"Vanda, we will surely meet again. Next time, it won't be a sword match."
Sayo coldly rolled up the car window, her tight kimono covering the blood-soaked bandages on her shoulder.
The four of them stood by the roadside, watching the Kurokumo Clan members drive away one by one. Only Philip kept his head bowed, looking as if the commission had failed.
"I'm sorry, Master, Yuna, and Senior Vanda. I was truly being childish just now. I'll work harder to learn in the future."
"Learn my ass. Let me see the data. Where did they take the kidnapped people?"
"But we already reached an agreement. If we go back on it now, the commission will fail."
"Philip, I'm just taking a look. Senior Salvador shouldn't have a problem with that, right?"
Salvador took a long, surprised look at Putato, then stroked his curved white mustache.
"While I am the Office representative and have a responsibility to protect my subordinates during work, I cannot control their private actions. Moreover, I don't have the authority to do so."
"We must head back now to confirm the completion of the commission with Songmi."
"Old man, you're a truly wise Office representative. Since the commission is finished anyway, it won't hurt if one person is missing from the debrief. I'd like to clock out early; some business suddenly came up at home."
Having reviewed the data, the location of the warehouse was etched in Putato's mind. Those people were being held in a morgue hotel, and there were quite a few of them. Putato immediately suspected this was an order from the Thumb; after all, the Thumb was in a full-scale war with Void Fist.
How on earth was Void Fist managing to stay in a stalemate with the Thumb for this long?
Previously, when he was with Stray Dogs, he had received a task to place an order with the Carnival on behalf of the Thumb. Could this be the raw material needed to fulfill a Thumb order? Putato guessed that the Kurokumo Clan's invasion and protection fee extortion might just be a smokescreen, these people were the primary objective.
After all, the Thumb's orders could not be refused, nor could they be botched.
Beside him, Philip immediately saw through Putato's intent to stage a rescue and tried to dissuade him with a look of confusion.
"Vanda, do you really want to go to that hotel? Just let it be. After all, we're just Fixers."
"But didn't you bring it up first? Philip, you were the one who asked what would happen to those captured people, and now you're saying not to care. What do you actually want?"
The air grew silent. Yuna looked toward Salvador with a frown, but the old man was busy checking the ledger data with his head down.
"I..."
Realizing he had made things tense again, Philip clenched his fists and then shook his head in a struggle.
"I don't know. I just felt they were pitiful at the time."
"Then go and save them."
"But Master, and the Office..."
"You're wrong, Philip. A commission is something everyone agreed to take on, so the risks are shared by everyone."
"But your thoughts are yours alone. How can you drag others down with you and expect the Office to pay for your sympathy?"
Even though Putato's questioning was calm, it made Philip feel deeply ashamed. He felt awkward standing before the three of them, wanting nothing more than to escape.
"I know. I'll remember it in the future."
"No. You're still avoiding the fact that you must make a choice."
"Now, answer me: do you want to clock out early with me to handle personal business, or go with your Master to debrief the mission?"
"Once a decision is made, no one can change a past that is already set in stone. You can't regret it later."
Facing the hesitating Philip, Putato simply held out his right hand with interest.
Yuna couldn't listen anymore and snatched the folder from Salvador's hands.
"Master! Now two of them are going to go crazy and storm the Kurokumo Clan. You can't just act like you didn't see it!"
Salvador only chuckled and spoke.
"Relax, Yuna. Vanda is a man who knows his limits, a rare virtue for a Fixer. Before he transferred to the Office, Roland told me that even the Kurokumo Clan leader isn't a threat to him."
"On the other hand, if Philip follows him, it might be a bit dangerous. Even though I am his master, I can't protect him every second. After all, a man has to admit when he's getting old."
"Really?"
Yuna looked at Putato with disbelief, but recalling the scene she had witnessed on the second floor of the Kendo Hall, she chose to believe her master. Besides, Grade 1 Fixer Roland and her master were former comrades-in-arms; the intelligence was likely solid.
Gritting his teeth, Philip bowed his head sheepishly.
"Vanda, I'm sorry. I'm too weak. Going would only be a burden to you."
"Who asked you to go into the field? Do you expect me to handle all those victims alone? I really have things to do at home and need to get back in a hurry, I can't do it without you."
"You can't do it without me?"
"Nonsense. The old man and Yuna's combat styles are too recognizable; they're the hallmark of the Dawn Office. We're rookies, if we do a job in secret, they won't have any evidence."
"Besides, I can't afford to pay for another Fixer assistant, and they might not even dare to offend the Kurokumo Clan."
"But there are others who could replace me, like..."
"I said I can't do it without you! And my arm is getting tired from holding it out!"
Philip hurriedly grabbed Putato's right hand with both of his. The overly passionate gesture made Putato pull his hand back in disgust.
This guy was actually quite strong, at least enough to hold off those Kurokumo members, but he lacked any scrap of self-confidence.
"Let's go. We're borrowing a motorcycle."
"Master? Senior Yuna? May I clock out early?"
