Chapter 155 - First Contact
Exiting the McDallian Family's main estate, we found ourselves back in the French-style garden.
The snow was annoying, but there were no signs of the enemy.
We moved into the garden, and the other bosses followed.
There were no enemies nearby, and no traps. The magical devices here were likely for maintaining the garden, not for combat.
As we reached the middle of the garden, a rough voice called out from behind.
"Hey, Kikyo Society! There's someone watching us from a rooftop! Can you take them out?"
Someone's watching? That someone has a talent for detection, which is surprising.
I wouldn't notice someone just watching from a distance.
I stopped to consider.
"I can probably take them out, but where? And are you sure they're an enemy?"
We might have just missed them. I don't want to attack someone who isn't an enemy.
"Of course they're the enemy! With this weather and timing, who else would be watching?"
It's suspicious, but it's not enough to confirm they're an enemy. This is a major assembly, and any organization might be observing. Our intelligence unit could be watching too.
"That's not one of ours! If we make a mistake, I'll take responsibility. Just do it if you can. It's the second-tallest building to the right!"
If he's that confident, I'll do it. But I'll confirm with my own eyes first.
I turned to face the building and entered a slow throwing motion.
The second-tallest building... It's quite far, and the weather and darkness make it hard to see.
In the brief moment, I strengthened my vision to the limit and made eye contact with someone through the falling snow.
I continued the throwing motion without stopping.
They seemed to realize I had seen them and shouted something to someone behind them.
It's definitely them. Their movements and the 'Third Eye' tattoo on their forehead confirm it. The 'eye' tattoo of the Legisamo Cartel. I've never seen it before, but it's in poor taste.
With the confirmation, I released the iron ball.
"I took out the observer! It's definitely the Legisamo Cartel!"
"Wait, there are more of them!"
I didn't have time to savor the victory.
Turning back, I saw several suspicious figures on the rooftops of nearby buildings, ready to cast spells.
"Why didn't you warn us, you fools!"
If they just wanted to watch, we should have left them alone. Now, they're attacking relentlessly.
The bosses had some means of defense and could handle themselves. I don't want to babysit them.
"Are you trying to pin us down? Take them out!"
They're incredibly brazen.
"Damn, this is going to cost a lot! Siegrune, go ahead!"
"Understood!"
She had no role here, so I sent her ahead. I don't think Valeria and Shelby will be defeated.
Siegrune's confident departure was reassuring.
Alright, no hesitation when it's time to act. I'll show them the true power of my throwing skills!
The attacks are low-level and poorly aimed. They're a threat to most people, but not to me. My Active Armor can easily block them all.
Despite the destruction of the garden, my control over my throws remained precise. The intense wind and snow didn't affect my accuracy.
Each throw hit its target with pinpoint precision, as if guided by an invisible rail.
Unlike magic, a physical attack from a distance is hard to detect. This subsonic projectile leaves the enemy no chance to react.
"...Four, five... They're retreating."
Surprisingly clean and decisive. There were still many enemies, but they avoided the mistake of persisting in a hopeless fight.
Their goal is unclear. They might have achieved their objective or retreated out of necessity.
"...The attack has stopped."
"Is it over?"
I nodded in agreement.
"If so, let's not waste time. Let's go!"
The bosses had managed to withstand the attack. They were tough.
The McDallian mansion was still making loud noises, and more reinforcements could arrive. We shouldn't stick around.
When we reached the parking lot, the battle was already over.
There were two enemies. One was taken down by Valeria after a long fight, and the other by the bosses' guards. Surprisingly effective.
The bosses dispersed to their guards.
Siegrune, looking disappointed at not getting a chance to fight, went to check on the situation.
I decided to praise my subordinate.
But as I approached, I noticed the enemy still had a faint pulse.
"Well done, Valeria. We might get some information from this one."
He was severely injured and had lost a lot of blood, but he could still be saved.
"Yes, Onee-sama. But this one had a strange ability. It took longer to take them down."
"Strange? That's why it took so long. What kind of ability?"
I healed the fatal wounds and the numerous cuts. He wouldn't regain his strength, but he would regain consciousness and couldn't resist.
"They didn't feel pain. They kept coming, no matter how much we cut or stabbed them. Poison didn't seem to affect them much either."
Hmm, they might be using a drug to block pain or have a special ability. I'll find out from the captured man.
"Shelby did a great job too. Thanks to her, we didn't lose our ride home."
"It was mostly thanks to the magical devices, but I'm glad we could hold the position."
They did what was expected. That's all that matters.
As I tied up the large, unconscious man with wire, Balgar Clad approached.
"What do you want now? We need to leave before more reinforcements arrive."
"The McDallian Family won't be that quick to react. This man has the eye tattoo on his arm. Is he still alive?"
"He was nearly dead, but I revived him with a healing potion."
"...I see. Do you want to make a deal?"
