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~{Planning Room 3}~
The glass doors of Planning Room 3 slid open with a soft mechanical hiss as Nichola pushed them aside and stepped inside, followed closely by Arthur, Azzmina, and Enbi.
The room was already occupied.
At the far end sat Captain Enistia fau Wingarde, positioned behind a planning table. Her laptop was open in front of her, its screen illuminating her focused expression as she worked through several documents. A handful of written papers had been spread across the table in what appeared to be an organized mess, while a small sealed box rested beside her laptop.
Four other members of Section 7 were already present.
Among them was Albin Hyregard.
He had already changed into his newly issued combat gear, the equipment fitting neatly around his body. His specialized spear rested comfortably in his hand as he noticed the newcomers.
Albin's expression immediately brightened.
"Ah, hey again, Nichola."
He raised a hand in greeting before looking him over.
"Uhh... you alright?"
Nichola blinked.
"Hm?"
"You know..." Albin gestured vaguely toward him. "That duel you had with Torren yesterday?"
"Oh..." Nichola briefly recalled the clash.
"Yeah. It wasn't really anything major. Didn't leave any lasting injuries."
Albin gave a small nod, seemingly relieved.
"Well... that's good, I guess. Anyway, you ready for our first assignments?"
Nichola answered with an easy thumbs-up.
"Yeah. We are."
"HELL YEAH WE ARE! WE'RE PUMPED!!"
Arthur's voice somewhat practically bounced off the walls.
Azzmina immediately covered part of her face with one hand.
"You. You're the one who's pumped, Arty..."
Arthur simply grinned.
"What? I'm just excited!"
"You are always excited." Azzmina says sarcastically with a little smile
Nichola couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
The four continued talking among themselves, the conversation drifting from their new equipment to what their first missions might involve. As Enbi just listens to their conversations patiently, answering only when asked. The casual exchange was another small step in the growing camaraderie between them.
For Nichola, it was still strange.
Not too long ago, these people had been complete strangers.
Now, somehow, they already felt like actual teammates.
The conversation continued until the remaining members of Section 7 began arriving.
Dorian entered first.
Torren followed shortly afterward.
The moment Torren's eyes met Nichola's, the two exchanged a simple nod.
Nothing more.
No hostility.
No unnecessary words.
Just a quiet acknowledgment between two fighters who had already tested each other's abilities.
Nichola returned the gesture.
A few moments later, Vice Captain Micah entered the room behind them.
Captain Enistia finally looked up from her laptop.
She glanced across the room, confirming that everyone had arrived.
At last.
Enistia closed her laptop.
Click.
She gathered the semi-scattered papers from the table, neatly aligning them before picking up the small box beside her.
Micah walked over and stopped beside her.
The casual atmosphere gradually disappeared.
One by one, the members of Section 7 moved into position, forming an orderly group around the planning area.
The room fell quiet.
Everyone was waiting.
Enistia handed the collected papers to Micah.
He accepted them and immediately began scanning through the information. His eyes moved quickly across each page, carefully checking the details rather than simply skimming them.
Enistia leaned slightly toward him.
The two exchanged a brief, quiet discussion.
A few words.
A glance between the documents.
Another glance toward the assembled Section 7 members.
Finally, Micah gave a small nod.
They had reached their decision.
Enistia stepped forward.
"Section 7."
Every conversation stopped.
"Today has been a pretty fruitful day. We've already uncovered several cases developing throughout Eura-Unichario, and after reviewing them, Vice Captain Micah and I have decided on your very first assignments."
A slight anticipation settled over the room.
"For these initial missions, you'll be working in trios."
She looked across the group.
"So I hope you all get along well."
Arthur quietly whispered something to Nichola.
Nichola barely held back a laugh.
Enistia reached down and opened the box.
Inside were several small, sophisticated devices.
She picked one up.
It resembled a compact pager, but its sleek construction and glowing interface immediately made it clear that this was far more advanced than anything ordinary.
"These are Special Wingarde Mission Pagers."
She held the device up so everyone could see it.
"You'll receive approximately one to two missions per day through these devices. Keep them with you at all times and, more importantly, keep them safe."
She gave the pager a small tap with her finger.
"They aren't cheap. They require considerable materials, technology, and resources to manufacture in quantity."
Her expression became slightly more serious.
"Treat them like mission equipment, because that's exactly what they are."
