Chapter 20 - The Bruno Syndicate
At the foot of the stairs, a man who had attacked us earlier is still crouching on the ground. His arm, bent in an unnatural angle, looks painfully twisted. But I suspect the damage to his side from the powerful kick is even worse.
I spared him, even though he tried to kill me. He should be grateful for that.
We didn’t come here for a fight, but because the provocation wasn’t worth it. There’s always a place to draw the line, and I’m not in the mood to escalate things unnecessarily.
Organizations have their connections, and a long, drawn-out conflict would be too much for newcomers like us.
He’s not in a condition to be killed, and if he’s lucky, he’ll recover with a healing potion or a healer’s help. I’ve no intention of holding a grudge.
I hear noisy voices and sounds coming from downstairs. Maybe some of Bruno’s men have returned. I’ll leave that to them.
I shake off my thoughts and head to the third floor, where I find no ambush, just a heavy door leading to the next challenge.
The dense magical aura behind the door belongs to either the boss or his guards. They’re clearly ready for a fight.
A powerful magical attack will likely be launched the moment I step through. I need to be prepared.
I decide to focus on magical combat this time.
I activate my Anti-Magic Armor as I kick the door open with a loud crash.
If I ever get my own room, I’ll make sure the door is extra sturdy.
As expected, a barrage of ice spears flies at me immediately. My Anti-Magic Armor automatically deflects them, allowing me to survey the room.
It’s a spacious office with a large desk at the back. A middle-aged man, well-built and with an air of authority, sits behind the desk. He’s probably Bruno, the boss. He has a commanding presence.
To his front stands a young man with a drawn sword, and to his side, a middle-aged man in a mage’s attire, preparing to cast another spell.
These two must be the best fighters here. The setup is electrifying.
"So, you’re the one causing all this commotion. I didn’t expect a woman. Your entrance was quite impressive, but what do you want?"
The boss, still surprised by my defense, quickly regains his composure and speaks in a gruff voice.
I need to confirm if he’s really the boss.
"Let’s see, I have a few things to discuss. But first, are you Bruno, the boss of this gang?"
The guards look intrigued by my question, and the boss, now identified as Bruno, stops them from attacking.
"Boss? I don’t like that term, but yes, I lead this gang. I’m Bruno. Now, who are you?"
He asks with a slightly curious expression. I’m not sure how to answer.
Well, here goes nothing!
"Listen up, and pay attention. My name is Shinogami. The Kikyo crest on this flower indicates that I am Yukarinowe of the Kikyo Society!"
I said it with flair and enthusiasm.
"...Kikyo Society, huh? I’ve never heard of it, but what do you want?"
Bruno skillfully brushes off my dramatic entrance.
How embarrassing, this guy! To embarrass a woman like this is unacceptable!
"What do I want? Well, it’s your gang that started the trouble. Your hooligans attacked us when we were checking out a building. Maybe you should discipline them better."
"Oh, those kids? They caused you trouble? Well, that building is ours. I don’t know about your Kikyo Society, but you should give up on it."
He talks as if he’s already decided the building belongs to him.
And his condescending look is really getting on my nerves.
"I heard the Commercial Guild is selling it. Your word doesn’t matter. I’m here to settle the score and to warn you to stay away from the Kikyo Society. That’s all."
"I have no interest in listening to such trivial matters. Leave while you can. Your bravery in coming here alone is commendable, but I’ll let you off this time."
What is he thinking, talking down to me like that? After allowing me to barge in like this?
"You’re one to talk. If you listen to me, I might let you off easy."
His arguments are baseless.
Besides, we came here to fight. I can’t just leave now.
Thanks to the Physical Enhancement Magic, I feel no tension or fear, only the exhilaration of battle.
"What can you do alone?"
"You think I can’t do anything? You’re a fool."
Enough of this talk.
Bruno signals his guards, and the middle-aged mage immediately launches a spell.
I activate my Anti-Magic Armor and Active Armor, ready to counter with physical attacks.
I focus on generating iron spikes to target the mage’s feet, but the spell fails to activate.
I push aside the confusion and try again, but the result is the same. I notice the mage smirking.
He must be jamming my magic. Some kind of anti-magic spell?
I’m new to magical battles, so I’m not sure what’s happening, but my usual method isn’t working.
Experience and knowledge are important. Real combat is invaluable.
The mage’s continuous ice spells serve as a distraction while the young swordsman attacks from the side.
His strike is sharp and precise, but I’m ready.
I eagerly block it with my newly activated special anti-physical armor.
The swordsman might have expected to break through, but I won’t let that happen.
The armor is designed to prevent such easy victories.
The moment the blade hits, a sharp, explosive sound rings out.
"What—?"
The special armor explodes, catching him off guard. I grab him and throw him into the wall with all my might.
