Chapter 38 - A Difference in Class
This chapter contains violent scenes.
Readers who are uncomfortable with such content should be cautious.
Additionally, I have posted a short story set in the same world. While the characters are different, I hope you'll check it out if you're interested.
That night, after Gradena and the others returned from the slums with the news of the female gang, I was on the rooftop of the Kikyo Society Headquarters, looking down at Lightning Street.
The area was deserted, and the cloudy sky blocked the starlight, making it a dark and quiet night. The cold night air felt refreshing as I reflected on the events of the evening.
"Yukari, we've brought them."
Gradena and the others had successfully brought the female gang from the slums to the headquarters. The girls entered the dining room one by one, their faces a mix of excitement, anxiety, curiosity, skepticism, and desperation. Overall, most seemed glad to be there.
There were about twenty of them, mostly around Valeria's age, with a few older and younger girls. We're not a daycare, but separating them wouldn't be practical. Given that we already have Sarah, it wasn't a big deal.
"Good job. It seems to have gone well."
"Actually, their leader wants to talk to you before making a decision."
Joining a new organization isn't a decision to be made lightly, especially for the leader. They would need to consider the conditions and treatment.
"That's fine. We're not forcing them to join. It's only fair to talk."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Graylease, their leader."
Graylease was a young woman, slightly younger than me. She seemed strong and reliable, and the other girls were attentive to her words. She was clearly a good leader, though she appeared nervous, likely sensing my higher level of Physical Enhancement Magic.
She was using her own Physical Enhancement Magic, which was impressive but not on par with the Kikyo Society's combat members. She had potential, though, and would make a good recruit.
"I'm Shinogami, the president of the Kikyo Society. You've heard of us, right?"
"Of course. The Kikyo Society was the inspiration for our group."
That's interesting. It's both flattering and a bit unsettling to have such an influence.
"Would you consider joining us?"
I asked straightforwardly, gauging her reaction.
"...Um,"
She looked conflicted, which was understandable. She had mentioned something earlier.
"What's on your mind? If you have something to say, just speak up."
I dislike hesitation. She looked at me with determination and suddenly knelt.
"President, I have a request. Some of our members have been captured by a rival gang. We've tried to find them, but we've had no luck. If you help us rescue them, I'll do anything you ask. Please, help us!"
I see. The recruitment notice didn't register because they were preoccupied with a rescue mission. That explains it.
"That's not a very interesting story, is it?"
"No, no, please help us. I'll do whatever it takes!"
I sighed. She was overreacting.
"Josephine, can you help?"
"I think so. It shouldn't be too difficult to find them. I'll have the information by tonight."
"Thank you. Can you start immediately?"
"Of course. I'll be back soon."
Josephine left alone, heading into the night. She's a mysterious and intriguing woman.
"Well, that's settled. We'll handle it. In return, Graylease, you'll join us."
"Of course. But what about the others?"
"They can decide for themselves. We're short on people, so anyone who wants to join is welcome. But we won't force anyone. Except you."
I smiled, and she nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation.
"Federica, take over from here. Explain the conditions and have a meal with them."
The other girls would need time to decide, so we provided them with a meal and a place to stay for the night.
---
In the dining room, I watched as Graylease explained the situation in more detail. The girls seemed relieved but still anxious.
"I see. This isn't a pleasant situation."
"Please, help us. We'll do anything."
I nodded, and Federica took over, explaining the terms and conditions to the girls.
"We'll handle the rescue. In the meantime, make sure the girls are comfortable."
Federica nodded and began explaining the terms to the girls.
---
That night, we set out to rescue the captured girls. Josephine had already located them in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the slums.
"We're ready."
"The girls are being held in a warehouse. The gang leaders have exclusive access, but they're all in there. We need to move quickly."
"Understood."
The warehouse was dark, with no windows or visible signs of life. We split into teams: I, Valeria, Paula, and Brittany would focus on rescuing the girls, while Mary, Bonnie, and Siegrune would handle the gang members.
Graylease would assist me, and Josephine would stay outside to watch for any unexpected threats.
"The gang is larger than expected, but we need to prioritize the girls. Secure them and protect them as we heal them. Graylease, help me. Josephine, stay outside and keep watch. Gradena, Bonnie, and Mary, handle the gang. Be careful, but don't kill them."
The others nodded, though they seemed a bit hesitant about the no-kill order.
"Yukari, I can't guarantee that."
"...Yukari-san, I can't promise I won't kill."
Especially Mary, who was already giving off a dangerous aura. I didn't push the issue.
We approached the large metal door and prepared to break in.
"Let's go."
I kicked the door open, and it flew off its hinges, hitting one of the gang members. The shock and sudden intrusion stunned the gang members, and we quickly moved in.
I grabbed a thug by the shoulder, crushed his hand, and threw him at the others. I repeated the process, clearing the area around the girls. The girls were unconscious but breathing, though they were in a critical condition.
I used a powerful purification spell to cleanse them and a high-level healing potion to stabilize them. It was a custom-made potion that could heal wounds, cure status effects, and restore both physical and magical energy.
"You're in good hands. Now, it's your turn to show some strength."
The others were handling the situation well. Mary and the others were methodically taking down the gang members, using only their fists. It was a terrifying sight.
I moved from girl to girl, healing them one by one. The gang members were no match for us, and we quickly secured the girls.
By the time I finished, the fight was almost over. The gang members were either unconscious or in pain, and the only sounds were their weak cries.
Mary and the others had restrained themselves, but not everyone was unharmed.
"Graylease, are these all your girls?"
"...Yes, all of them. Thank you so much for saving them."
I could see the relief and gratitude in her eyes. We would take care of them for now.
"It's settled. Let's get out of here."
"Yukari, what about the gang members?"
"Leave them. We have more important things to do."
We carried the girls out of the warehouse and back to the headquarters. We would provide them with food and shelter for now.
It's been a long night, and I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. Dealing with such weak opponents isn't satisfying at all.
"Well, maybe something more exciting will come along."
I hope this chapter meets your expectations. I look forward to your feedback and any thoughts you might have. Thank you for reading!"