《Cop Craft – Dragnet Mirage Reloaded》


 Book 1: Prologue

    Book 1: Prologue


    Those damn Filipinos were 40 minuteste already.


    41 minutes now.


    Kei Matoba red at the clock in his car, clicking his tongue in frustration. Even though he was fairly lenient when it came to time, he couldnt believe that they had the nerve to run thiste yet continue to walk at such a slow, carefree pace. A bystander wouldve thought that they were just taking a stroll.


    Dont get so pissed off, chief, said Rick Fury, who sat in the passengers seat. Theyre the kind of guys that would show upte to their parents funeral. By getting angry, youre just gonna wear yourself out.


    I get it. I get it, but


    Muttering in displeasure, Matoba checked his reflection in the visor mirror. He wore a Versace suit with a light, glossy finish. His slick ck hair was brushed back, and his facial features were sharp and defined.


    He hadnt been home for two days already, and some stubble had begun to grow around his chin. His appearance resembled that of a broker, and just like the men that seeded in that particr business, he dressed as if he were trying to mask the crudeness of his work by wearing expensive clothing.


    I have ns to meet with someone after this.


    With a girl? Fury asked.


    Matoba paused for a moment to think about how to respond. He decided that it would be too much of a bother to exin what he meant, so he just went with it.


    I guess, yeah.


    Man, Im jealous. I havent had a proper conversation with my wife for an entire week now.


    It really isnt anything to be jealous of. The closer we get, the more we end up hurting each other.


    Fury let out a small groan and startedughing.


    Nah, that kind of stimtion is great in a rtionship.


    It isnt great at all.


    The troubles of young Kei Matoba, huh Lets go.


    Ah, lets get this over with quickly.


    Their dealer, the Filipinos, had arrived.


    Matoba opened the car door and stepped into the dark alley. Fury followed after him, clutching the paper Subway bag that had been resting on hisp.


    No one was around. The puddles left by the evenings rain were illuminated by the streetlights, casting a soft white glow. The main street was bustling with people, the shops still busy and lively, but back here, it was already deep into the night.


    The two Filipinos were alone. They both wore t-shirts. One held an old-fashioned cassette yer, while the other held a ck Boston bag.


    Matoba and Fury walked toward them.


    The Filipinos stared at them suspiciously. Matoba had arge build with broad shoulders. Fury was skinny and had narrow shoulders. Their appearances contrasted heavily as they stood side by side.


    So, youve got the money?


    Not even bothering to greet them, the Filipino with the 5-0 shirt spoke.


    Heh. Who the hell do you think you are, making us wait for an entire hour? I was shaking in my car, the cops could have shown up at any moment, said Matoba, keeping his hands buried in the pockets of his cks.


    Mister. Do you have the money or not?


    Shut the fuck up. Did you bring the stuff? I only agreed to this deal because I heard that it was high quality. Now hurry up and show me it, you dipshits.


    Hearing Matobas words, the other Filipino, the one with the peace sign t-shirt, reddened with anger.


    Did you just call me a dipshit? Just now?


    How many times do you have to hear it to understand? Thats exactly why youre a dipshit.


    The man with the peace sign t-shirt red at him viciously. Matoba red back, unflinching. Sensing that they might get into a fight any second now, Fury cut in between them.


    Come on, cut it out. Were here to do business. Stop this stupid argument and lets just get this over with.


    Fury pulled arge wad of cash out of the paper bag. He held eight stacks of cash. Each stack contained a hundred 100-dor-bills.


    Eighty thousand in total. No reason to cut the deal, eh?


    Their eyes glowed up. They tried to keep calm, but their eyes trailed along with every slight movement of the cash in Furys hand, like hungry dogs eyeing a piece of beef jerky.


    Understood? Now hurry up and hand it over.


    The man with the 5-0 shirt dug through his bag and pulled out a bottle made of tempered ss. It was around 30 centimeters long. On the tip of the bottle was a smallpressor that emitted a faint buzzing sound. It was a sloppily installed machine that was designed to draw air into the bottle.


    Illuminated by the soft glow of the streetmps, the product inside the ss began to move, floating in a bubbly, translucent fluid. Soaked in the Ringers solution, the tiny silhouette of a human could be seen.


    It was in the shape of a naked woman. Her white arms and legs were thin and frail. Her golden hair wavered back and forth.


    What do you think? Its a real fairy, mister.


    The figure in the bottle wasnt a doll. It was undoubtedly alive.


    Her palm was the size of a human fingertip. She touched the inside of the ss, stirring as she bathed in the faint light that shone upon the bottle.


    She looks weak, Matoba said, carefully examining the creature inside the ss.


    No, no. Shes still perfectly healthy, mister. Shes just tired out from moving around, Id guess. It still hasnt been a week since she was caught.


    These days, it was incredibly rare toe across a fairy as healthy as this. By processing it using specialized equipment, one would be able to extract fairy dust of very high purity. It was a magical dust that induced an intense feeling of euphoria that not even cocaine or heroin could match. It sold for hundreds of dors at street price, and one could make a small fortune by selling it on the routes outside of the city.


    Well, thats a pretty high quality product youve got there. Dont you think so, Kei? Fury asked.


    Ah, it isnt bad at all. That one hour was definitely worth waiting.


    Suppressing his nervousness, Matoba forced a smile. Fury smiled along with him, and the two Filipinos smiled as well. The four men stood in the dark alley, all grinning with satisfaction.


    Here, take your money.


    As Fury tossed over the bag full of cash, the smiles of the men grew even wider.


    Thanks, mister. Thanks.


    You happy? Im d to hear that. Thanks to you, Im happy as well. After all, this means that we can finally get down to business.


    Keeping the satisfied grin on his face, Matoba drew an automatic pistol from the holster under his suit and pointed it at the men. Simultaneously, he opened a pocketbook in his left hand and showed them the badge and ID that it contained.


    Were from the San Teresa Police Department. Youre under arrest.


    The mens smiles froze up, but Matoba and Fury stayed grinning.


    Your crimes are abduction and human trafficking. That fairy isnt a product. She is legally a citizen of the Semani world. Your crimes are grave. Now, ce her and the money on the ground, put your hands above your head, and get on your knees.


    Y-youre a cop!?


    See, I told you that you were dipshits. Now hurry up and do as I say. Put your knees on the ground. Do you even know what Im talking about? KNEES. You shouldve learned that back from Sesame Street, isnt that right?


    Standing before the barrel of Matobas loaded gun, for a moment, the two thugs hesitated. They prepared to make a run for it, but quickly remembered that the alley was a long one-way path. Realizing that they wouldnt be able to make it out unscathed, they exchanged a lookand finally, they got on their knees. The only way they could show resistance was by cursing them out.


    Goddammit, you fucking lied to us! Fucking shithead cops, fuck you!


    Damn, why so vulgar? Rick, read them their rights.


    Aiming his gun with a steady hand, Fury walked up to the man with the peace sign t-shirt and shrugged his shoulders.


    Ill let you do the honors, Kei.


    Fine, Ill talk to em. Listen carefully, ok? You guys have the right to remain silent. So insults and vulgar words like shithead that you spout out are just gonna end up being used against you in court. You also have the right to hire awyer. If you dont have the money to do that If you havent got any cash to throw at those clever little pests, the government will get you a court-appointedwyer, though at that point they might as well be flushing the peoples hard-earned tax dors right down the toilet. You should be thankful, you know? So thankful that you could cry? Go ahead, just fucking cry right now.


    Fucking cops, go to hell!


    Ahh, so you''re a brave one, arent you.


    Matoba handcuffed the man with the 5-0 shirt and yanked him up to his feet. Fury, restraining the man with the peace sign shirt, bent over to pick up the sack of cash and the Boston bag that had been left on the ground.


    Now all they had to do was drag the thugs into the car and drive back to headquarters.


    But that was when things began to get very strange.


    <i>nk.</i> Hearing this peculiar sound, Matoba immediately swung around. The man with the peace sign t-shirt, somehow freed of his handcuffs, had violentlytched onto Fury.


    How the hell did he remove the handcuffs?


    The answer was right there. His wrists werecerated and blood-soaked. He had pulled his hands out of the handcuffs with brute force, ripping off his skin and cracking his bones in the process.


    Ri-


    It all happened too quickly. The man, who had been nothing but a puny thug up until that moment, closed his fingers around Rick Furys throat. And with the same level of force that he used to destroy his own wrists, he gripped down on it.


    A muffled scream escaped from Furys throat. His neck bent at an unnatural angle.


    RICK!


    Matoba aimed his pistol at the man and fired without hesitation. The 9mm bullets dug deep into the mans skin, and he shuddered with each shot.


    He had been pierced by three hollow-point bullets. But still, he did not fall. In fact, he didnt seem to feel any pain at all. He picked up Furys limp body and hurled it at Matoba.


    !!


    The body collided into him, carrying with it a force equivalent to that of a heavy sandbag flying through the air at dozens of kilometers per hour. He wasunched backwards, into the wall. The impact forced the air out of his lungs. He felt faint.


    The manno longer a man, but some being, filled with monstrous powerlooked at the two bags on the ground. He grabbed oneit was not the bag with the money that he picked up, but the one with the fairy inside.


    Wai-


    Wait. He couldnt get his words out through the excruciating pain that coursed through his body.


    Doreena meta baderi na (You pathetic barbarian).


    ring contemptuously at Matoba, the man with the peace sign t-shirt opened his mouth.


    I zarte meyaj, zona bereeya nicoshe genna yargo iye noi. Zona zaneean biye genna nerai. Beezennari, noze daal fiel mezeda demameya reme noi agshika (My newly captured servant will not be defeated by those puny toys you have there. I will now take back this woman. She was destined to enter my possession from the very beginning).


    He was speaking in Farbarnian, thenguage of those that lived on the other side. Those filthy scoundrels This Filipino must have been possessed. Gritting his teeth, Matoba raised his pistol once again.


    Dont fucking mess around with me, you alien. Now put your hands up and get on your


    The man stretched his lips wide, forming a smile.


    It was a brutish, murderous smile, a smile that those thugs would have never been able to make even if they tried. His eyes glimmered with bloodlust. It was a look that Matoba had felt before, long, long ago. It reawakened within him a memory that should have been buried in the past, back during the war.


    He was going to be killed.


    As he came to this realization, the man with the peace sign shirt swung around. Letting out a faint growl, he ran off. The sound of sshing water could be heard as he kicked his way through the puddles. Eventually, he vanished into the darkness of the unilluminated alley.


    Matoba tried to chase after him, but the pain in his body was so severe that he couldnt even stand up properly.


    ..


    The other Filipinothe one with the 5-0 shirthad curled up into a ball in the corner of the alley, trembling uncontrobly. Gasping for air, Matoba shifted his gaze over to Fury, who had fallen over, onto him.


    Rick


    There was no response.


    His spine crushed into pieces, Detective Rick Fury had met his end. His eyes were still open, but they showed no signs of life. Matobas loyal partner of four years had silently passed away, leaving nost words for him to hear.


    It was supposed to have been an easy operation


    And what about his wife, who he hadnt talked to for an entire week? What was he supposed to say to her now?


    Rick Goddammit


    Somewhere, off in the distance, he heard police sirens ring.

 Book 1: Chapter 1.1

    Book 1: Chapter 1.1


    Thirty minutester, the man with the peace sign shirt, having killed Detective Rick Fury and escaped with the fairy, was foundying on the side of the road next to a dumpster, two kilometers away from the scene of the crime.


    He was already dead, and there was no fairy to be found.


    His body had been discovered by a police car that was patrolling the area. He had died of severe blood loss and fatal organ damage, caused by the bullets that Matoba had fired. Normally, a man with such grave wounds would have fallen dead within a mere three minutes of being shot. Despite this, he had run for two entire kilometers before dying. It was an incident that couldnt be exined using the logic that we had here on this side of the world.


    Soon enough, the mans identity was revealed. He had immigrated to San Teresa two years ago, and he worked as an employee at a sex shop.


    There was nothing particrly suspicious about the mans name or upation. The most important detail was that he had been possessed by some unknown being, exhibited inhuman strength, murdered Rick Fury, and ran off, despite being fatally injured. As far as it was known, the only beings that were capable of causing something like this were the Mildeeta (Sorcerers) of the Semani people.


    Even though the man was not in control of his own body, Matobas shooting was nothing but an act of self-defense. There should be no reason for him to be charged with murder.


    But even then, there isnt exactly a precedent that we should follow, said inspector Jack Roth, who had just arrived at the scene. He was the head of the Special Vice Squad that Matoba was a part of, making him Matobas direct boss.


    Precedent? Matoba asked worriedly, taking a quick nce at Roths face.


    Furys body, along with the other Filipino, had already been transported away from the scene. Matoba leaned back against the front grill of the police car, sipping from the now lukewarm cup of coffee that he held in his hands.


    The Forensic Unit had already wrapped up their work and were now preparing to leave the site. One hour from now, this alley will fall into silence once again, leaving no trace of the crime that took ce within it.


    What do you mean by precedent?


    I mean that weve never had a case where the suspect forcibly removes his handcuffs, murders one of our officers with his bare hands, and runs for two kilometers while sustaining fatal injuries. Ive heard many things about the magic that the Semani are capable of using, but Ive never heard of anything like this.


    Inspector Roths voice was cold and apathetic.


    Just under fifty years old, Jack Roth wasnt particrlyrge-bodied or muscr. But despite his appearance, he gave off a tough, formidable aura, one that refused to waver in the presence of any enemy that he faced, no matter how powerful. His pale face showed not even the slightest hint of a smile, and his gray eyes resembled those of some weary philosopher, one that has looked through the greatest depths of human corruption. His pitch-ck coat seemed to absorb the dreariness of the air that hung in the alley.


    He had worked with Rick Fury for a long time, back from when they were still with the New York City Police. Many of the officers of the STPD hade from police departments from all around the world, having built up years and years of experience.


    Inspector Roth didnt intend to scold or interrogate Matoba.


    Its sad to see him go like that.


    Im really sorry about this, boss.


    It isnt your fault.


    I dont know about that. There must have been something I could have done.


    Matoba had known about the magic that the Semani could use to possess others. In fact, he had experienced it himself, first hand.


    He had let his guard down.


    I shouldve known.


    You couldnt have known. Typically, right before someone is possessed, they begin to exhibit unusual behavior and speech patterns. And there werent any signs of that with those Filipinos, correct?


    I guess.


    Then Ill repeat myself once again. It isnt your fault.


    But


    Just stop worrying about it. Thew will handle the rest.


    Roth sounded as indifferent as ever, but there was a slight hint of irritation in his voice.


    However, he was right. There was no point in ming himself. No matter how many times Matoba voiced his guilt to his boss, it wouldnt aplish anything. His words couldnt change the past.


    Understood. Also, I wanted to talk about the fairy, about how theres apparently something special about her.


    Thats what the suspect said, isnt it?


    Yes, he said in Farbarnian that the fairy was destined to enter his possession from the very beginning. Furthermore, when he addressed me, he said Doreena meta baderi na (You pathetic barbarian). Ive never even heard the word baderi used outside of my Farbarnian sses. None of the immigrants in this city use it, at the very least.


    The word baderi roughly tranted to very, but it was an archaic word that was only ever used in formal settings. The Semanians that lived in this city would simply use the word baada in its ce.


    Maybe the suspect is from a more educated background.


    He is a sorcerer, so he must be more educated than the average Semanian. But even then, I still dont understand why he chose to speak to me.


    Maybe there isnt any reason for his actions.


    Why do you say that?


    Because their entire civilization is founded upon apleteck of reason.


    Though it seemed as though Roth were calling them uncivilized savages, Matoba understood exactly what he meant. The culture of the Semani waspletely different from their own. The Semani did not value the same ideals held by the humans living in this world, holding no regard for concepts such as democracy or human rights, and even the idea of scientific reasoning was not widely epted among their people.


    Of course, basic mathematical and scientific knowledge still existed within their civilization. They understood the concept of zero, they could perform basic trigonometry, and they were fully proficient in the field of metallurgy. However, lying at the root of their understanding of the world was an entirely different philosophy. It was one that led them to decide their days work based on the phase of the moon, choose their marriage partner based on the predictions of a fortune-teller, and let out fierce war cries whenever they engaged on the battlefield.


    Their civilization was certainly not one that valued rationality.


    However, all of these irrational practices of the Semani wouldnt have been out of the ordinary for humans just a few centuries ago. In fact, when interacting with the Semani, there were times when one might think that Earths modern twenty-first century society was the unreasonable one.


    We have to find the suspect and his fairy, Roth said. Ive informed the local police station and theyre working to search the area, but I doubt that hell be caught that easily. Well probably have better luck searching the citys trafficking routes.


    Right. Ill head out soon. But first, I need to interrogate that Filipino and figure out how he got his hands on that damn fairy.


    Matoba staggered up to his feet. Taking a deep breath, he stretched his shoulders. His entire back still ached from the pain of being hurled into the wall.


    The others will handle that. Now go home and get some rest.


    Boss, please tell me youre joking.


    Matoba snorted, ring at Roth in disbelief.


    My partner, that Ive worked with for four years, was just killed. Even if I went home right now, how the hell do you expect me to rest? Well, on second thought, I guess Id be able to catch the re-run of The X-Files airing tonight. But unfortunately, I absolutely despise that show. And why are they even broadcasting it in a city full of literal magic-using aliens, anyway? Is it supposed to be some kind of joke? But either way, theres no way in hell Im resting tonight.


    I dont give a damn about what show you want to watch. Im not letting you go back to work.


    Roths words were firm and unmoving.


    Youve been working since yesterday evening, for thirty hours straight now. Trying to force yourself past your limit is going to aplish absolutely nothing. Now go home. This is an order.


    But


    Submit your report by nine oclock in the morning. Then well get together and have a briefing.


    Matoba knew that there was no point in arguing back.


    But it was the right decision. This was going to be a difficult case to tackle, and it wouldnt make any sense for Matoba to waste all of his energy in just one night.


    Should I be the one to tell Amy? Matoba asked. He had just then remembered Rick Furys now-widowed wife.


    No, Ill tell


    Roth cut off abruptly.


    Never mind. Please deliver the news beforehand, and let her know that we will be heading over there to pick her up. Ill sort out the rest.


    Understood.


    Im sorry about all of this. But Im counting on you.


    No problem.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Matoba walked back to his car.


    It was a 2002 Cooper S, one of the first models of the new generation of Minis that BMW had been producing. Leaning back in the drivers seat, he turned on the engine, but his attention was caught by something that he saw sitting in the cupholder near the lever. It was the paper cup of coffee that Fury had been drinking earlier that day. It had been left unfinished.


    After a brief moment of hesitation, Matoba picked up the cup and tossed it out the window.


    Not in the mood to drive straight home, Matoba aimlessly wandered around the city in his car. He drove back by the scene of the crime, through Penins Street onto Methush street. It was already past two o-clock, but the entertainment district was still bustling with people.


    In many ways, San Teresas Methush street was simr to Japans Kabukicho. There were countless bars and clubs spread as far as the eye could see. Numerous topless bars and sex shops were scattered throughout. Walking on the sidewalks was a disorderly mass of people, people, and even more people, moving in every direction possible.


    It was a bustling city of neon lights that couldve been anywhere in the world.


    Swarms of words were spelled out in the air by the vividly colored billboards that hung against the night sky. The words were not just in English, but in Russian, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese. There were somenguages that Matoba couldnt even recognize. They must have been written in Thai or Vietnamese. There were also some Arabian signs mixed in, but not even Matoba, who had lived in this city for many years, had even the slightest idea of what they meant.


    Japanese words were also verymon. Looking around, one could see countless signs advertising adolt tois or tosty barbcew nearby. It seemed as if someone had just sloppily copied the words off of some Japanese advertisement with very little sess. The othernguages must have been riddled with errors as well. The citys diverse, jumbled mess ofnguages had been quite entertaining to Atsugi-raised Matoba when he first visited during the war, but now it was just another familiar sight.


    But there was one thing that differentiated it from the other big cities of the world. It was the presence of Farbarnian, anguage that was widely used over on the other side.


    The most well-known Farbarnian phrase among Earthlings was Leto Semani. Tranting tond of the humans, it was a phrase that referred to the world inhabited by the Semani people. It was the counterpart to the Earth that was home to humans on this side of the world.


    However, unlike the Earth, the home of the Semani was not a.


    The endless expanse of emptiness that Earthlings knew as space did not exist in the Semani world. The Semani lived on an approximately 38,000-kilometer-wide semi sphere whose entire surface was covered by vast expanses ofnd and ocean, much like the Earth. However, lining the edge of the world was a barrier of densely packed thunder clouds that made it impossible to advance beyond the boundaries. It was reminiscent of the world that the humans of Earth must have believed in thousands of years ago.


    No one knew whaty beyond the clouds. Many times, scientists from Earth have attempted to find out by flying drones through the barrier, but their efforts have been fruitless. The drone would lose connection the moment it came in contact with the clouds.


    The sun and the moon still rose in the Semani sky. However, it was unclear whether they were in orbit or fixed in ce. Unmanned rockets have been shot up into the sky to investigate, but they would always break into pieces at an altitude of around 80 kilometers. The scientific reason for this breakage was unknown, but the Semanians insisted that it was to be expected because they were rebelling against the heavens.


    Though explorers from Earth have performed extensive research on the workings of the Semani world, the data collected by their equipment has been so nonsensical and self-conflicting that there were no conclusions that could be reasonably drawn. There were many, many theories that attempted to exin the nature of Semanian space, but none of them even came close to providing aplete exnation.


    The Semanian people were often amused by the futile efforts of the Earthlings to collect data about their world. Furthermore, they did not seem to express even the slightest hint of curiosity toward developments in space observation on Earth.


    There were many Semanians that lived in the city of San Teresa.


    Back when the dimensional gate first emerged, arge ind mysteriously appeared in the Pacific Ocean. Known as Kariana Ind, thisnd mass had originally been a penins in the Semani world, but it had somehow been inter-dimensionally transported onto the Earth. Eventually, humans began to settle into an old Semanian city on the ind, resulting in the development of the modern city of San Teresa.


    Located closest to the dimensional gate, the city came to be known as the front door of Earth.


    Even now, driving through the city, one could spot countless Semanians dispersed throughout the crowds of pedestrians. Here, they were all referred to as Semanians, even though the word Semanian was an incredibly broad term that epassed all humans that came from the Semani world. There were supposedly small differences in the physiological makeup of Semanians, so the schrs of Earth excitedly assigned them the scientific nomenture of Homo Semanica.


    But fortunately, the countless mysteries of the world could be left to be solved by the many that took pleasure in pursuing them. None of it mattered to Matoba. Right now, as a police officer, his biggest concern was with the massive crowds of people that came and went around him. The suspect could be hiding anywhere.


    He exited the entertainment district. He couldnt afford to stay wandering around forever.


    There was something he had to get done.

 Book 1: Chapter 1.2

    Book 1: Chapter 1.2


    Parking his car on the side of Methush street, Matoba pulled out his phone. However, he did not press any buttons. He silently gazed into the screen of the phone, his mind wavering with uncertainty.


    He couldnt get himself to make the call. He didnt know what he was supposed to say to a woman that was going to be a widow.


    Matoba had stalled for almost three minutes already when a stranger gently knocked on his drivers seat window. Outside, three young men stood, peering into the car.


    They were Semanians.


    Rolling down the window, Matoba looked up at the three young Semanians with weary eyes.


    Mister. Ill clean your car for you, one of them said.


    Is that so? No thank you, I think Im fine. Now please go away, Im busy.


    Come on, dont be like that. Here, Ill give you some extra service.


    The man spit on the car window and wiped it off with the dirty rag in his hands. Matoba wondered who on earth had taught them to put on such a filthy disy of contempt.


    Thatll be three hundred dors. Youve got the money, havent you? Now hand it over right now, or else your precious car is going to be damaged.


    Hey, cut it out.


    Their fake smiles had already faded away, leaving behind fierce, hateful expressions. They viciously attacked the car, striking the hood and kicking the tires.


    Come on, get the hell out of your car! You tryna get killed!?


    You filthy Earthling, hurry the fuck up!


    Its just three hundred, you know?


    Matoba sat in his car, silently wondering if he should pull the badge out of his pocket, the pistol out of his holster, or the shotgun out from underneath his seat.


    Though he hesitated for a moment, he decided not to go with any of these options. In these kinds of situations, he often found it best to just get some quick exercise in. Pretending to follow along with their orders, Matoba climbed out of his car and raised his hands above his head.


    I get it, I get it. Just calm down, please.


    Hurry up.


    Im getting it right now. Uhh, where did I put it Oh, here it is!


    He grabbed a handful of quarters out of his pocket and scattered them across the ground. For a moment, the men stood confused, ncing back and forth between Matoba and the coins, not quite sure what to think.


    Now pick them up. You should be thankful.


    Their eyes filled with an intense rage. Swearing profusely, the man closest to Matoba lunged at him.


    Here theye.


    Swatting away the arm that reached out for him, Matoba mmed the heel of his palm into the mans chin. He staggered back, stunned by the attack. Pulling the mans body back toward himself, Matoba dug his knee deep into the pit of the mans stomach. He crumpled to the ground, yelling in agony. Matoba immediately swung around to face his second opponent, who had run up behind him. He was significantlyrger than Matoba. Two fists flew at him. One on the left, one on the right. Effortlessly blocking the two blows, Matoba let out a swift, powerful low kick. A satisfyingly sharp sound rang out in the air as the man nearly copsed. Finally, Matoba threw out a boxers one-two punch and finished it all off with a devastating roundhouse kick. The back of his coat spread gracefully into an arc as the man was left sprawling on the ground.


    He turned around to catch hisst opponent attempting to sneak up on him. The man was stopped dead in his tracks.


    Whats wrong? Come over here.


    Matoba gestured to him to approach. The man hesitated, shaking his head.


    Youre not going to?


    Uhuhh.


    Even among the weak earthlings, there are plenty of men that you wouldnt want to pick a fight with. If you have so much time to waste pretending to be a thug, use that time wisely and go to school. You hear me?


    Ye-, yes.


    Thatll be yes sir. Show some respect to your elders.


    Yessir


    There, youve learned your lesson. Now get the hell out of here.


    Dragging their passed-out friend up to his feet, the young Semanians ran off. Brushing off his clothes, Matoba let out a deep sigh.


    If those Semanians had been any older, that entire situation could have taken a horrible turn. Those kids had definitely grown up in San Teresa. In terms of strength, they werent any different from the thugs that he often encountered around the area. However, if they had been from an older generationaround Matobas agethe results could have been absolutely disastrous.


    Up until the recent past, the entire Semani world had been stuck in a constant state of war. In a world without guns or cannons, only the strongest, toughest men could survive. They were men that had been hardened by years and years of endless fighting, warriors that coulde up with a thousand ways to kill you based on their experience on the battlefield. Even the martial art experts of Earth couldnt hold a candle to the inhuman strength that they possessed. Even with his extensive training, Matoba wouldnt be able to handle more than one without a gun.


    But either way, he felt refreshed. He had vented his frustration through the fighting.


    Having cleared his mind, Matoba thought that hed finally be able to get the deed over with, but things didnt go as smoothly as he wished. As soon as he returned to the driver''s seat and looked back down at his phone screen, his mind was filled with an overwhelming sense of mncholy that ruined his mood once again.


    There was no getting around it.


    Tossing his phone onto the passengers seat, Matoba turned the car engine back on. He had barely traveled a hundred meters when he smacked the steering wheel and groaned to himself.


    Goddammit


    He had to get it over with. Bringing his car to a stop once again, he picked up his phone and rushed to dial in the numbers. He couldnt pause, or else the thoughts would begin to flood in once again. Ring Ring The ringtone repeated itself over and over again. If he was going to cut the call, he had to do it now. But before he even had the chance to contemte the decision, the receiver had already picked up.


    Hello?


    Ringing out from the other side of the call was the cheerful voice of Amy Fury. Matoba could hear the faint sound ofughter leaking from the TV show that she must have been watching.


    Amy. Its me.


    Oh, Kei, its you. Why are you calling thiste? If youre looking for Rick, he still hasnte home yet


    She froze, seeming to have understood the weight of the situation just by the tone of Matobas voice.


    This is about him.


    Please dont tell me he?


    Im sorry.


    Choosing his words carefully, Matoba told her everything.


    It was painful beyond words. If he had the choice, he would rather have been beaten up by those Semanian thugs than subject himself to this mental torture.


    It was already well past 2 AM when Matoba finally made it back to his ce in Nepton.


    Nepton was a warehouse town located near the harbor of San Teresa. Matoba had rented out an old warehouse that had since been transformed into a fully livable residence. The garage and storage rooms were located on the first floor, while the second floor served as the living space.


    Parking his Cooper S in the garage, Matoba staggered up the steep, narrow stairs that led to the second floor. There was an elevator that had been used to transport resources back when the building was still a warehouse, but it had broken down shortly after he moved in three years ago. He would probably have to get it repaired when it was time for him to move out, or else he wouldnt be able to move all of the furniture.


    So


    Before he opened the door to the living room, Matoba put on the pollen mask that hung on his door knob. Taking onest breath of the freezing air outside the room, he stepped inside. He turned on the light. The mysterious ck shadow under the sofa began to move. It slowly walked toward him.


    It was a ck cat.


    Because her right hind leg was crippled, she limped as she walked. Once the cat reached Matoba, she walked in circles around his legs and let out a loud meow.


    Dont yell at me like that. I was really busy, okay?


    Matoba bent over to pet the cat, gently rubbing her head and neck. The cat purred loudly. Quickly taking notice of the stic convenience store bag that he held, she walked over to sniff its surface. Matoba took a can of cat food out of the bag and opened it up.


    Here


    Before he could even finish saying the word, the ck cat had already begun devouring the food. Matoba poured some water into an empty bowl and left it next to her. When he had told Fury earlier that night that he had ns to meet with someone, this was what he had been talking about.


    He took the massive pile of letters that had umted within his mailbox and spread them out on the table. Because of his location, he rarely ever received any direct mail. He ran his eyes over the letters. A postcard from an old war friend, a bill from his credit cardpany, and a letter from the management of his warehouse.


    Goddammit


    It was an invoice for additional charges. Written on the paper was some nonsense about how the rent was supposed to be raised by 1,200 dors a year if it only housed one person. He hadnt been told about anything like this when he first moved in. He had confronted thepany multiple times in the past, but at this point he was ready to take it to court. Should he give up and pay the rent? Should he fight through the extra work of taking it to court? Or maybe he should just bite the bullet and move into an actual residence? No matter which option he chose, it was bound to cost him massive amounts of money.


    As he contemted the decision, his phone started to ring. Inspector Roth was calling.


    He picked up the call.


    Im calling to talk to you about your ns tommorow. Theres been a change in schedule. Report to the Coast Guard Base at eight o clock. Board the ship Golden Heart. It should be anchored to dock three.


    What?


    What kind of business did the city police have in the Coast Guards ships?


    Are you familiar with the knights of the Farbarni Kingdom?


    A little.


    The Farbarni Kingdom was one of thergest kingdoms of the Semani world, with a long, rich history. The mainnguage of the entire Semani world was Farbarnian, so they were clearly very important. Their role in the Semani world was simr to that of Great Britain on Earth.


    In their world, there were no such things as police or even regr armies. The closest thing they had to these entities was the Knights of Mirvor, a band of knights tasked with the protection of both the kingdom and its people.


    A certain noble from the Knights of Mirvor is to be dispatched to this city, one thates from the great Exedilika family. We will have to give them a warm wee. So I am asking you to meet with them and escort them to our headquarters.


    Escorting a noble? Me?


    His ears must have been deceiving him.


    Are you kidding me? Im a police officer, not a diplomat. I never signed up to be an escort for some high-status alien.


    We dont have any other people for the job. Also, youre the only one avable that can speak Farbarnian.


    Im not about to spend my entire day following around some sight-seeing nobleman geezer. Please, wont you just let me hunt down the man that killed Rick?


    That can wait. Bring them to headquarters. This is an order.


    Damn it


    Whatever you do, dont screw this up.


    The call was cut off.


    Cursing his bad luck, Matoba threw his phone onto the table. In the midst of his cursing, he broke into a coughing fit. His throat was dry and full of phlegm. His lungs let out a faint wheezing sound with every breath that he took.


    He couldnt breathe. It was a symptom of his asthma.


    Only a minute had passed since he took off his mask. Putting it back on, Matoba finished his dinner with sullen eyes and red enviously at the satisfied-looking cat.


    Things must be easy for you, huh.


    The cat let out a long, carefree meow.


    Matoba headed toward the back of the living room, toward his bedroom. The room was isted from the rest of the warehouse, so he could safely take off his mask. Seconds after he opened the door, the cat trudged into the room.


    No.


    Matoba picked up the cat and tossed her onto the living room sofa. Landing on the pile of cushions, the cat let out a bizarre sound.


    How many times do I have to tell you? I cant share my bed with you.


    Pointing his finger at the dejected-looking cat, Matoba mmed the door shut. He flipped the switch on the vacuum cleaner on the wall, sucking up the dust that had built up around the door frame. He used a wet wipe to wipe the germs from the cat off of his hands for good measure.


    That should be enough.


    Not even bothering to take his shoes off, Matoba copsed into bed with only his mask and tie removed.


    His thoughts wandered. His boss must be consoling Amy right now as she mourned over Rick, whose body must still have some heat left within it as ity in the morgue. And the unidentified Semanian murderer must still be somewhere out there in the city, grinning with satisfaction.


    But even then, Kei Matoba fell sound asleep.


    Fortunately, he was so exhausted that he couldnt even dream.

 Book 1: Chapter 2.1

    Book 1: Chapter 2.1


    The morning had already passed.


    The boat had departed at exactly eight oclock. Leaving behind the city of San Teresa, Matoba traveled across the surface of the ocean for around an hour.


    At thistitude, the sun should have been high up by now. However, a thickyer of clouds veiled the sky, blocking out the sunlight that attempted to escape through its surface. The ocean thaty below the horizon was a dismal gray, while the sky above was a dirty pink.


    Matoba rode on the Golden Heart, a small, high-speed boat that belonged to the Coast Guard. A .50 caliber machine gun was installed on its bow. ording to the crewmen, the boat could easily travel at over 50 knots if they needed it to.


    On the tail of the boat stood the g of the Kariana self-governing colony under the United Nations, waving through the air beside the star-spangled banner of the United States.


    Though the Kariana self-governing colony, along with the city of San Teresa, was not typically considered to be part of any country, it was technically under the rule of the United States. The reason why Matoba had to read his captured suspects their Miranda rights was because he was required to do so under USw. Moreover, the majority of the people that worked in San Teresaw enforcement were American citizens. Though there were plenty of people like Matoba who came from other countries such as Japan, there wasnt a single Semanian that worked with the Coast Guard or the city police.


    We will shortly arrive at our destination, announced one of the crewmen.


    Matoba got up to his feet, clutching the railing to stabilize himself. He tried his hardest to keep his bnce as the boat swayed heavily from side to side.


    The Golden Heart slowed its pace down to a crawl. Though thetitude of their location wasnt too far off from Okinawa or Taiwan, the surface of the ocean was freezing cold. Here, the sun did not shine. A thick fog filled the air around them. The horizon that they had been gazing at just ten minutes ago had beenpletely obscured, and Matoba could only see a hundred meters in front of him.


    These strange transformations would always ur whenever one approached the Mirage Gate.


    The Mirage Gate was the mysterious space that linked this world with the one thaty on the other side.


    However, the gate did not have any sort of defined shape or appearance. And there wasnt only one of them, either. Ten years ago, there were more than fifty different dimensional gates that were scattered throughout the ocean around Kariana Ind. Almost like regions of air pressure on a weather map, they were constantly springing up and disappearing at random intervals. They did not follow a defined pattern, meaning that it was impossible to predict where the next gate would appear.


    The Mirage Gate was the only exception to this rule. Located on the surface of the ocean 45 miles southwest of San Teresa, this gate was in a state of constant stability. As a result, the permanent gate, known as the second Silk Road, was the only cross-dimensional trade route to be officially recognized.


    The sound of the engine died down, and the boat came to a halt.


    Silence filled the misty air around them. The gentle sound of the oceans waves could be heard as the Golden Heart floated alone in the water. The footsteps of the Coast Guard crewmen rang out loudly against the silence.


    The captain walked over to Matoba, who stayed leaning against the railing.


    You seasick?


    Eh, Im alright


    Im impressed. Usually when we takend-dwelling officers on our boats, they give out within minutes.


    I fought in the war.


    Ohh


    I was in the army, though. But a lot of my missions were in the wends, so Ive ridden on my fair share of boats.


    The captain looked at him intently.


    Which must mean that youve been to the other side?


    I have. I was with the so-called Peace Keeping Force. But whenever we crossed, I was crammed into a transport ne like a sardine. So this is my first time seeing the gate with my own eyes.


    You say see, but the Mirage Gate isnt exactly something that can be seen, the captain said, squinting his eyes as if to look through the fog. The only way we can locate the position of the gate is through the use of satellites. Theres a discernible pattern in the maic field lines and infrared radiation around the area. We can only get here by following a digital nautical chart that shows us the location.


    Ive heard something like that.


    However, the aliens regrly cross the gate without having ess to electronic equipment of any sort. They dont even know what a maic field, or what thew of gravitation is. But even then, they can easily find the gate by reading the patterns of the wind and the waves. Much more urately than we do, at that.


    So thats why the Coastal Guards always so busy, huh


    Thats right. We dont even have enough ships. And to make things even worse, our radars dont function as well around this area. If we really wanted to stop those smugglers and illegal immigrants from crossing the gate, wed need way more men and a much higher budget. Too bad the government is full of brainless shitheads that wouldnt understand, anyway. Things were still better back when I was fighting drug traffickers in the Caribbean sea.


    Listening absentmindedly to the captains ranting, Matoba narrowed his eyes.


    He thought that what he had seen was just an illusion, but it clearly wasnt. Through the foggy air, he saw the vague silhouette of some strange, massive object floating in the water.


    At first nce, it looked like a pair of towers that rose above the oceans surface.


    However, it seemed to be moving toward them, and he soon realized that it was a massive ship. On its hull stood two enormous masts that leaned to the side. The shape of its silhouette was confusing. Countless ropes draped down from the masts and yards, intertwining with the numerous poles that stuck out in various directions. The mysterious ship gave off the sinister aura of some sort of unidentified monster.


    Matoba could make out the shapes of humans walking atop the masts.


    Such a ship had never existed in human history. It was undoubtedly a ship built by the Semani. Arge crest was drawn across the sail. It was the crest of the Farbarni, drawn with the motif of a birds eye.


    They have arrived, the captain said. I wonder how theyre able to sail with masts like that. They might be useful for making tight turns, but they wouldntst a second in harsh winds, though I have heard that the wood in their world is much more durable. But they supposedly say the same kind of things about our boats, so who knows.


    The sound of whistles and bells rang out in the air as the Semani ship approached them.


    It was preparing to make a stop. The ships crewmen ran around busily, following the orders that they were given. The enormous sail was folded up. The ship gradually slowed down, producing waves as it turned, and it aligned its side to the Golden Hearts deck with astonishing uracy.


    The Semani ship was more than three times the length of their boat. Its massive size and majestic appearance was overwhelming to the eye. Matoba could clearly see the faces of the crewmen that now looked down on them.


    The ship was not nearly as worn-out as it had appeared to be from a distance. It seemed to be very well maintained, and its surface was clean and polished.


    On its side was a strange yet elegant pattern of flowing lines. The circr carvings that were spread across its surface resembledrge, majestic eyes. These countless eyes now red intimidatingly at the tiny Coast Guard boat.


    There were no cannons on their ship. The Semani did not use gunpowder technology.


    Instead, attached to the ship were enormous stone ballistas that could have easily been used in the siege of a castle. There were fifteen of them on each side. They were around two human arm spans in width, and the arrows that they shot were each around the size of a grown man.


    Though the sheer force of their weapons was intimidating, in battle, their ballistae wouldnt stand a chance against the .50 caliber machine gun installed on the Coast Guards boat. However, this would only hold true if they hadnt enchanted their ship using the power of Mildi.


    A rope was thrown down to the deck, and the vessels of the two worlds were connected.


    After a moment of negotiation in Farbarnian and English, adder was lowered from the Semani ship. The Semani crewmen that had nothing to do stared curiously over at the Coast Guard officers. Their clothes were worn and tattered. They whispered something to each other, pointing at the boat and snickering. They must have been speaking in Farbarnian, but their ents were so strong that Matoba couldnt understand what they were saying.


    The captain, who had been busy coordinating the meeting of the two ships, rested his hand on Matobas shoulder.


    A very important person is going toe down thedder. Well leave the rest to you, he said.


    After thedder, which was surprisingly sturdy, had been secured in ce, a short whistle was sounded and one of the crewmen began to climb down. He was very small and wore a white coat. He was facing away from Matoba, so his face couldnt be seen, but he had blond hair. He appeared to be a child. He was probably an attendant of the nobleman, or something of the sort.


    Several leather suitcases were lowered onto the deck using ropes and pulleys. That must have been their luggage.


    Matoba wondered when the long-awaited nobleman would appear. As Matoba stayed staring up at the ship, the tiny attendant walked straight past him.


    The bell rang once again. The Semanian sailor yelled something unintelligible, and thedder was lifted off of the deck.


    ?


    The nobleman hadnte down yet. What were they doing?


    Matoba and the crewmen watched quizzically as thedder was pulled back up.


    Hey.


    The attendant was speaking to him. In perfect English.


    No, they werent an attendant. In fact, they werent even male.


    My name is Exedilika, the balsh (apprentice knight) of the Milvao. Do you Dorini not have any manners, not weing your guest?


    It was a girl. She appeared to be in her early teens.


    Her skin was pure whiteso white that it was difficult to believe that there was blood flowing through her body. Her golden blond hair was so smooth that it seemed almost synthetic. The fine tunic that she wore was covered in borately embroidered patterns, and there was not a single speck of dust on her overcoat and tights. A thin sword hung at her waist, still sheathed. Herrge eyes were nted slightly upwards, resembling those of some cold yet majestic feline. Her beautiful lips formed a pout, showing no hint of amiability.


    Standing in the gray, misty air of the ocean, her very presence felt unreal.


    Alien.


    Matoba had encountered many, many Semanians over the past few years, but he had never met anyone who felt as otherworldly as her. If anything, her existence seemed closer to the fairy that he had seen shining inside of that ss bottle.


    So she was the noble that Roth had been talking about? It wasnt some old geezer that he had to escort?


    Matoba''s mouth hung open in shock as he stared at her. The girl red back. For some reason, he was reminded of his cat, who would always look at him like that when she was hungry.


    Do you not understand English?


    No I do.


    The girl let out a sigh of what appeared to be relief. She puffed up her chest and spoke in a pompous manner.


    Then why didnt you respond to me? Who do you think you are, justpletely ignoring me like that?


    I didnt notice you.


    Hmph. I see


    She unsheathed the sword that hung at her waist. The sound of cutting air filled Matobas ears as the sharp tip of the de passed right before his nose. He staggered back in astonishment as the girl stood upright, waving the sword from left to right. Holding the sword diagonally in front of her chest, she spoke in a clear voice.


    My name is Trna Balsh Mirvor Lata-Imsedarya Ye Teberena Devor-Nerano Seya Nel Exedilika In the Englishnguage of you Dorini, it trantes to firstborn daughter of Seya of the Exedilika family, descendant of Archduke Devor, apprentice of the glorious Knights of Mirvor. Understood? Now, whats your name?

 Book 1: Chapter 2.2

    Book 1: Chapter 2.2


    Kei Matoba.


    Keh Imatooba?


    For some reason, the girl knit her eyebrows.


    My name is Kei Matoba. San Teresa Police Department. Sergeant and Detective of the Special Vice Squad.


    Thats your full name? Kei Matoba San Teresa Bolice Debartment Sergeant And Detective Sbecial Vice Squad?


    The p sound did not exist in the Farbaniannguage. Whenever Semanians came over to this world, they would always pronounce police as bolice.


    No. My full name is Kei Matoba.


    Thats so short, the Semanian girl said, ring at him with an expression of clear disdain.


    Is there anything wrong with that?


    Not at all. Its only natural that a lowly plebeian would have such a short name. I dont mind. I usually just go by Trna Exedilika, anyway.


    The girl rattled her sword. A sharp metallic sound rang out as the thin de was slid back into its sheath in the blink of an eye. For a girl with such a small body and thin arms, her level of swordsmanship was unbelievable.


    You are the first person that I have talked to in thisnd of the Dorini. I shall therefore grant you the privilege of calling me by the title of Bona Trna. You should feel honored.


    Bona was an honorific that roughly corrted to the word Miss in English.


    Now, you shall carry my luggage somewhere safe from the sea breeze, Keh Imatooba.


    Its Kei Matoba.


    I dont care about your name. Hurry up and carry it.


    Saying this, the Semanian nobleTrna [omitted] Exedilikapromptly walked into the boat cabin, not even bothering to look back.


    Matoba sat miserably on the ride back to San Teresa, trying his absolute hardest to suppress the boiling anger that rose up inside of him.


    He thought he had signed up to be a detective.


    Never had he imagined that he would have to participate in this joke of a diplomatic wee. He was pretty much a babysitter at this point.


    No matter how he looked at her, that Trna girl looked no older than a middle schooler. However, Semanians did tend to look a lot younger than they actually were. Even a 45 year old Semanian could easily pass as a 30 year old Earthling. Moreover, because years in the Semanian world were shorter than years on Earth, the 45 year old Semanian would only be around 36 years old in Earth years. It was annoyingly confusing to keep track of. To make things even moreplicated, due to an agreement between the Earthlings and the Semani, they were required to treat Semanians in ordance with their Semanian age.


    On the documents that Trna had brought, it was written that she was 27 Semanian years old.


    (In Earth years, that would be)


    Performing a rough calction in his head, Matoba concluded that she would be around 20 years old. So she was at least an adult.


    He took a quick nce at her face.


    But still, she looked no more than 13 or 14 years old.


    Why was he having to waste his time escorting this little girl? He was dying to get back to his work so that he could avenge Rick. He had no time to lose.


    She was a beautiful girl, though. One could tell by the behavior of the boats crewmen, who were constantly sneaking into the room just to get a quick nce at her when they were off their shift.


    Trna was indeed beautiful.


    She was so beautiful that she seemed almost artificial, as if her entire being had been sculpted in some sort of CGI software. There were no blemishes or imperfections on the skin of her unreal-looking face. It felt suspicious to Matoba. If there was such a thing as unlikable beauty, she embodied it perfectly.


    Trnay sprawled out in a chair in the boats bridge.


    Seemingly bored, she got up to stare curiously at the various electronic equipmentnavigation systems,munication devices, radars and control panelsthat lined the rooms interior. Every time she reached out to touch the many switches and dials, Matoba had to stop her.


    Dont touch it, he warned her for the fourth time.


    Why cant I touch it? Trna asked defiantly.


    Thats the reset switch for the boats navigation system.


    Reset switch? Whats that?


    Itll reset the settings and delete all of the navigation data To put it in simple terms, if you touch it, everything will go wrong.


    I dont quite understand.


    It doesnt matter, just dont touch it.


    For some reason, Trna talked back at him in amanding tone.


    Listen up, Keh Imatooba, or whatever your name is. I dont intend to brag or anything, but Ill have you know that I am of incredibly high status. There may be many things that a lowly peasant like you cannot touch, but there are very few things that I am not allowed to touch.


    Im not sure if I follow


    Im saying that no matter what I touch, it will not be corrupted. Moreover, my guardian spirit is the Third Apostle of Gizennya. My fingertips may even have positive Rahtena flowing through them.


    I dont know anything about this Third whatever that you speak of, but I kind of understand what you mean, I guess.


    Not detecting the sarcasm in Matobas voice, Tirana broke out into a smirk.


    Youve understood? Now, you shall not tell me what I can and cannot touch.


    As soon as she finished her sentence, she reached out to touch the navigation device once again.


    Dont touch it.


    Mu


    Dont touch it. This has nothing to do with corruption or blessings or whatnot. Just dont touch it.


    His tone was firm. After ring angrily at Matoba for a few seconds, the girl, seeming to have given up entirely, shut her mouth and silently stared out the window.


    Matoba was filled with guilt. He felt like he was bullying a little child.


    (Wait, hold on a second)


    Even though she looked like a child, this alien wasnt a child at all. One would think that she was a child by the way she yed around curiously with the unfamiliar new contraptions on the boat, but in reality, she was a grown woman.


    He had no reason to feel guilty. It didnt matter if he was hated. They were gonna part ways in just a few hours, anyway.


    All he had to do was get her in the car after they arrived at the harbor, drive through the city to headquarters, and take her up the elevator to the 14th floor. After that, he would never have to talk to her again.


    But that was just what he thought would happen.


    They got off the boat at the Coast Guard base. After wrapping up a quick paperwork check, Matoba loaded Trnas luggage into his car. Still visibly upset over what happened in the boat, Trna did not offer any help, instead gazing off into the distance of the harbor, her eyes full of distrust.


    Were gonna head out. Get in the car, please.


    mming the trunk door shut, Matoba nodded toward the passengers seat. Trna froze in front of the door, silently staring at the door handle.


    Let me guess, you dont know how to open it?


    No.


    Matoba climbed into the driver''s seat and turned on the engine. Trna stayed standing outside. Her eyes were now fixed on the car hood, which had begun vibrating.


    Though vehicles were certainly an unfamiliar sight for the Semanians, who came from a civilization with little to no advanced technology, this shouldnt have been the first time shes seen a car. The handful of Earthlings that lived on the other side drove their cars on a daily basis. If an internalbustion engine was such an unusual sight for her, she would have been shocked from the very moment she stepped aboard the boat.


    Hurry up and get in. You know what a car is, dont you?


    Of of course I do. Are you rakebye (stupid)?


    Trna sluggishly pulled open the door and stepped into the passenger seat.


    However, as she tried to climb in, her sword was caught in the doorway. She lost her bnce, copsing into the drivers seat, falling face-down onto Matobas stomach.


    Nyuugh


    The Semanian made a strange noise.


    For a few seconds, Trna did not move, her face buried in hisp. Matoba had no idea what to do. He just sat there, unmoving, his hands still gripping the steering wheel.


    Hey.


    Trna shot back up, straightening her posture as if nothing had happened. A faint blush rose in her pure white cheeks. Matoba didnt say anything, deciding that it would be easier to just act as if nothing had happened.


    She took off the belt that her sword was attached to and dragged it into the car. She closed the door.


    D-..dont worry about it. Now go, she said, immediately turning away to look out the window.


    The doors still open.


    Wha- What?


    It isnt closed properly. Open the door and close it again, this time with more force.


    Okay. I see.


    Trna did as she was instructed, closing the door once again.


    Lets go.


    They took off in the Cooper S. They left the Coast Guard base and headed to the center of the city. Trna silently gazed out the window for the entire ride, not looking at Matoba even once.


    Having barely spoken a word to each other, they arrived at the 15-story-tall police headquarter building. Matoba led Trna up to the chiefs office on the 14th floor.


    The chief was waiting for them, with Roth at his side.


    We have been looking forward to your visit, Miss Exedilika.


    The chief made dramatic movements with his arms as he weed Trna with excessively ttering words, telling her that he wished her stay would be one of great value. Meanwhile, Roth just said wee to San Teresa.


    They did not seem to be surprised about her young appearance. They must have already known what kind of Semanian was going to visit them.


    Good work, sergeant Matoba.


    Well, I did as I was told and brought her here. Now, if youll excuse me


    Replying unenthusiastically to the chiefs praise, Matoba hurried to leave the office. He didnt have any more time to waste getting kicked around by this weird Semanian girl. His mind had already returned to contemting the possible whereabouts of Ricks murderer.


    Roth stopped him in his tracks.


    We arent done here.


    What do you mean?


    Its about her.


    ?


    Matoba furrowed his brow, his hand still on the doorknob.


    Are you talking about that youngdy right there? If you need a tour guide, you should go ask the clerk over there. Shespletely fluent in English, anyway.


    How dare you say such disrespectful things, Detective Matoba. She didnte here for a tour, said the chief, raising his voice angrily. He turned back to Trna. Sorry about that. He doesnt fully understand the situation yet, he told her in Farbarnian.


    Then what is she here for?


    Shes looking for the fairy, Roth said. The fairy that was stolenst night. Turns out it wasnt a normal fairy, after all.


    Shes a Fiel. Fiel Queze Baderi, Trna corrected. In your English words, that means The Great High Fairy. She belongs to the Forest of Perpetual Night that lies in the western region of Farbarni. She is an important Fiel that belongs to a powerful n.


    Ahh And that means?


    Though Matoba was somewhat proficient in Farbarnian, he couldnt understand suchplicated words. The majority of the Farbarnian he knew consisted of useful phrases such as dont move or youre under arrest or Im gonna kick your ass.


    The chief stepped in to exin.


    That fairy is part of an important n in the Semani world. Seven days ago, she was kidnapped. All we know about the incident is that a smuggler took her across the gate. So, following the orders given to her by the Semanian knights, this Exedilikady was sent here to find and protect the fairy Understood?


    Pretty much, Trna nodded, puffing up her chest with pride. Due to an agreement between the Farbarni Kingdom and the country of the United Nations, the Knights of Mirvor, their apprentices included, were granted permission to carry out their acts of justice in the Dorini world. In order to protect the Great High Fiel, I wish to have you all aid me in my search. I make this request in the name of the Farbarni King.


    There you have it.


    I see But why did you call me back into the room to hear this? How does this weird agreement thing have anything to do with me?


    Youre going to work with her, Roth said.


    What?


    Youre going to search for the fairy with her.


    For a moment, Matoba stood dumbfounded. He was at a loss for words.


    Me? Work? With this alien?


    That term is discriminatory, Matoba. Call her Miss Exedilika.


    But the chiefs words werent registering in his mind.


    Could you please just give me a break already? Not even a day has passed since my partner of four years was killed. There are plenty of other detectives for the job, so why do you keep singling me out to do the dirty work? Boss, do you not care about avenging Rick?


    As Matoba raised his voice to a yell, Roth walked straight up to him.


    Matoba. Try asking me that question again. And this time, look me in the eye.


    Roths voice trembled with fury. His eyes, normally cold and emotionless, were filled with a zing glow. Of course he wanted to avenge Rick.


    Then why arent you letting me focus on my own work?


    I never told you not to focus on your work.


    Well how the hell am I supposed to do that with this on my te?


    Thatll be entirely up to you. In a case involving the Semani, there may be details that only a Semanian would understand. A resource like this will undoubtedly prove to be valuable down the road. It doesnt matter whether or not you like her.


    There was still not a single Semanian that worked in the San Teresa Police Department. It had been this way ever since the police department was first established ten years ago, back when the city was freed from the upation of the United Nations Command. It had been thought that thews of Earth should be enforced by the Earthlings themselves, and this belief had persisted to this day.


    I see. So Im the guinea pig now?


    If thats how you need to think about it to understand, then so be it. If youve got any problems, you can return that badge at any time, you know.


    So its an order, huh. So could I reject it by telling you to fuck off right now?


    Id like to see you try. You better not think that Im gonna give you any special treatment.


    For a while, they red at each other silently.


    The chief sat awkwardly on the sofa, rummaging through his pockets for a cigarette. The other bystanderTrna Exedilikawas staring at them with cold eyes. She cleared her throat loudly to get their attention.


    I dont care if you Dorini want to argue, Trna said. But I feel like my own will is beingpletely disregarded here. In order to carry out my acts of justice, I am only willing to partner with the most skilled, distinguished bolicemen. I will only ept valourous, resourceful, experienced, well-mannered bolice warriors. However, I do not believe that this obnoxious, indecent peasant here fits any of these criteria.


    Shut up, alien.


    See, look at him! Could you please just let this impudent man leave already? The fact that you even thought to assign this disgusting barbarian as my escort is a massive insult to the entire Farbarnian race!


    But Miss Exedelika The chief stammered. He nced over at Roth for help.


    Roth continued where the chief left off.


    Though he is certainly quite ill-mannered, Detective Matoba fits your other criteria perfectly. Hes one of the best officers we have, even within the entire San Teresa Police Department. Hes solved countless difficult cases and has even received medals for the many lives that hes saved. Hes well-acquainted with the area and has tons of connections. He was also part of the Special Reconnaissance Unit, so hes incredibly knowledgeable in the art of war.


    This man?


    Trna stared intently at Matobas face, as if trying to examine him. Her eyes were filled with doubt.


    He doesnt look like it at all. But even then, I value


    Cutting her off, Matobas boss spoke.


    Then well get you a man that has perfect manners and nothing else. However, I seriously doubt that itll help you find that precious Fiel of yours.


    Or do you still believe that good manners and respect are going to solve all of your problems? If were being honest, wed like you topletely disregard whether or not you like him.

 Book 1: Chapter 3.1

    Book 1: Chapter 3.1


    In the end, Roth and the chief got their way.


    Sick and tired of trying to argue with his superiors, Matoba had given the situation a second thought, deciding that there was some truth in his bosss words. In a city that was home to over 500,000 Semanian immigrants, they had to get a Semanian officer at some point.


    Only the Semani could understand the Semani.


    That was just the truth. It was a truth that Matoba had seen and experienced many times throughout the years.


    However, his biggest surprise was with how Trna had acted.


    Matoba had desperately hoped that by losing his temper in front of his boss, he would convince that Semanian to adamantly refuse to pair with him. Despite his horrendous attitude, Trna had eventually agreed to his bosss request. That fairy must have been really important to her. Trna had told the chief that she would allow Matoba to apany her as a guide for now, as long as he was really the distinguished bolice warrior that they imed him to be.


    She shouldnt have said anything.


    They clearly despised each other, and that would have been the perfect opportunity for them to finally be freed.


    Though he kept his mouth shut, Kei Matoba radiated an aura of immense displeasure as he left the chiefs office. He told Trna to wait in the break room on the 10th floor and walked off to the Document Center. He came back with a thick folder full of papersa list of former convictsthat he proceeded to shove onto her.


    What is this?


    Run your eyes over it. I have something that I need to get done, he said, leaving Trna and heading toward his office.


    The office of the Special Vice Squad was located on the 10th floor of headquarters, but the room could not be found on a floor map. The entrance was simrly difficult to find, consisting of an incredibly in-looking door that had a Resource Management Department sign hanging above it. Because this was the department that handled investigations of organized crime, security was always tight.


    The detectives that worked in the department would typically never enter headquarters through the front doors of the building. They would enter the subway station located one block away, head toward the entrancebeled employees only, and pass through an underground tunnel that led into headquarters. It was reminiscent of the secret bases that often appeared in spy movies, but these were serious measures that needed to be taken. Many of the departments officers frequently worked undercover, assuming separate identities as pimps or drug dealers. If any of their business partners happened to catch them walking into the police building in broad daylight, things could get ugly.


    He walked into the Special Vice Squad office.


    Inside, it looked like any other typical San Teresa Police Department office. Eighteen desks were ced throughout the room, separated by thin blue boards. Aside from the old PCs ced on every one of them, each officers desk was arranged differently. Hanging on the walls were calendars, schedules, attendance records and other things of the sort. At the very back of the room was the bosss office, sectioned off with ss panels.


    Matobas eyes met his colleagues. He was subsequently told sorry about Rick around fifty times or so. Exhibiting inhuman mental fortitude, Matoba politely replied to every colleague with a simple yeah, me too.


    The sixth person to tell him this, detective Tony Magby, wrapped his arms around Matoba, tears flowing down his face. Its so cruel. This must be hard for you, Kei, he cried, though what he said should have been obvious by now. Tony was a great guy, but he was also gay, and Matoba felt a bit awkward as he stroked his shoulders in constion.


    Matoba walked over to put away the items that were left on Rick Furys desk.


    Countless thoughts began to flood his mind, but he cast everyst sorrow out of his head. If he really wanted to avenge Rick, he couldnt let his feelings of grief get to him. He kept his mind nk as he stored Ricks belongings in a cardboard box. He picked up a gold trophy, a family photo, an unfinished novel, an old iPod, a shoe polishing kit, et cetera, et cetera


    Wrapping up the cleaning and paperwork in just an hour, Matoba left the office. He returned to the break room, where Trna sat waiting for him. Each of the officers that walked by shot her a nce of curiosity and fascination.


    Did you find anyone you know?


    No, Trna answered nkly, the bulky folder still resting on herp.


    We have fifty more files like that, with names all the way from A to Z. You see that room over there? You can find them in that room. Ill give you three days to look through all of them. Easy work, huh?


    Trna looked at him dejectedly.


    And Im guessing that youre going to spend that time doing your own work?


    That is none of your business.


    I see that youre doing everything you can to annoy me, Keh Imatooba. However, make no mistake, though I did agree to work with you, I dont remember saying that I would follow your orders.


    Is that so?


    I will not waste any more of my time staring at these rows of ugly faces. Im not some sort of rustic that would be amazed by mere pictures. Now, you shall take me with you.


    He knew it woulde down to this.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Matoba walked down the hallway.


    Thene along and take a look with me.


    At what?


    The zombies.


    The San Teresa Autopsy Center was located right across the road from headquarters. All it took was a short thirty-second trip across Blueber street to get there. Deciding not to use the underground tunnel, they exited through the back entrance of the building and crossed the road under the noon sky. Trna silently followed behind Matoba.


    The autopsy center was a brick building that stood four stories tall. In its underground morguey the body of the man with the peace sign t-shirt that Matoba had shot the previous night.


    The bodyy inside arge container that resembled a filing cab. The drawer containing the body was pulled out. Looking down at the now blueish-white corpse, the autopsy manager, Cecil Epps, spoke.