He hits the wall awkwardly, likely sustaining injuries even with his armor.
This fight is also a demonstration. I want to show my true strength and win with ease while maintaining composure.
The mage, slightly panicked by his comrade’s fall, starts casting weaker but faster spells in rapid succession.
These attacks are too weak to penetrate my Active Armor. His barrage is ineffective against me.
I maintain my composure and approach him slowly.
I deflect all the ice spears with ease as I walk closer. The mage, realizing his attacks are useless, decides to cast a more powerful spell.
I switch to Anti-Magic Armor, ready to counter his close-range attack.
"...Your confidence will be your downfall. Woman, regret your actions in hell!"
I switch to Anti-Magic Armor and deflect the spell, which is too close to fully identify. The mage, however, smirks with confidence.
I return the smirk as I hear the explosion from behind.
There are two of them. I won’t be caught off guard.
I pretend to be hit and use the opportunity to lure them into a false sense of security.
A common tactic.
The swordsman’s attack is deflected by my reactive armor, and the mage’s face shows surprise as his comrade is blown back.
I grab the mage and throw him over my shoulder, slamming him to the ground. Then I walk towards Bruno.
"Your guards are useless now. Do you still want to continue? You seem capable, but if you want to fight, I’m ready."
"Damn it. I may have some skills, but I don’t want unnecessary injuries. I’ll back down."
He accepts defeat gracefully. That’s the mark of a true leader.
I’ve already made my demands. He seems to be thinking about something, but what?
"...Hey, why don’t you join my gang?"
What is he suggesting?
"There’s no way. If you keep saying ridiculous things, I’ll knock you out too."
"Sorry, sorry. Just a thought. So, what do you want to do with the Kikyo Society?"
"Hmm? We don’t plan to do anything. If you agree to our terms, that’s it."
"I see. What about the others downstairs?"
"They’re probably knocked out. I doubt they’re dead, but I can’t guarantee it."
"Alright, I’ll accept your conditions. What about you, what are you planning to do?"
He agrees surprisingly quickly. It’s a relief.
If he had been stubborn, I might have lost my temper.
"Father!"
"Father, are you sure?"
"Shut up! We were outmatched and lost. Can’t you see that? And to a woman, no less. Our pride is gone!"
Bruno scolds the guards, who look dejected and resigned.
It’s a bit pitiful, but the gang that gets beaten by a woman will have a hard time continuing in the same line of business.
But as long as we keep our deal, no one will know what really happened. I won’t spread the word, and neither will they.
"That’s right. We didn’t kill anyone. You were the ones who came to kill, and this is the result. If you had really wanted to, you could have killed us all today. Remember that!"
"...Understood."
Bruno’s stern lecture makes the mage and swordsman realize the harsh reality.
The internal discussion seems to be over.
"As I said, I’m here to settle the score for your hooligans. They should compensate us in some way."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. We want something of value from you. It could be money, goods, or information. Since it’s just compensation for some punks, it doesn’t have to be much."
"I see. You’re right. I can’t offer much for those punks, but it’s a fair deal. No complaints later, okay?"
Bruno grins as he confirms the terms.
"No complaints. As long as you keep your word."
"You’re an interesting woman. You’re too good to be just a woman. I’d really like you to join my gang."
"Enough with the jokes. What do you plan to give us?"
I don’t like nagging.
I just want to finish this and go home.
"Right. Hey, what about that district we recently took from the Marzio Family, Sixth Avenue? What’s the status there?"
"Yes, we’re still trying to decide who will manage it. It’s a bit unstable, and we’re not sure who to trust. Did you mean—?"
"Exactly. Why don’t you manage it?"
"But we were planning to manage it ourselves."
"I understand, but constant conflicts won’t solve anything. If someone can bring peace, that’s the best outcome. Don’t you agree?"
"True, but if you manage it, it will be different. If you stabilize it, it will be beneficial for everyone."
This is getting complicated. It’s a lot of trouble.
"Wait a moment. We don’t want trouble. Can you explain?"
"Sure. Sixth Avenue is a popular district with many skilled artisans. It’s a border area between different gangs, and it’s always been a source of conflict."
It’s a troublesome place, but it has potential.
"But why would you give us such a valuable district?"
Bruno explains that Sixth Avenue is a popular area with many skilled artisans. It’s a border area between different gangs and has been a constant source of conflict.
The artisans living there are frustrated by the constant disruptions. They expect the gangs to provide protection, but the conflicts only cause more trouble.
The artisans are highly skilled and influential, and their dissatisfaction could spread to other areas.
Bruno’s gang tried to stabilize the area but faced ongoing conflicts. They were considering strengthening their forces or forming alliances with other gangs.
As an outsider, I see the need for better groundwork before taking over.
