A helmeted thug swallowed a lump as she clicked her gun, and feeling her heart beating wildy upon the declaration by the masked goons.

She had just been transferred here with most of her friends thanks to the "fixer" jerks. Her red-clad helmet abandoned, and a generic black one replaced what power she had.

At first, she thought this job was going to be a boring one. Doing nothing but sitting on her butt all day on the cameras, or standing around like an idiot watching other goons bank their cash or something else she couldn't give a time of her day to care. Then came the laughable state of the cocky "big shot" fixers, getting their assess kicked as well by the Abydos brats as they crawled here with a joke of a loan application document.

It was funny for a good few minutes, then it turned sad, before it got funny again as the bank teller tore them a new one. Imagine sitting there for 6 whole hours doing nothing but rot only to get ridiculed. They can't really take a hint, can't they?

Though it distracted her and her friends for a while, she still wished she were out there and doing something much more. Maybe hitting some bastards for their cash… planning out a plan to gain their investor's favor… or just anything just to get some action and blast some idiots with her gun.

And today, she learnt the hard way of the saying,

"Be careful what you wish for."

Breathing in and out, she slowly regained her confidence as she opened the door and aimed.

KABLAM!

Yet before she could press on her trigger, a bullet crashed into her head. Piercing her helmet and sending her down tumbling. Blacking out as she let out a tiny curse for herself.

"…You jinxed it, dumbass."

Shiroko lowers her smoking rifle as she held it with one hand. A hardened look of a predator came into her eyes. Glinting with untamed ferocity and ruthlessness.

"Anyone else feeling lucky?" Shiroko aimed her rifle again, pointing it at the terrified civilians, and some other security members that had rushed out but stopped in their march as their sweaty hands kept gripping upon their weapons.

"Or else!" Nonomi spoke in a joyous, sickly sugar stained tone as she raised her minigun, spinning the barrel and waiting for anyone dumb enough to speak out.

"That's right! Try anything funny and you'll get shot right between the eyes! You hear me?!" Serika continues the intimidation as well.

"B-Bank robbers?!" Aru spoke to herself with her eyes glinting. Starstruck by the sudden appearance of these masked hard boiled outlaws, shutting down the lights, barging in, and knocking out every single guard in the room swiftly! Oh! She could just dream the day she'll be like this!

"What the- ALERT! ALERT! SECURITY!" The bank examiner snaps out from the daze at the sheer AUDACITY of someone trying their luck robbing the Stygian Bank of all places, snapping back the other helmeted security as they raised their arms again… only to be met with a loud, ear shattering crash that came from the masked robbers.

Stopping the momentum of combat as everyone's eyes widen at the sight, and at what the silent white masked person did.

The tall bastard punched- PUNCHED a GODDAMNED CRATER into the floor. His fists raised as it was stained with concrete and whatever left of the ceramic. Rising it slowly enough for everyone to see his strength uncontrolled.

"Good one, Captain." Hoshino smirks as she lazily hung her shotgun. "You see, this guy here can punch through anything. I repeat… anything. Plus, we cut off your alarms long ago, so you're really out of luck." She smirks and glared back at the heavily sweating automaton.

"If he made that with a single punch, imagine what he could do to you.
Ready to find out?"

She made an ultimatum.

Enough for the bank examiner to fall down trembling… along with the guards, as they tossed their weapons down.

…If it goes on any longer, Hans swore she could make that adult piss himself.

"T-That's enough… please." Hifumi whispered gently. Her thoughts still scrambled, but enough for her to speak sense for a moment.

"Heh! Got it, boss!" Number 1 snaps her finger as she winked.

"Right, thank-"

…Wait.

'Boss?'

"Everything is going according to plan! It's time to move to the next phase! Give us your orders, Faust!" She exclaimed as she turns to the confused, clueless girl that was Hifumi at the sudden mind shattering promotion.

"W-WAIT, ARE YOU REFERING TO-"

"Aha! Yes! You're the boss! As for I…" Nonomi reeled back and… struck… a… pose. "I'm Christina of the Masked Mizuki Gang~!"

Hans had almost forgotten about it. He had almost buried it deep into the depths of his mind, only to get reminded of that pose again.

He immediately snaps away, staring at Hifumi whose eyes had darkened again as a mind broken laugh left her lips…

"Haha…"

…Poor girl.

Then at the terrified- No... a star struck Aru.