    We were going to transport the body soon.


    Cecil was a young forensic doctor, still in her twenties. She had been working with the San Teresa Police for around two years now. She wore a whiteb coat over a dark suit, and her brown hair was arranged into a short bob. Her shape, face and demeanor all radiated an aura of cheerfulness, and she was so beautiful that she could have easily been in one of those gravure photoshoots. Maybe it was a side effect of her work, but her skin had a faint bluish-white tint.


    Should I let you know what I found?


    No need to. Ive already read about it.


    I see. Well, theres no doubt that he was killed by the 9mm bullets that you shot. He had multiple gunshot wounds, one perforating wound and two prating wounds. It was very difficult to find the bullets scattered throughout his body, so if you can, could you use a different type of bullet from now on?


    Ill consider it, Cecil.


    But in reality, Matoba did not intend to stop his use of his deadly hollow point bullets, because with his job, just one wrong move could make him the oneying dead on that rack. Though he was constantly bracing himself for a violent death, he was absolutely not about to end up on the autopsy table, his stomach cut open, his organs measured and messed around with by Cecil. These feelings were part of the reason why they didnt get along so well in the past.


    Trna looked down at the Filipinos dead body. Her expression was emotionless. Matoba had thought that she would show at least a bit of a reaction, but there was no hint of fear or repulsion in her face. She clearly wasnt trying to hide anything, either.


    This must not be the first time shes seen something like this.


    Otherwise, she wouldnt have been able to stare so calmly at a body in such a gruesome condition.


    And? Whyd youe to this haunted house of a building? Is there anything in particr that you need to examine? Cecil asked.


    I need to know if he really ran for two kilometers after being shot.


    Are you trying to say that someone else may have carried the body?


    Yeah


    Thats definitely not the case here. Its certain that he ran for two kilometers with his own legs before dropping dead.


    Hmm.


    His oxygen density andctic acid levels were crazy. ording to our calctions, he ran for around 500 meters after being shot, at which point he entered a biologically dead state. And then he somehow ran for 1500 meters after that.


    Almost like a zombie, huh


    I have a forensic medicine seminar with the Semani in June. Can I use this case as a talking point?


    Feel free to. Was he under the influence of any drugs?


    Not at all. He had drunk a small amount of beer, but thats it. In his stomach, we found some messy traces of chicken, eggnt, cheese, and some sort of bread product. He probably had pizza or hamburgers.


    As she went on about this nauseating topic, Cecil nced at the clock on the wall.


    That reminds me, I havent had lunch yet. You wanna go out somewhere afterwards?


    No thanks. Maybe next time.


    Really? Thats disappointing.


    Cecil ced her hand on the zipper of the body bag. Her delicate fingertips had a faint purple tint around the nails. It was probably Ninhydrin, a special fluorescent coating that was used to extract fingerprints from the body. From what Matoba had heard, it took at least three days toe off once it got stuck on the skin.


    But to reiterate, there were no drugs involved.


    I dont know about that.


    It was Trna who spoke. She had beenpletely silent up until that moment. Cecil seemed to have just noticed her presence, and she stared curiously at the Semanians pure white face.


    Umm? Excuse me, who is this pretty youngdy right here?


    Shes a noble from the other side. She came here to search for the fairy that this dead man had brought with him.


    Oh, is that so. My name is Cecil Epps. Nice to meet you, youngdy.


    My name is Exedilika, not youngdy. I dont know anything about Dorini medicine, but I sense the smell of Fieling from this mans body, Trna said, staring down at the face that peeked out from the opening in the bag.


    Smell?


    Yes. It is the scent of the Rahtena emitted by the fairy.


    Uhh What is Rahtena? Cecil asked, sniffing the air as if to catch the scent.


    Rahtena is Rahtena.


    Not a very good exnation


    Sensing Cecils questioning gaze, Matoba opened his mouth.


    I dont really know, either. Ive heard that its some sort of magical energy used by the Semani.


    Ahh, so its like mana, Cecil said, understanding immediately.


    Mana? Whats that?


    Havent you yed any fantasy RPGs, Kei? A lot of them involve a form of magical energy with that name.


    No idea.


    Matoba had no interest in those types of games. When he heard HP, he thought of hollow point bullets, and he heard of MP, he thought mystery police. That was the extent of his RPG knowledge. There was no way he knew a word like mana.


    So? What is this scent of the Rahtena that you speak of? Itd be great if you could track down the fairy just by its smell. Then we could just have one of the police dogs smell the body and take it for a walk around the city, Matoba said.


    Tilrarna let out a sigh of frustration.


    Do you not have a brain? When I said that there was a scent, I was just using the word closest to what you Dorini can understand. To put it in different terms, its more like a feeling, not something that you can actually smell with your nose.


    Okay. And how are you able to sense it?


    A Mildeeta (sorcerer) can easily tell, Trna said coolly.


    So you can use magic?


    A little.


    Hmm. Then use those magic powers of yours to find out where the suspect is. Then our entire case will be solved.


    Instead of getting angry at Matobas sarcastic response, Trna stared at him with an expression of heartfelt pity.


    It seems that you have no critical thinking ability, Keh Imatooba. The request that youre making right now is like asking a Dorini to write words using a frying ban. The Mildi is powerful, but it is not omnipotent. Now, pound that knowledge into your puny little brain.


    As you wish, your highness. I will forever remember your noble, generous, and utterly useless words.


    Trna red at him. Matoba looked away. Cecil watched them, not doing anything to help lighten the abysmal mood. Instead, she stared intently at Matoba and spoke in an off-key manner.


    Umm, So you two dont get along well, huh?


    If it looks that way, its probably true.


    If youre asking if I hate this man, then the answer is yes.


    Ah, okay, Cecil nodded. She pointed at the dead body thaty on the rack. So, setting that aside for now, what did you mean by the scent of the fairys Rahtena that you sensed on the body? You never finished your exnation.


    Realizing that their arguing had detracted from an important point, Matoba and Trna awkwardly cleared their throats.

 Book 1: Chapter 3.2

    Book 1: Chapter 3.2


    Trna had been referring to the substance known as fairy dust.


    The dead Filipino had been an abuser of fairy dust, she exined.


    Fairy dust was a strange narcotic drug that was made from Semanian fairies. Its effects varied greatly based on the specific methods used to create it, but most variants induced intense feelings of ecstasy and caused vivid hallucinations. Some of its other possible effects included numbing of pain, short-term mental hyperactivity, and development of inhuman athletic ability and reflexes.


    Living up to its ssification as a narcotic, fairy dust was highly addictive.


    Just a few uses wouldnt cause much damage, but once one became addicted, they would begin to experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Among these symptoms were headaches, nausea, paranoia, and mental derangement. These effects were all fairly typical for drugs of the sort, but the most prominent symptom was an extremeck of control over ones body. There must have been signs of this in the Filipinos behavior, but Matoba had failed to catch them.


    ording to Trna, in order for a human to be possessed so potently that they exhibit monstrous strength, they must be severely weakened. Therefore, the Filipinos control over his body must have been drastically reduced through his abuse of fairy dust.


    It was an interesting theory, but the knowledge itself wouldnt help them directly.


    Fairy dust was a fairlymon substance that could be found almost anywhere. They would have to interrogate the other Filipino to figure out where they got that particr fairy.


    Matoba returned to headquarters. He began a harsh interrogation of the Filipino with the 5-0 t-shirt.


    As soon as Matoba threatened to use force, the man spoke.


    He imed that they had stolen the fairy from the car of a Colombian gang.


    Therefore, we need to force answers out of those Colombian gangster men, is that correct? Trna asked, sitting in the passenger seat of the Cooper S.


    This time, she had unattached her sheath before climbing in and shut the door without hesitation.


    Well, I guess you could put it that way.


    Where are those gangsters?


    Were going to go find them right now.


    Trna had followed after him without permission, climbed into his car without permission, and was now asking him questions without permission, as if this was all part of her routine now. Thinking himself generous for taking the time to answer, Matoba elerated forward.


    Nyuu


    The Semanian made that strange noise again.


    Though she tried her best to keep a calm expression, her bodynguage indicated that she was anything but calm. Her back was glued to the seat as she stared directly ahead, gripping her sword tightly with both hands.


    Matoba had the same thought when they drove from the Coast Guard Base to headquarters, but


    (I wonder if shes bad with cars)


    Horse-like animals existed in the Semani world, and horse-drawn carriages existed as well, but what speed could they realistically travel at? Probably nowhere near 80 kilometers per hour, possibly not even 50. Maybe they traveled at around 20 to 30 kilometers per hour, and she had just never experienced the incredible speed of Earths vehicles.


    I see, Matoba muttered to himself, shifting the lever into fifth gear.


    He stepped on the gas pedal. The supercharger roared as the car elerated even further. They swerved left and right as they shiftednes, speeding past the cars and trucks that ran ahead. The sound of screeching brakes and ring horns rang out from all around them. Outside the window, traffic lights and road signs flew past at incredible speeds as the scene blurred into a chaotic swirl.


    Ah!


    Trnas white fingertips turned even whiter as her grip on the sword tightened. Matoba nced over at her.


    Im in a hurry. If youre too scared, just let me know, he said cooly.


    Sc-, scared? Dont say such stupid things. Go as fast as you Eek! As you want, Trna said, flinching as she watched a truck nearly graze their side mirror.


    As you wish Oh yeah, some music would be perfect right about now.


    Matoba turned on the car radio. An 80s hard rock song red from the speakers, filling the car with its heavy beat and violent melody. Though Matoba had been feeling down for the past few days, he felt himself returning back to normal. It was a good feeling.


    Trna clutched her hands over her ears.


    What is this horrible sound!? She screamed.


    Its Rock!


    What!?


    The driving force of the Dorini! Come on, its exciting, isnt it? Matoba yelled back, smacking the steering wheel to the beat of the drums.


    It was around three oclock in the afternoon when they passed through New Guinness Street onto Madeira street.


    They headed into the Western region of San Teresa, an area known as the Seven Miles. The area was seven miles long from top to bottom, and it was under charge of the seventh branch of the STPD. Countless gang organizations resided in the area, throwing it into turmoil as they fought for power.


    In other words, it wasnt a very tourist-friendly part of town.


    Matoba parked in front of the club that was their destination. He peered at Trnas deathly pale face.


    Really stands out, huh.


    What does? Trna asked, with dark circles under her eyes.


    You do. How should I put it You arent white, youre super white. What did you do to get your skin this white? Are there some sort of magic hot springs in your hometown?


    I dont know. Ive been like this since the day I was born.


    Even your clothes are white. You look otherworldly.


    I prefer the term beautiful. And Im more bothered by the filthiness of the clothes you wear.


    Trnas tunic and coatplemented her look perfectly. Compared to the citys Semanian immigrants, who wore bizarre-looking clothes with distinct geometric patterns or outfits that made them resemble 70s funk artists, her clothes werent too out of the ordinary.


    However, she still stood out.


    Her beautiful face, her youth, her clothes, everything about her stood out. If he took her with him, he would end up attracting an unnecessary amount of attention.


    Wait over here But even if I tell you that, you arent gonna listen to me, arent you.


    Of course I wont.


    Matoba sighed.


    Then do as you please. But whatever you do, dont even think ofing close to me. I dont want anyone to think that I know you.


    Same here. Dont talk to me.


    Hmph.


    Matoba climbed out of the car and walked toward the club. Trna silently followed after him, keeping her distance.


    The sun was still in the sky, and the neon signs lining the storefront were no longer lit up. Alongside arge sign depicting a womans legs hung the name of the club, the Lady Chapel. A CLOSED sign hung on the knob of the ss door. As Matoba walked into the store, he could hear Trna muttering the word Queneesba behind him. In Farbarnian, that meant how vulgar or something like that.


    As they stepped into the dimly lit club, they were confronted by a ck man in a suit. He wasrge bodied, and must have weighed at least 120 kilograms. He was the clubs bouncer.


    We open at 19 oclock. Come backter he started, pausing when he saw Matobas annoyed face. Oh, excuse me, Samurai Officer.


    Kenny, is ONeil in there?


    Yeah. Hes talking on the phone over there And whos this bitch? Kenny asked, ncing at Trna and knitting his eyebrows suspiciously.


    Ignore her.


    Isnt she an alien? I dont like them at all.


    Then Ill leave that up to you. Meanwhile, Im gonna pass.


    Matoba walked past Kenny. Trna tried to follow after him, but Kenny blocked her way.


    Stop right there, little girl.


    What?


    Mr. Matoba is fine, but Im not letting you in. Go wait outside.


    <i>This is going to be interesting,</i> Matoba thought.


    What would that girl do when faced by an intimidating man over three times her size? Though Matoba hadnt put her in this situation on purpose, it would be perfect if she could just get scared and hurry away. Then, he could tell her there are tons of scary men like that in this city. You should stay back at headquarters, where its safe. He would finally be freed from having to babysit.


    Trna stood upright, staring straight up at Kennys face.


    Did you not hear me, little girl? Now hurry up and turn around


    Trna pivoted her body. A blinding silver light shed from her sheath as she spun around in aplete circle. Her de sent a sharp wind through the air. <i>Clink, </i>a small metallic sound rang out as her thin de was slid back into its sheath.


    Kenny stood frozen with shock. His tie had been cut off, right below the knot. The severed tie fluttered down to the ground.


    Turn around, you say?


    Feel free to pass, miss.


    Good.


    Trna walked past Kenny as if nothing had happened. The bouncer wore an expression of clear dismay. God fucking damn it, that was a 150 dor tie, he grumbled.


    Did you expect me to get scared and ask you for help? Trna asked, staring at Matobas face. Her eyes were filled not with satisfaction, but with indignation, as if she had been looked down on.


    No Well, yeah, I guess.


    He had not expected things to go this way.


    Though he knew that she was proficient in the art of the sword, he did not expect her to fight back so confidently against a huge muscr man like Kenny. He realized that he shouldn''t be fooled by her young appearance.


    I am an apprentice knight of the Mirvor. Dont treat me like Im just a normal child.


    So youre aware that you look and act like a child.


    I Im just ate bloomer! Dont say such disrespectful things!


    Hmm.


    Disappointed that his little scheme had failed, Matoba headed toward the back of the club. He needed to talk to the clubs owner, a man named ONeil.


    As they weaved through the flipped-over tables and chairs, they saw a ck man sitting in a booth near the back of the room. It was ONeil. He wore a cored clerical robe. His head was bald like a monk, and he wore a pair of round sunsses. On the table in front of himy aptopputer and a stack of 1,000 dor bills. He was talking to someone on his cell phone.


    Hmm, thats it! That will make for some excellent business! Dont you agree? Those fifty 50-inch LCD monitors that we got from those sinful youngins must be a gift from God. Almost like were on the summit of mount Etna


    Noticing Matoba''s presence, the bald robed man lowered his voice. He was probably in the middle of a negotiation over stolen goods, as usual.


    No. Oh, those fifty monitors that I was talking about were just an analogy. I dont have anything like that Ah, no, thats not it Ill exin that to youter. Business is full of metaphors, and its just another form of religious expression No, I appreciate your understanding. No, my customers have just arrived. God bless you, and goodbye!


    Abruptly ending the call, the man looked up at Matoba as if nothing had happened.


    Ay, man! Sorry for the holdup, detective Matoba! Are you feeling the wonderful power of God today? And that beautiful girl right there must be a Semanian Wee, wee to our ce of service! Would you like any drinks?


    Hey, ONeil. Seems like things are going well, huh.


    The man, Bis ONeil, calmly put away his phone and straightened his posture as he sat on the sofa. He imed to be a pastor, but he was frequently involved in all sorts of shady business on the side. However, he was very knowledgeable about what went on in the underground world of crime, so Matoba often used him as a valuable source of information.


    Things are going well? Dont say such foolish things!


    ONeil brought his hands to his chest and gazed up at the ceiling.


    Detective Matoba, do you never read the news? This city of San Teresa is gued with horrible unemployment, financial instability and crime. Standing in the middle of this city, seeing the daily struggles of the people around you, are your words not disrespectful to the great God above that works endlessly to solve his peoples struggles?


    Are they? From the way you talked on that phone call, it seemed that things were going well. Something about fifty 50-inch monitors, if I recall correctly?


    You must have been hearing things. After all, youre too young to fully understand the words of God.


    Would you like to talk to the seventh branchs anti-theft department instead? Matoba asked, mming his hands on the table and ring into ONeils sunsses.


    Hmph! O''Neil nodded, knitting his eyebrows and muttering something under his breath. If I can be of any help to you, let me know. If you have any sins you must confess to me, feel free to do so. I shall bless you with my enlightening words.


    ONeil, I Matoba started, glowering at him. I absolutely hate these annoying formalities, and how you have to drag them into every single conversation we have. You may be obsessed with all of this religious stuff, but, quite frankly, I dont give a shit about any of it.


    That is incredibly disappointing. Oh, I hate those who promote violence, and it is very worrying to hear these words from a man tasked with keeping San Teresa safe! It is regrettable beyond words.


    Shut up, Matoba snapped, cutting him off. Im looking for a certain group of Colombian men. They ride in a Mitsubishi Pajero, probably a recent model. Theyre involved in all sorts of shady business near the gate. A few days ago, they brought a fairy from the other side. Im asking if you know anything about it, he said, weaving together the various details that he got out of his interrogation of the Filipino.


    Ho?


    If you tell me what you know, that god of yours will bless you with wonderful business. If you dont tell me, you will be beckoned by a certain goddess that holds a sword in one hand and a scale in the other. Her name is the court. Shell be asking you about those 50 wonderful monitors that you were talking about earlier. You follow me?


    Youre a simple one, detective Matoba. If you keep it up with that attitude, your heart will fall into the hands of Satan!


    Im a Tendai buddhist. I dont know of this Satan that you speak of.


    I have heard that Buddhists are gentle Gentle enough to be driven out of their ownnd by heretics, at the very least.


    Im not. So do you know or do you not know? Give me a clear answer.


    ONeil took a deep breath.


    Well, I cant say that I dont know.


    Ho


    The Colombians thate and go in this ce of worship are very ethical and hardworking, though. Some of them constantly travel back and forth to the Semani world. However, among those people


    You know them, dont you.


    Well, the answer would be yes. However, theyre violent. Id like you to make me a promise. If they found out that I told you their names, they would take this sacred ce, this wonderful ce filled with the power of God, and tear it apart. Yes, if that happened, I wouldnt be able to do business for an entire month.


    If you dont hurry up, Ill stop you from doing business for the rest of your life. You want me to destroy this ce?


    I knew that you would say such a thing, brother! O''Neil eximed, picking up a white napkin off of the table and waving it before his face.


    That was almost like a Dirione, Trna said, sitting in the passenger seat of the running car.


    Having collected some vague information from pastor O''Neil, they had left the club.


    Dirione?


    The word sounded vaguely familiar, but Matoba couldnt recall where he had heard it.


    Im talking about your conversation with that priest. It means skit in yournguage, if I recall correctly. Thats it. It reminded me of an unpopr Dirione that I once saw.


    Was it interesting?


    No, it was very boring.


    Is that so? Matoba replied absent-mindedly, turning the steering wheel to drive into the intersection. It was well past five oclock, and dusk had fallen over the dreary-looking city.


    ONeil is a special one. I talk to all sorts of strange people for information, but Hes a really weird one. He is?


    Lets keep this between the two of us. ONeil is a criminal all right, but even then, he hates serious crimes like drug trafficking or murder. He holds all sorts of really suspicious seminars and fundraisers, and trades some shady goods of questionable legitimacy, but still, he can be trusted, to a certain extent. Well, its hard to really hate him.


    He looked like nothing but a filthy thief to me, Trna said coldly.


    Well, you arent wrong.


    Then why are you trusting a man like that?


    Because I need to.


    The Semanian knight raised her voice.


    Keh Imatooba. I will begrudgingly ept your annoying and disrespectful attitude. However, though I am familiar with the English saying that goes do as the Romans do, when ites to this, I simply cannot understand. Arent you bolice supposed to be working in the name of justice? I had heard that they are, unlike the military, tasked with protecting the safety of the public and punishing those whomit evil acts. Hearing that such brave warriors existed among the Dorini, I had high hopes for you. But now, all of that


    Trna took a gulp of air.


    Cooperating with a thief? And conveniently ignoring their crimes because of it? I cannot believe it. Do you bolice not have any sense of pride?


    It wasnt something that he could just dismiss byughing and saying youre so naive. Her voice was too serious.


    Trna was right. He was neglecting his own duty as a police officer.


    Itsplicated, Matoba managed to say. Protecting the public and punishing evil, huh. There must have been a simpler time where that approach wouldve worked. Now, though Well, its veryplicated.


    I dont understand.


    No one does.


    The car ran on.


    As they sped through the intersection, Matoba gently lifted his foot off of the clutch pedal. For a man who stomped down on the elerator just to scare his passenger earlier that day, it was a very kind gesture.

 Book 1: Chapter 4.1

    Book 1: Chapter 4.1


    They were able to use the information they got from ONeil to pin down the identity of the Colombian man. He was indeed the man who had carried the fairy into San Teresa.


    Surprisingly, ONeil had extensive records of the license tes of those who entered his club. Matoba had singled out the suspicious-looking numbers and had them examined by an acquaintance that worked in the Seventh Branch. Soon enough, the Colombians address was revealed.


    His name was Antonio Alvarez, 24 years old. He had a criminal record, and had been arrested twice in the past.


    He lives in the apartment on 5081 Mason Street. Room 603. Understood? You owe me one now, Kei.


    Thanks for the help, Roy.


    On the other side of the call was a sergeant of the Seventh Branch. He was an old friend of Matoba from their days in the police academy. Though Matobas tone was grateful, he did not at all consider himself to be Roys debt. He couldve figured it out just as easily on his own, and his request was nothing but a greeting of sorts, meant to ease the awkward rtionship between the officers of the branch and headquarters.


    He contacted Roth.


    Did you find anything?


    Kind of.


    Matoba recited the Colombians address to his boss.


    That Colombian named Alvarez was the one who brought the fairy into the city in the first ce. The Filipinos just stole it from him. He must have been shocked when he found out that his precious product had been stolen. He must be looking for it right now. Or maybe hes evacuating the city as we speak. Whichever it is, were going to find out soon.


    Do you need any backup? Roth asked.


    He was asking if he required a SWAT team or something simr.


    No, Ill be fine. Only worry if you dont get a call from me in 30 minutes.


    Understood. What about that Semanian, Exedilika?


    Shes sitting in the passenger seat. Would you like to talk to her? Matoba asked, pointing the cell phone toward Trna. Say hello.


    What? Trna asked skeptically.


    I heard her. Dont let her get hurt, okay? Roth said through the phone.


    Well, Ill try.


    But dont head out just yet.


    Why?


    I need to inform the Seventh Branch. You wouldnt want them unknowingly interfering.


    I already let them know. I talked to Roy.


    That wont be enough. Theres a very important Semanian sitting next to you. Im going to have to consult the branchs chief about this.


    <i>Damn it,</i> Matoba swore in his head. Why did they have to do this?


    Understood. But please get it done quickly.


    He parked his car on the side of the road. They were near the residential district of the Seven Miles. The streets nearby were lined with countless one-story houses.


    Were gonna have to wait here, Matoba said.


    As he turned off the engine, Trna finally loosened her grip on the sword handle.


    So were going to capture that Colombian?


    Well, yeah. But were going to have to wait until boss gives us the thumbs up.


    Sneaking back in his seat, Matoba let out a low-pitched groan.


    The sun had already begun to set, and the lights were on in Alvarezs room. He wanted to have a quick meal before they went in, but it would probably be better to wait until this was all over. Since there were two people in the car, one of them could go buy something from the convenience store while the other keeps watch, but he couldnt trust Trna with anything.


    Matoba turned on the radio. A broadcast of the Super Bowl began to y.


    The sporting event was not being broadcasted from San Teresa, but from Anta. Last year, the AFC had beenpletely dominated by the Patriots and all of Matobas colleagues hadined about how boring the season was, but Matoba had no interest in football. However, he enjoyed watching baseball, especially since there were tons of great yers from Japan.


    I dont get it, Trna muttered as she listened to the broadcast. What are these voicesing from the raydio talking about?


    Theyre talking about sports. Its all part of a proxy war held between the Earthlings.


    ?


    Your kingdom has sports too, right? Or maybe you watch diator-esque fights to the death as entertainment?


    We do have something like that in our world.


    Surprisingly, Trna had recognized the word diator.


    But our kingdom hasnt held them for over 200 years now. Nowadays, theyre all fought with wooden swords and performed as entertainment for the royalty.


    Thats surprising to hear. So you all have at least some regard for human life, huh.


    Of course we do. We arent like you Dorini. We dont dump poison out of our workshops and murder newborn babies without batting an eye.


    Pollution and abortion? Those are reallyplicated issues, you know. Well, lets not get into any political discussion.


    Its not about politics. Its about basic morals.


    Whatever you say.


    They waited for around fifteen minutes, absentmindedly listening to the broadcast. They barely spoke to each other.


    Staring out the window, Trna abruptly broke the silence.


    Farbarnya, she said.


    ?


    Its a Farbarnian. A Semanian. He just walked by.


    Matoba saw a ck-coated man in the corner of his vision. The man walked across a wide road and disappeared as he turned the corner. Matoba couldnt see his face.


    I thought there were no Semanians living in this area?


    There arent many, but that doesnt mean there are none, Matoba said, staring indifferently.


    Trna narrowed her eyes, staring intently at the corner that the man had disappeared behind. She fell silent for around 30 seconds.


    I smelled something.


    You smell something? Well, I guess you aliens all reek of the countryside.


    You fool, its the Rahtena. Its the same scent that I sensed on the corpse.


    Mm


    Sitting up straight, Matoba looked closely at the turn that the man had taken. Though the man was nowhere in sight, he recognized the building that the man had entered. It was the apartment of their Colombian suspect, Alvarez.


    Could it be?


    For a moment, he hesitated. His boss still hadnt given him the thumbs up.


    To hell with that!


    Shit.


    Making the split-second decision to pursue the man, Matoba shoved open the door and leapt out of the car. Pulling out the automatic pistol from behind his waist, he sprinted toward Alvarezs apartment?


    Were going in? Trna asked, casually following after him.


    Coming to a halt, Matoba red at her.


    No. Stay in the car.


    I refuse.


    Stop fucking around! Why the hell do you need toe along? Now shut up and go


    No. He was running out of time. He couldnt waste any more of it trying to argue.


    Just do whatever the hell you want, goddammit!


    Clicking his tongue, Matoba ran. He sprinted down the sidewalk, kicked down the apartment gate, running past the mailboxes into theno, he couldnt use the elevator, it was already on the sixth floor. He ran toward the back of the building, to the stairs. Alvarezs room was on the sixth floor. He flew up the stairs, skipping three steps at a time, as fast as a bullet. It was a pace that would be impossible for a little girl to keep up with. But sure enough, he heard Trnas footsteps and breathing right behind him.


    No way. She was actually following him.


    Despite his astonishment, Matoba did not turn around once as he continued to sprint up the dark staircase. The grimy walls and rusty railings blurred past him as he ran.


    Third floor, fourth floor, fifth floor. Finally, he had arrived at the sixth floor.


    He began to run out of breath. His stamina had seriously dropped since his time in the self-defense forces, Matoba thought scornfully.


    He ran into the hallway of the sixth floor. His target was in room 603.


    Oh my god


    As he had expected, the door of room 603 was left hanging open. It had been forced open from the outside.


    He might still have time. Clinging onto thisst bit of hope, Matobapletely disregarded every step of the search-and-seizure process that he had learned in his training. He barged straight into the room, trusting nothing but his gut, experience, and instincts.


    He passed through the doorway. There was a bedroom on the left, and a bathroom on the right. There was no one in them. Taking a quick nce at their interior, Matoba faced back forward and ran into the living room. Sitting in front of a 30-inch monitor, atop a wine-red sofa, were two men.


    This is the police, dont move! Matoba yelled, aiming his 9mm pistol with a steady hand.


    The man looked at him. He held a knife in his right hand. His hand moved.


    A blinding sh shot out as the knife spun through the air, straight toward Matobas head. Barely grazing the skin on his cheek, the knife shot past, piercing the door behind him.


    No. To say that it pierced the door would be an understatement. The knife ripped straight through the door panel, burying its de in the wall on the other side. The hinge was twisted apart from the impact as it detached and fell.


    His strength was unbelievable. It was far beyond anything that a normal human was capable of.


    Matoba couldnt afford to feel fear. He immediately pulled the trigger on his pistol, but at that exact same moment, he felt a powerful thud in the side of his body. Trna had shoved him to the side. His bullet missed the target. The man staggered back and attempted to flee the room. Chasing after him, Trna drew a wide arc through the air with her sword. The de barely missed the tip of his nose as he leapt backwards.


    His agility was inhuman.


    He did a backflip through the air. Landing in front of the window, he pulled out a pistol. No, it wasnt just any regr pistol. It was a machine pistol. An Israeli micro uzi.


    He held the fully-automatic gun sideways. The barrel of the gun zed as he opened fire. The ear-splitting sound of gunfire filled the air as the bullets flew.


    Matoba yanked Trna to the ground as she tried to swing her sword, ignoring the gunfire. If he had been just a secondte, she would have been dead. A storm of 9mm bullets sprayed through the air above their heads as they took cover.


    Bullet holes scattered across the wall behind them, tearing apart the postcards that hung on it and pulverizing the vases andmps that stood nearby.


    Goddammit! Matoba yelled, firing back.


    Torn-up bits of drywall and shards of ss flew onto them. Yelling, Matoba continued to shoot back. Though he couldnt aim properly amidst the chaos, he had to make an opening. All he had to do was get the man to just flinch once


    But the enemy didnt flinch at all.


    It was almost as if he didnt care for his own life. He walked back slowly as he continued his machine-like shooting. Matoba couldnt even stick his head out. For a brief moment, the shooting ceased. The enemy was reloading his gun. It was now or never.


    Bolting up to his feet, Matoba opened fire. Three bullets pierced the mans body.


    But he did not fall. He nonchntly pulled the bolt and aimed the gun at Matoba. Another storm of bullets began to rain out. Shoving down Trna as she tried to stand up, Matoba took cover once again.


    As soon as he emptied his gun, the man shattered the ss window in the back of the room and leapt out onto the balcony. He was going to escape through the emergency exit.


    The moment Matoba and Trna stood back up, they screamed at each other.


    Why did you get in my way!?

 Book 1: Chapter 4.2

    Book 1: Chapter 4.2


    Matoba had been shoved to the side as he fired his gun, and Trna had been dragged to the ground as she tried to swing her sword. Their teamwork was horrendous, but funnily enough, they had yelled the exact same thing at the exact same time.


    However, now was not the time to argue. Clicking his tongue in frustration, Matoba hurried over to the window.


    We have to follow him! You go down the elevator and wait for him at the bottom of the


    Pausing in the middle of his sentence, Matoba scratched his head. He had been nning to trap the man by covering both ends of the staircase, but he couldnt trust this little girl with such aplicated maneuver.


    Never mind. Stay here. And dont move.


    I refuse. I will go and capture him.


    Just shut up and stay! Matoba yelled, his voice shaking with anger.


    Trna ignored him. She ran straight past Matoba and leapt through the frame of the shattered window.


    Hold on! Are you out of your mind? The enemy has a machine gun! Matoba yelled, astonished at her recklessness.


    But that was when he finally noticed the change in her appearance.


    She was wearing a set of white armor.


    The shiny surface of the silvery white armor was covered in delicate engravings. It protected every vital part of her tiny body, and it was crafted with an efficient, lightweight design that did not limit her movement at all. It was visibly different from the Farbarnian clothes that she had been wearing earlier.


    When did this happen?


    There hadnt been a single second that she could have taken to change into the armor.


    Do not worry. This set of armor provides excellent protection against the weapons of the Dorini.


    Her expression was calm and rxed, yet it did not form a smile. At that moment, Trnas childlike aura transformed into that of a fierce, hardened warrior. It was an aura that Matoba had felt before, made by soldiers and police officers moments before they threw themselves into the face of danger, fully understanding the risks that they were taking. That same look could now be seen on Trnas face.


    Trna disappeared from the window as she chased after the assassin. Now, Matoba would have to be the one to catch him at the bottom. He exited the apartment room into the hallway, where the elevator was still waiting for him. He sprinted inside and pressed the button for the first floor.


    Countless thoughts raced through his mind as the elevator began its descent. Just like the Filipino who killed Rick, that assassin had been possessed. He was being manipted by the Semanian sorcerer. There was no doubt about it. That monstrous strength and stamina, those wild, animalistic movements, made as if he did not feel any fear or pain at all. And if the man was really nothing but a puppet, even if they managed to capture him, it would be difficult to get any information out of him.


    But still, something felt off. Why would the sorcerer arm the man with a machine pistol and have him fight back against them? If the murder of that Colombian was his only task, why did he have to run away like that? Why didnt he just use the knife tomit suicide after he killed Alvarez?


    The elevator arrived at the first floor.


    Irritated at how slow the doors were to open, Matoba sprinted out of the elevator. The emergency staircase connected to the balcony was located on the west side of the apartment building. When the assassin reached the bottom of the stairs, he would likely run northward, through the alley behind the building.


    Matoba arrived at the alley and turned toward the emergency staircase. The Semanian assassin was standing on the tform between the second and third floors. Trna rushed down the stairs of the third floor, holding her drawn sword in her hand. Raising his gun, the man took aim at the girl.


    Stay back


    His voice was drowned out by the sound of automatic gunfire. A storm of bullets sped through the air toward Trna. She held her hands in a cross, protecting her head. The bullets rained onto her, striking her in the shoulders, chest, stomach, and thighs.


    !


    She had been shot. Her tiny body convulsed with each bullet that struck her. Her knees gave out as she fell backwards onto the stairs, sliding down the steps.


    The man vaulted over the staircase railing andnded on the ground.


    Freeze!


    Now was not the time to worry about Trna. Matobas extensive experience as a police officer told him this. As he expected, the assassin immediately pointed the pistol toward him. Matoba fired his gun. It pierced the mans chest, striking him right near his heart. Despite the injury, the man fired right back. The countless bullets sprayed through the air in every direction possible, colliding into the ground and buildings nearby.


    Taking cover behind a garbage can, Matoba clicked his tongue angrily. These puny 9mm bullets wouldnt leave a scratch. He should have brought the shotgun stored in his car. Even a zombie wouldnt stand a chance against the devastating slug bullets that it shot.


    (No)


    He didnt have any time to waste regretting his decisions. It was only a matter of time before the garbage can that hid him was torn into shreds by the storm of bullets that flew in every direction. If the man kept firing at him for any longer, his life could be put in serious danger. If he didnt do anything


    Matoba froze.


    With incredible agility, Trna, who had been leaning over the second floor railing of the staircase, leapt through the air, toward the man. Gathering all of the strength in her body, she swung her sword.


    In just a single stroke, the de cut from the mans left shoulder down to the right side of his waist. His body was sliced into two.


    Not even a gasp escaped his throat. His expression unchanged, the man copsed into a pool of his own blood.


    Police sirens red in the distance. Laying at Matobas feet was the dead body of the assassin.


    After a long, uneasy silence, Matoba yelled angrily at Trna.


    What the hell do you think youre doing!? Just cutting him in half like that!?


    Though she had been shot multiple times, Trna did not seem to be injured. Her armor had protected her from everyst one of the assassins bullets. Only a few scratches could be seen on the armors white metallic surface. It wasnt even dented.


    Despite having just killed a man, she did not seem disturbed in the slightest. Her breathing remained steady as she stood in silence, calmly gazing at the dead body. Her white face and armor were sttered with his crimson blood. She was not swayed by the scolding, nor was she disgusted by the blood that covered her face. She appeared to show no emotion at all.


    Illuminated by the streetlights, her pale skin stood out in the dim light, in striking contrast with the pool of blood that spread around her feet. Beauty, youth, and violence blended together into an unbelievably breathtaking scene. A mysterious aura filled the air as the beautiful young girl stood, holding a sword covered in blood.


    However, Matobas heart was not moved.


    Though the killing of the man was inevitable, he believed that it was something that must be done by an adult. Seeing this innocent-looking little girl murder a man in cold blood, he felt deeply disturbed.


    Is this really the justice that you strive for? Who the hell do you think you are, Don Quixote? Did you not even consider capturing and restraining him instead? Of course not, instead you just slice him into pieces like youre gonna eat him for dinner.


    Matoba knew that he was being unreasonable. After all, he probably would have shot the man anway, and murder is murder, regardless of the weapon. And if he had hesitated to do so, he might have been the one dying in a pool of his own blood.


    Deep down, he knew. He knew that he was just looking for excuses to take out his anger on her.


    The man was being manipted through the power of the Mildi. Even if we captured him, we wouldnt be able to get any information after him, Trna said after a long silence.


    Then why did he run away? If he was nothing but a puppet, there wouldnt be any point in making him fight back, dont you think? Either way, killing him gets us absolutely nowhere.


    The girl widened her eyes and shot him a sharp nce.


    Because you were about to be killed, Dorini. And not only are you ungrateful, but you continue toin for no reason.


    Ho. So you think you saved me?


    It is the duty of the Knights of Mirvor to defend the weak.


    I dont need your fucking help. Im not weak. I at least have enough reason to stop a violent savage from mindlessly attacking everything.


    Are you talking about me?


    Well, I see that you shit-brained aliens have at least some sort of critical thinking ability. Great. You wanna know what I really think? The more I work with you, the more Im convinced that you were actually sent here to interfere with my investigation.


    What do you mean?


    Youre doing this on purpose, arent you?


    Smiling exaggeratedly, Matoba stared into Trnas face. His seething eyes did not match his smile.


    I have no idea how much of a noble you really are. Ive begun to think that youve been bribed toe here.


    What are you trying to say?


    This is all a hypothetical situation, but lets just say that there might be some evil people on the other side that dont want the fairy to be protected. So, they decide to hire a knight. The knight travels to this city in order to interrupt the investigation Or something like that. Its all gotten way too obvious, you know, with all of the unnecessary chaos youve been causing.


    In the next moment, Trna brandished her sword, bringing its sharp de right up to Matobas neck.


    This is your first andst warning, Keh Imatooba.


    Her voice trembled with fury as she suppressed the boiling anger inside of her. It made her seem much bigger than she actually was.


    You shall never say such insulting things about me. If you say that again, I will kill you. I am serious.


    Heh, really? He asked, staring coldly at the shining white de that threatened him. Are you really letting your feelings get hurt by a filthy barbarian Dorini like me?


    Zearja (Shut up)!


    Hey, hey


    Matoba shrugged his shoulders as a sharp metallic sound rang out from the pistol that he had been holding at his waist. It was the sound of the hammer being pulled. Matoba had silently aimed it at Trnas face while she swung her de.


    She hadnt noticed the gun until she heard the sound. She seemed surprised.


    Matoba casually returned the gun to its holster. He had done it solely to vent his burning anger, and he did not intend to escte this pointless argument even further.


    Turning his back to Trna, Matoba crouched down to the assassins corpse and examined his pockets for any items.


    The gun is a bootleg, illegally manufactured. Its a carbon copy of the Israelian model. Normally, it would be very difficult for a Semanian to obtain such a weapon. Other than that Ah. All he has is some getaway cash. He doesnt have a license or working visa or point cards or anything of the sort.


    He grabbed some coins and wrinkled-up bills out of the mans pocket, took a deep sigh, and put them back. He looked over his shoulder at Trna.


    Hey. I have something I need to ask you, he said.


    What is it?


    You really want to capture this criminal and take back the fairy, right?


    Of course I do, she answered, awkwardly sliding her sword back into its sheath.


    Same here. But if were both working toward the same goal, why are we still in this dark alley, yelling and pointing weapons at each other likeplete idiots?


    Well, who cares. More importantly, we need to continue our investigation. You stay here and wait until the police cars arrive. Make sure nothing happens to the body.


    Matoba stood back up and headed toward the main entrance.


    Where are you going?


    To Alvarezs room. Theres something I need to examine.

 Book 1: Chapter 4.3

    Book 1: Chapter 4.3


    Trna did not object. She fell silent, and seemed to be willing to wait there. Matoba walked through the front entrance of the building and stepped into the elevator, heading back up to Room 603. The main hallway was crowded with people. The residents of the apartment gathered around the entrance to Room 603, whispering worriedly.


    Move out of the way, this is the police.


    Splitting apart the crowd, Matoba walked into the room.


    The room was still heavily scarred from the gunfight that had taken ce within it. The dead body of the Colombian, Alvarez,y sprawled out on the living room floor. In the bedroom was a half-open Boston bag, with various pieces of clothing scattered around it. It seemed that he had been nning to run away, and had been caught in the middle of his packing.


    He examined Alvarezs body. He found a wallet and a set of keys.


    However, he did not find a cell phone.


    Matoba searched through the bedroom for andline phone, but there were none to be found. Even the phone in the living room had seemingly disappeared. Someone hade in and forcibly removed them, ripping out the phone lines in the process.


    Damn it.


    He had been tricked. Without the phone, he wouldnt be able to recover any of Alvarezs calls. Right as they had left the room to chase after the assassin, someone hade into the room to get rid of anything that could be used as evidence. It was a pretty bold move.


    The suspect must have manipted the assassin into fighting back and running away as a diversion. Their goal was to get Matoba and Trna to leave the room.


    Of course, they would still be able to recover his call history by consulting the phonepany. However, he could only do that by order of the court, and the process would take a while. The enemy would use that time to finish destroying all other evidence. But without the recordings, Matoba would have no idea what kind of people Alvarez had been talking with, and what they had been talking about.


    Matoba returned to the main hallway and asked around to see if anyone had seen a suspicious man enter the room. No one had seen anything of the sort. But Matoba did not give up, stubbornly searching every corner of Alvarezs room for any possible evidence. He found nothing. He had no choice but to wait for the forensics unit to arrive, but he wasnt expecting them to find anything.


    Their enemy was clever.


    Up until now, Matoba had assumed that this entire case had been caused by gang drug trafficking. He thought that it had resulted from a war over the highest quality drugs that happened to escte into something bigger.


    However, he now realized that there was much more to it.


    The incredible lengths taken by the suspect to destroy all evidence reflected the severity of the case. That fairy must have been important. Or maybe it was not simply a matter of the fairy being important. Maybe there was a deeper reasoning behind all of it.


    And what about Trna?


    Though that Semanian knights desire to take back the fairy was genuine, she had to be hiding something. Now that he thought about it, it seemed strange for her, of all people, toe to the city to work with him. More than 10 years had passed since the Semanians began to cooperate with the Earthlings. After 10 years of cultural exchange, theres no way they didnt have someone more ustomed to Earths society.


    Despite this, this little girl was the one to arrive. Was there some sort of hidden motive?


    (What does this mean?)


    Matobas mind was flooded with questions. He shook his head and clicked his tongue.


    He could hear soundsing from the street. The local police cars had finally arrived, their sirens ring loudly. They werete. Recently, it was bing more and moremon for them to arrivete to the scene. Unfortunately, the police department did not have the men or resources to keep up with San Teresas steadily rising crime rate.


    Matoba hurried out of the apartment building when he saw what was happening outside. Trna was standing in front of the dead body, arguing with the police officers.


    Roth did not me Matoba at all for rushing into Alvarezs room without his permission. He respected Matobas decision to do so. If anything, Roths own n had backfired, as they would have been able to capture Alvarez alive had they entered immediately.


    But more importantly, I want to talk about the time of the assassination, Roth said on the other side of the phone call. Was Alvarez being monitored? Did they find out about our investigation?


    Just as Roth said, it would be difficult to believe that the timing of the assassination was entirely coincidental. Maybe the suspect had known that they were nning an investigation on Alvarez, and killed him before they had the chance. How did the enemy find out so quickly?


    I have no idea. There are an endless number of possibilities.


    What about the informant, that ONeil guy that you talked to?


    Its definitely possible that he alerted the suspect. It might be his friend Kenny. It might be someone from the Seventh Branch. It might be you, and it might be. The only person we can rule out is this brave young knight here, as she doesnt even know how to use a phone.


    Sitting in the passengers seat, Trna looked at him annoyedly.


    I do know. I read it in a book.


    Oh, is that so? How impressive. You really know a lot of things, dont you?


    Matoba ignored Trna as she red at him angrily.


    So, I will only include the basic details in the report. Id like to talk about this directly.


    Thats fine. However, be very careful. As I expected, theres much more to this case than just gang conflict.


    Understood Lets go.


    Cutting off the call, Matoba stepped on the elerator.


    Where are we going? Trna asked. Her clothes had already returned to normal. The armor that she had been wearing was nowhere to be seen.


    From ce to ce. First, we need to make sure that ONeil didnt snitch. Then, well confront everyst one of Alvarezs acquaintances. Well start with his brothers, and then well ask the owner of the boat that he used to transport the fairy through the gate.


    So hes a smuggler, right? Do you have any idea who he may be?


    What department do I work in?


    The Special Vice Squad.


    Theres your answer.


    The Special Vice Squad mainly dealt with the smuggling and trafficking of drugs, weapons and other illegal items. They were involved in countless undercover operations, and had umted tons of information on smugglers, many of which they still kept a close eye on.


    After the smuggler, probably his girl. But I dont even know if he has one.


    You think thats gonna get you anywhere?


    Well see. Were gonna have to take this one step at a time.

 Book 1: Chapter 5.1

    Book 1: Chapter 5.1


    Returning to ONeills ce, they tried hitting up the Colombians associates, but to no avail. The information leak also came up empty on ONeills end.


    With regards to Operation Roller, local detectives were immediately mobilized. But since the source of the leaks was as yet unknown, information was kept strictly on a need-to-know basis. The Special Vice Squad would also be assisting with the operation with their patrols, albeit only from tomorrow onwards. That was what the Chief had said.


    Left with no clues to go on, Matoba had no choice but to end his investigation for the day.


    Lets stop here for today. Tomorrows probably gonna be a pain. I just wanna go home and sleep for once.


    It was already past two in the morning. He said as such to Trna. Holding back a yawn, he stretched out from the all-too-cramped drivers seat.


    Is that so.


    Trna remained indifferent. She had not been an especially talkative girl, but a full day of making the rounds had left her deathly silent. Her eyelids could be seen fluttering here and there as they drove. Must be really sleepy. Matoba thought to himself. Right after disembarking from her ship, she had been taken for a ride around town to help with the investigation. There was no doubt she was exhausted.


    Wherere you stayin at? Ill drive you home.


    This offer did note from the kindness of his heart. Even if he were to drop her off here, he fully expected her to be able to find her way back just fine.


    Its a ce by the name of Mystic Pce. My luggage should have been taken care of by now.


    Mystic Pce. One of the most prominent luxury hotels here in San Teresa. Popr with VIPs the world over, it was often considered the ideal setting for international conferences and the like.


    Not staying at the conste?


    There was also a Farbanian conste somewhere in town, replete with its own residences. Semanian noblesing to visit from the other side would normally stay there.


    I dont want to trouble them. I have my reasons.


    What sorta reasons?


    Simply put, it concerns the power struggle in the Imperial Court.


    Having said that, the matter was not simple in the least. Trna continued her exnation.


    The consul stationed here, Viscount Vitarma, holds some degree of influence over the Imperial Court behind the scenes, being the son-inw of the former Chancellor Keresha. To add on to that, he holds status as nephew to both Earl Navat and Lord Agmada, not to mention his close rtionship with His Grace the Cardinal Kashdar of the Denzany faction. On the other hand, theres the Teebe Ye Snda [1] of the Mirvor Snda [2], His Excellency the Lord Amsagriya. As kin to His Majesty the Archduke Devol, his family has historically acted in opposition to the Denzany faction. Unfortunately, His Majesty the Archduke Devol and His Excellency the Marquis Keresha have different ideas regarding the Imperial session. There are also rumors circting that there have been attempts made on the life of her Highness the Princess Naya. In this case, Marquis Keresha


    WAIT! WAIT!


    Clueless, Matoba waved his hands about.


    What are you getting at here?


    Given that I belong to the Snda myself, it means that I cannot afford to impose myself on the conste.


    Her strangelyplicated exnation on Imperial politics interrupted, Trna discontentedly replied.


    You shouldve said that from the start. What a pain in the ass.


    Thats what I just said!


    Yeah, yeah. Keep talking.


    They soon arrived at the hotel. Luxury car notwithstanding, the doorman came to pick up Trna in a most courteous manner.


    Ille pick you up tomorrow at ten.


    He told Trna just as he was about to leave. Writing his number on the backside of the gasoline receipt, he handed it over to her.


    Call me if anything happens. Heres my number.


    Understood.


    Go straight to your room and sleep. I dont wanna have any trouble.


    Rest assured. I am no child.


    No matter how you look at it, you ARE one. Thats why Im worried.


    I-Ill have you know that Im already 27!


    Her cheeks swelled up. Whenever this Semani girl shows any form of emotion, it always seems to be anger.


    Thats in Semani years, right? Well, it doesnt matter. See ya.


    Nev Shiiya. [3]


    Leaving him with a curt goodnight in Farbanian, Trna entered the hotel. She could be oddly sincere at times.


    Finally. Alone atst.


    Heaving a sigh of relief, he began driving back to his home by New Compton Harbor. On the way home, he bought some leftover newspapers, stopping by a family restaurant he frequented to have dinner. He made small talk with one of the part-timers he recognized. Then, he rxed with his paper in hand, wrapped up some minor business on the phone, and turned to go home.


    As he brought his car out of the parking lot, a call came in. The number was anonymous. Probably came from a payphone.


    It was Trna.


    What is it?


    Matoba answered with irritation in his voice.


    I was driven out of the hotel.


    Hah?


    They would not permit me my arms. They told me to relinquish my Krge [4] .


    For security purposes, probably. Well, isnt that great of them. You should hand it over.


    That cannot be done. To a Ssh [5], their Krge is their life. It is probably something you Dorini cannot possibly ever hope to imagine


    A vaguely grief-stricken voice could be heard. She was probably worn out from her dispute with the hotel.


    No, well, those notions also used to bemonce here a long time ago. Wasnt it you who said When in Rome, do as the Romans do? Do what they say.


    No. That cannot be done.


    Then go camp out in the park for all I care! I dont wanna deal with you anymore.


    He hung up. He would not y victim to her whims any longer tonight. Anyways, Trna possessed enough skill to cleave an assassin in half with a single stroke of her de. Even if he were to leave her alone, there was no need to worry about her safety.


    Returning to his home in the warehouse district, he left his car to open up the garage doors. Winters in San Teresa were harsh; notwithstanding its lowtitude, the air and water currents the Mirage Gate induced subjected the city to a bitter chill.


    The air was cold. His breath was white. It was definitely a difficult season to be going camping, even if it was the middle of the city.


    Ah


    He groaned. The bug was giving him a headache again. Thanks to that bug, his life had been turned upside down.


    (Goddammit, why do I even bother)


    Lamenting his foolishness, he went back inside the car. Jumping the throttle, he left the harbor for downtown. It was not too far a distance to travel.


    Cruising past the Third District and its surroundings, he spotted the familiar figure of a young girl sitting on a bench in a small park. Trna. Wrapped around her neck was a silk muffler. She had put on an overcoat over her clothes, curling herself into a ball to minimize the cold. There she was  staring sullenly at the ground. It appeared as though she was nning to spend the night here.


    (For fucks sake)


    As he red his horn, she immediately turned her head around. Realizing it was him, she could not help but have a nk look on her face.


    Get on!


    He shouted as he rolled down the window to the passengers seat, beckoning her onwards. Trna seemed to hesitate, as she did not move right away.


    Come on! Hurry it up!


    Finally, she stood up. Slinging several heavy leather bags on her back, she waddled her way closer to the vehicle. Her expression remained sullen. Getting down from the car, he went and opened the trunk. Silently taking her bags, Matoba promptly tossed them into the back.


    What are you doing?


    Didnt I tell you tomorrows gonna be another pain in the ass? If you went and got sick, itd be even more work for me yknow.


    The barracks back at headquarters are always full. Plenty of bigoted officers there too. Better if you slept at my ce.


    D-did you say your ce?


    Dont worry. I wont go and attack you or anything.


    T-that is a given! I-I am not concerned over such trivial matters. I-it is most definitely not a matter of you causing me problems. Spending a night with a Dorini like you would doubtless be a nuisance to one such as myself. Rumors would start floating around. A-and these anxieties are not unfounded  whether or not I will be subject to these consequences is still up for debate


    What are you getting all red for?


    I-I am not getting all red! At any rate, the point I am trying to make is that in the unlikely event that such rumors are spread, i-it would doubtless be a great stain on our names! Such a thing would be most troublesome.


    Then its fine if we just keep quiet, right? Come on, get in already.


    What a pain in the ass. These were Matobas only thoughts as he shoved her inside.


    Even so, Trna continuedining all the way back to his ce in the warehouse district.


    Leaving his ride in the garage, they headed for the second floor. Unable to rx, Trna could only look around restlessly as she stepped foot into his home.


    I-is this really a normal house? I was certain that you Dorini lived in homes much like that Albares fellow.


    Its a bit special here. Dont worry about it.


    Hmm


    Seeing him donning a mask before entering the living room, Trnas face grew ever more suspicious.


    What in zes is that?


    Its a mask.


    Why use such a thing?


    Cat allergies.


    Begrudgingly exining his condition, they stepped into the living room. Almost as if it had been impatiently waiting for him, the ck cat leaped on its feet. Given the injury on its hind leg, however, it was unable to make full use of its speed. At its sudden movements, Trna let out a voice of surprise.


    Khe!


    ?


    She looked up at the ck cat, and at Kei Matoba who was stroking its neck.


    Khe?


    No it but resembles a small animal back in my homnd.


    With a slight blush, she cleared her throat as she avoided his eyes.


    What is that Khe no, that cats (cat) name?


    Its Kuroi.


    What a strange name Were you the one to name it?


    Ahh, its ck so its Kuroi. In my mother tongue, that is.


    His friends of Japanese descent would often point out, Shouldnt it be Kuro [6], usually? But to Trna who did not know a lick of Japanese, it seemed to bepletely normal.


    I see. By the way, what is this allergy that you speak of?


    Its sort of a disease thats caused by getting close to certain animals or chemical substances. Not just cats. Depending on the person, they could be allergic to synthetic fibers, detergent, pork or even soba noodles. This and that. Rtes to your constitution and all that.


    Opening up a can of cat food, he left some in front of Kuroi. Kuroi let out a purr, and began smacking its lips at the feast before him. Trna did not try to get any closer to it. There was an odd tension in the air, doubtless noticed by the perceptive Kuroi.


    In other words, would it be fair to say you hate cats?


    Not exactly. If I didnt have my mask on, Id wouldnt be able to breathe right about now.


    Then, why exactly do you endeavor to have this cat as your pet?


    Full of questions, arent you. Give me a break.


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: Lord Knight Commander.</li><li>TL Note: Knight Order.</li><li>TL Note: Calm nights to you.</li><li>TL Note: Longsword.</li><li>TL Note: Knight.</li><li>TL Note: Japanese wordy.  (kuro) means ck as in the noun.  (kuroi) means ck as in the adjective. Normally, you would name your cat after the noun unlike Matoba here.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 5.2

    Book 1: Chapter 5.2


    Walking to the kitchen, he grabbed a can of beer from the fridge. He held his breath as he took off his mask, gulped down his drink, and adjusted it back to normal. Noticing Trnas constant stare as she waited on his answer, he let out a sigh.


    It was about three months ago. A drug dealer we were pursuing rammed into this guy with his car.


    He continued talking, sorting out the letters he brought from his mailbox. Seeing the bill from managemente in, he clicked his tongue.


    And then?


    We caught the Hosh [1] soon enough after that, and the case was quickly solved. But, well, there was just one problem the one-legged cat on the verge of dying. One of my co-workers, Tony, brought him to the vet, saving his life. But as you can see, hes disabled for good. A little guy like him wouldnt be able to survive out there on the streets. And Tonys sweetheart  well, hes a dude though  hes quite the cat-hater; they wouldnt take him in. My old partner Rick also kept a pet bird so cats were a big no-no at his ce. Likewise, everyone else was sorta on the fence about keeping him. Too much of a hassle, they said. So thats how I ended up with him for the time being.


    Even though you possess these cat allergies?


    Wasnt much of a choice. Its my fault he got attached to me anyways. And we couldnt find his old owners either Hey, whats the matter?


    Trna was looking down, shoulders trembling. Her face was not visible from Matobas position, but she appeared to be breathing heavily.


    Do you have cat allergies too now?


    No thats not it


    Saying that, she faced him once more. She was desperately trying to hold back herughter.


    On her face was neither the derision nor the scorn she had shown him up to that point. It was a genuine smile, containing no malice whatsoever. While it may be insignificant, he could not help but feel strange. Right now, she looked just like an ordinary girl  one you could find just about anywhere in the world.


    Is it that weird?


    Forgive me, Khe. But no this is


    Unable to suppress her giggles any longer, she chuckled only to burst into raucousughter shortly afterward. Finished with his meal, Kuroi unsteadily tottered over to Trnas side. Letting out a soft cry, he snuggled up against her body. Trna kneeled over to pet his head, kindly whispering in Farbanian as she did so.


    KyaKuroiShii


    If he was not mistaken, it roughly meant Good boy, Kuroi-chan in Farbanian. Even though this was their first time meeting each other, the difference in reception was staggering. Or so Matoba thought.


    Khe Imatuba. You are surprisingly good-natured for a Dorini.


    That aint it. Id have nightmares if I just left a stray out there to fend for themselves in the cold. Feels like shit if you cant get some good nights sleep. In the end, I did all that for my sake. All for my own self-satisfaction.


    Does that not mean that I am the same as the little one?


    If you dont like it here, go back to the park. I wont stop you.


    No. I shall be in your debt. I have taken a liking to this.


    My room?


    No, this Khe. Not you [2] , mind.


    Laughing, she took off her coat and hung it on one of the dining chairs. Matoba grabbed two nkets from his bedroom, and set them on top of the sofa in the living room.


    Im going to bed. You go sleep on the sofa. Toilets on the other side. Use it if you need to. Take anything from the fridge if you want. Dont drink the tap water. And dont use the stove. OK?


    I am to sleep on this small, cramped bench?


    Aint it big enough for you? Dont you darein.


    Making ady sleep on this bench, while you sleep on your bed? Unthinkable!


    I told you already. Ive got my allergies to deal with. Im dead if I sleep with the cat. My bedroom is sacred ground. Strays arent allowed in. Thats it for my exnation.


    After telling her to never ever intrude on his sanctuary, Matoba was just about to shut the door when Trna called out to him.


    Kei Matoba.


    What?


    This was the first time she properly said his name. He was shocked.


    I admit I have been ungrateful for your assistance. Daash Zanna [3].


    .. Youre wee.


    However, do not get the wrong idea. If you try to do anything whilst I sleep, I will cut you down on the spot. I am serious.


    Thats stupid. I wouldnty my hands on a child.


    A-a child, you say!? Ill have you know that I am already 27 years of age!


    In Semanese years, right? Nev Shiiya [4] .


    The door closed with a thud. Recently, it had be a daily routine for him to clean the area around his bedroom door before he slept. He heard Trnas voiceing from the living room as he made his rounds. Kuroi let out a satisfied purr. She was probably spoiling him right now.


    (This isnt good, no matter how I think about it)


    He felt like he was going crazy.


    It would have been fine if that alien girl had just stayed her usual, infuriating self. s, that was not to be. That smile. That attitude. Realizing that he could not bring himself to hate Trna, Matoba was baffled.


    He could hear humming. And the rustling of clothes. She was probably changing.


    Incidentally, he wondered what kind of underwear a Semanese noble like her would wear. There was little going for her in the chest department, but surely she still wore a bra? In the first ce, did the Semanese even have bras?


    (HEY, HEY, HEY! WHAT THE FUCK IS MY IMAGINATION DOING RUNNING WILD?)


    Indeed, she was quite the looker. In terms of age, they were only about ten years apart. But even so, she still looked younger than a middle schooler. A lolicon would be panting their asses off by now. Unfortunately, he was not one of them. In fact, his type was your typical reserved Yamato Nadeshiko [5] , certainly not a de-toting alien girl. She was someone who would calmly bathe in the blood of her fallen prey. Even if a hundred years passed by, he would never be interested in a girl like her.


    OK. That does it for the horniness.


    I am normal.


    Better go to sleep now.


    Emptying his beer can, Matoba hung his suit on the wall.


    He was a bit curious about something, so he brushed off the dust on his bookshelf and took out his Farbanian dictionary. It was about the Khe Imatuba nickname she had given him. He understood enough that Khe referred to a cat-like creature over on the other side. In terms of pronunciation, it was pretty close to his own name as well. But what about Imatuba? It seemed oddly familiar. What did it mean, exactly?


    Imatuba Imatuba


    There it is. An expression of dread. In other words, Khe Imatuba meant Dreadful Kitten in hernguage. Every time she called his name, she was probablyughing on the inside.


    That fucking alien.


    Little bitch.


    As he clicked his tongue in irritation, he crawled into bed.


    ~~~~~~~~


    A sleepy night fell on the construction site  three cars stopped overhead on top of the half-finished freeway. It was far, far away from the heart of the city. The surroundings were pitch-ck. A cursory nce at the highway below revealed close to no traffic; they were practically alone. Only their headlights shone brightly in the darkness.


    Everything in this ce suggested that just about anywhere else would serve as a more appropriate location for their meeting tonight. Thought the Palestinian, Abu Kalim, as he restlessly shifted the cor on his neck.