Enistia placed the pager back into the box.
"Now, I'll call each trio forward individually. You'll receive your Wingarde Mission Pager along with the details of your first assignment."
She began calling the teams one after another.
One trio stepped forward.
They received their pagers and assignment.
Then they moved aside.
Another trio was called.
Then another.
Eventually, Enistia's attention shifted toward the next group.
"Enbi, Albin, and—"
She continued assigning the next team.
Once they had received their equipment, Azzmina's trio was called forward.
The process continued until only a handful of members remained.
Finally, Enistia looked toward Nichola.
"Nichola Amacaria. Rynel Ashkorr. Arthur McAlahad."
The three stepped forward.
They represented a third of the members assigned to the Control & Counter Squad—the squad whose members were expected to handle situations where brute force alone wouldn't necessarily be enough.
Arthur looked excited.
Rynel remained composed.
Nichola simply listened.
Enistia picked up three mission pagers from the box.
"All right, you three."
She handed each of them their respective device.
"There is currently some activity drawing attention in the main docks of Waltesh District."
She paused.
"The district's primary watch organization, the Aurex Vault Consortium, is one of our more cooperative contacts. They're good people to work with, but they're also very serious about their business."
Nichola's expression sharpened.
Enistia continued.
"The Aurex Vault Consortium is Eura-Unichario's leading organization for the collection, management, and direct trade of Astea Tears. Naturally, maintaining a good relationship with them is important to the Wingarde Family."
She placed the remaining documents on the table.
"We received information from Section 4's Reconnaissance Squad concerning a particular warehouse located along the port."
She tapped one of the papers.
"For several consecutive days, they've observed unusual activity around the building. Cars and boats have been arriving and departing at roughly the same periods every day."
Rynel's expression became more focused.
"Same location?"
Enistia nodded.
"Same warehouse."
She continued.
"There are no obvious signs of legitimate commercial activity. No registered shipments. No publicly scheduled deliveries. Nothing that explains the frequency of these movements."
She turned another page.
"Section 4 suspects that some kind of unauthorized exchange or concealed transaction is taking place inside."
Nichola frowned slightly.
"And the connection to the Aurex Vault Consortium?"
"We're not certain yet," Enistia answered. "That's part of what you're being sent to determine."
She pointed toward the report.
"There are indications that whatever is happening may be affecting the Consortium's Astea Tear stock. We don't know whether they're being stolen, illegally transferred, manipulated, or whether the Consortium itself is somehow involved."
Her gaze hardened.
"And we don't make accusations without evidence."
The three listened carefully.
"Your objective is simple," Enistia said. "Investigate. Identify. Report."
She looked directly at each of them.
"You'll travel to the Waltesh District and conduct surveillance on the warehouse. Determine who's entering, who's leaving, what they're exchanging, and whether the activity has any connection to the Aurex Vault Consortium."
She raised one finger.
"Do not interfere unless you have to."
A second finger.
"When night falls, you will take up concealed positions somewhere inside the warehouse if you can do so safely. Stay hidden and observe the suspected transaction."
A third finger.
"If the exchange occurs, document as much as you can and immediately report your findings through your mission pagers."
Her tone became noticeably firmer.
"And if the situation turns hostile?"
She looked between the three.
"You have authorization to defend yourselves and intervene."
A brief pause.
"But understand the distinction."
Her voice became cold and precise.
"You are not being sent there to start a fight. You're being sent there to find out what is happening."
Nichola nodded.
Enistia continued.
"If you discover that the people involved are committing a crime, interfering with the Consortium's operations, or pose an immediate threat to civilians or yourselves, you have authorization to use force."
She lowered her hand.
"Otherwise, observe first. Report second. Act third."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"And please—don't be reckless."
Arthur gave a confident grin.
"Got it, Captain."
Rynel nodded calmly.
"Understood."
Nichola looked down at the mission pager now resting in his hand.
"Understood."
Enistia gave the three a final nod.
"Good."
She stepped back.
"Alright, your first assignment begins in Waltesh District. Please stay safe and do your best, good luck you three."
The three exchanged glances and gave eachother an affirming nod as they began making their way out of the Wingarde Family's House.
The three of them—Nichola, Arthur, and Rynel—made their way through the North Wing together.
