The larger masked man shifted uneasily, his lecherous gaze falling on Yukiko. "Brother, there are others here. What should we do?"
His eyes lit up as he ogled Yukiko. "Wow, what a beauty!"
The leader of the trio, a man wearing a hat and holding a stun gun, turned his triangular eyes toward Yukiko. He had initially planned to incapacitate her as well, but recognition flickered in his gaze.
Before he could act, Eri interjected firmly, "This has nothing to do with anyone else. I'll go with you willingly—just don't harm anyone else!"
The leader, however, erupted into a sinister laugh.
"Ha! I didn't expect such a bonus! Fujimine Yukiko, the big star herself. What a surprise!" His grin widened maliciously. "Bring her too. The boss will be thrilled! Looks like today's movie just got itself two leading ladies!"
Yukiko's face turned pale at his words, dread spreading across her features.
Meanwhile, the thinner man holding a gun noticed Akashi and blurted, "Brother, there's a kid here too!"
The leader's eyes narrowed as he sneered. "Let me deal with him!"
Realizing their intent to harm Akashi, Eri darted forward protectively, standing between the boy and the men.
"This is just a child!" she shouted, her voice trembling but resolute. "He doesn't understand anything. If you have any grievances, take them out on me!"
Her determination didn't falter as she added, "I know exactly why you're here, but if you so much as harm Akashi, I will never cooperate with you!"
Despite her unwavering tone, Akashi could feel Eri's hands trembling as she shielded him. He was touched by her bravery but couldn't help silently berating her for provoking their captors at such a moment.
The leader noticed Eri's anxious glances toward the boy and seemed to calculate something. His lips curled into a cruel smile.
"Take the kid with us," he ordered. "Once we have him, the barrister won't dare resist us."
The two gunmen—one large and one thin—moved behind Eri and Yukiko, pointing their weapons threateningly at the women.
"Move it, or we'll shoot!" one barked.
Forced into compliance, Eri picked up Akashi and followed Yukiko out of the law firm. The trio, held at gunpoint, was herded toward the elevator.
The elevator descended in tense silence until it opened into the underground parking lot.
A dark van awaited them, its windows heavily tinted to conceal the interior. The back seats had been stripped out, leaving an empty space in the cabin.
At gunpoint, Akashi, Yukiko, and Eri were shoved into the van. The two gunmen took the front seats, leaving the leader, still armed, to join them in the back, his gun trailed on the group.
The man's sharp gaze made it clear he trusted no one.
Akashi, despite the danger, remained calm.
He knew that, with enough Yin energy, he could transform into his adult succubus state. In that form, even three armed men would pose no threat.
But he held back, curious to uncover who was orchestrating this attack. The events unfolding didn't align with anything he remembered from the original storyline.
The unknown variables nagged at him, urging caution.
Meanwhile, squeezed between Eri and Yukiko, Akashi couldn't ignore the warmth and softness enveloping him on both sides.
---
Eri leaned closer and whispered, "Yukiko, I'm so sorry for dragging you into this."
Yukiko, having calmed down, whispered back, "What are you talking about? There's nothing to apologize for!" Her voice was resolute, even reassuring. "Besides, it's not like we don't have a chance!"
Her eyes darted over the three captors, scanning for any weakness in their stance or demeanor, but so far, she found none.
Eri continued quietly, her tone firm yet tinged with concern, "Akashi, if you see a chance to escape, I'll give you the signal. Run as fast as you can and don't look back, alright?"
Her protective instincts were clear; she wanted to shield Akashi and create an opening for him to get away.
Akashi heard her, but he didn't dwell on it.
The leader, still toying with his pistol, chuckled darkly. "What's with the whispering?" he sneered. "Don't even think about escaping. The gun in my hand doesn't care who it hits!"
He pointed his weapon toward Eri. "Barrister, aren't you the sharp-tongued wonder of the courtroom?"
As he spoke, the man removed his mask, revealing a face marred with scars.
Eri's brows furrowed in confusion. She didn't recognize him.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
The man grinned maliciously. "Doesn't matter if you don't know me. I just got out of prison."
He paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "But you know Nagano, don't you?"
Eri's expression hardened, her sharp mind connecting the dots. "Nagano Real Estate? Are you here to avenge your president?"
Akashi's ears perked up at the name. He vaguely remembered hearing Eri mention the company and its legal troubles. Tary Nagano, the president, had reportedly died in prison.
The scar-faced man laughed again, a cruel and unhinged sound. "Don't misunderstand, barrister. I killed Tary myself! Hahaha!"
"My boss is Tary Nagano's younger brother, Kua Nagano. If it weren't for your meddling, sending Tary to prison, I wouldn't have had such an easy time killing him."
He leaned closer, his tone dripping with mock gratitude. "That's why my boss asked me to invite you over—so he could thank you properly! Oh, and he has some 'business' he'd like to discuss with you~"
Eri's face turned cold. She could tell whatever this "business" was, it would not end well.
Meanwhile, Yukiko's unease deepened. This man wasn't just arrogant; he was reckless. He had revealed his face, admitted to murder, and boasted openly without fear of the consequences.
Yukiko tightened her hold on Akashi, dread filling her chest. This man doesn't care if they live or die.
Her mind raced with fearful thoughts. What if no one comes to save us?
But Akashi, held close by Yukiko, had an entirely different focus. Despite the gravity of the situation, he remained calm.
The boy assessed the leader coldly. You're so full of yourself now, but let's see what happens when I steal your weapon.
Using his 『Steal lv2』 ability, Akashi concentrated. His skill had a small probability of success, but he was determined.
In mere moments, the stun gun the leader carried appeared in Akashi's small hand.
Yukiko felt a strange sensation near her and glanced down, her eyes widening in disbelief.
The boy had a stun gun— the stun gun! —and was subtly passing it to her.
Yukiko hugged him tightly to avoid drawing attention, her heart racing with surprise and admiration.
How did he manage this? What an incredible child!