    Kalim was a member of a Palestinian paramilitary group. Having conducted various acts of terrorism in the Middle East, they were currently on the run from the Israeli authorities. His face sported deep recesses and a thick mustache. After three rounds of stic surgery, he could not be seen as anything more than a helpless middle-aged Caucasian man. His voice and fingerprints had been altered as well.


    There were the eight men from the Semanese he had set out to meet. The leader-like man among them sat atop a ck Mercedes-Benz, waving his hand at Kalim who was turning his car around.


    Right on time, Mr. Kalim.


    The Semanese man, Elbajhi, cheerfully weed him. With his translucent-white skin, his clean-cut features, and hisrge pupils, he was your typical Semanese all right. Most Farbanians had unique physical features that made them especially easy to spot. But his clothes were peculiar, to say the least. He was wearing a CD sweatshirt[6] under an overly-baggy windbreaker. Furthermore, with his shiny sneakers and the gaudy ne hanging over his neck, he looked as if he came from back in the eighties. Just ten years ago, this appearance would have most definitely elicited ridicule and suspicion from passersby. But just recently, this form of old-fashioned clothing wasing back in style.


    Kalim lightly nodded his head in acknowledgment, gently retrieving the silver briefcase in the trunk before walking over to the Semanese.


    Heres the advance payment, as promised.


    Kalim opened the case. Taking a single nce at the banknotes within, Elbajhi ordered one of his subordinates to Go count the money!. Carrying the briefcase in his hands, the underling scurried to the back of the Mercedes.


    OK, Mr. Kalim. Dya mind converting the rest of the cash into the Goods?


    Got it. Still, Im surprised you Semanese chose to go through with that sort of sphemy. Arent you afraid of receiving divine punishment?


    Course we are, bro.


    Said Elbajhi with acent smile.


    The wrath of the great Dragon God. Gives me the shivers. Crackle, crackle, BANG! A giant fireball falling from the skies. A kick to the balls, to be sure. .And? So what if those geezers with no balls keel over and die!?


    Clutching his own throat with both hands, Elbajhi mimicked a person on the verge of suffocating to death. An exceedingly droll gesture. His men were all roaring withughter at the sight.


    The Semanese Elbajhi hadpletely adapted to this worlds culture of consumption, in particr the United States brand of capitalism. Kalim could not help but feel disgusted. Speaking with him, he felt as if he was but a hick living in the boonies.


    You appear to be having fun.


    Kalimmented sarcastically.


    Thats about right! Thanks to those cute fairies, we can all live infort! You get it, right? These Adidas shoes cost about three grand, yknow. This Mercedes? Three-hundred-thousand bucks. With just three dors, you can have fun with thedies as well. Cheap, aint it? Why do you think that is?


    No, I dont get it.


    Thats cuz Im handsome. Women on Earth are nothing but dumb whores. They get wet just from a Semaneses stare. I could care less about selling or even killing them. A puppy-eyed pretty boy is all it takes for them to open their cunts! Macho men arent really in style anymore. Taking over the world would be a piece of cake for someone like me. Wait three generations, and everyonell be our fellow Semanese brothers and sisters!


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: Culprit in Farbanian.</li><li>TL Note: Trna pronounces Keis name as Khe as well.</li><li>TL Note: Thank you in Farbanian.</li><li>TL Note: Good night (lit. a calm night to you) in Farbanian.</li><li>TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_nadeshiko</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 5.3

    Book 1: Chapter 5.3


    Even though these words made him want to vomit, Kalim purposely kept silent. In spite of his religious beliefs, these aliens were merely business partners. There was no need for a sh of ideologies. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as they say.


    Kalim finally spoke.


    The only things Im concerned about are the goods in question. The advance payments been paid. I look forward to the fruits of your sess.


    Of course. Thats exactly why we asked for it in the first ce. Oi, Zda!


    Elbajhi turned to the van beside him and shouted.


    A little whileter, the figure of a man sluggishly emerged from the back seat of the vehicle. A red coat and a red bowler hat. His suit and pants were also dyed a deep red. With the sole exception of his white shirt and skin, he was dressed all in red.


    The red-d man spoke in a hoarse voice.


    Did you call for me, my lord?


    Another Semanese. From the looks of it, he was about sixty years old or so. Deep wrinkles were carved into his face, his eyes concealed by a pair of ck sunsses. Kalim immediately realized the man was blind. Tapping the road with the cane in his hands whilst facing the night sky, he slowly but surely approached Elbajhi and his men.


    Mr. Kalim. Let me introduce you to Bza Zda.


    Elbajhi said as he took the mans hand. The man by the name of Zda removed his hat and ced it by his chest, politely bowing his head.


    I am most honored to meet your acquaintance, Kalim-sama


    Kalim could instinctively feel that something was off about that man. Since his youth, he had fought in various conflicts as a member of the paramilitary group, evading the eyes of thew to reach his position within the organization. He had seen just about anybody you could think of  assassins and mercenaries with skills capable of taking your head in an instant. To even think of touching them, you would have to risk getting burned in the process. But this was different. The old man seemed more cold than hot. If he were toy a finger on him, the skin on his hands would stick and tear violently into pieces. That was the sort of cold it was.


    Is he the rumored magician?


    Unconsciously distancing himself from the man, Kalim said aloud.


    Thats right. Zda served myte father as the sole remaining member of his n. He excels in using mildi to manipte corpses.


    Such words are wasted on one such as myself. Please think of this ones skills as shoddy puppetry at best


    Master Zdaughed. He may look like just an ordinary old man, but hisughter revealed gleaming pearly-white teeth. Kalim thought that these actions were strangely intentional.


    You said corpses, didnt you. I have heard that for a Semanese magician to control someone, that someone needs to have first ingested a moderate amount of Fairy Dust. Isnt that so?


    Such a thing would be impossible for a dead person. In fact, it would be more favorable to his organization if the living could bemanded. It would cause much-needed chaos as random strangers on the street start massacring one another out of nowhere.


    Kalim-sama. Please understand that one enthralled by a fairys rahtena, their spirit taken captive, cannot be considered living; they are mere corpses. My abilities cannot make a dent on those with healthy spirits.


    Hmm


    And thats where the goodse into y!


    With a p of his hands, his subordinates brought out a Boston bag. Zipping open the fasteners, he grabbed a ss cylinder from within. It was about half-a-gallon in volume, with batteries attached at both ends of the ss to form an electronic circuit. In addition, the container was covered by a hard stic case, artificially strengthened to withstand external damage.


    Is that the Spirit Bomb?


    Yep, though its just a prototype for now. We only used up a small part of the lesser fairies, ysee. Radius is about 5-6 meters. But its effects are guaranteed. Anyone caught in its explosion would be subject to the same conditions as ingesting fairy dust. A temporary feeling of bliss and, more importantly, perpetual interdiction. In Zdas own words


    Yes. Their spirit taken captive, these people cannot be considered living; they are mere corpses. That is the gist of it, my good sir.


    Zda gently smiled.


    Ive heard that exnation before. My organization may be optimistic with regards to our negotiations, but personally I find this all a little too good to be true.


    Thats what I thought. To that I say are they nearly there?


    Having seen through Kalims doubts, Elbajhi shed a mischievous grin as he nced at the watch on his arm.


    Another car was approaching them from the distance. At the tip of the construction site, a pair of headlights was rapidly closing in, stopping about ten meters away from Elbajhi and his gang.


    It was a patrol car.


    Theyre here!


    What is the meaning of this?


    At Kalims tense response, Elbajhi shrugged his shoulders.


    I called them here. 911. Saw some real suspicious dudes hanging about the construction site.


    What did you just say!? Just what in the world


    Its fine. Its fine.


    The doors on both sides opened at the same time, revealing the figures of two policemen. One walked towards the front and drew his pistol, while the other positioned his shotgun over the car door.


    You are trespassing on private property! Put your hands up in the air and get down on the ground!


    Sorry bout that, officers! Well go quietly, I promise.


    As he said that, Elbajhi revealed the object in his hands  the Spirit Bomb. He spun the dial, thereby releasing the safety pin on the explosive. Much like with a shbang, the action elicited a high-pitched sound.


    All thats left is to throw it. Better if you look away.


    Whispering to Kalim, he aimed the bomb towards the patrol car, flinging it over. The bomb drew a parab in the air, bouncing on the hood of the vehicle, before rolling down onto the ground. Shortly after, a piercing noise entered everyones ears as the Spirit Bomb split sharply in two. For just an instant, everything went ck.


    -urgh!!!


    The officers let out unbearable screams.


    Kalim subconsciously shielded his eyes from the sh. Afterimages remained under his eyelids, as his entire head throbbed in pain. Feeling as though his eardrums had burst, he leaned on the hood of a nearby car.


    Mister Kalim. You alright there?


    Blinking his eyes, his surroundings finally returned to their original gloom. The policemen were unsteadily getting up on their feet, gazing vacantly as if in a stupor. Their guns forgotten, they hungmely in their hands.


    Just like that. Zda, hows the situation?


    Yes, my lord. Those two have already be living corpses, so to speak.


    Zda was holding some sort of gem on his right hand. Its rugged surface was colored a dull silver, dozens of patterns carved into its body. Positioning the gem in front of his chest, he muttered softly to himself.


    Right. Lets have them bow before us.


    As you wish.


    With Zdas reply, the officers turned on their heels, extended their backs, and bowed towards Kalim and his men.


    Next, go one round around the patrol car.


    The two did as they were bid, jogging around the car.


    Now kill each other.


    Yes.


    The shotgun-wielding policeman faced his partner and casually sted his face off.


    Dropping his weapon, the other officer fell on his back, convulsing violently on the ground. As he walked towards his fallen partner, the remaining officer finished the other with two shots to the head and chest.


    Such a shame he died.


    pping his forehead, Elbajhi pointed towards the dead policeman.


    Well then. Next is. Right, now make him dance on top of the hood.


    Despite having just shot his partner to death, the officer stepped on the hood of his car, awkwardly moving his arms and hips together in a pale imitation of a dance.


    Seeing this shameful disy, Elbajhi and his men could do nothing but hold their hands to their stomachs andugh.


    Certainly, it was an absurd disy. Still, the officer remained expressionless. Aftermitting such a bloody act of murder, he had been made to dance in this eerie, robot-like manner. Kalim was in absolutely no mood forughter.


    Hahaha Zda! Youve got no taste in dance, have you?


    My humble apologies, my lord.


    Zda bitterly smiled. And yet, he did not seem particrly embarrassed. Elbajhi continuedughing for some time after, wiping the tears off the corners of his eyes, before suddenly pping Kalims shoulder.


    How was it? Fun, right? Right?


    I understand its capabilities. How many people can we control with this magic?


    Kalim coldly said.


    As many as youd like. Isnt that right, Zda?


    Yes. In the past, this one has tested it on about a hundred people at once. However, it was said that the masters of old could control five-thousand, no, even ten-thousand troops with ease.


    It was hard to believe that so many people could be controlled at once. Given the fact that he had once puppeteered a hundred men himself, it was in to see that this magician had quite the bloody past behind him. Just look at the two officers. For a hundred people, just what extreme measures could he have employed to cause them such pain and suffering?


    You said that these Spirit Bombs were prototypes?


    Yep. We only used the wrists of lesser fairies for these, ysee. The ones were making now are even more terrifying. Using every single part of the high-grade fairies. The radius of explosion is roughly


    Elbajhi went silent, calcting the distance in his head.


    three kilometers in all directions. About the same as your average nuclear bomb.


    Do shelters have any effect? Think of it the same as with gamma rays. Normal buildings wont be a problem.


    Good.


    With this bomb and that magicians power in hand, their operations would surely progress at an unprecedented rate.


    There was a very real possibility that the introduction of this weapon would most likely surpass the impact of the terrorist attacks that urred in New York back in 2001. As long as one knew how to use it, it would be mere childs y topletely annihte any one nations system of government. But Kalim had no intention whatsoever of detonating such a bomb here in this peculiar city. If he were to use it, he would choose a more important, more vulnerable city instead. What would happen if he were to use it during the World Cup or the inauguration of the President? Broadcasted on their TVs, the entire world would finally know armageddon.


    As soon as these arepleted, we wish to leave this country with them. When will they be ready?


    About 2-3 days. Well arrange it for you.


    Thats eptable. Keep in mind that if you extend this offer to us Earthlings, the Semani may receive severe criticism. Are you alright with that?


    Dont really care either way. I stay at the Gorgeous. Any problem with that?


    From the bottom of his heart, Elbajhi wondered Why are you even asking me this?.


    It was then that Zda spoke.


    My lord.


    What?


    What shall we do with that gentleman, my lord?


    He was talking about the officer still dancing on top of the patrol car. With a single nce at the man, Elbajhi waved his hand apathetically.


    Ah. Finish him.


    As you wish.


    The policeman stopped his little dance, put the shotgun in his mouth, and opened fire.


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: Farbanian for Master.</li><li>TL Note: Farbanian for technique/skill/magic.</li><li>TL Note: A form of magical energy that can be sensed by the Semani.</li><li>TL Note: See here.</li><li>TL Note: 9/11</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 6.1

    Book 1: Chapter 6.1


    The secret to pouring a perfect cup of rosehip tea, Trna-chan


    Inside the Special Vice Squad Offices, Detective Tony McBee spoke.


    is the same as fighting for love! You cant be too hot or too pushy. Neither can you be too cold nor too blunt. Properly warming him up, and then directing your irresistible charms at him are the most important. Thats why Im so fussy over the cups and spoons I use. No matter how fragrant your tea may smell, if you end up using some ugly paper mug, wouldnt it just be a waste? Understand?


    I kind of get it, I kind of do not


    Tirana replied with a sullen expression.


    In front of her eyes, faint steam apanied the fragrant aroma that wafted out of the teacup.


    Tony continued on, saying that the city called Copenhagen hid intricate tableware made by the leading craftsmen in all of Dorini.


    Such forms of pottery were all well and good. And yet to Trna, the stic containers one could find at any local burger joint for take-out were much more intriguing.


    Even so, there was no denying theforting smell of Tonysit. She also found its refreshing taste to her liking. Compared to the viscous coffee Matoba made this morning, the difference was like heaven and earth.


    This is a fine tea.


    Isnt it? I know a good ce. Tell you all about it next time. Itd be a great souvenir to take back home to your country. Im sure your Mommyll be d to see it.


    I do not have a mother. She died soon after I was born.


    Oh my my bad. Im sorry.


    It is fine. I am used to it. Do not worry yourself.


    Oi, alien.


    Matoba called out to her as he was doing his paperwork two desks away,


    Its good to make friends and all. But actually look through the documents for once. Theres plenty of Semanese in our criminal records after all.


    I understand that. I am simply learning the method to operate this so-called beesee from Mcbee.


    Its PC, P-E-E-S-E-E.


    Still, Kei. For a kid who doesnt even know what a Nintendo is to suddenly start using a mouse to move files from here to there. Theres no way shed understand, right? Right?


    Yes. I do not understand.


    Dont be proud of it


    It had already been three days since Trna came to this world, yet still the investigation into the fairy remained stagnant. Yesterday afternoon, they had hit the case files as always. From the evening onwards, they made their rounds around the city, visiting Albaress various connections in their effort to uncover a lead to the whereabouts of the fairy. Through the warrant issued by the court, they were able to pull out his phone records from the telephonepany. And yet, nothing came of it.


    Will today be the same as the day before?


    Trna asked Matoba.


    Probably. Plus some minor details here and there.


    I am most concerned about the body of that fairy. We do not have much time.


    From what Matoba saw, the fairy was weakening. It had been three days since then. It would not be hard to imagine that it had exhausted its energy by now. After all, it was said there was a possibility that the creation of that drug involved some rather unsavory practices.


    It was clear from Trnas tone that she held some degree of irritation and impatience towards the San Teresa Police Department. Sensing that was the case, Matoba spoke up.


    Its not as if were cking off here. Were just trying to keep a low profile, thats all. If we hit the water too fast, well just end up scaring all the fish away.


    Is it not possible to round up all the suspicious people and interrogate them right away?


    See, here on Earth, weve got a god called basic human rights. EVEN for a knight like you, you wouldnt be able to go against the word of god, would you?


    Matoba stood up with a sigh. Grabbing a hand mirror from Tonys desk, he used a portable razor to shave off the stubble on his face. As he readjusted his tie, he said to Tony.


    Its about time.


    Youre right. Shall we go?


    Tony replied in low spirits, standing up from his seat. The other detectives did the same, each one of them preparing to head out, somber expressions stered on their faces. Everyone did.


    Where are you going?


    His funeral.


    Inspector Rick Furys funeral was to be held at the citys ceremony hall.


    His will had dictated it be a modest affair. Matoba participated as one of the six pallbearers carrying the casket, slowly walking by as the sorrowful tune of the bagpipes sounded in the distance. He was not wearing his usual uniform. It was no problem; S.T.P.D. did not have such a tradition. I wouldnt wear a uniform even if you died. Ill juste in a Hawaiian shirt and some beach sandals. Rick hadughed as he said this to Matoba, back when he was still alive.


    The coffin had been brought over from headquarters. The attendees could only watch over it as the burial took ce. In the midst of all this stood the widow and the two children. Themand was given. d fully in blue ceremonial dress, the honor guard presented arms and, with perfect timing, shot their nks into the air.


    Trna also attended the ceremony. As could be expected, her white Semanese attire would most definitely stand out. Wearing a ck coat lent to her by Cecil, she stood at the end of the procession.


    Matoba could be seen trying tofort the unabashedly crying figure of Amy Fury, lending his shoulder to her tears. The widow picked up his hand andshed out at him, unleashing the grievances hidden deep inside. Seeing that, Trna stood speechless at the back of the crowd.


    With the funeral over, the attendees began slowly leaving the premises. Alongside Chief Roth, Matoba lined up to head back to HQ. They had parked their cars about twenty meters away on the street nearby.


    This isnt my first rodeo. Still, it doesnt make it any easier. I cant take it.


    Just this once


    Chief said. He had also carried the coffin along with him.


    Yknow, Amy said to me, Why couldnt it have just been you?Harsh, aint it? Too harsh.


    You couldnt have done anything about it. Such is the road we take.


    I understand her reasoning though.


    The two of them silently walked on. The only sound ringing through their ears was the crackling of dead leaves piling up in front of the base.


    As they approached the line of cars, the Chief spoke.


    Any progress on the investigation?


    Couple of names in their inner circle. But the thread remains thin. Im going to look around a bit more after this. There are quite a few interesting dealers sprinkled here and there. If I find anything on the fairy, Ill tell you about it, sir.


    Good. Hows Exedilika?


    She caused plenty of problems on the first day, and shes getting impatient. Worried about the fairy, it seems.


    Dont take your eyes off her.


    Yep.


    Putting both hands in his pockets, Matoba shrugged. After a little while, he resumed talking.


    Chief Just this month, two of us were killed in the line of duty. Rick makes three. Morale is at an all-time low. Its all good for now, but itll get out of control before long.


    I know that. Ive already made clear the need to hire more people and increase our budget for quite a while now. The local government just doesnt care. Their sole priority is redevelopment; they im so long as the economy benefits as a result, public order would naturally return to the city.


    Bullshit. These contractors are getting all these damn subsidies, while were left with nothing but scraps. Are they telling us to die like dogs?


    Theyre not looking at the bigger picture.


    Grumbling like that, it was clear that the Chief was extremely exhausted.


    His shoulders seemed to shrink, suddenly revealing the aging face of a battle-hardened veteran. Not only did he butt heads with the brass over the budget, he also had to deal with Ricks sudden passing.


    So long as criminals stay out of Queens Valley, the mayor and hisckeys probably wont change their minds anytime soon.


    Queens Valley was a luxury residential district located in the western part of San Teresa City. It was a calm, scenic neighborhood. Unlike downtown, public order was maintained extremely well.


    *sigh*. At this rate, Centrals gonna be brimming with crims before long. Wouldnt you say, Chief?


    I wont let that happen.


    His pitch-ck eyes, hidden under a pair of sunsses, red at Matoba.


    No matter what, Ill never let that happen.


    Chief repeated. It was the voice of a man with a quiet determination, and yet, for some strange reason, Matoba could not help but be left with a sense of difort. Of course, his words could not be said to be a lie. They were most certainly sincere. Still, he felt as though there was a hidden meaning in the deration.


    Of course, sir. But first, we must avenge Rick.


    Right. Im counting on you.


    Nodding, Chief Roth got into his own car and drove off.


    What the hell was that? Geez


    Comining to himself, he turned back towards his ride. Trna was already waiting there. His silver-grey hood clearly reflected the withering branches of the roadside trees. Laying her hand on the edge of the car, she stared in his direction.


    Are you finished?


    Trna hesitantly asked.


    Its fine. Whats up with you?


    Nothing


    Lets go. Getting into the car, they left.


    As they left headquarters, Trna inquired.


    Were you with him long?


    Who?


    The deceased. He was your partner, am I right?


    I guess. Rick taught me a lot. Easygoing guy. Though when it came to baseball, he was a fanatic to the end.


    He was sitting in your seat just the other day, yknow  he was just about to say, before realizing the implications of his words. The thing he hated more than anything else was falling into a pit of disappointment, tied down by his feelings of self-pity. Men nowadays may find thatpletely okay. Sharing their pain with their friends and family, or perhaps a psychiatrist, saying things like Just be yourselfand patting their own backs. If you can live with that, then that is fine. There was no reason for him to find fault with that way of thinking.


    But Matoba was different.


    Everyone has someone to whom they are indebted. Failure is simply a part of life. But even so, the only one who can save your soul is nobody but yourself. That was what he believed. On the one hand, this path would doubtless cause him much greater suffering. On the other, he would not have to depend on others to stand up for himself any longer. A mans dignity is not something to be taken lightly. He stubbornly believed that achieving such a privilege was the result of ones blood, sweat, and tears. While he truly understood the difficulty of such an undertaking, he had no intention of quitting that way of life.


    In that sense, Matoba could be considered a remnant of the ancient past  a relic, so to speak.


    That was exactly why he could not say anything more about Rick.


    In my country


    Tirana began to speak.


    for so many to grieve over the dead It is enough to send them over to the Land of Evesting Spring. Inspector Fury was probably the same.


    Are you trying tofort me?


    Is that bad?


    Staring out the window on the other side, Tirana sullenly replied. [No. Ill thank you just this once.] [You know what to say then?] [Daash Zanna, right?] [Good.]


    That marked the end of their discussion on Rick Fury.


    Five minutes of drivingter, they grabbed fried chicken for dinner from a nearby drive-through. It was then that Tony contacted them.


    Whats up?]


    The night before yesterday, did you know that one of our patrol cars went missing?  [Yup. Theyre the guys with the 22nd Precinct right?]


    Matoba had heard about it. They had reported heading out to the freeway under construction over by East Side. After that, there had been no further sign of them.


    Seems they were spotted in the pond by Eastrock Park. The bodies of the two officers were found together.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: Farbanian for Earth/earthlings.</li><li>TL Note: Farbanian for tea.</li><li>TL Note: Trna says it in a smug, almost proud manner.</li><li>TL Note: San Teresa Police Department.</li><li>TL Note: Farbanian for thank you.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 6.2

    Book 1: Chapter 6.2


    The diameter of the pond itself was only about 200 meters or so. It was rather small. Positioned in one corner of a park located on the outskirts of the city, it was quite easy to travel from the nearby roadway all the way to the coast. With the sunset fast approaching this little pond, a powerful light shone dazzlingly through the water, illuminating the surrounding water. The head of a diver bobbed up to the surface. Using his hands, he signaled to the officers on the shore before diving back down again. To even think of diving in this fucking cold weather. Matoba thought as he lowered his head.


    It appeared as though the diver still had work left to do. This was in spite of the patrol car and the bodies having been retrieved. Patrol Car #2212 from the 22nd Precinct. Countless droplets of water were still dripping from the vehicle.


    Coming now of all times. Theres nothing left for you to do here.


    The local detective said to Matoba. Sneaking a nce at the patrol car soaked in water, Trna held a suspicious expression on her face.


    And that alien?


    Shes helping with our investigation.


    I see. Wait here a bit.


    Losing all interest in her, the detective went over to the forensics team to hear their take on the situation. Faced with that attitude, Trna turned her nose up with a sour look stered on her face. It did not seem as though she was looking to start a fight. Still, Matoba kept a close eye on her.


    Having finished his conversation with forensics, the detective turned towards Matoba once again.


    So, whys vice going out of their way toe here?


    Heard there were some suspicious circumstances behind the cause of death. There may be some sort of connection to our investigation.


    As strange as it can get, I guess. I dont get it though. They both died from shotgun pellets. The Remingtons the S.T.P.D uses.


    Thats what Im concerned about.


    Even though he said that, Matoba had been skeptical of whether or not this case had anything to do with the fairy investigation. It was usible that an organized gang had had a disagreement with these two officers, whom they disposed of in due course. Simr cases have happened in the past, after all.


    In fact, the only reason he even bothered toe here was due to Trnas stubborn insistence in doing so. She said she was interested in the murders of the officers in question through the use of their own firearms.


    One was shot in the chest twice, and the head once. The other  bit the bullet, literally. One shot to the mouth. Nothing left of the back of his head. The culprit likely took his weapon and executed him without facing even a shred of resistance. Thats what I feel.


    He probably tried to imagine the terror and regrets the two officers felt as they died. The detective scowled, turning his neck to one side.


    What about the murder scene?


    This was merely the area where their bodies were found. They most likely died elsewhere.


    The freeway under construction two miles south of here. Just before we lost contact, we got an anonymous call from someone. Checked it out yesterday. Bloodstains everywhere. We all gave up partway through.


    Forensics should have gone too. Did they find anything out of the ordinary?


    Course they did. Tire tracks that you cant pinpoint no matter how many times you go around the world. And a couple of footprints. Also some traces of cement and paint. But theyre things you could find just about anywhere.


    The detective shrugged his shoulders.


    Are the bodies still here?


    Perfect timing. They were just about to haul them off to the morgue You wanna see? I dont rmend it. Theyve been left submerged in water for a full day and a half.


    He understood the extent of their dposition, yet it was better to examine their wounds firsthand. What is more, it would teach that Semanese girl the struggles they would have to face in this job.


    I dont mind, well see it Oi, Trna!


    He yelled at Trna, who was snooping around the previously-submerged patrol car with aplicated expression on her face. For some reason, her eyes were round as she stared nkly at him.


    What are you getting all surprised for


    As he thought that, Matoba suddenly realized. He had properly said Trnas name. Thinking about it, this was the first time he had done so.


    Over here.


    He awkwardly beckoned her over. Trna lightly approached him.


    Bona Trna. I told you to call me that.


    Saying that teasingly, she followed behind the detective.


    Dammit, I screwed up.


    Scratching his head in irritation, he chased after the young girl.


    The body bags were on the verge of being loaded onto the police car.


    Here they are.


    He opened up the body bags. Due to the winter, severe dposition had yet to ur. While they were not quite the disaster he expected them to be, they were not pretty to look at either. Trna gulped. Even if you were to sh someone to bits, they would be hard-pressed to look like this.


    Scuse me.


    After asking for permission to enter, Matoba put on his disposable vinyl gloves, carefully analyzing the state of the victims head. The upper portion of the back of the head had beenpletely blown away. And yet just below that, slightly above the line connecting both ears, the skull and scalp still remained intact.


    Angles weird.


    Matoba muttered.


    If someone had shoved the muzzle into his mouth and shot, then the trajectory of the bullet should have stayed near horizontal. With an execution-style murder, shouldnt the area around his medu have been cleanly sted off? In fact, its as if this guy pointed the gun at his own mouth. Wounds look simr to suicide.


    Thats what I thought as well. We wont really know for sure till we bring him in for an autopsy.


    Hmm


    Theres nothing else left to say, really. Its also possible that hed been made to lie down on the ground facing upwards. Someone couldve stepped on his chest, and shot him in the mouth right there and then. Angle would make sense, right?


    He was murdered on the freeway, right? If that was the case, there shouldve been marks left on the road from when the shell pierced his head.


    As they proposed idea after idea to no avail, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by none other than Trna. She appeared unwell, her face paling by the second.


    That is enough. I understand it now.


    What?


    This bolice warrior is the same as the man Albares killed. Puppeteered through the use of mildi. He was most likely told tomit suicide.


    Matoba furrowed his eyebrows. The officer? Turned into a zombie by magic?


    I can sense the faint branii of rahtena emanating from the body. The same goes for that batrol car.


    Peeking into the other body bag, Trna continued.


    This one as well. It seems like the two of them were controlled by mildi.


    Wait. Shouldnt the junkies be the only ones capable of bing zombies?


    That is correct. Then perhaps these bolicemen were corpses as well.


    Cant be.


    Matoba shook his head.


    It was impossible to say that all policemen remained upright and cleanhanded in carrying out their duties. True enough, there were officers who took money behind-the-scenes. Matoba himself knew several cops who were bribed by the local pimp to stay out of their activities. And since they acted as vital connections to the criminal underworld, they were intentionally left unprosecuted for their actions.


    However, drug addiction was a different story entirely.


    Hard to believe both of them couldve been addicted. In the first ce, youd get found out right away if you were using. No one would dare pretend otherwise. You use drugs out in the field  even if you had multiple lives, it still wouldnt be enough.


    I understand that. But these two were most definitely corpses; what you call junkies. That is a fact. I leave it up to you whether to believe me or not.


    So youre telling me they were held at gunpoint and forced to take drugs? What are the chances? You sure they were being controlled?


    I wonder


    Trna thought for a while.


    I am not well-versed on the abominable mildi used to control these corpses. However, human souls naturally possess the will and power to live. This form of corpse-controlling mildi would therefore require the soul to be weakened through the consumption of rahtena, thus suppressing the mind. It is a truly despicable deed. To inhale Fairy Dust a mere once or twice, it would be insufficient to bend the soul to ones will. Even if they were to be affected in the process, their bodies would most definitely resist the hand trying to harm them.


    In other words?


    There are two possibilities. Either the mildita controlling these bolicemen holds power far surpassing the norm. Or these bolice were given rahtena by some other means, far removed from those known to us by convention. Most likely, both these points apply in this situation.


    Other than taking the drug? What, an injection or something?


    I have heard of this injection before. But fairy dust is not what you people would consider a chemical-based narcotic. Whether you inhale or mix it into your blood, the effect will not change. The caster instills his desire to enthrall into those who choose to remain ignorant, seeping into any such vulnerabilities of the heart. In this fashion, the rahtena enters the soul, whereby the intended effect of the drug is brought about. It is a narcotic that affects the spirit, not the body.


    Ah


    Matoba gained a new-found respect for the alien.


    Is it impossible to give a scientific exnation?


    It is indeed. It is my intention to exin in a manner that matches your way of thinking. If I were to seriously discuss the intricacies of mildi, the Englishnguage cannot even begin to grasp the tip of the iceberg, as you might say.


    Trna said, staring at him with eyes that seemed to pity hisck of wisdom.


    Hmm.


    Still, he could notin now. Anyways, it went both ways. After all, Trna would not get the principles behind radio orputers even after she was given an exnation. She barely understood how to work a cars engine, or even how to boil a simple ss of water.


    The difference inprehension was truly astounding. Especially in regards to her theoretical knowledge on this topic. If she had said that she was a goddess from somece, he would have nothing to say against her.


    s, she did not. Perhaps her considerations deserved some merit. Souls and magic be damned. Such concepts did not exist in this world. The same went for the so-called branii of rahtena. It was her word against others; she had no way of verifying her ims. Still, she had demonstrated time and time again the veracity of her predictions through sound analogical inference. In a way, this could also be considered a form of scientific reasoning. He could not just brush her aside.


    No, it would be much more unscientific to simply reject her ideas on the spot.


    If he remembered correctly, this could be considered an interpretation of ams Razor. The principle warned against the propagation of any unnecessary assumptions. Out of all the theories they have considered thus far, including those that took into ount the existence of magic, the two suggestions she gave were, in all actuality, the simplest of the bunch. And thus, they could be regarded as the closest to the truth.


    Fine.


    Matoba epted her arguments for the time being.


    If thats the case, dya think you could find out the whereabouts of the magician with the information you have on hand?


    Let me see


    Trna looked down, cing her hand exactly on her left breast.


    It was a Semanian gesture that denoted careful deliberation. For Earthlings, this would be simr to cing ones hand on the forehead or chin.


    Goldsmith.


    What?


    A craftsman of ornaments made of precious metals. Possessing tremendous skill, able to create the most delicate of decorations. There may just be a connection there. Although, this is all mere spection.


    God, why did the topic suddenly shift to the question of essory makers?


    Exquisite works of metals such as gold and silver often act as catalysts that enhance rahtena. I said this before as well. Fairy Dustprocessed through the hands of Dorini would not be sufficient to turn someone into a corpse immediately. However, if we consider the possibility that these ornaments were involved, then the mechanisms behind their mildi would remain unknown even to one such as myself. Alternatively


    As she said that, Trnas expression clouded up once more. Mayhap she was doubting her own thoughts?


    No. It is my misunderstanding.


    Whys that?


    It is simply because makers of such ornaments mostly do not exist. To possess the ability to infuse such strong rahtena into the bodies of these bolicemen, turning them into corpses on the spot Crafting a catalyst that powerful would be extremelyplicated, not to mention the form it would have to take. It would be madness to even begin to attempt such a feat. Even the most capable craftsmen in my country would most probably find it difficult to create. More so for the Dorini


    True enough. Its probably impossible for us humans.


    Matoba said.


    But its a different story if youre talking about machines.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: The medu oblongata or simply medu is a long stem-like structure which makes up part of the brainstem.</li><li>TL Note: Farbanian for skill/technique/magic.</li><li>TL Note: Farbanian for scent.</li><li>TL Note: Farbanian for magic user.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 6.3

    Book 1: Chapter 6.3


    Taking a break at a nearby coffee shop, Matoba immediately retrieved his portable terminal, glossing over the numerous documents stored within.


    The ce was a chain you could find just about anywhere. It resembled a traditional Viennese caf; the ceiling was excessively high. Perhaps as dusk had not fallen just yet, the number of customers remained at an all-time high.


    As Trna had pointed out earlier, machines capable of such precise craftsmanship were certainly few and far in between within the city. Given their hefty price tags, records on these tools were strictly kept. He had asked HQ to look into the matter, and results turned up before thirty minutes passed. Notable locations that came up were the Maxwell Group Workshop, the Caliena Arms Testing Grounds, the San Teresa University of Engineerings Laboratory, and so on. Mostlyrge businesses and university premises where such deliveries took ce. Whether or not these facilities were the source of the aforementioned Goldsmith, there was no choice but to seek out the information themselves.


    However, before Matoba could even decide where to go first, a single name on the list caught his eye. The document listed thepany as Krawan Electronics. Every other ce he saw he had somewhat heard of, and yet this name eluded him.


    When he looked them up, it turned out they had already gone bankrupt.


    Kay. A shady one came up.


    He took a sip out of his fifth coffee of the day. Sitting across from him, Trna was sniffing her cup in suspicion.


    In addition, Matoba searched the records left behind on the government website. The establishment and bankruptcy of thepany both urred in the same year st year. In other words, Krawan Electronics operated solely over the course of a few months. Address, capital stocks, number of employees, etcetera, etcetera. All were half-assed to some extent.


    Your intuition might have been right on the mark, kiddo.


    What do you mean?


    Its a dummy corp. Probably made it to buy the machines they needed. If this pans out, we can finally put a mark on that magicians back. Plus, theyre rich.


    Their representatives name was n Quaid. Most likely just an outsider lending their name to the group. The problem was the investors. After going through a couple other documents, he was slowly but surely approaching the heart of the matter.


    In the past, detectives would go around the ce speaking to all those involved, reading paper documents en masse and the like. The entire process took up several days worth of time. With regard to this case,puters had doubtless yed a tremendous role in their work.


    Soon enough, the name of a man floated up to the top of the list.


    Dennis Elbajhi.


    Semani. Club manager. 26 (in Earth years). No records of arrest. No traffic vitions either. And consequently, no mugshots.


    Its him.


    Flipping the screen of his portable terminal to his name, Matoba said.


    Goes by Dennis, it seems. Bastard, trying to pass off as an Earthling What use is a club manager working in a factory?


    Let me see.


    Almost as if she was just about to snatch it from him, Trna peered into the portable terminal.


    Elbajhi. Was there such a member of the Elbajhi family in this city?


    Yknow him?


    No. However, the Elbajhis were a well-known military family back in our world. In the wars of days past, they brought dishonor to themselves through their conduct in battle. The head of the family, Lord Bayard Elbajhi, was summarily executed, theirnds forfeited, and the entire household disbanded. That is what I have heard.


    Trying to reim his house, huh? A refugee?


    Hmm


    Many of the Semani whoe here were trying to escape that war over on your guys end. This disgraced family of theirs might have arrived here in all that confusion.


    By that war, he meant The Second Farbanian Conflict as it was mostly known to the Semani. The conflict took ce about ten years ago, in Earth time. Initially, the war only urred between fellow Semani nations. However, under the mandate of world peace, a coalition army from Earth was dispatched to end the conflict. The Americans were a given, but the Russians, the English, the Germans, the Australians, and the Japanese  a military alliance of no less than twenty nations crossed the Mirage Gate, setting foot on the Semani battlefield.


    Despite their designation as a Peacekeeping Force, in the end, they were simply just pushing their one-sided beliefs onto the Semani. It was a sordid affair. Less than a year after the Earthling Army was stationed in the region, they became the target of universal condemnation from the warring parties, ultimately being dragged into their fierce guerri warfare.


    Given theirck of firearms, the Earthlings could not help but underestimate the strength of the Semani. Their experiences in Vietnam and Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq should have provided ample cause for worry, yet still theymitted the same mistakes their forefathers had in the past. The cunning, tenacious warriors they faced on the battlefield, they only saw as mere savages.


    Matoba had once stood on that battlefield as well.


    The cruelties of war were all that he remembered from his time in battle. Soldiers from both sides died in droves. The war continued for another three years, and eventually their poor results forced the Earthlings retreat from Semani itself.


    Matoba and those of his generation had not called the Semani Aliens simply out of prejudice. For those who sawbat, the abject cruelty and ruthlessness shown by the Semani warriors were carved into their bodies. Setting aside the matter of human puppetry, the fact is a young girl like Trna could watch an assassin put their enemies to the sword without even batting an eye. It truly showed the difference inmon sense held in the two worlds.


    Most likely this Dennis fellow was much the same.


    A fallen noble exile, trying to adapt by working here as a club owner? Fishy as all hell, Ill give you that. Its weird that nobodys been trying to keep tabs on him until now.


    Let us immediately bring him into custody!


    Leaning forward, Trna eximed.


    We must interrogate him for the whereabouts of that fairy. Come, we must restrain him at once!


    Matoba shot a sharp nce at her.


    What doubts could you possibly have?


    Thats


    Didnt I tell you before? Over here, weve got something called basic human rights. We cant just arrest anyone willy-nilly. First, we need proof. Just having suspicion doesnt cut it.


    You do understand that her life is at stake, correct!? Whilst we are twiddling our thumbs over here, she might well be on the verge of death!


    mming both hands on the table, Trna shouted in anger. The other customers and the waitresses all turned to stare at her, eyes wide in surprise.


    Awfully insistent, arent you?


    If its possible, course well try to save her. Thing is, I dont n on risking the lives of our men to conduct this investigation on <strong>your</strong> terms. Theyve already killed three officers. And we dont know the full story, either. Their modus operandi. Their goals too. We dont do this carefully, all our work will be for nothing.


    Then, what do you propose we do now?


    First, we need to assemble a team. Get permission to set up a wiretap. Find out anything we can about Elbajhi, his men, and the whereabouts of that magician. Naturally, the fairy as well. Once we have enough proof to indict them, we storm their base en masse.


    How long will all this take?


    Minimum three days.


    How dare you take such leisure!?


    To be honest


    Pondering whether or not to say what was on his mind, Matoba ultimately decided that it was best toy out the facts.


    the police here think of fairies as nothing more than dogs or cats. Sure, they may look like people, but not only are they small, they dont even talk.


    Byw, it was true that fairies were treated as ordinary citizens. Such a use had been advocated by members of the Farbanian Kingdom, after all. And yet from a biological standpoint, opinions remain divided over their status as beings equal to humankind. After all, there was never a definitive conclusion that shed light on their intelligence as a species. Unable to reach a mutual understanding with the fairies, many Earthlings point to theirck of brain matter as an excuse to reject their sentience.


    There were religious reasons behind this as well. In particr, many Christian fundamentalists held contempt for strange creatures like these from the Semani world. After all, these were the same people who obstinately refused to believe in the theory of evolution. To them, these fairies, who possessed brains no bigger than those of rodents, would never ever be considered people.


    I see.


    Trna responded with a subdued voice. When he had brought up theparison earlier, she looked to be filled with unimaginable anger.


    What about you, Kei Matoba. Would you be fine with the death of this fairy?


    Dont treat me the same as them, will you? Of course, Ill feel a sense of responsibility.


    Responsibilityresponsibility, huh?


    Looking down, Trna mumbled aloud.


    I, I have a responsibility towards that fairy.


    Cant be helped. After all, Trna hade to San Teresa for the express purpose of protecting that fairy.


    No.


    Was it simply for that reason? She seemed abnormally flustered. This could not be exined with mere words such as duty and responsibility. Perhaps there were more personal feelings involved?


    In the end, it was only his intuition talking. He had no basis for his ims, so he chose not to pursue the matter any further.


    Anyways, dont worry yourself over it. Once we get our troops in order, I n on bringing him down. Lose your cool, and you lose yknow.


    Having said his piece, he stood up from his seat.


    Toilet. Drink some water, and cool your head down.


    Leaving the quiet Trna alone with her shoulders drooped, he headed for the shops toilet.


    After having done his business, he washed his hands, checking himself in the mirror.


    <em>Gonna be even busier after this.</em> First of all, he would have to contact the Chief. Then, he would need to dial up his contacts. It would probably be best to strictly limit recruitment to those on the Special Vice Squad, for fear of potential leaks and the like. Tonight, he would gather up his men to knead out a n. At the same time, it was necessary to request permission for the wiretap, and arrange vehicles for their use. Plenty of other things to do as well. Most likely there would be no time for him to go home; he would also have to ask one of his neighbors to feed Kuroi for the night.


    <em>I swear Ill fucking track you down. I swear.</em>


    As he returned to the table, he noticed Trna was nowhere to be found.


    (She go to the toilet too?)


    On top of the tabley her sheathed longsword, with a white handkerchief covering the scabbard. It was almost as if she hadyered the face of one of those corpses on top, judging by how it looked.


    Strange. Trna had always carried this longsword with her. That sword was the reason she was turned away from her lodgings just the other day, leaving her stranded in the cold. For her to just leave her sword like this.


    Did you see where mypanion went? The Semani girl.


    He asked the waitress passing by.


    She left. Looked to be in a hurry.


    I see. Keep the change.


    Shoving her a ten-dor bill, Matoba grabbed his portable monitor and the longsword before running straight out of the shop. He could not spot Trnas figure anywhere on the main street. The car was gone too.


    The Semani girl, who equated the value of her sword to her own life, had left it behind, disappearing into the night.


    What the hell are you thinking?


    Standing in the sparsely crowded street, he cursed under his breath.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>A dummy corporation is an entity created to serve as a front or cover for one or morepanies. It can have the appearance of being real (logo, website, and sometimes employing actual staff), butcks the capacity to function independently. (Source: Wikipedia)</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 7.1 ***Bonus Chapter***

    Book 1: Chapter 7.1 ***Bonus Chapter***


    OK, brother!


    With his dazzlingly fluorescent cellphone in hand, Reverend ONeill brightly dered.


    He was currently inside the club offices. Much like the rest of the club, its interior was exceedingly gaudy. The ce was lit up with blue and pink neon lights. Dubiously-designed crosses and idols lined each desk.


    ONeill delivered an impassioned speech to his business partner on the other side of the call.


    Luckily for us, the lovelydy Miranda has taken our suggestions to heart. Thats right. Weve got a 20% guarantee from that woman. As soon as we get it on tape, well be able to expand the ministry once again! Get it? Though Id like to avoid using any direct expressions, weve basically tacked on an A to her initials. Yep, an A, an ayy. Oh, hallelujah!


    Father.


    His secretary-cum-bodyguard giant, Kenny, entered the office.


    Father. Can I have a moment of your time?


    The A in ABC. .Hey now, brother. Its still a bit too early to be getting excited. And its not your ordinary A either. Apparently, she used up three Cuban cigars at the same time


    Father ONeill!


    Kenny raised his voice. ONeill stopped his business talks for just a moment, wrinkling the brow above his sunsses.


    Cant you put this offter, Brother Kenny? Right now, Im busy with a brother from the film industry. Hes going through a deeply spiritual experience, and Im here providing him with religious support.


    And thats fine and all, Father. But youve got a guest outside. Says it''s urgent.


    Tell them to wait a bit.


    My apologies, Ive brought them along with me. This alien just wouldnt take no for an answer.


    Excuse me.


    Pushing aside Kennys massive body, the Semanian girl entered the office. From the looks of it, she had been quite reluctant toe to this ce.


    With a Well talk about this another time, ONeill ended his call, opening his arms wide to wee his guest.


    Oh. <em>Bona</em> Trna! Correct? For the second time, wee to the Secret Sanctuary!


    Tis <em>Bona</em> Exedilika. Do not address me so casually.


    My apologies. But where is Detective Matoba? It doesnt seem hes here.


    Trna mmed her hand on the desk, ring menacingly at ONeill.


    I could care less about that <em>rakebye</em>. Scoundrel, I havee to ask a favor of you.


    Trnas whereabouts were as yet unknown.


    He had no time to put up with the selfishness of an alien ignorant in the ways of the world. Returning to office headquarters, Matoba promptly continued his investigation into the man named Dennis Elbajhi. With his exnation, his colleagues immediately got to work, looking up relevant information on the case at hand. Matoba also took the liberty of informing the Chief regarding his progress, requesting that he make the necessary arrangements for the investigation.


    He conveniently left out the fact that he had lost track of Trna. Telling him that she was simply taking a short break in the nap room, Matoba yed dumb about her whereabouts. Lost in an unfamiliar world, an unfamiliar city. She probably had no idea how she was going to go about her search for the fairy. Sooner orter, she would realize the error of her ways and give him a call. Probably.


    At first, that was what he thought. And yet, as the hours went by, the call never came.


    In the first ce, her leaving her sword behind was strange no matter how you think about it. Is it possible she had just forgotten about it in her head? Perhaps it was intended as some sort of message.


    Taking a break from paperwork, Matoba looked up The Free Encyclopedia on the inte.


    Milvoa Knights A group of warriors hailing from the Farbanian Kingdom, arge country located in the Semanian world, tasked with the protection of the royal family and national security. The organization consists of full-fledged Knights (<em>Ssh</em>) and less experienced Junior Knights (<em>Valsh</em>). Furthermore, apprentice warriors who have yet to reach adulthood are known as Squires (<em>Vura</em>). The establishment of the Milvoa Knights traces its roots to the 405th year of the Second Era


    He did not care for their origins.


    He tried adding more words to the search bar.


    Milvoa Knights. <em>Krge</em>. Customs.


    There it was.


    Renunciation of the Milvoa Knights (<em>Nahmu Krgeni</em>)  A custom handed down among generations of Milvoa Knights. To the Milvoa Knights, the longsword (<em>Krge</em>) granted upon their investiture into the organization holds value equal to their own life. The act of entrusting their longsword to a trustworthy party indicates partial abandonment of their knightly duties. Specifically, ignoring orders from their lord, very, or betraying their beliefse under this purview.


    Given the rtively primitive systems ofmunication found in the Semanian world, there were many recorded instances of soldiers taking actions independent of their superiors during times of war. The tradition of renunication was developed as a means of achieving limited acknowledgment from theirmanders for their actions. Virtuous as it was, it did not allow for knights to leave the battlefield without consequence.


    Rather, the practice often urred among the survivors of lost battles. Despite being fortunate enough to keep their lives,mitting suicide to protect their honor was often the more preferable option.


    As he read through the text, the expression on Matobas face grew ever more cloudy.


    Suicide?


    In other words, this <em>Nahmu Krgeni</em> was simr to the practice of seppuku here on Earth.


    By dying, they take responsibility for their actions in life.


    As proof of that, she had entrusted her sword to him.


    That was why she had gone off on her own.


    The <em>Krge</em> she had left behind on the table in that coffee shop told that very message.


    That idiot


    Cursing his stupidity for not realizing the situation, Matoba grabbed his coat, making to leave the office.


    He came across Chief Roth at the entrance. As Matoba passed him by, he called out to him.


    Matoba.


    What is it, sir?


    Wheres Exedilika?


    Uh.. didnt I tell you earlier? Shes sleeping in the nap room.


    And that sword?


    The Chief pointed to the longsword Matoba held.


    She forgot about it. That idiot, leaving her sword in the car


    Subject to the Chiefs steely gaze, Matoba gave up trying to make excuses. The responsibilityy with him. Any more than this, pulling the wool over his bosss eyes, and he would just be the same as yourmon swindler.


    My apologies. I lost sight of her. Im on the way to look for her now.


    Though he fully expected to be scolded severely for his negligence, surprisingly the Chief did not give him a dressing down.


    You have any ideas where she is?


    A couple. She knows who Dennis Elbajhi is so shes probably gonna try something stupid. That brat. For some reason, shes particrly fixated on that fairy.


    Is she headed for Elbajhis club?


    Possibly.


    If she was truly prepared to die, doing something so reckless would not be out of the ordinary.


    Go take her back. I dont want to make a mess of the investigation.


    Of course, sir.


    Striding towards the exit, Matoba left the office.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>In Japanese ng, theres this term called ABC that refers to the stages of a romantic rtionship. Its roughly equivalent to the baseball metaphor (first base, second base, etc) in English. A stands for a kiss. B stands for touching. C stands for intercourse. As simple as that.</li><li>The Farbanian word for Miss/Ms.''</li><li>The Farbanian word for idiot.''</li><li>Wikipedia.</li><li>The Farbanian word for longsword.''</li></ol><hr>


    Can''t wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 1: Chapter 7.2

    Book 1: Chapter 7.2


    Unlike ONeills ce, this club catered to quite a distinguished clientele.


    Located in the Grim Valley district of San Teresa, it was known as thePioneer. Its entrance was not visible from the main thoroughfare, carefully hidden within an unsuspecting alley. The only indication of its existence came in the form of a simple sign. If there had not been two Semanians-in-ck standing guard in front, anyone would have thought it was just an ordinary warehouse.


    Excuse me. Can you please show your IDs?


    As she approached the entrance, Trna was stopped by the security guards and asked to provide identification. The pair betrayed no sign of friendliness, indiscriminately scrutinizing anyone they came across.


    Eye-dee?


    Minors are not allowed inside the establishment.


    Ah, that wont be a problem!


    Walking behind her, ONeill performed an exaggerated gesture as he stepped forward. As usual, Kenny was by his side, albeit it appeared as though he had reluctantly been made toe along.


    She is my humble assistant. An angel sent from the heavens, tasked with the arduous mission of leading the stray sheep to the Lords side. Behold her beauty! Ultimately


    It does not matter who you are. We will need to check your ID.


    No, no! Shes rather particr about her pictures, Ill have you know. As for why


    If you are unable to provide us any identification, please step back.


    There was no negotiating with these people. ONeill shrugged his shoulders, whispering loudly to Trna.


    Or so they said. What do you want to do now?


    I have it here.


    She produced her identification from her bag, casually showing it to the guardsmen. One of the men-in-ck took it in his hands, alternately shifting his eyes from the ID to the girl before him.


    Twenty-years-old?


    Right now, she was not dressed in her usual knightly garb. Instead, she had donned a mini one-piece, highlighting her streamlined body. In spite of her age, her legs were perfectly proportioned, her shoulders reluctantlyid bare for all to see. The thin cloth covering her modest chest further served to emphasize its beauty. Trna herself was rather conscious of this fact, fidgeting restlessly as she held both elbows in her arms.


    You im to be 20 in Earth years, yes? Apologies, maam. You do not look like it to me


    I-I am a full-fledged adult! In another couple of years, I am certain that I shall grow to be quite the


    Ah. Mind if you kept quiet for just a moment?


    ONeill interrupted, bringing his face close to the security guards ear.


    Now, this is just between you and me, but that girl is quite the treat for some of the more privileged guests around here. From the age of twelve, she has been made to consume growth-suppression drugs.


    Drugs, you say?


    One does have to wonder why so many men of high standing possess such unique preferences. Even among my other angels, this girls special. Today, I was hoping that she would be able to give your guests the time of their lives.


    Trying to steal our customers are you, sir? How troubling.


    Now, now. Ill just have her dance a bit and leave. Hows that? Im sure your gods and mine will acquiesce to that.


    With a short gesture, ONeill slipped a folded fifty-dor note into the mans suit pocket.


    Please, go on in.


    Thank you, my good man.


    Arduously nodding his head, ONeill apanied Trna past the entrance.


    Let us go, my cute angel! The Gospel of Matthew awaits us! Beyond this door, that is. Now make way for the path shall be open to us. As promised, tonight we shall grant unto this flock unparalleled pleasure! On that note, here is my ID. I used to have an afro, you see. Cool, right?


    Lets just go on ahead, Father.


    Amen! I wish you a pleasant night! Freezing to death in this cold!


    Pressing him onwards, Kenny followed after ONeills back.


    Past the shutters of the reception area, the path made way to a narrow corridor with stairs stretching all the way underground.


    How about it, Sister Trna? Were it not for my help, you would have been readily turned away at the gates. Do express your gratitude to the God of this world.


    Does your god even lend a hand to frauds? At any rate


    Appraising her appearance one again, Trna found it exceedingly unpleasant. She looked no different from someone wearing a swimsuit. Though exposing ones skin in Semanian culture was not taboo per se, a sense of virtue was expected of members of society, much like on Earth. Of course, shame yed arge role in that.


    As I recall, I specifically requested you provide me with inconspicuous clothing. And yet


    No problems there. In fact, you almost look too in. Listen here, Sister Trna. The ce were going to can be considered a swimming pool of sorts. Disying the youth that God has gifted you is no sin in this world


    Is that so? Still, this is


    You have no need to be embarrassed. Now, straighten your back. On Earth, this is how thedies walk. Watch and learn.


    ONeill ced his hand on his waist, stretching out his pinky finger in tandem. Wiggling his hips and shaking his butt left and right, he looked as though he was a cat searching for food.


    Go on and try it yourself.


    L-like this?


    Imitating his movements admirably, Trna moved her hips as she tottered along. Her petite waist swayed back and forth, tensing itself in the process. However, unustomed as she was to this manner of walking, she suddenly wobbled in her footsteps, stretching a hand towards the wall in an attempt to support herself.


    Eeek!


    Raising an odd cry, Trna identally pulled down the hem of her one-piece. Seeing that spectacle unfolding before his eyes, ONeill broke out into raucous apuse.


    Oh, hallelujah! Hallelujah! Isnt this just splendid, brother!?


    And here I thought I liked them bitches with big boobs. Hmm what is this sensation, I wonder? Its like my eyes have opened to an entirely new world.


    Kenny blushed, removing any shred of intimidation from his face.


    Trna stared at the two suspiciously, sighing resignedly to herself as she descended the staircase. The booming of drums could be heard as they drew closer. Flinging open the soundproof door, they were abruptly greeted with a piercing cacophony of noise. It was a mixture of deafening music and the vibrant cheers of the crowd.


    Inside, pirs made of concrete and steel stretched out as far as the eye could see. Various Semanian symbols adorned the walls of the establishment. With its sky-high ceiling, it was no wonder that cigarette smoke enshrouded the neon lights.


    Surveying the interior, ONeill said.


    My, oh my. What a foul-smelling ce! And such distasteful music! My ministry is so much more soulful than this!


    ying something like JB would just dampen the mood here. Dont you think, Father?


    Seeing the two conversing without paying attention to the racket whatsoever, Trna held out her right hand towards them.


    This is fine. Here is your reward.


    A silver broochy on the palm of her hand. It held a pearly tinge, shimmering strangely in the light. In the center, arge pale-green gem had been set onto the metal.


    Oh! Then, I shall gratefully ept! That is if you dont mind.


    Without the slightest hesitation, ONeill took the brooch into his hands, shining it under the light. It was made of Idaro silver and Sheynon stone. Both were unique to the Semanian world. Though it was respectably prized over on the other side, the scarcity of it here on Earth inted its value multifold in the local markets.


    You should be able to livefortably for a couple of years with this. Take it as a chance to repent for your viiny.


    Very well! I do not recall ever doing anything quite so grave, but I shall try my best to answer your expectations! After all, people are equal in that they all sin!


    Clearly in a good mood, ONeill looked up towards the ceiling. Beside him, Kenny said.


    You sure about this, princess? Aint this precious to ya?


    I do not mind. It was an heirloom of my mother, but I shall need it no longer.


    Trna softly replied. Her eyes betrayed a hint of loneliness. Hidden deep within her voice was a reluctance to part with the said item; albeit she did not seem to have regretted handing it over to ONeill in the slightest.


    Hmm


    My thanks. <i>Daash Zanna</i>. [1]


    Trna turned on her heel, disappearing within the crowd of people. She appeared to havepletely forgotten how thedies walk.


    ONeill pped his hands together.


    Well, now! While were here, let us begin our search for the lost sheep. If possible, ones with bountiful breasts and proper conduct. I have a feeling the Lord would have told us to enjoy the night! Dont you think so too, brother?


    Is it really OK for us to be hitting on girls, Father? The princess looks like shes got something serious on her mind.


    Shes just at that age, brother. Plenty of thoughts in her head. Why, when I was in high school, all I could think of was girls and sex. And I still do; just with a touch more spirituality. Thats what it means to be an adult.


    Thats deep, Father.


    Staring at the ass of the Latina woman passing by, Kenny muttered. <hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: The Farbanian phrase for thank you.''</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 7.3

    Book 1: Chapter 7.3


    <i>The scent is strong here.</i>


    From a short while ago, Trna had been continuously detecting the presence of <i>rahtena</i>1. The Semanian-made narcotics in the possession of a portion of the clientele made up most of it. Snatching away ones life force through mindless seduction, they were most wicked inventions.


    The ability to sense <i>rahtena</i> was not exclusive to Trna alone. Every person possessed this power to some extent. Such were the teachings of her master. He had taught her all she needed to know about <i>mildi</i><i>2</i> back home. Trna herself had been blessed with a particr aptitude for this skill, to the extent that her master had predicted a promising future for her as a <i>Zefida</i><i>3</i>.


    She would likely not be able to meet her master any longer. Nor would it be possible to see the faces of her father, sisters, and loyal retainers.


    Relying on the assistance of scoundrels like ONeill had doubtless hurt her pride. Without Matobas help, this was the only way she would be able to fulfill her duty in this unfamiliarnd. Indeed, that was the purpose of her renunciation. However, just because she had thrown away her sword, it did not mean she had shed aside her conscience.


    She no longer had the right to speak of justice as she did in the past. The stain on her honor left her feeling somber.


    <i>No, this is no time for weakness.</i>


    Trna reflected.


    <i>No matter the means, I have to save her at all costs. First, I shall look for this Elbajhi fellow. Then, I </i><b><i>will</i></b><i> make him tell me the fairys whereabouts. </i>Right now, all Trna had on hand was her Vyfert steel <i>dynange</i><i>4</i>. Even so, she should be able to handle anything thates her way.


    <i>Be that as it may</i>


    Having beenpletely unaware of the limits of human degeneracy, Trna was filled with nothing but disgust at the sights she found within the club.


    Hideous music that brought to mind the rumbling of thunder. Flickering lights that blinded the eyes. Young men and women vulgarly swinging their hips, rubbing their bodies against one another as they took to the dance floor. Not a single disy of courtesy observed whatsoever. Seated in their respective cubicles, women wearing heavy makeup puffed out clouds of smoke from their cigarettes, whispering something towards the star-struck men that made up theirpany.


    She could even spot plenty of Semanians hidden among the swathes of Dorini.


    Not only were there Farbanians, the Nabatese and Golirasians alike joined in on the merriment. Citizens of Zanbenyka, a longstanding enemy of the Farbanian Kingdom, were not excluded from the festivities either.


    A woman opened her mouth wide inughter, the man by her feet slithering his fingers around her legs. Downing booze of a most venomous hue, a group of revelers swallowed pills of some sort. Hidden within the darkness under the boxed seats, a half-naked woman buried her face into another mansher regions. Though she was not well-versed in the particrs of sexual intercourse, their obscene act made Trnas hairs stand up on end.


    This is no ce for social gatherings. Tis nothing but a den of vice


    She held back the urge to vomit.


    Incidentally, she had also noticed the gazes of the men sauntering about the ce. Their eyes were drawn to her. Her exposed back, shoulders and chest gave rise to the vulgar looks on their faces. Much like a swarm of insects stuck to her body, their unmitigated disy of lust caused a chill to run down her spine.


    Trna did not know, however.


    The prostitute disguise that ONeill so painstakingly prepared had failed to conceal her natural elegance and vitality. First and foremost, her posture was much too perfect. She looked but a child, yet her formidable willpower and refined sophistication were in to see. Her pure-white skin appeared smooth as silk, glistening subtly in the light.


    Rather than mere feminine charm, her appeal ced a greater emphasis on life as a whole. Akin to the beauty of animals roaming the wilderness. Like this, she possessed youth and exuberance women who frequent this establishment could never hope to achieve.


