Chapter 231 - Developments Not Going as Planned
The next day after the discovery of the secret dealings unknown to our Kikyo Society, the quick-acting Intelligence Bureau promptly provided us with detailed investigation results.
According to their findings, the group covertly operating under our noses and causing trouble is a group of young people calling themselves the Bloody Skull. It's a name that seems to appeal to energetic young men.
They came to Exembra seeking new opportunities but, unable to find success, eventually drifted into a chaotic area and naturally formed a group. Most of them are down-and-out individuals who couldn't make it in normal society. However, it's possible that some of them had talents that could thrive in the underworld, and there must be charismatic leaders and strategic brains contributing to their growing influence.
Their background and circumstances don't matter much, but in the rapidly growing Exembra, they tried to make a name for themselves, only to end up in a slum-like area. There, they formed a gang with other young people in similar situations. It's a common and rather dull story. We have no reason to concern ourselves with the affairs of people who don't matter. What's important is to swiftly deal with the challenge they've issued.
Their hideout is on the outskirts of the McDallian Family's territory, a remote area that's hard for us to monitor.
According to the Intelligence Bureau, they chose this remote location to avoid our notice. It's a smart but effective choice, especially for a group of energetic young men. If they were any closer, we would have discovered their existence immediately and taken care of them quickly.
In terms of numbers, a detailed investigation revealed that they have over a hundred members and are starting to gain influence in uncontrolled areas. Given that similar young people tend to gather, if left unchecked, they could grow even more powerful.
Surprisingly, there are quite a few women among them, but it seems to be a simple case of women who are on good terms with the men joining them. Even though their numbers exceed a hundred, their actual combat strength is likely smaller.
Well, any woman with potential wouldn't join a gang like this; she'd knock on the Kikyo Society's door instead. That's just how it is.
In terms of actual combat strength, they probably have around seventy capable members, and their funds are not abundant.
They've committed several robberies, including drug heists, but without major clients, it's impossible for them to acquire large sums of money quickly. They don't have such clients, so they're only engaging in small-scale black market sales.
Their equipment is limited to ordinary swords, spears, and armor. They likely don't possess expensive combat magic tools, and if they do, they're probably stolen. They also have a few old, stolen vehicles for transportation, but their range of operations is limited.
To us, they are nothing but insignificant pests. However, their reckless and energetic nature is a powerful weapon in itself.
Their fearlessness in the face of death or injury translates into a strong aura that can overwhelm opponents. When that happens, even a significant skill or equipment gap can be easily overcome.
Mental fortitude is crucial in real combat. No matter how physically fit someone is, if they can't act when it counts, it's meaningless. It's not a joke—fear leads to defeat.
While physical training builds confidence and mental strength, those who have survived harsh circumstances often naturally possess stronger mental fortitude and a hungry spirit. In such a group of young leaders, it's reasonable to assume they have these qualities.
They've challenged the wrong people, but objectively, they are a decent group.
Leaving aside the details, the Bloody Skull has expanded its influence thanks to the youth, energy, and recklessness of its members, as well as the leadership of a competent top figure.
The above is the result of the Intelligence Bureau's collection and analysis, along with my own observations.
With this much information, it's sufficient. There's no need to waste more time.
While it might be easier to leak this to the Clad Family, we were the ones challenged, and to establish that the McDallian Family's territory is under Kikyo Society's control, we will handle this ourselves.
Even in areas we haven't reached yet, if anyone disrespects the Kikyo Society, we'll always be ready to respond.
We'll make sure not only the Bloody Skull members but also others know who they messed with.
"Mary, I'm entrusting you with this mission. Siegrune and I will accompany you, but we'll just be observers."
We'll go with the team that dealt with the black market operation.
Siegrune and I will accompany you for observation, while Mary's Second Combat Unit will handle the gang.
"Is that okay? I thought this would be a catch for Yukari-san and Siegrune-san..."
"After all, they call themselves Bloody Skull. It's Mary's time to shine as Bloody Mary."
Many of our Kikyo Society's executives are formidable, but few have a nickname. Mary is one of the few who does, and she was the first to earn one.
This is a good opportunity to show that the Bloody Mary name is not just for show.
"There's no need to be embarrassed, Mary. We have the Kikyo emblem, and having a nickname adds value to our business. If just mentioning your name can make the enemy tremble, we gain an advantage without lifting a finger."
I understand it might feel awkward, but it's an honor. If your name can strike fear into the enemy, you gain a significant advantage.
While I and the Vice-Commander also have nicknames, they haven't become official like Mary's. I won't recognize a nickname unless it's a cool, representative name.
"Very well... I'll handle it with the Second Combat Unit. Violante, let's go."
"Yes, I'll arrange the vehicles with Shelby."
