Chapter 77 - The Punishment Begins
We maintained a sense of tension while carrying on with our usual business until the deadline for responses to the letters we sent out. The apprentices at the Headquarters, who had endured a terrible ordeal, were now throwing themselves into their training with renewed vigor. They must have realized firsthand how the Kikyo Society, even if it’s the Secretariat Unit, operates with their lives on the line.
The office’s interior was still in the process of being refurbished, with minimal furnishings for now. It felt a bit barren, reminiscent of the early days.
Despite the recent attacks, we carried on with our daily routines. Gradually, responses to our letters began to trickle in. The first to respond were the large organizations centered around the Five Great Families.
Their general message was that they had no objections to the Kikyo Society’s retaliation and would not interfere. Some even offered to lend a hand in dealing with the organizations involved in the attack, though we politely declined.
We also received a response from the McDallian Family. It was a templated letter condemning the breach of agreement and supporting our retaliation. This gave us the green light to attack the Marzio Family, who were under their protection. They wouldn’t dare complain later.
The Clad Family, who had proposed the mutual non-aggression pact, sent the harshest response. Perhaps because one of their smaller affiliates was involved in the attack, they formally requested to act as our enforcers. They promised to take full responsibility for the aftermath.
With this, we were free to carry out our vengeance without any reservations.
We received no response from the organizations that had carried out the attack. According to Josephine and the Intelligence Unit, they were engaged in endless, fruitless meetings, blaming each other for the fiasco. It was like they were in denial.
Given their disarray, another attack was unlikely. Most of them would probably submit to us by the deadline, showing their allegiance.
From the responses of major organizations, it seemed they were cutting ties with these groups. Their only path to survival was to submit to the Kikyo Society.
If they didn’t like that, we were ready to fight them to the bitter end.
At the very least, the Marzio Family wouldn’t submit to us. They had caused us plenty of trouble over the years, and there was no way they would lower themselves to the Kikyo Society now.
As almost all responses had come in, the deadline arrived.
It was already evening, and the sun was setting. It was time for our final briefing with the assembled leadership.
"Everyone’s here. Yukari-dono, please update us on the responses."
Siegrune, who had recently taken over the role of facilitator, nodded, and I began.
"First, no response from the Marzio Family. This was expected."
"They’ve been a thorn in our side for a while. But today, it ends!"
"Indeed. We have no intention of allying with them now."
Frederica was unusually aggressive.
The Marzio Family had caused us minor but continuous issues, making them a nuisance for the Secretariat Unit.
"Additionally, no response from the Karkchul Gang and the Stanbury Society."
"Both have close ties with the Marzio Family, so this was also expected."
Josephine’s insight was spot-on. These two organizations were like siblings to the Marzio Family and were of similar size to the Kikyo Society.
"Others have sought negotiation. For now, that’s fine. Today, we will crush the Marzio Family, the Karkchul Gang, and the Stanbury Society."
"About time."
"We’ll get it done."
We had waited to ensure we had a clear plan for the aftermath. We needed to swiftly integrate their territories into the Kikyo Society, which involved contacting key figures, distributing personnel, and confirming economic and security conditions. There was a lot to do, and the preparation was far from perfect, but we had a general plan.
"Three targets. How do we proceed?"
We had anticipated this and prepared accordingly. With the Five Great Families supporting our retaliation, we didn’t need to worry about repercussions. The Marzio Family, for instance, was unlikely to attack us again.
"Siegrune and half the apprentices will stay at the Headquarters. It’s unlikely anything will happen, but better safe than sorry."
"I wanted to join the action, but I’ll stay here. Count on me."
"First Combat Unit, you’ll cover the Branch, Sixth Avenue, and the gambling den. It’s a big job, but you’ll have the other half of the apprentices to help. We count on you."
"Understood. It’s a bit of a stretch, but we’ll manage."
The leaders, Angelina and Verone, reluctantly agreed. Guarding the Branch and the gambling den was crucial and couldn’t be left to the apprentices alone.
We’ll give them a chance to fight another time.
"The rest of the Combat Units will go all out. Let’s do this."
"Right!"
The operation would begin at midnight. Until then, it was time for preparation and rest.
We would simultaneously attack all hostile organizations to ensure their swift destruction.
The Karkchul Gang would be hit by the Second Combat Unit. They weren’t a significant threat, and even Mary alone could handle them.