    She tried asking several people for the club owners whereabouts. No one knew. In the first ce, Trna made no distinction between guests and staff. Every time she inquired for an answer, the other party would reply with Hey, do you wanna dance with me instead?, forcing her to brutally shoot down their requests.


    After five more times of going through the same farce, Trna was just about ready to give up and leave the establishment when someone called out to her from the side.


    Heya there, missy. Having fun?


    The man had donned clothing from this world, yet a single nce was all it took for her to realize that he was a Semanian. A young man not even forty years of age5. On Earth, he would be around his mid-twenties.


    Do I look like I am having fun? Get out of my sight.


    <i>He probably has no idea where the owner is anyway.</i> With these thoughts in mind, she tersely replied, clearly in a foul mood. The youth only chuckled, refusing to retract his advances.


    Youre no fun. Sulking around like that, youre just wasting your looks yknow?


    This is the face I was born with.


    I see. You look like a typical noble hailing from the Tibrany region. Heard some of you guys ended up on this side. First time Im seeing one, though.


    As he said that, Trna began to take a keen interest in this young man. Semanianmoners would not normally have knowledge of this fact.


    My bad, my bad. You just looked so beautiful. I was originally from Gramashy. Ran into trouble back home so I came here. How about you? From Labino, I expect?


    If one such as yourself knew this much, why exactly did you not beckon to me in our mother tongue?


    Trna said in Farbanian.


    She had always adopted this polite form of speaking when conversing in her native tongue. The reason her English had been particrly curt was due to the influence of her tutor in thenguage.


    My humblest apologies. Being in this ce, I thought it more fitting to use the English of these Dorini. Speaking our most noble tongue, passed down since ancient times, in this den of filth would ce a great burden on my conscience. Of course, if mdy feels as though I have displeased in any such way, I would be willing to stake my name under the Goddess Lubarna and proffer my sincerest apologies.


    I shall humbly ept your apology, sir.


    Please allow me to express my gratitude for your magnanimity.


    Unfortunately, I must take my leave here. Please pay me no heed.


    Oh. Do forgive this ones ears for overhearing earlier. Mdy is searching for the clubs proprietor, yes? I do believe I may be of help.


    Are you aware of their identity, good sir?


    Surely.


    Suddenly switching back to English, the manughed.


    Been a while since I used all that shitty fancy speech. Honestly, its a pain in the ass. Laaaame. Mind if we just talked like this?


    I do not mind. However, you do know this Dennis Elbajhi fellow, yes?


    Yeah, yeah, hes a friend of mine. What business do you have with him?


    I am looking for work. I came to this city only recently and I seek a means to provide for my family. Having heard that the scion of the illustrious Elbajhi house manages this ce, I was simply hoping that they would perhaps be willing to lend a hand to a fellow member of the El n.


    Hmm


    With a hint of curiosity in his eyes, the youth peered into Trnas face.


    And your name?


    Shadjinna. A member of the Elnebara household.


    Trna had given the name of a military family that had dishonored itself recently. Shadjinna was amon name for a woman. Unless one was particrly close to the Elnebara household, her lies would likely not be exposed.


    I see. But you see, this is the kind of establishment he runs. Someone like you  how do I put this.. I question whether your pride will get in the way of working here.


    I shall endeavor to improve on that front. Regardless, I wish to speak with him.


    <i>My business is with him and him alone.</i> With that one lie, she had blown away any false pretenses in their conversation.


    Well, fine. Ill go tell him about you. Follow me.


    My thanks.


    Trna followed after the young man towards the back of the club.


    They proceeded to enter a narrow staff corridor. Passing through a door with no decorations whatsoever, the two of them arrived at an office. A carpet had beenid by their feet.


    Come on in.


    The room was distinctly quiet. Its interior was painted a pastel blue colour, an abstract painting of the Earth hung on the wall. There was not a single filing cab or locker to be found. Instead, aptop had been left on the curved tabletop, surrounded by a number of disks. The telephone on the desk was much the same way.


    There was no one to be found in the room. At some point in time, two of the men-in-ck had entered the office, positioning themselves on both nks of the doorway.


    The young man crossed over to the other side of the table, taking his seat on the ck leather chair, before impolitely resting his feet atop the desk.


    Now then.


    His demeanor changed as he spoke.


    This is just how it is. Im that Dennis Elbajhi. Though my real names Kraaba Elbajhi. Its fine if we go about introducing everyone here, yknow? Wanna know their names?


    No, not particrly.


    Trna said, unimpressed. She had had an inkling that that may have been the case. As it turned out, the young man before her had been Dennis Elbajhi all along.


    You dont seem too surprised. Doesnt look like youre a disgraced noble either. What reason do you have foring all this way to see me?


    <i>Zeza</i> Elbajhi


    Trna began. The term<i>Zeza</i>was roughly equivalent to the title of mister in English.


    Let me honest with you. My name is Trna Exedilika. I, a <i>Valsh</i><i>6</i>, have been dispatched here by order of the <i>Snda</i><i>7</i>.


    Oh?


    His feet nted firmly on the table, Elbajhis lips curled.


    <b>That</b> House of Exedilika, huh?


    Hearing just that one word made Trnas blood boil; she barely managed to suppress her anger.


    Dont look upon me too harshly, now. I just felt a little bit of kinship between the two of us. Hehe.


    Do not lump my brother together with the likes of you.


    That so. Ive heard the rumours, yknow. He turned his back on the order, crossing over here with a hundred of his renegades. Something like that. You here to pick him up?


    That is nothing but a baseless rumor!


    My bad, my bad. Well, its fine. So? The fact that a <i>Valsh</i> from the Milvoa Knights is here probably has something to do with that fairy. Aint that right?


    It seems you are already aware. I will have you return her to me.


    No can do, no can do. Its one of our specialty products. And that wont change no matter how much you throw around your name. We dont y fair and square. Did you really think wed just say Yep, here ya go. and give it back to ya? We aint that naive, missy.


    Raising both his hands in an exaggerated manner, Elbajhi broke out into roarousughter.


    That is what I thought you would say.


    I see! Looks like youre prepared for whates next!


    Of course.


    A knight had left her sword behind,ing to this ce in cheap Dorini clothing, all the while boldly dering her name. There was no turning back. Any respectable Semanian noble understood that all too well.


    Then, this conversation is at an end.


    Elbajhi clicked his fingers with a snap.


    At the same time, the men-in-ck behind her drew their weapons from the hems of their suits.


    And yet, Trna had been quicker still, swiftly unsheathing the <i>dynange </i>hidden in her handbag. Gathering all her willpower, she chanted a short aria. The <i>rahtena</i> sprung forth into life, extending the de of her sword by several factors. On Earth, this Vyfert steel de would be considered something akin to a shape-memory alloy8. No matter how much it extends, its weight would not change. Though her instant-equip armor was also made of this material, it came solely with her usual outfit. As such, she was unable to use it at the current moment. With the dress she had on right now, she would probably not escape a bullet unscathed.


    Turning her body around, she nted a powerful kick on one of the men-in-ck to her side. The point of her de drew an arc in the air. Her opponents wrist was swiftly amputated, still holding the gun. Unfortunately, it was not quite enough to sever his tendons. The man let out a piercing scream as he wriggled on the floor. Flipping around once more, Trna ducked out of the other gun-toting mans line of sight.


    The man hesitated over whether to shoot. Taking advantage of that chance, Trna immediately threw her shortsword. It made contact with his right shoulder as he swerved around to avoid it. Using the cripples back as a footstool, Trna leaped towards her foe.


    Hah!


    Spinning her body mid-air, she proceeded to deliver a sharp kick onto his face. The pistol in his hand went flying off into the distance. As shended on the ground, Trna twisted her shortsword further into the mans shoulder before pulling it out.


    AAAAAGH!!!!!


    A strike with her elbow. Followed by a knee. Turning around, she shed about with her sword. His thighs shredded to pieces, the man knelt on the floor.


    Do you still intend on continuing?


    ..ghrk.


    Cowering on the ground, the man weakly waved his hands. The other one as well. A puddle of blood by his side, he shook his head to the sides.


    And that is how it is. What a shy bunch.


    Walking along, Trna kicked off her high heels, revealing the bare skin underneath. Gripping her de underhand, she turned to face Elbajhi.


    Hoh.


    Reclining on his armchair, he opened his eyes wide exaggeratedly.


    Seeing the child-like Trna dere her identity as a <i>Valsh</i> with nary a shred of shame, he had no choice but to admit his surprise at her fighting abilities.


    This is what happens when you ce your faith in those Dorini weapons.


    Agreed. Young uns dont have any backbone these days. Haaaah.


    Elbajhi stood up tiresomely from his seat, pulling out a <i>krge</i>9 from under his desk. Unsheathing the de from its scabbard, he swayed it around aimlessly on the floor just like one would a broom during cleaning.


    Youve got a good sword arm there, missy. Your master?


    I have no intention of telling you.


    That so?


    As he finished his sentence, Elbajhi leapt at Trna from his desk, shing at her from above. Compared to his usual slothful demeanor, his current movements were unimaginably sharp.


    !


    She would be cut down on the spot if she took it head-on. Dodging to the side, Trna avoided the attack. As the point of his de glistened in the light, Elbajhi continued his assault without a breath to spare, swinging his sword diagonally from his shoulder. This time around, Trna was barely able to stave off his strike. Sparks shot out whenever their des made contact; the force of their parries shook her hair from side to side.


    HAHAAA!


    He tried to sweep her feet from under her. She evaded the attack with a step.


    Another thrust aimed at her abdomen. Avoided by crouching down.


    This man!


    With only her shortsword on hand, Trna was being one-sidedly driven to a corner. No, it was not only because of her weapon. Elbajhi had exceptional swordsmanship abilities, far removed from the average. As his attacks kept piling up one after the other, she saw no openings for her to exploit.


    Her back was now against the wall. There was no ce to run. Elbajhi crept ever closer, a cruel smile stered on his face. Brandishing his longsword, he aimed it at the center of her chest. It was unavoidable.


    <i>I am finished.</i>


    She had been prepared for this to happen. And yet, the finishing blow never came. The de passed through her inseams, nting itself onto the wall behind her.


    nghh.


    Nice panties youve got there, Trna-chan.


    Her fierce movements had turned her miniskirt inside out. The sword continued to press against herher regions. Through the thinyer of fabric, a sudden shiver ran down her body. If she moved any further, her abdomen would most likely be torn vertically in half.


    I wont kill ya yet. Ill have you tell me how you found this ce, slowly but surely.


    As he whispered into her ear, Elbajhi quietly retrieved her <i>dynange</i> from the floor.


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: A form of magical energy that can be sensed by the Semani.</li><li>TL Note: The Farbanian word for magic.''</li><li>TL Note: The Farbanian word for healer.''</li><li>TL Note: The Farbanian word for shortsword.</li><li>TL Note: In Semanian years.</li><li>TL Note: The Farbanian word for apprentice/junior knight.''</li><li>TL Note: Refers to a Farbanian knight order.</li><li>TL Note: See this.</li><li>TL Note: The Farbanian word for longsword.</li></ol><hr>


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 Book 1: Chapter 8.1

    Book 1: Chapter 8.1


    Her hands cuffed behind her back, Trna was taken to a garage. Almost as if it had been awaiting her all along, she was shoved into the back seat of a limousine. Elbajhi soon followed in after her. With a squeak of its tires, the vehicle bounded through the back entrance of the nightclub.


    Even the Milvoa Knights are after us now. I swear, this club cant get any rest.


    Wrapping up several of his business negotiations on the phone, Elbajhi said.


    Im a busy man. Ive got an important dealing up. Theyve got someone specialized in dealing with these types of things so I thought why not bring you along for the ride. Theres nothing to be scared of, missy! You didnt really think we were gonna throw you off of Silver Bay with a block of concrete strapped to your feet, did ya? That woulda been such a waste!


    Laughing maniacally, he ran his fingers down her slender shoulders.


    I do not mind. To begin with, I did not have any intention of escaping with my life intact. If you do intend to end my life, it would be more prudent to do so quickly, no?


    Thats right. You didnt bring your <em>krge</em>along, did ya? Renunciation, eh?


    Wheres your sword?


    Back home. I entrusted it to my lord father.


    Hmm


    Elbajhi fiddled with Trnas <em>dynange</em> in the palm of his hand.


    Right now, your lord father is probably tearing his hair out praying for his daughters safety.


    I wonder about that. His unworthy daughter has been captured by the likes of a ruffian such as yourself, after all.


    Hahah. Thats true.


    It was there that a seed of doubt began to sprout in Trnas mind.


    <em>This Elbajhi Has he not realized that I have been lying to him all this time? Perhaps he is unaware of my cooperation with the San Teresa Police Department?</em>


    She thought back to that Colombian smuggler. Albares. The assassin that took his life had seen Trna just before theymitted their foul deed. Practitioners of necromancy, she had heard, are capable of seeing the world through the eyes of the corpses they manipte. In other words, the <em>mildita</em> should know her face. Of course, they would also be privy to Trna cutting down their puppet with her <em>krge</em>.


    <em>Is this not odd?</em>


    If that <em>mildita</em> had truly been under Elbajhis employ, why have they not told him anything about her?


    The limousine continued on its way, entering the parking lot of a restaurant close to the airport. There, they switched vehicles to a light van. Another thirty minutes passed by. Eventually, the buildings around them grew ever sparser. They had arrived at the outskirts of the city.


    As they traveled across the meandering hillside, the van finally stopped in front of an old temple. It looked to be of Gravanian make, dating back hundreds of years. In the first ce, Kariana Ind had been transported from the Semanian world to sit atop the Pacific Ocean. Hidden among the modernities the Earthlings brought with them, one could find the ancient ruins and remains of Semanians left behind from ages past.


    I have been expecting you, my lord.


    A man d all in red hade out to greet them, lowering his head. Beside him was a pale-faced Earthling. He was dressed in a suit.


    Zda. Are thegoodsready?


    Yes. The final preparations have just beenpleted. Kalim-sama has seen to it. If you wish to see it yourself, I


    Good.


    Elbajhi entered the temple in stride.


    And this youngdy is?


    The man named Zda inquired. Although he had sunsses on, it did not appear as though he could see. In fact, he had probably judged her to be a woman solely based on the sound of her footsteps and breathing.


    The Milvoa knight in question. Dunno how but she went sniffing about the ce. Ill tell you the detailster.


    Oh, please do. Now, allow me to take the floor from here. I shall guide you around.


    Tapping the ground under his feet with his staff, Zda shed his white teeth as he smiled.


    Why the hell am I at this temple again?


    Having parked his car about 500 meters away from the temple, Matoba muttered to himself.


    Tailing that van without any backup whatsoever had been nothing short of an ordeal.


    As soon as he left headquarters, he had immediately gone through all the ces Trna had likely gone. He had gotten off the phone with ONeill just an hour ago. Finding him pleasantly drunk on scotch, Matoba strongly pressed him on the details. Eventually, ONeill admitted that he had taken Trna to the club on her request. She must have been rather desperate to ask the viin for help.


    He would make sure ONeill repaid this favorter. By the time he got to the club, it was alreadyte out. Luckily enough, he spotted them throwing Trna into the limousine by the garage at the back entrance.


    Matoba immediately turned his car around, going after the limo. Just in case, he requested a police chopper track his path from high above in the air. Perhaps Elbajhi was being cautious, for he switched vehicles close to the airport. Unable to spot the exchange in detail, the helicopter could not pinpoint its target any further. As such, it was forced to give up its pursuit.


    Matoba being Matoba, he changed his ride as well. At this rate, they would have noticed the same car tailing them from the start. Confirming that Elbajhi and his men had gotten on the green minivan, Matoba parked his Cooper quite a ways away. He had no choice but tomandeer a sedan passing by.


    By a stroke of luck, Matoba managed to catch sight of the van once again, immediately resuming his pursuit. Tailing them had been nothing short of a miracle. Normally, he would have lost track of them long ago.


    And that was how he now found himself at this temple in the mountainous outskirts of San Teresa.


    Something from before theGreat Arrival, huh


    Two olive towers built upon steep slopes of red y. The huge clumps of mud forming its exterior reminded Matoba of an anthill. Once covered in brilliant white tiles, the windowsills were filled with clear ss, though it was apparent theck of ornaments betrayed their age.


    Long before Kariana Ind mysteriously appeared on Earth fifteen years ago, this temple had already been abandoned for quite some time in the Semanian world. Perhaps the long years of war and famine left it forgotten in the eyes of its former lord.


    Even the poor Semanian refugees did not attempt to settle here. Instead, they took to the cemeteries, establishing their lodgings in the center of the graveyards. The Earthlings would probably not pay heed to these signs, wondering if that temple hid riches of some sort.


    Or something equally valuable.


    Most likely, this ce was one of the magic catalyst facilities harnessed by the Goldsmith  the magician Trna had described. Oftentimes, ancient catbsy underneath these historical Semanian temples. By using that space, it would be easy enough to set up a makeshift factory of sorts,plete with a production line and a warehouse.


    Shortly thereafter, a call to headquarters corroborated his theory. One of his colleagues, Detective Tony McBee, had traced down a supplier of Elbajhis, discovering that a shipment of industrial machinery had indeed been delivered to the area after some careful observation.


    There was no mistaking it. This was the ce.


    Matoba zoomed in further with his Tasco binocrs.


    Trna was being dragged helplessly inside the temple. He spotted a man d in a red cloak. Seeing his back, Matoba could not help but sense something familiar from the man. Even so, he did not think much of it.


    Dammit, the hell has she gotten herself into this time? That idiot!


    Taking his eyes off of his binocrs, Matoba cursed.


    <em>Sure, the fairys important and all, but is it really worth getting yourself captured in the first ce? This mightve been normal back in your world, but weve got a moreplicated, delicate way of doing things over here. That brat just doesnt get it.</em>


    <em>But, well, at least I know youre safe.</em>


    <em>Before I can bash your head in, first Ive gotta save your sorry ass. No way about it  gotta be careful. At the very least, we know where their base is now.</em>


    Matoba got inside his car once more, making a call to Chief Roth as he drove along. He told him of the temples whereabouts, and exined the matter regarding the industrial machinery.


    Continue your reconnaissance. Im sending SWAT over to your position.


    The Chief said. Hearing news that the vanguard was to arrive, Matoba felt a great weight lifted off his chest.


    My thanks. For a second there, I thought Id have to go at this alone like in one of them Martin Riggs movies. Really wasnt looking forward to that. When will they be arriving, sir?


    Busting out the name of the protagonist from theLethal Weaponfilm series, he felt a tinge of irony. Riggs was a detective who had been a veteran of the Vietnam war, serving in the United States Army Special Forces. He was much like Matoba in that sense, though Trna definitely took after his recklessness and general disregard for his own life.


    Im taking care of it right now. They should be there in about thirty minutes or so.


    That long!? Any chance you could hurry it up, sir?


    Of course. If Exedilikas been taken captive, Im sure we could charge them with an extra kidnapping or two. And if that temple is truly a narcotics facility, Elbajhi could be looking at thirty plus years.


    Right.


    The Chief was being cut off by static. The same went for the call he made to HQ earlier; his phone was barely getting any signal out here. Looking at the disy, it was constantly switching between two bars and none at all.


    Dont do anything stupid. Sit there and wait for backup.


    Got it. Matoba, signing off.


    Matoba sank into his seat as he ended the phone call.


    Five minutes passed; he was starting to get lonely. Thinking that he should at least get a smoke in before things get busy, Matoba retrieved a pack of Marlboro cigars out of his suit pocket.


    The car he had pilfered was an Audi 18. Ashtray looked brand new; its lighter had never been used. No matter how one looked at it, it was clear its owner was a non-smoker. He was almost sure he would be severely reprimanded when he returned it.


    For the love of


    Matoba groaned, stepping out of the vehicle. It was a habit from his time in the Rangers to lean his body in the shade of his car for concealment; he no longer felt like starting a fire. Fortunately, it did not appear as though the me would be visible to the guards by the temple at this distance.


    Getting out his Zippo lighter, Matoba lit his cigar. Taking in a deep breath, he fully immersed himself in the smoke as he exhaled.


    The outskirts were nice. At the very least, he did not have to deal with any no-smoking fascists in this neck of the woods.


    It was there that Matoba realized.


    Under the chilly embrace of the night sky, there was smokeing out of the windows in the temple. And it wasnt just one or two of them. Every single window. Every single entrance.


    ?


    In an instant, he brushed away the foolish idea that his smoking had been the source of all the smoke. No, there was no way that was possible. Smashing the butt of his cigar to the ground, Matoba returned to the drivers seat, peeking at the temple with his binocrs. Men were dashing out of the front entrance, yelling loudly as they did so.


    It was a fire.


    What the hell?


    Something had definitely happened. The circumstances were not clear. Was it really just a simple fire? Or was it man-made?


    It was hard to believe that this was mere coincidence. Something strange was going on over there.


    A fires just started, sir.


    What?


    A fire, sir. Is SWAT still not here?


    Im working on it. Keep monitoring the situation.


    But Trnas in danger. The evidence, the fairy, all up in smokes. Elbajhi and his men are running away as we speak.


    True enough. But what exactly do you think you can do by yourself?


    Fuck, I cant just sit still and do nothing!


    Dont do anything stupid. Thats an order.


    Then hurry the hell up, will ya?


    Hanging up in anger, Matoba once again lifted up his binocrs to continue his observation. The amount of smokeing out of the temple windows was slowly but surely increasing.


    This is bad


    Should he just sit there and wait for SWAT to arrive? Or should he head straight for the temple?


    At this rate, not only would Elbajhi escape with ease, he would be able to destroy any shreds of evidence linking him to his crimes. These criminals would scatter like rats; it may take years to uncover another lead in this case.


    And that was not all. This fire posed a grave threat to Trnas safety. If he were Elbajhi  a clever guy, by all ounts  what would he do given the choice of saving his goods or saving the detective who had tried to bring him in?


    There was no doubt about it. He would leave her to die in the mes.


    What should I do?


    He hadnt a second left to spare. Alone and helpless. He was all by himself here. Matoba instinctively checked the weapons he had on hand.


    A shotgun with six shells left in the barrel. Five magazines. 16 rounds inside his 9mm pistol. Two magazines.


    Ahh, what have I done


    For whatever reason, he had be increasingly reckless these past few days.


    Normally, the best and most rational action to take here is to wait. He was even ordered to do so. As a veteran of the military, he had always been subscribed to the following philosophy: Theres nothing that cant be done.


    Risking his life for an alien he just met three days ago was nothing short of a fools errand.


    However, his cat Kuroi had grown attached to Trna. If he were to turn tail and abandon her now, his cat would surely hold a grudge against him for the rest of its life. And if that happened, hed never be able to live with himself.


    <em>I sure as hell wont let that happen.</em>


    What am I? Fucking Don Quixote now?


    With his shotgun and Trnas longsword strapped to his back, Matoba stepped forth into the darkness.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>The Farbanian word for longsword.</li><li>The Farbanian word for shortsword.</li><li>The Farbanian word for magician.</li><li>Also known as a frog car. See here.</li><li>Protagonist of <em>Lethal Weapon</em> film series. A buddy-copedy.</li><li>See here.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 8: (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 8: (2)


    Just moments before.


    Trna stood still in one of the temples inner chambers  a small room left in disrepair following centuries of neglect. She was to be interrogated after Elbajhi and his men finished their inspection of theirgoods, hence the reason she had been temporarily confined to this room.


    This had most likely been a resting ce for the worshippersing to the temple all those years ago. Tables and chairs made of the finest Barosha cedary scattered across the floor. It was said that furniture crafted of such wood would not rot no matter how much time had passed; they were quite renowned for their durability.


    The man d in red, the one going by the name of Zda, was their <em>mildita</em>. By the looks of it, he was a practitioner of the Mahzany school of magic. One of thetent characteristics of Mahzany <em>mildi</em> was the ursed maniption of souls. There was no mistaking it  he was the one behind all those killings.


    And for whatever reason, Zda had not told Elbajhi of Trnas existence. There may be other factors at y here. Regardless, she would first need to escape from this ce and rescue <strong>that child</strong> before she could get any answers. The fairy was located somewhere within the temples catbs. She would recognize that nostalgic <em>branii</em> anywhere.


    While she was in the process of exploring the range of her movements with her handcuffs, Trna noticed that something was off.


    Elbajhisckeys were raising up a ruckus. The smell of something burnt was wafting through the crack in the door. She overheard several words being said. Fire extinguisher.Need water. st it away.


    A fire.


    With her hands bound behind her back, Trna stood up. She surveyed her surroundings. The door leading outside was locked up tight. Ramming her petite body against it would be futile.


    Dragging the table towards the edge of the door, Trna stacked a chair atop it. Still restrained by her handcuffs, she climbed the mountain of furniture with great effort.


    Reaching the top, she looked down upon the entranceway.


    Her feet were as yet unsteady; it felt as though she could lose her bnce at any moment.


    <em>Deep breaths. Alright.</em>


    <em>Myna bolhe,bna ye Ghizenya</em>


    She chanted. It was the incantation for a type of <em>mildi</em> quite appropriate for the current situation. In a blink of an eye, immense power began flowing through the girls petite frame. Her vision dyed red, a zing energy spread through every corner of her body, all the way to her fingertips.


    Before long, the sound of the lock opening could be heard from the other side. Two men, clearly panic-stricken, entered the room. Elbajhis men. Perhaps they hade to finish Trna off. Perhaps they were here to take her to a more secure location.


    She aint here!


    Oi


    They didnt even have time to react.


    Trna sent a chair flying towards one of them, before leaping towards him and delivering a sharp kick to his chin. CRACK! With his neck tilting at an odd angle, the man copsed onto the floor. Using his body as a footstool, she soared into the air, strangling the other man with both her legs. From the front, it looked as though he was giving her a piggyback ride. It was almost as if he was an acrobat in a circus.


    !


    Putting her all into it, Trna used the full weight of her body and twisted. The man fell. Even so, she did not let go of her legs, falling right along to the floor with him. Clenching her teeth, she exerted even more force on the man.


    ~~~~~GHAAAAAAAK!


    The mans limbs fell limp. An agonizing cry escaped his lips. <em>How stubborn of him</em>. As the effects of the strengthening spell began to wear off, Trna started feeling the pain as well. Barely hanging on to her consciousness, she continued her relentless assault.


    ghrk


    At longst, the man stopped struggling. Squeezing her thighs around the man a couple more times for good measure, Trna finally loosened her grip on her opponent.


    Neither of the two men had lost their life. One was seemingly in a trance, having received a severe concussion. The other had simply lost consciousness.


    Heaving her shoulders, she dragged one of the men against the wall, setting him on his back. She dug through his possessions, finding a bunch of keys in his coat pocket. Sifting the smallest key out of the pile, she slipped it into the hole in her handcuffs.


    Surprisingly, she managed to open it in one go.


    Expressing her gratitude to the Goddess of War, Ghizenya, Trna excitedly flung her restraints to the side. Unfortunately for her, most Dorini handcuffs could be opened with the exact same key. She did not know this at the time, however.


    Next was finding a weapon. Trna had absolutely no interest in the guns the men possessed. Instead, she grabbed a reasonably-sized, rectangr block of wood lying on the ground. Swinging it two to three times, she managed to ascertain its condition. Still, she was left with no armor whatsoever. She was practically naked; her shoes were all she had left. Nevertheless, Trna muttered.


    Okay.


    <em>It seems as though the Goddess Ghizenya has not abandoned me just yet. In that case, I shall continue to fight on until thest atom on my body turns to dust! God be to the glory!</em>


    Swearing to herself, Trna dashed out of the room like a lioness on the hunt.


    Lowering her body, she sprinted down the stone corridor at full speed. By this time, the smoke had already reached the ceiling. <em>Where is the fireing from? To what degree is this fire spreading? There is no time to waste; I must hurry to the fairys whereabouts</em>.


    Turning the corner, she found herself face-to-face with another man wielding a pistol.


    Bugh!!!


    Charging ahead straight as an arrow, Trna swung her makeshift club to and fro. The mans gun flew into the air. Turning around, she drew closer to her enemy, bringing down her wooden block onto him. A hit to the side of the head. As the man staggered to his feet, she delivered an elbow strike to his gut with all her might, sending his body crashing into the wall.


    Ugh


    SPEAK! WHERE IS THE FAIRY?


    Strangling the neck of her dazed opponent, Trna demanded.


    Most likely the underground catbs


    Where is this fireing from?


    I-I dont know


    That was all that she needed to hear. Smashing the mans head against the wall, she rushed on ahead.


    Before long, she had arrived at arge hallway. A high ceiling. Pirs as far as the eye could see. The smoke had reached this ce as well. Opposite her, men holding machine guns in one hand and fire extinguishers in the other were shouting angrily at one another. Given that this is a Gravany temple, one would usually find the entrance to the underground via.


    Hey, you!


    Recognizing Trna, a man in the group shouted. Paying no heed, she sprinted across the hallway, in the direction directly opposite the altar. The path underground should lie on the other side.


    Stop right there!


    Naturally, she did not stop. All at once, the men began firing their weapons. Pellets sprayed all over her surroundings. As they hit the countless pirs, bits of stone and dust formed a thick cloud of debris in their vicinity. She could see the entrance to the catbs. She dashed straight on.


    Goddamnit, after her!


    Hey, doesnt putting out the firee first!?


    Who cares! Its useless anyway!


    As the men argued behind her back, Trna descended into the darkness below.


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>The Farbanian word for magician.</li><li>The Farbanian word for magic.</li><li>The Farbanian word for scent/odor</li><li>Lit. Arms of a Giant, Blessings of the Goddess of War</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 8: (3)

    Book 1: Chapter 8: (3)


    <em>Fuck, running half a kilometer sure is tough. I knew I shouldve just used the car</em>.


    Out of breath, Matoba had arrived at the side of the temple. He held his shotgun in both hands, Trnas longsword slung across his back in its scabbard. The ttering sound it made as he moved may be annoying, but it couldnt be helped.


    Sneaking around the back of a parked minivan, he spotted a Semanian man standing guard before him. Matoba whistled. The man turned around.


    !?


    Police. You know what to do, dontcha?


    With a shotgun pointed at his face, the man immediately dropped his machine gun and raised his hands up in the air. As he got closer to him, Matoba knocked him down to the ground. Bringing his knee against his back, he was about to handcuff him when he suddenly heard the sound of gunfireing from the temple.


    !


    <em>SMGs on full-auto. And a whole bunch of them too. Shit is hitting the fan, and fast</em>.


    Shit.


    He dashed straight to the temple, leaving his captive behind. Out of the corner of his eye, he could spot a number of Elbajhis men coughing violently as they ran to their cars. Though he wanted to stop their inevitable escape, he didnt have any time to waste arresting the lot of them. As long as they remained unaware of his presence, he would ignore theirs.


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    Matoba headed for the thick cloud of smoke covering the entrance. Inside, the remnants of Elbajhis men were cursing at one another.


    Hey, doesnt putting out the firee first!?


    Who cares! Its useless anyway!


    Nothing woulde about dilly-dallying. Matoba stepped foot into the temple. The darkness notwithstanding, the smoke had gotten progressively worse in the hallway.


    Immediately to his side, someone shouted out through the deluge of smoke.


    Hey, wait! One of em Dorinis up to something!


    He didnt even get the chance to sh his badge. They shot at him without a word. Ducking down, Matoba saw the pir behind him get sted to smithereens from an endless barrage of gunfire.


    Police! Throw away your weapons at once!


    Ignore him! Keep on firing!


    A bevy of submachine guns were fired at him. Matoba hid under the shade of the pir, staving off the rain of bullets headed his way.


    He readied his shotgun, firing at the shadows in his field of vision. Nine pellets hit a man right in the middle of his chest. Its power could not bepared to that of a pistol. Without even raising a scream, the man was blown away by the force of the weapon.


    Well, it is what it is


    Matoba muttered as he deftly reced the magazine with his trained hands.


    Your fault for making me waste my time with one of your buddies.


    Matoba swiftly drew his shotgun once more, firing it in rapid session.


    She could hear the fierce gunfight unfolding above ground. Something had clearly happened. And yet, Trna merely ignored it and continued on down. It appeared as though the source of the fire was just up ahead,ing from the underground mausoleum. Her eyes stung. Trapped in a narrow passageway with all this smoke, it was a miracle she could even breathe.


    Reaching the end of the corridor, she finally arrived at the catbs.


    Countless statues lined the halls of the mausoleum. mes were scattered here and there, obscuring the light. Illuminated by the ze, the shadows of the statues appeared to sway back and forth, almost as if life had been breathed into them. Legends tell of a group of deities and the demigods who served them. It was said that they would watch over the souls of the dead for all eternity.


    They brought the fairy to such a ce. Just what exactly are they nning?


    As she advanced through the mes, Trna came face to face with two of Elbajhisckeys. She swiftly knocked one to the ground before sending the other to join his friend.


    The <em>branii</em> was steadily getting stronger. Still alive. Just beyond, <strong>she</strong> was still alive.


    Passing by idols and sarcophagi, Trna finally arrived at the Chamber of Evesting Spring. It was the resting ce of members of the ancient house that once ruled over thisnd. Normally, this chamber would be filled to the brim with the polished statues of ancient warriors. In their stead, rows upon rows of Dorini machinery lined the room. Linen sheets were scattered across the floor. Metal partsy in one corner of the room. Removing the sheets revealed various boxes underneath. Severalyers of cloth had covered their contents. These containers most likely held the fruits of theirbour  Fairy Dust.


    On the left side of the roomy a clear, ss box. Inside, there was.


    <em>Quenishba</em>


    Within the transparent casing, one could see the <strong>ingredients</strong> of the drug floating on some type of liquid. The body parts of fairies. Arms. Legs. Heads. Even their organs


    It was a wretched sight. Suppressing the urge to vomit, Trna broke into a coughing fit.


    Hey, Im the one you should feel sorry for. All these goods, gone to waste


    A voice. Slowlying out from under the shadow of the machinery, a man made his appearance known to her. It was none other than Elbajhi himself. His right arm sloppily hung onto his <em>Krge</em>. His left held onto some sort of device outfitted with a ss cylinder. She could spot a small silhouette fluttering from within. There was a fairy inside that cylinder.


    It took us quite a while, yknow? Making all thisFairy Dustcost us a pretty penny. And taking into ount intion rates, lets just say these materials aint just for show. We were about to get out a brand-new product too. You know how much that cost? Hundreds of thousands of dors. We worked damn hard to get that money. And its all gone up in smoke thanks to this FUCKING FIRE! You the one who started it?


    I know not.


    Thought so. Well, Ive got someone in mind You seen Zda anywhere? Yknow, that <em>mildita</em> in red?


    I know not. More importantly, what exactly is that device? What are you nning to do with that fairy?


    This thing? Its a prototype. For aSpirit Bomb, that is.


    Spirit Bomb?


    Its supposed to be a device that amplifies the effect of the fairys <em>rahtena</em>, spreading it across arger radius. We arranged a catalytic inscription we found in the Book of Niba, constructing anAmplification Pathwayin this very device. By bombarding the fairies with microwaves, we were able to extract <em>rahtena</em> to Well, talking to you about this wont make much difference, would it? Anyway, if one were to use this, theyd be able to turn people in their surroundings into mindless corpses  much like thoseFairy Dust addicts. This stuff was gonna sell like hotcakes to the Dorini


    Heaving a deep sigh, Elbajhi pped his hands together.


    Well, there aint no helping it. Its time for me to leave. Mind moving aside, little missy?


    You intend to y the fool with me?


    Holding back her unbridled rage, Trna said.


    So thats how its gonna be, huh?


    Unforgivable. As far back as time immemorial, the Fairies have been considered sacred existences by our people. For a knave such as you to IS TEARING THEM FROM LIMB TO LIMB NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?!


    Hey, hey, dont be so mad. They make good cash. Aint that enough for a reason?


    Elbajhi chuckled, satisfied.


    Its been over ten years since Ive stepped foot into the <em>Leto Dorini</em>. You know all about that right? I was raised just like you. Another scion of a stereotypical military household. Swordsmanship, horsemanship, archery. Etiquette and <em>mildi</em>, you name it. Boring as all hell. Eventually, I wouldve gotten with a dull bitch, made a kid, and served the kingdom. Then, the ipetent trash we call royalty would send me to die in another one of their damned wars. An honorable death, they say. Bullshit. No matter how much I struggled, nothing would have changed.


    Its different over here. Theres stuff like the American Dream and all that. Work hard enough, and youll get rewarded. Science is fucking amazing. Newton mechanics, the Theory of Rtivity, quantum mechanics,plex systems. Thetest in psychophysics and divine geometry. If they just looked closely, theyd be able to see a faint trace of our <em>mildi</em> in their studies as well. Brand new horizons! Do you really think the royal family and their team of rotting magicians can offer me the same level of excitement? And theres this thing called rock. Its a type of music. Im a huge fan of Nirvana! Know em? And theres more. Cars, suits, women, video games. We wouldnt evene close even after a hundred generations. Yet, in exchange for that, they invented money. These motherfucking Dorini dont have a shred of pride. As long as youve got money, you can buy practically anything.


    Money, money, money, huh?


    Trna mumbled sullenly.


    The same as the man-eating devils of Obiza, yes? It seems that you no longer care to call yourself Semani.


    Aah. Youre the same as those idiots, arentcha Trna-chan? What a shame.


    Dragging his longsword, Elbajhi took a step towards the mes.


    So? You nning to stop me with that wooden stick of yours? I held back on you before, yknow? Dont be stupid.


    <em>Zeyaja</em>.


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    That so?


    Taking another step, Elbajhiughed as he assumed a stance with his sword.


    I aint gonna be pulling any punches this time around.


    He made his next move in an instant. Drawing his de from its scabbard, Elbajhi drew closer in an instant. The power of his strikes was even greater than before. Leaping back, Trna barely managed to avoid the point of his de, adopting a stance with her makeshift weapon.


    Give up! Its useless!


    Elbajhi swept his sword sideways in an attempt to mow her down. Lowering herself so as to reflexively block his iing attack, Trnas stick was cleanly severed, bing a mere two-thirds of its original length.


    Cmon, cmon! Dance some more, little princess!


    He struck again. And again.


    She was afforded no mercy. Worse still, there was nary a chance for a counterattack. The edge of his sword glimmered in the light. Split in two, the piece of wood she held was nothing less than garbage. His assault continued on, ripping her cheap-looking dress to shreds. Her fair, white skin was exposed for all to see.


    Try a little harder, why dont you!? Lemme have at those boobs!


    kuh!


    <em>I cannot win. Elbajhi is far too powerful. A shortsword and a stick would not suffice</em>. The enemy was about ready to finish her off. She took a deep breath,ing to terms with her impending demise.


    <em>No, I must not give up here! At this rate</em>.


    TILAAARNA!!!


    Another voice called out to her.


    That was all it took for her to realize their identity.


    She spotted a man out of the corner of her eye. That crude, odious excuse for a Dorini. Kei Matoba held her sheathed <em>krge</em> aloft, throwing it towards her. Though she remained unaware of the circumstances, he had somehow been able to uncover the whereabouts of this hideout, journeying all the way here to rescue her.


    !


    The <em>Krge</em> drew a parab as it rotated in the air.


    Stepping aside to avoid another one of Elbajhis strikes, Trna firmly grabbed onto the longsword spinning towards her. Rolling safely onto the ground, she promptly drew the de from its scabbard. Its silver body gleaming alight, a single swing of the <em>Krge</em> blew away the surrounding mes from its mere impact.


    Hoh!?


    As she kneeled on the ground, Trna held her de aloft. Seeing that, Elbajhi smirked.


    That stance. That <em>krge</em>. You follow the Vredeni style, missy?


    Did I not say it before? I have no obligation to tell you anything!


    Hmm, interesting


    Taking a lowered stance with his sword, Elbajhi slowly walked towards the thick of the fray.


    Need some help?


    Matoba asked.


    No need!


    For her to wield the de she had once forsook, nothing could be more disgraceful as a knight. Or so the disciplined part of her heart shouted. At the same time, another part, one that beheld her thirst for battle, said this as it jumped for joy.


    <em>This de that apanied you through life and death. From a young age, you have felt its weight in your hands. The de that you could finally swing without the slightest hint of hesitation. Tis equal to your own life. As long as it is in your hands</em>


    <em>Nothing shall ever get in your way!</em>


    This man shall be mine to y!


    OK, have at em.


    <em>Daash na zanna</em><em>!</em>


    Expressing words of gratitude, Trna kicked off of the ground.


    HAHAHA!


    Suddenly opening his eyes wide, Elbajhi closed the distance in an instant. He let out a flurry of strikes, to which Trna defended herself with the most minimal of movements.


    She lightly jumped into the air. Much like a top, Trna released a whirlwind of attacks against her enemy.


    Elbajhi tried to evade. But it was much too slow. Trnas de dug into his torso. The attack was shallow; it barely grazed the edge of his skin. And yet, this was the first time she had sessfullynded a blow on him. Landing to the ground, Trna positioned her sword against her head. It blocked the iing attack aimed straight at her forehead. She followed up with a low sweep of her de. Elbajhi leapt back, building up momentum for another attack. Right. Left. Above. She parried every strike magnificently.


    You bitch


    The tables having turned on him, Elbajhi groaned. Trna did not say a single word.


    Her masters words echoed in her mind.


    <em>One must not give their opponent cause for rest.</em>


    <em>Faster. Sharper.</em>


    <em>Think of your </em>krge<em> as an extension of your fingertips. Think of them as your wings. Be as graceful as a crane. As fierce as a falcon. Feel the wind. Entrust your body to the flow of the </em>rahtena<em>.</em>


    <em>Let your de be a gale.</em>


    <em>It shall guide your path to victory!</em>


    Khh!


    There were cuts all over Elbajhis right arm. They were still much too shallow.


    His feet had been crushed. Yet, it was still not enough.


    In that case.


    Fuh!


    Trna bounded high up in the air, delivering a swift blow to the crown of his head. Elbajhi tilted his head, narrowly escaping death. However, the <em>krge</em> did not stop at his shoulders, slicing down through the center of his chest.


    Ghahak!


    An inhuman cry escaped his lips.


    As Trna retrieved her sword and stepped back, Elbajhi fell down to his knees, copsing onto the cold, hard floor. A fresh pool of blood leaked out of his wounds.


    Before you meet your demise, I shall tell you.


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    Heaving a deep sigh, Trna continued.


    The name of my master is Grda Vredeni. None other than the strongest swordsman in the whole of the Farbanian Kingdom. Do tell that to the demons you meet in the underworld.


    Go to hell.


    And with that, Elbajhi ceased to breathe.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>The Farbanian word for scent/odor.''</li><li>The Farbanian word for awful. Used in this context to mean something along the lines of How terrible</li><li>The Farbanian word for longsword.</li><li>The Farbanian word for magician.''</li><li>A form of magical energy that can be sensed by the Semani.</li><li>Earth; lit. The world of the Dorini.</li><li>The Farbanian word for magic.''</li><li>The Farbanian word for Shut up.</li><li>The Farbanian phrase for thank you.''</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 9: (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 9: (1)


    What should he say in this situation? The silence was deafening. Roughly pping his hands together, Matoba said.


    Good job, kid.


    Her Krge hanging from her waist, Trna looked down upon the remains of the man once known as Dennis Elbajhi. While this was the first time Matoba hadin his eyes on him, it appeared as though she possessed some sort of connection to the youth.


    This feat was not aplished through my own power, but through the techniques entrusted to me by my master.


    Replied Trna.


    Dont really get it, but youve definitely got skill. If it were me, Id have run away with my tail between my legs the second I saw him. Scary motherfucker.


    That is for certain. This is the first time I have had to face such a fearsome opponent.


    Still, a single lead bullet wouldve done him in ugh.


    Matoba surveyed his surroundings. The fire in the catbs was steadily gettingrger. If they hang around any longer, they would be steak before long.


    I have plenty of things to say to you, but for now thatll have to wait. That thing rolling on the floor  thats our fairy, right? Grab it. Were getting out of here.


    Spying the ss cylinder rolling on the cobblestone floor, Trna gouged out the wires connecting it to the machine. Inside the cylinder, it was possible to see a small figure floating about.


    Is this it?


    Trna shakily approached the fairy. Kneeling in front, she tilted her head to the side in irritation.


    This is not it. This is a fake


    What the hell?


    Whilst it may not be obvious to the untrained eye, this is merely a doll. I cannot sense the branii of rahtena anywhere. Elbajhi believed it to be genuine as well. I thought it impossible, and yet


    Where the fuck is the real one then?


    Closing her eyes, Trna sharpened her senses.


    It is getting further and further away. I do not know the direction.


    Someone mustve taken it away in all the confusion.


    Matoba clicked his tongue.


    Aboveground, the sound of police sirens could be heard, followed by several gunshots and cries of Dont move! Its the police!. Backup had arrived, it seemed. SWAT was probablying in full force right about now, apprehending or gunning down the remains of Elbajhis men. However


    Is it still getting further away?


    That is correct.


    I find that hard to believe. SWATs here. They should have a clear view of the temple grounds from the outside; theres basically nowhere to run. If there was anyone trying to make away with the fairy, theyd be caught for sure.


    That may be true no, wait.


    Appearing to recall something, Trna dashed towards the catb depths. Compared to the coffins Matoba had seen, rows of exquisitely-crafted sarcophagi lined the entire breadth of the hall. While he had no knowledge of Semani burial practices, these tombs most likely belonged to the likes of nobles and lords of ages past.


    This is an ancient Gravanian temple. If that is indeed the case, those fleeing the oppression of their lord would most likely


    Brushing off the cloud of dust from the sarcophagi, Trna continued mumbling on. Analyzing the engravings, tilting her head, so on and so forth.


    This is it.


    Trna ced a single hand on the foot of the sarcophagus.


    Looking closely, one could make out several faded handprints on the lid of the coffin. Trna pushed on it using both hands. Given her slender arms, one would not think it possible for her to move such a heavy object. And yet, move it did, sliding seamlessly onto the floor. With a loud bang, the contents of the sarcophagus were revealed. Although he expected a mummy toe tumbling out of the coffin, nothing of the sort presented itself.


    In its ce, therey a stone staircase that led further below.


    A secret passageway, constructed by believers in order to escape. There is no doubt it connects to somewhere aboveground.


    Matoba whistled.


    What are you,Indiana Jones?


    There are footprints. As I thought, he escaped through here. That red magician, along with theSpirit Bomb. Most likely, Elbajhi had been deceived as well.


    Red magician? Spirit Bomb?


    I shall exin along the way. Let us give chase, Kei!


    Trna descended into the darkness of the sarcophagus. Matoba followed suit.


    Yeah, yeah. Kei, huh?


    What is the matter?


    Its nothing, Trna.


    He chuckled. Finally realizing the situation, Trna gave a light snort.


    I understand that adding BoMissto my name is troublesome for you. That is fine. I will make a special exception for you.


    Then, you can call me Kei. Special exception for ya.


    Understood, Kei.


    Giggling, Trna nced at her longsword. With a hint of hesitation, she spoke.


    And thank you for the Krge earlier. It helped.


    Dont sweat it. While were at it, mind if I ask you something?


    What is it?


    Youwhats up with those clothes?


    Matoba cheekily fixed his eyes on her body. She was wearing a rather revealing outfit; a skin-tight miniskirt, with both her feet and shoulders exposed. Moreover, she was covered in soot from head to toe, the tears on her clothes revealing portions of her pale-white skin. It would not be an exaggeration to dub her current appearancescivious.


    D-do not stare at it me like that!


    Red-faced, Trna shouted as she twisted her body in embarrassment.


    I dont really mind it, yknow.


    Ill have you know that this is no hobby of mine! I am simply imitating the undercover investigations you bolice undertake!


    Thats all fine and good, but you really shouldnt take ONeill on his word. Come on, lets go.


    Pushing her back, Matoba delved into the depths of the hidden passageway.


    They advanced in pitch-ck darkness. The only proper source of light they had was the Maglight he had handed over to Trna. Damp, cold air blew through the corridor. Even though they had walked over 200 meters by now, the end was still nowhere in sight. Given theirck of vision, their steps were unsteady; running was definitely not an option.


    Spirit Bombs, huh?


    As they ambled onwards in the dark, Trna had given him a general summary of events thus far. Matoba could not help but groan.


    Dont get the theory behind it, but I do get that thats probably how the guys from 22nd were done in. Basically its a powder-based chemical explosive, right?


    If they were to use the high fairies as parts, such a bomb would possess unimaginable power.


    Youre dead if youre hit. That what youre trying to say?


    Not exactly. Most likelyit would subject a tremendous radius to the influence of rahtena. In the worst-case scenario, it is possible that the people living in this city would all be corpses as a result.


    They were able to make something that dangerous? Fuck


    That Red Magician the man called Zda  holds such an object in his hands. If he intends on using it somewhere, a great catastrophe would ur. Would your people still im that the disappearance of a fairy equals that of a mere cat or dog?


    Trna coldly said.


    Look, I feel bad saying that. I really do. But it couldnt be helped. Your people wouldnt understand the importance of uranium or plutonium either.


    They are the toxic materials that make up a nuclear bomb, yes? I have heard of that much.


    See, youre not seeing the bigger picture. Anyway, the problem now is


    The fleeting glimpse of a silhouette.


    In the direction of a loosely-curving corridor. Spotting the light being emitted from the Maglight Trna held, the man pointed his gun towards them.


    Get down!


    Trna immediately got down on the ground. The man shot his pistol. The sound of gunfire echoed throughout the dark corridor. As it ricocheted against the stone wall, sparks were formed out of the disintegrating bullet. Trna shined her Maglight towards their opponent. Aiming his shotgun, Matoba let loose two shots straight at the target.


    They hit. Staggering, the man crumpled to the floor.


    He the magician you were talking about?


    No, this is a corpse. Be careful!


    Just as Trna warned, the copsed man immediately stood up, firing another round at them. With a loud bang, the bullet bounced about in the air.


    Got it, its a zombie.


    As Trna hunkered down for cover, Matoba fired off another two shots. The man shook violently to the side. That was it for the shotgun. Switching to his pistol, Matoba rushed to the front.


    Lowering his gun, the man  a Semani  stared at him. He trembled as he raised his gun once more, steadying his aim. Before he could do anything, Matoba readied his pistol and drove his 9mm straight into the mans head.


    One shot. Two shots. Three shots.


    He bent backward, before falling t on his face, unable to move.


    You dead already? Asshole.


    Kicking away the pistol from the unbreathing mans hand, Matoba turned around. Trna had finally caught up to him on her small feet.


    Any wounds?


    None. I am merely disoriented from the sound of your gun Dorini weapons are simply the worst.


    Youll get used to it eventually. Lets hurry.


    The fairy is right ahead.


    This was no time to gingerly step onwards. Fortunately, the floor had be t before they knew it. Matoba and Trna continued running along the underground passageway, advancing a further 200 meters in the process. Dry air drifted inwards from beyond. They had abruptlye to the end of the road, arriving in a narrow, stone hall.


    (This is)


    They were in an ancient-looking hokora. Within this limited space, therey a in altar. The two of them hade out from behind said altar. It had most likely been constructed on a slope a distance away from the main temple.


    A man appeared from the shrines exit.


    His whole body was covered in red. It was the magician  Zda. In his right hand, a staff. His left held a ss cylinder imnted with an instrument of some sort.


    Freeze!


    Aiming his gun at him, Matoba shouted. Zdas steps came to aplete halt.


    My, what a shame. It seems you have caught up to me.


    With his back towards them, Zda said.


    Drop the stick and the bomb on the ground, old man. Slowly.


    As you wish. Oh? My, oh my. If it isnt the detective from the other day. What a pleasant surprise.


    Just as he had been ordered, Zda ced his staff and the Spirit Bomb on the ground. Even now, he still had yet to make eye contact. He had recognized Matoba from his voice. From what little he had heard from Trna, it seemed that the man waspletely and utterly blind.


    As he continued pointing his gun at the magician, Matoba dered as he descended the altar.


    Nice to meet you, you fucking alien. This is for Rick. Ill put you in jail for the rest of your fucking life.


    Dear me. That is most troublesome.


    Do not let your guard down, Kei. This man is dangerous.


    Following him from behind, Trna whispered.


    I know that. Now, put your hands up and get on your knees. I dont mind if you resist. Im just itching to put a bullet in your ugly mug.


    You appear to be most angry tonight, good sir. However Hmm? My, what a coincidence. You are


    Shut up!


    Jumping out of the hokora, Matoba delivered a flying kick to his back. The magician fell t on his back, a small groan escaping his lips. Driving a knee into his back, Matoba grabbed the nylon cuffs he kept as a backup. Unfortunately, he had used his normal pair of handcuffs on the guard keeping watch on the temple.


    Avenging Rick was a given, of course. And yet for some reason, he felt a distinct contempt, a strange feeling of difort towards this man. It was the same sensation he felt as Ricky dying in that alleyway. A memory hidden deep within the recesses of his heart. In these past few days, he had kept telling himself that it was impossible, silencing his doubts over and over again.


    Could it be? This guy?


    Although Matoba wanted to send the guy flying, he settled for binding his wrists with the nylon tape.


    My, such cruelty towards this blind, old man. Your anger is most just, I assure you. At the very least, please grant this poor, old man some semnce of mercy


    Keep talking, asshole. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.


    As Matoba reminded the suspect of his rights, another man slowly approached them.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>Referring to Bona, or Miss in Farbanian.</li><li>A brand of shlight produced in the US.</li><li>A hokora is a miniature shrine dedicated to folk deities. Usually found in the context of the Shinto religion. However, in this case, it refers to the Semani deities.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 9: (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 9: (2)


    Matoba. Got him, I see.


    It was none other than Chief Roth.


    It was still dark out. A single car had stopped on the hill overlooking the shrine, remaining motionless as its passenger got out.


    Chief?


    As he brought Zda up to his feet, Matoba asked with a puzzled expression on his face.


    Were still establishing control over the main temple. And the international terrorist, Abu Kalim, has also been apprehended by the authorities. He was the one who ordered the purchase of the bombs.


    Thats great to hear and all. But why are you here, Chief?


    Coming over to stand beside him, Chief Roth took out a revolver from under his suit pocket.


    For this.


    Saying that, he casually aimed his gun at Trnas chest and opened fire. In the gray of the morning, the sound of the gunshot echoed throughout the hillside. Without even being able to utter a sound, Trna bent over backward, resting her body on the shrine entrance, motionless.


    !


    Let go of him.


    The end of his gun was pointed directly at Matobas chest.


    Wha


    Matoba had no idea what just happened.


    His boss of three years, a man whom he respected, whom he worked together with, had suddenly turned his gun on him, ordering him to release the man responsible for Ricks death. He was serious. Definitely not a zombieor anything of the sort. Police Inspector Jack Roth had most certainly shot Trna, pointed his weapon at Matoba, and told him to let go of Zda all out of his own will.


    I repeat. Let go of him.


    He let go of Zdas hand, confusion wracking every single part of his body. The ck magician left Matobas side, waddling over towards Chief Roth. Without the slightest hint of hesitation, Roth kept his gun on Matobafor he knew the true extent of Matobas power.


    You saved me, Roth-sama.


    Zdas fingertips glowed blue. In a white puff of smoke, the nylon tape restraining his wrists went up in mes.


    (Son of a bitch)


    He did not know what form of magic he used. And yet the spectacle before him demonstrated that Zda could have escaped anytime he wished.


    Roth continued.


    Hurry up and leave. Can you drive?


    Certainly, if I have my staff with me.


    Then, use my car.


    As you wishhehe.


    With a bow of his head, he ascended the slope of the hill, Spirit Bomb and staff in hand. As he did so, he stopped for but a moment, turning his head back.


    Ah, yes. Matoba-sama, correct?


    How fine you have be, indeed. I could hardly recognize you from the time we met in the Dhaksini Wends.


    The instant he heard those words, the doubts Matoba had held in his mind  the feelings he had kept bottled up to this point came flooding out.


    Just as I thought, it was him!


    So it was you. My squad, you were the one


    Well, then. Farewell.


    Wai


    Reflexively turning to pursue him, he was suddenly halted by a sharp voice.


    Dont move, Matoba. Let go of your gun.


    I see


    Let go of it. Now.


    He had no choice but to obey. Matoba slowly lowered his gun to the ground.


    Kick it over here.


    Again, he did as hemanded.


    What is the meaning of this?


    Staring at the figure of Zda making his way to the sedan on the road, Matoba demanded.


    H-he Rick, the fairy. And he Just what the fuck are you doing!?


    As he said that, Matoba suddenly realized.


    You leaked the intel, didnt you? To that fucker? And Albares, the progress of the investigation Was that your doing too!?


    Thats right.


    No expression whatsoever. Roth replied gloomily.


    I was the one who told Zda. I caused the dy in between the assault on Albares room, and the assassin who appeared in that time. I rmended the director that inexperienced Semani knight be attached to you as a burden on your investigation. I notified Zda of your presence at the temple, which gave him ample time to start the fire and make his escape. With the Spirit Bomb in tow, of course. All of it was my doing.


    That was right. The crystal clear oversight over Elbajhis movements, and that disturbance in the temple at the end. It was all just a little bit too convenient for his liking. It was possible that Elbajhi himself was unaware of this. The fact that his humble servant had ties to the police. Elbajhi was used. Zda led him around by the nose, instigating the production of the Spirit Bomb out of mere narcotics, thereby seeing the project topletion.


    Most likely, he had been colluding with Roth throughout the entire process.


    And yet


    Why? Why did you do it?


    We had amon interest.


    Roth answered as such. His voice sounded terribly exhausted.


    That man holds a deep hatred for the civilizations of this world. He seeks to separate our cultures through the cracks in our society. The simplest way to create the circumstances he so desires was tomit acts of terrorism here in San Teresa. Currently, he is headed towards the city, intent on detonating that so-called bomb of his on the popce.


    And werent you supposed to stop stuff like that from happening!? What the hell happened to that?


    I wonder. You were the one who pointed out the problems with our budget and esprit de corps, were you not? That one day itll get out of control? By subjecting this city to such a crisis, we would let the whole world know to rethink the policies they have put in ce. The Spirit Bomb is the ideal method of achieving that goal. We do not wish to destroy societal infrastructure out of a juvenile prank. Instead, we simply n on sowing fear in the hearts of the people. After all, we are perfectly capable of controlling the extent of the damage inflicted.


    Is that really something a policeman should say?


    I am a policeman. But before that, I am first and foremost an Earthling.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Zda could be seen entering the sedan. Tossing the bomb into a seat, he closed the door before driving off into the distance. Matoba was eager to pursue him, however, he still had a gun pointed right at his chest. There was no sign of anyone around them. From the main temple, this ce could not be seen in the least; it was hidden under cover of the ridge. He was utterly helpless to do anything.


    My thinking is fundamentally the same as Zdas. Our two worlds should be forever separated.


    What are you saying now? Many have already adapted to life on Earth.


    Harmony and conformity are but the senseless drivel of idealists. Our peoples will never be able to understand one another. This mess of a city is a perfect example of that. Evenpared to refugees from the third world, managing their lot has been nothing but a hassle. Peopleing from this Fourth World, so to speak, are considered much more valuable. They are brimming with the vitality that we Earthlings once possessed in the distant past. Hence their propensity for violence. ..For the time being, things are still fine. But at this rate, their kind will dominate our society before too long. And this invasion will not happen abruptly. It will ur without anyone realizing it happening  thats right, we Earthlings ourselves will remain blissfully unaware of its progress.


    The culmination of such a future did vaguely ur to Matoba before. In his experience working on the force in San Teresa, he had seen the friction between the Semanians and Earthlings with his own eyes. It had be almost second-nature to him. Rather than dubbing Roths view pessimistic, it would be more apt to consider it a pragmatic outlook on current affairs.


    ..Fair enough. If thats so, what are you nning on doing?


    Matoba said. Up until now, he had been on the receiving end of their conversation. He could not just leave it at that.


    Kei Matoba. I thought you would understand the reasons behind my actions. That is why I have told this to you.


    You telling me to join your cause? To get involved in all of this?


    Thats right.


    Weve known each other a long time. Surely youd know how Id respond?


    Without uttering a single word, Matoba mouthed his answer.


    Fuck you.


    A shame.


    Roth sighed.


    As I recall, you would always hide a revolver in your ankle. Try it, if youd like.


    Strapped to Matobas right ankle was the backup pistol he had hidden beforehand. If he were to reach out for his gun as he was kneeling now, aiming it at Roth  he would most likely be able to fire three shots at most. Roth was a good shot. They were four meters away from one another, more or less. It was not a distance that could be evaded.


    Still, he had no choice but to do it. If he could just somehow avoid a life-threatening injury.


    At that time, havingid motionless by the shrine entrance, Trna suddenly got up. She was alive. For an instant, Roth took his eyes off of Matoba.


    !


    He moved on reflex.


    Bending over, he extended his hand towards his ankle, ripping the safety tape off the holster, and grabbing his revolver. Roth was already pointing his gun at him; he would not make it.


    Roth opened fire. A sharp pain ran through his shoulder. Still alive. He aimed his revolver at Roth. Bang! It hit right in the center of his chest.


    Urgh!


    Staggered, Roth dropped his weapon, falling face-up on the ground.


    The moment of truth over, Matoba was drenched in sweat. Roth had merely grazed his right shoulder. It was hard to imagine him missing at that distance. The reason for that was, of course, Trna. She had found a rock lying around, throwing it at Roths arm.


    ..You okay?


    At Matobas words, Trna sluggishly stood up, holding her longsword over her head. On a part of the sword, the crushed remains of a bullet remained behind. She had deflected it with her sword.


    Im amazed you got through that in one piece.


    Myself as well.