Shiroko reached to her empty large camping duffel bag as she looked expectantly at Hans. Snapping out from watching Aru who had this… wide shining eyes, he looks over to Shiroko and gave her a court nod, signaling that it's time.

"You. That truck that just came? I want you to take this bag and fill this up with the goods." Shiroko walked to the bank examiner, tossing the brightly colored duffel bag to him.

"Including today's transport logs of any vehicles that came here… no matter how irrelevant you may think it is. Or else."

"O-Of course!" The automaton immediately scrambled up. "C-Cash, bonds, gold! W-Whatever you want! You got it!" He immediately ran into the vault.

"Wait, I mean only the documents-" Barely having enough time to explain, the automation had gone inside the vault. Hastily tossing anything related to what these… robbers want. Then, barely five minutes later, he ran back to the masked robbers huffing and puffing with a bag filled to the brim.

"H-Here they are! All neatly organized and everything! Please don't hurt me!"

"Scamper off." Shiroko orders, pulling the bag forcefully. "The eagle has landed. I got the goods!"

"Nice one, Azure! Let's go!" Serika nods.

"S-Sorry about this everyone… thank you and have a nice day!" Hifumi would say as well politely.

"Let's move it!" Hoshino dashed as well. Reaching out to toss a final farewell gift as it explodes into a large puff of smoke.

"Cough! Cough! Cough! D-Dammit! Don't let them get away! Seal off the roads! Call the market guards!"

"…Ayane." He calls for the operator.

"Mapping the fastest route towards the jeep! Be careful! The roads have been sealed off, and every market guard had been notified!"

"…Arona." And lastly, he calls for his assistant. "Yup! Lockdown initiated! Keeping them busy for a while! Good luck!"

The once petrified gangers snaps out and immediately picked up their guns one by one as the robbers made their escape. But before they could reach the doors, the shutters and iron doors clamped down on the Stygian Bank.

"NO!"

The locks click and came down as the shutters secured themselves and locking everyone inside but five curious fixers as they ran alongside and behind their star-struck leader.

"There! Targets located! Five masked students, along with an extremely dangerous adult!" Came shouts from the armed automatons as they came running out from the armored vehicle as soon as the wheels came to a halt. Their one singular eye lit up as they marched into the district, only to be met with bullets quickly as they did.

This is the last part of their plan. The part where they made a wild dash towards their jeep using any path Ayane had made on their phones. Twisting alleys, through the marketplaces, and shooting their way out. Everything is on the table, and the stakes are high.

"Oh God… oh God… what will I tell the Tea Party…?!"

"Another squad is coming in!" Ayane warns. "Left side!"

"…Understood." Hans spoke out, rushing to the mix of helmeted students and robots with his fists raised and thrown before they could aim and understood what they're facing.

CRASH! CRACK!

His fists piercing through a robot before throwing it- his? Body to a shocked machine, then moving to another target, then another as he made quick work of those goons. Leaving them battered, knocked out, or worse.

"Don't stop." Hans kept on as the students followed the lead. Outside of his knowledge, a quiet agreement formed between the students.

Without their teacher, this will be a lot harder than it was.

They just needed to support him as he clears the path ahead with his strength. Shooting, punching, kicking, and even… ripping one robot apart with his bare hands and they provide him with extra firepower just in case anything tried to be lucky. Though they doubted they had done much for him as he mowed down through foe after foe without breaking a sweat.

Meanwhile, Hans was back in his element for once. To face his enemies face to face with fists raised and weapons left behind. Though the risk of him getting hurt was clear, Hans trusted his instincts and his students. Hifumi of course, was deadly scared of him getting hurt, but the students from Abydos knew better. For he had something else in play. Tearing through one last automaton until more of them would arrive around the corner with some armored vehicles to block the path ahead.

"There! Initiating suppressing fire!" shouts an automaton as the firing line started.

"Everyone you have to fight through! Just a little more!"

"Wrath. Azure." Hans spoke out. Pointing to them as they dashed behind any kind of cover they can. Letting the exchanged of bullets to continue.

"Got it! I'm all fired up!"

"Nn."

Plucking out from their belts, the leftover grenades were thrown. Exploding near the feet of the market guards, followed by the face of a masked brawler and flame engulfed bullets. With his fists raised and thrown, he finished the rest as he cleared the path. Upturning the vehicles to continue on with their dash.

"Drones, incoming!"