"As Vanda said, once a decision is made, no one can change it. Philip, I believe you have the ability."
Salvador led away a still-worried Yuna, while Putato pulled out his wallet and began counting cash to "borrow" the motorcycle.
Today's events were different from the usual routine, making Philip feel, for the first time since joining the Office, that he wasn't just a rookie who needed to learn from everyone. Instead, he felt like a partner on equal footing with his master and seniors, and someone had even told him he was indispensable.
"Wait, Senior Vanda, this looks like someone else's parked motorcycle. He's already looking this way."
"Less talking, get on."
Putato tossed a roll of cash to the man who had rushed over in a rage, hauled Philip onto the bike, and skillfully kicked it into gear, zooming away.
...
The Kurokumo Clan motorcade.
"Dammit! That cursed mad dog... I'm going to pay him back for this strike tenfold!"
"And what is the Dawn Office doing operating around here? Are they planning to involve themselves in the war as well?"
Sayo irritably pulled at her bandages, grabbing a medical spray and dousing her wound. Sitting beside her, Yang also spoke with a grim expression.
"True. If the Thumb weren't pressing us so hard, those audacious fools wouldn't have gotten away so easily."
Gin, who was driving, only spoke after issuing orders to the rest of the members.
"Young lady, the Thumb's conference is tomorrow. It's better not to have conflicts with high-ranking Offices right now."
"Wait. Someone seems to be following us."
At Gin's warning, Sayo and Yang both spotted the motorcycle rapidly accelerating behind them. Both riders were wearing the Kurokumo Clan's black kimonos as a disguise.
"Goddamn bastards! We're truly being looked down upon!"
Sayo's usual leisurely demeanor had completely vanished. Today, she absolutely had to brutally dismember this person who had repeatedly provoked her. After all, who else could it be tracking them at this moment but that mad dog Vanda?
Accelerating without restraint, Putato felt his adrenaline skyrocket. Behind him, Philip clung to him tightly, not daring to let go for a second.
"Philip, I'm counting to three. Remember to jump."
"What?!"
Before Philip could react, Putato swerved directly toward the lead vehicle of the motorcade. The three-second countdown hit zero instantly.
BOOM!
The motorcycle smashed into the car door and overturned, blocking the tires. The car instantly swerved and flipped over.
BANG!
The overturned car crashed into a fire hydrant, ending up like a turtle with its belly toward the sky. Inside, Sayo and the other two braced themselves and quickly kicked open the doors to get clear.
SCREECH!
The motorcade behind them screeched to a halt, the piercing sound of skidding tires filling the entire road. Angry drivers poked their heads out, shouting insults.
"Vanda, you dare go back on your word! We are an organization affiliated with the Thumb!"
Wiping blood from her forehead, Sayo drew her blade in fury. This time, the golden blade emitted an ink-like mist. The metal surface of the car door crumpled rapidly upon contact with the ink; the right door wobbled a few times before falling off the chassis entirely.
"The ones who made a deal with you were the Dawn Office. What does that have to do with me?"
"I just wanted to challenge the dojo."
"You mad dog!"
Spitting out the mangled cigarette from his mouth, Yang joined the other two. This time, they didn't act personally but roared for their subordinates to charge.
The members charging in unison immediately brought a surge of eerie Kurokumo ink. Putato clicked his tongue; the black tech in The City was endless, always something new and unrecognizable.
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! Over ten katanas, wreathed in black clouds, struck like the fangs of a predatory beast. A moment later, they were all shattered by the Crusher's jagged, brutal teeth. The sheer, overwhelming weight swept away every bit of Kurokumo around him.
Gladiator Exoskeleton!
Putato armored up in a flash. Grinning, he gripped the Crusher with both hands and stepped forward into the terrified, pleading eyes of his enemies.
BOOM!
It was clearly just a simple melee weapon, yet it produced a shockwave and a thunderous boom that left ears ringing. The chaotic street fell silent instantly, save for the sound of blood and flesh splashing after human bodies were torn apart.
Putato's kimono and motorcycle helmet were sprayed with bloodstains that looked like etched patterns. The remaining Kurokumo members hesitated, staring in utter terror at that horrifying sawtooth blade.
Even Yang, who was used to being arrogant beside Young Lady Sayo, felt his skin crawl. Just when did The City produce such a ruthless character?
Hiding behind a wall corner, Philip watched as Putato alone suppressed the Kurokumo Clan until they didn't dare move forward. He felt a surge of longing and aspiration, if only he could be that reliable.
"Are you... planning to defy my orders?"
Suppressing her fury, Sayo slowly stepped forward, clutching her gold-flecked katana. The Kurokumo Clan's offensive immediately surged again.
The clan members tried to exploit any openings in Putato's solo defense, attempting to strike from all directions. However, Putato could always shift his techniques with ease; anyone even grazed by the Crusher ended up with broken bones at the very least.
In a short time, over twenty victims with mangled limbs lay on the ground. Yang, the leader, had been smashed into two pieces.