    Trna said, pale-faced.


    It must be the divine blessing of the Goddess Ghizenya. After he shot me in both the chest and head, I must have cked out for some time I must apologize.


    No. You saved me.


    He walked over to the copsed Roth.


    A shame, Roth.


    Matoba said.


    I thought of you as a father. Really, I did.


    I see.


    Roth replied. Blood was frothing from the end of his mouth.


    Forgive me.


    With onest murmur, Jack Roth stopped breathing

 Book 1: Chapter 9: (3) ***Bonus***

    Book 1: Chapter 9: (3) ***Bonus***


    Harmony and conformity are but the senseless drivel of idealists  that was what he said.


    He could not bring himself to deny it. These dull emotions hung heavily upon Matobas heart. When he first met her, had he not discriminated against Trna himself?


    Moreover, he understood the sense of crisis Roth held.


    Poisoned by the evils of consumer culture, how could they ever hope to prevail against the Semani?


    Setting aside the question of total war, what if they were given fairer circumstances  subject to the same conditions, the same rules? Topete with them as members of the same society? No matter the field of work, they would most likely be unable to equal the Semani in terms of prowess. Whether as a businessman, an actor or a singer, or perhaps even as a scientist. Of course, the police were included in this equation as well.


    The same philosophy held true in ages past. Those in positions of power would always discriminate against those belonging to a different race or social ss. Such was their way of life. Living under the fear that they might lose their ce of superiority someday. It was not a matter of good or evil, but rather a natural response to their continued self-preservation.


    Back when he was still living in Japan as a middle-school student, his mother had been experiencing problems with her PC. This led her to call the manufacturer for customer support. After a few words with the operator on the other end, she handed it over to Matoba, sayingI dont really get it. Kei, could you go talk to him for me?. As it turned out, their operator was Chinese. For that particr brand of PCs, the manufacturingpany had outsourced its support to an anciry firm located in China. In perfectly fluent Japanese, the Chinese operator politely determined the cause of the error, exining the solution in a manner such that even the most illiterate of persons would understand. Compared to his fussy Japanese counterparts, this operator was much more diligent in carrying out his work. Even so, Matobas mother  a good woman, by all ounts  stillined, grumblingMy, for us to resort to foreigners..


    It was at that time, Matoba first understood. The fact that his people may lose their ce of superiority. Hearing the sincere voice of that Chinese operator had given rise to a vague anxiety within him, in spite of the economic superiority his country held at the time. Whether it be the crimes he saw on TV, the anti-Japanese demonstrations, or the violent riots, nothing couldpare to the terror that came from that kind, earnest voice.


    And the same could be said for the Semani.


    Sure, they may still be stuck in the Middle Ages now, but their people are fervent schrs, brimming with vitality and endless ambition. Trna was one such person. To them, their concept of pleasure could not even begin topare to the vices of the human race. During his time as a detective, he had always had an inkling of that somewhere deep in his heart.


    The role of the police had always been left in the hands of the Earthlings.


    Hepletely understood Roths exnation. Having gone to war with these folks before, Matoba knew that all too well.


    Even so


    Youre still viting thew.


    Looking down upon Roths lifeless body, he murmured.


    He had been carrying an impossible, futile desire upon his shoulders. In spite of his duty to protect the citizens, he had betrayed that responsibility to follow up on his convictions to the very end. There was still plenty that he could have learned from him, thought Matoba.


    Yet, the end result was this.


    This heavy burden, do you really understand what youve pushed onto me, old man?


    It was still early in the morning. The night had been ever so silent. For whatever reason, that irritated him.


    How many seconds had he spent just standing there? Before he knew it, Trna had called out to him with a sigh.


    Kei


    No time to be moping around like this, I guess.


    Resolutely picking up his gun from the ground, Matoba began running.


    His grief woulde after. There were still stones left unturned.


    For him  no, for the two of them.


    Were going after him. Zdas nning to detonate the bomb as soon as he reaches the city.


    Spotting a patrol car on the pce grounds, they subsequently borrowed it, rushing towards the city. The previous driver had been left to tend to Roth. The police were also on high alert for the location of the Chiefs car.


    They had already wasted enough time. Though they were swerving past the meandering roads of the hillside, it was much toote to catch up to Zdas ride. They had no idea where he was bringing the Spirit Bomb.


    Kei! D-do you have a clue as to his whereabouts?


    Her eyes spinning from the rough driving, Trna asked.


    Kinda. If what Roth said was true, hes not gonna be using the bomb on Central.


    He recalled the conversation he had with Roth the day of the funeral.


    Given his approval of Zdas terror operation, it certainly would not be aimed at either the Central District or Downtown. There would be no point in that. After all, public order in these ces was still as bad as ever. For there to be a significant impact on society, a different ce  where people lived their lives free of crime  would have to be targeted.


    For example, Queens Valley.


    The luxury residential area. Detonating the bomb there would doubtless bring about a greater effect. It would be a newsworthy affair, prime to make it onto global news.


    Still, that would only apply if Zda thought the same as Roth.


    Shortly thereafter, a police report came in saying that Zda had been spotted by a security camera nearby Queens Valley.


    Bingo.


    Matoba jumped on the throttle.


    Where could he be in this Queens Valley?


    Dont know. Bombs radius should be pretty big, right?


    That is most likely.


    If were talking about nuclear bombs here on Earth, their explosions would be maximized by detonation at a certain altitude above ground. Thats because things like buildings and terrain wouldnt be able to act as cover against these explosions. Dya think the Spirit Bombd have the same limitations?


    What exactly do you mean?


    Lets say youre trying to light up your room. Itd be better to install the light higher up rather than down below, right? The same logic applies in this case.


    I see.


    Sinking into the passenger seat, Trna began contemting in silence.


    Indeed, the flow of rahtena can be obstructed by matter. For instance, the presence of arge boulder or dense steel is said to weaken the power of rahtena. Perhaps the same could be said for that bomb. As you mentioned earlier, detonating it precisely at a certain altitude would be ideal.


    If thats the case, then over thered be best.


    Turning the wheel, Matoba muttered.


    Forrest Tower. One of San Teresas staple tourist attractions.


    They were still quite a ways away from Queens Valley, and yet the structure had alreadye into view. An enormous, white tower rising above the gray of morning. Located in the northwest of Queens Valley, it was a massive condominium-cum-shopping mall.


    Lots of brand stores and high-end restaurants aimed at the filthy rich. Upper floors contain penthouse apartments. A single roomd set you back tens of thousands of dors. Nothing to do with amoner like me. Would be pretty funny if Zda got stopped at the entrance.


    Seeing Trna re at him, Matoba just shrugged his shoulders.


    Hey, its just a joke.


    Fine then.


    They entered Queens Valley, cutting across the quiet residential area. Despite the squeak of tires and the intense revving of the engine, Trna did not particrly raise anyints.


    Kei.


    Whats up?


    Were you acquainted with this Zda follow?


    After remaining silent for a while, Matoba said.


    Who knows. Hes just another suspect to me.


    Not even five minutes had psed when they reached Forrest Tower. Given the time, obviously none of the stores were open. Matoba had contacted the towers security center over the phone, yet they reported nothing out of the ordinary. He made a ruckus outside the employee entrance, hoping to attract the attention of the guards, but to no avail.


    Please wait while we check on the premises. They are most likely just taking a nap


    No, dont bother. Im closer anyways.


    Rudely interrupting the sluggish response of the security center, Matoba got out of his car and passed through the employee entrance.


    The two security officers guarding the ce were dead.


    Anguish was stered on their dying faces. Their eyes bulged as if they were about to fall off; they had torn out their own throats up to their chests, dying in the process.


    Did theydrown? Shit.


    Cursing, he surveyed the guardpost.


    Zdas handiwork?


    There is no mistaking it.


    Her small nose sniffing about, Trna replied.


    Such a sinister branii1. They were most likely killed by his mildi2.


    Fuck!


    Matoba inspected the guardposts console. About twenty or so monitors disyed the feeds broadcasted from the surrounding security cameras. Unfortunately, there was no sign of Zda. He checked the elevators next. One was moving. A service elevator heading straight to the top floor of the building.


    Hes headed to the roof. Lets go.


    The two of them left the guardpost, rushing towards another service elevator. It was an elevator with a direct link to the showroom located on the highest floor, most likely used to carry the goods for sale.


    As I thought, he can control people even without the drug, cant he?


    I said it earlier, did I not? That man is dangerous.


    Even now, no Earthling could trulyprehend the danger posed by a Semanian mildita3. Over here, youd normally call someone like that a medicine man.


    The Native Americans medicine man  a figure long worshipped for their im to magic. Through the power of their concoctions and tricks, many came to think of them as sorcerers or illusionists within the tribe.


    Matoba knew that was not truly the case. At the time, they had simply manipted thews of physics in order to reproduce the phenomena that they imed was indeed magic. Still, plenty a mystery still lingered around these men to this day.


    Do you know all the tricks up his sleeve?


    I too do not have a full grasp of the particrs. However, I do believe that he has yet to show us his full power.


    Even that scene with the rope?


    Although he had merely torn them to escape, he most likely had the confidence to kill the both of us anytime if he so wished. As for the reason he obeyed your orders, he was probably just taking a wait-and-see approach.


    Well, thats probably the case. Goddamnit.


    He mmed his fist against the elevator wall. On top of the fact that Zda effortlessly broke through his nylon tape restraints, Matoba could not deny the truth behind Trnas words.


    This was not looking good.


    It would be suicide to embark on the field of battle without first getting information on the enemys tactics. That did not change regardless of whether you were on Earth or in the Semani world.


    Trantors Notes: TL Note: Farbanian for scent/odor. TL Note: Farbanian for magic/skill/technique. TL Note: Farbanian for magician.

 Book 1: Chapter 9: (4)

    Book 1: Chapter 9: (4)


    He scowled at the elevator disy. Trna continued in a grave tone.


    The power possessed by a high mildita cannot be simply dismissed as mere sleight of hand. Many a warriors eyes have been fooled by their magic, their tempered des and arrows deflected in the blink of an eye. Furthermore, they are capable of releasing poisonous mes from their very fingertips. To say nothing of Dorini weapons


    You saying they wont work?


    Yes. Your arms do not possess a soul.


    Umm, a soul, eh? Dont know what you guys mean by that.


    Drawing his favorite pistol, Matoba checked its remaining ammo.


    Well, this babys got a soul. Thats for sure. A Sig Sauer P226. 9mm cartridge. Powers so-so. Capacity too. But its a damn good gun. You can tell the designer put all their heart into making it. uracy, operation  all of its perfect. Been a while since I got this thing, but Ive cared for it ever since. Shes always been with me even in the toughest of times, so Ive kinda gotten attached to it. Even so, would you go so far as to say that shes just another soulless Dorini weapon?


    A well-worn ck pistol covered in scars  there was no doubt it was a pros weapon. Trna carefully examined the gun.


    I see. It is slight, but I do indeed sense a sliver of rahtenaing from this gun.


    There was no cynicism in her words; she stated with a straight face.


    That so?


    That is so. The thought is what matters; rahtena shall dwell in any object containing such feelings.


    Then, what about this?


    Alongside the pistol, he showed her his Zippo lighter. It had been in his possession for quite some time as well. As Trna brought her nose closer, she scrunched her face up.


    It just smells of oil.


    The hell is up with that..


    Anyways, we must remain on our guard. Otherwise, we might be unable to save that little one..


    As the elevator approached the top floor, Trna began to act out-of-ce. Constantly turning her neck, she knitted her eyebrows and covered her ears.


    Try swallowing.


    What?


    Yknow, gulping? Itll fix your ears.


    Mmso it does.


    Trna did as he instructed, opening her eyes in surprise.


    Lets go.


    Reaching the top floor, the elevator doors slowly opened.


    Readying his gun, he prepared himself for the worst as he stepped out of the lift. A dreary service corridor revealed itself to them on both sides. He nced at the floor n posted on the neighboring wall. Straight and up the stairs. There was the roof. Going down led to the showroom.


    Beside him, the telephone rang. It was the security center.


    You appeared to have reached the top floor. Keep in mind the helipad on the roof


    Over here.


    He hung up the phone, forgoing any semnce of etiquette. Turning the corner, they dashed up the stairs, opening the door to the roof.


    Wait.


    Trna grabbed the hem of his suit.


    Do not stray too far away from me, Kei. I am the only one capable of detecting any surprise attacks that mildita may unleash.


    Still


    He thought back to that time in bares apartment. That time, they had been acting separately from each other, which proved a burden on the other. He did not want to step on her toes this time around. And vice versa.


    Sensing that, Trna said.


    I am aware of your distrust in me. However


    Their eyes met. She peered into his face with those big, charming eyes of hers. He wanted to say the words on the tip of his tongue, yet he could not muster the courage to do so.


    If you cannot bring yourself to trust me, I do not believe we can call ourselves partners.


    Partner. Partner, huh?


    Just yesterday he would have said Partners? You gotta be fucking kidding me.. But now, he no longer felt that sense of difort. As an adult man, it did not feel right to rely on this child he could not bring himself to say that now.


    Fair enough. Im counting on you.


    I shall keep that in mind.


    They stepped foot outside, climbing another flight of stairs, all the while the cold, outside air pierced into their skin. A strong wind was blowing atop this skyscraper. The dull sight of steel and concrete. In this dim light, rows upon rows of mercurymps lit up the darkness. Further up the stairs was the helipad.


    A strand of purple was slowly bing visible in the pitch-ck sky. Signaling the break of dawn, no doubt. Three steps up the stairs, Trna suddenly pulled his arm back.


    Stand back!


    Matoba did not bother to resist. Following her instructions, he tilted his body, taking two steps backward. At the same time, a bolt of blue me descended from the heavens, blinding his eyes as it scattered like fireworks. Just a little closer and it would have shaved off his nose.


    Ghrk!


    The afterimage was so powerful, the pupils of his eyes burned. Blinking repeatedly, he pointed his gun above his head and took aim.


    Do not shoot! Advance to the front!


    A slender finger pushed his back. Obeying Trnas words, he gave up on shooting and ran forward. He rushed up the staircase two steps at a time. Not a moment sooner, the same blue mes struck their previous position.


    What the fuck is going on?


    Do not be so loud. He will discover our location. That man is blind, remember?


    As she ran alongside him, Trna whispered into his ear, her lips almost touching his earlobes. Of course, this was no time for sweet temptations. Matoba recklessly charged forwards, finally arriving at the roof proper.


    Where the hell is he?


    I am looking for him no


    An impact. Striking the freshly-painted handrails, sparks gushed out of the mes. Ducking their bodies, they continued advancing onwards.


    Ngh. Be most careful. If you are hit by his mes, your blood vessels will burst. Your lungs shall be exposed to his miasma, and unable to breathe, you will


    Death by asphyxiation, huh? Shit.


    Twice, thrice the mes shot down once more. Through Trnas prompt warning, he somehow had been able to avoid the direct brunt of the mes. Bodies pressed against one another, they deftly moved from cover to cover, sprinting for the helipad.


    Above. Theyre above!


    Trna raised her eyes towards the helipad overhead. For a man like him to stand in the open like that. Most suspicious indeed.


    You sure?


    Although there is no guarantee. The fairy is above us as well.


    Fuck.


    Swearing aloud, Matoba rushed towards the staircase leading to the helipad. sping thegging Trnas hand, he desperately pushed his way forwards. Her cold, slender fingers were especially soft to the touch.


    Zda attacked.


    Fire off all you want, old man. Without so much as a warning, countless blue mes materialized out of thin air. Thanks to Trnas timely advice, he managed to get past them, all the way to the top of the stairs.


    At the very center of the helipad, therey a familiar ss cylinder.


    The Spirit Bomb.


    There was no sign of Zda. Regardless of his aims, the barrage of blue mes had died down.


    This is a trap.


    Course it is. No need to tell me that.


    Mounted on the bomb was an LCD. Even from their position, the two were able to spot the numbers on the disy counting down.


    00:03:25


    Three minutes and twenty-five seconds left. Twenty-four seconds. Twenty-three, twenty-two


    That bombs on a timer. Its gonna blow any time now.


    Can you destroy it with your pistol?


    No can do.


    He muttered in a grim voice.


    One look at the thing tells me its just like any other bomb. You try do anything strange to it, itll explode right there and then.


    It appeared as though some form of electric current or radio wave had already begun coursing into the fairy, thereby activating the bomb. Judging by its make, the explosion would probably be instantaneous. In a way, the fairy was no different than a glorified gunpowder keg.


    Then, what shall we do?


    No choice but to disable the circuit manually.


    But, is that not what Zda is aiming for?


    Yep. Still, weve got no other options. Im going. Watch my back.


    Matoba and Trna approached the Spirit Bomb lying in the middle of the helipad.


    Zdas attack had note just yet. It was most unsettling.


    He observed the bombs mechanism. An electric circuit was attached to the frame. Arge-scale condenser. And a sensor, to boot. Moreover, bits and bobs that did not make a lick of sense to him were scattered about the setup.


    Shit


    This was all Greek to him. If it were just any other explosive, Matoba might have gotten by with his limited expertise. And yet, rather than a bomb you would find on Earth, it was more of a hybrid between that and a Semani magical device. After all, its creator had been that Elbajhi fellow.


    Can you make sense of any of this?


    Wonder bout that. It should be electronic in nature. If we could just get bypass the circuit, I might just be able to trick it.


    At that moment, Zdas voice echoed through the air.


    Good heavens, such reckless actions.


    Ten meters away, Zda stood at the other end of the helipad. He was dressed in his unmistakable red attire. Squatting on his knees, the rod in his hand gave off a dim light.


    You bastard


    Please do not address me with such a boorish term. Might I not persuade you to turn back now? I assure you it is for your own safety.


    Dont sweat it, old man. I love messing around with grinning assholes like you.


    My, oh, my. Even though you are powerless to do anything


    Shut the fuck up!


    There were no shouts of Dont move!or Put your hands up!this time around. Matoba mercilessly aimed his pistol at Zda and opened fire. Bullets entered his head, shoulder, and nk, eliciting a momentary cry from the magician.


    No, nothing happened.


    The 9mm rounds simply passed through Zdas body, colliding with the fence behind him, sparks scattering all around.


    See. You were unable to do it.


    Zdas image smuglyughed.


    Wha


    It is but an illusion! Look up!


    Three bolts of mes were conjured up in mid-air, flooding straight into Matoba all at the same time.


    Immediately, Trna sent them flying. However, she had no leeway to do anything else. One hit the ground. Another left a big hole in Matobas coat. And thest one.


    !


    An impact right in the center of his back. He had directly received the brunt of the blue mes. It felt as though a bucket of concentrated sulfuric acid had been poured onto his back. His back burnt, an unfathomable pain coursed through the entirety of his body.


    Kei!


    Matoba copsed to the ground. The pain in his back was gradually getting worse. Something hot, something cold had invaded his air ducts, lungs, and heart, constricting them with overwhelming power.


    Gah


    How disappointing, Matoba-sama! Once again, it is your loss.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Trna lower her body, keeping a close watch on her surroundings. The magicians image disappeared, appearing once again a few steps away. Sneering at Trna, who had jumped away in surprise, Zda vanished once more. The blue mes were after her. Barely jumping out of the way in time, Trna had managed to dodge his initial attack. In front of the onughting from this illusion, her hands and feet were tied.


    Well, what do we have up next Ooh, Archduke Devols How interesting!


    Zda gave a boisterousugh.


    Despite having an old mans voice, heughed just like a cheerful, young boy in high spirits. He was enjoying this.


    kh.


    His body was numb; he could not breathe.


    In anguish, his body writhing in agony, Matoba could only let out a hoarse voice.


    He was suffocating. At this rate, he would most surely die.

 Book 1: Chapter 9: (5)

    Book 1: Chapter 9: (5)


    Shit


    For whatever reason, he did not have any regrets. Even before, somewhere in his mind, he had a feeling that he would not be able to win against Zda. The same went for that war ten years ago.


    Just like that time, it had been the early gray of the morning.


    The wends located in Southern Farbania. The Coalition Army outpost. Stationed there was a singlepany, consisting of approximately a hundred men. One fateful night, they were massacred.


    Among the soldiers, users ofFairy Dustweremonce. They could not handle the horrors of the war without it. In one fell swoop, these addicts became deranged, shooting their fellowrades seemingly out of nowhere. Overwhelmed in all this confusion, the friendly fire escted, culminating in the destruction of the munitions depot. Communication torn to pieces, no one could grasp the scale of the situation. The remaining soldiers werepletely annihted by the Semani raids that followed.


    The young Kei Matoba, alongside several other survivors, escaped from the burning base. All alone in the pitch-ck darkness, one soldier got lost. Another took a poison arrow in his back and was on the verge of dying. Before he knew it, therades who entrusted their lives to him had all died. Alone, he crawled half-crazed through the mud. It was then that that man appeared before his eyes. The twilight revealed nothing but his silhouette to him. He had abnormally long arms. His lips curved up in that irritating grin of his. Now he knew. That man had been Zda.


    Matoba had not forgotten the despair he felt that day. He had no doubt of his impending doom. But the man did not kill him. Perhaps it had simply been on a whim, or perhaps he had let him live to carve the terror of the Semani into his very soul. He did not know. Still, the magician had left him alive.


    In the end, was this not just a stay of execution?


    One day, would he not just appear before him once more and carry out his death sentence?


    That vague thought had always remained in his head. How many times had the same nightmare caused him to rush straight out of the bed? He did not know.


    Now, that nightmare had be reality. Perhaps this was fate.


    Trna was still fighting.


    Desperately swerving about as she looked for any signs of her enemy. For some reason, Matoba could only blindly follow her movements.


    The hour of death hade. The sound of her footsteps and breathing no longer reached him. The only thing he could hear was the sound oh his own heart beating. And, very faintly, the wind rippling across the helipad. And, finally, the sound of a cloak blowing in that wind.


    Right. The sound of..


    The cloak. Somewhere nearby, he could hear the rustling of clothes in the wind.


    He moved his numb arms. The hand holding his gun trembled as he raised it.


    Heavy. It hurts.


    What was he trying to achieve by doing this? He would die anyway. This was foolish. As these thoughts circted in his mind, he continued aiming his gun at a single point. This was just his pride talking. Before he stepped foot into the grave, this fool would keep his pride.


    His pistol was pointed towards a seemingly empty space in one corner of the helipad. Practically a long-shot.


    Guess this is it


    The moment he was about to pull the trigger, almost spontaneously, his pistol began to drift slightly to the left.


    That quiver was possibly the result of his muscles reverberating. Or perhaps the weight of the gun had been too much for his weakened hands, thereby causing his aim to curve without intention. But with that, it was as if the gun itself was telling him, Not there, just a bit to the left., whilst guiding him to his intended target.


    He shot.


    The bullet scored a direct hit against the nk space, spraying blood in the air.


    Trna herself had no idea what just happened. Having taken the full might of Zdas mes, the dying Matoba had somehow determined the enemys position, firing his gun in the process.


    The red-d magician finally revealed himself.


    How


    A pained voice leaked out of his throat. Clutching his chest with his hand, arge amount of blood flowed out in between his fingers.


    How in the world


    Kuh!


    Trna started running. Zda was making a sign with his fingers, in an attempt to temper the surrounding rahtena. She could hardly afford to allow him another spell. In an instant, she had caught up to him, sweeping her legs sideways as she drew her Krge from its sheath. Unable to leap away in time, the de of her longsword tore clean through his abdomen.


    His shriek echoed through the air. A massive amount of blood was pouring from his belly.


    Ho, ohohoho!


    A gentle leap. Zda now stood in front of the towers lightning rod  positioning himself at the very peak of the building. As blood gushed copiously from his many wounds, he roaredughter.


    Well-yed! For someone to wound me in this manner, how long has it been? A hundred, no, three hundred years? Hahah! How fun! How fun, indeed!


    Such impudence! Prepare yourself, you monster!


    Seeing as though she was about to follow-up on her initial attacks, Zda gave a smile of satisfaction.


    You mistake me, mydy! To perish in battle against a Valsh1 like this, it would be a great disgrace to a Mazany-styled magician such as myself! With that said


    Zda let go of the lightning rod.


    !


    The realm of the dead awaits! Ha, hahahahah!!!


    Zda fell headlong from the building. His gratingughter was getting farther and farther away. Jutting her body across the helipad railings, she peered down below. Much like a speck of dust, the shrinking figure of the magician crashed into the ss roof of a building near to the ground.


    The impact of the untimely fall had shattered the ss into countless pieces, blowing up smoke in the air.


    All became silent afterward. There was no guarantee from her position, yet she was sure that he had not been able to escape an instantaneous death.


    More importantly


    Turning her body, she rushed over to Matoba. He had copsed in the middle of the helipad, gun still in hand. Right beside him was the Spirit Bomb, in the process of counting down.


    Kei!?


    Matoba was dying. Exposed to Zdas mes, his blood vessels had been restricted, weakening his pulse and breathing. Perhaps due to his training, he had been able to hold out for this long. And yet, it was only a matter of time before he would die like those security officers below.


    She could not treat him. Despite having learned a fair number of remedies herself, Trna had neither the medicine nor the equipment  the essentials. She could no longer save him.


    Zda is defeated. Rest assured


    Unable to find the words, Trna said.


    Looking up at her, Matoba moved his lips. No sound came out. Still, his lips managed to mouth out the word Bomb. He pointed towards the bomb with a quivering finger.


    Are you telling me to stop the bomb?


    He shook his head. Squeezing out thest ounces of his strength, he mouthed the word Run. The disy indicated less than fifty seconds remaining. It would be impossible to disarm the bomb with her limited knowledge.


    I will not make it in time.


    Oveing her hesitation, she raised her shoulders and let out a sigh.


    No. I shall not be able to make it in time. Furthermore


    She looked at the fairy inside the bomb.


    I had originally meant to throw away my life. I shall spend myst moments with this little one.


    Do be grateful. I have allowed a crude, barbaric man like you a glimpse into my innermost desires.


    Fuzzy as his hearing may be, he could not help but twist his face into a grimace. If his throat was still working, he would have muttered his usualGive me a break.by now.


    Stretching her hand towards the bomb, Trna stroke the cylinder softly with her fingers. She hummed a gentle tune to the fairy entrapped in the ss.


    Feay Reaya Shii


    Lovely Reaya. As promised, I havee to save you.


    Long ago, when I lost my way in the woods, you saved me, guiding me to safety. You showed me your delightful dancing. And when I became famished, you would gather fruits for me. As I headed home that day, we made a promise, did we not? If one of us were ever in trouble, or felt alone, we woulde help one another.


    Dearest Reaya.


    I was helpless when you brought me home from the forest. And yet, here I am now. I shall not leave you all alone. That is why, Reaya. Do not be afraid, for I will stay by your side. Wherever we go, we will always remain the best of friends.


    The countdown ticked down to five seconds.


    Reaya smiled within the cylinder.


    Zero.


    The bomb had been activated.


    So this is what its like to kick the bucket. Kinda underwhelming, to be honest. Matoba thought to himself.


    He no longer felt any pain or suffering.


    The darkness had gone, reced by beautiful, clear skies as far as the eye could see.


    His left shoulder  the one Roth had shot  throbbed slightly.


    It seems he was still very much alive. Attempting to heave his body up, he finally understood.


    He was still atop the helipad. The night had passed, bringing with it the light of the morning. By his side, Trna was kneeling, looking down on his face with her quiet eyes.


    What the hell happened?


    Voicing out his thoughts, Matoba was clearly agitated. Due to his gasps for air, his throat was all dry.


    I made use of a certain healing technique.


    Trna replied.


    To heal the burns ravaging your body, it was necessary to consume a precious type of medicine, one containing a high concentration of rahtena. Unfortunately, I did not possess such a thing. Originally, you would have sumbed to your wounds.


    Then, where in the world did you get your hands on that precious medicine?


    Sensed his question, she took a nce at the Spirit Bomb behind her.


    I used her remains.


    The cylinder had broken in half. There was no sign of the fairy. All that remained within the burnt ss was a golden powder, slowly sprinkling onto the ground. From what he could see, the detonator had been on the verge of activating. Yet now, the electronics had been fried.


    The fairy died?


    That is correct.


    Trna stood up, facing him. Her shoulders, her voice were trembling bit by bit.


    That bomb had been constructed with the express purpose of causing human harm through the use of a living spirit. She seemed to have understood that fact.


    She sacrificed her own life, all to save me.


    A strong wind swept across the helipad.


    The spirits remains  the golden dust  danced in the breeze, disappearing in the dazzling glow of the morning.


    Trantors Notes:


    TL Note: Farbanian for Apprentice/Junior Knight

 Book 1 Epilogue

    Book 1 Epilogue


    In the end, they never did find Zdas body.


    When the police arrived at the scene, there had been nothing left apart from arge bloodstain. Analysis of the blood sample matched it to the bloodstain on the helipad. And yet, the question of whether someone had taken Zdas body  or whether he was still alive  remains to be answered.


    In regards to Elbajhi and the Spirit Bomb. Establishing definitive proof of the danger they had posed, as well as the appropriate punishment to be levied, had been nothing short of a struggle. ording to thew, he was guilty of kidnapping, desecration, and the attempted murder of Trna. Nothing else. Given theck of legal precedent, it was not possible to prosecute him for the crime of using a fairy to create a Spirit Bomb.


    As for the buyer currently in custody, the terrorist Kalim. Depending on the circumstances, he would most likely be handed over to the FBI for further questioning.


    And the matter of Jack Roth. Matoba had no other choice but to report everything urately.


    He had initially kept Roths betrayal under wraps, hoping that it would end with his death in the line of duty against Zda. And yet, circumstantial evidence would not allow that to happen. Above all else, Roth had died by Matobas own hands. Internal Affairs had done its due diligence; they had him repeat testimony over and over for their inquiry.


    Having finished the cleanup and the formalities that came with it, it had already been four days since that fateful battle on the heliport. In that period of time, he had mostly been making small talk with Trna. She seemed exhausted, stricken with grief.


    She had been unable to save that fairy, after all.


    And as time passed on, the day of Trnas return finally arrived.


    Unlike when she first came here, Trna would be going the opposite route this time around. They were to head for the Coast GuardsGolden Heartover by the wharf early in the morning. After making sure she was all set, Matoba started his car. Her sword leaning against her waist, she climbed onto the vehicle, not a shred of hesitation in sight.


    The two of them remained silent all throughout the ride.


    Drop me off here.


    As they pulled up to the side of the guardship, she spoke.


    Got it.


    Kei Matoba. I am indebted to you. I hereby express my gratitude.


    A rather monotonous delivery. Not a speck of emotion to be seen.


    She properly said her thanks. Emotional farewells were neither of their specialties.


    Whilst I was powerless to save the fairy, and have brought dishonor to my name, I now know that the Dorini possess a worthy warrior of their own. Just with that, there is value in mying here.


    No, well, what the heck Same goes for me. Youve saved my life more times than I can count.


    Matoba said, scratching the back of his head.


    The same applies to me.


    Then, that makes us even. Thats a relief.


    Matobaughed. But Trna did not. Just like when they had met for the first time, she put on a sullen, brusque demeanor.


    Apparently, this was what she looked like when she was trying to forcefully hide her feelings.


    Matoba finally understood.


    She had probably been anxious during their first meeting as well.


    Oops. You forgot something.


    Matoba took out a silver brooch from his pocket. Sheynon stone iid with Idaro silver. It was the payment that Trna had given to ONeill for his help. Last night, he had forced ONeill to give it up, all for the purpose of returning the heirloom to Trna.


    Bit too expensive just to prepare a shitty dress and guide you through the club, dont you think? A bottle of bourbons all it took to make him understand.


    She had probably thought that she would nevery her eyes on that brooch ever again.


    Swallowing, she clutched her chest, eying the brooch painfully.


    Thank you But, I cannot ept this.


    Why?


    This is the price I pay. I wish for you to keep it.


    I see


    If Trna herself said that, there was no changing her mind.


    Gotcha. Ill hold on to it for ya.


    And, take this as well.


    Trna unsheathed the longsword by her waist from its scabbard, pushing it onto Matoba.


    Hey, this is


    The Krge I entrusted to you. It would not be right for me to wield it any longer.


    But


    It is fine. Please.


    Grief hid behind her childish smile. Such sad eyes. Matoba started to doubt the age of the girl standing before him.


    He quietly epted the de.


    The cue for her departure hade.


    This is farewell, o great warrior of the Dorini.


    Trna turned to face the ship, fluttering an elegant, white, Farbanian handkerchief as she stepped on the gangway onto the ship.


    She never looked back. Her figure disappeared into the deck. The guardship slowly left the wharf, sailing further and further away into the sea.


    Matoba returned to headquarters alone.


    Scuffling with the remaining paperwork, the exchanges with his colleagues, the director, inspectors and prosecutors. In between all that, he managed to pop a hotdog in his mouth, before he began arguing with the inspector once more.


    Before he knew it, he had returned to those once-busy days.


    The fairy case was not his only concern; whether it be Semanian weapon smuggling, exposing drug dealers, or snooping around prostitution rings, there were many ongoing investigations he had to deal with all at the same time. With Roth gone, Matobas responsibilities had increased tremendously, at least until the new chief is formally sworn in. For Tony and his other colleagues, there really was no time to be sad. After all, if Matoba had been able to save him, he definitely would have.


    It was gettingte when he was finally released from his duties. Just as always, Matoba went to the usual family restaurant to have dinner.


    ttening his perfectly-average hamburg steak, he read the newspaper diagonally, before casually resting his eyes on the longsword he had propped up against the seat.


    It felt awkward to just leave it in the car like that, so he took the trouble of bringing it along with him.


    She had entrusted this sword to him.


    Basically, it was her way of honoring her so-called renunciation, as the Semani knights would put it. For such renounced knights, many who return to their homnd choose to take their own lives to preserve what remained of their honor. At the very least, that was what Wikipedia had said.


    Would she also take her life when she returns to her country?


    That cant be, she wont go that far  he had thought lightly until now. But it was possible that themon sense of the Semani differed greatly from that of his own. Would it not have been better for him to not ept this sword in the first ce?


    There was no longer a chance for him to tell her to stop her foolishness.


    Alongside the stress of his work, a dreary mood descended upon him all at once.


    With a dark expression on his face, he started up the car and drove back home.


    He should have stopped her. Suicide. She did not do anything to deserve that fate. Perhaps he should have listened to her circumstances a bit more. He could have given her some advice. Maybe Im just too insensitive.


    Im home


    As always, he put on his mask before entering the room, calling for Kuroi as he did so.


    Yet for some reason, Kuroi did note. Only the sound of meowinging from the living room.


    That was not the only thing out of ce. The lights were on. The TV was on full st, ring out a sports broadcast throughout the residence. And the heater was on as well.


    ?


    On instinct, he drew his gun, slowly entering the living room.


    Dont mo


    Dont move  was what he meant to say. Trna Exedelikay sprawled on the sofa, holding Kuroi in her arms as she watched the TV.


    Mmm?


    Trna said.


    Dont mmm me. What the fuck is this?


    Basketball. Though I am not aware of the rules myself.


    Not the TV. You, you!


    Trna knit her eyebrows.


    What about me?


    Didnt I see you off at the wharf this morning? What the hell are you doing here!?


    Ahh.


    Trna bluntly said as she stood up.


    I changed my mind. Thus, I have returned.


    Whats with that? You left me this sword. Werent you gonna gomit suicide after reporting back to your country!?


    As I said, I changed my mind.


    Shuffling towards him, Trna pried the longsword off his hands, giving a sigh of relief.


    The more I thought about it, the more I realized that renunciation does not particrly have a time limit attached to it. There is no reason for me to panic and go back to my country to face an early death.


    That so?


    Aint that different from whats written on The Free Encyclopedia?


    No. That online encyclopedia was infamous for their many inuracies, owing to the fact that any article could be freely edited by dedicated volunteers.


    This is my choice entirely. Zdas fate remains uncertain, and viins lurk in every corner of this city. I am sure that I shall have something to do, at any rate. The brooch remains your responsibility. Take it.


    The exasperated Matoba cast a sidelong nce at her, finding Trna on the couch once more. Calling Kuroi to her side with a soothing voice, the ck cat immediately returned to herp.


    It had taken a greater liking to her than Matoba himself.


    With that in mind, I shall be in your care for some time.


    What?


    Rest assured. My employment has already been confirmed


    Saying that, she presented him with a single document. It had the directors signature on it, denoting Trnas appointment as a special investigator for the Special Vice Squad.


    When the hell?


    Just this evening. They were thankful for my part in Roths case; they immediately prepared it for me. This concludes my report.


    As she continued petting Kuroi, Trna looked at Matoba meekly.


    Do you have any other questions, partner?


    Goddamnit, one thing after another


    Ruffling his head, Matoba groaned.


    Well, its fine. If he had ended up hearing that she killed herselfa few monthster, he would have lost his appetite for sure.


    This was certainly better than that.


    Were gonna be up early tomorrow. Go to sleep.


    Hearing his reply, she finally smiled.


    Understood. Sweet dreams, Kei.


    Yeah, yeah. Sweet dreams, Trna.


    With that said, Matoba withdrew to his sanctuary  his bedroom. And stray cats were definitely not allowed in.

 Book 2: First Night (1)

    Book 2: First Night (1)


    The rust-colored glow of the evening shone upon the junkyard.


    Piles of nothing but cars, cars, and cars. From a Ford to a GM, a Nissan to a Toyota. Even a Renault, a Fiat and a Volkswagen were there.


    A graveyard of cars. There were some whose engines had been taken out. A few were missing their tires. And still, others were left with no seats at all. They were all destined to meet a gruesome fate; lifted violently by the crane to be crushed under the press.


    Come to think of it, I havent been to Ais grave in a while.


    Detective Kei Matoba thought idly.


    Adjusting his sunsses, he nced at his wristwatch. Although he wanted to smoke, the wind was blowing in the direction of the Russians he was meant to observe, thereby forcing a change of ns.


    Right now, Matoba was hidden in the shadow of a rusted sedan, all alone.


    Beyond the scrap heapy a ramshackle warehouse approximately three hundred yards away. A number of cars  shiny, brand-new ones, by the way  stopped by its side.


    Matoba. Any movements on their side?


    Through his wireless earphones, Inspector Bill Zimmers voice sounded out.


    The Russians? Not really. Well, they look like they just wanna get this over with, get a drink and go straight home, to be perfectly honest.


    Moron. No unnecessary chatter.


    Scuse me.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Matoba peeked at the Russians. Four armed men by the cars. One sniper. Concealed atop a neighboring scrap pile, he surveyed hispanions with his rifle, equipped with a holographic scope. This guy was probably insurance just in case the deal goes awry.


    Inspector Zimmer announced.


    The Semanians just passed through the gate. Two vehicles. Matoba, can you confirm from your position?


    Not yet wait, I see them now. They the blue Volvo and the green VW?


    Turning the corner towards the dpidated warehouse, the two cars slowed down. The sound of tires on gravel. These two parked right in front of the Russians. Two Semanians got out from the Volvo leading the pack.


    Two criminal organizations meeting face-to-face to make a deal. That was the current situation.


    All units, standby.


    Zimmer whispered through thems.


    The Semanians  inhabitants of a fantasy world located beyond the boundaries of hyperspace, connected through theMirage Gatethat floats in the ocean nearby San Teresa.


    This very morning, the police had received a tip-off indicating that these Semanian smugglers would be conducting some form of ck-market exchange with a group of Russians here in this junkyard. Prior to this report, they had already monitored the Russians for quite some time.


    The information hade from an individual at an information hub Matoba frequented, a woman working at the Topless Bar over by Methush Street. She had overheard a Russian customer discussing the venue in secret. ording to her, Susan, the Russians in question were to hand over arge number of AK-47s, hand grenades, and contraband to the Semanians. Three days ago, Matoba had heard from other informants that the Russians were looking for buyers for their weapons. As such, he could not simply brush aside Susans ount.


    And here they are now, meeting as expected. Doesnt seem as though Susie was gossiping  Matoba chuckled to himself.


    Maintaining a certain distance from one another, the Russians and the Semanians exchanged words. The leader of the Russians was a skinhead with arge build. On the other hand, the Semanians were led by a brown-skinned man with a muscr frame. His age on Earth would be thirty years or so.


    There was not a shred of hospitality present in their conversation. Satisfying a minimal level of confirmation, men from each group retrieved the goods from their respective vehicles. The Russians took out several wooden boxes, whereas the Semanians prepared a single,rge casket.


    (A casket?)


    Doubts lingering in his mind, Matoba continued his surveince. One of the Russians pried the lid off a box, revealing its contents  an assault rifle. With an exaggerated gesture, he moved the bolt back and forth, checking to see if the barrel was empty, before finally tossing it over to a Semanian.


    Bingo.


    Matoba muttered. If all those boxes were filled with more of the same, it would definitely be possible to lock these guys up for about fifty years or so. They handle this right, they might just get a shot at their smuggling route in the North Pacific.


    This is Matoba. Reporting confirmation of the goods.


    You sure?


    I can see it from here as well.


    Another voice joined in on the conversation. It was his colleague, Detective Tony Mcbee.


    Lots of AK-47s. Maybe theyre going to war somewhere?


    Okay, take them into custody! All units! Go! Go! Go!


    Zimmer shouted. All at once, sirens began ringing out throughout the scrapyard. Several patrol cars came out of the woodwork, their engines revved, flooding the scene of the crime.


    Police! Throw away your weapons!


    The deration from the megaphone echoed out into the surrounding area. Caught in the act and blinded by the shing lights, the confused gangsters proceeded to ignore the warning, sting their weapons at the police. Full-auto submachine guns were fired at will. Sparks erupted from the hoods of the patrol cars. Uniformed police officers returned fire with their shotguns under the cover of their car doors. Having deployed a police sniper beforehand, the Russian sniper was summarily put out ofmission, tumbling down from the scrap heap.


    Escaping from the gunfight, one of them staggered towards Matoba.


    Good grief. They better give me overtime for this.


    Grabbing the shotgun leaning against the car nearby, Matoba burst out of the shade. Pointing his gun towards the runaway, he yelled sharply.


    Freeze!


    The man disregarded the order, choosing instead to retaliate with a hail of bullets.


    His submachine gun opened fire with glee, raining bullets all over Matobas surroundings. In that instant, Matoba gave up on returning fire, hunkering down behind a nearby wreck.


    Shit, Im gonna lose the initiative at this rate. Fuck the police.


    He stuck out his gun from cover, firing a single shot. The man leaped back in surprise, before taking off in another direction. Pulling back the pump of his shotgun, Matoba immediately chased after the offender.


    Eventually, they arrived at a cramped alley hidden in between the piles of cars. Even now, Matoba felt as though these innumerable stacks of metal would copse on him at any second. The figure of the runner was slowly sinking into the depths of the darkness.


    He was no longer obligated to warn Freeze!. Matoba aimed his shotgun at the man, letting loose a shell.


    A short scream, followed by a volley of curses.


    As he advanced forward in an attempt to check on the fellow, the man tenaciously stood his ground in the darkness. Stubborn asshole, aint he? The resulting ricochet produced a shrill, piercing noise, much like the cutting of metal, prompting Matoba to rush towards the front. If he had simply hesitated out of panic, he would be in a much worse situation right about now. Adopting a low posture to creep past the corridor, the man finally came into view. cing a hand on the hood of one of the crushed vehicles, Matoba drew back before pointing his weapon at the man.


    He shot, his buckshot making contact with the culprits right arm. Closing on his opponent as he dropped the submachine gun in his hands, Matoba mmed the butt of his gun against the back of his neck. It was a heavy blow. The man mumbled something as he crashed into a rusted car, falling on his backside.


    Giving me nothin but trouble.


    Urghh


    Kicking away the fallen submachine gun, Matoba grabbed the offender by the nape, forcefully throwing him onto the ground. Swiftly searching the man, he grabbed the heavy pistol that came tumbling down the mans coat. The guy was bleeding, but it was nothing to write home about.


    Oi, you understand English?


    Fuck.


    Seeing signs of resistanceing from the Russian, Matoba roughly pressed his head onto the floor.


    Seems like you do.


    At that time, he heard the sound of a pistol being drawn nearby.


    Before he realized it, another Russian had pointed his revolver at Matoba. He was still young, and yet he calmly kept Matoba right in his sights. That glint in his eyes. Probably ex-military.


    He blundered. He failed to notice the presence of the second man.


    Get away from him, policeman.


    The man said. Matoba let go of the arrestee, slowly standing up.


    At this rate, Im dead meat. No, before that


    With his mind upied on other matters, the Russians exchanged words in their mother tongue. Afterwards, the wounded man ordered the youth.


    Kill him.


    As soon as he said that, a white shadow descended from above.


    A sharp, silver light glittered in its wake. In an instant, the hand of the man holding the revolver was dancing in the air. A blood-curdling scream followed soon after. Leaping down from the scrap heap, the girl had used her thin longsword to slice the mans wrist off all the way to the bone.


    As she recovered from thending, the girl turned to face the man, intent on delivering the finishing blow.


    Stop it!


    Matoba shouted. Mere inches away from slitting his neck, the longsword stopped right on cue. Without skipping a breath, the petitedy shot a look at Matoba.


    A doll-like face. Tender, white skin. And immacte blonde hair.


    The young girl looked out-of-ce being here.


    This man was trying to kill you, Kei. Is there even a need to show him mercy?


    The Semanian girl, Trna Exedilika, said.


    Hes not putting up a fight. Arrest him.


    Hrm


    Trna brandished her sword. In the blink of an eye, her de had returned to the sheath strapped to her waist. The Russian youth, face pale and stricken, stiffly got down on his knees, cradling the leftover stump that had once been his right hand.


    Ill see to his wounds. You take that asshole over there to the Chief and the others.


    Very well.


    Handing over the reins of the other man to Trna, Matoba checked on the amputees condition. After telling him to apply pressure on the wound, he went to pick up the severed limb from the ground. Unpleasant for sure, yet he could not deny the magnificence of the cut. If this guy was sent to the hospital right away, they might somehow still be able to stick it back on. Still, even with the best surgery, it would probably be impossible for him to hold a gun any longer. Well, its probably for the best.


    Hey, if you dont wanna die, get going Ah, and Trna!


    Matoba called out to Trna, who was struggling to put handcuffs on the Russian.


    What is it?


    Make sure you read him his rights. Just like I taught you.


    Understood.


    Taking in a deep breath, Trna read out his rights in an exaggerated voice.


    Listen closely, o viinous Dorini! Thou shalt not be permitted the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Purify thy body, kneel, confess all thy sins to the world! Otherwise, in the name of Great Lubarna, thou shalt be smitten where thou standeth.


    Aint thatpletely different from what I said!?


    Matoba stopped in his tracks, smacking the newbie detective on the head.

 Book 2: First Night (2)

    Book 2: First Night (2)


    Even as they finished rounding up all the suspects, there was no end to the tumult the police had left in their wake.


    As the day finally came to an end, the lights of the surrounding patrol cars lit up the warehouse. Within, flurried exchanges via radio were being carried out. Casualties had been kept to a minimum; the members of the investigation had only received light wounds. Really, the one who faced the greatest danger was none other than the backup on surveince standing by  Matoba himself. The Russians they had injured were already on their way to the hospital.


    Matoba! Exedilika! Over here!


    Ordering the withdrawal of all troops through thems, Inspector Bill Zimmer yelled at the two the moment he wrapped up his business.


    Zimmer was the recement for thete Jack Roth, employed as the new chief of the Special Vice Squad.


    A ck man in his fifties, with an ill-tempered expression eternally stered on his face, he sported a bushy mustache oddly resembling a hairy caterpir. Formerly a veteran detective of the Los Angeles Police Department, he had been working as the chief of Homicide at the 12th Precinct until just the other day. The 12th Precinct oversaw jurisdiction over a section of the city home to those of low-ie backgrounds. Even within the city, it would not be umon to see one or two fights break out in their district. Hence, they were considered a particrly busy station. Having arrived from the frontlines, Zimmersmand of the crime scene waspared to the reincarnation of Buddha himself. In military terms, he would be considered a mustang.1


    Matoba and Trna had been loafing around in one corner of the warehouse, yet Zimmers shouts left them no choice but to reluctantly stand up.


    Dont you dawdle. FUCKING COME HERE!!!


    Zimmer curved his thick lips into a pout, pointing furiously at his own feet. It was a gesture most reminiscent of a coach scolding his baseball team on their losing streak, chewing out the outfielder formitting a grievous error during the match.


    You the one responsible for chopping that Russians arm off, Matoba?


    Zimmer said.


    It wasnt me, sir. Trnas the one who


    SHUDDUP! I dont give a fuck who did it. You guys are partners. If that alien over there rapes a hundred-year-old granny, itd be the same as if you did it. Theyll call you a pervert for the rest of your life. But Im a fair man. If you were to leak your shit out of the toilet, Ill ask Ms. Alien to lick it off the floor. Understand? Then, dont you dare talk back.


    Fucking geezer, what a pain in the ass. Matoba could only hang his head in resignation. On the other hand, Trna looked as though she had not understood a single word, quietly listening with a nk expression on her face.


    And? One of you care to exin why the hell you split up? If you two had acted together, that thing wouldnt have fucking happened in the first ce!


    West of the warehouse was looking a little fishy. I let Trna take watch over the area.


    Why didnt you report this?


    If I did, you wouldve objectedsir.


    Course I would! Letting that alien loose with no knowledge on arrest protocol whatsoever was an absurd proposition to begin with. Im fucking sure I told you to keep your eye on her, didnt I!? For you to do as you please, pretending to be heroes, sending the suspects arms and legs flying off into the air Bet his fuckingwyers areughing their asses off right about now!


    I did not sever his legs.


    This was the first time Trna opened her mouth.


    And Inspector. Do not call me alien. That is a term of bigotry.


    Saying that, Zimmer stared at her, eyes wide open, peering into Trnas sulky face.


    Oh, is that so, youngdy? Ill be REAL careful from now on.


    Well, as long as his heads still stuck to his body, Im leaving his discharge to you bozos. And no screw-ups this time. Yknow Gardner from the prosecutors office? Bring him up to speed. He has till 9 a.m. tomorrow to hand in his report. If heste by even a minute, Ill have his head on a chopping block!


    Roger that.


    Alien, that goes for you too. Ask Matoba for the format.


    Do


    Faster than Trna could object, Zimmer left to prepare the withdrawal, heading towards a patrol car back to HQ.


    Good grief gung-ho asshole.


    As Matoba muttered to himself, Trna let out a groan of displeasure.


    I did notmit any mistakes. I was simply meting out justice to those evildoers. Why must hembast me without even giving myself a chance to exin?


    Its cause you overdid it. You should learn how to hold back for once.


    Matoba was not in a particrly good mood either. In all his time as a veteran detective, he had seen many inspectorse and go, but never one quite so eager to give him hell. There was no way he would be happy about it.


    It is because you let your guard down, Kei. This is all your fault.


    I didnt ask you toe save me, yknow.


    You dare say such a thing, Khe Imatuba1? To not even have the decency to utter Daash Zanna2 to me In the name of the Goddess Ghizenya


    Kei!


    One of Matobas fellow detectives, Tony, was beckoning towards the two as he stood beside the suspects minivan.


    Leave the prayers to next week. Cmon, were gonna look at the goods.


    Imbecile.


    Puffing her cheeks, Trna proceeded to continuously poke his back.


    Yeowch! What gives.


    Shut up.


    Stop it, youre embarrassing me.


    From the outside, they looked to be just messing around. But nothing could be further from the truth.


    Matoba headed towards the minivan where Tony was waiting.


    Detective Tony McBee was a white, slender, young man. Always handsome, and eternally fashionable, today he was sporting a chestnut-colored suit along with a calming ascot tie.


    Among his many colleagues in the Special Vice Squad, Matoba had always chosen his clothing haphazardly from the high-ss suits they had confiscated. And every time, Tony would always judge him harshly for his choice. Having blended in with the likes of drug dealers, pimps, and men with power livingvish lifestyles, Matobas sense of fashion had be somewhat skewed as a result. Even so,pared to Tonys partner Godunov, he would never want to wear something like a pastel pink jacket to work.


    Have you seen the weapons?


    To Tonys question, Matoba nodded his head.


    Yeah. Romanian-made AK-47s, thousands upon thousands of 7.62mm rounds, anti-personnel grenades, mines, shbangs  the whole lot of em. With that much firepower, theyd be able to take over just about any region in the Semani world in just three days.


    Unthinkable. Your Dorini weapons would not even scratch the surface of my countrys many territories. They are not as fragile as you may think.


    All Im saying is that theyll be more than enough in the countryside.


    Matoba replied tiresomely.


    Trna was a knight from Leto Semani, the world beyond the hyperspace gate that had appeared on the open sea surrounding the city of San Teresa  the Mirage Gate. She had been dispatched to the city by the Farbanian Kingdom due to a certain case, remaining behind afterward as a special investigator in the San Teresa Police Department.


    While there were many Semanian immigrants in the city, there were none quite like her, a Semanian working as a police investigator here in San Teresa. Her employment in the Special Vice Squad was thus seen as a test case; a trial, so to speak.


    Topare the level of technology of the two worlds, the Semanians could be considered to have technology equivalent to that of 14th or 15th century Europe. The multi-purpose weapons that the Earthlings created were thus seen as preciousmodities to these people. That was the main reason for the creation of the ck market that oversaw the illegal trade of Earthling firearms, Semanian treasures, and in particr, magical devices. ording to various international treaties as well as the respectivews of each country, the export of goods to the Semani world was to be strictly limited. Of course, this also meant that the prevention of these underground dealings came under the jurisdiction of the Special Vice Squad.


    So, weve got ourselves some firearms on our end. What did the Semanians have in their little casket?


    Dunno. Thats what Id like to find out.


    To the side of the minivan, therey the body of the casket, atop a pallet used by the forklifts. It had been roughly made out of wooden materials. An ancient Semanian design. Orange orbs were embedded in several ces on the surface of the coffin. The cover was iid with the image of a goldfish performing some odd amalgamation of water acrobatics, almost as if it were constipated, surrounded by the engravings of indecipherable letters (or something simr).


    You get any of this?


    Matoba asked. Trna brought her right fist to the left of her chest, deep in thought. This was a gesture Semanians often make in these situations.


    Not much. Though they resemble the words found in ancient Gravanian scripture I cannot read much of it. The moon? Forbidden? Blood? That is all I am able to decipher.


    And its contents?


    Tony shrugged his shoulders.


    I havent taken a look inside. Maybe works of art? This looks extremely old. And these fine decorations It feels as though it might break if we try to force it open.


    I dont care. Open it up.


    Using the tip of his Ferragamo3 shoes, Matoba kicked the casket. Seeing no effect, he proceeded to pick up a crowbar lying nearby.


    W-wait


    Ignoring Tonys protests, Matoba used the crowbar to pry the lid open. Setting aside its weathered appearance, the casket itself was surprisingly intact. He did not know about the state of the ster, but there were signs of an adhesive having been used. It was a rough job; the sealing of the casket had left cracks and fissures all along its body as it was opened. Seeing the state of it, Tony grimaced. Trna silently furrowed her brow, looking over his shoddy handiwork.


    With a strange noise, he lifted the lid off the casket. Matoba used a small shlight to light up the contents.


    What the hell is that?


    Inside, therey a dried-up corpse wrapped in soiled cloth.


    It resembled a human body. That much he knew. It had long hair.


    This seems to be the daughter of a person possessing some rank somewhere


    While Trna peered into the coffin out of pure curiosity, Tony whipped out his handkerchief and turned away from the sight.


    Trantors Notes: TL Note: A military ng term used to refer to amissioned officer who began their career as an enlisted service member. Denotes experience and hard work to get to their position. TL Note: Thank you in Farbanian. TL Note: Salvatore Ferragamo  a brand of luxury shoes.

 Book 2: First Night (3)

    Book 2: First Night (3)


    A Semanian woman, huh?


    The medical examiner from the coroners office, Cecil Epps, said as she took a look at the body.


    Taking out the mummy from the body bag on the stretcher, she set the corpse on the examination table. The rags she had for clothes had turned red-brown, far removed from their original state. And yet, one could still make out the rusted ornaments adorning her personage.


    Well, thats just how it is. She was shoved in a Semanian coffin, wearing traditional Semanian clothing.


    Matoba grumbled. Every time he came to the morgue, it would always have this somber atmosphere around it. Despite its cleanliness, the ce was dreary enough as is. The sharine smell of disinfectant lingered around every corner. White, tiled flooring further added to the bleak nature of the coroners office. And the pale lights adorning the ceiling made one appear as though they were one of the corpses lying on the tables. Trna did not seem to like it here much either. Once in a while, she would sniff around with that little nose of hers, only to twist her face into a grimace.


    To think that he was once close to thedy working here, Cecil. How strange. After all, this was the worst ce he could think of to woo a woman. Ever since they first met, for whatever reason, he would always invite her out to eat right in front of men who had overdosed on narcotics. Even now, Matoba himself could not remember the exact reason he did so.


    Today, Cecil was wearing ck knitted garments,plete with a knee-length red skirt. She had her usualb coat on top. Shiny, brown hair, and intelligent, blue eyes. In the past, she had been a cheerful and openhearted young girl, yet she was slowly losing that spirit day by day.


    Ive epted the job for the time being.


    Writing down the necessary details in the document attached to her clipboard, she handed it over to Matoba.


    Over here, were experts on the study of fresh corpses, yknow. Wouldnt it be better to leave this body to an archaeologist or something? Its probably several decades old by now.


    Thats for you to find out. Time of death, age, cause of death.


    Its impossible to know the exact time of death if this is all I have.


    Make do with it. Dont you have things like radiometric dating and stuff?


    As he said that, Cecil put on that face. The face of a scientist that pitied the stupidity of an amateur that ims to know what they are saying.


    We dont do that here. In the first ce, we can only reference their age based on the things we have here on Earth.


    Whats that mean?


    Uhm The method youre referring to is probably the one that uses the half-life of carbon-14 atoms, right? On Earth, the number of radioactive isotopes present had been calcted to be pretty much the same before the 1950s. In the Semani world, we barely have any data on the current number of radioactive isotopes present, not to mention their values in the past. That being the case, the method we take for granted here on Earth cannot be applied to people or objects of Semanian origin. Her hair follicles wont be of much use either; the gic makeup of recent Semanian immigrants is just too different from hers.


    He got the gist of what Cecil was saying. Come to think of it, he remembered something simr from one of the lectures he took back when he was still a uniformed officer.


    That about does it. Understand?


    Yep. One thing though. Why the 1950s?


    Due to the frequency of nuclear tests being performed at the time, there was a sudden change in the number of radioactive isotopes present in the atmosphere.


    Got it. I learned something new today. Thanks.


    Youre wee.


    So, how about the time of death?


    Without the slightest hint of repentance, Matoba repeated the same question once more. Cecil could only sigh in exasperation.


    Didnt I just say I didnt know?


    Shrugging her shoulders, she turned away from Matoba, producing a magnifying ss from the pocket of herb coat. She then began examining the body, going through every nook and cranny in great detail.


    By the way, did you sense any of that rahtena1ing from this corpse?


    I did not. There does not seem to be any influence of mildi2 here


    Even as she said that, it felt as though Trna was doubting herself somehow.


    Rahtena was a unique concept present in the Semani world  it referred to the naturally-urring energies that gave rise to magical phenomena. There was no way to measure such a metric under the scientific methods known to Earth, which led many to question its existence outright. Well-versed in the arts of mildi, Trna was the sole individual in the entire San Teresa Police Department capable of detecting its presence.


    Meticulously analyzing the limbs of her patient, Cecil muttered.


    Nevertheless, these are fine essories. Perhaps she was once the daughter of nobility, maybe even royalty?


    Bracelets, anklets. A ne coupled with a brooch. There was no estimating their value, yet it was clear that these ornaments had been supplied by someone with money.


    If thats the case, worst-case scenario thisll end up an international scandal. Gotta contact the Farbanian conste before tomorrow morning, then its a waiting game for us. For now, find out all you can about our mystery mummy.


    Asking her to take overtime in a roundabout way, Cecil finally took her eyes off her magnifying ss to look at him.


    Kei. Ill be swamped with work tomorrow morning, yknow?


    What a coincidence. Me too.


    As he shed a smirk at her, Cecils eyes burned with quiet anger.


    Asshole.


    Good grief. I think so as well.


    Trna agreed with her wholeheartedly. Cecil happily responded.


    Right? Youve got some guts staying back to team up with him.


    I made a momentarypse in judgment. I still regret it to this day.


    I get that. He acts so overbearingly cold at times, and hes a sarcastic jerk to boot. But sometimes hed show off his kind side when you least expect it. Dont fall for his tricks, you hear?


    I do not understand much of this, but I shall it take it to heart.


    Oi


    Matoba had intended to keep his mouth shut and ignore their conversation, but the two of them just kept on talking.


    The first time I met him was the worst. He pushed the gangster he killed onto me and said, Dont you take his money, ya hear?


    Such a depraved man The first time I crossed over to this world, he told me, I dont have time to be ying partners with you, before ridiculing my presence.


    Is that right? I bet you hated him after that.


    The instant he discovered my predisposition against vehicles, he would pester me incessantly on it by elerating his car. Furthermore, this harassment would often be apanied by discriminatorynguage towards my race. Just this morning, I had saved his life, and yet he replied, I dont remember asking you for help, without even giving me a word of thanks. In short, he is underestimating our abilities as women. I intend on abandoning him the next time he does so.


    That is probably for the best, Exedilika-san. If he ever dies, wont you do his autopsy with me? Ive got some special paint stored up. Maybe we can scribble on his organs and then take a picture together? Thats bound to make us feel better.