"Here comes Christina!" Nonomi exclaimed, raising her weapon and cutting through the rising drones from the next incoming wave of market guards escorted by the bigger ones. Shields raised high as they marched ahead.

"Everyone, to your right! Use that alleyway!" Ayane advised.

"Okay! Let's go!" Hoshino waves, shooting some buckshot behind to cover as the chase continued on.

"Sensei, come on!" Serika shouts, waiting for the captain as he clenched his fists and punched the sides of the alley as it shook and crumbles. Creating a path of debris and fallen bricks to cover their trail even for just a few good minutes.

"Just around the corner!" Ayane cheers. "Home free! Come on, everyone!"

Keeping the pace, Hans reached for his pockets and tossed the keys to Shiroko, being she was the furthest one ahead.

"Nn!" Catching it, Shiroko rushed further and towards their jeep as it waits for them. Pushing off the sheet over the beautiful piece of iron, she stabs in the key and turned.

Vroom… VROOM!

And the angelic voice of their ticket out came to their ears.

"Hop in!" Shiroko shouts, steering hastily as the rest enter. Scooting over, she let Hans took the wheel and he instantly pushed on the pedal. Steering out of from the empty garage and out onto the roads like a madman. Left, right, and finally into the hastily unblocked road were merely some pitiful guards and shield-bearers.

"Is that- IT'S THEM! Stop that jeep!"

Bullets crashing into the jeep as Hans kept his glare, pressing on the pedal harder as the engines burn and reached its limit.

Hastily, the shields were slammed down to create a barricade of bright blue energy. But too bad for them… this jeep is not going nowhere.

"Wee!"

"WOAAAH!"

"AAAAAAAAHH!"

"Uhee!"

"Go."

In a magnificent stunt, the jeep crashed into the blocking robots, pushing and running the half-baked display of defense onto the road.

This is it, the end of their last push.

Home free.

"WE DID IT! WE DID IT!" Serika leaps up and down as she took off her mask. "Phew! This thing is really getting stuffy."

They had stopped nearby on a small yet indistinguishable pathway towards Abydos, sitting in the grains as the adrenaline dies out. Their jeep had done their job well, but nothing lasts forever. The damage it took and the fact they pushed its engine to the absolute limit took a great toll on the vehicle. So, they had no other choice but to go on foot back to Abydos.

With Hans taking the liberty of destroying the blessed machine entirely before burying it away.

"We passed the invisible line and out of the black market territory. I've sent a bunch of anonymous sightings of the Masked Mizugi Gang out to get all of you out from the heat. We should be safe now." Ayane took off her mask as well, appearing as a hologram with a sigh. "I still can't believe you all pulled a black market heist…"

"Shiroko, you have the transport logs, right?" Hoshino asks, taking off her mask as well.

"Yeah. Just right here…" Shiroko opened the bag before she stopped right in her tracks. Her eyes widen along with everyone else at the sight inside of the bag. Yes, there are the documents they seek… but there is something else in play. Bundles of cash and gold mixed together with the paper.

Looks like Shiroko had done her part too well.

No wonder that bag is a little heavy.

"Considering the price of the gold, there's at least… five… no, almost two hundred million yen in here." She spoke with indignation. Almost sighing, in fact. There is no answer coming for her as everyone looked at each other, thinking of what to do next.

That is when Serika spoke up first. Her eyes lit up, ignorant of the surrounding silence. "TWO… HUNDRED?! What are we waiting for? Let's take it!"

A suggestion that is logical a Hans would agree as well. But the looks on Hoshino, Hifumi, and Ayane's faces said otherwise.

"Wait- wait…! Hold on just a second! You wanted to use the money?!" Ayane spoke out.

"Huh? What's wrong Ayane? It's our chance to settle the debt."

"But then we would be nothing but criminals, Serika!"

"What?!" Serika shouted. Her ears burn at what her friend had spouted. Criminals?! She would lower them to criminals?! This is their RIGHT!

"Ayane, we're the ones who shed BLOOD! SWEAT! And TEARS! To earn this cash in the first place! It was THEM WHO DECIDED TO FUNNEL IT ALL AWAY INTO CRIME IN THE FIRST PLACE! IT'S THE DAMN CRIMINAL'S MONEY ANYWAY, SO WHO CARES?!"

She held her growing anger at the sheer audacity to just… toss their hard work away!

"Serika! Listen to me! There is a line we do not cross!"

