting myself. I need to hear about the situation personally."
"Young Miss, are you sure? Your father…"
"I'm very well aware that he thinks that I am not ready for such responsibility. But this is something I must learn to do on my own."
Lin may not like her position, but it no doubt carried power. Officially, she was only the president of the Young Entrepreneurs Association in Lungmen.
…but being the only child of the underworld's king landed you responsibilities out of sight.
Like being your father's successor, a position that Yuhsia had not accepted yet.
…
A few days later at an underworld gathering.
Lin Yuhsia walked down the casino hallway behind the Rat King.
It was one of the properties held by his people. While he did not rule the Lungmen underworld completely, his influence and sway could force major factions to capitulate to his demands simply by reason- not power. If they didn't, there were other ways…
His hand controls their world- and they knew it. It was through his efforts that the underworld retained enough stability and control to prevent the LGD from interfering with their affairs.
The Rat King does not meddle with syndicate business, but keeps them in line from causing unrest in Lungmen. If any stepped out of line, it was common for them to be routed and disposed of through unfortunate accidents. A popular rumor is that if a major faction fell, then the Rat King was involved- thought never could be proven.
Tonight, the Rat King has invited Lungmen's underworld powers to a gathering.
"Yuhsia…may I ask what brings you?"
Lin Gray- father of Lin Yuhsia- and the Rat King who rules the underworld asks his daughter.
As his only daughter, the Rat King wanted to shelter her from the world until she was ready. He limited her exposure to the underground- though that did not stop his daughter from actively involving herself with his business.
Something about making sure that her father didn't have to do all the work.
"Something came up. I wanted to meet the leaders with you and explain the situation."
"Hmm…you could have just told me."
"No, I want to tackle this myself."
Lin didn't want to put anymore work on her father.
They reached the end of the hallway and two bodyguards bowed at them before opening the door.
"The Rat King and his daughter have arrived." The announcer declared as they entered.
The leaders inside stood up from their chairs to receive the underworld's king and godfather.
The meeting of the underworld's leaders finally began.
…
"So, the more Ursine infiltrators have been caught?"
The leaders stayed silent while the Rat King ended the discussion.
"More and more have been streaming in. We do not know what the reason is, but the Ursus Empire is involved. A few agents have been caught."
"Mmhmm." The Rat King continued to pull on his beard in thought. "Keep them out. Ursus is planning something."
He fixed his posture before gesturing to Lin.
"Now, my daughter here has something to discuss with you all."
The underworld leaders turned to the unofficial successor of the underworld. Cunning and powerful, they held respect for the Rat King's heiress.
She might not be actively present in overlooking the Lungmen underworld, but she was still aware of all ongoing events from behind the scenes- just like her father. Not only that, but it was commonly understood that she was building a powerbase with many of Lungmen's future elite- going even further beyond the control of the underworld's leaders.
It was the only reason they could gather from her public persona- as President of the Lungmen Young Entrepreneurs Association.
"Good Evening…everyone." Lin greeted the leaders.
"I will keep it short and simple. The LGD-" Lin had to leave an impression- as she always did. "has reached out to me for assistance in regards to a new problem."
The leaders were quiet, but their respect for the Rat King heiress grew. None of them went as far as building connections with the LGD, but here she was- becoming a trusted ally of the LGD.
"Trouble is brewing in Chernobog…trouble that has reached Lungmen. They believe that we have been infiltrated. Their leader, Chief Hui-chieh, has contacted me for help."
Of course, name-dropping Ch'en was her method to quickly gain the assistance of the underworld's leaders. To have a connection that notable was equal, if not less, than her father's connection to Wei Yenwu- the leader of Lungmen.
Lin cleared her throat.
"While I coordinate with the Young Entrepreneurs Association, I also wish to have your assistance on this matter. With all of us working together, we can root out this Chernobog problem before it festers."
It didn't need to be said that this would hold a favor over the LGD's Chief. The leaders understood just how valuable this request was.
"Do I have your cooperation?"
A series of confirmations came from the underworld leaders.
"I shall contact each of you personally and discuss how to go forward with this issue later."
Lin nodded and sat down. With her finished, the Rat King stepped in.
"Splendid. I thank you all for considering my daughter's request. Now…as host- please enjoy dinner."
The Rat King waved and the entrance opened- food and wine wheeled in. The finest wine, the richest meat, the freshest fruits- all were served on exquisite plates and the like.
Like all his previous gatherings- the Rat King ended it all with a feast.
Shirou crossed his arms while watching.
The underworld was a big place- but it was the same wherever Shirou went. Terra was not that different to Earth when it came to illegal activities.
After some consideration, the best method to collect information was to get into the thick of things. Working as a doctor ate most of his time, so he couldn't tackle underworld jobs.
The next best thing? Supply weapons and jobs.
Shirou had some sort of idea of how strong the average goon was. From extensive clinic research and other information the trio collected, the people of Terra were stronger than those of Earth. Various species had different characteristics and strengths- but the general consensus was that while they had an equally low starting point, Terrans had a much higher ceiling. In fact, they predicted that Terrans could reach the levels of ancient Earth heroes.
