"According to what Big Boss said, their expenses had long ago completely exceeded the money they could earn from the transport routes and protection fees allocated to them by the current overlord."
Caesar relayed the intel she heard from Big Boss, feeling a bit clueless about why this gang would show up here.
"Although everyone thought it was a bit strange, the Outer Ring isn't like the city. There's no Public Security Bureau or anything like that, so no one ever investigated. Even the overlord would have a hard time looking into private matters like this."
Even knowing who they were, no one knew the reason why the Wolf Fang Gang appeared here, nor why they suddenly withdrew without anyone noticing.
"But occupying territory without permission is a major taboo. And while we don't have any solid evidence for now... swallowing insults isn't the style of the Sons of Calydon."
Caesar lifted her head. She showed not the slightest hint of fear towards the numerous Wolf Fang Gang.
"Next, we're planning to investigate in secret to see if they're doing the same thing elsewhere. When the time comes, we'll have to hit them hard."
"So you're saying there's a chance these guys will come back?"
Hearing Caesar's intel, Andrew got a general idea of this gang. But since the reason for them being here wasn't clear, there was always a possibility they could make a comeback at any time.
"Don't worry, Andrew! Since this is Sons of Calydon territory, if you run into trouble, we won't just stand by and watch. If there's any danger, the Sons of Calydon will be there to back you up immediately!"
Caesar, thinking Andrew was worried about his own safety, said this nonchalantly. But even though her gestures were casual, the seriousness in her eyes was unmistakable.
When it came to Andrew, whom she already trusted and considered a friend, she wouldn't hesitate if he was in trouble.
"Alright then, I'll be counting on you. Likewise, if I get any intel on the Wolf Fang Gang, I'll share it with you."
Andrew wouldn't dream of rejecting Caesar's goodwill.
Seeing Andrew nod, Caesar said with satisfaction:
"That's more like it! Those people who came from the city before were always so indecisive about everything. I much prefer the straightforward approach."
After a satisfying meal and drinks, Caesar and Burnice prepared to head back to Blazewood to continue with the delivery they were supposed to make.
"Thanks, Andrew. That was a great meal. Even in the Outer Ring, food this good is a rare find. But we've still got things to do, so we'll be heading out."
Andrew stood at the door, watching them leave.
The girl's motorcycle once again caught his eye. After the past few days, Andrew felt he really needed a mode of transportation in New Eridu.
Sure, a Hunter is known for having plenty of stamina, but why run when you can drive? Isn't it just exhausting?
Noticing Andrew's gaze fixed on her precious motorcycle, Caesar immediately realized what he was thinking.
"Heh heh, Andrew, you want a motorcycle like mine too? You've got good taste."
Seeing that Caesar had noticed his stare, Andrew nodded without hesitation.
"Yeah. I was already planning on getting some kind of transport, and now that I think about it, a motorcycle seems like a really good choice."
"Then you've come to the right person! Us biker folk might not know much about a lot of things, but motorcycles are the one thing we absolutely know inside and out."
Caesar was about to invite Andrew to hop on and go pick out a bike with her in Blazewood right then and there, but then she noticed Burnice blinking innocently on the back seat and could only lower her head in disappointment.
"But I guess today's a no-go. I'm free all day tomorrow, so contact me anytime. I guarantee I'll find you one you're happy with!"
Seeing it wasn't going to happen today, and remembering Big Boss was still waiting for her, Caesar didn't hesitate any longer. She gave a wave and left the warehouse with Burnice.
On Knock-Knock, a message from Caesar came through.
"[Outer Ring's Undefeated Legend: Hey Andrew, if you need anything later, be sure to contact me!]"
Two typos in one sentence. Just what you'd expect from the leader of the Sons of Calydon.
"[MeowscularAreCutestInTheWorld: Of course, don't worry.]"
Caesar, who had almost shrunk to a small dot in the distance, gave a faraway wave before turning back and heading toward Blazewood. Andrew stopped watching and returned to the base.
But as he pushed the door open again, he saw Belle, Nicole, and Anby sitting around the just-tidied dining table. They were all silent, with grave expressions, as if in the middle of some extremely serious business.
All the other lights had been turned off, leaving only a single white incandescent lamp overhead, casting a deathly pale glow.
Belle sat there with her hands steepled in front of her face, wearing a pair of non-prescription glasses she'd dug up from who-knows-where. She was in a perfect Commander Ikari pose, and the sharp glint of light reflecting off her lenses was enough to make one's eyes hurt.
For a moment, Andrew was frozen at the doorway by the scene, which was radiating an intense feeling of déjà vu.
"Uh... Is the Fourth Angel about to attack New Eridu? We've already got the clone, Rei Ayanami, so where's Eva Unit-01?"
Andrew looked left and right, then clenched his fist firmly and said:
"Going by the positions here, I guess that makes me Shinji Ikari? Great. Next up on the agenda: Shinji Ikari's Monster Hunter comeback tour."
The sudden gag caught Belle completely off guard. Her carefully prepared opening speech instantly went up in smoke. She couldn't help but clench her small fist and punch Andrew hard on the shoulder, saying fiercely:
"What the heck is a 'Fourth Angel'? And what are 'Rei Ayanami' and 'Eva Unit-01'? And finally, who is this 'Shinji Ikari'?! Stop making up things that don't exist! Andrew, can you please be normal for once!"
Seeing Belle's fist about to land, Andrew executed a perfect Foresight Slash, instantly dodging into his own empty seat and striking the same pose Belle had earlier. He raised a hand lightly, signaling for Belle to begin her performance.
Seeing Andrew dodge, Belle swung her fist resentfully.
When he was controlling Eous, Andrew would never dodge, but when it came to his own body, she'd never once managed to land a hit on him. Fuming, Belle decided that on the next commission, she would definitely use Eous to get her payback, and hit him hard!
When he was controlling Eous, Andrew would never dodge, but when it came to his own body, she'd never once managed to land a hit on him. Fuming, Belle decided that on the next commission, she would definitely use Eous to get her payback, and hit him hard!
For now, however, Belle let Andrew off the hook. After pouting and shooting him a quick glance, Belle brought the topic back to what they were originally discussing.
"So, since we've rented this place, it should have a proper name, right? We can't just keep calling it 'the base.' It sounds like a gangster hideout!"
Striking the Gendo Ikari pose once more, Belle spoke with grave seriousness, as if deciding on a matter of lifelong importance.
"So let's put our heads together and come up with a good name for this base!"
______
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