"It's our right to get what they took from us back! Why are you being so… stubborn about this Ayane?! We're not doing anything wrong!"

The argument grows. Serika's heart was right, but Ayane had some merits. Would they sacrifice their integrity and morality to pay their debt?

Hans kept quiet as the two goes back and forth, arguing between right and wrong before Nonomi joined on the back and forth.

"I agree with Serika! This would've funded more crime, anyway! Whatever we do with it, we'll put it to better use!"

"See?!"

"That is not the point!" Ayane spat back. "Hoshino, can you please help Serika see reason?! This is beneath us!"

"No, it's not! Hoshino, you must see that this… this is a golden chance! A ticket way out!"

Hoshino sighs as she finally made her stance. Really her juniors… heh.

"Well, Serika's point had some upsides Ayane." Hoshino baited. The catgirl instantly gleamed, and Ayane's expression fell. She was ready to make another counterpoint but Hoshino wasn't finished speaking just yet.

"But Serika, are you really ready to sacrifice your morality? To sacrifice everything that is once you to use this dirty money? If we do cross this line with that line of thinking, what about the next time after that?"

Immediately, the joy from her thoughts being supported died just as then. Her ears fell down with her argument as it died on her lips.

"Eventually, we'll get desensitized to that way of thinking and the line we had made will eventually blur and disappear till we can't see it anymore. Then one day… we will do something that we can't take back because we have an illusion of morality, and we have this excuse. Because they're criminals, because we have… no choice."

Hoshino then gave her a patient smile. "I don't want my adorable underclassmen to be like that."

"Um… I- I can't pretend to know what the situation in Abydos is like, but I do know by taking this cash, it'll lead to a bigger mess." Hifumi spoke up next. "…I think you'll regret it in the long run."

With that, Serika's option dies on the spot.

They're going to keep their morality up high. Leaving the money and gold to rot in the desert or until someone else found it. But Hans wouldn't let that much cash to just waste away and disappear under the burning sun. He thought of it for a moment. Then, inspiration struck.

There is something that he can do. It'll be slow… but it'll be worth it.

"I guess we're all agreed then. I'll just get rid of them somewhere discreet so nobody could use the money." Nonomi suggested.

"…Sensei, do you… agree with them too?" Serika spoke in a whisper, looking down at her shoes. Her fists clenched as she tried to keep her frustrated tears inside.

Hans walked to the girl. Giving her a gentle squeeze in the shoulder as he spoke.

"…They have… a point."

Serika kept her gaze. Sensei is siding with them too. She had to accept her loss in this argument, as frustrating as it is… they know better than her. When she spins in again in her head clearly again, they are right. Would she really step down to stealing?

It'll as bad as those criminals and the scammers she had fallen to.

Like always, she had shown her childishness.

She felt like an idiot.

"…But I agree with you… as well."

Hans continued, stopping her in her thoughts as he pulled the documents out, and separating them from the dirty money as he slung the bag over his shoulder.

"I shall… bear the sin… of your morality."

"What…?" Serika looks up at him, utter disbelief in her eyes.

"Sensei, are you going to keep it?" Hoshino asks.

Hans shook his head. "…Transfer it… to you… little by little." Laundering this much money will prove to be quite difficult, but he has Arona to help as she gave her a mental thumbs up. "…To pay your loan."

The questioning gazes of the group bore into his quiet expression.

"What if we refuse? Sensei, we took a part on it. All of us, no matter how you spin it we're still lowering ourselves to be as thieves."

"I shall do it… either way. But…You still have a choice, to use it… or not." He paused for a moment. "...If something happens... I shall, take... responsibility."

Hoshino paused. Her eyes trying once more to bore into his true neutral expression. Yet like always…

She clenches her fist before a faint smile came to her lips.

"Alright. I... I cave in. I trust you, sensei."

Even she can't fully understand him, she does appreciate him. Hans' insistence on using the stolen money for them is quite the… suggestion, but the thought is what truly matters. Shiroko nod at him, agreeing with his move as a gentle smile forms under her borrowed scarf. Serika wiped her tears as she gave him a small thank you. Ayane kept to herself before she gave him a reluctant nod, and Nonomi gave a smile that could light up entire districts.

Meanwhile, Hifumi kept her curious gaze on him. Though she may disagree regarding the money, she felt his commitment. Her thoughts linger on what the stories told of him, and she finally understood why he was regarded as a gentle figure, disregarding his usual silence and… unsettling air that would linger around him.