Mary left the office with Deputy Commander Violante to prepare the team. With Shelby, the Combat Support Unit leader, already briefed, the preparations should go smoothly.
"Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Just as they were leaving, Josephine came in.
"What's the matter, a problem?"
"The Bloody Skull's hideout is about to be attacked."
I exchanged glances with the Vice-Commander, puzzled. We were planning to attack them, but her wording suggested someone else was involved.
"Who's attacking them?"
Even if the Clad Family had the information, we have a mutual non-aggression pact, so they would have informed us before acting. While there's a possibility of their members acting rashly, Josephine's demeanor suggests otherwise.
"I don't have the specifics, but it seems to be a new organization that has taken root in the area, likely an enemy of the Bloody Skull."
"Bad timing. Just as we were about to strike, someone else is making a move."
"What do you think, Yukari-dono? Mary and her team are already preparing."
"Hmm, well, we don't need to hold back. We could take them all out. Josephine, how many are they?"
"Roughly seventy to eighty, according to reports. Without reinforcements, that's about it."
Without reinforcements, their numbers are similar to the Bloody Skull's. It could be interesting to see which side wins in a direct confrontation.
"Let's go to the location and watch. It could be entertaining to see a fight between pests."
"That sounds like a good idea. It would be interesting to see the level of conflict between new factions and how far they will go."
"Indeed, we may have become too desensitized to violence. Observing such conflicts could provide valuable insights."
"Let's have the Second Combat Unit members surround the hideout and observe from a distance. Only those who can conceal their presence will join us."
The plan was set.
We would observe the conflict between pests, assess its content, and consider it a learning experience for Josephine. While I don't expect much, it could be useful.
Whoever wins, it doesn't matter. We'll crush the winners and let them fall together.
The important thing is to crush those who challenge the Kikyo Society. The more witnesses, the better for our message.
It's not about slaughtering everyone, but ensuring they live to deeply regret their actions and never dare to mess with us again. We want them to spread the fear of the Kikyo Society.
"We can't afford to be late. Let's hurry."
For Siegrune and me, putting on our coats and picking up our weapons is all the preparation we need. We just need to board the small armored vehicle parked in the garage.
Josephine will lead a few more Intelligence Bureau members to meet us there.
Originally, the Second Combat Unit was to storm the hideout head-on. With the change in plans, we need to inform them. We'll meet at the large parking lot on Sixth Avenue and stop Mary from proceeding with the immediate attack.
Some team members might be disappointed, but once the pests finish their fight, they'll have their turn. For now, they'll have to wait.
"I'm sorry, but we'll be observing first."
"It's fine. I didn't expect them to be tough. It will save us some trouble, and I'm interested too."
We quickly conveyed the message and moved on. It's quite a distance, and there's a chance the fight might be over by the time we arrive.
Josephine and her team will get there first, so if they can manage, it will be fine. Missing the spectacle would be disappointing, so we'll hurry.
We arrived at a desolate area, fittingly called the outskirts. Despite the lack of streetlights and the absence of anyone outside, the silence was oppressive.
Even in the rapidly growing Exembra, there are several slums, and this area is similar. As the territory holder, I aim to improve it eventually, but having a few such areas isn't entirely bad.
Stopping the armored vehicle near the address we saw in the documents, we proceeded on foot.
Without temperature-regulating coats, the night would be unbearably hot, and the smell is terrible. A mix of rotten food and feces, it's extremely unpleasant. The purification engraving didn't activate, so it's not toxic, but it's still quite unpleasant.
Most of the Second Combat Unit members positioned themselves around the perimeter, while Mary, Violante, and a few skilled members approached the hideout.
"It seems to be around here. There's no sign of a fight, though."
"Their hideout is that run-down building, no doubt. Look, Yukari-dono."
Siegrune pointed to the building, where the entrance appeared to have been blasted open. It looks like magic was used.
If there are signs of a fight but no ongoing battle, it's likely concluded. We might have arrived too late.
"It seems to be over. Where are Josephine and the others... There."
Their presence is concealed, so only someone with advanced magic perception can detect them.
They are clinging to the side of the building, peeking through a window on the third floor. From this angle, they look quite pathetic.
They seem to be observing seriously, so we can't disturb them. We quietly approached.
Josephine and the Intelligence Bureau members signaled us to join them, so we climbed the wall. The structure has many protrusions, making it easy to climb.
I wanted to hear the situation first, but Josephine gestured for us to look through the window and whispered, 'Smoke.' Using magic, it seems they created a smokescreen to observe without being seen.
We couldn't see them, but they could see us. Impressive.
Reluctantly, we approached the window. We expected something unpleasant, and indeed, it was even worse than anticipated.
The room was dark and spacious, about the size of six school classrooms combined.
What unfolded inside was, as expected, a violent and brutal scene, surpassing our expectations.