After finishing the briefing, Hai swiftly exited Don Quixote's room.
Nearl, roused by Don Quixote's spirited shout, quickly tidied herself and stepped outside. Initially, she'd felt displeased upon hearing Don Quixote had casually accepted another troublesome request—but once she learned about the gangs' misdeeds, a simmering anger ignited within her. Instantly energized, she eagerly followed Don Quixote without hesitation.
"Ohhh! I knew I wasn't mistaken about you!" Don Quixote praised her forthrightness with enthusiasm.
"Hah... Cut the nonsense. Where's the target?"
Trash like that... how could I forgive them?
"According to Hai's intelligence, those gangs planned a fight tonight. Though they're calling it a duel, it's just a bloody power struggle to crown a new boss," Don Quixote explained, mounting his crimson steed with a smile. "Let's go and greet them tonight! Such a pity Hai said the Hana Association must stay low-key. Alas, they won't witness our glorious entrance..."
Hearing Don Quixote's grandiloquent speech, Nearl rubbed her forehead helplessly. Even though he was undeniably far stronger than herself, Nearl inexplicably struggled to feel the respect he should have commanded whenever confronted by Don Quixote's eccentric theatrics.
"Such a rare steed! Yah!"
In the next moment, Don Quixote sped away atop his blood-colored horse. Nearl stared blankly before hurriedly rushing after him, grumbling internally:
Why does this guy always have to be so absurdly fast!?
---
Meanwhile, Obsidian hadn't yet left his small cabin. He sat quietly, eyes closed, seemingly waiting for something.
After a long while, a cautious knock sounded on his door, followed by a tentative voice:
"Um... Executor, did you summon me?"
Obsidian opened his eyes, and the door swung open naturally. He greeted Texas as she stepped inside.
"Long time no see, Texas."
"Yeah… it's been quite a while. So, what did you call me for this time? Do you have something new you'd like to discuss...?"
"No, it's merely to assign you a task—not too difficult, but not too trivial either." Obsidian raised a hand, interrupting Texas. His gaze was calm and steady as he continued, "Are you interested in consolidating the gangs within The City?"
"Eh?"
Texas jumped, looking as though she hadn't understood Obsidian at all.
"What did you just... say?"
"I merely asked if you're interested in becoming the leader of these gangs."
"But how am I supposed to accomplish something like that...?"
"It's not complicated. You hold the Identity Card of a Thumb Soldier, right? Surely you know about The Thumb. Your task is simply to rebuild The Thumb within The City."
"But I..."
"It's quite straightforward. After establishing The Thumb, you'll naturally become its Boss, the highest-ranked figure in the gang hierarchy. I believe you understand my meaning."
Obsidian spoke leisurely, unhurriedly explaining his intentions. Texas fell silent for a moment before nodding in reluctant agreement.
She had to admit, Obsidian had once again precisely identified what she truly wanted. Obsidian was indeed exceptionally skilled in this regard.
"Good. That's more like it," Obsidian said, smiling gently.
Texas stood there, conflicted for a moment before asking hesitantly, "But… how exactly should I go about it? I don't have sufficient forces or equipment... How do I make those gangs submit? Not to mention, three major gangs are currently waging fierce battles in Alley One… I don't have the confidence to deal with them."
"It's simple, hardly troublesome. Those three large gangs will likely disband by tonight." Obsidian shook his head, stating matter-of-factly. Texas' eyes widened, but Obsidian continued unfazed:
"All you need to do is head over later tonight to pick up the scattered remnants and establish The Thumb. Your [Identity Card] should provide you with the specifics. After tonight, you'll receive various assistance from different factions, so don't worry too much—the path has already been paved for you."
"If there's still anything unclear, such as managing The Thumb... your [Identity Card] will handle it. You can leave initial operations to her if you hesitate to act personally."
"No need. I've dealt with gangs before—I'm not nearly as soft-hearted as you think." Texas sighed decisively.
Obsidian nodded with a warm smile.
"Well then, good luck. I'll be here cheering you on and wishing for your success."
"Heh… You really are something else..."
With another sigh, Texas slowly exited the cabin. As she left, she felt a weight in her hand—a black-and-white emblem Obsidian had subtly passed her, a token of sorts.
Meanwhile, Obsidian reclined on his bed, smiling faintly.
"Ah… I wonder what exciting things will happen tonight?"
"How very intriguing!"
...
Time soon hurried into dusk.
Don Quixote and Nearl strolled through Alley One, with Don Quixote examining an emblem-shaped token thoughtfully.
"What is that thing?" Nearl asked curiously, eyeing the badge. Don Quixote shrugged helplessly:
"No idea. Hai just handed it to me suddenly and told me to give it to someone holding a similar token later. Apparently, she'll take care of the remaining gang members..."
"I don't get it, but whatever. Once we finish up, we'll just pass it on, right?"
After pondering for a moment, Don Quixote finally arrived at this conclusion. Nearl sighed deeply.
"Enough of that. It's almost time—let's move."
Don Quixote pocketed the token and headed off decisively, with Nearl close behind.
Indeed, time was running out—not just for the approaching dusk, but for the gangs as well...
At this moment, in a cramped alleyway at the edge of Alley One, a dense crowd had gathered—members from three rival gangs, each dressed differently. They were mostly Sarkaz, but other races were scattered throughout.
The atmosphere was suffocating, on the verge of erupting into violence.
Abruptly, one gang leader raised his sword as if to signal, rasping:
"Kill—"
"Ahem. Could everyone pause for a moment, perhaps?"
Before he could finish, a cheerful voice interrupted. Don Quixote descended from the air, landing gracefully at the very center of the gangs. Watching from a distance, Nearl was momentarily lost in thought over Don Quixote's sudden disappearance.
With an exaggerated tilt of his head and a dazzling smile, Don Quixote surveyed the tense faces around him.
"After all… Considering your current situation, you've clearly violated a City taboo—so I must now administer an urgent punishment for this breach of protocol."