"I think I can see why Nagisa-sama thinks you're someone worthy to make an alliance for."

Hans glanced at her before shrugging. All schools are interested in him in one way or another. If he quite recall… there is a request coming from an academy called Hyakikyako he had yet to answer. Something about a festival?

More thoughts came along, yet it was interrupted by a warning.

"Everyone! Hang on, a car is coming your way!"

"Is it the market guards!?" Shiroko immediately snaps into action, scoping out onto where Ayane had pointed out on her firearm. Dust kicks up from the distance as she saw a shadow of a car moving their direction.

"Wait… no, it doesn't look like it. Whoever it is, they don't seem hostile…" Ayane kept her observation on the incoming vehicle before her eyes widen. Going for double and triple check for the information given.

"Hang on, is that…? It can't- it's the Problem Solver 68!"

"What?"

Yet their confusion lasts barely a second, as the car immediately came into view. It was a worn down, damaged, and rusty armored transport with more than enough seats for the fixers. As ugly as it is, it's a vehicle none the less. Running on fumes yet to expire.

"Masks! Quick!" Hoshino spoke up, wasting not a second to adorn the wool balaclava again on her head.

"Kayoko, I can't believe you're right! Um- you guys, h-hold up a second!" Aru spoke up as the car came to a halt next to the masked students and teacher. Exiting out from the car with the utmost urgency as she scrambled to gaze upon them. In which Shiroko came to her first. Her rifle clicked before Aru spoke up.

"Wait! Wait! I'm- we're not here to pick a fight!" Aru immediately waved her hands as one by one the fixers exit the vehicle.

"What is SHE doing here?" Serika whispers

"Should we attack?" Shiroko glanced to Hoshino, waiting for confirmation.

"Not sure. Let's hear her out first." Hoshino shrugs.

"Um, you know this girl?" Hifumi asks as well.

"We go way back."

Aru clears her throat.

"I watched you guys hit that bank. I-I can't believe you robbed a black market bank and got away with it in FIVE minutes flat! Not only that, you bulldoze through the ENITIRE Black Market's forces like a hot knife through butter! Um- especially you, um…" Her eyes went to him, at his silent expression, then at his well-muscled arms.

She felt her face heating up before she shook her head.

"Other than that! Outlaws like you guys are came only once in a blue moon! A generation! And to be honest, it left a hug impression on me- no, to outlaws everywhere!" Her eyes glimmer with awe and idolization as she kept her gaze on them. Her body shaking and trembling as kept singing her praises to them while her peers remain silent. One sighing, one giggling, and the last one was just happy to be there.

If this goes on, she could probably kiss the ground they're standing on.

"I-I'm gonna keep working hard, and someday, I'm gonna become an outlaw just like you! A free spirt unrestricted, unshackled, and truly fearless from any rules and laws!"

"…What the heck is she on about?" Serika whispers to herself.

"S-So please!" She immediately bows. "Please tell me your name! I want to know the great outlaws who inspired me so much!"

"Name..?" Shiroko was as confused as she was, and Nonomi came to the rescue.

"Ohoho! Now I get it! We are the… Masked Mizugi Gang!" Nonomi struck a pose, along with a peace sign. "Remember our name well, young outlaw!"

"T-The Masked… Mizugi Gang? That name… it's- it's SOO BADASS! I LOVE IT!" If Aru wasn't already star struck enough, she had already gone and ascended beyond our control.

"Bwahaha! That's right! We are supposed to wear swimsuits along with the masks, but we're in such a rush we could only throw on the mask." Hoshino follows with the act. "Well, except for this guy, ain't that right, cap?"

'…What?'

Hans paused in his thoughts as Hoshino nudged him. Swimsuits? Masks? Does that mean… all this time, they're called the DAMN MASKED SWIMSUIT GANG?!

"Is he okay?"

"Heh, don't worry about it. Cap here is shy. He usually kept to himself." Hoshino waved a hand to assure the star struck fixer while Hans screamed internally. Feeling himself truly understanding of Hifumi's dead, and mind broken expression back then while for the outside he is perfectly silent and stiff as always. Yet the light in his eyes died out for a minute.

"O-oh! It's alright! I completely understand."