Their footsteps echoed softly through the long corridors as they descended the broad staircase leading toward the lobby. The North Wing was already beginning to stir, its once-quiet halls now filled with the muted sounds of Wingarde personnel preparing for another day of work. Conversations drifted between passing members, boots tapped against polished flooring, and the occasional mechanical hum of equipment being transported through the halls added to the building's morning rhythm.
Arthur, naturally, seemed to have more energy than the other two combined.
He practically speed-walked several steps ahead of them, occasionally turning around as though he were physically incapable of simply walking normally.
"Man, I still can't believe we're actually getting our first assignments!"
Nichola gave him an amused look.
"You're going to wear yourself out before we even get there."
"Not happening!"
As they reached the lobby, Arthur suddenly slowed down just enough to wave toward the reception desk.
"Morning, Madie!"
The receptionist looked up from her desk and smiled when she recognized the three of them.
"Morning! First assignment day, huh?"
"YEAH!"
Madie chuckled.
"Good luck out there, you three. Stay safe, alright?"
"Will do!" Arthur replied enthusiastically.
Nichola gave her a polite nod.
"Thank you, Madie."
Rynel offered a smaller, quieter wave.
"Th-thank you."
The trio then passed through the main entrance.
The moment they stepped outside, the atmosphere changed.
Cool, damp air brushed against their faces.
The endless rain of Eura-Unichario continued to fall from the pale cloud cover above, thousands of tiny droplets catching what little daylight managed to break through the sky. The streets beyond the Wingarde Family's headquarters were already alive with activity—carriages, automobiles, pedestrians, and workers moving through the wet streets beneath umbrellas.
Despite the rain, there was something strangely refreshing about finally being outside.
Arthur immediately inhaled deeply.
"Ahhhhhh..."
He spread his arms slightly.
"Fresh air!"
Nichola raised an eyebrow.
"You're acting like we've been trapped underground."
"Feels like it!"
Rynel quietly sighed.
"You've been outside before..."
"Details."
The three simultaneously reached for their umbrellas.
Click.
Fwap.
Three umbrellas opened almost at the same time, shielding them from the steady rainfall.
Arthur looked between his two teammates with a grin.
"Our very first assignments, huh?"
He spun around while walking backward for a moment.
"Ain't this exciting!?"
Nichola smiled.
"Yeah. It is."
He then turned toward the third member of their newly formed team.
"Hey there. Nice to meet you properly, Rynel, right?"
He extended his hand.
Rynel hesitated for a moment.
She was a dark-skinned, physically fit young woman, carrying herself with the restrained posture of someone more comfortable observing than speaking. Slung securely with her was her specialized semi-automatic rifle—a modernized interpretation of an M1 Garand, its familiar silhouette enhanced with Wingarde technology.
She glanced at Nichola's hand.
Then at his face.
"...Ah."
She carefully accepted the handshake.
"Yes... Rynel Ashkorr. Very nice to meet you, sir."
Nichola blinked.
"Sir?"
He laughed lightly.
"You don't need to be so formal with me and Arthur. No need for the 'sir' stuff."
He released her hand.
"We're gonna be teammates, colleagues, friends. We have to get well acquainted with each other, yeah?"
Rynel scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"Ah... yes. Sorry if I'm being a bit awkward. I guess... I'm really not good with people that much."
"That's okay."
Nichola's tone remained reassuring.
"We can take it slow. Take your time getting used to us."
He gave her a small smile.
"As long as you've got my back, I've got yours. Don't worry."
"Yeah!" Arthur added immediately. "We gotta rely on each other, y'know!"
Nichola glanced sideways at him.
"Sorry. He is very energetic."
A tiny, almost comedic sweat drop seemed to form beside his face.
Rynel stared at Arthur.
Then at Nichola.
"...And we're doing a stealth mission?"
She lowered her voice, almost practically whispering.
"With him...?"
Before Nichola could respond—
"NICE TO MEET'CHA!"
Arthur thrust a hand toward her.
"I'm ARTHUR! You can call me ARTY!"
Rynel stared blankly at him.
Nichola gave her a somewhat derpy, innocent-looking smile.
"You can call him Arty. He's friendly. Don't worry."
"Yeah..."
Rynel looked away.
"...I can see that."
She muttered under her breath.
"...Too friendly. And loud..."
Arthur apparently didn't hear her.
As Nichola just pretended to not hear what she said with a little smile.