"Managing such a district as a newcomer and a woman might only cause more trouble. Honestly, it’s a hassle."
"But you have the strength. You don’t have the ties that bind us. You’re a new force. To be honest, the local gangs are disliked by the artisans. Even if the conflicts end, it will be hard for them to operate smoothly."
"The artisans are mostly demi-humans. They don’t look down on women, and if you show strength, they might support you."
I see. That’s a point.
"What kind of earnings can we expect?"
Money is important. I need to confirm.
"There are dozens of shops and workshops. Just the protection fees would be substantial. But it’s a popular area, so many merchants and customers visit daily. If you manage it, you can do business freely. Opening a casino or tavern could bring in a lot of money."
"That’s a lot of potential. But there’s more. If a shop becomes vacant, who gets it? Naturally, the gang managing the district. You can rent it out or use it yourselves. Either way, it’s a win."
It sounds good, but I’m skeptical.
"Why are you willing to give this up?"
I glare at Bruno.
"I said it before, it’s only if you can stabilize it. It’s not easy for any gang. And I’m not giving everything up."
Bruno’s expression turns serious.
"We don’t have ties or grudges. We’re a new force. The local gangs are disliked by the artisans, and even if the conflicts end, they won’t be able to operate smoothly."
"That’s true. The artisans are mostly demi-humans. They don’t look down on women, and if you show strength, they might support you."
I see. What should I do?
I should consult with the others, but that would be embarrassing. I need to make a quick decision.
"Interesting. What kind of earnings can we expect from managing this district?"
Money is crucial. I need to know.
"There are dozens of shops and workshops. Just the protection fees would be substantial. But it’s a popular area, so many merchants and customers visit daily. If you manage it, you can do business freely. Opening a casino or tavern could bring in a lot of money."
"That’s a lot of potential. But there’s more. If a shop becomes vacant, who gets it? Naturally, the gang managing the district. You can rent it out or use it yourselves. Either way, it’s a win."
"It sounds too good to be true. Are you sure you’re willing to give this up?"
I glare at Bruno.
"I said it before, it’s only if you can stabilize it. It’s not easy for any gang. And I’m not giving everything up."
Bruno’s expression turns serious.
"You’re new. You don’t have the ties or grudges we have. You’re a fresh force. To be honest, the local gangs are disliked by the artisans. Even if the conflicts end, they won’t be able to operate smoothly."
"That’s true. The artisans are mostly demi-humans. They don’t look down on women, and if you show strength, they might support you."
I see. What should I do?
I should consult with the others, but that would be embarrassing. I need to make a quick decision.
"Interesting. What kind of earnings can we expect from managing this district?"
Money is crucial. I need to know.
"There are dozens of shops and workshops. Just the protection fees would be substantial. But it’s a popular area, so many merchants and customers visit daily. If you manage it, you can do business freely. Opening a casino or tavern could bring in a lot of money."
"That’s a lot of potential. But there’s more. If a shop becomes vacant, who gets it? Naturally, the gang managing the district. You can rent it out or use it yourselves. Either way, it’s a win."
"It sounds too good to be true. Are you sure you’re willing to give this up?"
I glare at Bruno.
"I said it before, it’s only if you can stabilize it. It’s not easy for any gang. And I’m not giving everything up."
Bruno’s expression turns serious.
"You’re new. You don’t have the ties or grudges we have. You’re a fresh force. To be honest, the local gangs are disliked by the artisans. Even if the conflicts end, they won’t be able to operate smoothly."
"That’s true. The artisans are mostly demi-humans. They don’t look down on women, and if you show strength, they might support you."
I see. What should I do?
"Alright, I’ll accept your offer. But if you betray us, we’ll crush you."
I cut him off with a smile that exudes pressure.
Bruno swallows hard and responds.
"I understand. I swear on the name of Bruno’s gang that we won’t betray you."
"Good. Can you handle the details of the district later? I have other matters to attend to today. Also, about that building..."
"I’ll let it go. It’s a pity, but I will. And the area in front of the building will be yours. There’s not much profit there, and it wouldn’t look good to have your territory right in front of our base."
"That makes sense. I’ll take it."
I haven’t decided to buy the building yet, but I can’t back out now. I need to see how it goes.
"I need to tend to the injured. We’ll talk more later."
"Sure. Come by soon."
I descend to the first floor, where Siegrune and the others are waiting.
"Everyone seems to be fine."
I pat Valeria, who runs up to me, and check on everyone, feeling relieved. Not that I was really worried.
"Yes, we’re fine. How did it go, Yukari?"
"I settled things, but it was a bit complicated. We’ll talk about it later. Let’s head back to the building first."
"Complicated?"
This isn’t the place for a detailed discussion.
We need to head back and talk about it.