"Other than just swimsuits…" Nonomi held the sentence for an extra dramatic flair, enjoying herself with a radiant smile matching the fixer "We're pop idol superstars by day, and swashbuckling vigilantes of justice by night!" She struck her pose, mighty and blinding as she spread her legs, and using her right hand to pull her skirt, and her left to tug on her black uniform.

"I'm Christina!" Before she moved on with a peace sign over her eye, alongside with a wink from the other.

"W-Wow! You have a gimmick and everything?!"

"Yep! Bwahaha!" Hoshino kept her cartoonish, goofy laugh before she put her hands on her hips. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth! Forsake mercy and walk the path of chaos." Then she also winked at the already flabbergasted fixer.

"That's our motto."

"H-Holy smokes…!" Aru gasped as the gears turn inside her head.

'THEY'RE SOOO COOOL! I WANT TO BE LIKE THAT SOMEDAY! AN EYE FOR AN EYE, A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH! FORSAKE MERCY AND WALK THE PATH OF CHAOS?! AAAHHHH! IT'S SOOOO COOOOL!'

"…"

"Kufufu! Aru is totally enraptured, like she is on a film set!"

"That's enough, right? Let's find a way out of here!"

"Well… we can run? Like we had proposed?"

Kayoko meanwhile kept her gaze on Hans as their eyes met, then she looks at the half buried and decimated jeep in the sands. She glanced at him again before she clears her throat.

"So… Masked… Mizugi Gang. Your ride got trashed good, huh? Our vehicle got enough space for everyone… and we don't really mind driving you girls to safety. From… one outlaw to another." Kayoko offers. Putting her hands inside of her hoodie's pockets.

"W-Wait, really? Aru blinks as she finally took notice as well. "We-We'll be honored to do it! Um… if you want us to, that is."

"No it's-"

"…Abydos desert." Hans answered immediately, ignoring their hesitation.

"What?! S- Captain, we really going to be with them?" Serika tried to protest, slipping a little before she whispers into his ear.

"I know you trust them but… are you sure? I really don't want to get chummy with the folks that attacked us."

He gave a confident nod as he gently squeezed her shoulder.

"Anyone had objections?" Hoshino spoke up first.

"Nope~" Nonomi spoke up first.

"Nn. I trust Captain's assessment." Shiroko nods.

"…Fine, since you guys are on board." Serika sighs.

"What about you Faust? Doest the big boss agree as well?"

"?!" Hifumi flinched. "Um- N-No. We'll take the… offer. Thank you."

"Then it's settled. We'll be in your debt." Hoshino gave Aru her finger guns.

"O-Oh! No, no. You don't owe us anything." Aru immediately waved her hands before she stops.

"…W-Well.. there is something. Can you… tell me more stories about your group?"

"Bye! Goodluck on your next hit! I will be keeping an eye out!" Aru waved goodbye, feeling a strange feeling of déjà vu as she sighs contently as she thought of the many cool and awesome stories the Masked Mizugi Gang had told her, especially Christina. Lighting a newfound flame inside her to do like them. To be a truly hard boiled outlaw.

"Bye-bye Problem Solver 68!" Nonomi waved as well as their car drove away, leaving the masked "outlaws" a good distance away from Abydos. Enough for them to walk and leave them unsuspecting of their real identities. Yet Hans doubted such a thing, Kayoko and Mutsuki probably had found out about them long ago.

And that he instantly texted her a full-hearted thank you, and a promise to repay her back. Yet she refused, saying it was her repaying for what he did back in the alley and the cop.

"Phew… thank God it's over." Serika sighs as she immediately took off the mask. "I'm sweating bullets. Come on, Abydos is just a few minutes away."

"Nn. Let's go."

"So really, what's your relationship with those Gehenna outlaws?" Hifumi asks, pulling out her mask before putting it inside of her backpack. "O-Oh, you don't have to answer if I'm being too nosey."

"Well, the short story is, they were hired to harass us along with the- oh right, you don't know the full picture yet." Hoshino answers. "We'll discuss it later when we reach our clubroom."

Hifumi felt her heart to throb in pain as her grip unconsciously grew tight onto her backpack and stopping her in her tracks. Staring at their backs as the students walked ahead. She can't really help but to feel her heart to bleed for them. Recalling the drive to the district with the fixers, at how… ruined the district is, not including the debt. No wonder they're absolutely furious when that truck entered the black market.

Now this? They had been attacked by a fixer group?