He's being abrupt, but I'll listen. I nodded for him to continue.
"Can you hand this man over to us? We can handle him better than the Kikyo Society."
That's what I expected.
Hmm, there's no particular benefit for us to keep the captured man. Other organizations will likely ask many questions, and the McDallian Family will insist on his transfer.
We agreed to cooperate against the Legisamo Cartel, so we should share the minimal information. Handing him over to the Clad Family might be better.
"What's the catch?"
Siegrune and Valeria did a good job. It's not a simple capture, and they deserve recognition.
"It's the first live capture. It won't be cheap."
The McDallian Family might capture some enemies, but capturing them alive would be difficult. Balgar Clad is being generous, recognizing the effort.
"Alright... If we ever take over a territory, you won't object, especially the red-light district. I believe one of your people wants it, and the day will come. This is a promise from the Clad Family."
"Why the red-light district?"
I don't understand his reasoning. Mentioning it now is pointless. I would ignore it, but it's Balgar Clad. His word is reliable. Still, I want to know why.
"Someone in your group is good at it. They might have wanted it for a while."
He's talking about Caroline!?
She used to be a brothel manager and now works for Rosmerta in the Royal Capital, using her skills. I planned to welcome her to our group and expand our operations in that area. I'm curious how he knows, but he seems to have everything figured out.
Hmm, whatever.
"I don't approve of exposing women's secrets, but fine. You can have him, but keep your promise."
He didn't object, which is as good as a silent agreement.
If the Kikyo Society takes over a territory, the Clad Family will not interfere, especially the red-light district. This is a significant advantage for us. I don't know his intentions, but it's a good deal.
"Alright. Take him!"
Most bosses had already left, and only the Clad Family's people remained. The bosses wouldn't leave their leader behind.
"Sorry, Valeria. You did a great job, but..."
"I trust your judgment, Onee-sama."
She's a good subordinate. Petting her hair is very soothing.
Siegrune returned after checking the other fallen enemy. It's time for us to leave.
We have a lot of work ahead. We need to return to the headquarters to share and organize the events of today.
The disappearance of the Snake Head Society and the Legisamo Cartel's invasion of Exembra.
The temporary extension of the mutual non-aggression pact and the new alliance to combat the Legisamo Cartel.
And...
"...The boss of the McDallian Family is dead!"
"Seriously... This is unexpected."
The Snake Head Society's disappearance was expected, but the other events were completely unforeseen.
Especially the death of McDallian, who was a primary enemy of the Kikyo Society. His death as the leader of the organization will likely not destabilize it, but the shock is significant.
The sudden appearance of a new and powerful enemy is unprecedented. New forces often emerge, but none have made such a bold entrance before.
They not only eliminated the Snake Head Society but also attacked the assembly and killed the host and other participants. Even we, who pride ourselves on combat, are impressed by their boldness.
"What about this drug cartel? What kind of organization is it?"
"Our intelligence unit should compile a detailed report. I heard a brief overview at the assembly, but I doubt that's all there is."
"Yes, even if we can't uncover everything, it's worth investigating. It's impossible for a foreign organization to send such a large force without some plan."
Josephine, though thoughtful, agreed to take on the task. Our Deputy Head of Intelligence, Ortlinde, was sent to observe the McDallian Family's situation. What happened after the attack, and what they planned next, needed to be confirmed.
"The Five Great Families didn't fully grasp the situation either, did they?"
"They moved too quickly."
For now, we have little information. It might be pointless to speculate.
One thing is clear: the Legisamo Cartel is an enemy of the Kikyo Society. But for now, we're not the primary target.
"They're efficient and strong. This is getting interesting."
"Yeah, maybe we'll have a decent fight soon."
They're excited about the prospect of a strong enemy, which is both exasperating and reassuring. If the opportunity arises, we'll all face them together.
"President, what about the alliance? What's the plan?"
"...I think we won't be involved for a while. The McDallian Family and the bosses who lost their leaders will be the ones to take action. We have an alliance, but we won't interfere directly."
I can't imagine the McDallian Family asking for our help. Balgar Clad might use any available resources.
"So, we just watch?"
It's not that simple, but it's close.
We need to gather information and stay alert. If the alliance calls for our support, we'll have to provide it. But for now, we won't be on the front lines. So, we can observe the situation.
We need to focus on our existing plans and strengthen our organization. With the chaos, we might have fewer distractions and more opportunities to advance our goals.
The enemy's sudden appearance has created a new dynamic. The McDallian Family, if they act recklessly, might suffer a catastrophic defeat. The enemy isn't foolish; Exembra is a significant city, and the underworld is substantial. It won't be an easy target for anyone.
They attacked the assembly, so they must have a plan or overwhelming force. Or something else.
We will be drawn into the conflict eventually. It's inevitable. But for now, we'll let them handle it.
The Kikyo Society will continue to grow and flourish, even as the underworld of Exembra faces turmoil.