"So! Where are we going?"
Nichola adjusted the strap securing his weapon before looking between them.
"Alright. How do we get to the Waltesh District? Bus? Taxi?"
"The Eura-Unichario Tram!"
Arthur answered with an immediate fist pump.
At nearly the exact same time, Rynel spoke.
"We can take the Eura-Unichario Tram."
Nichola slowly tilted his head.
"...The what?"
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~{Gemenic District — Tram Station}~
...
A short while later—
Nichola stood at the foot of the Eura-Unichario Tram station.
He stared upward.
"...Ohhh."
The station wasn't underground.
Instead, the tram system ran above the streets, supported by massive iron-and-steel structures that stretched between buildings. Thick pillars rose from the sidewalks, carrying elevated tracks high above the traffic below.
The station itself was built into the elevated structure, accessible by a broad staircase leading upward.
Metal railings bordered the steps, slick with rain.
Above them, the station canopy stretched over the boarding platform, shielding passengers from the usual unending weather while leaving its sides open to the surrounding city.
Nichola looked up at the elevated tracks.
"So..."
He pointed.
"It's basically a smaller, shorter train?"
Rynel nodded.
"Pretty much."
She adjusted the strap of her rifle.
"It's a train-like tram that circles around all of Eura-Unichario's districts."
Nichola watched a tram glide across the elevated rails in the distance.
It wasn't particularly long.
Three connected cars moved smoothly along the track, their windows glowing softly against the gray afternoon atmosphere.
"And surprisingly," Rynel continued, "it's never really that crowded despite probably being the main form of transportation throughout Eura-Unichario."
Nichola nodded.
"That is... yeah. Surprisingly convenient."
Arthur clapped his hands together.
"Yeah, anyways, let's get a move on!"
The trio climbed the stairs.
Their umbrellas were closed before they entered the covered portion of the station.
At the top, they found themselves in front of the ticket booths and automated gates.
Nichola glanced around.
"So, how much is the—"
"Fifty Crowns for a single one-way ticket."
Rynel answered before he could finish.
"And five hundred fifty Crowns for a permanent tram pass."
Nichola raised his eyebrows.
"...Five hundred fifty?"
"For a permanent pass."
"Honestly..."
He considered it.
"That's actually a pretty good deal."
"It is."
Nichola reached into his belongings.
"But I'll just get a one-way ticket for now."
After purchasing his ticket, the three proceeded toward the gates.
Arthur and Rynel simply tapped their permanent pass cards against the scanners.
Beep.
The gates opened.
Nichola followed with his own ticket.
Beep.
The gate accepted it and opened.
They continued upward toward the boarding platform.
Arthur leaned casually against the railing while waiting.
"You know, Nicky, don't expect it to be some kinda bullet train or anything."
Nichola looked at him.
"The tram's more about having a smooth ride."
Arthur gestured toward the city surrounding them.
"It's not really built for speed. It's scenic. Especially for someone new here."
Rynel nodded.
"You'll get a pretty good view of Eura-Unichario from up here."
She adjusted her coat.
"Eura-Unichario isn't perfect..."
Her eyes softly drifted toward the distant skyline.
"But honestly, it's a pretty beautiful and somewhat lively city at night."
Nichola nodded.
"Yeah. Okay."
He looked down and adjusted his Wingarde armband.
"I'm interested to see it."
A distant mechanical hum gradually grew louder.
The tram was arriving.
The elevated rails vibrated faintly beneath their feet.
Clack-clack-clack-clack...
The three-car tram rounded the bend and smoothly entered the station.
Passengers began boarding.
Nichola followed Arthur and Rynel inside.
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~{Inside the Eura-Unichario Tram}~
The interior of the tram was surprisingly spacious.
The middle car contained rows of conventional seats arranged for larger numbers of passengers.
The front and rear cars, however, were designed differently.
Their seating was positioned along the walls, leaving more open space in the center.
The trio chose the front car.
There were plenty of empty seats.
Nichola sat on a seat with Arthur practically dropping into his seat beside him while saying "The Waltesh District is pretty far from the Gemenic District."
Rynel sat across from them.
"We'll pass through several districts before reaching it."
She began counting them off.
"Frefen, Wheatley, Kengton, Furnis and then we'll reach Waltesh."
She removed her specialized M1 Garand from her side and carefully switched its safety on, ensuring there would be no accidental misfire.
