Chapter 277 - A Polite Intimidation
We decided to return to our hideout to hear what the Intelligence Bureau members had to report after their investigation. It seems the third force has been making a lot of noise and showing no signs of hiding. Just a moment ago, they attacked the main house of the Ljungberg Family, the most powerful faction in Tanbury. Simultaneously, they carried out similar attacks at several other locations. It's clear they meticulously planned these raids.
With the success of these coordinated attacks, it's safe to say they now feel invincible. By pitting existing factions against each other and weakening them, the third force has seized the perfect opportunity to assert dominance. Last night’s assault was likely the decisive move. Judging by the situation, the battle is over, and they will probably strut around the city like they own it from tomorrow on.
After delivering a decisive blow to the city's leading force, it's reasonable to expect they will gradually absorb the smaller factions. At least, that's how things usually go. However, if we, the Kikyo Society, were a regular faction, things might be different.
"They're setting up their base in the city's most prestigious hotel tonight. They've been pouring into it one after another," said one of the Intelligence Bureau members.
"Are they having a victory party right now? They sure are feeling smug. By the way, what about the Ljungberg Family's successor we had in mind?"
"They've taken a massive hit. The Ljungberg Family was caught off guard due to a leak of information, and the unexpected attack by the third force only made things worse. Our plans have been completely thwarted. All our careful preparations have gone to waste. It's a real disappointment."
The Intelligence Bureau is in shock. They never expected such a sudden and effective intervention, which has nullified their efforts. It’s frustrating.
But that's the reality of operating in a foreign country. We all need to be reminded of this. No matter how thoroughly we investigate a city's situation, an external force can always catch us off guard. We need to expand our information network further. This failure is a valuable lesson.
"Well, we've been outsmarted. Since we can't retaliate against the Ljungberg Family, we'll have to take down the Halmstad Family to save face, Yukarinowe-san," said another member.
"Right, we'll crush them. But the successor issue is unresolved. Should we give up on that?"
Our original plan was to eliminate the Ljungberg Family and install a successor. With the successor out of the picture, finding a suitable replacement seems unlikely.
Even if we found a suitable candidate, it's likely the third force has already taken steps to prevent it.
"There's no one suitable. We were negotiating with a prominent local figure through an intermediary, but his subordinates have also pulled out. Forcing them to cooperate wouldn't work, and with a traitor in the mix, there’s no room for us in this city anymore."
Even if we managed to maintain some connections with the city's influential figures, they wouldn’t be strong enough to secure our interests. We’ll have to accept that we’ve lost our foothold here. However, we’ve gained valuable experience.
"It's not like we’ve gained nothing from this failure. As you all know, the third force is the Halmstad Family, right? Their rise to power might be the best outcome for the city. Without a reliable underground organization, even the influential figures would struggle. But we’re not going to let them get away with it."
"Understood. Whatever happens, this is a local problem. We’ll crush the troublemakers and leave."
Exactly. If our plans had gone according to our original strategy, only the Ljungberg Family would have suffered. The third force and the traitor who lured them in are to blame. We won’t let this go unpunished. We’ve paid our dues, and now it’s time to take what we want.
"If possible, we’d like to recover some of our expenses. What about the sword collection at the Ljungberg Family's main house? Was it destroyed in the fire?"
"It was stored in the main house, but the exact location is unknown. Given the level of security, it might have been in a fireproof vault. It’s possible, but we can't be certain."
"In that case, let's see if we can loot the place before we leave. There might be something worth taking from the Halmstad Family as well."
We don’t want to leave empty-handed. We need some kind of souvenir.
"That's a good idea. If the Halmstad Family’s base is already secured, we should launch a surprise attack."
"Considering the hotel's management, it seems there’s a traitor among the city's influential figures."
Liliane’s observation was met with a clear response from the Intelligence Bureau member.
"It makes sense. We’ve already sent two people to the mansion."
"Great! If it’s a traitor’s hotel, we can destroy it without hesitation."
"But what about the regular guests? Is the hotel reserved exclusively for them?"
A member of the combat team raised a valid concern. Indeed, involving innocent employees and guests would create unnecessary resentment.
"Then let’s just find out which rooms they’re staying in and handle it quietly?"
The idea of being discreet was immediately dismissed as impractical.
"Absolutely not. We’re going all out. Our goal is to eliminate the third force and destroy the traitor’s hotel. The city’s influential figures will have no complaints. We need to get rid of the uninvolved as well."
"Should we issue a warning of the attack?"
It was a joke, but it seemed like a good idea.
"Let’s do it. We’ll issue the warning and then attack. Let’s go."
By announcing our attack, the uninvolved will flee on their own. The Halmstad Family, feeling victorious, won’t back down. Losing face is unacceptable for them.
We left a few members to guard the hideout and moved out. It was a surprisingly chivalrous move to issue a warning, but we prepared a plan just in case. It might be a bit improvised, but that’s how it goes.
As we approached the hotel and tried to enter the parking lot, a guard stopped us. High-class hotels are always well-secured, even on a cold winter night.
"Hey, this is about to become a battlefield. If you value your life, get lost."
Paula opened the jeep’s window, glared through her sunglasses, and issued a threat.
"I won’t repeat myself. If you get in our way, you’re dead."
Her simple threat was made more convincing by the killing intent she exuded. The guard, intimidated by the real threat and pressure, backed off. We took advantage of the moment to drive in and park.
"Paula, and a few others, follow me. The rest, wait here."
The combat team members, dressed in black and white combat gear and sunglasses, were armed and ready. We headed towards the grand entrance. The ground floor, mostly made of glass, offered a clear view of the lobby and front desk. There were no visitors at this late hour.