    A brilliant idea. To ensure his suffering in the world beyond, perhaps we should carve the runes of Bael to unleash a curse on his body? Possibly on his face, his posterior, and his intestines.


    Oi!


    Matoba paled at their grisly conversation, cold sweat dripping down his forehead as he protested their suggestions.


    We are not serious. Do not tremble so.


    Thats right. Its just a joke, a joke.


    For a joke, its pretty brutal in its details


    At that moment, the medical assistant, Chapman, popped his head in the doorway, calling for Cecil.


    Doctor Epps?


    What is it?


    Remember that body we found in the Blue River? The results of the water quality test have juste in. I know you like talking to Mr. Tough Guy over there, but we really need your help over here.


    I understand. Im going now.


    Hiding her irritation at Chapmans snappy words, Cecil calmly replied. The assistant nced at Matoba suspiciously, before quietly shutting the door behind him.


    Witnessing that exchange, Trnamented unpleasantly.


    That man does not have any manners, it seems. Is he your disciple, mildite3 Ebbs4?


    My, you tter me. Cecil is fine.


    Understood. Then, you can call me Trna as well.


    She let Cecil call her just like that? Didnt she say that calling her by name requires special permission? Thats how it was for me, at least. Although Matoba wanted to point this out, he purposely kept quiet.


    Trna and Cecil had not had a proper conversation up to this point. Perhaps the saying the enemy of your enemy is your friend truly did hold water. It would be rather boorish of him to tell them that though.


    ..Well, Chapmans probably just tired from having to stay up all night. Hes older, not to mention hes been working here longer as well, so he likely has several bones to pick with me. Its not worth kicking up a fuss over.


    I see. I guess that is fine.


    Beside Trna, Matoba gave a small sigh.


    But yknow, Cecil. Better to nip him in the bud. Hes had it out for me since the start. I sense a hint of jealousying from him. That guy probably has the hots for you.


    Oh, are you worried about me?


    Hearing his response, Cecils voice livened up.


    She was expecting something from him. As her crystal-blue eyes peered into his face, he felt his cheste astir. Nope, cant do this now. Setting aside professional ethics, he had already decided to stop doing things like this. More importantly, Trna was watching.


    Thats not it. Well, Im counting on you Lets go, Trna. Gotta go interrogate those Semanians.


    Casually waving his hand in the air, Matoba left the morgue behind him.


    The Special Vice Squad Offices where Matoba worked was just across the street from the morgue. It took less than thirty seconds for them to get there.


    However, since members of the Vice Squad often acted as decoys in police operations, it was normal for them to not enter through the front. Instead, they took the long way around, entering the building through an inconspicuous side entrance.


    Though the day was pretty much over, there were still many working overtime in HQ. As always, the San Teresa Police Department was severely understaffed.


    I am unable to wrap my head around this science of yours.


    Inside the elevator headed to the offices, Trna muttered aloud.


    You mean the autopsy?


    Correct. In the first ce, touching the remains of the dead like that should not be permitted.


    You worried about hygiene?


    No. Tis a moral issue. The body holds the gateway between the deceased and the realm of the dead. Thus, there remains a risk of evil spirits possessing the body. It would be best to leave these corpses alone.


    Thats not possible. Interrogations alone dont solve a case. The more we find out, the faster we can lock up those Semanian bastards. Wed be able to get a lead on their smuggling route with this case.


    Regardless of what value that mummy held, it was not important to the Special Vice Squad. What was necessary, however, was uncovering the true scale of the operation between the Russian and Semanian smugglers. Depending on the circumstances, they would be able to extract vital information from these criminals, and perhaps get a chance at nailing their smuggling ring.


    Incidentally


    Trna suddenly said.


    are you close to Cecil?


    Whats this now?


    Do not think much of it. That is simply the feeling that I get from the two of you.


    Come to think of it, he had not told Trna of their past rtionship. Be that as it may, their rtionship had already ended, so he had no obligation to inform his freeloader-cum-partner.


    Were friends. You can trust her.


    Matoba answered, feigning ignorance.


    Is that so?


    Thats so.


    An awkward momentter, the elevator had reached the tenth floor. Trna did not appear to pry any further, immediately making her way towards the office.


    Today marked the start of the clean-up operation. As such, several detectives were devoting themselves to finishing up paperwork here in the office. Tony had left several of his raisin cookies on Matobas desk. Holding one between his fingers, Matoba popped it into his mouth.


    Delicious. He had struck the perfect bnce between crispy and fluffy; the sweetness was just right. Matoba often thought that leaving Tony McBee to work here as a detective had been quite a waste of talent for the department. He sought to express his gratitude, but it seemed as though Tony was still out patrolling with his partner Godunov.


    Since Trna had joined up with the Special Vice Squad, she had been given a personal desk of her own. It had been the desk of thete Detective Rick Fury, who had been killed in the line of duty. Although she would spend most of her free time with a manual in one hand and tampering her PC with the other, she had not made much progress on her skills. After all, Trna stillcked the ability to properly make a selection when given the choices Yes/No/Cancel. Matoba thought back to his childhood days when he would attempt to teach his grandfather in the countryside to use a cellphone, but to no avail. In this way, the Semanians were simr to the Earthlings of the past in that they were unable to grasp the concept of digital technology.


    The guardsman to the interrogation room had just informed them that the room was open for their use.


    Matoba stopped writing his report midway, called Trna, and headed for the interrogation room. One of his colleagues had told him Chief Zimmer was looking for you earlier, but he ignored him. He did not want the trouble. If it were really serious, he would have gotten a phone call anyway.


    Now then, it was time for the interrogation.


    The mans name was Lejico. Hisst name was too long and hard to pronounce; Matoba had given up half-way through reading it. Usually, he would go at his own pace, relentlessly cross-examining the suspect. Unfortunately, he let Trna handle the interrogation this time around. He had drilled the principles into her before the questioning, yet all she did was tilt her head in puzzlement.


    I shall do what you ask of me. But I must ask, why?


    Rookie training. If you n on staying here, you gotta remember the rules properly.


    Very well.


    Trna squared her shoulders, heaving a hefty breath as she stepped foot into the interrogation room. Trantors Notes: TL Note: A form of magical energy that can be sensed by the Semani. TL Note: The Farbanian word for magic.'' TL Note: The Farbanian word for magician/practitioner.'' TL Note: Trna is incapable of pronouncing the letter p in certain words. So she pronounces Epps as Ebbs. Also police as bolice.

 Cop Craft: Volume 2 First Night (4)

    Cop Craft: Volume 2 First Night (4)


    Even as her mind filled with absurd notions, Cecil Epps took her job of examining the dried-up corpse very seriously.


    Height, weight, and race. Measuring every single part of the body with the utmost precision. The number of items written on her to-do-list left her in a lifeless state. Well, this was to be expected. Normally, it would be possible to roughly estimate the amount of time that has passed since death. This, of course, took into ount the seasonal temperatures present at discovery. It was nearing spring. Around this time of year, body temperatures would generally drop 7-10 C per hour. However, that did not matter for this body. After all, a single nce was all it took to know that she had been dead for decades, if not more.


    She had no outstanding external wounds. No matter how many times she had been brought in for X-rays, there were no signs of any fractures whatsoever. Furthermore, there had been no damage done to her bluish-ck skin. From the looks of her bone structure, it would be reasonable to assume her age as between twenty and forty years old. This was no ident, no suicide. And neither was it murder. Perhaps she had died from a disease of some kind. There was also the distinct possibility that she had ingested poison prior to her untimely demise.


    Recording her preliminary findings, Cecil muttered her thoughts to herself.


    What a surprise. Shes a Laura.


    She had described the conditions of the body using jargon specific to medical coroners working in San Teresa and several other states in the maind. Laura was the name of a murder victim in an old drama serial. It denoted a pristine body.


    Setting aside the mummification, the body itself would have been in perfect condition. Not only were there no traces of maggots or scavengers, but exposure to oxygen and changes in temperature also did not appear to have affected the state of the body.


    Most likely, the body had been preserved due to its location in a cold, arid climate with little to no oxygen. Much like the failed expeditions on Everest and K2, this mummy resembled the unfortunate mountaineers who met their demise on these treacherous climbs, left untouched for decades after their deaths. There were many instances in which these bodies were discovered by subsequent expeditions. However, unable to spare the energy to carry them back down the foot of the mountain, their sessors were reluctantly forced to leave them as is, exposed to the elements.


    Extracting samples from her scalp, pubic hair, skin, and nails, Cecil ced each of them in an acrylic Petri dish, affixing suitablebels to identify the body parts.


    With the equipment avable in Laboratory 2 on the second floor, they would be able to ascertain the chemicalposition of each of the substances in detail. It was just like Matoba said. While they were not capable of precisely pinpointing the date of death, it would be possible to determine whether or not the mummy was Semanian in origin, thereby potentially narrowing down the location and cause of death. To be more urate in their conclusions, there was no choice but to use the MRI, given that an autopsy of the body had been explicitly forbidden. In all honesty, however, the terrible cost of such a procedure would not warrant further investigation.


    Just as she was about to get on the elevator to go up with her samples, Cecil called out to one of the medical assistants, Chapman, who was in the office room.


    Chapman.


    Although he should have heard her, Chapmans gaze remained fixed on the television. Of course, he did not reply.


    Chapman?


    Yes.


    He finally turned his head around, an extremely annoyed look on his face.


    Can you take some pictures of the body the Vice Squad pulled in?


    Understood.


    Despite answering that, he immediately went back to watching his TV program.


    Right now.


    As she raised her voice, Chapman groaned in displeasure before heading towards the morgue. It had already been two years since they started working together, and yet it seemed as though the two of them would never get along. Was it because he had no drive to work? Or maybe because he had been making fun of her in secret? It was probably both. Nevertheless, he would asionally sneak nces at her during work, which she found the slightest bit creepy.


    Checking her watch, she found that it was already past nine. Most had already left for home. The only ones left were Cecil, Chapman, a couple of others working overtime, and the buildings security detail.


    Pouring a cup of coffee, she headed for Laboratory 2, leaving the skin sample she had collected earlier on top of a table. Inside, there was a wide range ofboratory apparatus, including refrigeration units, cooling centrifuges, various kinds of spectrometers, and a brand-new high-performance liquid chromatograph. Turning on the power to several of these machines, she grabbed the chemical solutions required for the examination from the refrigerator. Just as she pried open the lid of the Petri dish containing the skin sample, she heard a screaming from far away.


    No. Whether or not it was a scream, she could not tell for sure.


    Perhaps it was just a figment of her imagination. But thinking it suspicious, she stopped working, straining her ears in an attempt to expand her hearing.


    It sounded as if something hard had just collided with the wall when she heard that scream once again. There was no mistaking it this time. Someone was shouting for help.


    Could they still be in the building?


    Closing the lid on her Petri dish, she poked her head out into the hallway to gauge the situation. Much to no surprise, she was unable to spot anyone lurking in the dark corridor. It was deathly silent. The only sound that could be heard came from the engines of cars passing through Bluebird Street outside.


    Did something happen?


    She tried shouting out, but no reply came.


    Cecil descended the nearby stairwell to the offices on the first floor. Nobody was there. She proceeded to the security room further down the hall, yet she did not see hide nor hair of the guard working the night shift. A tablet PC had been left open, while a half-finished coffee mug continued emitting steam on top of the table. Had she been the only one to hear that voice? Perhaps the guard was searching for them right now.


    What a strange feeling. Assaulted by a faint chill, she exited the security room, making her way back to the offices. As she approached the stairwell, she heard that sound once more. It came from the morgue below. The sound of a stretcher falling, followed by the short, leaking of air.


    Could a burr have entered the building? No, this ce does not hold any valuables. Plus, police headquarters was just across the street. In the first ce, no one would willingly step into a building filled with the pungent smell of antiseptics and the dead.


    Leo? Are you there?


    Calling the security guards name, she continued down the stairs. Other than some storage rooms, there was nothing else underground except for the morgue and the autopsy room. Opposite the stairs was an elevator used to transport corpses from the parking lot aboveground.


    The ck of her pumps sounded awfully loud as she descended the staircase. Cold air blew from the morgue, passing straight through her re miniskirt as it coiled around her exposed thighs. The familiar odor of dposition caused her to turn away from the smell.


    Right in front of the elevatory the entrance to the morgue. Both doors were made of steel. The sticker pasted to the doors read, No entry to unauthorized personnel.


    Leo? Chapman?


    Cautiously opening the door, the scent of fresh blood hit her nose. Blood was sttered all over the wall on the other side. And just below that, the tragic remains of Chapman. His throat had been ripped to pieces, his entrails strewn about the floor, dyeing it crimson. And in the center of the room, Leo was lying face-down. Above him, a naked woman was riding his corpse.


    Wha


    She was a beautiful woman, indeed. With smooth, white skin and silky, ck hair. Her supple body was perfectly symmetrical, appearing firm yet voluptuous at the same time. The woman performed a seductive gesture, shaking her hips back and forth, almost as if she was in the act. A fountain of blood erupted from Leos throat, which she proceeded to suck. The obscene soundsing from her tongue echoed throughout the morgue.


    Turning her head around, the woman spotted the unmoving Cecil.


    Pitch-ck, lightless eyes.


    Lips covered in fresh blood.


    Even as she looked at Cecil, the womans smile exuded boundless charm that seemed to suck her in. As the terror set in, Cecil leaked out a shriek.


    As she took a step back, the naked woman stood up.


    Another step back. The woman took one step towards her.


    Whether it be her finely-shaped breasts or herher regions, the woman made no attempt to conceal any of them. As for the reason behind herck of shame, Cecil instinctively understood. Was there truly a need to disy modesty towards the food atop her dining table?


    In other words, the third victim was


    As she tried to run away, Cecil slipped on her backside onto the floor. Seeing this chance, the woman set her sights on her, dashing towards her at full speed.

 Book 2 First Night (5)

    Book 2 First Night (5)


    You scum of the Semani. Confess your sins for all to see!


    Upon entering the interrogation room, Trna suddenly ced the suspect, Lejico, in a chokehold and mmed his head down against the table. Once. Twice. Thrice. She conducted her beatings mercilessly,ying him down on his backside. Bringing his ears to her mouth, she proceeded to shout intimidatingly at the man, with all the power she could muster.


    Her petite body hid the strength of a giant. Earlier, she had chanted what appeared to be a spell of some kind, so perhaps this was just another form of her mildi1.


    Wha, wai..sto


    Under the watchful eye of his captor, a certain Mr. Lejico began pping his arms and legs uncontrobly, his mouth repeatedly opening and closing as he endured pure torture.


    Tis your uncouth presence thatpels a noble such as I to stoop so low as to entreat you with thews of this world! Such were the orders of the Dorini. In our mighty Farbanian Kingdom, you do know the punishment reserved for thieves, correct? First, your limbs shall be severed whilst you are kept alive. Following that, arge jar of Zevry beetles shall be unleashed upon your body. And finally, left for a day in that state, your remains shall be left to rot in the Oviza Swamp! Of course, the wrath of the Goddess Lubarna shall descend upon your kin as well. If you wish to avoid that fate, reveal the contents of that casket!


    Pulling the pale-faced Lejico away from Trnas grasp, Matoba heaved a sigh as he muttered.


    You were too good.


    Let go of him, Kei. Why are you stopping me?


    You think hes gonna be talking like that? Theres an order to everything. If you were just a bit less


    Shut it. This rakebye2 deserves no such thing. Rather, it would be better to peel off his skin and stuff his wounds with salt. The Goddess Lubarna will surely forgive him with that. With that said, Kei. Go fetch us some salt. In the meantime, I shall prepare the ingredients for this man.


    Drawing the shortsword from her waist, Trna slowly approached the suspect.


    Got it. Just dont mess up the interrogation room, will you? Its hard to clean up the bloodstains, yknow.


    Just as Matoba moved to leave the room, the man began to scream out information, tears streaming down his face.


    Please forgive me! That coffin was stolen! We swindled the grave robbers for it. We were searching for buyers when we heard someone here on Earth was offering a fortune for


    Their name?


    He called himself Zeniya.


    Where is he now?


    I dont know. Its the truth!


    So you people crossed the Mirage Gate, bringing that coffin with you to this city. You also mentioned grave robbers earlier, correct? Where did they find this coffin of theirs? Tell me all that you know!


    Matoba looked on as Trna grabbed the mans cor, forcefully rocking his head. If anyone else were here, this would be a problem. But, I guess this should be fine. Or so Matoba thought to himself.


    The age-old convention of good cop/bad cop  in other words, offering the carrot or the stick  was still going strong here in the 21st century. Having usually yed the role of bad cop, Matoba himself did not think that he would get the chance to y good cop so soon.


    Unaware of their motives, Lejico shouted.


    They said they found her in the mountains surrounding the Velmosh region!


    The Velmosh region, you say? Home to the Durasians?


    Thats right!


    For an instant, a cloud came over her graceful features. As her grip began to loosen, the man broke into a coughing fit, regaining control over his breathing.


    Could it have been the remains of a Duras Dyril?


    Trna looked down, bringing her right fist to the left side of her chest. Unable to follow the flow of the conversation any longer, Matoba inquired, a puzzled look on his face.


    You have something in mind?


    Yes No. But, tis impossible. For such a creature to exist, I cannot imagine. They are mere legends.


    I dont follow. The hell are you talking about?


    Lad Neven


    Huh? Lad what now?


    I do not know. However, worst-case scenario, Cecil may be


    As Trna muttered, she let go of the man, turned on her heels, and bounded straight out of the interrogation room.


    Oi!


    That body is dangerous.


    He did not have the chance to ask in detail. Trna flew into the hallway like a bullet, shooting a nce at the elevator disy before deciding to descend the nearby stairwell instead. All of a sudden, she had disappeared from Matobas sight.


    Dangerous? That mummy? And  what was that about Cecil?


    This was no time to be staying still. Just as he went to go after Trna, he spotted the man lying down on the interrogation table and clicked his tongue.


    Stay here. And just so you know, forget everything we did to you. My boss didnt exactly give us the okay over here.


    A bit toote for that, dont you think?


    A voice came from the speaker mounted to the wall of the interrogation room.


    The Magic Mirror3 attached to one of the walls lit up, revealing the figure of Inspector Zimmer watching from the cramped observation booth. Having just been recently employed here, he was probably making the rounds, monitoring the activities of his subordinates. And in the process, he had most likely seen Trnas great escape. With a single nce, he knew that his boss was beyond angry.


    Fuck.


    As Matoba unconsciously voiced out his thoughts, a blood vessel popped out of Zimmers temple.


    (''Fuck''? I go out of my way to see what my veterans were doing.. And what do I find? THE ALIEN TORTURING THE SUSPECT AS SHE PLEASED! I SHOULD BE FIRING THE LOT OF YOU FOR THIS!)


    Though he thought of yelling at him, Zimmer instead jerked his chin forward, saying.


    Fucking go already!


    It seemed as though the lecture wouldeter. Matoba burst out of the interrogation room in a great rush. The elevator isnt here yet. No choice but to run all the way down


    In all this confusion, his feelings suddenly shifted to worrying about Cecil.


    What was it called? Lad? Something like that. Im getting a really bad feeling about this. Gotta hurry up.


    Trna flew down five flights of stairs in police headquarters, making a beeline for the front entrance. She leaped across the patrol cars parked in the parking lot as if she were jumping over hurdles in an obstacle course, before cutting through Bluebird Street, bypassing theing and going of the cars in the process. One of the vehicles on the verge of colliding into her spun uncontrobly to avoid the little girl in its path, ultimately crashing nearby. Despite the mor that ensued, Trna did not pay it any mind.


    Immediately facing the front of the police headquarters was the coroners office.


    Logo diti, rabna ie Gizenya3.


    Chanting with all her might, the white overcoat she wore was bathed in light, instantly transforming into a full suit of silver4 te armor. Even in the Semani world, Vyfert steel armor can be hard toe by. Aside from the flying contraptions of the Dorini, this armor would easily repel any projectile that came into contact with it. It was exceedingly light. Moreover, it absorbed impacts well.


    Iron shutters had been dropped over the entrance to the morgue. She could not get in. Aiming to enter instead through the window of the offices nearby, Trna drew her Dynange5 from her waist, lobbing it at the ss. The crack on the window expanded radially as the ss shattered under the force. Trna took this opportunity to sneak inside the deserted office.


    Unfortunately enough, her intrusion had triggered the security rm. Trampling over shards of ss, Trna picked up the shortsword that had fallen onto the floor, before racing down the stairs to the basement.


    She heard the cry of a woman. It was Cecils.


    (I have to make it!)


    She could feel a chilly presence as she got closer. It was most definitely rahtena, and yet it reeked of death. Her chest filled with difort at this sinister sensation.


    She descended the steps below. In fronty the morgue. The doors had been flung wide open. Just beyond, there Cecil was. Crawling on all fours, she was trying to escape by through the stairs. A naked woman was standing behind her. Her mouth, throat, and chest were dyed red all over with fresh blood.


    It was clear that she was not your normal person. After all, the offensive odor that only Trna could detect came from her.


    Cecil!


    Fear-stricken, Cecil looked up at her. Trna leaped halfway down the stairs, jumping over her to sh at the naked woman. Letting out a fierce battle cry, she swung her longsword. However, the point of her Krge6 cut through nothing but air. With an astounding level of agility, the woman had leaped out of the way, thereby avoiding Trnas attack.


    The doors shook open with a crash, as the woman retreated into the morgue.


    Run away! And do not look back!


    Shouting to Cecil, Trna burst into the morgue without even a moments dy.


    Her right hand held her longsword overhead, whereas her left gripped her Dynange much as one would a shlight. The posture she adopted was almost cat-like in nature, much like a bow being drawn back. This was a form of Vredeni swordsmanship equipped to handle close-quartersbat under conditions of limited visibility.


    Contrary to her expectations, no ambush came. The woman was crouching in the center of the room,fortably waiting for Trna to arrive.


    The two bodies lying on the floor were undoubtedly the victims of her ughter. Blood was sttered all over the walls. There was no mistaking it. This woman had murdered the two in cold blood, feasting on their blood as she did so.


    Lad Neven7


    Trantors Notes: TL Note: The Farbanian word for magic.'' TL Note: The Farbanian word for idiot.'' TL Note: Imagine Google ss but on a mirror. Also known as a more futuristic one-way mirror. TL Note: Silver as in color. Not silver as in the material. TL Note: The Farbanian word for shortsword. TL Note: The Farbanian word for longsword. TL Note: The Farbanian word for vampire.

 Book 2 First Night (6)

    Book 2 First Night (6)


    Heard of only in legends, their kin has existed since antiquity itself. They absorbed rahtena by sucking human blood; monsters that harnessed the vitality of the dead for sustenance. Although they looked no different than your typical Semanian, they were exceedingly agile, powerful, and cunning creatures.


    The woman opened her mouth.


    Ma yagomenas loji namemba


    Trna could not understand a single word. While they resembled the ancientnguage used by a long-forgotten dynasty in the frontiers of the Farbanian Kingdom, certain aspects were markedly different.


    Ni farpa. Miilenmenduma ganna mobi


    Whatever she said, Trna could tell she was not trying to make friends. Staring fixedly at her, the vampire licked her lips,unching into an attack without warning.


    ?


    Slowly swaying her bare, white body, she suddenly became fuzzy. The vampire moved at such high speeds that the contours of her body blurred to the sight. For a moment, Trna doubted whether she had lost her marbles.


    That was not it. Everything else waspletely fine. Still, she did not know if her opponent had moved to the right or the left. The shadow of death fell on her back. Where should she go? She did not know. There was no other choice but to gamble her chances here.


    Ghrk!


    Taking a defensive position, Trna stretched her body to the right. Immediately following that, the stretcher behind her erupted in raucous mor as it broke in half. The vampire had struck it with her bare hands. As the metal frame and bolts fell to the floor, they rattled loudly.


    In an attempt to restrain her opponent, Trna gave arge swing of her Krge.


    Drawing an arc in the air, her sh passed right through the enemy, allowing the vampire to close in on her position.


    If she let her close the distance, she was done for. Taking a step back, Trna aimed at the monsters face  still in the form of a vague afterimage, unclear to the sight  and thrust her Dynange towards her.


    It made contact. The shortsword pierced the center of her opponents face.


    No.


    Reverting to her original form, the vampire had taken the full brunt of the shortswords thrust. Her lips twisted into a smile, leaking out a sigh as she sted Trnas fingertips with cold air. Trna tried her best to retrieve her shortsword, but to no avail. It was almost as if it was held in ce by a vise of some kind.


    Impossible


    Just like that, the vampire lightly shook her head to the sides, breaking Trnas posture by mming her onto the wall opposite with all the strength she could muster.


    The shortsword fell from her hands. She had received a great shock to her back, rendering her unable to breathe.


    The vampire swung her arm. Trna blocked the attack using her left hand.


    So powerful was the strike that Trna thought her arm would be torn to pieces. Her small body crashed into a bunch of filing cabs, sliding over five feet to the ground. If it were not for her armor, she would most likely have suffered a mortal injury.


    The creature did not follow up on her attacks right away. Leisurely crouching down, she proceeded to fling the shortsword away, much like one would a toothpick or a straw. The shortsword flew a hundred-eighty degrees before making a small dent on the floor.


    Damn you


    Unparalleled strength. Exceptional reaction speed. And possessing a near-immortal body. Even that would be formidable enough, yet she could still cast illusions and the like. There was no hope of winning.


    As she thought about what should be done next, Matoba burst into the morgue. No pistol. Unarmed. All he had on him was a red bottle.


    Trna!?


    The instant he shouted, the vampire made her move. She aimed to kill Matoba first. Using the same illusion, she rushed headlong towards Matoba.


    Get away, Kei!


    Matoba held his ground. Bewildered at her appearance, and straining his eyes to see, he took out the red bottle  a fire extinguisher  from under his armpit, spraying it at the vampire. White extinguishing agent spouted out of the nozzle, fiercely drenching the enemy.


    !


    The woman choked, gasped, and coughed. She had been suddenly sprayed with a copious amount of an unknown chemical. Covering her face as she squatted down, she tried to escape the expanding mist of extinguishing agent.


    It was now or never.


    Trna leaped without hesitation, brandishing the Krge, and hurled it at the vampire. Immediately, the womans scream echoed throughout the morgue. Her left arm had been severed, flying in the air beforending on the ground.


    I was aiming for her neck. As she clicked her tongue in exasperation, the woman used her remaining hand to put Trna in a chokehold.


    Gah!?


    Even wounded, the vampire had overwhelming grip strength. The part of her armor protecting her cor gave off an unnatural sound as it bent under the pressure. Trna could not breathe. All four of her limbs were numb. Starved for blood, the womans features lit up as she peered into her face.


    A bullet prated the side of the vampires face. Another hit her neck. Her shoulder. Her arm. Her chest.


    Matoba had fired his weapon.


    Groaning in anguish, she left Trna on the floor to attack Matoba instead. Fresh blood gushed out from the slit on her left arm, leaving the walls and floor covered in a grotesque pattern. Matoba instantly flung the fire extinguisher in the air towards her, stretching his body forward to continue his assault. As several more bullets pierced her, the vampire began to writhe in pain, turning around in the process.


    Fuck!


    Beyond the white smoke, Matobas yell could be heard. He shot once again. As the doors to the morgue were flung open with full force, the violent footsteps of the vampire began to get further and further away.


    And that was that.


    The morgue had returned to its original quiet and lonely atmosphere. The sound of metal resounded as Matoba changed his magazine. As the extinguishing agent was sucked into the venttion fan, the surroundings began to clear up. Crawling on the ground, the injured Trna nced at the rooms entrance. Holding his automatic pistol, Matoba was examining the situation outside.


    You alive?


    Matoba said.


    Kei?


    She ran away. The hell was up with that monster?


    Laying her motionless left arm on the floor, Trna sluggishly got up.


    She is a vampire thought extinct in the Semanian world.


    A vampire? Hmm


    Shrugging his shoulders, Matoba snorted.


    And here I thought she was just another pervert lying around.


    Rakebye.


    The vampires severed left arm made a sound as it dried up on the floor. Having cut off another arm in the past two days, perhaps this wasmon for a Semanian knight, or so she thought.


    Even without hearing all of what Trna had to say, Matoba had a clear understanding of the situation at hand.


    Basically.


    The mummy in the coffin hade back from the dead, massacring both theb assistant and the security guard, as well as attempting to do the same to Cecil. She had also engaged in battle with Trna inside the morgue, eventually escaping outside. That was about it.


    Even so


    As the forensics team came running straight to the crime scene, crowding around the entrance to the morgue, Matoba lit a cig with his Zippo lighter, saying.


    theres something wrong about all this. How in the hell did that dried-up body move? I aint high, am I? That was a mummy, no matter how you saw it. Her arms and legs were sticks, and her face looked like one of those umeboshi plums.


    There is an exception to everything.


    Exhausted, Trna said. She had removed her armor, applying ice packs to her exposed arm and shoulder. Fighting against such a monster, it was a miracle that she had only been left with bruises.


    What exception? It isnt a packet of cup noodles, yknow. I cante up with a logical exnation as to why she was butt naked the whole time. Or what, is it normal for aliens toe back to life after they die?


    I said it, did I not? That is not your ordinary Semanian. Tis a Lad Neven.


    And that something-Neven is a vampire?


    In more literal terms, it stands for a creature that walks in the ck of night. While they appear no different from humans, they are equipped with remarkable physical strength and regenerative capabilities. To retrieve the rahtena necessary for their survival, they make it a habit of attacking people whenever they see fit, sucking their blood in the process. Whenever their prey ran out, the rahtena in their bodies would dry up, leaving them in a vegetative slumber. For several years, or even decades.


    Which means they arent exactly dead, are they?


    Physically speaking, they are virtually deceased. If I were to run out of rahtena myself, I believe I would die as well. Historical records of the Lad Neven have been few and far in between. To the extent that I have only heard of them through hearsay and legends. Whatever the case may be, we would have been able to realize that mummys true identity had we taken the time to contemte its origins We let those two die.


    Trnas voice was filled with dejection. Under the lights of the patrol car, the pale nape of the blonde cast an impressive shadow on the wall. The clothes underneath her armor consisted of a tank top that revealed the center of her chest,ying bare the skin between her shoulders and back.


    Dont worry about it. You still ended up saving Cecil.


    Cecil was currently in a nearby hospital. Despite having only sustained scratches, she doubtless was in a state of shock. Leaving aside the disagreeable nature of her attacker, she had witnessed her colleagues being killed in front of her. No matter how much she worked with corpses, there was absolutely no way she could have stayed calm.


    In the first ce, Matoba was the one who had mistaken the vampire for an ordinary corpse, brought it to the morgue, and exposed those inside to considerable danger. The responsibilityy on him. But ming himself for that would not make things better. In his position, anyone would have done the same thing.


    Anyways, the problem now is that runaway vampire.


    Right


    An emergency response had already been sent out by the police.


    Details regarding the vampires physical characteristics, strength, severed left arm, and the danger it posed. Patrolling officers were notified not to engage the creature alone. Even if contact was made with the vampire, they were strictly ordered to stand back and pursue it peacefully.


    Furthermore, the police had secured a perimeter of radius four kilometers around the morgue, telling the surrounding residents to stay inside their homes and properly lock their doors. The departments SWAT team was also on standby, prepared to deploy at a moments notice the instant the vampire was sighted.


    Still, it will not be possible for you Dorini to capture that vampire.


    Wonder bout that. My shotgun and your sword seemed to work just fine. SWAT should be able to do something about it.


    Compared to their assault rifles and automatic shotguns, Matobas pistol would not evene close in terms of firepower. Besides that, they were drilled on the fundamentals of group tactics, having undergone harsh training to get to their positions.


    Theyre well-trained and great shots to boot. Id bet theyd be a lot more dependable than a useless detective like me.


    That is not the problem.


    Trna replied irritatedly.


    Equipment, training, tactics  they are hardly important. What is necessary is battle experience and sense. For instance, why did you bring that fire extinguisher to the morgue earlier?


    Hmm? That was


    Having been asked a strange question, Matoba furrowed his eyebrows.


    The reason he waste in catching up with Trna was the fact that he hade across Cecil along the way. Theres a monster! Trnas in danger!, she had told him. She kept prattling on about Trna, losing herposure to such an extent. If thats the case, Im gonna be up against a tough one down there. So thought Matoba. The gun in his pocket would not be enough. Spotting the extinguisher stuck to the wall on the way down, he had decided to bring it along just in case.


    In the end, it proved a great help in the fight.


    Dunno. Just thought itd be better that way.


    That is sense. You might be an unpleasant man but among the bolice warriors of this city, your skills in the field are unparalleled. Science is not important. Instincts are.


    Trna turned back with a serious expression, looking straight into Matobas eyes.


    Though she sported a baby-face, she would sometimes say things beyond her years. Perhaps she had learned much from her master, or maybe this was her experience talking. He did not know.


    Youplimenting me here?


    Fool. I am simply concerned for the safety of the other bolice warriors.


    Got it.

 Book 2 First Night (7)

    Book 2 First Night (7)


    A police car parked on the shoulder end of New Guinness Avenue. Setting a map on the hood of the car in ce of a table, Inspector Zimmer and a couple of other officials were in the midst of negotiations. Spotting Matoba and Trna in front of the coroners office, Zimmer gestured towards them exaggeratedly.


    Looks like weve been called.


    Yes.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Matoba went over to Zimmer and the others. Trna grabbed her embroidered coat, before following after him.


    We found another victim.


    Hearing his words, Matoba scowled, groaning in frustration.


    Fuck. Where, sir?


    The body was discovered in the parking lot of the mo Park mall. Security officer. Throat torn to bits. A couple witnessed the scene.


    mo Park?


    Matoba looked down at the map on top of the hood. The ce in question was about five kilometers away from here.


    Hey, isnt this outside the perimeter? It hasnt even been thirty minutes since she left. How the hell did she get this far?


    Thats why I called you here.


    Zimmer exasperatedly said, ring at Trna as he did.


    Exedilika. The vampire  how fast is she? Is it possible for her to travel five clicks in just twenty minutes? With a missing arm and without being seen by anyone?


    I do not know.


    Trna answered. Like a Noh mask1, she was expressionless.


    Even in my world, we do not know much about the vampire  the Lad Neven.


    You think not knowing much cuts it?


    The head of crime prevention reprimanded her there and then. He was a tall andnky man wearing a beige suit. To have reached that position before forty years of age, he must have quite the background.


    We already have victims turning up. Judging from this girls information, by the time we finished setting up the perimeter, that monster was already long gone, attacking citizens left and right. We cant afford to let it go wild any further. At this rate, well have an entire city-wide lockdown on our hands. How do you n on taking responsibility for this?


    That is


    Trna looked down, at a loss for words. The head continued.


    This is exactly why I was opposed to hiring Semanians in the first ce. I dont know what the Director-General was thinking. We civilized people have our own way of doing things. In the end, this happe


    Why dont you leave it at that, sir. The longer you sit here spouting your theories, the more dead well have on our hands.


    Before Matoba could say anything, Zimmer had spoken up.


    What?


    If that girl wasnt there, Dr. Epps would have been killed, the vampire would have escaped regardless, and we wouldnt have found out till the morning. Id consider us lucky. Am I wrong?


    Inspector Zimmer. What are you saying


    In the first ce, Exedilika works under me! If you have a problem with it, say it to my face goddammit! YOU BRAT!


    On the receiving end of one Zimmers tantrums, the head of criminal prevention lost all color in his face. The other higher-ups were also dumbfounded at Zimmers menacing attitude. Giving a final snort of his nose, Zimmer turned on his heel, telling Matoba and Trna toe, before briskly crossing Bluebird Street back over to headquarters.


    Good grief, treating the head of criminal prevention like a brat


    What a surprise.


    Chasing after Zimmers back, Matoba pleasantly said. Trna herself must have thought his actions strange, for her eyes were wide open.


    After all, the head of criminal prevention not only outranked Zimmer but held greater jurisdiction over general police operations. While the head may indeed be an asshole, there was no way anyone would directly challenge his decisions. To yell at him amid that crowd, it mighte back to bite him in the asster on.


    What? You guys got something to say to me too?


    Zimmer said.


    No, nothing.


    Then dont be surprised by every single thing. Ya fools.


    Aye aye, sir So, do we get leave from work?


    Thats right. Hunting monsters isnt part of the job description here at Vice. Give us all the necessary information and go home. Oh, and dont forget the notice.


    Of course, sir. Ill even reimburse you for it.


    That just about does it. Know you wont be paid for this. Alien, what about you?


    Having been referred to in a discriminatory manner once again, Trna had aplicated expression on her face. Still, given the circumstances a while ago, she could not stay displeased. She was beginning to understand what sort of man Zimmer was. Without uttering a single word, she nodded.


    Okay. Then, lets hear your thoughts on the matter.


    Stopping at the entrance to headquarters, Zimmer said to the two.


    The police probably wont do much more than this. Especially at this stage. Sure theres a risk, but its only one vampire. Warnings will be sent out, but we cant expect them to suddenly dere a monster on the loose.


    Well, that is about right.


    We know full well the extent of our responsibilities. Just like you said, Chief, hunting monsters aint part of our job description. At the very least, wed like to find her and give chase but


    You have something up your sleeves?


    Nope. Zip. To be honest, we dont have a choice but to follow her traces. Its just.. that vampire has no idea how society works over here. She wont be able to pull any tricks. Well be able to catch her right away.


    Hmm


    Arriving at the parking lot, Zimmer stared deeply into Matobas eyes. They were not the eyes of the grumpy old man from across the street, but those of an experienced investigator evaluating the suggestions of his subordinates.


    Very well. Ill take care of the backup.


    Thanks. Besides, Ive got the perfect police dog right here.


    Matoba pointed to his partner with his thumb.


    Bolice dog?


    As Trna furrowed her eyebrows, Zimmer curved his massive lips up into a nasty grin.


    A hundred meters away from the coroners office, a car was parked.


    It was a red 07 Ford in mint condition, unremarkable in the eyes of the patrolling officers.


    A man was in the drivers seat. Wearing a cheap suit, he was a Hispanic under thirty years of age. It appeared as though he had just gotten off work, and was waiting for someone.


    This time, however, the red Ford caught the attention of the two officers working the intersection, leading them to approach the vehicle. One took one side to cover his partner, while the other knocked lightly on the driver-side window in an attempt to get the drivers attention.


    Do you have any business here?


    No. Am I not allowed to park here, officer?


    The driver calmly answered the officer.


    Youre not breaking anyws, but Im going to have to ask you some questions. Who are you waiting for?


    Sure. My girlfriends one of your colleagues, officer. Her shift is ending soon, so I came here to pick her up.


    Saying that, the man pointed towards the police headquarters across from the coroners office with his chin.


    Is that so? Do you know her name and which department she works in?


    Officer Jennifer Vincent. Dunno which department shes in though Something rted tomunications. You dont know her? She has brown hair. Kinda petite.


    Im not sure. I barely ever go to their floor. Mind if I take a look at your drivers license?


    Yeah, go ahead.


    The man brought out his license, showing it to the officer.


    Officer. Is it okay if I stay here?


    Yes. But please do not go any further. It would inconvenience forensics.


    Understood. But, how strange. Did something happen?


    Who knows. Im havent heard much about it myself. Well, then.


    Pretending not to know, the officer quickly left the car alone. In reality, there had been a murder at the coroners office, but he had no obligation to tell an ordinary citizen about it.


    Well, I can imagine what happened


    Seeing the officers off back to the intersection, the man muttered to himself.


    Completely expressionless. In a perfectly monotone voice.


    Werete. Letting her go like that This is going to be a pain in the ass.


    Several minutester, he saw several detectives cross the street over to police headquarters. Arge Eastern man and a Semanian girl d all in white. Following a ck detective inside, they came out of the parking lot less than a minuteter, heading north of Bluebird Street.


    Oh my, that person is What a pleasant surprise. I am not particrly well-versed in the art of surveince.


    His lips rxed slightly.


    Afterward, the man took out his cellphone, setting it at a certain height against his ear such that the officers from before could see, and pretended to have a conversation with someone. From their point of view, it looked as though his girlfriend had just told him to go on home. However, the reality was the two of them have never met. He had simply looked up her name and department before providing the information to the officers.


    The man abruptly started his ignition and drove out of the ce.


    Towards the north of Bluebird street


    TL Notes: See the following.

 Book 2 First Night (8)

    Book 2 First Night (8)


    Even without a concrete n in mind, Matoba and Trna soon discovered the reason behind the vampire bypassing the perimeter. A report hade from one of the patrol units within the city. Roughly a hundred meters away from the shopping mall where the security guard had been murdered, they had discovered an abandoned truck.


    Just as you would expect, they found another dead body inside.


    The driver had been killed much the same as the mall cop. While they could not precisely identify a time of death, there was no doubt he died about the same time as the previous victim. Based on the security cameras positioned around town, the truck had been passing by when the vampire made her escape.


    Thinking about it logically


    As they made their way towards mo Park in their car, Trna said.


    after she killed the driver, she most likely went on to attack the security guard in the parking lot. In other words, there is a high possibility she used that truck to arrive at the scene of the crime. Perhaps she had hidden among the baggage. Or perhaps she had threatened the driver


    Dont think that monster would go out of her way to threaten someone. She cant speak a lick of English.


    Even so, she is extremely intelligent.


    Damn it.


    Regardless, that vampire had been thrown headlong into a city belonging to a mysterious civilization. Despite seeing automobiles for the first time in her life, she had the wit to utilize them as a means of escape. Sensing the presence of the police, she took it upon herself to slip past the perimeter undetected. It was truly mind-boggling.


    Sharp fellow. Shes adapted to this ce quite nicely, unlike a certain knight I know.


    I will have you know that I have conformed splendidly to your culture. I have no trouble paying rent, and I certainly face no hardships in feeding my cat, unlike a certain detective I know.


    Is that so? Then, you wouldnt mind if I raised the speed a bit, would you?


    S-stop it!


    The instant he put his foot on the throttle, Trna froze, cing both hands on the edge of her seat. It appears as though the gant knight had yet to conquer her fear of high-speed travel.


    I-imbecile. Exploiting my weaknesses to your advantage, do you hold any pride as a warrior?


    Trna protested sharply.


    Shut it. For a fucking freeloader, youre one to talk shit about someone elses finances. Every morning, you get to eat to your hearts content. And who do you think pays for it? Thats right, me.


    Somehow, Trna had managed to learn how to use chopsticks in just one day. Contrary to her petite frame, Trna ate like a truck. More than Matoba, who was arge man by most standards. For lunch, she would have two hotdogs on top of two servings of yakisoba noodles, followed by arge roast beef sandwich. It was a miracle she did not get fat in the process.


    Tis just a growing period. I have taken a great liking to that koshy hickari something or other. Someday, I would like to visit your homnd of Yuonyuma.


    Wrong. Uonumas just one of the ces they harvest Koshihikari1 rice, not my hometown. Im from Kanagawa. And if youre talking about rent, when the hell are you gonna pay me!?


    I paid my rent properly, did I not?


    As he turned the steering wheel, Matoba thought for a while.


    You talking about that big sack of wheat you brought inst week?


    Correct. With the stipend you receive, you should not be wanting for days. Do be grateful.


    This alien doesnt seem to know the difference between a capitalistic society and a feudalistic one.


    See, you havent adapted one bit.


    Of course, I have.


    No, you havent.


    I have.


    While they engaged in meaningless banter, they had finally arrived at the shopping malls parking space. It was a three-storey car park.


    Several police cars had already arrived at the scene to conduct forensics. Showing their badges to the officer in charge, they parked their car, crossing the yellow tape covering the area into the car park.


    The body of the security guard was found on the outskirts of the first floor, hidden behind some shrubbery. It had not yet been touched. Due to the incident at the coroners office, help arrivedte from their end. Having gotten permission from the young homicide detective supervising the scene, Matoba squatted down to get a better look at the body.


    Now


    Matoba muttered, turning to Trna.


    whered you think that bitch went after killing the poor guy?


    Good question


    She stared at the remains intently before closing her eyes, cing her right fist on the left side of her chest. Heaving a small sigh, she got on her knees, surveying the bodys surroundings.


    Are the witnesses still present?


    Yes, theyre right over there.


    As Trna inquired, a young officer from the local precinct answered her question. Maybe it was because he had never seen a Semanian detective before, or perhaps he had simply been captivated by her delicate features, the young policeman appeared to be a nervous wreck.


    I wish to hear their testimony.


    Walking towards the direction he pointed, she found a couple sitting down beside the police convoy.


    No one had bothered to take their ounts just yet. A white couple, about 30 years of age. Even now, the woman looked to be in a state of shock, unable to speak. On the other hand, the man managed to keep his cool, and should be able to provide a statement attesting to the events he witnessed.


    Based on his testimony, the vampire had both of her arms intact. The left arm Trna severed had already regenerated. And she was no longer naked, donning on proper clothes when he saw her.


    What clothes did she wear? Were they work clothes? Or were they rags?


    No, she didnt wear any of that


    Uncertain, the witness said.


    I didnt get a good look at her. It kinda looked like a ck evening dress, but it was moving. What exactly could


    Like a me?


    Yes, thats right. It looked as though she was d in these ck mes.


    I see. Thank you for your cooperation.


    As though she had understood, Trna left the couple alone. Following along after her, Matoba asked.


    What the hell does all this mean?


    The Lad Neven is regaining its power. Sucking the blood of those two people allowed her to regenerate her left arm.


    It grew back, huh? Kinda reminds me of a lizard.


    It is not just that. They mentioned ck, me-like clothes. That is a manifestation of excess rahtena known as Vau E Di.


    Yet another unfamiliar term. As tedious as it was, Matoba asked.


    Whats that all about?


    Tis but an illusion. While those mes do not exist in reality, they appear as such to the casual observer. The form they take normally depends on the will of the user. For instance, they could act as a suitable recement for clothing.


    You guys can do things like that, huh? Why didnt you tell me before?


    I just realized it mere moments ago. Vau E Di is not a particrly difficult form of magic. Even an amateur such as myself could conjure it up if she so wishes.


    Then, go ahead and do it.


    At Matobas words, Trnas cheeks flushed a slight pink.


    I refuse. With my power, I would not be able to perform it without first undressing myself. The moment I lose focus, the spell would immediatelye undone.


    Hmm


    Even so, she probably underwent intense training to be capable of using such a technique. Butt naked, in front of a mirror. Picturing those circumstances, Matoba could not help but feel that he was going straight to hell.


    Do you find something wrong with that?


    N-no, not really.


    You were conjuring up some vile imagery, were you not?


    The hell are you saying?


    No, that face speaks of your insolence! How dare amoner like you imagine m-my disrobed self.


    The officers on the scene turned to them all at once. Feigning blissful ignorance, Matoba looked up at the night sky.


    Coming to her senses, Trna awkwardly hung her head.


    I-I am troubled.


    Finally came the meek, lifeless voice.


    Ah, what the heck Knock off the persecutionplex for now. Weve got an investigation to finish.


    Right. A-anyway, being able to make use of such magic means that the vampire has sufficiently recovered. Compared to the time we fought her at the morgue, she will make a much more formidable opponent Though, there may indeed be a silver lining to all of this.


    A silver lining? What kinda good do you see in this pile of shit?


    She should be full by now. Most likely, she will not attack anyone for the time being.


    I see. So what youre saying is, no matter the monster, theyll have their guard down while theyre stuffed.


    Precisely.


    Certainly, this could be considered good news. If she had continued assaulting the citizens at this pace, the damage would be catastrophic. However, this meant that if anyone were to spot her from here on out, they would no longer be left alive. While they still had time, they had to grab her by the heels somehow.


    They once again set out to survey the parking space.


    Opening hours at the mall had ended for the day; there were few cars left remaining. Given the nature of the attacks, there should have beenrge amounts of blood covering each of the crime scenes. And yet, the vampires footprints were nowhere to be found. The same applied to the coroners office. There was a distinct possibility that the blood may have simply seeped into her skin.


    If she had made her getaway via the main street, there should have been other witnesses as well. Despite that, no other reports were made. Taking her intelligence into ount, this would imply that she chose to escape through a route with minimal human activity. Given the present situation and the need for rest, was there really a ce where she couldy low for the time being?


    Trna. Can you track her scent?


    Are you talking about her branii2?


    Thats right.


    I can point you in the general direction. It is over there.


    She pointed towards the shopping mall.


    The perfect hiding ce. Still, it was much too close to the scene of the crime.


    Given the speed with which she fled the morgue, could she really be hiding in the mall right next to the parking lot? If she was as smart as she was made out to be, this could be her way of outwitting her pursuers. Or perhaps it was the opposite. Maybe she thought that no one would think of looking for her there, so close to her victims.


    Matoba called out to the chief of the local precinct.


    You have anyone patrolling the mall?


    Yep. Got a couple units running around the ce.


    Theres a possibility our guy is over there. Keep in contact with your men. Make sure they dont act on their own. And if you find her, dont do anything stupid


    We heard headquarters. Dont worry bout it.


    Sounding annoyed, the chief interrupted. Although he had received the orders from HQ, it did not seem as though he truly understood the danger of the situation.


    Were going to the mall. Tell your men not to shoot us on the way there, will you? Me and her, two detectives from Vice.


    Gotcha, pal.


    The chief carelessly replied. Making their way past the man, the two quickly returned to their car. Pulling out a shotgun and some slugs from under his seat, Matoba headed straight for the mall.


    The branii is getting stronger.


    Following along quietly all this time, Trna suddenly said.


    You think its really in there?


    I do not know. Our foe is a master of illusions. If she felt like it, she could direct her scent wherever she pleased.


    And yet, she didnt. Whyd you think that is?


    Perhaps she is testing us.


    Trna prudently answered.


    To gauge the strength of you bolicemen, she purposely left her prey out in the open, not even attempting to conceal the scent of her rahtena. By ascertaining whether or not the bolice would respond, she can determine her current circumstances  the location of the city, the prevalence of mildi3 , and more specifically, the threats to her safety. As for those peopleying siege to her fortress, she most likely possesses enough confidence to outrun them sufficiently well.


    I see. Pretty smart.


    Is that sarcasm I detect? Ill have you


    That aint it.


    Trying his best to calm her, Matoba realized the potential sarcasm behind his words.


    At any rate, even though she had absolutely no idea how to use aputer properly, her intelligence was the real deal. Setting asidemon sense and her overactive imagination, in terms of both knowledge and intuition, she was a cut above the rest. If she had grown up on Earth, she would have be a talented investigator for sure.


    Looking back, what exactly was he doing at her age?


    Training all day in the army, he did not get the chance to use his head very often. Competing against his squadmates in bouts of strength, or pondering what he could do to pass the exam to enter the Special Forces  that was all he could think about. It would be impossible for his past self toe up with such a detailed exnation as Trna just moments ago.


    Im truly impressed. Youre something, alright.


    Trna puffed up her cheeks.


    As I thought, you are making fun of me. Imbecile.


    Hey, Im being serious here.


    Shut up!


    Well, for the time being, your story checks out. That vampire is probably hiding in the mall. First, weve gotta find a point of entry.


    Very well. Let us prepare for battle.


    Trna raised her index finger to her eyes before uttering a phrase. Her blonde hair fluttered in the gentle breeze. Bathed in a swathe of light, her coat suddenly transformed into an elegant suit of armor.


    Do not let your guard down, Kei.


    Drawing her Krge4 from its scabbard, Trna rushed headlong into the shopping mall. Trantors Notes: TL Note: A type of Japanese rice. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshihikari TL Note: The Farbanian word for scent/odor.'' TL Note: The Farbanian word for magic.'' TL Note: The Farbanian word for longsword.

 Book 2 First Night (9)

    Book 2 First Night (9)


    They found the shredded remains of an iron shutter on the east side of the mall, about two hundred meters from the carpark.


    The ce did not stand out whatsoever. Hidden behind a tree, the breach on the fencing was nigh invisible, even if one carried a shlight. The reason they found it was due to no less than Trnas exceptional sense of smell and the observation skills Matoba had honed over the years.


    Enough for someone to squeeze through.


    Matoba said. The shutter had been ripped off by force, revealing the clean circr hole left behind on the ss window. It was just big enough for an adult to fit through.


    Radioing in their findings to headquarters, Matoba requested a perimeter be set up around the mall. Just as he was about to step foot inside, Trna stopped him from behind.


    Wait, Kei.


    Whats up?


    Is it wise to go in with just the two of us?


    Yeah. Even if we brought those rookies along for backup, theyd just get in the way. You have a problem with that?


    No


    Seeing her at a loss for words, Matoba furrowed his eyebrows.


    What, you scared?


    That is not it. It is just, I have doubts whether we will be enough to handle her on our own. We cannot afford to make light of that vampires strength.


    It did not appear as though she was afraid.


    However, it was true that they would probably lose if they fought head-on with that monster. Thinking back to the first time he came across the vampire at the morgue, he would have avoided jumping into the fray at all costs if he could. And their positions at Vice meant that they really did not have any obligation to continue the investigation.


    Then, why exactly were they doing all this in the first ce?


    It was obvious. To get even. Even if it was not their business to do so, they were the ones who had brought the vampire into the morgue, allowed it to murder innocent civilians, and let it escape in the end. They could not just sit still and let it be.


    Even so, Matoba casually said.


    I know that. If things look bad, well hightail it outta here.


    Trna looked nkly upon his tant dishonesty, before acknowledging his words with a nod.


    Well, that may indeed end up being the case.


    Well, well. I thought youd have said something like, A knight would never dare show her back to her enemies.


    Shut up. Let us go already.


    With Trna pushing him onward, Matoba stepped foot into the shopping mall.


    Inside, a small cafe greeted the pair. It was dark. Not a single sound could be heard. Chairs were stacked upside down atop the tables, left as is by the proprietor. Several signs had been folded by the entrance, apanied by a pile of garbage bags and bottles of milk.


    An unnatural silence.


    Attached to the ceiling, the security sensor was shing red. Coming in from behind, Trna carelessly headed for the entrance. Matoba grasped her shoulder.


    What is it?


    The security systems still on. Dont move.


    Hmm


    Contacting the local authorities, Matoba tried to confirm whether the security instations in the mall were functional. By their ount, several of their officers had already made their way to the security room, leaving the security system untouched and functioning as usual. If that was the case, why has the vampire not been detected?


    Can that vampire trick the infraredsers or something?


    Raising his voice, Matoba asked Trna.


    What is thiszer you speak of?


    Narrow beams of light, sorta like string. You step or cross into it, the rmll start ringing.


    Though he had exined the concept quite simply to Trna, she could only tilt her head in confusion.


    I do not know, though it is certainly possible. It is said that the vampire can see perfectly well in pitch-ck darkness  on nights when the moon does not shine. That monster is perfectly capable of finding some loophole around thesezers.


    Some species of animals are capable of detecting certain frequencies of electromaic radiation beyond the visible light spectrum, such as infrared and ultraviolet rays. It would not be strange for that vampire to do the same herself.


    Got it.


    He radioed the security room, requesting that the rm be disabled even if the security system detected intruders. The officer at the sceneplied with his terms. This way, they would be able to move freely around the mall. And if indeed the vampire was caught by the security system, they would immediately know of it.


    Advancing towards the entrance, they stepped over the garbage bags onto the mall proper.


    The path curved into a gentle R, stores lined up along both sides. essories, womens clothing, sports goods, toys, you name it.


    Billboards highlighting famous brands were everywhere. Dior, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton. The whole package. A number of ss panels were installed on the ceiling, allowing natural light to shine through during the daytime. Now, only the dim light of the moon remained.


    They could not find a single trace of the vampire. From this point on, they were relying solely on Trnas senses.


    Hows it look?


    Not much change.


    With a crease in between her brows, Trna muttered.


    Not much change? What do you mean by that?


    Her location is unclear. It is vague, indistinct. While it is certain she is within this building, I am unable to urately pinpoint her position. She could have purposely scattered rahtena to throw off our scent, thereby erasing her presence.


    Matoba looked down, thinking quietly to himself.


    Hmm, if thats the case


    That vampire probably knows wereing. Worst-case scenario, wed be in for an ambush.


    This is looking mighty dangerous.


    Do not falter now, Kei.


    With his shotgun at the ready and Trnas longsword pointed straight onward, Matoba carefully advanced through the mall.


    Passing through the area from which they first entered, they moved on to the next section of the mall.


    The name Paradise Square was written on the wall. And yet, this ce was anything but that. Neither was it a square. Like the stores earlier, the corridor was lined with boutiques, boutiques, and even more boutiques.


    Why the fuck do these malls and department stores sell this much clothing and makeup? If there was a ce with gun shops lining up both sides of the aisle, Id be there in a second. Or so Matoba thought. A Winchester for every Dior, a Heckler & Koch for every Hermes, A Glock for every Louis Vuitton. A mall filled to the brim with guns seemed a perfectly good idea.


    Their surroundings were pitch-ck. Around every corner awaited an ambush from the vampire they sought to hunt.


    Though they initially began their search on the first floor, the two had arrived at the third floor before they even realized it. As usual, the shops on this floor were arranged meticulously in aplicatedyout. In front, therey a grand, circr atrium, which looked down upon the fountain in the square below. Hexagonal skylights decorated the ceiling above them. A massive curtain stretched all the way down to the first floor from the middle of the ceiling.


    Tis a bit stronger now.


    Trna whispered.


    Her scent?


    Yes. Be careful.


    You say that, but I cant see for shit. How the hell are we supposed to know if shes getting closer?


    Oi!


    Trna suddenly shouted.


    A woman d all in ck was standing right next to Matoba.


    She was smiling. Her dress flickered in the air, almost as if they were mes. A sleek, voluptuous, pale body. Gray hair. Lips dripping in red. And above all else, a piercing gaze that looked like it would never let go of him. Both her eyes glowed eerily in the darkness.


    Wha


    Matoba reached for his weapon on the spot. He did not make it. With a swing of her right arm, five razor-sharp fingernails tore out his throat.


    No, he was able to use his shotgun as a shield just before her ws pierced his skin. The impact almost knocked him unconscious. Snapping like a twig, the gun flew from his hands. Still, Matoba was incapable of blocking all of her attacks. Disoriented from the initial barrage, he crashed into the handrails behind him.


    Such tremendous power. It was as if a heavyweight boxer had just punched him straight in the nuts.


    And that was not all. Using her slender arms, the vampire clutched his throat once more. They were deathly cold hands. Unable to breathe, his head throbbed over and over again.


    Kei!?


    Turning around, Trna swung her longsword down upon the vampire. In response, the vampire nimbly thrust Matoba forward, intending to use him as a shield.


    Khh!


    Trna stopped her de mid-swing. Not letting go of that chance, the vampire invoked one of her illusions to create her characteristic afterimages, delivering a sharp kick toward her enemy. The tips of her toes made contact with the wrist of her opponent. The longsword flew out of Trnas hands and nted itself onto the nearby wall.


    T


    Unarmed, Trna reached out to the vampire with her hands. Almost as though they were alive, her ck clothes and hair twisted around Trnas limbs, restricting their movement. Gasping in pain, Matoba managed to draw his beloved automatic from the holster below his armpit. But before anything else, the vampire flung his body into the atrium. Three storeys above ground.


    !


    If he had not resisted with all his strength, his neck would have most likely broken by now. Matoba spun furiously as he descended from the center of the atrium, colliding his head against the curtain, entangling himself all the way down to the fountain below.


    His shoulder and back, the back of his head were hit hard. Water sprayed everywhere around him. Thest thing he heard before everything faded to ck was the anguished crying from Trna.

 Book 2 First Night (10)

    Book 2 First Night (10)


    Vice Detective Tony McBee had received orders from Chief Zimmer to act as backup for the ongoing operation. Rushing towards the mall in question, McBee and his partner, Detective Aleksandr Godunov, arrived at the security room just moments after Matoba and Trna stepped foot into the building in pursuit of the vampire.


    No matter how many times they tried to reach Matoba on the radio, no response came. However, thanks to the malls security system, the two were able to roughly grasp their location. They proceeded to head towards Paradise Square. Equipped with his trusty carbine, Tony made his way inside. By contrast, the gigantic Godunov wielded a massive rifle that fit his build. Both of them were wearing body armor for extra protection. In particr, this type of body armor had beenced with a thin titanium alloy, allowing it to withstand even the most fearsome of attacks. Despite that, based on the information he had heard up until now, this may not be enough for the monster they were up against.


    But, is it really okay for us to take the lead here?


    Tony grumbled as he strode across the dark hallway. Godunov turned his nose up in response.


    Whatever it is, were ying a dangerous game here. With us acting as both the vanguard and reconnaissance, nobodys gonna be dumb enough toin about it.


    I dont want to worry Mike too much.


    Still going at it with that dancer of yours?


    Hey, that was the one before. Mikes a photographer.


    Got it. You go through exes way too often. How the hell was I supposed to know?


    How rude! I always treat my partners with the utmost respect, you know!? You make it sound like Im some sort of whore


    Shh. Look.


    Godunov interrupted, pointing to the front. They were currently on the first floor, surrounded by rows upon rows of shops. At the very end of the corridor, the path opened up to a hall. In the centery a circr fountain, around which an orange curtain had been torn in half.


    Brought to attention, the two of them drew their weapons, covering each others blind spots as they approached the fountain. By the stone steps surrounding the fountain, Matoba had copsed.


    Kei.


    Tony rushed over to Matobas side. In turn, Godunov carefully appraised his surroundings, ascending the stairs to the atrium above.


    Kei, are you okay?


    Shit.