The Stanbury Society would be attacked by the Third Combat Unit and the Vanguard Unit. As they were known for their combat prowess, we added the Vanguard Unit to be safe. If it went quickly, they could join other units or attack the Marzio Family. Even Albert and Ophelia alone were more than enough.
The Marzio Family, with two major strongholds, would be the main target. The Fourth Combat Unit and Gradena would handle one, while the Fifth Combat Unit, led by Valeria, Paula, and me, would take the other. Lily, eager for revenge, would also join us.
We would deal with smaller affiliates later. Each unit would have support from the Combat Support Unit.
According to the Intelligence Unit, no one had fled, so we expected a proper fight. This would satisfy our combat-hungry members.
We would not accept surrender. We had given them ample time to submit, and any resistance would be met with no mercy. However, we would let anyone who fled go to avoid a cycle of retaliation. We wouldn’t hunt down the remaining stragglers, as that would be too much trouble.
The bosses would be spared unless absolutely necessary, to prevent further retaliation and to help consolidate the remaining members, though we weren’t sure if they had the strength to do so.
As the time approached, Kikyo Society members began to depart. I watched them go, carrying my customary spear, and climbed into a large jeep with Valeria, Paula, Charlotte, Lily, and the Combat Support Unit.
"Finally, the time has come to end the Marzio Family."
"Yes, but I’ll miss the little skirmishes."
"Let’s show them what we’re made of!"
"Don’t fall behind the unit leaders!"
"I’ll outshine the President!"
"I heard they’re gathering a lot of people. It’ll be exciting."
"Are we really going all out today? Huh?"
Paula and Charlotte’s confident remarks boosted the morale of the younger members, though a few looked a bit nervous.
"Revenge time!"
The Fifth Combat Unit was hyped up, and Lily’s anger over what happened to her shop was palpable. I was also fired up, ready to lead the charge.
The Marzio Family’s headquarters wasn’t far. As we neared our destination in the large jeep, we saw a large truck parked in front of a building that looked like a town hall.
"That’s..."
As someone muttered, the truck started moving.
"Stop the jeep. We’re getting out."
"But we’re still—"
"Just do it. They’re coming."
The loyal Combat Support Unit member stopped the jeep, and we all got out.
"Yukari, it’s on."
"Yes. Quite an interesting start."
"What do you mean?"
Charlotte, the former noble lady, was still learning. She had a lot to understand.
The truck accelerated, clearly illegally modified, and was heading straight for us.
"Here they come!"
"Yukari, what do we do? Defend?"
"Hmm, we could, but I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish lately. This might be a good warm-up."
I spun my spear playfully.
"Hey, don’t go overboard and destroy the headquarters too, okay?"
"I got it."
I nodded at Paula’s joke.
The new, inexperienced members looked confused, but they’d understand soon enough.
I stood in the path of the speeding truck and prepared to jump.
"Here goes!"
Using Physical Enhancement Magic, I leaped high into the air. From above, I aimed my spear at the truck, gathering my strength.
The brute-force approach was appealing, but it wouldn’t work on the Kikyo Society. I’d show them why.
"Ha!"
I exhaled sharply and hurled my spear like a meteor.
The truck exploded upon impact, the force so great it shattered the ground. I had set up multiple protective barriers to prevent collateral damage, but I noticed something unexpected: the young members of the Fifth Combat Unit had created wind shields to protect us from the shockwave and debris. I was impressed.
They were growing. The defense was solid, and their judgment and magic deployment were good. This was a valuable lesson in their growth.
"Let’s go."
I landed and started walking as if nothing had happened. Valeria and Paula followed suit, and Charlotte and Lily joined in, a step behind. The younger members followed closely.
"The jeep is safe. Go all out!"
I remembered to ask for my spear to be retrieved, as digging it out of the ground would be a hassle.
The young members cheerfully agreed.
As we walked, petals began to fall around us. Red rose petals, clearly not natural. Lily was using flower magic to scatter them.
It was a surprising and beautiful touch, adding a dramatic flair to the moment.
"Wow, what’s this?"
"Amazing!"
The excited chatter was unexpected but fitting. The Kikyo Society was at its best when its members were happy, no matter the situation.
We would laugh and fight, shattering their meaningless pride.
This wasn’t a fair fight. It was punishment. The Kikyo Society would crush our enemies and obliterate all opposition.