The guard inside the glass door seemed to notice our presence and was on edge. Let’s confirm his suspicions.
I approached the entrance but didn’t bother to open the door; I just kicked it in. The glass shattered and fell, making a loud noise.
"Feel free to cause a ruckus."
"Let’s do this!"
"The president and the leader have given their permission. Yee-haw!"
The combat team members eagerly began destroying the glass windows as I made my way into the lobby. Valeria rushed forward to deal with the guards who were running towards us.
Paula and I approached the front desk and delivered our message.
"Good evening, we are the Kikyo Society. We’re here to wage war. Unrelated guests and staff should evacuate immediately. Where are the Halmstad Family’s rooms?"
"G-Guards! Call the guards!"
"I won’t repeat myself. Your lives are on the line. And—"
"This will not go unpunished—"
Paula, irritated by the interruption, smashed the front desk with a heavy chain she’s been fond of using lately.
"Shut up. Listen to me. Now, answer the question."
"Where are they?"
The power of violence is extremely effective. Once demonstrated, even the most foolish person can understand the threat.
However, the staff, intimidated by Paula’s destruction and pressure, fell silent. Paula, growing impatient, reached for her sword, and an older staff member finally spoke up.
"U-Upper floors! The top floor is reserved, and there are a few other floors—"
"That’s enough. We’ll be back soon, so evacuate the guests and yourselves. If you don’t, you’ll all die. Also, tell the Halmstad Family to be ready. Got it? Blame the hotel owner if you must."
"Yukari, should we make it more dramatic? It’ll make it easier for the evacuation."
The glass is already shattered, but the people upstairs might not have heard. A little more noise would be considerate.
"Sure, you can be as destructive as you want in empty areas. We don’t want to run into evacuees, so be quick."
Paula immediately started smashing the stone floor with her chain, causing more destruction. She even completely demolished a large desk for emphasis. Then, she called out to the members who were smashing the glass and headed outside. They started casting spells, causing even more chaos. They looked like they were having a great time.
I reinforced the message to the frozen staff and then went outside to add the final touch. Back at the parking lot, I put on special gloves, created an iron ball, and attached a letter to it.
'To the foolish Halmstad Family: Prepare yourselves. The Kikyo Society is coming.'
They might not know the name of the Kikyo Society, but they will soon.
The iron ball, carrying the short warning, flew in a parabolic arc and struck a window on the top floor.
To ensure they take it seriously, I continued throwing iron balls at random intervals. This serves to provoke the enemy and instill fear in the regular guests, encouraging them to flee.
After throwing about ten iron balls at the top floor and a few at other floors, the chaos inside the hotel reached a near-panic level. Even stubborn guests would rush to escape.
The number of cars in the parking lot suggested there weren’t many guests. As we returned to the parking lot, Valeria, Paula, and the others joined in, using magic to amplify the chaos and terror, giving the fleeing guests an extra push. Stopping the attack might cause some to hesitate, but we’re being considerate!
While observing the fleeing guests with my magic perception, I noticed a large group of armed, menacing individuals among them. They were not regular guests but armed men. They clashed with the fleeing guests, yelling and cutting down a few.
"Yukarinowe-san, should we kill them all?"
The calm and collected elf warrior was eager to fight.
However, I decided against a full-scale massacre. Our grievances are limited to the interference with our revenge against the Ljungberg Family and the disruption of our plans, including the assassination of our intermediary. While the assassination was likely the Ljungberg Family’s doing, the Halmstad Family is still responsible for the interference. Ignoring this would undermine our reputation.
We can’t afford to be seen as weak, especially in Exembra, where the Three Great Families must maintain a strong image. The Halmstad Family is clearly a formidable and determined group, but we need to show them that there are even more dangerous people here.
"No need to go that far. How about inflicting pain and terror instead?"
"Specifically?"
"Let’s take an arm or a leg from each of them. We want to instill a fear that will make them tremble at the sight of the Kikyo crest!"
"Got it!"
Injury can cause both psychological and economic damage. Severe wounds, especially the loss of a limb, can’t be regrown without second-level healing magic, which is only available to high-ranking guild or state officials. Seeking such treatment would be expensive and require connections.
While a large organization might have the resources to recover, smaller ones might collapse under the financial strain.
As I slowly advanced, my team, filled with bloodlust, rushed ahead, causing massive bleeding among the Halmstad Family members. Most used knives, but Paula used her chain to crush and sever limbs in a brutally violent manner. The sight was gruesome, and it seemed to intimidate even the Halmstad Family members.
Since only a part of the Halmstad Family had come outside, we needed to enter the hotel and repeat the process with those still inside.
Tonight, this hotel will become a hell.
Back inside the hotel, the team wreaked havoc. They destroyed walls at will, severing arms and legs but not taking lives. The blood-soaked scene was chaotic, and the staff had successfully evacuated the civilians.
While my team wreaked havoc, I moved forward calmly. The overwhelming violence and terror would leave a lasting impression, and the Halmstad Family would regret their actions.
This is also a warning to the entire underground world of Donditch. If the Halmstad Family survives, the rumors will spread quickly. This method has proven effective in the past.
Whoever takes control of the city in the future will likely clash with us over the Arena’s profits. Better to deal with them now and avoid future trouble.
This is a violent chapter. The next one will also be violent.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoy this, please look forward to the next part. Additionally, I’ve updated the character introductions for the first time in two years. It’s a concise overview of various characters, so please check it out to refresh your memory.
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n6864er/