"So..."
Rynel settled back into her seat.
"You can enjoy the sights..."
"Well... If you want to, at least."
Nichola semi-swiftly looked toward the windows, doors and back at her then asked.
"How do we know which district we're currently in?"
Rynel pointed upward.
A large route map was mounted above the tram doors.
"This."
Nichola looked up.
"Each district has its own circle."
She pointed to the various markings.
"When the circle lights up, that's the district we're currently passing through or the station we're arriving at."
"And," she continued, "the tram has a built-in announcer that tells passengers which stop we're currently approaching."
Arthur gave Nichola two thumbs up and a wink.
"So it's practically impossible to miss your stop, Nicky."
Nichola smiled.
"Good to know."
As he turned to face back at the window to admire the incoming sights
The tram gave a gentle mechanical hum.
Then—
Whrrrrr...
It began moving as Eura-Unichario slowly unfolded beneath and below them.
The elevated tram carried the three of them above the streets, its wheels gliding smoothly across the rails.
Nichola remained looking at the window.
At first, he simply just watched.
Then he found himself unable to look away.
The city was enormous.
As usual, the rain never stopped, yet Eura-Unichario somehow refused to become dull.
The clouds above were thick and endless, but they weren't completely colorless. The sky still changed depending on the hour, faint shades of morning, afternoon, and evening filtering through the enormous unending blanket of cloud cover.
Even beneath the rain, the city possessed color.
Warm lights glowed through windows.
Signs illuminated wet streets.
Metal rooftops reflected the sky.
Steam drifted from vents and machinery.
Umbrellas moved like small islands through the crowds below.
From the elevated tram, Nichola could see streets that would have been hidden from him at ground level.
And then came the districts.
Each one felt different.
Yet somehow, they all belonged to the same city.
Frefen possessed an atmosphere of security and stability. Its structures were reinforced and carefully maintained, with visible signs of the Maggenolia Association's influence. The district felt organized—almost unusually so compared to some of the rougher areas of Eura-Unichario.
Then came Wheatley.
Its skyline shifted.
Factories, workshops, warehouses, production facilities, and industrial buildings stretched across portions of the district. Smoke and steam rose into the rainy sky as workers moved between facilities.
The tram continued on to Kengton.
The industrial density faded into neighborhoods.
Buildings became more residential.
Apartment blocks, homes, storefronts, small streets, and communal spaces filled the landscape. It felt lived-in—less focused on production and more focused on people simply having somewhere to live.
Nichola watched everything pass beneath him.
The architecture changed.
The streets changed.
The people changed.
Even the atmosphere seemed to change.
Yet every district shared the same unmistakable identity of Eura-Unichario.
A city trapped beneath endless rain, yet a city that somehow continues to keep living on anyway.
Nichola leaned slightly closer to the window, enjoying the sights of most of the city.
"...Wow."
Arthur glanced toward him.
"First time seeing the city from up here?"
"Yeah."
Nichola smiled faintly.
"It's different."
Rynel looked toward the window as well.
"You'll get used to it."
The tram continued onward.
Eventually, the districts behind them disappeared into the distance.
The afternoon gradually settled over the city.
And finally—
The tram began slowing.
A voice came through the speakers.
"Approaching - Waltesh District."
Arthur's eyes immediately widened.
"We're here!"
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~{Waltesh District — Tram Station}~
Arthur practically bounced out of his seat.
"Let's move!"
Nichola and Rynel followed.
The doors opened.
Passengers stepped onto the platform, and the three joined them.
They passed through the exit gates.
Arthur and Rynel tapped their permanent tram passes.
Beep.
Nichola presented his one-way ticket.
The machine accepted it.
Whrrr.
The ticket disappeared inside the ticket gate machine which just ate his one way ticket.
Nichola stared at the machine.
"...Well."
He looked at Arthur.
"I guess that's how one way tickets work, huh?"
Arthur laughed.
"Yep!"
They descended from the elevated station.
The moment they reached the street, the trio opened their umbrellas once more.
And Nichola immediately noticed something different.
The air smelled different here.
It carried the unmistakable scent of water, wet wood, machinery, fish, and lake air.
The distant cry of seabirds mixed with the sounds of engines.
HOOOOONK—!
A cargo vessel sounded its horn somewhere beyond the buildings.