    There had been no need to check if he was alive. Just as Tony shook his body, Matoba let out a low groan, attempting to stand back up. He had fallen right into the water, leaving him drenched to his skin. With his throat in great pain, Matoba hoarsely asked.


    That you, Tony? How long was I out?


    I dont know. We lost contact with you, so probably around 15 minutes or so?


    I see.


    He tried to get up, only to fall t on his backside, coughing violently in the process.


    What the hell happened to Trna? She was on the top floor when


    We didnt see her.  Aleks?


    He called out to Godunov, who had taken the liberty of going up the stairs towards the upper section of the atrium. In response, Godunov popped his head out from the railings and shouted.


    She aint here. Her swords on the ground.


    You find any blood up there?


    Nope, nothing like that.


    Goddamnit, that motherfucking bitch. Doing whatever the fuck she wants. Shell get whatsing to her.


    Agitated, Matoba cursed as he stood up, roughly brushing up wet strands of hair.


    Do you know what happened to Trna?


    Not a clue. I cked out, remember? If there aint a body, then maybe the brat managed to go after that monster after she fought back. No


    Stopping himself in the middle of his thoughts, Matoba shook his head violently to the sides.


    No way shed leave her sword behind. She was probably taken away.


    Taken away? Why is that?


    How should I know? But, that vampire should be full right about now. Rather than sucking their blood dry, itd probably be smarter to draw out information from her victims.


    My, how awful. We have to save her somehow.


    Itd be great if that vampire didnt turn her into one of their own.


    They can do that?


    Dunno, man. Thats what they always do in the movies.


    Getting out of the fountain, Matoba found his coat weighed down by the water it had absorbed. With a hint of displeasure, he threw it away. That was a thousand dors down the drain. If it were not for the fact that it had been seized by the police, he would not have treated it quite so badly.


    Did you fall from up there?


    Tony said, looking up at the third floor.


    Yep.


    Its a miracle youre still alive.


    Matoba stayed silent, shuffling his pockets in search of something, before finally taking out a packet of cigarettes from his back pocket. His Marlboro soft case waspletely drenched. Tossing them out as well, he asked Tony.


    You got a smoke?


    No. I never smoked to begin with.


    Really? Its a miracle youre still alive.


    Disarmed, strangled, and having lost her consciousness


    When she came to, Trna found herself stretched out on the cold, hard floor. She was in a different ce than the atrium she had been in just now. Rows of bookshelves filled her surroundings, disying a countless number of publications.


    This ce looks to be another one of the malls many shops.


    Moreover, it is quiterge for one. From one end to the other, it appearsparable to the grand hall in the royal pce. It would be just as wide as the area we first arrived at on the first floor.


    I see thou hast awakened.


    A womans voice. In Farbanian.


    Turning towards the source of the voice, Trna found a woman seated on a guest chair beside a bookshelf about ten steps away from her position. The vampire. Taking one of the books off the shelf, she proceeded to tear it to shreds. The ck clothes arising from her illusions fluttered in the air, revealing her bewitching thighs for all to see.


    Although she had intended to get on her feet immediately tobat the foe before her, Trna was unable to do so. The vampires hair hardened on the spot, acting as bindings to restrict the movement of her limbs. There was nothing she could do except but crawl around on the ground.


    Tis pointless. Thy life lyeth in mine hands.


    The vampire said. Compared to the time she had assaulted them in the morgue, this was beyond unimaginable. She spoke both elegantly and intellectually, demonstrating the full extent of her abilities.


    Lad Neven. Why dost thou stay thy hand?


    Trna replied in her mother tongue. As she did so, she suddenly realized how long it had been since shest spoke her nativenguage. Unlike when she spoke English, she was much more courteous in her mannerisms. However, this did not stem from a need to abase herself towards her opponent. Rather, this was how she usually expressed herself in Farbanian.


    Thy knoweth the reason, o young knight. I have many to asketh of thee.


    The vampire rested her eyes upon a certain book, shing a slight grin as she ignored Trnas gaze. Adjusting to the darkness, Trna was finally able to make out the sightseeing brochure in her hands. Though she possessed no idea of how long she had been unconscious, it should not have been more than an hour or two. In that time alone, the vampire managed toprehend enough English to be able to sift through this vast pile of documents in search of relevant information.


    Once I doth this for thee, wilt thou maketh me thy prey as well?


    Prey? Certainly, thy holdeth the scent of nobility. The blood and rahtena that floweth in your veins shalt maketh a most scrumptious treat. Were this the world I knoweth, thou wouldst have already offered thy neck to mine own fangs.


    As expected, she had realized it. Thrust into a world so different from her own, the vampire was surrounded by an unfamiliar culture, only to find Trna, who possessed Semanian features, clothing, and weapons. She would prove a vital source of information for thisdy of the night.


    Speaketh. Where is this ce?


    Dost thou think I have an obligation to answer thy questions? Thy kind hunteth ours for centuries before we driveth thy to extinction.


    Thou imeth mine kin gone by thy hands?


    So the legends sayeth.


    Interesting, these words thy speaketh.


    The vampire stopped browsing the travel brochure, staring directly at Trna.


    I doth not knoweth the length of mine slumber in the mountains of Duras Dyril. However, I cannot believeth thy kind destroyeth mine own. Since I awoke, thou remah the only one capable of sensing mine presence. The uncultured swine of this city possesseth not a single sliver of Vyfert steel. In turn, they holdeth these strange weapons, yet they art nothing more than a contrivance.


    Now. The name of this city readeth Sein Tirisei, dost it not?


    Looking at the spine of the book, the vampire asked.


    Tis read San Teresa.


    Thinking this much would be fine, Trna replied.


    I seeth. And these letters on the side, they art read city, art they not? No, tis city, correct? San Teresa City, or thereabouts.


    Her English was improving by the second. Supposing she stayed a couple more days in this bookstore, the vampire would have learned anothernguage by then, let alone English.


    This is quite the borate map. It seemeth this city is located in the northern part of Kariana Ind. I have some recollection of this name. In the southern region of the Farbanian Kingdom, there lyeth a penins of the same name. However, thisnd is no penins. Tis surrounded by ocean. The Pacific Ocean. A ratherrge body of water. Now this, I dost not recall. Neither dost I this English. Even if you were to searcheth the whole world, thou shalt not findeth such letters. And there, I thought. That this is most likely a different world.


    Trna neither confirmed nor denied it. The vampire took her reaction as proof.


    As I thought.


    She muttered to herself.


    The Great Gate spoken of in the Book of Niba manifested, it seemeth.


    Book of Niba? The Great Gate? What do you mean by that?


    Trna threw away all noble pretenses, switching to a more straightforward way of speaking. Ever since she came to this world, she had always been speaking this way. To her, it felt appropriate for the current situation.


    Curb thy insolence, o young knight. Thou has not answered any of my questions, yet thou dares asketh one in return? A mere mortal?


    Even if I were to provide you the information you desire, I do not believe you would stop attacking humans. In this world, you are but a beast prowling the city. There is no reason toply with the demands of a beast.


    A beast, you sayeth? Dost thou truly believeth so?


    Even after receiving Trnas scorn, the vampire showed no sign of anger.


    Those of our kin doth not hunt humans indiscriminately. Only during times of need, and only the required amount. Only then doth we feast on the rahtena in human blood.


    I cannot believe that. You are savage. Raging about, ever starved for blood.


    Unfortunately, I hadst just awoken. I hadst little choice but to settle with what was avable.


    She got out of her seat, taking a few steps towards Trna. The vampire calmly looked down upon her as shey on the floor.


    Hunger is what it is, o young knight. Thou dost not understand the misery, the grief, the anger thateth with it. Lie there in thy bindings for a week, and thou shalt see. Thou wouldst dly biteth into maggot-infested carrion.


    Even so, you are the enemy of humanity!


    How stubborn. Then, there is no longer a reason for thou to speak.


    The vampire knelt, stretching her hand towards Trna. A cold sensation, much like ice. Her slender fingers crawled around her cheeks, slithering across her chin and onto her neck.


    Kill me and be done with it. Just like you did with countless warriors in the past.


    Though she dered as such, Trna could not help but be fixated upon the Book of Niba and the Great Gate.


    What meaning the word Niba held, Trna did not know. However, she did remember the Book of Niba mentioned once before. A man by the name of Dennis Elbajhi, the head of a gang that once roamed the streets of San Teresa in search of buyers for their special weapons, had spoken of it in passing. In any case, she could not make heads or tails of it.

 Book 2 First Night (11)

    Book 2 First Night (11)


    From the way the vampire was speaking, it seemed as though she had alreadye to terms with the state of San Teresa and, by extension, Kariana Ind. The fact was it had no prior history, no contact with Earth or its inhabitants whatsoever.


    Until the Great Gate.


    News that the Kariana Penins, located in the southern reaches of the Farbanian Kingdom, had disappeared overnight circted the entire realm. In Semanian years, that was about 22 years ago. Though Trna was but a young babe at the time, she vividly remembered the members of her household frantically gossiping about the event. On that day, Trna stood on the second-floor balcony in her room, gazing southward towards the missing Kariana Penins. The evening sky swirling with dark clouds, gusts of wind blowing furiously against the apaniment of lightning, all served to intrude upon the peace and quiet of her childhood home.


    Not even a month passed by when another rumor made its rounds around the kingdom. In ce of the Kariana Penins, varieties of fish unknown to the most experienced fishermen began to spring up in the ocean left behind after the disappearance, followed by the presence of a strange mist in the area.


    And through that mist  dubbed the Mirage Gate in English  came the Dorini. It served as a pathway between worlds, allowing inhabitants on either side to pass through to the other. Reportedly, this first group of Dorini traversed the skies aboard a massive, metal watering can which dangled upon a rotating disk of some kind. Now, Trna and her countrymen know this contraption as a Dorini vehicle named the helicopter.


    Aside from the helicopter, the Dorini brought along other vehicles and weapons as well. Particrly of note were the tubes capable of harnessing the power of fire. The people were divided on their arrival; some tried to befriend them out of curiosity, others fought bravely against them, while even more journeyed beyond in search of their wealth.


    Anyhow, their appearance marked a period of great upheaval and mayhem, which provided the impetus for the two worlds shing.


    Being as young as she was, Trna and those like her were barely aware of this conflict. The truth of the matter was Trna had learned English from a Dorini herself, who had been employed as a home tutor in the household. And it was through this chance meeting that Trna came to Earth, working alongside Matoba after many twists and turns.


    However, the older generation was different. They detested the Dorini, whom they could not understand. The fact that the world beyond the Gate was one different to their own, one located in an entirely different space, did not even cross their minds. Or rather, they did not attempt to understand it. Even among her rtives and retainer, many thought it best for her to be sent to a frontier region for her safety.


    Despite that, this vampire was different still.


    She spoke as though she was aware of the strange phenomenon behind the Mirage Gate. Normally, one would be bewildered at this fact, no matter how intelligent they were.


    The Prophecy of Niba and the Great Gate.


    If this vampire knew something of them, it would not be strange to want her to speak of these matters in detail.


    So thou hast chosen death. So be it.


    Without knowing the regrets Trna held in her heart, the vampire peered into her eyes, putting strength into her fingertips.


    Her ws dug into her neck. A sharp pain gradually assaulted her body.


    gah!


    O brave warrior. Be mine own flesh and blood.


    The woman d in ck turned her fangs towards Trnas neck.


    At that moment, a huge st of air sounded out as a bullet made contact with the vampires throat. Fresh blood sprayed out like petals right in front of her eyes.


    Trna!


    Matoba stepped out from the cover of a bookshelf, brandishing his automatic pistol. The vampire swiftly left Trnas side, somersaulting backward onto a different bookshelf. Her injury should have been mortal for a human, yet she showed no sign of weakness in her movements.


    Some pests have intruded, it seemeth.


    Irritated, the vampire said. Taking a stance with his weapon, Matoba slowly got closer. On the other side, Tony and Godunov acted to nk the vampire as well. The three of them kept their eyes locked on the vampire.


    You alive?


    Pointing his gun straight at the vampire, Matoba asked. He had taken off his coat, revealing the white shirt underneath. His hair waspletely drenched. Though he had fallen three storeys down to the fountain below, Matoba did not suffer any outstanding injuries. While his resilience could not bepared to that of the vampire, it nheless reminded Trna of his ogre-like physique.


    Be careful. She remains in peak condition.


    Seems like it. Thats why we brought in the cavalry.


    Cavalry?


    SWAT.


    Just as he said that, several officers dressed inbat uniforms burst into the store from the front entrance, fully equipped with submachine guns. They were the vanguard of the police department. Experts at handling sieges and heavy weapons, these were specialists who had received training in advancedbat tactics, or so Trna had heard.


    Without tilting their weapons an inch, they aimed their gun straight, ready to fire at any threat they face. These men were unmoving, flexible in every action they took. Much like Matoba and the rest, they were d in thick body armor.


    Quite the weak reinforcements thou has brought. Dost thou believe thyself capable of sealing me with this?


    The vampire said. Not even ten SWAT members were enough to throw her off. The wound Matoba had inflicted on her with his shotgun was also starting to heal. What frightening recovery.


    How many humans shalt I feast on tonight? Thou doth not seemeth particrly tasty


    Get down, you fools! You are being reckless!


    The instant Trna shouted, the vampire blurred her movements. Her ck clothes flickered in and out of existence, highlighting her indistinct figure. Despite her eyes adjusting to the darkness, Trna was unable to determine the exact position of her opponent. She could do nothing but stand there, powerless inbat.


    Give them all you got. Fire!


    At Matobas shout, the members of the SWAT team opened fire.


    Swiftly crawling across the floor, the vampire made her move. Perhaps she was making her preparations to attack. Or perhaps she was scrutinizing her would-be victims. Whether she would move right or left, no one could rightly tell. Given these circumstances, aiming was meaningless; they could not possibly guarantee the uracy of their shots.


    The perfect prey. They would be massacred in no time t.


    However, contrary to her expectations, their bullets hit right on the mark, fresh blood gushing out from the vampire.


    What?


    The first signs of bewilderment. A bevy of shots prated the vampire, sending her flying towards the bookshelf. With her illusion still in ce, she attempted to attack the SWAT team by Matobas side. In response, the SWAT team was ordered to provide supporting fire for their more vulnerable members, further showering the vampire in bullets.


    Matoba and his men were somehow able to see the vampire clearly. Most likely, this was due to the strange goggles they were wearing.


    Okay, its working. Keep on firing!


    Staggering to get up, the copsed vampire became nothing more than a pincushion for their shotguns. Their shots lit the floor, sending pieces of broken tiles flying into the air.


    Gaaaaahh!!!


    She looked as if she was a prisoner on the receiving end of a stoning. No longer keeping up her trickery, the vampire shielded her head with both hands, running towards the cover of the nearby bookshelf. Pointing their weapons towards her back, the SWAT team continued their relentless assault.


    She now feared for her life. On the run, the vampire gathered all her might, pushing a bookshelf down towards her pursuers. The falling bookcase scattered parchment all over the ce, rendering those left to take its full brunt immobile.


    Goddamn it! That fucking bitch!


    The hells up with that power


    Dont let up!


    The SWAT team groaned in exasperation, swearing all the while. Not letting her chance slip, the vampire dashed straight for the disy window.


    Shit, theres a


    Someone shouted. But it was toote.


    The deafening shatter of ss apanied the vampires escape to the outside. Several men went after the monster, firing their weapons at her. The backup unit posted outside the shop did the same. However, they could do nothing as the vampire got further and further away from them, her rough breathing and footsteps echoing in the distance.


    God fucking dammit! We let her go again!


    Matoba roared in anger, before promptlymunicating his orders to the SWAT team leader over the radio. It must have been to alert all surrounding officers of the vampires escape.


    Any wounds?


    Matoba came over to Trnas side, cutting loose the strands of hair binding her with a small knife.


    I am alright.


    Were going after her. Come.


    Dispelling Trnas misgivings, Matoba handed her the <em>Krge</em> he had picked up. Borrowing a rifle from one of the SWAT members, he rushed straight in the direction the vampire went.


    Is that all


    Massaging her stiff limbs, Trna stood up, pouting as she red at Matobas back. She was not asking to be treated particrly kindly, yet his blunt demeanor irked her nheless. <em>At the very least, you could have said something to the tune of Thank goodness, youre okay, could you not?</em>


    Not realizing her feelings whatsoever, Matoba yelled.


    What the hell are you doing? Hurry up!


    I know. You do not need to yell.


    Heaving a hefty sigh, Trna jumped out of therge hole in the disy window. As she did so, she whispered in a voice no one could hear.


    <em>Rakebye</em>.


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>The Farbanian word for Earthling.''</li><li>The Farbanian word for longsword.</li><li>The Farbanian word for idiot.''</li></ol>

 Book 2 First Night (12)

    Book 2 First Night (12)


    <em>That was close</em>.


    Though she had seen them as nothing more than a distraction, she could not dispute their efficacy.


    Her body was filled with holes. Wounds covered the surface of her skin, flesh jutting out from every angle. Recovery had taken up most of her energy. She could barely afford to keep running. It was cold. She did not possess enough strength. Her thirst for blood was growing stronger by the second, weakening even her thoughts.


    The people of this world were not to be underestimated.


    They were weak on their own, yet they possessed such mysterious implements. Weapons capable of firing off lead pellets  apparently, they were called guns  that were stronger than any bow and arrow she knew of. Surrounded by that sheer number of people, even though her body was immortal, she would doubtless face grave danger. From now on, she would need to take the utmost precautions. Procuring one of those strange weapons to analyze would not be a bad idea either.


    And not only that. These humans had been equipped with peculiar sses capable of seeing through her illusions. Furthermore, they were able to cooperate to such an extent that they were able to undertake actions independently of one another, almost as if they understood each otherpletely. As a result, they were exceedingly swift, allowing them to set up an encirclement with little notice. Their speedy organization and response were beyond her wildest expectations.


    Moreover, she could not sense a single speck of <em>rahtena</em>ing from their tools.


    In other words, this meant that these tools of theirs were not activated by some form of <em>mildi</em>, but rather through normal means. If those weapons were able to be produced en masse in factories, this worlds militaries must possess quite the power indeed. The Book of Niba could not have predicted the future to this extent.


    However, this was no time to be investigating such matters. Above all else, she needed to get away from this ce as soon as possible.


    Whilst these warriors still had their eyes turned away from her, she stealthily looked for a means of escape. It was no use. They kept all the exits under close watch.


    It was then that a voice rang out.


    It sounded close. And yet far.


    Was it the voice of a man? Or that of a woman? She could not tell. It was a mystery. Exuding intelligence, the proud voice seemed capable of seeing through her true nature.


    Go back through that hallway and turn to the left please.


    The voice rang out. It spoke in Farbanian.


    Beyond the doorway, there is a square-shaped opening. Though it is covered by metal bars, your strength should be sufficient to twist them out of the way. If you advance that way, you shall arrive at a ce where these filthy Dorini shall not be able to touch you.)


    She felt the presence of <em>rahtena</em>. Out of the corner of her eye, the vampire could see a small insect, one not even the size of her pinky, flying away into the distance. <em>Rahtena</em> was emanating off that bug.


    <em>Mildi</em>, huh?


    With all due respect, please heed my voice. I promise nothing bad shalle of it.


    Hmm


    ring at the flying insect onest time, she stared at the corridor behind her  towards the left corner.


    Based on the conversations between the SWAT team and the patrolling officers over the radio, the vampire was no longer in the vicinity of the bookstore. A rollcall had been done as well. No one was found missing. In other words, she had neither killed anyone nor breached the blockade.


    Even so, the fact that they have not found her yet was strange.


    Matoba had ordered the delivery of infrared goggles for the policemen participating in the operation, going through the top brass at headquarters for approval. Although it had been impossible to prepare goggles for everyone, one in every two officers had a pair equipped. With her illusions, the vampire could not possibly have expected them to counter her tricks using their equipment. These goggles were the main reason why the SWAT team was able to aim their weapons at her without any trouble whatsoever.


    Shes gotta be lurking around here somewhere. Search the lofts, under the floors, whatever! Look closely! Find her? All units, report!


    The SWAT team leader shouted over the wireless.


    The replies he got were all the same.


    Negative, negative, negative.


    In the first ce, they were able to discover the bookstore Trna had been kidnapped to only thanks to the optical security cameras installed around the mall. Compared to them, evensers would not have been able to detect the small, spherical objects left behind by the vampire. By taking advantage of this point, they were able to carry out the encirclement.


    That vampire, can she cast something topletely erase her presence?


    Matoba asked Trna, who had apanied him on his search of the surroundings.


    Most likely not. If she could, she would have used it earlier. Her illusions were not able to deceive your infrared goggles, so she clearly cannot do much better than that.


    Then, why cant we find her?


    At that moment, a report came in from the secure line at Vice. The caller was a colleague who had been studying a map of the malls interior from outside.


    Heads up. That vampire may have already left the mall by now.


    The detective  Jamie Austin  told Matoba over the radio.


    What do you mean by that?


    Theres one section of the basement that houses an air conditioning unit. Seems like you can go further underground by going through there. The vents just big enough for a person to squeeze by. If you go two hundred meters south from there, youll arrive at a subway line.


    That true?


    No mistake. They built this mall on top of an abandoned train station, so this is probably just the leftovers of the construction. The way there should have been blocked by several sets of iron bars, but that vampire can just break them off, cant she?


    Yeah, youre probably right. Shit. Wheres the closest entrance to that subway?


    Service gate over by 9A in East za. But rather than chasing after her, youd be better running her off through the subway at the nearby park.


    Frustratingly enough, the ones closest to the emergency exit outside were Matoba and Trna, who had been going around the eastern section of the mall. No, more precisely, it was two officers from the local precinct. However, judging from their faces, these two were far from ideal. One was an experienced, hotheaded youngling. The other an old man better-suited to running a desk job.


    You better keep up. Lets go.


    Muttering that, Matoba dashed towards the emergency exit Jamie had pointed out.


    Nevertheless


    Coming from behind, Trna said.


    Why does the Lad Neven know that path? Even you <em>bolicemen</em> did not immediately realize the existence of such an escape route. Setting aside her intelligence, I do not believe she would be fortunate enough to stumble upon that path.


    Good point.


    Matoba replied.


    Im curious about that as well. But chasing after her takes priority, and we probably wont arrive at an answer even if we tried. What would we do then?


    Then, there is no choice but to go after her.


    Exactly.


    The two of them hastened their pace. Passing through the emergency door, they climbed over the chain-link fence to the outside of the mall. Crossing the street, they finally arrived at the park. In one corner, there was a small, concrete building with a chimney on top. Though it looked little more than a warehouse, the warning pasted on the door indicated that it was an emergency entrance to the subway.


    Matoba contacted Jamie on the radio.


    Were about to enter the subway. If you dont hear from us after ten minutes, narrow the perimeter for me, would ya?


    Roger that. Be careful down there.


    The red letters on the metal door leading underground spelled, No unauthorized personnel allowed beyond this point. Naturally, it had been locked up tight; no amount of pushing or pulling would do much good.


    Get back.


    In an attempt to avoid any iing shrapnel, they stood diagonally across from the door. Aiming the carbine he had borrowed from the SWAT team at a hinge, Matoba pulled the trigger. Sparks scattered before his eyes as the hinge shattered into pieces. Pointing his weapon at the remaining hinge, he fired once more. After confirming its destruction, Matoba moved to kick down the door. However, before he could do so, Trna had flung it open herself. The door fell abruptly opposite.


    Let us go.


    Trna muttered, swiftly passing through the doorway to the other side.


    She was basically saying, I wont let you take all the credit. Matoba shrugged his shoulders, following after her as they descended into the darkness.


    Give me a break. This job sure is good for the muscles. I might actually get into running at this rate.


    Well, that is great, is it not? Much better than riding that godforsaken automobile.


    Good grief.


    The length of the stairway was equivalent to three flights in an ordinary building. Arriving at the bottom of the steps, a white metal door greeted them. Unlike the one before, it was unlocked. It was smooth sailing from here on out.


    A long tunnely on the other side.


    Rails had been installed on the ground, lit up by the mercurymps dangling from the ceiling every couple of yards. Out of the many train lines that go under San Teresa  this was tform 3. It was one of the lines built at the citys inception, stretching far above the harbor district.


    It was currently just a bit past 1 a.m. Trains should not be passing through here at this time.


    Due to the SWAT team nearly finishing her off, the wounded vampire should have been left thirsting for blood. In other words, there was a significant risk that she would resume her attacks on the people sometime soon.


    Over here.


    Trna dashed towards the direction of the harbor district. From their point of view, the exit vent Jamie had described should have been located on the right-hand side. Beyond that was the harbor district. If their foe managed to leave the tunnel, there would be no way of pursuing her. Another shall have to be a sacrifice before they could take any further action.


    No. That vampire had been much more intelligent than they had expected. This time, she would leave no traces of her prey when she hunted. A most troubling prospect indeed.


    Careful.


    I know.


    Trna took the lead. In less than thirty seconds, they had reached the vent connecting the subway to the mall.


    Bingo.


    Breathing heavily from all the running, Matoba muttered.


    On the ceiling, far above where his hands could reach, was a square hole. The bent iron grill had fallen to the ground. When she arrived here, the vampire must have crushed the vents cover to pass through. The reason they had not met partway was because the vampire had gone the other way towards the tunnels exit.


    Matoba flipped the switch on his radio, hoping to call for reinforcements. There was no response whatsoever. Underground, the reception could not reach them.


    Shit. I cant call for backup.


    Then, we shall have to make do.


    Trna said.


    The Lad Neven is wounded. Although there is a chance she might assault another citizen, this is also the time to finish her off once and for all.


    Well, thats true but


    Do not dawdle, Kei. The longer we wait, the more casualties will turn up.


    Trna rushed on ahead. Though it was not visible just yet, he could feel a strong breezeing from the tunnels exit, brushing against his cheeks.


    Kei.


    In the dim light, Trna called out as she ran alongside him.


    What?


    If possible, I would like to capture her alive.


    Why?


    Given her strange suggestion, Matoba inquired in return.


    That is


    Trna hesitated. She sounded as though she had been deep in thought.


    No. Only if it is possible. I do not wish to count my chickens before they hatch.


    Hey, hey. You arent feeling sympathy for her, are ya? Feeling sorry for trying to kill a vampire stranded in a different world?


    Fool. Tis not because of that.


    She killed four people already. And Cecil


    I know. There is something I wish to hear from her. That is all.


    When she had been nabbed by her at the mall, the vampire had mentioned something particrly of note, but not to such an extent that she could understand.


    Besides, she was more concerned with having the tables turned on them. After all, it was only the two of them chasing her down. Though Trna did say that the vampire received considerable damage from the SWAT team, finishing the job would not be an easy task. That monstrous strength and those mysterious illusions,bined with hair capable of zigzagging around to attack her would-be victims. Their initial fight at the mall ended in theirplete defeat.


    However, this time Matoba came fully prepared. A carbine and an automatic pistol, alongside his backup revolver. If all his bullets are not enough to bring her down, then he would give up right there and then.

 Book 2 First Night (13)

    Book 2 First Night (13)


    At the behest of the mysterious voice, she delved into the tunnel. As for its owner, and their aims  she did not have much of a choice but to cooperate. She had long exhausted her regenerative capabilities; copious amounts of precious fluid were leaking out of her wounds. Her steps were weakening by the minute; she could no longer run straight. With her ragged breathing, she was unable to use a single one of her <em>mildi</em>.


    There was no blood for her to consume. And thus, no <em>rahtena</em>.


    This city was cold.


    Struggling as she was, she quickly approached the end of the tunnel. Beyond the semicircr exit, the railway gently curved to the side. On the left, hills. On the right, a sprawling view of the city.


    A lone man stood at this egress.


    He wore familiar clothing; she had seen them time and time again ever since she awoke in the morgue. If she remembered correctly, it was called a suit. A red sash-like garment hung from his neck. One of the outerments worn by the men of this city.


    The man stared at her with his nk eyes. No, she could not tell if he was truly looking at her  his actions were most vague. With a single nce, she understood that little life remained in him. In other words, she would not be able to absorb any <em>rahtena</em> from his body. It was almost as though he was a corpse.


    Even so, perhaps.


    Just as she was about to sink her fangs into his throat, the man floated into the air as if he was but a puppet on strings. Rotating in mid-air, he silentlynded on the ground. The man sluggishly stood up straight, his head tilted as he opened his mouth.


    A pleasure to meet your acquaintance. O ancient one.


    The man said in Farbanian.


    The person before her was nothing more than a puppet. Someone must have been controlling him from afar.


    Manipting the dead, huh?


    Tis as you surmised. A form of <em>mildi</em>monly used among your kin. Please excuse my insolence. I am simply trying to help you escape from those ursed Dorini.


    Still, who art thou? You lowly <em>Semani</em> dare to assist me?


    Hohoho My, oh my. Though I did not presume to gain your favor right away, I did expect your words to be a touch warmer than they ended up being.


    He wasughing, and yet the man before her kept up his nk expression. He was incapable of showing even the slightest sign of human emotion.


    Leave it be. Speaketh to me thy desires.


    The ancient Niba manuscripts, mdy.


    The man answered.


    My former master had been particrly interested in these documents. However, his findings amounted to nothing more than scraps and fragments of the past. These little ears of mine have heard that mdy possessesplete knowledge on these matters. Might you perhaps lend this humble servant your ear?


    For that reason alone, thou hast brought me to this world?


    That is correct. If possible, I would have liked to have shown you this world of theirs. Those sted Dorini. Unfortunately, a blunder wasmitted along the way.


    Hmm..


    She turned up her nose.


    Despite being unaware of the nature of this mishap, she could potentially use it as a bargaining chip. Awakening her from her slumber in this world  <em>Leto Dorini</em>  was a means for that man to avoid needless danger to himself. In other words, this <em>mildita</em> cannot be trusted. Having seen through this, she responded as such.


    The Book of Niba dost not contain anything worth mentioning. The workings behind <em>rahtena</em>, several spells and symbols rted to its maniption, and the prophecy of the Eeba Nil Magina.


    I wish to hear more of that Great Gate you speak of. The foul Dorini of this city call it the Mirage Gate. Oh, my.


    The puppet stopped speaking, sniffing around in search of the scenting from the distance. Assuming a pose in the air, his eyes darted about the ce. She had also detected the odor  no, it was more of abined presence. Straining her eyes evermore, she stared back into the dark tunnel she had left mere moments ago


    People wereing here.


    It was those two. The pair that had stood up against her time and time again. The Farbanian swordswoman and the Dorini soldier. No matter where she went, these pests would follow. <em>That persistence. That willpower. Where did ite from? Truly magnificent. Their blood. How delicious will it taste?</em>


    My, it seems that it is those two. Oh dear, for them to find their way so quickly. As always, they are as enthusiastic in their work as ever.


    Thou knowest them?


    More or less. They are among the few capable of wounding me in battle, mdy. Though they are yet immature and do not work well with each other, they would always


    Make it through?


    Please hurry. There is a vehicle waiting for you on top of the hill. If you follow this man, he shall guide you to where those damnable Dorini shall be unable to touch you.


    And then, I shalt be made to answer your demands. Is that not right?


    My deepest apologies. Truly, I am only concerned with your safety


    How impudent. If thou dost intend to pry the secrets of the Book of Niba from me, thou shouldst face me like those two. Achieving thy reward through battle is the greatest honor imaginable. I no longer need thy help, o vulgar <em>mildita</em>. Get out of mine sight.


    Be that as it may, with your current strength, going up against those two may prove dangerous.


    She did not have much strength left to spare. While leaving as is may not necessarily turn out in her favor, doing battle and achieving victory would be a much more difficult task. Even now, dense steam leaked out from the fluids flowing down her wounds.


    Thou speakest truth. Ick blood. Well then, I shalt be partaking in thy puppet.


    Turning around, she mustered all the power in her body, leaping towards the marite. This time, the man had no chance to dodge her attack; at most, he only took a single step back. Her fangs pierced his throat, ushering forth a fountain of blood.


    O-oh my.


    As he wheezed in pain, the man said.


    What a shame, o ancient one. I assure you, I held no ill intentions


    Straddling the fallen man to the side, she sucked his blood to her hearts content.


    It was not particrly delicious. After all, being a corpse had considerably weakened his <em>rahtena</em>. Despite this, the cold had abated quite a bit; she could feel her thirst for blood decreasing little by little.


    Still, it was not enough.


    Over and over, she sank her teeth into his throat, avariciously slurping down every single droplet of blood. Her tongue slithered to and fro,pping up the leftover blood. In the end, she let out a moan of pleasure.


    I doth not need your pity, human. Since time immemorial, this has been our way of life. I tire of running away like a rat.


    The puppet could no longer respond. By now, that magician was probably grinding his teeth somewhere far away.


    Now.


    She stood up, leaving her prey on the ground. Turning around, she spotted those warriors approaching from within the tunnel. A strange sense of exaltation filled her heart at the sight.


    Her mind shed back to the battlefields of the past.


    It had been dawn. Beside her, the man she once loved. How many of her fellow kinsmen had stood side-by-side that day, charging against the forces of humanity? Such joy. The glistening of armor against a backdrop of horses.


    That was right. She had died that day. This was  yes, the transient vision one faces as they approach the end of their life. <em>How magnificent</em>.


    <em>Well then</em>.


    ~*~


    At the end of the tunnel, he could vaguely make out the silhouettes of two people.


    They appeared to be engaged in conversation  that was was what he thought until one attacked the other, draining them of their blood.


    They were toote. That vampire hadid her hands on another victim.


    However, why was someone here at this time of night? As Matoba pondered his doubts, Trna rushed ahead at the enemy.


    How dare you!


    Hey, wait up! Shit!


    Taking a stance with his carbine, Matoba took off the safety. This was no time to hesitate. At any rate, he had no choice but to face the vampire head-on.


    Nevertheless, he remembered his job, ensuring that they adhered to protocol.


    Police! Dont move!


    Just as he expected, she made her move. Her graceful silhouette was illuminated by the light outside the tunnel. Eyes were as red as blood, glowing in the darkness. Tilting her body to the side, the vampire muttered something in Farbanian, closing in on Trna with astonishing speed.


    With Trnas back to his gun, Matoba could not shoot. Jumping sideways, he aimed to secure a clear shot at the target. The vampire was in his sights. s, that was not to be. Swinging her longsword, Trna entered his view once more. She aint taking into consideration a single one of my movements.


    Fucking idi!


    <em>Fucking idiot. Not this again.</em>


    Matoba clicked his tongue, shifting his position once again to fire his weapon at the vampire. No, it was impossible. Trna was in the way. Dodging the ws of her opponent, she sent sh after sh in rapid session, entrenching herself in a fierce battle. There was no chance of firing off his gun.


    And yet, this was odd.


    The vampire did not employ any sorcery this time around. Instead, she had devoted both her mind and body into piling up attacks on Trna. Though it did not change the danger they faced, she did not seem as elusive as she was before. As expected, she had sustained quite a bit of damage from their earlier attack.


    Even so


    <em>Shes quite the fighter, alright. Standing up against that monster with only a sword in hand</em>. Matoba thought as he watched the two of them. This could be described as nothing less than the worlds greatest catfight.


    Turning her body around, Trna swept her longsword sideways. The de drove straight into the vampires nk. Her howls echoed throughout the entire tunnel, rattling the rails beneath their feet.


    !


    The vampirended a kick right in the middle of Trnas torso, sending her flying into the air like a rubber ball. Crashing into the tunnel walls, a pained gasp escaped her lungs. Just like that, Trna lost all strength in her body, copsing to the ground without another word.


    Nheless, this was convenient. Keeping his cool, Matoba aligned his sights on the enemy.


    They were the perfect distance away from one another. He had a clear shot at the vampire.


    And he fired. The bullet made contact with the vampire, taking her aback.


    He shot again. A spray of blood flew into the air as the vampire staggered aside.


    It was still not enough. Flicking a switch on his carbine, he set the gun to fire at full-auto. Although his initial burst hit its mark, that was all it amounted to. Demonstrating her monstrous endurance, the vampire leaped forth like a spring, avoiding most of his attack.


    She wasing.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>The Farbanian word for magic.''</li><li>A form of magical energy that can be sensed by the Semani.</li><li>The Farbanian word for magician.''</li><li>Trantes to The Great Gate.</li></ol>

 Book 2 First Night (14)

    Book 2 First Night (14)


    Matoba reflexively jumped back. Momentster, the vampire had jammed her fist into the ground he stood on just seconds before. Crushed bits of pebbles brushed against his cheek, sending jolts of pain throughout his entire body. Crouching down, Matoba stretched his left arm towards a grenade hanging from the belt on his hip. More specifically, it was a shbang that emitted a powerful burst of light upon impact. Swiftly removing the pin, he lobbed it to the front.


    Although he had immediately closed his eyes beforehand, they still hurt from the resultant sh of light.


    Matoba opened his eyes. The vampire put both her hands over her eyes, halted in ce. She would not be blinded for long. He took out his magazine. Had to hurry. He jammed the recement magazine in ce. It went in with a satisfying click. His foe was quickly recovering from the shock of the shbang. He readied his carbine for a full-auto barrage. Made it just in time. Twenty rounds drove straight into her body in less than a second.


    GAAAAH.!


    The vampire copsed atop the rail tracks, twitching little by little with every waking moment.


    She was still alive. Good grief, just how tough is this bitch? Matoba emptied the rest of his ammo on her. Putting away his carbine, he pulled out his beloved 9mm, shooting at her once more. Every one of his shots hit its mark. No good, shes still alive. Dropping the empty mag to the ground with a flick of his thumb, Matoba immediately reloaded his pistol. Another ten shots followed. Though he had initially aimed for her head, her incessant floundering had caused several of his bullets to miss.


    Eventually, he ran out of ammunition for his pistol. And yet, his target was still moving.


    He drew the backup revolver behind his ankle. Five .38 caliber rounds were fired off. They mercilessly prated the vampires body. The sound of gunfire resounded throughout the tunnel.


    Gaah


    He shuddered. The vampire did not die. Her bloodshot eyes bored into Matobas skull as she began to stand up.


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    You gotta be kidding me!


    The only weapon Matoba had left was a small knife hidden within his belt.


    A cold sweat ran down his forehead as the vampire leaped towards him. Compared to her previous attacks, this felt particrly weak  at the same time, it felt as though she had put her very being into this one strike.


    Dodging it was beyond his control. Using the carbine slung across his shoulders as a shield, he managed to block her fangs from ripping out his throat.


    ghk!


    He fell on his backside. On top of him, the vampire straddled his waist. She was immensely powerful. It was almost as if bags of cement had been piled atop his body. No matter how he struggled, he could not force her back. At this rate, he would be crushed just like under one of those hydraulic press machines.


    Ti


    He spotted Trna out of the corner of his eye. It was no use. She was still unconscious. Completely motionless. He could not possibly rely on her help.


    Matoba pushed against her with his carbine, hoping to stave off her fangs. She was mere centimeters away from his face. He could feel her cold breath on his skin. <em>Fuck weightlifting</em>. The muscles on his arms were trembling all over. The railway pressing against his back hurt like hell. Somehow, it was shivering as well.


    No  it was not his back that was shaking. The rails were.


    It was subtle at first. And yet, these tremors were getting increasinglyrge and powerful. The sound of a carriage chugging away on the rails with that ever-so-regr rhythm.


    A train was approaching the two of them.


    Operating hours should have begun by now, but this was probably just a carriage deadheading its employees.


    Moreover, it was fast. It would soon arrive at their location.


    As he continued to desperately resist the vampire on the ground, Matoba shifted his line of sight to the tunnel depths. He could see the headlightsing from the lead car. The thunderous roar of the train echoed throughout the tunnel, apanied by the intense rattling of the train tracks. It was racing along at full speed.


    <em>Doz noz! Khes zanni nodol jhi imgo!?</em>


    Matoba shouted in his broken Farbanian. Appearing to not have heard, the vampire relentlessly applied more of her weight onto him, aiming to tear out Matobas throat.


    <em>Noiya delbo genishe noh rom dornmek</em>.


    She muttered.


    <em>Bez beldonan ye zamant gennag, niba zanmof eeba nir magina geninde. Moode na dorinin, bezelnash</em>


    Her words were Greek to Matoba, who could only understand simple Farbanian. They sounded antiquated, almost archaic. But these were not the words of a ferocious beast. Rather, they sounded pleasant to his ears, almost as though she was whispering to her lover at their bedside.


    I am. <em>A negative</em>. Strictly. <em>Am I missing anything important</em>? Immortal. Enjoyment. Your blood? Niba <em>something</em>. A gate. Anytime. O barbarian warrior. Goodbye.


    With every chug of its engine, the train was getting closer.


    <em>Debye mannu kajhina.</em>


    Suffer all you can.


    He understood those words perfectly.


    Perhaps the conductor had seen the two of them lying by the railside; the sound of screeching metal from the horn and brakes deafened his ears. Even so, they would not be able to get out of the way in time. No matter how they chose to go about it.


    !


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    A blinding sh of light filled his sight.


    <em>End of the road, huh?</em> Or so Matoba thought. Before he could realize it, Trna hade over to his side, knocking the vampire away with a sharp kick to the side.


    The vampirended straight in the middle of the rail tracks, lying sprawled on the ground.


    Hurr


    <em>Hurry.</em> Trna had no time to utter those words. Matoba got on his feet, taking Trna with him as they jumped over the tracks. Just secondster, the train passed by the two of them. With a sickening squelch, they could hear liquid being scattered around. From the corner of his eye, he spotted the vampire torn to shreds from her collision with the high-speed train.


    Sparks flew out from in between the carriage and the rails, pouring down incessantly on their heads and backs. Even so, the train showed no signs of stopping. In the end, thest car on the train ended up passing them as well, traveling about fifty meters past the tunnel before finallying to a halt.


    Matoba raised his head.


    In the wake of the collision, blood and guts were scattered all over the ce. White steam emanated from the bits and pieces left behind. Before their very eyes, these remnants turned to ash, losing all semnce of their former self. The gentle breeze dispersed them into the air.


    Is she dead?


    Matoba muttered as Trna sluggishly stood up. She sighed.


    That appears to be the case. I do not detect her scent in the slightest.


    You sure about that?


    Yes. Though she may have been a <em>Lad Neven</em>, to be reduced to such a state


    Her voice betrayed just the slightest hint of frustration.


    As expected, taking her alive had been an impossible task.


    Course it was. We were this close to dying ourselves. And you expected us to hold back? I put everything into that bitch. Rifle ammo, 9mm rounds, .38 calibers. It still wasnt enough to finish her off.


    In the end, that was all your Dorini weapons amounted to.


    Fuck.


    Matoba got up, wiping off the dirt on his suit.


    More importantly, Kei. Where is my thanks for saving you from that grisly fate?


    Tch.


    Matoba turned up his nose, unamused.


    Tch? Is that how you express gratitude in your country?


    Shut it. If you hadnt gone and yed hero, we wouldnt have gotten in that mess in the first ce. Jumping into the fray on your own, getting yourself knocked out in the process. I deserve an apology, thats what.


    You are truly the worst, <em>Khe Imatuba</em>. You are


    I didnt ask for your help.


    That again!? How much longer do you intend to rot, cretin!?


    Im calling backup.


    I shall not save you the next time. Never again!


    Oh, sure, sure. Do what you want, princess.


    Seeing him disembark the train, Matoba began walking towards the conductor. Following behind, Trna continued her barrage of insults against him. He could only irritatedly wave his hand, paying her no further attention. Even if his mouth were to be torn to pieces, Matoba had no intention of ever saying thanks.


    For now, the hard part was over.


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    Next was the report. Asking the local authorities to clean up the crime scene. And, good old-fashioned paperwork. He would not be done until the morning.


    Suffer all you can, huh?


    He said to no one in particr.


    I envy those guys. Sleeping in their coffins all day. Sounds just perfect to me.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>Dictionary definition: (of amercial driver, etc.)plete a trip without paying passengers or freight. )</li><li>Farbanian for Stop! Do you wanna get us both killed!?</li><li>The Farbanian word for vampire.''</li><li>A pun on Kei Matobas name. Literally means Dreadful Kitten in Farbanian.</li></ol>

 Book 2 Need for Speed (1)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (1)


    Need for speed: The hundred thousand dor lovers


    Kei Matoba opened his eyes in his own bed, and saw her sleeping peacefully next to him.


    Sunlight wasing in through his south facing blinders. The busy sound of a forklift doing some construction work on a nearby warehouse was resonating through the neighborhood, and the windows ss panes kept trembling slightly.


    It was almost nine in the morning. Somewhere in the outskirts of town there was a paper manufacturing warehouse, and several trucks would always drive back and forth at around the same time, loudly carryingrge barrels that somehow kept the high quality paper safe. One of the drivers, George, woulde around the neighborhood about once a week, and he would sometimes coach Matoba on his fishing technique. George was probably leaning against some wall at the moment, taking a smoke, squinting at the intense sunlight with an annoyed expression, and muttering something like Fuck I want to drink some beer! like always.


    Matoba buried his face in his tobo-scented pillow, groaned slightly and then noticed her next to him doing the same, almost as if imitating him with a short groan.


    ?


    He finally realized that something was weird. Why was the bed right now even though he was sure he must be all by himself in the room, why was there somebody else in bed?


    He stretched his arms and opened his eyes. He felt a soft and furry texture with his hands. And noticed apletely ck body.


    Kuroi was curled up right next to him, sleeping and breathing peacefully.


    Woah?!


    Matobas expression changed immediately, as he jumped away from Kuroi. He tripped and fell from the bed, and then promptly lost his sight momentarily, as his temple smashed against the floor. The pain started growing progressively, as tears clouded his eyes. He counted to five until he could somehow get the pain under control, and then stood up, and made sure there were no witnesses.


    Kuroi was on top of his bed. Kuroi the cat was curling up on top of his bed. She then cast a quick nce at Matoba, and carefreely yawned. Matoba shuddered at that very important fact, and then could feel his own life in danger, as he quickly covered his mouth with his left hand.


    What in the world was going on? Kuroi was almost like a poisonous animal to someone with a cat allergy like his. She was exactly like a biological weapon to him, which was precisely why he could absolutely never allow her to enter his own bedroom! Who did it? Was it the doing of a shadow gang that is trying to take my life? Was it the dealer he had caught four years early and just got released the previous day, in an attempt to get revenge? Or perhaps it was no.


    Thats right, it must have been her.


    He ran out of the bedroom, and shouted out the name of the one that could only be described as the other stray cat he picked up.


    TILARNA?!


    His voice was so loud it actually made the table and the mug on top of it tremble ever so slightly.


    However, there was no answer. Trna Exedilika, the Semanian knight that had crossed the Mirage Gate and stayed with him as a freeloader, was nowhere to be found. She was not in the kitchen, the dining room or even the bathroom.


    Trna! Where are you?! I told you over and over not to let Kuroi into my room Trna!


    Matoba kept looking into every room in a very bad mood, and then as he went downstairs to the first floor, Trna poked out her face. The remodeled warehouse he lived in had adapted the second floor into the main living spaces. She was currently in the first floor the garage, doing some sort of construction work.


    What happened, Kei? Did you have a bad dream or something?


    She had the same carefree expression Kuroi did. She was wearing a Camisole and some shorts made on Earth, her thighs uncovered. For some reason she was holding a worn down hammer and saw in her hands.


    Im having a bad dream right now!  Come here. Come here right now!


    He red at her and called her over with his hand. Trna followed him with a puzzled expression on her face.


    What is this supposed to be?!


    Matoba stood still in the wide open bedroom door frame and pointed at the undisturbed figure of a small ck cat lying on the bed.


    ? Did something happen to Kuroi? Did you let her in? Did you let her into my bedroom?! Yeah. She was crying all sad in the morning, clinging right to your door. She looked like she wanted toe in, so I let her in


    Trna said in apletely nonchnt tone.


    Im sure I exined thoroughly that I have a cat allergy. If Im close to her without wearing a mask, then I stop being able to breathe, and I may actually die. So basically, what Im trying to say is that Are you trying to kill me?!


    Dont get so mad this early in the morning. If I wanted to kill you I would have done so already


    She said with an annoyed expression


    In that case why did you do it? Cant you remember something that Ive told you already? So basically youre a helpless idiot? Shit, I cant believe this. That room was my sanctuary. Just how hard do you think itll be for me to clean it up and make it safe again?! Okay, Im going to say this one more time, got it? Im allergic to cats! If Im not wearing a mask when Im with a cat, I cant breathe and start feeling


    And that was the moment he realized.


    He was breathing just fine.


    Despite not wearing a mask at the moment, he was breathing just fine while sharing the same space with Kuroi. That horrible feeling the sensation of having phlegm stuck in his throat, and the coarse wheezinging from his chest were all gone.


    Huh.? You be unable to breathe and then what?


    Trna looked at his face with a theatrical docile expression. Her round pupils were curiously and incessantly gazing at him.


    He took a deep breath several times. But nothing changed. He was breathing normally.


    Whats going on? So you really hadnt noticed at all, huh? Noticed what? That you no longer have a cat allergy. Your physical constitution changed My physical constitution? You were murdered by Zda on that buildings rooftop, right? I then used that girls the fairys remains to cast a healing spell on you. At that moment, I found several unpleasant colors on your body. There still was plenty of Rahtena left, so after saving your life, I used it to correct some of those colors. Colors? I tried to exin it in easy to understand English, but I dont think theres any equivalent that you Dorinis couldprehend. Colors are known in Farbanian as Gahra. Theyre a different concept from Branii. Exining in more detail would be too annoying, so Ill just leave it at that


    She slightly puffed her chest and crossed her arms in an arrogant fashion.


    So basically wait what? Did you cure my allergies?


    Trna simply nodded in agreement while maintaining her annoyed expression, in a very earthly expression.


    It was not an idea that Matoba could simply ept all of a sudden. However, if it were true, it would exin why he was able to sleep right next to Kuroi earlier, or even breathe freely in the same room as her. That was a fact no matter what. Besides, now that he thought about it, it was true that his asthma hadpletely disappeared for a while now.


    You should be thankful, Khe Imatuba No, wait. I remember what happened that one time but that was almost a month ago already. Which would mean that you you knew about my allergies being cured, yet kept quiet about it? For a month already youve been watching me sacrifice my ownfort in my own home by wearing a mask, and simply watched without saying a single thing?


    Matoba asked carefully, while trying to make any sense of what he was hearing. Trna nodded calmly.


    Yep. Thats basically it So Im just asking here, but why did you do that? For revenge. You had no words of gratitude for the person who saved your life, instead directing insults and mockery towards me. So I decided to enact a slow revenge on you as a consequence of my rage. Basically what was the word you people from Earth had for this? Thats right! Because you pissed me off  I had no need to do that, but I have to admit that watching you desperately wear that hideous mask was quite fun Hey


    Matoba simply stood there without showing any ill will or saying any sarcasticments to Trna, as she turned her back towards him. She yed with the hammer in her hand, and then started walking merrily towards the first floor.


    Got it already? Ive got important work to do now, Khe Imatuba. So dont start bothering me for no reason again Work? Im building my own room on the first floor. I dont want to sleep on that chair forever. Ill be making a bedding from some nebart wool, a tinbrahn chair, and some cozy mehdra cow leather. Maybe Ill be able to live a somewhat civilized life with that


    What in the world is wrong with this alien? Instead of feeling the need to leave because of her position as a freeloader, she is actually nning to getfortable and build a ce to live?


    Wait! How long do you intend to Call me when breakfast is done


    Trna mmed the door and left before he could even finish his sentence. Kuroi jumped out of the bed behind him, and pleasantly stretched herself.


    Okay so, Kei Matoba, right? The results from the ownerpany inspection of the documents you sent inst week just came in but


    Said the real estate agent over the phone.


    It was decided that your current situation is insufficient to amodate Ms. Trna Exedilika in the building at the moment. Im terribly sorry What? Werent you telling me that it would be fine justst week? I never confirmed that it would certainly be that way. Im sorry for the trouble, but that building has a no-Semanian policy. Other residents of the area may feel threatened, and the parentpany has already received reports from residents who have had trouble with a Semanian living in your neighborhood


    There was no such exnation when he first signed the contract. He never expected that they would stab him from the back like that. And he mentioned some trouble, but in reality they were just small details like taking out the trash on the wrong day, or hanging some strange clothes on the terrace or the windows. That kind of stuff was obvious.


    Hey you. Did you know thats racial discrimination? Its a legal grey area. We have to study these issues to some extent, and right now legal opinion is split on whether the fourteenth article of the constitution covers non-Earthly races. It has been concluded that this is a fair cause to make an exception for city ordinances, and ording to currentw, this is a legally justifiable measure Trna Exedilika is a member of the Police Department, and a Farbanian knight. If its about money, then we have no problem paying for her part as well. Did you tell them that as well? Yes, of course. However, both the owner and the insurancepany still rejected the request. Im merely rying that information to you Please wait a minute, theres nothing wrong with her. Just try to negotiate with them one more time Im very sorry. I will be sending back the documents in the following days. Now if youll excuse me Hey. Wai


    The real estate agent hung up without hesitation.


    Whats with him


    Matoba angrily grabbed the steering wheel of his car.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (2)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (2)


    After finally managing to find an apartment for Trna, in the end they ended up getting rejected once again. It was the sixth time, counting this. He was not going to ept her living with him as a freeloader forever, so whenever he had the time, he would look for an apartment for her and send in application files, but it was not paying off at all.


    Of course there were thousands upon thousands of Semani immigrants in San Teresa city, and it definitely was possible to at least find an apartment that would allow them to live there, but every single time, Trna would just say she didnt like it and mercilessly turn it down.


    She definitely was an aristocratdy after all, and apparently she had particrly high standards for her own residence. In that case, wouldnt it make sense that the ce she was the least interested in was the old warehouse where I live all by myself? But when I told her that, she replied that


    Its true that it is an unrefined ce to live, but it doesnt have a bad Branii. Besides, my family home used to be a square building near the sea as well, so I consider that a good omen. The head of my family from five generations ago, Behgen Exedilika, was a hero that overcame all sorts of difficult challenges, but it is said that he used to live in a house like this when he was born. Which is why, in case I dont find a better ce for myself, this will do just fine


    He really didnt understand her. And she waspletely ignoring his own circumstances as well.


    Besides, theres Kuroi. She keeps telling me that she doesnt want me to leave


    And she kept going like that.


    And then this morning, she finally started to build her own room. Its true that we have enough space to fit at least an extra room on the first floor, and shes ingenious enough toe up with a way to build an entire room by herself, but I dont remember being asked for permission as thendlord.


    If only that apartment contract had gone smoothly, he would have finally been able to get rid of Trna, and go back to his sunny and easygoing single life.


    And even though there was no way he could see Trna in a romantic light, she was still a woman, and from apletely objective perspective, a beautiful woman at that. It was not an expression he liked to use, but she was a beauty.


    What would my coworkers think of me if they found out about me living with someone like that under the same roof? The diligent image Ive built of myself over the years would shatter in an instant.


    Deepening his mutual understanding with his work partner was important, but he couldnt let that bond be too deep. His actions could get affected by his emotions, and cloud his best judgement in an emergency No, in reality even among patrol officers and detectives, it was not that umon to be intimate with someone they worked with, but it was definitely not something to be proud of either. Or at least thats what Matoba thought, as an old school cop.


    Then there was the fact that the only people within Vice who knew about Trna bing a burden at Matobas ce: His boss Zimmer and his coworker Tony McBee. Tony would keep his mouth shut for sure. He was the kind of guy that kindly listened to other peoplesints and provided advice. He was probably the guy who protected the most secrets within Vice.


    Trna herself was quietly sitting in the passenger seat next to him, while writing down something on a notepad. It was all in Farbanian characters, so he couldnt understand everything, but it seemed to be some kind of shopping list. There was timber, and bricks, and boards, and paint. It seemed like the remodeling of the Matoba household was steadily moving along in her mind.


    Their car was currently stopped at an intersection considerably near to the New Compton warehouse district they lived in. It was full of short buildings, and barely any cars were driving down the threene road. They had just returned from having ate lunch at a nearby cafe, after dealing with some minor business rted to a current investigation. The sky was a deep blue, and the spring sun was shining bright above them.


    What was the phone call about?


    Asked Trna without taking her eyes off the notepad.


    It was about the apartment we saw. Seems like its no good I see


    She didnt look even slightly disappointed. Her response was more fitting for something like Todays weather forecast predicts 30% humidity.


    Look here. Dont you think you should be a little more disappointed, or sad? Not really. I didnt really like that apartment that much to begin with. Besides, Im in the middle of building a bedroom for myself anyways Thats what I mean, why did you when who gave you permission to do that? I decided I would do it like two days ago But thats my house?! I havent given you permission. Whats with your attitude, after Ive been busting my ass trying to find a ce for you?! Well, its not like I asked you to help me or anything. Or to put it in your own terms I didnt ask you to do that


    Said Trna, and then sheughed cheekily.


    When she saved his life, that was a sentence that he would say frequently. It was extremely unpleasant. Matoba started shouting, as his patience ran outpletely.


    Then Im not going to help you anymore! Enough is enough! You are going to get out today he intended to say, but at that moment, arge white truck grazed the side of their car. A strange noise resonated through the cabin. The mirror on the passengers side was plucked off and fell on the road. They heard loud honking. The truck hadpletely ignored the red light, and drove past the intersection. It kept getting further away from both of them who looked at it in awe.


    Wha


    While they were still sitting astonished at what just happened, their police radio started going off, with some information mixed in with static noise. It seemed to be a transmissioning from HQ through their emergency radio frequency.


    To all vehicles from HQ. Signal 32. A vehicle that fled during a police questioning from Vehicle Adam 12 is currently driving down Ionia road, towards Sehgan road. We have confirmation of a white truck and a southeast asian adult man. Risk of an explosion reported. All avable units chase after them if possible under code three. To all vehicles: this is an emergency That sounds like the same car


    Said Trna


    Ah, that bastard


    Hepletely destroyed my beloved cars mirror


    Matobapletely forgot about his previous argument with Trna and instead turned all his anger towards the truck. It had been a long time since he had felt so angry (about four hours earlier). He turned the ignition and started the car, aggressively pressing the elerator. His supercharger roared immediately, his tires squealed and the car violently picked up speed.


    This car a twenty year old Mini Cooper S may look small and old, like a simple, dorky family car. However, in reality, a car like this is packing some pretty tremendous power, and I could even be pushing 150 miles right now if I really wanted to. Its eleration and handling are also particrly good. It may not look like it at a first nce, but this is the kind of car that you can rely on when it counts the most.


    Hey!


    Shouted Trna hysterically from the passenger seat, freaked out by the sudden violent take off.


    The Mini Cooper S ignored the traffic lights ahead of it, and crossed the intersection, as it started rushing West just like the white truck had done before them. Matoba swiftly drove past the slower cars, and decided to inform his situation via the police radio. He had originally intended to have Trna do it, but she probably didnt remember a single thing about it, or how it worked. He had to have her follow his lead and properly teach her how to use it when they had the time !


    The back of a school bus was stopped right in front of them. He cut to his left and barely managed to avoid it. Then a picked up truck showed up right out of a blind spot. He violently cut to his right and managed to avoid it.


    And then another car, and then yet two more.


    Their entire surroundings turned into a gust of wind as they kept driving. Trna kept screaming and shouting at him from the passenger seat, but Matoba waspletely ignoring her.


    There it is


    The white truck was in front of them. It was driving at an rming speed. It kept heading towards Seven Miles as it drove from side to side of the threene road. Was he nning to kept going until he reached the freeway and then managed to escape somewhere out of town?


    But when it came to speed, Matoba could go faster as well. He started pushing his Mini Cooper S even harder, until he finally managed to reach the white truck, and kept driving by its side.


    Show him your badge! What? Your badge! Show it to that bastard and tell him to stop right now! Al alright


    Trna finally remembered what her current job was, and took out her badge from her upper pocket, and pointed it towards the driver through the window. Just as they had heard through the radio, the driver seemed to be a Southeast Asian man. He was probably around twenty to thirty years old. He looked just as expected from somebody doing something so reckless. Frightened, close to panickingpletely.


    He took a quick nce at Trna and her badge, but didnt slow down in the slightest, instead turning the handle to the side, bumping into the Mini Cooper S at his side. As he shed against the metallic chassis, sparks came out of the two cars, falling on the road.


    Ah!


    This time it had scratched their left door. Judging by the sensation he felt, most of the coating was probably done for, and even the body of the car itself was most likely in a very rough state. The mirror was gone as well. The car he had spent all that time polishing and taking care of


    Fuck, fuck, fuck!


    What the fuck is that bastard doing?!


    Kei, theres no way! Stop! Shut up, I wont let him go. No way. Im going to get a hold of him, lock him up and make sure he regrets this day for the rest of his life! Okay, I got it, so calm down! I dont want tomit a double suicide with you! Thats right, you should teach me the finest torture techniques from your country! The more painful and underhanded, the better! Let me be remembered as the first man to ever do something like that on Earth! Thats enough, let it go!


    In an unusual twist, this time the one getting overly excited and going on a rampage was Matoba.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (3)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (3)


    No matter what she said, Matoba was not listening to Trnas pleas to stop, and instead drove the car in front of the truck. He pulled the engine brake and suddenly slowed down, in order to prevent his tail lights from lighting up, The driver saw this and started driving erratically.


    He tried to evade to the right, but Matoba blocked him.


    He tried to evade to the left, but Matoba blocked him again.


    Yet the truck kept insisting on evading him. His front wheels turned aggressively, and the truck instead drove on top of the median strip. Matoba thought it would keep driving and then crash into the cars passing through the other side of the road, but before he could do that, the truck started losing its bnce and fell on its right side. The three to four tonne truck started spinning out of control. It mmed against the ground, its metal body being twisted and shattered into a million tiny pieces, as a cloud of dust kept rising from the site, and the lump of debris kept moving forward through the median strip.