Any sane student would've just pack their bags and leave and yet… here they are. Laughing along, making shenanigans, and even smiling as if they're not holding an unreasonable burden on their backs.

Hifumi bit her lip.

"…Hifumi." Hans spoke up, and tapped on her shoulder. Snapping back her to the present.

"Sensei…?"

"…You seem… troubled."

"It's just…" A sigh left her lips, and her tight grip grew. Threatening to pull and tear her precious backpack.

"I only hear the stories about Abydos and what it once was, to see it in person… it's heartbreaking. Why… why didn't anyone do anything? Even the GSC? Did they even know what was going on here?"

"They do."

"Then why…"

"…Politics."

"Wh-what? Out of…" she paused for a moment, a bitter taste left on her lips. "I hate politics."

A small smile formed on his lips, reaching out again to her shoulders. His palms rested on it before squeezing gently.

"Something… you and I could agree."

"Heey! What are you two doing back there!" Hoshino spoke first, waving her hands to catch the attention of the two. "Come on, Abydos is this way!"

"What they need… is support, and… a good friend" His palm left her shoulders. "In which… you had already done for them.

A smile crept on her lips at his words, but… doubt still crept on her heart. "I wish I could do more, sensei."

"You already… had done much."

Rejoining the walk, the group walked side to side for what felt like 10 minutes as the single hour passed that quick.

When Hifumi realizes it, she is inside of the clubroom, putting her backpack aside as she sat on one of the spare chairs Ayane had prepared.

"Are you guys ready?" Hoshino reached for the papers Hans had kept. Her hands trailing upon it before she set it down. "Hifumi, you don't have to stay here, you know."

Hifumi shook her head. "I wanted to know. Um, if you would have me."

"Hehe, it's alright."

Then the conversation died once more. It's like opening a Pandora's Box knowing full well what is… or what could be inside of the papers. The feeling of dread resumes once more as they steeled themselves, and opened the papers.

Many eyes scanned the papers, flipping through pages after pages of information and numbers. Name plates, names, transports, and transfers.

One last flip, to today.

"…Truck KV82 CRM." Ayane whispers, reaching to the next set of sentence and numbers under it. "Abydos, 7,880,000 yen. Transferred, Kata-Kata HQ 5,000,000. Mission funds."

A tense silence came once more as the truth came unveiled written on paper and ink. There is nothing more to be said about this except they just got a true enough evidence of what they had expected.

"Why do they really want Abydos that bad? What made them to hire not only gangers and fixers just to… get us? If we got driven out, they won't get paid, right?" Ayane closed the documents and tried to rack her brain.

"They already own 90% of Abydos. Why does our leftover land still matter that much?" Hoshino laid her head on the table. "We're missing something."

"This feels beyond than just a bank scheme." Shiroko sighs.

Hans kept his gaze on the paper. 90% of Abydos yet they still crave more. Simple greed perhaps? Maybe they had plans to take control of the district to do whatever they seem fit? Why harass the students? Ayane is right. If they drove out the students, there is no money to be made.

It's more like… impatience.

But for what?

"…When had the… harassment from the helmet gang… begin?"

"Hm… around maybe six months? Or is it eight?" Hoshino hums.

"Around eight, almost nine by now." Ayane gave the number. "Is there something on your mind, sensei?"

The gears kept turning as his lips curled into a frown.

"…Perhaps… there is a hidden deadline for… Abydos. Something yet to be… revealed."

"Hm…" Hoshino nods at the thought Hans had given. "That's actually quite plausible. Either way, we had exhausted most of our leads." Not long after, she stood up and closed the documents. "Let's wrap it up for today."

"I'll file this in a minute. Thank you, everyone." Ayane stood up next, and one by one they all leave the club room as the blue skies melted into a brilliant orange, and the sun crept lower to the horizon.

"It's really has been a long day." Serika stood up as well. "I want to lie down and fall on my bed."

"You could say that." Hoshino grins.

"You always sleep, Hoshino."

"I guess I should go back to Trinity as well… I don't want to go home late." Hifumi nods. "I know… a lot had happened today, but to be honest? I had… fun."

"Indeed. It was fun." Shiroko agrees.

"Speak for yourself, Shiroko. I don't want to get chased by market guards again." Serika folded her arms.

"Fufu. Sorry for dragging you along to this mess, Hifumi." Nonomi spoke up for the rest of the task force.