Workers shouted to one another.
Ropes groaned against wooden posts.
Metal chains rattled.
And somewhere farther ahead—
CLANG.
A heavy container was being moved.
Nichola looked toward the horizon.
Waltesh was unlike the districts they had passed through.
This was a port district.
A district built to watchover and manage the enormous open lake that stretched through the heart of Eura-Unichario.
Its shoreline was crowded with docks and piers extending outward over the water.
Fishing boats bobbed against their moorings.
Tour boats moved slowly across the lake.
Sailboats drifted farther out, their sails occasionally appearing through the misty rain.
Cargo vessels sat farther along the industrial piers, carrying goods into and out of the city.
Fishermen worked beneath covered docks, sorting catches and repairing nets.
Sailors moved between warehouses and vessels.
Dockworkers pushed carts through the wet streets.
Cranes stood above the harbor like enormous mechanical skeletons, their long arms reaching over stacks of cargo containers.
Warehouses lined much of the waterfront.
Some were old structures built from dark timber and weathered metal.
Others were newer, reinforced buildings with heavy doors, loading platforms, mechanical lifts, and large illuminated signs.
The streets themselves were busy but not chaotic.
Carts, vehicles, workers, fishermen, merchants, sailors, and travelers all moved through the same interconnected network of roads leading toward the harbor.
Rainwater flowed along the edges of the streets toward drainage channels.
Neon and electric signs reflected in the puddles.
Beyond everything stood the lake.
It was enormous.
Large enough that from certain points of the district, the opposite shoreline could disappear into the rainy haze.
The water stretched beneath the gray sky like an endless sheet of dark glass, constantly disturbed by rainfall.
Despite the gloom, Waltesh was... alive.
Very much alive.
Nichola slowly lowered his gaze from the lake toward the bustling streets.
"So this is Waltesh... Huh?"
Arthur grinned beneath his umbrella.
"Yep… and it's afternoon. Time for some lunch!"
Nichola glanced around the bustling streets of Waltesh, his gaze moving from one storefront to another.
"But… where are we gonna get food?"
Rynel raised a hand.
"Actually… I know a place where we can eat."
Nichola and Arthur simultaneously tilted their heads.
"Hmm?"
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~{Waltesh Eatery}~
Rynel led them farther down the street until the sound of sizzling food, clattering utensils, and lively conversation grew louder. Before long, they arrived at a large semi-open dining area sheltered beneath a massive umbrella-like canopy that stretched across the entire establishment.
Food stalls surrounded the perimeter, each one offering something different. Steam rose from pots and grills while vendors called out to passing customers. The scent of roasted meat, spices, freshly baked bread, noodles, and countless other dishes blended together beneath the enormous canopy.
Nichola closed his umbrella.
"So, what's this place?"
Arthur's nose practically lifted into the air.
"It smells hella good!~~"
Rynel shook the rainwater from her umbrella before folding it shut.
"Waltesh Eatery. It's basically a huge semi-open dining area. The canopy keeps most of the rain out, and there are food stalls all around the place. You can pretty much find whatever you're hungry for."
She adjusted the strap of her rifle after it slipped slightly from her shoulder.
Arthur's eyes practically sparkled.
"Ohhh… a foodie's wonderland…"
He looked dangerously close to drooling.
Rynel sighed.
"Alright. You two can order whatever you want. We'll meet back at one of the tables."
"Got it!"
Nichola and Arthur answered simultaneously before splitting off toward different stalls.
Nichola wandered between the vendors, scanning the various dishes until something immediately caught his attention.
Alfredo pasta.
He stopped.
His favorite.
"Perfect."
He approached the stall and ordered a serving, initially requesting it for dine-in. After paying and receiving his change, however, a faint sound reached him from somewhere nearby.
A shout.
Nichola's expression subtly changed.
He listened.
Another voice.
Then—
"STOP! PLEASE!"
It was coming from an alley.
The surrounding eatery was far too lively for most people to notice. Between the conversations, cooking, laughter, and constant movement, the commotion had practically disappeared into the background noise.
Nichola looked toward the alley.
He glanced back at the vendor.
"Actually… could you make that takeout instead? I'll come back for it later."
The vendor nodded.
"Sure thing."
"Thanks."
Nichola opened his umbrella and stepped away...