WHOOSH!
The slight whistle of air made Putato turn his head instantly. A katana etched with golden patterns suddenly burst through the thinning crowd. Sayo, gripping it, glared at him with a savage expression. Her lunge was like lightning; in the blink of an eye, she was before him.
Putato felt a sharp pain in his waist; the blade-tip was traveling upward, seeking to pierce his heart. But he had anticipated this, swinging the Crusher in a backhand sweep.
BANG!
Sayo was sent rolling across the asphalt like a broken kite, only stopping when she crashed into a glass storefront. She coughed up bright red blood.
"Looks like I win."
As he pulled out the golden katana, Putato noticed the defensive power of his exoskeleton had weakened slightly; it must have been some special technique the Kurokumo Clan had just used.
Sayo struggled to get back up, the skin on the left side of her face torn and mangled. Yet, she gritted her teeth and knelt, pressing her head to the ground.
"I lost. Whatever you desire, I will grant it, even if it means committing seppuku."
"You wouldn't happen to have bought a 'Life-Future' insurance policy, would you? I recall that as long as the head is intact, they can use pre-provided samples to clone a whole new body. It's pricey, but it's practical, the success rate is way higher than those personality chips."
The details of that insurance had struck Putato as absurd when he first checked them. If a Fixer was gravely wounded on a commission, they could get a 90% discount on body reconstruction services.
Sayo was about to open her mouth when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the spiral spear descending rapidly from her right.
BANG!
"Young Lady!"
The brute force of the Giant Workshop weapon crushed her head into nothingness. Gin, the highest-ranking Kurokumo member remaining, felt despair swell in his chest. His breathing turned ragged as he issued a panicked order.
"Everyone, retreat! The Leader must be informed at all costs!"
Instantly, the remaining Kurokumo members, fewer than ten, scattered in every direction. However, at their speed, there was no escaping the inevitable.
Standing before the pulverized remains of Gin, Putato let go of his weapon and wiped his face with a clean patch of his palm.
After just this one battle, his kimono was completely dyed crimson. Putato didn't know when he had become so accustomed to the thick stench of blood.
The City truly has a way of shaping people.
"Senior Vanda, are you alright?"
"What are you doing? We're on a secret personal job, don't you know? Just use my professional title out here."
Philip, hesitating to speak, looked at the bloody mess covering the street. He felt that by no stretch of the imagination could this be called "secret," but seeing Putato's nonchalance, he felt a wave of relief.
It was exactly as Putato had said. He had wiped out these Kurokumo members while Philip had taken the opportunity to rescue the captives held in the hotel.
This feeling of being a key player in a commission was addictive. It wasn't like going on missions with his master, where he had to be constantly mindful of mistakes while focusing on learning. With Putato, there was no plan; they just went in and let loose.
It was exhilarating. And strangely comfortable.
"I understand, Senior."
...
Luckily, this place was far beyond the Association's immediate jurisdiction. Putato didn't need to worry about anyone arresting him. Passersby, seeing the Kurokumo Clan emblems, took the initiative to steer clear.
Putato stowed his weapons; he'd have to meet Yixin looking like this. Maybe she'd find him too stinky and lose her appetite.
"Why are you following me?"
"Senior, aren't we going to regroup with Master and the others?"
"I really have business at home, did you think I was joking? Stop following me, go find your Master."
Philip looked disappointed upon hearing this, hesitantly pulling out his Sakura Card.
"How about I treat you to a public bath, Senior? Also, I saw a Fixer-oriented laundromat back in the Sakura Alliance earlier. They're very professional at cleaning bloodstains."
Putato yanked off the red kimono and threw it to the ground. The jacket underneath was also heavily stained. He didn't quite understand why this Philip guy was still tailing him after work.
"Tomorrow. Tonight I have to host a friend."
"What kind of friend?"
"A moocher, and a very picky one at that."
"Senior, do you know Urban Girl? I saw a lot of Fixers discussing her on the forums. Also, Camille from Cinq Association says you owe him advertising fees."
Huh?
Putato hurriedly pulled out his communicator to check.
[Brandon:
- Camille [600,000 Ahn]: Does Urban Girl have any collaboration goals? Like watching my duels or something, and also, that guy Venda better pay up my ad fees right now.
- Angelica [100,000 Ahn]: Doesn't Urban Girl get tired of chatting with so many people all the time?
- Don Quixote [370,000 Ahn]: Is the only Urban Girl merch available soda?! I have purged those villainous counterfeiters! Awaiting Urban Girl's instructions!
- Roland [100,000 Ahn]: Why does reading this person's text alone feel so loud?]
Trying to clout-chase?
No way!
Get in line behind Fixer Vanda!
[Putato:
To Camille: The City is watching you.
To Angelica: The City is heartless.
To Don Quixote: You are the Knight of The City.]
Regarding Don Quixote, this veteran fan who frequently dropped big coins, Putato didn't mind playing along with the roleplay.
"Seriously, Philip, I'm practically at my front door. Why the hell are you still following me?!"