Chapter 446 - A Clean Slate
The hem of the ink-black coat flutters in the wind.
I’m particularly fond of this coat. Despite its long, tailored cut, it’s designed to make the wearer look slender and stylish. Paired with black combat pants and short boots, it’s a complete combat outfit. The skull mask I wear only adds to the intimidating and fearsome image, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
The Kikyo crest on the back of the coat and the skull mask are unmistakably the insignia of the Kikyo Society. I have no intention of hiding this. On the contrary, I want everyone to know that any incident I cause is the work of the Kikyo Society.
I’ve already laid the groundwork for my plans. The Bluecoats in charge of this area won’t move for a while, even if they get a tip-off.
Once the relationship is solidified, any deal becomes possible. A mutual understanding that benefits both sides is what we’re aiming for. After all, we criminals are always gathering information about each other, and our networks are invaluable resources, even to the Bluecoats.
While the higher-ups might have reliable intel, the average Bluecoat on the street can’t easily access such information. The quickest and surest way to get dirt on criminal activities is to get close to criminals. If you want to earn a promotion, you have to take some risks and make a name for yourself. Otherwise, you’ll stay a low-ranking officer for life.
That’s why power and crime are intertwined. Catch a small-time criminal, and the Bluecoats are quick to bite. It becomes a hand-in-glove relationship. Capturing a wealthy criminal not only boosts the personal and team reputation but also opens the door to easy money. There’s no better deal.
The money can be channeled into bribes for higher-ups, warming their pockets and securing their favor. Eventually, these influential figures will turn to us for help with their problems. Soon enough, we’ll be the ones solving these issues through our connections with the Bluecoats.
Public organizations like the Bluecoats can’t act without evidence, and even planting fake evidence has its limits. That’s why having criminal connections is invaluable. It’s an inevitable progression, and it always ends up this way.
The Bluecoats, the higher-ups, the underworld organizations, and the power players—all are connected through mutual interests and conflicts. To rise in the ranks, the Bluecoats may sacrifice smaller criminals. The more adept criminals can thrive by watching the small fries get eliminated, maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the Bluecoats.
Only the small fries lose out. They’re a nuisance and an obstacle, but their elimination can serve a purpose.
The Bluecoats might even orchestrate the formation and subsequent destruction of smaller criminal groups, all to secure their own achievements. Earning achievements is far harder than it seems, which is why so many underhanded operations exist, always hidden from public view. People tend to believe what they want to believe, and the system works because of it.
So, the world keeps turning, and my role in it is crucial. Even if my methods may seem absurd from another perspective, I have the power to eliminate obstacles. With the strength of myself and my allies, we can live as we please in any world. That’s the purpose of the Kikyo Society.
In the great nation of Berliza, in its capital city, Beltoria, I already have influence with the Bluecoats who maintain order. Even if I need to pay under the table and stay hidden, I can get away with any crime.
I’ve already reached that level of influence.
Objectively speaking, I’m about to commit a serious crime. I will kill them all, and nothing will come of it. This is the essence of being a high-class criminal.
Given that this involves House Ribbonstrat, they might try to cover it up themselves. As long as I don’t mess up, I won’t be held accountable.
The transition from summer to fall has brought a pleasant climate, and the night’s bustling streets are more crowded than usual.
The main streets and trendy shops are packed, and the dance hall I’m heading to is no exception.
"Layla, keep watch outside. If anyone comes out, handle them."
"Understood. Inside, we have Heidi and three others. Use them as needed."
"If House Ribbonstrat is keeping an eye on things, they’re likely inside. I’ll be more effective going in alone. I’ll be right back."
Wearing my ink-black coat and skull mask, I cross the street and arrive at the dance hall’s entrance. I ignore the passersby. They can’t do anything and won’t get involved needlessly.
"What the hell are you…?"
The man in front of the stairs that lead underground is probably a bouncer. I recognize him faintly, but he’s not my enemy. Without a word, I grab his neck and choke him, then toss him aside. The man’s awkward fall conveys several things: I’m not here to play, I’m overwhelmingly powerful, and I could have killed him but chose not to. It’s clear I have a purpose, and once it’s done, I’ll have no further business with him.
The man, understanding the situation, stiffens in fear without resisting. Ignoring his terrified face, I head down the stairs.
I push open the heavy door to the dance hall, where intense music assaults my ears. The dimly lit room is filled with people dancing, chatting, and drinking. The new arrivals draw little attention, except from the flirtatious guys and those waiting for someone, or the security guards on duty.
The skull mask makes me look suspicious, and one of the guards quickly approaches. My objective is clear: to eliminate the enemy and demonstrate my methods to House Ribbonstrat’s observers.
Normally, I’d start by clearing out any unnecessary third parties, but this time it’s more convenient to act while the civilians are around. I won’t kill anyone who’s just here by chance, nor will I engage unless provoked.
As long as they don’t interfere, everyone will be fine.
My targets are clear: the remnants of the former Jienko Nigi and the Ribbonstrat Branch Family. Heidi has already marked them, and their high-level magical presence makes them easy to locate in the crowded room.
