It's been three months since then.
Another "easy mission," according to Nannie.
I was currently standing on top of a low building, legs dangling off the edge, munching on a sandwich from HamHamPangPang the undisputed, goated-ass restaurant of The City.
"The more I eat this stuff, the more I like it," I said through a mouthful, laughing.
"Seriously, how is this legal?"
The streets below were quiet. Too quiet. Night had just settled in, washing everything in dim neon and long shadows.
I looked different now. Same red coat, obviously that thing was basically glued to me at this point but my hair? White. Pure white.
Why?
Because I felt like it.
I leaned back, staring at the sky. "Man… I kinda miss eating with Roland."
I chuckled. "That guy's fun."
My eyes drifted down to the empty streets, like I was waiting for something to happen.
…Which reminded me.
Flashback how I met my first friend (besides Nannie)
I pushed open the door to HamHamPangPang, the bell ringing softly.
"Wow… empty," I muttered.
The place was dead quiet just the workers behind the counter cleaning up.
"Wait never mind."
In the far corner, to the right, sat one guy. Black suit. Black hair. Eating alone. Calm. Almost… heavy, somehow.
"How about I sit with that guy," I muttered.
I ordered my usual, barely finished paying when.
Thunk.
My food was already there.
"…That was fast," I said, impressed. "Love this place."
I grabbed my tray and casually walked over to the lone guy.
"Yo," I said, grinning. "Mind if I take a seat?"
He looked up, like I'd snapped him out of a trance.
"Uh…" He hesitated. "…Sure?"
Good enough.
I pulled the chair out and sat down, setting my tray between us.
"The name's Dante!" I said brightly, sticking out my hand. "You are?"
"…Roland." He smiled faintly and shook my hand.
"Nice. Place's pretty empty, huh?" I took a bite of my sandwich and immediately wriggled in my seat.
"Oh damn this is good."
Roland glanced at me. "…Yes. I actually prefer it when it's quiet."
"So," I grinned. "Mister lonely man, huh?"
He didn't get mad. Just smiled.
And that was that.
Back to the present.
I hopped off the edge of the building, landing lightly on the street below.
Three people stood there.
White suits.
"…No way," I muttered. "Index?"
A grin slowly spread across my face.
"Nannie," I sighed, "you said this was easy."
I didn't wait.
I jumped.
Mid-air, I unsheathed Rebellion, bringing it down in a clean arc toward the smallest one a girl in a white suit.
CLANG.
My blade stopped.
Blocked.
My eyes widened. "Oh what?"
She pushed back, forcing me to land a few feet away.
"Well damn," I said, spinning Rebellion in my hand. "Didn't know you had auto block or something."
She stared at me coldly. Her companions drew their weapons.
…Okay.
I might be slightly fucked.
"Who are you?" the girl asked, voice sharp.
"The name's Dante," I said casually, flashing a grin. "Syndicate hunter~"
Not true.
But damn, it sounded cool.
She lunged.
I blocked her strike, metal screaming as blades met.
"Woah there, little girl"
I reached under my coat with my free hand and pulled out my gun, aiming for her stomach.
Her eyes narrowed.
She kicked.
Hard.
I went flying sideways into a nearby building.
"Fuuuck," I groaned, standing up and dusting myself off.
"We sure this is a little girl?"
She stared at me.
I was fine. No broken bones. No blood.
"Surprised?" I chuckled. "Then let me give you a heart attack."
BANG.
Her companions finally moved.
The big one stepped in front, tanking the bullets. The other rushed me from the side.
"Oop," I said, stepping back. "Careful you might trip."
I slammed the flat of Rebellion into his head.
He staggered, clutching his skull, groaning.
"That's one," I muttered.
The big guy swung.
I ducked, slammed my fist straight into his groin.
"GHHR!"
While he doubled over, I drove Rebellion straight through his chest.
The girl screamed.
She rushed me, tears streaming down her face, blade aimed for my head.
I tilted my head.
Missed.
"Gotcha, lil girl~"
BANG.
BANG.
Two shots to her stomach.
I pulled Rebellion free and ended it in one clean swing.
Silence.
I stood there, breathing heavily, sweat dripping down my face.
"…Phew."
I wiped my forehead. "Yeah. That should get me promoted."
I pulled out my phone stupidly expensive thing and snapped photos of the bodies.
People nearby stared.
I waved. "Evening!"
Then I turned around and started walking.
"Welp," I laughed, spinning my sword. "Time to head home YOHOO!"
Somewhere deep down, a part of me realized something.
I wasn't pretending anymore.
And honestly?
I didn't mind at all.
Because its hella fucking fun.