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~{Alley Somewhat Near The Eatery}~
Rainwater trickled along the stone pavement as Nichola approached the narrow alley.
He crouched behind a large wooden crate and carefully peeked around its edge.
Three men.
Two were standing around a frightened teenage boy.
The third had the boy by the collar.
Nearby, a much younger girl was trembling on the ground, tears running down her face.
"AGH—UGH! STOP! PLEASE STOP!"
The thug holding the boy slammed him against the wall.
"Listen, kid! If your family would've just paid the damn crowns they owed us, we wouldn't hafta do this!"
He drove another kick into the boy's stomach.
The boy doubled over.
"Ugh!"
One of the other thugs glanced toward the little girl.
"Yo… we should just take the little girl as collateral, yeah?"
"I think we should!"
The third thug laughed.
"Yeah! If your family—or you—can't pay your crown debts, you'll never be seeing your lil' sis ever again!"
"NO!"
The boy desperately reached toward his sister.
"Please!"
"Big bro…"
The girl began sobbing.
Nichola's eyes narrowed.
That's enough.
His gaze dropped toward the strange weapon strapped across his back.
He had only just obtained it.
He hadn't even properly named it yet.
But there was something about the weapon that felt strangely natural in his hands.
Good time to see what this thing can actually do.
Nichola pulled it free.
He examined the unusual mechanism for a moment before pressing the second trigger built into the weapon's long handle.
CLICK—KRRRCHK.
The upper portion of the strange blade mechanically flipped upward.
Beneath it was a large revolving chamber capable of holding five shotgun slugs.
Nichola pulled five shells from his pocket.
One.
Click.
Two.
Click.
Three.
Click.
Four.
Click.
Five.
Click.
He then swung the upper portion of the weapon downward.
KLAK!
The mechanism locked firmly back into place, restoring the weapon's strange sword-like appearance.
Nichola gave it one last glance.
"Alright…"
His grip tightened.
"Let's try this thing out."
He stepped from behind the crate.
The First Clash
His footsteps echoed through the alley.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
The three thugs turned.
Nichola stopped several meters away.
"You three…"
His eyes hardened.
"You think it's alright beating up a damn kid?"
The thug holding the boy released his collar and let him drop against the wall.
He turned toward Nichola.
His expression twisted into irritation.
"YO! OLD MAN! WHAT?! YOU THINK YOU'RE SOME KINDA HERO?! HUH?!"
He pulled a switchblade from his pocket and pointed it directly at Nichola.
Nichola stared at him.
Then sighed.
"Why does everyone always say that?"
He brushed a strand of grey hair away from his face.
"It's just my natural hair color…"
His thumb pressed the button on his umbrella.
CLICK.
The umbrella folded shut.
Nichola tossed it upward.
The three thugs instinctively looked toward it.
That was all he needed.
Nichola vanished forward.
"—Huh?"
THUD!
His fist slammed directly into the nearest thug's stomach.
The thug's body folded.
"UGHK!"
Nichola immediately rotated his grip and drove the pommel of his weapon into the side of the thug's head.
CRACK!
The thug staggered.
Nichola followed through.
One swift horizontal slash swept across the thug's right side.
SHNK!
The force sent him blasting sideways and crashing into the wall and dropping to the wet ground.
Nichola looked at his weapon.
"…Damn."
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
"Not bad."
"BASTARD! YOU WHACKED TOMMY!"
The second thug charged.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT, OLD MAN!"
He threw a wild punch.
Nichola raised the flat side of his weapon.
BAM!
The punch struck the weapon and was deflected.
Another punch.
BAM!
Blocked.
Another.
BAM!
Blocked again.
Nichola stepped backward with every strike, smoothly changing the angle of the weapon to intercept each punch.
The thug grew increasingly frantic.
"GET BACK HERE!"
Another punch.
Blocked.
Another.
Blocked.
Nichola's eyes shifted sideways.
The leader was moving.
He's coming too.
The leader raised his knife and rushed in, preparing to drive it downward.
Nichola waited until the last possible moment.
The second thug threw another punch.
Nichola deliberately shifted his weapon's position.
CHTHUNK!
The thug's fist slammed directly into the blunt (but still somewhat a bit sharp) portion of the strange blade.
"AAAAAGH!"
He recoiled, clutching his hand.
At the same instant—
SWISH!
Nichola slipped to the right.
The leader's overhead stab cut through empty air.