The approaching guards aren’t my targets. It’s part of their job, and I have no intention of hurting them.
I move quickly. Using a bracelet-like magical tool, I shoot threads of magic to pull two guards from the front and side towards me. I grab them by the neck and squeeze, demonstrating the gap in power. I make sure they understand that resistance is futile.
From behind the mask, I tell them my demands at point-blank range, where even in the noisy dance hall, they can hear me clearly.
"I’ll be leaving as soon as I’m done. Don’t interfere."
It’s a command that brooks no argument. The guards, feeling their necks nearly crushed, know better than to resist.
Their hostility towards the suspicious mask vanishes, replaced by fear. They understand that I’m not here to kill them, at least not yet.
I let them go, and they hurry off to warn their colleagues. I scan the room for the marked targets. Most are concentrated on the second floor.
I start with the ones on the dance floor, who are lost in their dance. Moving through the crowded floor, I approach my target.
The young man looks anything but noble, despite his lineage as a former Jienko Nigi. He’s flirting with a woman and dancing enthusiastically, oblivious to the gravity of the situation. I approach him, blending in with the crowd.
The drunk and drugged patrons are less aware of the abnormal situation. The target even smiles and steps closer, thinking I’m a curiosity or a potential dance partner. He’s a fool who’s probably made many mistakes in life. He can settle his debts in hell.
I reach into my coat pocket and take out a large needle. I stab the man’s stomach and quickly pull it out. I continue moving, checking his condition. The dark clothes and minimal blood make the situation unnoticed, and most are too drunk to notice.
The needle is laced with poison, which takes immediate effect. The man, now in a state of heightened excitement, begins to dance wildly, followed by others. They’ll enjoy their last moments until the poison takes its toll.
I move to another target on the dance floor, administering the same poison, then head to the VIP second floor. The stairs are usually guarded, but my initial threat has clearly worked, giving me a small sense of satisfaction.
The second floor, less crowded, allows for a more dramatic performance. As I ascend the stairs, a sword is suddenly aimed at me.
They must have noticed my intrusion from the guards’ warnings and reactions. The quick and decisive attack on the masked intruder is impressive, showing the seriousness of the former Branch Family.
I won’t be caught off guard, and I won’t go down easily.
The sword aimed at my head is deflected by my skull mask. The Kikyo Society’s gear is impervious to anyone but the most powerful. The attackers’ efforts are futile.
I take the blow as if it were nothing, ascend the stairs, and deliver a ruthless front kick to the attacker, who crashes into the wall, leaving a bloody mess. Clearly dead.
As expected, there are observers here. A masked figure, using some special magic or tool, is invisible and barely detectable. They must be a House Ribbonstrat overseer.
I work with an awareness of their gaze, using this opportunity to demonstrate my strength.
"Stop! You must be a Ribbonstrat assassin! We have Edith!"
A voice calls out as I approach. Despite losing one of his men, he’s oddly confident.
I’m here because of Edith. I don’t need an explanation. Negotiation is pointless. I move forward silently.
"Damn you, Ribbonstrat! How dare you mock us! Kill him!"
The leader, recognizing the futility of negotiation, or perhaps out of fear, gives the order to attack. He’s likely a key figure in the former Branch Family.
Some try to escape, but they’re unmarked, likely staff or bystanders. I ignore them, focusing on the marked targets. Heidi has already secured Edith’s safety.
I seize a spear thrust at me and use it to pierce the throats of the marked enemies. My quick, precise strikes take lives with ease. The mob is no match for me. I eliminate the command givers as well, giving them no chance to justify their actions.
With a dozen bodies sprawled around, I check for any stragglers. It seems this is indeed the end. I’ve completed the task efficiently.
Time for a little show for the overseer. I throw a spear no-look style at the wall near the observer, who must understand I’m aware of their presence. They panic and flee.
"Yukari-san, I’ve brought Edith-jou. She’s under a sleeping spell to avoid the hassle of explanations."
Heidi emerges from a back room, handing over Edith, who shows no signs of injury. The healing is already done.
"She’s been a real pain. A lecture is in order."
"There’s a commotion downstairs. I’ll take care of the cleanup. Please leave first."
"Alright, leave it to you."
That night, a dozen or so people vanished from the world, leaving no trace of blood or evidence. They were desperate, misguided souls who sought revenge. Their disappearance will go unnoticed by the world.
Any witnesses will likely think it was just a bad dream. It doesn’t matter who held deep grudges or what vendettas they harbored.
Even if they weren’t my direct enemies, if they became an obstacle, I’ll eliminate them. I’m thorough in my work, and this diligence will eventually be recognized in Berliza’s underworld. Tonight’s insignificant event will contribute to that recognition.
Everything is interconnected, and even the smallest tasks are done without compromise. It’s a form of business. Eventually, everyone will understand.
Don’t make the Kikyo Society your enemy. Better yet, make them your ally. They’ll come to see it that way.
The next chapter, "Adult Maneuvering: The Final Push," continues the story.