Scary.
But so far, the trio had yet to meet a servant-level Terran.
Which leads us to Shirou's current status.
A low-level weapons supplier. Not so low as to just supply guns, but a new supplier looking to test his new explosive composition. Under his disguise, Shirou posted the job on multiple underworld sites to reach out to freelancers. Twice a week after midnight, Shirou would host testing sessions and a limited number of freelancers to try the bomb.
Another flash- followed by an explosion.
"Weird bombs you have here. They're weaker than the market standard for the purpose you designed them." The mercenary commented.
Shirou did advertise them as "demolition" explosives. He wouldn't really try to sell bombs designed for murder. His goal was to sell these to interested buyers for their illegal operations. From there, Shirou could track down where his magically reproduced bombs went.
Collecting information by tracking down your own products…
"Well…it is a new blend. I'll try to see what I can do."
The past two weeks had been spent meeting freelancers at the blackmarket testing field Shirou rented. Many had come and gone, but this latest one was really adamant on testing his nerves.
Not because of how annoying it was, but because of how much material was used.
"You don't mind if I use another set?"
"Well, you seem to be an expert…so I'll take any review. Though the payment will stay the same."
Technically Shirou himself became an expert as long as he touched any object that didn't involve software. If it was all hardware- then Shirou could easily grasp the object's purpose and use.
"That's fine, I just want to keep testing."
The girl- a Sarkaz- something similar to what Earth called devils- continued to burn through his supply. The freelancer had been using up his stockpile of small-scale Earth variant C4 explosives.
Shirou had to spend a week preparing those samples by manually preparing the mix and binding it together with magic.
"So-" Another explosion. "Outside of flexibility, there's not much else this was designed for?"
"No."
"I'll admit, it's very convenient for something small."
The C4 explosive was malleable. Each bar could be cut apart into pieces and spread over an area, or you could detonate the entire thing at once. If you need a bigger boom, just add more.
"I would've liked this if there was a stronger variant, but I'll still buy this one if you start selling on the market. It's just weaker than the average explosive sold. No hard feelings."
"I see."
"Hey now, don't feel so down about it!"
"I'm not."
"You should cheer up more often. It's boring when you're all so serious."
Shirou didn't answer.
The girl returned to testing the explosives.
This went on for another quarter of an hour until she finished.
"So, how much for the rest of your samples?"
"They're not for sale."
"Aren't you supposed to be happy someone wants your bombs?"
Shirou raised an eyebrow at her.
"Then watch as buyers come back at me later for selling faulty products? I'm still testing them."
"They haven't failed yet."
"I can't be sure of that."
"Hmmm…call it- intuition. I like playing with your toys."
"Toys."
"What? They're fun to play with."
Shirou closed his eyes.
"If that's enough testing, I'll give your pay now."
"Hmph. Playing with toys and getting paid does sound better." The Sarkaz female grinned.
Shirou forked over the LMD. The mercenary pocketed the cash and waved her fingers at him playfully.
"See you around, Mr. Supplier~"
Shirou shook his head once the girl left.
…
Two days later, she was back.
"Yoohoo~"
Shirou blinked as the same grey-haired girl appeared again.
The other two freelancers on the range paused from their own tests to see the new arrival.
"Heya, Mr. Supplier!"
Shirou sighed before excusing her to the other guests.
"Please continue. She's…a previous tester."
"Are you not happy to see me again?" The Sarkaz tilted her head with a teasing grin.
"You've already tested."
"Yeah! And I'm here to test again!"
"I'm not paying you to test again."
"I'm paying you to test again."
Shirou paused.
"No." He deadpanned.
"Come on. I just want to play with C4 again!"
"I need reviews. Not repeats."
"Right. You also want customers. So why are you pushing me away."
"They're not for sale."
"Yet."
"You're doing this just for fun, aren't you?" Shirou sighed.
"It's fun, yes. Playing with your toys is also fun."
"...just do your own thing."
The Sarkaz mercenary fished out some cash and handed it over to him before being given a set of C4. Shirou accepted the LMD and shooed the younger girl away.
Making a scene would only bring more attention to him.
.
.
.
After another gathering between Reunion's commanders…
"Frost…is it just me or has W been leaving a lot lately?"
FrostNova turned to Faust with a raised eyebrow. The two commanders had struck a chord in their relationship outside the usual circles they stayed in. But none of the Reunion's members pointed it out in fear of inciting the attention of the Yeti Princess.
"You noticed from the reports too?"
"She's been very active outside of the Reunion. Leaving every other day."
FrostNova narrowed her eyes.
"I'll have one of my scouts trail her. We can't be sure of what she's doing. Especially when we're all supposed to be laying low."
Faust nodded.
"I should send a second one to spy on her too."
W was a mercenary that the Reunion employed. She was capable- but as a mercenary- trust was limited. If she didn't believe in the Reunion's goal, then money was the only reason she stayed. If W has betrayed them, then they would act on it.