Nichola immediately countered.
His right leg snapped forward.
BOOM!
A powerful kick struck the leader's left side.
"UGH!"
The thug was knocked backward.
Nichola spun toward the second thug.
His weapon rose.
WHAM!
A heavy overhead strike crashed down against the thug's head.
The man collapsed unconscious.
Silence.
For a moment, only the rain could be heard.
The leader slowly regained his footing.
"RAGH!"
He raised his knife.
"FOR A DAMN FOSSIL, YOU'RE A PAIN IN THE ASS!"
He charged.
Nichola just irked and clicked his tongue as he settled into a composed stance.
The knife came.
A slash—
Nichola leaned away.
Another—
He stepped aside.
A thrust—
He weaved past it.
The thug became increasingly desperate.
"STOP RUNNING AND FIGHT, YOU DAMN FLY!"
He lunged with a powerful thrust.
Nichola's expression remained calm.
"Okay."
He slipped sideways.
His hand caught the thug's knife arm.
Before the thug could react—
THUD!
Nichola drove the weapon's pommel into the thug's arm.
The knife flew from his hand.
"AH!"
Nichola followed immediately.
His weapon swept low.
SLASH!
The strike caught the thug's left leg.
"AGH!"
His leg buckled.
He dropped to one knee.
Nichola stepped forward.
His thumb pressed the second trigger.
K-CHAK!
The upper half of the weapon's blade flipped upward.
The revolving shotgun mechanism was exposed.
Nichola nonchalantly aimed it directly at the kneeling thug.
The thug's face went pale.
"UAGH—WAIT!"
His hands rose instinctively.
"NO—!"
BOOM!
The shotgun blast erupted through the alley.
The force sent the thug flying backward before he crashed heavily into the wall.
He slumped down, heavily bloodied and defeated.
Nichola stood completely still.
Smoke drifted from the weapon.
His eyes widened slightly.
"…Goddamn."
He hadn't expected quite that much force.
Nichola quickly shook himself out of his daze.
"Right."
He turned toward the children.
His umbrella had fallen nearby.
He retrieved it, opened it while simultaneously stowing away his weapon, and moved beneath the rain to shelter the two frightened siblings.
"You kids alright?!"
The older boy looked up at him.
"Thanks to you, mister…"
His voice cracked.
"Thanks to you, my sis is…"
He began crying again.
Nichola crouched slightly.
"It's okay. It's okay."
He glanced toward the girl's injuries.
"We'll get you both to a nearby clinic or hospital. Just—"
"WATCH OUT, MISTER!"
Nichola's eyes widened.
He turned.
Too late.
The first thug he'd attacked—the one he'd assumed was already unconscious—was somehow back on his feet.
Blood ran down his face.
His hand trembled around a handgun.
The barrel was already aimed directly at Nichola's head.
Nichola's mind raced.
Damn.
His position was wrong.
The children were directly behind him.
His weapon was still strapped across his back.
There wasn't enough time to draw it, and trying to reach for it could leave him completely exposed.
His only option was to move.
Risky.
But waiting was worse.
Nichola planted his foot, twisted his body, and prepared to launch himself toward the gunman.
If I can close the distance before he pulls the trigger—
BANG!
The shot never came.
Instead—
CRACK!
A rifle round struck the thug's handgun and hand.
The weapon exploded out of his grip.
"AAAAAGH!"
The thug screamed as he stumbled backward, clutching his injured hand.
Nichola froze.
Then—
WHAM!
A blur burst forward as a combat bat came screaming across the thug's face.
Arthur.
The impact sent the thug spinning through the air before he crashed onto the wet pavement.
He didn't get back up.
Arthur casually rested the retractable bat across his shoulder.
"Lucky we came just in time, huh, Nicky?"
He flashed a smug grin.
Behind him, Rynel approached while lowering her specialized rifle.
A thin trail of smoke curled from the barrel.
She calmly activated the rifle's safety.
Click.
Then she looked toward Nichola.
"I got your back…"
Her expression softened into a small, genuine smile.
"You got mine... right?..."
Nichola looked between the two of them.
For a moment, he simply stared.
Then a quiet chuckle escaped him.
He shook his head.
"Hell yeah…"
And beneath the endless rain of Eura-unichario, Nichola really couldn't help but smile knowing the fact that he has some really reliable allies.
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