"No, it's alright. You guys… had it harder than me. We don't have all the details, but this is proof enough Kaiser had ties for violent criminal organizations. In the meantime, I can pass along what happened today at the Tea Party, along with the circumstances around Abydos!"

Hifumi spoke of her idea with determination as they all left the school grounds and stood next to the gate.

That seems like a wonderful idea. Getting support from one of the biggest and oldest school in Kivotos, or at least the others agree.

"Sorry for being a stick in the mud, but I doubt it'll be new to the Tea Party." Hoshino sighs, but she still smiled either way.

"I-I see…"

"Hehe, you're innocent Hifumi. I appreciate the gesture, but I don't know what good it'll do to tell them. In fact… it might make things more complicated."

Hifumi's eyes glanced down to the floor, having her plan shot down. "…You really think so?"

Hoshino let out a small yawn. "Our school is on the verge of collapse, our district is in debt. It doesn't matter if they're a super big academy or something… you get what I'm saying?"

"I think… I get it. Sensei is right… I really, really hate politics."

"Uhe, guess sensei spilled the beans, huh?"

"Aren't you being too cynical about this, Hoshino?" Nonomi asks.

"Give me a break. I'm old, cranky, and my back hurts too much to trust anyone at this age." Hoshino gave a lighthearted joke before her tone suddenly shifted.

"…That's how this school ended up in this mess. By ignoring all the 'what ifs' and letting themselves to be easy pickings."

There is nothing more to be said.

"…"

"…Um… E-Either way, we have been through so much together today a-and in some way… it was exiting." Hifumi changed the topic.

"Hehe, glad to hear it Faust." Hoshino teased, eager to change the topic as well.

"Y-You still call me by that?!"

"Fufu, how does 'fearless leader of the Masked Mizugi Gang' sound?" Nonomi joined in as well.

"It sounds even worse…! I don't want to think about the rumors surrounding the black market…" Hifumi couldn't help to let out a snicker as well, thinking the possibility of a horribly named gang had stolen a few hundred million from the black market.

The Masked SWIMSUIT Gang! Out of all gangs!

"Come on guys, stop giving Hifumi a hard time…" Ayane scolds half heartedly, enjoying the banter and leaving the previous conversation from their minds.

"Anyway… I know you'll have some more tough times ahead, but if you need me, I'll be there to help you guys. I'll be cheering you on. Good luck."

A car rumbles as Hans drove to the school gates. It's useful to have spare cars in the district thanks to the helmet gang for abandoning most of them after their horrible defeat.

Though some of them are in need of desperate repairs, at least this one is… operational for now. A shame that their only good transport were left behind.

"…I'll drive you."

"Really? If you won't really mind, then… thank you, sensei." Hifumi opens the passenger door and took a seat. "I'll see you around, everyone!"

"Bye Hifumi! It's been fun!"

"Nn. See you."

"See ya."

"Thank you for everything, Hifumi."

"Bye-bye. Don't be a stranger next time!"

"I won't!"

Pressing on the pedal, the image of Abydos faded to the distance as their hands stopped waving all together. A solemn look came over their faces as the events of today came back once more, like a dark cloud hanging over.

One by one more goodbyes were given and promises to meet again tomorrow were exchanged. Serika was the one to leave first, since she had a shift in early in the morning. Nonomi follows next, giving one last hug before she left. Ayane fixed her glasses and kept the documents with her to review them again.

And Lastly Shiroko stood with Hoshino as they both remain silent upon the darkening sky.

"Hoshino. You seem… a little out of it right now. Is everything, alright?"

"O-Oh? No, it's alright. Just a little tired, I guess…" She let out a yawn, authentic enough to be believable. "I'm going to hit the sack. See you tomorrow, Shiroko." With a wave, Hoshino slung her bag and left the school grounds. Leaving only the younger wolf as she kept her gaze on Hoshino's back as it got further and further.

Her neutral lips curled into a frown as a sigh left her lips.

Just like always.

Shiroko then walked to her own bike and unchained it. Looking back once more, her thoughts linger on the events that happen today before she sped up to her home.

Somewhere else, a demoness lowers her binoculars.

Standing up from her hidden location as her glare was kept on the sand filled district.

"Report in, Iori."

"You're right.
Those troublemakers are in Abydos."

Author's note:
I have a confession, I have been cooking something else because of a persistent plot bunny hopping around, set in the universe as Hans-Archive. When and where? Time will tell!
Other than that, thank you for reading! See you next time.