Patriot had hammered into FrostNova the importance of stopping members from deserting. Each deserter incited more to waver from the mission. In fact, Patriot's faction was the foundation that kept the Reunion stable. Talulah's faction lived for revenge and was chaotic when it came to logistics and operations. Without Patriot, the Reunion would've fallen long ago.
Faust hoped that W wasn't betraying the Reunion. He didn't want to kill an ally- unless it was the final option.
.
.
.
Another week and another visit from the same Sarkaz mercenary.
This time, it was a different problem.
Shirou had to double check if he was seeing things.
Yes, another Reunion member in disguise.
Good thing Shirou donned his own disguise. He doubted even Faust would recognize him past the aged veteran appearance he put up.
A coincidence. It had to be. There was no way for the Reunion to connect his two occupations. The first was a doctor, the second an arms dealer.
"You're…here to test my bombs, right?" Shirou asked the slightly befuddled scout. The rebel seemed nervous after watching the others test the C4 explosives, but pushed through his hesitation and nodded.
Inexperienced with bombs…so he wasn't here for the testing session then.
Shirou decided to observe the lost individual. His attempts to look like the other freelancers were decent- but the way he handled bombs blew his cover away. Several times, the rebel would watch the other guests before copying their movements and chucking the explosive material awkwardly on the testing range.
Then…something strange happened.
The grey-haired girl walked over to the newbie.
"New to bombs are you? This why you came here?"
The rebel's eyes widened when the Sarkaz female grinned at him.
Shirou had to blink again. For a second there, the grin seemed to take on a malicious glint. Looking at them now, the girl was showing the spy how to handle the bomb.
Something's not right.
Now why would she go over and help him?
Shirou noted down the interaction for further investigation.
…
The body slammed into the back alley wall and froze when the blade flashed under his throat.
"Well, well, well…who do we have here? A lost little sheep?"
W grinned darkly while holding the Reunion member at knife point. She accompanied him until the testing session was concluded and Mr. Supplier closed up shop. The two of them travelled two blocks in silence until the atmosphere broke and she attacked him.
"Who sent you? Why are you following me?"
The spy stared her down. He had been sent by their commander and he wouldn't betray her.
If he died here, then she would know. FrostNova would never let any of her men fall without retribution.
"Not gonna speak? Fine then, maybe you don't need a tongue~" W sang.
The spy steeled himself in preparation of the coming pain.
None came.
"Stalker number two, it's quite rude of you not to help your friend over here."
What?
The spy opened his eyes to the Sarkaz mercenary looking down the alleyway.
"I could sense you following me the moment I left. So, are you working together or are you from the other faction?"
Other faction?
"Pfft-" The girl suddenly broke into laughter.
"We're all on the same side here-" Then turned back to holding a knife to his side. "...so why are you both trailing me?"
The other spy answered.
"My commander found your recent activities suspicious and sent me to spy on you. The same must've been ordered of him."
They exchanged glances.
So…the same mission then.
"I…yes, I've been sent to spy on you." He admitted.
The grey-haired Sarkaz brought a finger to her lips in thought.
"See? It's not so bad to be honest, right?"
She withdrew the knife.
"Hmph. Tell both of your commanders that I was only out testing bombs. If I ever find out that I'm being followed again…"
The threat hung in the air as she walked away.
"Tell them that pissing off their allies could just backfire on them."
The Reunion squad leader and explosives specialist disappeared from the alleyway.
W…did not like getting spied on.
Author's Note
WOOHOO! Another new Arknights character introduced! I swear all of them are interconnected so much that it becomes a web of problems just slowly building the intros. A good portion of them have been shown already. After this chapter, we officially begin with the Arknights main story! YEAHHH FINALLYYY!
As for the other popular operators…well they come in future chapters as the story goes. Not all will be included as I'm having trouble already trying to make a coherent plotline between the side stories and the main story.
Ugh, the timeskip between Chernobog-Lungmen Crisis and Londinium is such a painnnn. But at least it has some good stories inbetween that I want the trio to be involved in! Hehehehehe
...
Answering some questions.
Yes, I changed Shirou's ability slightly for convenience. I personally find it more helpful to my plot for him to have access to his old world's materials for medicine. Just another
Yes, I used Zelretch as a convenient reason to drop them off in Terra. No, I don't plan to involve him much outside of that. Story will solely be the trio's influence on the world.
Thank you, someone (literally just 30 minutes before this chapter was posted) just pointed out to me that I'm approaching Skadi's problem the wrong way by talking to it. Thanks, I haven't read Under Tides or Stultifera Navis yet. Good thing I've delayed her story for the time being since I am following the Arknights fandom timeline. Gives me some time to think of how to tackle that one. If you are an Arknights player, this pretty much leaks some ideas on how the story will progress, thought I won't include all side stories :P
YES, I NEED ARKNIGHTS PLAYER REVIEWS TO HELP TEACH ME ABOUT THE BLOODY LORE SPECIFICS. It's hard when I'm watching youtube vods about the stories to catch up. CHAPTER 6 is fucking 9 hours long on youtube god help me.