    Matoba made sure his hated enemy had met its fate, and then clenched his fist.


    YES!


    He quickly slowed down the Mini Cooper S, turned to the other side of the road, and dashed straight towards the site of the ident.


    A seemingly endless stream of paper scraps flew high into the air, and started fluttering down under the blue sky. A lot of the contents of the trucks back were still rattling around from the shock of the crash. They looked like some kind of magazine or something?


    Were catching the driver Do as you please


    Said Trna as shenguidly sank down in the passenger seat, her eyes spinning nonstop.


    What, did you piss your pants? !!


    She suddenly punched him. He didnt even understand why.


    I dont care anymore! Just get going already!!


    Shouted Trna pressing her lower torso with both her hands. Her eyes were teary and her face waspletely red.


    Dont take your eyes off the car


    He stopped the car on the side of the road, turned off the engine and jumped out. He took out his gun from its holster, and headed straight to the truck lying in the middle of the median.


    It was hard to see with the smokeing out of the truck, and steam out of the radiator. The crash looked awful.


    He pointed the barrel of the gun straight at it, and carefully approached the drivers side. Always prepared to shoot if it came down to it. The ss waspletely shattered, so he peeked into the car from the window. The drivers seat was empty.


    ?


    The passenger seat was empty as well. The seatbelts were unfastened, and deted airbags were droopily hanging from the ceiling. He searched his surroundings, the other side of the truck and even its backside, but there was nobody there.


    Few residential andmercial buildings were scattered on both sides of the road. A small crowd of curious onlookers had already gathered around, so it would be impossible to find the driver at this point.


    Fuck!!


    He got away.


    Even after making such a ruckus, he still managed to get away from the scene so quickly. Maybe he was lucky, or extremely tenacious. But no matter the reason, Matoba still felt pissed off at the guy.


    It was frustrating. Incredibly frustrating. Even more frustrating than having an entire investigation from three years fall t on its face.


    The sound of sirens kept getting closer. He stamped his feet in an indescribable frustration, as finally several patrol cars started arriving on the scene. He showed his badge at the patrol officers who instinctively started pointing their guns at him, and quickly identified himself.


    Detective Kei Matoba. From Vice Hello. But man once again with a shy entrance, huh?


    One officer looked at thepletely destroyed truck, and muttered quietly.


    Should we call an ambnce? That wont be necessary. The fucking driver managed to mix in with the crowd and run away. Though he probably would have had to go to the hospital if I had managed to get him


    Matoba still wasnt feeling any closer to cooling off, and kept looking around desperately. The patrol cars allowed for cirction on the road once again, and traffic resumed by his side. One officer was standing right next to his battered Mini Cooper S, and talking about something with Trna, who was still sitting on the passenger seat. He was probably telling her that they were in the way and should probably move. He thought that maybe it wouldnt be so bad if they still waited for a couple of minutes.


    At a first nce, the trucks contents were arge amount of documents, and scattered magazines. There was very little room to stand or walk around anyways. Matoba picked up a single magazine he had stepped on.


    He thought it was some kind of fully colored gravure idol magazine, but in reality no matter where he looked, it was all full of pictures of naked women. And the pictures were all pretty hardcore. They werent censored. And you could see the real deal. There was a lot of roley, and a lot of variation as well. White, ck, asian, and a neverending amount of Semanians.


    There was plenty of what he would describe as sexy lingerie. And a lot of girls smiling awkwardly while posing in it, and older girls who looked as if they were presenting the viewer with the most valuable treasure on earth.


    I actually prefer the more awkward and embarrassed types myself, Matoba thought.


    The officer from earlier also picked up a few magazines, and gave a darkugh after looking at them.


    Whoa, whats this?! Porno magazines its all porn


    No matter which book they picked up, and no matter where they went, it was all porn. The tapestry of indecency spread around the ident like a flower field. There was even arge amount of Japanese hentai. There even was some extremely specific stuff particrly aimed at Japanese audiences the type that made people lose all hope in humanity. There was all sorts of stuff inrge quantities.


    I dont get it


    Why did a truck full of porn start running away from the police in the middle of a regr questioning? Uncensored porn ispletely legal in San Teresa, so looking at it as a detective from the Vice department, there was no reason to hide these books, there was nothing illegal about them. There was no underage porn either, and there were also no visible images of abuse or torture. It was all just regr, cheap porn.


    Well, Im sure well understand if we research into this a little further.


    In any case, lets just move the car theyre telling us is in the way


    He thought as he cast a nce towards the spot he had stopped the car in, but he suddenly realized that the Mini Cooper S was gone.


    ? Where is my car? I moved it. The officer kept bugging me about how it was in the way and whatnot


    Replied Trna, who at some point, somehow had gotten to his side and was just standing there. For some reason she looked proud of herself


    You moved it? You drove the car? Yep. I secretly learned how to make them move a while ago. Just moving it somewhere else was surprisingly easier than I thought Okay thats all fine and dandy but where did you put it? Right there oh?


    The other side of the road it was still closed, since the police cleanup hadnt begun on that side yet, but the vacant Mini Cooper S was just sitting by itself in the middle of the road. She probably didnt hand brake it, so the car had started moving from its initial location all on its own.


    Oh, its moving Wait hey!


    Matoba turned pale, and almost started to run towards it, but right at that moment, a dumpster truck appeared out of nowhere, driving at a great speed. He honked loudly a few times, and then attempted to stop. He probably would not make it in time. The huge dumpster truck barely managed to slow down at all, and crashed straight into Matobas beloved car.


    The Mini Cooper S was sent flying almost like a toy car, its windows and bodypletely shattered, and then finally, after painfully crashing around the road for around ten yards, it stopped.


    Smoke starteding out of the engine, and generally out of the entire car, and gasoline started pouring over the road.


    It was going to explode.


    Ah Ah.!!!


    Matoba simply looked as his beloved car started burning, as he dropped to his knees in shock.


    Dorini machines tend to burn pretty often, huh? Im a little surprised


    Lately, a lot of porn has been getting stolen from local publishers and storage houses. That truck was probably part of the same gang. Weve received reports from the theft department as well


    Said Bill Zimmer in his office, which was separated from the rest of the Vice department by a small ss pane.


    Despite him saying it in a very calm and casual way, Brauns face became stiff almost as if he was suffering some extreme nervous pain or something like that. His moustache that looked like a caterpir started trembling slightly. Apparently his professional pride and an incorrigible anger were fighting an ardent battle inside his mind.


    So basically. Were up against a porn stealing gang?


    Said Matoba. After spending the past several hours beating himself in anger, he had finally managed to calm down. After having lost his beloved car, he had not been able to open his mouth at all from the shock until recently. On the other hand, Trna was simply standing next to him with a peaceful expression. Almost as if Matobas grief had beenpletely carried away by the wind.


    A porn stealing gang. Thats exactly it. And thats fine. Well, its not fine, but it doesnt really matter much either way Hey, alien. Yeah, you''re right there. Try to guess how Im feeling right now


    Zimmer pointed a finger directly at Trna.


    Trna raised her eyebrows, remained deep in thought for a little while, and then said


    You feel sick. So sick that you want to go to the hospital Im fucking pissed off!!


    His angry shouting resonated throughout the office, the ss pane vibrated slightly, and all the officers in the office stopped their activities to look straight at them.


    Im so mad I could get violent! Im so fucking mad that even if a group of Methodist charity volunteers came right to me office to ask me for money, I would spit on them and chase them off! No, I wouldnt just spit them, I would fuck them all. I think I could even fuck every single soul who fell to hell with me. Thats how fucking mad I am right now! And do you know why, Jap?! Its your fucking fault, Kei Matoba! Thats racistnguage Shut up, I fucking love Japan. My dad used to be a manager for a Toyota factory, so I will always be in debt with Japanesepanies, and I have plenty of very close friends. My kid is a huge Pokemon fan, and my daughter really likes Princess Tenko. However, among all of the Japanese people scattered around the entire world, you are the only fucking Jap. A tiny, tiny fucking Jap. Its obvious Im going to be racist towards a guy like you. And if you dont have the guts tomit harakiri, then fucking answer my question. Why do you think Im shouting at you right now?! No clue Let me tell you. Because, you bastard, you think youre some sort of maverick cowboy! You start chasing cars as you please inside the city, and start getting involved in shy idents! Its a fucking miracle that nobody died!


    Zimmer mmed his desk with both fists.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (4)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (4)


    Thanks to you, Im getting bombarded withints left and right! And now were caught up in this stupid incident. This was originally meant to be under the theft departments jurisdiction, but now HQ is saying that it should be us in charge of this. And you know why? Its because it was porn! Because it was fucking porno mags! I didnt even want to waste any of our resources on an incident so incredibly stupid but now because of you two, that damn head of security is doing as he pleases. We didnt even get a chance to say anything about it. What are you going to do about this fucking disgrace?!


    In that case what are you going to do about my fucking car?!


    Matoba finally started talking back to Zimmer after listening to him shout as he pleased.


    No matter how much Ive requested a proper undercover car for my missions, HQ has never done anything about it whatsoever! Two people riding a Chrysler Sedan basically screams detective inside to all other people! Which was why I figured there was nothing I could do about it, and instead started using my own personal car! Though to be honest Ive never heard of a junkie going to buy drugs on a Mini Cooper. But at least I can sort of pass it off. I can always just say that its a hobby of mine or something, but this is the result of that! Combining all the damage it had taken already, and then leaving it with this fucking idiot, I took my eyes off it for two seconds and it waspletely wrecked. And then came the issue about causing an ident due to negligence, when in reality it wasnt my fault at all to begin with!


    Matoba was mming his palms against Zimmers desk. He was fuming with rage but even more than that, he almost felt like crying.


    Memories of his now gone beloved car kept popping up in the back of his mind, like quick shes of light.


    It has been two and a half years already.


    He was in the middle of a mission with Rick, his partner at the time, and then he found the Mini Cooper S in a dealers shop during some interrogation. It was 2900 dors. The model was over 20 years old, but the interior had been worked on considerably, and it still hadnt been driven for more than 20.000 miles. Besides, whenpared with current models, it''splex and curved surface resulted in a very tasteful exterior. He waspletely enchanted by that noticeable gap between its tiny and chubby appearance, and its very powerful performance, and then finally after thinking about it for three days, he decided to buy it. He desperately haggled for it, and then finally managed to buy the car for 2100 dors, and he drove it like nobody else ever had.


    He went everywhere in that car.


    Eventually he even started driving it to all his missions, and it was always by his side even during his worst moments. Even that time he was shot by a drugged junkie while working in Lower Northbrook, the area no detective wanted to drive in by himself, the cars front window got busted as well, so in a way it was like sharing a bond through their battle scars.


    He also once traveled around all of Kariana Ind with Cecil in that car in the summer. They stopped at a deserted beach on the west coast of the ind, and aftering back from taking a walk together, the sunsets light was reflecting off the cars hood, creating beautiful patterns on her face. It really looked like some staged lighting straight out of amercial


    Got it? Losing that car felt like losing my dog


    Muttered Matoba as he looked down in front of apletely astonished Zimmer


    To be honest, its not even about the money. It was a truly amazing car. And well you know


    Trna opened her mouth from right next to him


    Well, dont get so depressed, Kei. Shut up you alien! Dont youe around saying that when you were the one who destroyed my Mini! Thats racist. Shut up. Among all of the Semanian people scattered around the entire world, you are the only Alien. A fucking alien that I cant help but discriminate against. A tiny tiny fucking ET. Thats what you are! How arrogant. Youd be wiser to keep your mouth shut. Or else, I swear by Kithenya So what if I dont?! Say it out loud! Are you going to fucking kill me?! Fine, then kill me! Just like you killed her, and then dump my body in the trash! Will you be happy then?! You murderer! Matoba, calm down.


    Said Zimmer after seeing Matoba lose his cool and ramble on and on. He felt a little sorry for him, and his anger had vanished altogether.


    I said too much as well. So dont cry. Im not crying. Youre about to. In any case, Ill give your car situation a little thought, so dont look so depressed. Really?


    Matoba seemed to suddenly regain hisposure, and then Zimmer emphasized


    Im not too sure, but I think theres going to be a confiscated item auction next week. Im sure the list is floating around somewhere as well, so this might be a great chance to get yourself a new car or something.


    The San Teresa police department carried out that kind of auction every few months, where they would sell items never reimed by their owners, or items confiscated from shady business deals or criminal activity. Of course items like drugs and weapons usually get destroyed, and all earnings were donated to DV victim funds, social workers and families of officers who were killed while on duty. However, before being auctioned, many of those items obtained via investigations could get lent to certain police departments indefinitely. As the vice department contributed plenty to ongoing investigations, their detectives could also get to use many of those items expensive clothing, luxury wristwatches and shoes, and so on. Items they naturally would never be able to afford with their wages that couldntpete against influential drug dealers or criminal organizations.


    And among that list of confiscated items, every now and then cars would be included as well. However, the Vice department isnt the only one carrying out undercover investigations, so there was always plenty ofpetition, and getting permission to use them in the first ce was very rare.


    Zimmer promised Matoba he would try to do something about it somehow.


    Thats what I wanted to hear, boss.


    A very wide grin instantly appeared on Matobas face, as he firmly shook Zimmers hand.


    For my mission Im going to need a serious car, but also a cool looking car. But in the end whats most important is having a great boss. Im thrilled.


    On the other hand, Zimmer was frowning


    You remind me of my little brat when he would break his remote controller cars and then start crying Oh, sir. Does your son like remote controller toys? To be honest I recently got myself a neat remote control boat. Its a mini replica of Battleship Yamato. Its artillery spins around and shoots BB pellets. Its built using old Japanese military unitsponents and Are you an idiot? I was talking about ten years ago. My kid is already in college, theres no way hed be interested in dumb toys like that.


    Matobas grin vanished from his face, almost as if somebody hadpletely invalidated his hobbies.


    In any case, about the porn stealing gang. No matter how stupid it seems, a crime is a crime, so dont drag it out for too long. Im leaving it up to you to. Just the two of us? Well I want it to be dealt with quickly, so you can ask for help from other people who look like theyre free. However, no more car chases! Alright, alright.


    Matoba answered carelessly, and then Zimmer red at him directly


    Say that you understand! Understood. Also, alien. Thats right, you, Exedilika. We finally received the documents from your traffic bureau application. Get a license. A license?


    Zimmer pulled out a brown man envelope from his drawer and gave it to Trna


    Thats right. I can overlook todays incident somehow, but we cant have you running around without a license. Tell Matoba to help you with the rest.


    As they left Zimmers booth, Matoba and Trna kept arguing and insulting each other like they always did. Its your fault and no, you were clearly in the wrong being thrown around. After getting into a very heated argument, the two finally managed to somewhat calm down.


    So. How do you get that license thing anyways?  To be honest, I dont know what the boss is thinking, making you get a license. Its like giving Jeffrey Dahmer a killing license or something. Whos that? Doesnt matter, dont worry about it.


    It was the name of a serial killer who became very famous in thete 20th century, so there was no way Trna knew about him.


    Matoba walked straight towards the bookshelf that upied one corner of the office, where they kept legal books and research papers, and after looking around for a bit, he grabbed two books. They were a textbook about traffic guidelines, and a workbook focused on getting a driving license.


    Read this and learn it. Then take the written exam. And then move on to driving practice. This is English, right? Its full of words Ive never seen.


    Trna had the book in her hands and was giving it a nasty look.


    Stop talking nonsense and just read it. Its written so that even a chimpanzee would be able to figure out how to work a handbrake. Hm


    Trna nodded without looking angry about it. Even getting mad at this point felt like a bother to her.


    In any case, we need to get back to the investigation. We should start looking around after finding someone to help us out


    He felt almost like crying after thinking he had to find a porn stealing gang, when there were plenty of other types of investigations going on at the moment.


    Well in any case, he was waiting for some intel he was trying to gather with his informants, so he had some time to spare. And Zimmer was in the know about the state of affairs as well, so he could push as much work on him as he wanted to.


    So, Kei. I have a question. What? Whats this porn stuff youve been talking about?


    Trna asked without any care, as her words reverberated through the entire office. Matoba looked around and saw several of his coworkers casting questionable looks at him, of course suspecting something of him.


    There was an entire mountain of it at the crash site earlier. Didnt you see it? No, I didnt.


    Judging by her reaction, it really seemed like she didnt know what he was talking about. Exining to her directly would be too troublesome, so instead he grabbed a half destroyed magazine from a sample box that had been recovered from the crash site earlier, and pushed it in front of Trna.


    Books like these. Take a look. Wha!

 Book 2 Need for Speed (5)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (5)


    Just from looking at the first few pages, Trnas eyes opened wide and her shoulders shrunk. She probably wouldnt feel that shocked even after looking at apletely destroyed and minced corpse. Matoba felt a bizarre sense of guilt, but he then thought that maybe it was still an important experience to have.


    This was Vice after all. They didnt only deal with drugs and weapons. They also dealt with pornography and investigated around it. Even though uncensored pornography was perfectly legal, underage performers and downright violent or abusive acts werepletely prohibited. Matoba even once had to binge watch 300 porn DVDs for three days straight to fully understand what was and wasnt illegal. The first thirty minutes were pretty fun and exciting, but the remaining sixty hours were pure hell. It was almost like a miracle that he didnt gopletely insane after watching so many neverending sex scenes nonstop. For a second he thought he never wanted to see any female genitals ever again in his entire life. To the point where for the following week he couldnt even see the steamed buns or seashells sold at his local Japanese restaurant, because he suddenly felt an uncontroble urge to vomit.


    Speaking of which, if he had be permanently impotent after that, would it count as a work-rted injury?


    Trna started trembling all over


    So something this lewd and disgraceful I cant believe it. You people truly are barbarians. Youre absolutely insane. Whatever. Your dad and mom did it as well when they had you. Thats a lie!!


    Tears were drawing at the corners of her eyes, as she raised her voice. She looked as if someone had just shown her proof of her parentsmitting a vile, heinous act.


    Dont you insult mother and father! I wont forgive you for it! Mother would mother would never something like this Right, okay, I got it, I got it. You were born out of a cabbage patch. Or perhaps youre the result of mitosis like a bacteria. I think thats the most logical exnation. Lets just leave it at that, so just look at a few of them if you want to. Got it? This cant be something like this it absolutely cant be true


    Trna kept turning the pages of the porn magazine, as she tumbled backwards, falling defeated into her seat while muttering more incoherent sentences. She was truly an empty shell. Matoba felt a little sorry for her, but in the end this was an experience that most people had to go through eventually, so hed let her be.


    But more importantly


    It really looked like she was at the level of a middle school kid, or even lower than that. He thought that at most her face would turnpletely red, and she would get a little confused, but he never expected to be that hopeless. Did she really think storks carried babies to their parents or something? With this he finally understood the reason Trna acted so defenseless at home all the time. Generally speaking he had been bluntly telling her to note near him whenever she started doing as she pleased, but now he knew that he never fundamentally understood what it truly wouldve meant if he had actually approached her somehow.


    Doesnt this just mean that Trna is basically a kid?


    So basically, Semanians themselves are


    Ah, I get it


    It had been going on for a while, and it seemed like the theft incident was just a part of it all. In any case, the first thing he had to do was gather the crew that would be helping him out. Matoba started looking around the office.


    Out of the less than twenty desks around the office, about half were vacant at the moment.


    He locked eyes with Camie and Jamie who wereughing nonchntly.


    Detective Cameron Estefan and Detective Jamie Austin. Both of them were women. Camie had ck hair and was of Latin American descent, while Jamie was blonde and was of English descent. Both had a style fitting for models, and just the space between both of their desks waspletely radiant because of them. Because of a recent mission, they were dressed in expensive name brand clothing.


    It almost seemed like one of the reasons they started working at Vice was because of the shiness of it all. But in reality both Jamie and Camie were serious officers, who wore equally serious and low profile attire off duty.


    He had seen Camies high school pictures. She was the type of girl that would wear thick ck framed sses, anyme stamped T-shirt and wore no makeup, and would regrly take pictures with her equally unfashionable friends. She said it was a picture of her schools literature club or something like that.


    Jamie had never shown him pictures of her past, but she says she used to be like that as well. She would frequently run her hands down her thin waist and reminisce you know? I used to be really fat in high school. Apparently she started losing weight during police training, and eventually got to look the way she does now. Maybe she could make a fortune showing what she did to other women all over the world.


    Hey. Cami, Jamie. Looking good as always.


    He made an effort to sound extra friendly, but both their bodies got stiff and then elegantly turned around smiling, and stared directly at Matoba. Their brown pupils shone charmingly. Camie replied with a smile.


    Thank you, Kei. But I think Ill pass on your search for porn. That was quick.


    Matobas makeshift smile vanished from his face. Apparently it had already spread through the office how this case had been forced on him.


    You only speak with that lovely voice whenever you have some nasty work for us to do. Which is why I think Ill pass.


    Said Camie


    Uh then how should I ask you? Im going to say no, no matter how you ask, cowboy. Were going to Metoserater. After arresting this piece of trash pimp that hurt this poor girl, we have a lot to do. So could you please not ruin our ns?


    Whenever he talked with those two, Camie generally was doing most of the talking. She had a certain big sister vibe to her. Jamie on the other hand was the quiet one. Camie would constantly take every little chance to talk down to Matoba. He had once asked his friend Tony, Do you think Camie hates my guts? but perceptive as always, Tony replied, Its not that simple, Kei. Dont you notice something much more important than that?


    But even after being told with such a mysterious tone, Matoba still had no clue what he was talking about.


    Then does she like me?


    To which Tonyughed and simply said


    No, not that.


    Since Tony never really exined anything afterwards no matter how much he asked, Matoba simply stopped worrying about it altogether.


    Hm, is that so? Alright then, sorry to bother you.


    He gave up on the two of them and went to look for someone else to help them. And then Jamie meekly called out to him.


    Hey Kei Huh? Hows Trna? Is she doing well? Do you mean because of the previous mission? Shes just full ofints.


    Then Jamieughed and fixed her curly blonde hair.


    I see. Thats pretty reassuring to hear. Why? Dont worry about it. It seems like youre having it rough, but hang in there. Alright.


    He replied bluntly and continued his search for other people. As he turned his back to them, he could hear Camie groan for some reason, and then he could see her innocentlyughing with Jamie about something. He didnt really get it, but maybe they had bet on something.


    After that, Matoba tried to ask for help from several other coworkers that seemed to have some time, but in the end they all ended up running away. They would say that they had ns, or that they had a lot of paperwork to doter, or that they had a huge investigation about this dealer a littleter, and so on and so on.


    Have I always been this unpopr around the office?


    He thought. Generally speaking he always gave his best and was energetic at work, and he thought he had done a pretty good job at being a sort of manager when the previous boss before Zimmer left the spot vacant. No, this wasnt a matter of poprity. It was just that most people didnt want to do this specific job, and were trying to run away from it.


    And then came his savior. It was Tony.


    He had just arrived at work for the day, and was greeting everybody in a good mood. Matoba approached him directly in a stride.


    Hi~ Kei. Hey, Tony. Youre looking better than usual today. That necktie looks great on you. Oh, thank you. Just choosing this specific one took more than thirty minutes, so Im really happy you noticed it But at the same time that greeting gave me a terrible vibe from you. Is that so? Do you have some time, Tony? Sure. I already went around the entire ce, so all I have left is some paperwork to do I think they finally got a new coffee machine. Come on. Lets go and talk there


    Kei truly is the worst. Sneered Tony as they were walking through the Police HQs parking lot. I thought he was actually being nice for once, with that tone of his. But a porn stealing gang? Isnt it just a group of middle school kids or something? In any case, isnt it odd? Do you guys really get so desperate about seeing naked women all the time? I mean, I think thats pretty normal. At the very least, I dont mind.


    Replied Godunov, Tonys partner who had also been dragged along for this mission,pletely indifferent to the discussion. The huge Russian man rarely ever got truly angry. He was usually aid back guy, who would even remain calm when things went south during an investigation.


    They got in their Gabriole Citroen, and then Godunov asked after getting in the driver seat.


    So are we going to do as Kei said? I guess so Since he said he would be the one going around asking about it. Were just going to have to wait for them to take the bait. I really want to get this over with though.


    After getting Tony and Godunov to help him with the porn stealing gang, Matoba had divided their roles in the investigation.


    Matoba and Trna would be going around asking for information. They would visit the few injured people at the printing offices, look at the security cameras, look at porn distribution routes and info well, that kind of work. Tony and Godunov would help them out whenever they had the time, but their main goal would be acting as bait.


    They circted a rumour about a man wanting to buy a lot of porn magazines, and they were hoping to catch the gang if they fell for it. There was also the possibility that Matoba and Trna would be recognized by the guy from the porn stealing gang, so in the end Tony and Godunov ended up going.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (6)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (6)


    ONeills club, right? I think that was in Seven Miles. Right. Youre wee.


    ONeill was an informant that Matoba frequently spoke with. He was a self proimed reverend, who frequently dirtied his hands with stolen goods, insane porn and shady seminars. Tony and Godunov also maintained some contact with him, but very rarely approached him directly.


    Their Citroen exited Police HQ and headed west, their destination being the Seven Miles borough, as they drove straight ahead through Madeira Road. It was right before dusk, so most bars were still closed. They stopped the car on a road bustling with clubs and pubs, and went inside one called the Lady Chapel.


    A huge bodyguard was standing right in front of them.


    Entrance is only from 7pm onwards. You can wait right there and Okay, Kenny. Did you forget my face that quickly? Oh. If it isnt Boss McBee? How are you doing? The boss is at the back. Though, unfortunately, hes in the middle of an audition right now. Oh alright. Well wait till he finishes this song.


    Color me Badds I wanna sex you up could be heard all the way to the entrance from within the club. It was a hit song from back when Tony was a little kid. A ck man dressed in a very bizarre attire was singing on stage, and he was shaking his hips in a very unpleasant manner, while singing in an overly sweet tone.


    All night, girl you make me feel good, I wanna rub you down, I wanna sex you up. Make sweet lovin'' all night long. I wanna sex you up. It was that kind of song.


    Hallellujaaaah!!


    As soon as the song stopped, the owner, Biz ONeill, raised both his hands, and shouted up to the skies all of a sudden, while sitting and behaving arrogantly on a clients chair. He then straightened his ck robe, a golden pendant hanging from his neck. He was a bald ck man, who was always wearing tiny round sunsses.


    How wonderful! Im sure Gods will dwells within your song! It came pouring down from the skies like the holy gospel. It reverberated through my very soul, filling it with light, energy and willpower! Perfect! It is perfect, brothers!


    Said ONeill as he tightened his fists and started punching the air. The band members'' faces all lit up suddenly, and they started happily looking at each other.


    Areare you serious, Mr. ONeill?! So are you going to hire us?! Hm! Wait a minute, right now my heart is being touched by God himself thats right, the holy spirit itself is telling me this: To be honest, I dont really like Color Me Badd that much. I dont mind the dirty lyrics, but I think maybe next time, okay?  So thats the situation, brothers! The exit is that way!


    After making sure the depressed band members groggily exited the club, ONeill found himself right in front of Tony and Godunov.


    Was that supposed to be an audition? It looked more like stroking your own ego, ONeill. Ohoho. Well Ill be! Detective McBee and Detective Godunov. Are the delightful Detective Matoba and the little girl doing alright?


    Asked ONeill after swiftly fixing the position of his sses on his face.


    Well to be honest, Matoba got his beloved carpletely wrecked just recently, so hes kind of depressed anyways, you work with porn too, right? I need you to do me a favor. Porn?! Thats a rude way to call it. Listen here, Detective McBee. All Im doing is focusing my efforts into chasing spiritual and physical experiences. It is all my way to guide people to Gods realm, its nothing more than a realistic way to do that. In other words, it is a dogmatic truth farrger and moreplex than anything you or your fellow detectives from Vice could ever understand You can skip your pretentious speech. If you dont, youre going back to jail. It alwayses down to this with you people! But its fine. Im feeling merciful today, so I will listen to your concerns. Do you know anything about a porn stealing gang? Can you please run a rumour about us wanting to buy some stolen porn? Well go by the names of Tony McCloud and Alex Ivanov.


    Those were the aliases that Tony and Godunov would be using for their undercover mission. Their fake personas were meant to be buyers of illegal merchandise who wanted to take it to the Semani world and sell it over there, they even created fake reports and ounts of them on both the FBI and Police databases. Matoba usually went by Kei Manobe when he did this sort of work, and his profile even mentioned him being a former military soldier. ording to the avable data, he had even been charged for theft and assault during the past five and a half years. Tony and Godunov also had simrly believable profiles.


    I dont mind that, but it is hard to believe that there are any people willing to actually buy porn magazines in this day and age, the era ofmunication. Nowadays anybody with an inte connection can enjoy high quality content from all over the world, without having to rely on distribution systems and local restrictions.


    Said ONeill with a strangely empty voice. It was true though that a porn stealing gang focused entirely on physical copies wasplete nonsense in this day and age.


    Yeah, youre right. Which is why we think that as long as you run the rumour that we want to buy porn, were going to be fine. Hm? I think all were going to need is that you say we mean to take it over and sell it in Semani. Men are stupid no matter where they are after all.


    This was what Matoba had been saying since the beginning. We ended up asking ONeill for help in the first ce because he talked about the possibility existing, and he wanted us to look into it.


    Its true that while porn magazines may seempletely outdated anywhere on earth nowadays, they would be incredibly valuable items in Semani, especially considering they only had paintings until recently. When you think about it like that, the idea of full nude, full color pictures of idols getting sold there


    ONeill suddenly pped his hands.


    Would be aplete shock! A bigger event than even something like the renaissance! It seems like you just realized something. Are you thinking of selling porn? How rude. I have absolutely no intention of doing something like that. Something made out of paper would be too bulky to be useful anyways. I do not intend to invest on some dead stock to then end up feeling miserable and sad. If that were me If that were you then what? No, nothing you need to be concerned about. In any case just run that rumour please. And contact us if anything happens. Can you at least do that? Alright then. Leave it to me.


    Proimed ONeill loudly, as he smiled showing his all-white teeth.


    ~o~O~o~


    Three days after Matobas beloved car became nothing but scraps, they were left with no leads whatsoever to the porn stealing gang. But it wasnt that the investigation had been particrly poor or anything like that. In fact, it was pretty unusual to solve a case in under one or two days.


    Matoba and the others kept working on the porn stealing investigation, along with other cases, so they kept searching with this bizarre mood. Tony and Godunov, and also ONeill and several other informants, kept doing their job trying to bait them, but there didnt seem to be any reaction whatsoever.


    Meanwhile, Matoba and Trna were assigned an old sedan that had been parked at Police Headquarters for a long time, and was simply gathering dust until then. But just the next day after borrowing the car, its engine broke and so they had to go to work by subway and bus.


    Now were using the bus? Fuck, this sucks.


    Said Matoba, annoyed; while sitting on a cramped synthetic leather seat. An old man sitting in front of him turned around and raised his eyebrows at him, but Matoba didnt even care at this point.


    During the past three days Trna and Matoba had been speaking to each other the bare minimum and only for essential matters.


    Matoba was still shocked after losing his beloved car, and Trna was still shocked after reading porn magazines for the first time. Matoba was still in a bad mood, and Trna was strangely avoiding him at all costs. Their interactions were limited to mostly one or two words after getting home every day, and then a short greeting in the morning: Hey, Sup


    It was totally awkward.


    It also appeared like Trna had stopped her renovation of the first floor. Maybe Trna had started feeling uneasy about staying with Matoba permanently after all


    During those three days, Matoba had also started vaguely thinking about it. He had no reason whatsoever to stop her from leaving, and in fact it would be the easiest option. And although he thought it was a bit awkward, it was probably the most realistic option. So for now he would simply let things be and do nothing about it or so he thought at least.


    After leaving the subway station, they finally arrived at Police HQ. They entered the office and started doing some paperwork.


    Right before noon, the phone on Trnas desk rang.


    That was quite unusual. She answered while looking confused, and then just replied Understood, Im going a littleter then and hung up. It seemed that she had finally gotten used to telephones. Matoba noticed it, but feigned ignorance. Sometime after noon, Trna grabbed her Krge at her side, and without saying a word, left the office all by herself.


    Is it okay for her to go alone?


    Asked Jamie as she looked at Matoba from another desk. She probably had noticed the awkward interactions between them the past few days. Camie, her partner, had left to work on a different case, so right now it was just her and Matoba.


    I dont care. If shes gained this sense of independence now, then thats fine by me. Oh.


    Jamie waited a little while after receiving such a cold response, and then talked to Matoba again


    Hey, Kei. Would you like to go out for lunch one of these days or something? Ah sure, I dont mind or anything Matoba!


    The bosss ss door opened, and Zimmer poked out half his body as he called Matoba over.


    In the end what happened with the porn stealing incident? Come here! Come right here and exin it all to me!


    He motioned Matoba to go into his booth with his thumb, and then went back into the room. Matoba simply rolled his eyes, shrugged and headed towards Zimmers booth.


    Thats fine. Its not like were in a hurry or anything. Im sorry. Ill have some info next time.


    Matobaughed lightheartedly and left the booth.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (7)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (7)


    The person Trna had agreed to have lunch with was the head of the autopsy department, Cecil Epps.


    The two met in front of the HQ building, and headed towards Daikatana, a Japanese restaurant on a small street about two blocks away.


    Ill have a cream soba bowl, a natto ginger pudding and a miso cocoa. Ill have the fried sushi sandwich and the soy coffee, please.


    They each ordered. Incidentally, for some reason this was a restaurant that Matoba hated with a passion, but the two of them didnt really understand why. The waitresses were dressed like ninjas, and would say Domo argato, bow their heads and head back to the galley after taking the customers orders.


    Its pretty strange for you to be inviting me out


    Said Cecil, as her short bob cut hair waved in the air.


    Ah sorry, did I bother you? No, its kind of ttering. I dont really have many Semanian friends to begin with. And I really like you. I see. It is an honor for me as well. Youre wee. So? Are you having troubles with something?


    Cecils eyes were glittering with curiosity. She was about ten years older than Trna in Earths age. She could probably provide some insight she would have overlooked otherwise.


    No, I wouldnt go so far to call it trouble but more like Is it about Kei?


    Cecilughed as Trnas face clearly showed that she had hit the nail on the head.


    You dont have to act so surprised Its not that Im surprised. Its just that, well no. Its just as you said, Cecil. I cannot understand that person no matter what. And I figured that, since youre a trustworthy close friend of his, maybe you had some good information that you could share with me. Oh, I see. Did he tell you that I was a trustworthy close friend of his? You arent? Well its not like hes totally mistaken or anything. Oh, alright.  So, you dont understand his feelings, right? Did something bad or sour happen? Not particrly. Well if I had to say, though, this has happened recently.


    Trna told Cecil about her recent interactions with Matoba. About how despite being his partner at work, he still wont rely on her one bit. About how she ended up destroying his beloved car, and how when he openly rejected the idea of her staying with him any longer, after the search for an apartment had failed.


    Wai wait a minute are you two living together? Yes. A lot happened, and I ended up relying on his kindness.


    Trna summed up all the details of the events that had taken ce since she first arrived in San Teresa City.


    How the conste wouldnt help her at all, and no hotels would ept her, and how eventually Matoba had to take her in and give her a ce to live. After telling her all the details, Cecil nodded, almost as if she were consenting to the story.


    Ah I see. I was thinking that he had behaving all fidgety around me recently. Really? Yeah. Hes an idiot. Dont worry about him.


    Cecil smiled gently, looking like she had remembered something nostalgic from a distant past.


    What do you mean? Ah I dont think hed mind if I told you this. It doesnt even look like you have that kind of rtionship, anyways. And it would be particrly inconvenient if we had to hide it. ? Kei and I used to be a couple. Wha


    Trna was surprised at how surprised she felt. For some reason now she saw Cecils smile in apletely different light all of a sudden. What was this feeling? Was it alertness? Why did she suddenly feel threatened? Cecil was a good person, and she was a trustworthy, fine woman.


    So Cecil and Kei used to be lovers?


    She never noticed. She did think they looked like a former couple at times, but usually dismissed it as just an impression and nothing serious. Thinking back of all the interactions she had seen of them, they were mostly casual lighthearted exchanges, so she never really got the impression that they were anything more than friends.


    Are you surprised? N No not at all Ohe on. I told you the truth already, so you could at least be honest with me as well. Youre right, Im sorry. To be honest I am surprised.


    Cecilughed loudly at her blunt honesty


    Youre a really fun girl, Trna. Im growing to like you more and more. Youre ttering me but I dont really understand where youre going with this. I wasnt I wasnt really talking about rtionships between men and women to begin with


    For some reason her face started growing hot, and she couldnt force herself to look Cecil in the eye, instead focusing all her attention on a specific spot on the table. She could feel her back getting moist with sweat. Why was she freaking out? She didnt even understand it herself.


    Thats fine. He is a man, and you are a woman. And sometimes its really hard to clear stuff up with macho types like him. Ma Macho? Thats right. Just listening to you, I think I get the gist of it already. Im sure youve been meaning to ask him what he thinks of you as a partner, right? Yes. Exactly. If thats what you want to know, then you shouldnt worry about it. Kei has absolutely no mercy with people he really hates, or people he doesnt trust at all. If he absolutely didnt want to work with you, then he would go straight to the boss and ask for a different partner, or even ask for a different position. Hes that influential. Influential? Or rather, I think thats just because hes part of the militarys devil squad, so hes an incredibly valuable asset for them. If he werent there, that entire Vice departments backbone would copse upon itself. Which is why, if he really wanted to drive you away, he could even have you sent back to Semani. But he wont do that, and I think thats because very deep within his heart, he really does believe in you. Hm


    She couldnt figure out his feelings whatsoever. She wouldnt just be able to ept that such a sarcastic and rude man had actually believed in her all along.


    To be honest, I think youve saved his life several times already. And mine as well.


    Cecil said smiling.


    And I think that he definitely sees you as a necessary ally because of your deep knowledge of Semanian culture. However, hespletely ipetent at voicing his own feelings, so I think thats truly his biggest w which is why in the end hes having you go through all kinds of hardship. So thats the deal with him? You dont look too convinced. Are you sure you werent expecting something else? No, not really. I think I get it now. I have to thank you for this.


    Cecil looked at her getting flustered and quickly denying her question, and then thought for a bit about something.


    So, I think that in the end the problem wasnt really about work, huh? What do you mean? I mean, I think you like Kei, dont you? Personally, as a man. I wouldnt go as far to say that you loved him, but nobody wants to spend time together with a man they hate. Which is exactly why it makes you feel so troubled and sad when he behaves like that around you. Tha thats


    Trna was left speechless after Cecil stopped beating around the bush and asked her directly


    You dont have to think so hard about it. Do you hate Kei? No. I wouldnt say I particrly hate him Well, there you have it. You have to ept the fact that you like him first. Bu, but even if you say that li-li-like isnt really a word I would use either.


    She was trying to deny it with all her might, as her mind kept racing. It was true that she didnt hate Matoba. However, she also didnt feel like telling him she loved him or that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Trna had never felt that way about anyone herself, so just thinking about it confused her.


    But she wanted him to notice her. Which was why she had bothered to remember how to drive that nasty car of his. But her attempt to move it herself after that big car chase had resulted in a catastrophic failure. And she knew that the shock to him was simr to the shock she would get if something ever happened to her own Krge.


    Thats right. Looking at you both from a distance, I think youre kind of like a big brother and younger sister. Brother and sister? Yes. The love between two detective partners isnt necessarily a romantic or lustful one, but at times resembles the strong bond of a brother and sister Yeah, I think thats it, it must be that.


    Cecil seemed to remember something by herself, and then nodded on her own


    Trna. Please dont tell him I told you any of this. ? Sure Kei lost his younger sister about ten years ago, right here in San Teresa City. Back when he was part of the military in Semani, they had nned to meet each other, but then she was shot by some junkie.  I dont remember if it was Kendo or Karate but she was a healthy girl that used to practice one of those sports. I wonder if perhaps one of the reasons he became an officer in this city was his sister. I think maybe you remind him of his younger sister on some subconscious level or something like that.


    Trna heard Matobas story, and then immediately an image of her own older brother appeared in her head.


    He was already gone. He had been drafted for some armed conflict that wasnt even a full out war, and his death cleared her familys name. Thest she remembered of him was him smiling back at her dressed in a silver ted armor.


    I had never heard about that Yeah, Im sure you haven''t. He only told me about it once.


    At that moment, the waitress came in with their dishes.


    The cream soba bowl that Trna had ordered consisted of a bed of rice with cream sauce smeared on top, along with soba noodles. The natto ginger pudding was as the name implied, a pudding of natto and ginger mixed together. Cecils fried sushi sandwich was shrimp sushi surrounded by bread and lettuce. Incidentally, Matoba had once referred to this restaurants menu as a total sphemy and said that they should apologize to the farmers who harvested the food.


    After eating almost half of her bowl with a fork and spoon, Trna asked Cecil


    Cecil. You said you were together with Kei, right? Thats right. So does that mean youre not close like that anymore? I mean does it bother you that Im living with him right now? Hm well I hadnt thought about it


    Cecil smiled mysteriously and then took a bite of her sushi sandwich in front of her.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (8)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (8)


    That evening.


    Even before Matoba and the rest could get a single clue, Tony had already caught something interesting. ONeill, the informant, had received a call. Apparently some man was trying to buy a huge amount of magazines, and they had the perfect guy for him.


    Understood. Hell be waiting at my <em>church</em> at 9pm.


    Said ONeill over the phone. His so-called church was obviously his own club. Tony confirmed and told Matoba; who was still working overtime, the new development and headed towards Seven Miles together with Godunov.


    It looks like we got our guy, huh?


    Tony sighed mncholically inside the car.


    You dont look happy. Of course not. I hate having to act all McCloud. Thats exactly the type of person that I cant handle at all. But isnt that the setting you chose yourself? It wasnt just up to me. Though, was it?! I was just worried about doing a proper job and then everybody started telling me to do this and that. It was a mistake to sumb to the pressure andmit to <em>that type</em> of character. Well, I guess youre right. Besides, Im sure Mike would faint if he saw you doing an undercover mission like this.


    Tony got annoyed at him dropping his boyfriends name like that.


    Stop! Im sure hed break up with me if he found out! Hed be incredibly shocked seeing me act like that, considering how sensitive he is. He absolutely cannot find out about this, okay?! Alright, alright.


    Godunovughed as he roughly turned the car.


    McCloud, huh? And I actually liked that guy, too. What are you talking about? Hes the worst.


    Said Tony in a disappointed tone as he took off his expensive jacket, untied his necktie, and unbuttoned his shirts top two buttons. He straightened the shirts cor, and took out a shiny gold ne and a rolex wristwatch from his bag. He took off his expensive Berluti shoes, and started putting on the horrible crocodile boots he had been keeping in the back seat. He styled his hair in a cheap pompadour with wax, and was ready to go.


    He took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror.


    He absolutely looked like one of those thugs he would only see in cartoons. It was perfect.


    Ah. No! Nooo! Dont cry. Look, were here already.


    Godunov stopped the Citroen next to ONeills club, and lightly tapped his distraught partners shoulder. Tony took another deep breath, clenched his abdomen and replied in a deep voice.


    Right. Leave it to me, buddy.


    He got out of the car, raised his chin, grimaced at his surroundings, grabbed his crotch with his right hand and then spit on the road. It was a perfect performance that could have fooled any bystander, but deep inside, he felt like dying.


    Yeah. Thats it, thats it. Shut up. Do you want to get killed, you asshole?


    Replied Tony in a cruel tone.


    Lets take a picture and show it to Mike Hey, please just dont do that, okay?! Your voice, your voice. Also, your feet. Ah, right Ehem Well then, lets fucking go!


    He started moving his shoulders quickly, and walking in unnecessarilyrge steps. They entered ONeills club and were guided by his bodyguard Kenny, who had been waiting for them. There was a single man there. A young Semanian drinking a daiquiri at the counter. Tony and Godunov sat on each side of him and ordered a wild turkey and a vodka martini respectively.


    Hey, you two. Im waiting for someone.


    The young Semanian spoke in a very upset tone.


    Shut up and listen instead of scurrying around like a fucking idiot. Wh- what did you say? This is for your own sake, now that Ivee all the way here. You can go if you dont want to.


    The man remained silent, apparently perplexed. And then started shyly asking questions.


    A- are you the buyer? What about introducing yourself before asking others? I- Im Gyarben. Okay. Im Tony McCloud, and hes Alex Ivanov. A pleasure, Gyarben. No handshake, so lets get straight to business.


    Godunov raised his thumb at Tonys tough guy act from behind the Semanian man. He then silently mouthed the words Good, good, keep it up!


    (Shut up, please!)


    Tony opened his mouth and thoughtlessly moved his lips at Godunov.


    What? Nothing Anyways, that bastard ONeill told me that you have something you want me to buy from you, huh? Yeah. But are you sure you can buy it, though? If possible I would like to check that you have the cash first. You just have to show it to me. Show it to you as proof? What are you, stupid, kid?


    Tony put his arm around the man, a gesture he frequently saw from random thugs, and shook him as if he was trying to tell him something.


    He- hey! Whats up, Gyaby? I can call you Gyaby, right? Do I really look that fucking broke to you? Ive been doing business like this since you were still a brat sucking on your mamas tits.


    After listening to Tonys threatening tone and words, Gyarben desperately started to exin himself.


    No, I wasnt trying to diss you or anything like that. Its just that I wanted you to consider some of my personal circumstances as well


    Tony found his innocent gesture of raising both hands in front of his chest and shaking them lightly kind of adorable. He was also pretty good looking, and despite trying his best to act like a thug, he didnt have the act quite right yet, so he looked more like a frightened baby goat.


    What a bad boy. Hes not even questioning whether Im in fact a detective or who Im pretending to be. I almost feel a little bad for him.


    Dont underestimate me you kid. I may be lenient, but Ivanov right there is not. Hell cut you up with no hesitation if you disrespect us. He took out an eye from this cheap bastard the other day and cooked some pirozhki with it. I dont want that to happen to you, got it? Eek.


    Tony kept thinking as he gripped the man by the neck.


    Whats with this kid? His body looks so frail. I wonder if he even works out at all? And his skin is so pretty and smooth. His build is so tiny and mellow Maybe its because hes a little nervous, but his subtle blush is just wonderful. Am I feeling flustered over this guy?


    Tony. I think you should leave it at that.


    Godunov spoke up to him as he mouthed Focus on work from behind Gyarben.


    Youre right. I dont want to make you shit yourself. Hehhehhe I- Im sorry. Please forget I ever said anything about the money, Mr. McCloud.


    Perhaps Gyarben was feeling some unexinable danger that he could not even rationalize himself, but he stood up from his seat hastily. Tony grabbed him by the nape and forced him back into his seat.


    Dont worry about it, just sit back down, Gyaby boy. I think youve already proved your worth to me. Spineless bastards wouldve just shit their pants and tried to run their asses away before getting into trouble. But well, I think you look like a promising individual. Re- really? Yeah. Look at this


    Tony took out his phone and opened up the San Teresa bank ount bnce, showing it to Gyarben. He had 834,321 dors remaining. Of course that was just money for show, and in no way was he allowed to spend it.


    Wha- are you for real? Got it? And this is just a part of it. So now show me the stuff boy, and then we can move on to the specifics. I have pictures of it, if thats okay I can bring them over eventually though


    He said, as he pulled out a physical instant picture from his pocket.


    It was a warehouse somewhere. There were magazines on top of more and more magazines Another Semanian who was probably Gyarbens partner was also in the picture as he read a newspaper from today, and held some strange porn magazines on both his hands.


    Huh. So it was true after all Theres just too much porn on Let Dorini


    Said Gyarben


    But Let Semani is not like that. There are also almost no DVDs or digital media whatsoever, and people dont know about them either. Up until recently all we really had were paintings and novels. And then printed porn books started being sold. They were mostly some Penthouse magazines that had been left behind by Dorinis after the war. Ive heard that the shock those magazines caused was incredible. Hm Im not sure if this is a rumor, but apparentlyst year the Farbani nobility gathered some of them and secretly auctioned them. Ive heard that the very first issue with a Semanian model who appeared in a yboy magazine as Miss August earned them so much money that they could even afford to hire over fifty personal military bodyguards for an entire year. I- is that so


    Tony started feeling strangely tired and sorry for them. With enough money to actually hire over fifty people, they could have probably even hired the girl herself. What could he say? Maybe Semanians were just idiots when it came to issues like that.


    So I came here and looked at even more impressive magazines and books that were being sold here and there. So far these books have mostly been sold by very few people who came back with them, but what if you started selling them in bulk? Wouldnt you be able to make a lot of money?


    After enquiring a bit further, Gyarben and his other two partners hade to San Teresa city as janitors, but the pay was low and living expenses were high, and no matter how hard they searched, they couldnt find any good jobs, so in the end they had to steal to live. They started with small thefts, putting their hands into vending machines, but eventually they had the idea of stealing a lot of porn magazines.


    Thats what I thought. Youre smart, aintcha?


    Said Tony, and then Gyarben smiled, ttered.


    Y- you think so? To be honest I just want to live a good life. Being ambitious is a pretty good thing, Gyaby Boy. Porn, huh? I give it to you, thats pretty good. There are perverts from all races and countries after all. I also found Miss August pretty hot. Really?! Do you know her?! Yeah! I couldnt get enough of her amazing tits. My mouth waters thinking about it, and I get hard just remembering her.


    Tony and Gyarben looked at each other and startedughing.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (9)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (9)


    Miss August?! What is wrong with me?! Im the worst!


    Said Tony half crying as they were driving back.


    I cant stand this. This work is definitely not for me. Getting hard?, Amazing tits?, Fucking hot?!, I almost feel like vomiting after speaking so disgustingly. I feel almost as if I had dived into a pool of filthy water. Shouldnt making love be all about the connection between two people? The heart-to-heart connection is the most important part! Well you may feel like vomiting all you want, but to be honest as a performance, it was pretty much wless. Unfortunately for you.


    Said Godunov from the drivers seat


    Hey, Alex. Do you think that maybe we could switch next time? I think that would definitely be much better. Thats nonsense. Youre much better ating up with good answers, and youve studied this stuff as well. I think the best role for a guy like me is just staying in the back and ying along. We talked about this when we were first paired up, right? Well, thats true, but


    Within the current setting, Tony was ying the role of the negotiator, and Godunov was simply ying his partner. Ultimately, the impact would be much softer if it was Godunov who did all the talking and stood out, while Tony kept quiet in the shadows behind him.


    Ah, I hate this. I ended up using up all of my mental strength and now I just want to eat something sweet. Want to go to the donut ce or something? Alright alright. Your wish is mymand.


    ~o~O~o~


    The night Tony met up with Gyarben from the gang, Matoba went back to his house in the warehouse district by himself.


    Trna had told him that she would be staying over at Cecils tonight. Its not like it made much of a difference to him anyways. He simply said Oh okay, and didnt ask any further questions. He wondered if maybe it would be better to call Cecil and make sure she wasnt bothering her, but decided against it in the end. She probably wanted Trna to stay over as well, so all was well. He would just go home quietly without anything noteworthy happening.


    The city buses werent running anymore, so he had a coworker give him a ride instead. The car stopped in front of his house, he got off and entered the first floor from the garage.


    The house felt strangely spacious without the Mini Cooper S and Trna.


    The room that Trna had been creating for herself inside the garage was still there just as she had left it. Materials and tools were still lying there, all over the ce. But the quality of the work she was doing was actually pretty good. Even though as far as he remembered she was meant to be the daughter of some Farbanian noble family or something, this kind of craftsmanship was pretty unexpected.


    As he got to the second floor, Kuroi came out to greet him like always. He patted her soft furry back, and she meowed while looking up at him. Her round, amber eyes were almost asking him wheres Trna?


    She said she would be staying somewhere else tonight.


    Kuroi started purring. She didnt seem particrly sad or lonely. It was more of an epting purr. Well, that was fine. She wasnt a particrly smart creature to begin with.


    Thats such a shame. She seemed to be quite fond of you, you know?


    Some of her belongings were still lying there in the living room. He was thinking about how he would have to pack them all up and send them to her eventually.


    ~o~O~o~


    I couldve caught him right then and there.


    Said Tony to the group of detectives in the briefing room


    But I thought that the entire mess of arresting a criminal might end up stinking ONeill up, right? Besides, apparently there are other people coborating with Gyarben, so I was thinking of getting them all at once. In any case, I simply arranged some stuff with him, and let him be on his way.


    Other than Tony, there were also Matoba and Trna, Zimmer and Godunos, and two other Vice detectives, raising the total to six other people.


    Stinking someone up was an euphemism used in ONeills underground society to talk about someones trust being hurt gravely. If an official was able to catch a criminal right after being introduced to him by ONeill, that would put him on a tight spot, and he would not be able to work as an informant for them anymore. So when will the trade happen?


    Asked Matoba as he skimmed over some documents. He was wearing a ck shirt and an orange necktie. It was a Versace full body attire. Tonys 70 points had been the highest any of his attires had gotten in recent memory.


    Tomorrow at 6am. Were scheduled to bring both the money and the goods to Sheffields abandoned factory. So were going to catch him there, right? How much backup do you think youre going to need? How many members does the gang have? Gyarben told me that they were three people including him. I wonder We tried talking to the injured warehouse worker, but it feels like there were more than just three people there. Managing to carry almost ten thousand magazines in the span of five minutes from the activation of the security rm until the security guard came seems like too much work. There was a forklift operator, someone receiving stuff on the truck and someone taking things out of the warehouse. At least those people are confirmed. And there probably was a driver and someone keeping watch. Though its true that security cameras only caught three people, but still To be fair, they didnt look like particrly tough guys. I think it should be fine.


    Tony didnt look keen on requesting backup from local officers. There was a general negative perception of borrowing officers from other departments or zones, and mixing in unknown faces in a mission wasnt always the best idea. He was thinking that maybe they could simply have the four avable people at Vice at the moment as backup and make do with that.


    No way. We will have the fourth division help us with three patrol cars.


    Said Zimmer who had been quiet and listening to their conversation the entire time


    Well have at least six of their officers and Matoba and Exedilika from Vice. We can also get Malcolm and Dyson, and that would make us 11 people in total counting me. What about us? I dont think you counted us. You will be in charge of the arrest, as Tony McCloud and Alex Ivanov. I see. Understood.


    Tony and Godunov shrugged


    The duo of McCloud and Ivanov would have to keep going on undercover missions afterwards, so the best way to protect their personas was to have them get caught along with the real criminals. They wouldnt let them meet with the criminals again, and then supposedly let them free after not being able to find sufficient evidence to charge them with any crimes, thus making them viable for future missions.


    Its a great strategy especially when there is no certainty on whether theyll be able to imprison the criminal for a rtively long time.


    What about the notice to the fourth division?


    Said Matoba


    Ill send it myself. Well gather in Sheffield at 5am tomorrow morning and get everything ready. Any questions?


    Nobody raised their hands


    Alright. In that case, that is all.


    All of them gathered their cellphones or documents, stood up and left the meeting room while chatting with each other.


    Matoba. Stay here.


    Zimmer called out to him.


    ~o~


    Whats up? How is Exedilika doing?


    Asked Zimmer after Trna had left along with the other detectives.


    Trna, huh? Theres nothing wrong with her as far as I know. She usually sits down and listens to meetings like this quietly. Especially because she still has a lot of stuff to remember. But Im sure shell manage somehow. I see. Is there anything wrong? No. Its just that I had never worked with a Semanian before. My superiors are also somewhat uneasy about her, so I was just checking. I know, right? She never received any training as an officer, and she has absolutely no experience patrolling either. Well, thats true.


    Zimmer had a sour look on his face.


    Though in reality there were absolutely no legal issues with having Trna work as an officer despite never having formally studied for it. Since San Teresa City was a special and autonomous region, it had a police system specifically designed so officers from many different countries and regions would be able to be hired with ease. In fact, most of San Teresas officers aged over thirty used to work in other cities but were eventually transferred or hired there.


    In this case, the meaning of Officers from other countries had a very specific meaning.


    There were many Farbanian and Semani citizens mixed in with the poption of San Teresa City. Ever since Mirage Gate first appeared, the governments of several countries from both Earth and Semani signed the Kariena Treaty, a basic treaty of mutual understanding and unification of a basic legal framework. Thanks to that a lot of different agreements were made between countries from both sides. Within that treaty, a specific use mentioned how officers from the Semani world had to be treated with the same respect and position as officers from Earth.


    Strictly speaking there was nothing simr to a Police force in most Semani countries, which were still mostly feudal societies. The closest figures were knight orders and the military. Trna was a Farbanian Valsch, a rank equivalent to Matobas sergeant. This was an extremely unfair assessment ording to many Police Sergeants that had to work diligently for years to get to that same position, but that was still the current situation.


    Thats also the reason Trna was suddenly transferred to Earth, despite still beingpletely clueless on many aspects of Earths society and culture. It was just a legal loophole in Matobas eyes, but that was precisely why it couldnt be helped.


    If anything, the real problem was why the HQ superiors were still adamant on keeping a Semanian officer hired with no apparent reason. It was true that Trna had threatened them after the incident with thete boss Roth, but there was no way that was the only reason for it.


    Even Zimmer, who was hired a littleter after Roths incident, had been talking with his superiors about it and probably found it strange himself as well.


    I know. It seems like theres a lot going on in her own country as well. And Im sure that there would be plenty of people who would love to see Trna fail, and plenty of people who would love to see her seed. Even <em>on our side</em>. For instance, I heard that the head of the crime prevention department has been having dinner with the consul recently. And Im sure other people have their own particr circumstances as well. So its a time bomb? It is a time bomb. Which is exactly why I want you to look out for her. <em>And to do it thoroughly</em>. For fucks sake this is why I hate politicians Stopining. If anything, I think it will be something worth remembering in the future.


    Matoba found that response rtively out of charactering from Zimmer. So far he had only seen him as a good for nothing old man, but now he almost felt respect for him. And Matoba could definitely see amon ground they could eventually share.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (10)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (10)


    You want to keep doing this for a while, right? In that case, you need to learn how to raise your voice and put on an effective front like I do. I wonder about that. I thank you for the advice, but to be honest Im not particrly interested in management and that kind of stuff. I was like that as well when I was your age, but as you keep wanting to be able to do more and more stuff, youll realize that you need to be in a position of power to do so. You can do as you please right now, take your time to mull it over, boy. So youre treating me like a child now? Of course. And you have to listen to your elders, as well. Ill do that then, Bill.


    He simply tried calling him by his first name for no particr reason, but unexpectedly, he didnt get angry about it.


    Dont call me that in front of others, though. Understood, boss.


    But just as he was leaving the conference room they were in with a bitter smile, Zimmer called out to him for a second time.


    Ah, I almost forgot. Take this with you. ?


    Zimmer threw something at him. He took it swiftly and looked at what he now held in his hand: car keys. They were ck and elegant electronic car keys. They had an emblem of a trident engraved right in the middle.


    Boss. No way, are you for Shes in the parking lot waiting for you. Take a look.


    ~o~O~o~


    A ck and shiny Maserati Coupe was upying a single spot in the underground parking lot of the Police Departments HQ.


    It had an elegant shape with two doors. Its curved front grill looked special while still retaining a peculiar ssical energy to its design. The 90-degree V8 engine with 405 horsepower and its elegant appearance would be hard to ignore for any regr passerby.


    As for its real leather interior, it was full of smooth and beautiful curves, and extremely carefully crafted seats along with a beautiful steering wheel. He could practically smell the gentle power with which a driver would be surrounded by while driving it. Matoba couldnt wait to start using the car everyday, apanied by its discrete analog meters.


    Matoba muttered almost as if he had just seen the most beautiful woman on earth,


    Im d to be alive


    Im so d I took this job in the first ce. Sorry, my good old Mini Cooper S. But I will be traveling with this car from now on. A beautiful hundred thousand dor girl. Of course he knew that in reality it was just a confiscated vehicle from somewhere, but he would still be treating it like a pure maiden, with tact and care.


    Ah. I wonder what itll sound like if I just turn the ignition and start driving it right away.


    He paced back and forth a little, and then finally slowly walked up to the Maserati, cing a single finger on top of its sparkly perfectly polished ck bo.


    Trna walked up to him and gave her unsolicited opinion in a rude tone.


    I think the previous automobile was definitely better and more charming. Shut up, you idiot


    Said Matoba to what he perceived to beplete nonsense.


    As if you could appreciate how good this car is when you havent even gotten a temporary license yet. Ah the license? Well, I did get one.


    She pushed several documents in front of Matobas face.


    I already passed the written exam. Now Im going to be moving on to the driving part of the course. I received some intensive tutoring from Cecil, and she also helped me practice at night. I dont even forget about the handbrake anymore. Hows that? Oh. Uh I see, good for you.


    Replied Matoba rudely, and then he got on the Maserati and started the engine. A fantastic sound roared through the entire parking lot, and a strong vibration started agitating his entire body. Trna spoke to Matoba in a voice loud enough so it wouldnt drownpletely in the sound of the engine.


    Can you hear me, Kei? Yeah! What are you going to do tonight? Huh? Are you going to stay at Cecils again?! Well, thats Thats fine, do as you please! Im just going for a test drive, okay?!


    He stepped on the elerator. And almost like a bullet, the Maserati sped up and dashed forward. The handle was light and gentle. He tested it by driving left and then right gently.


    He left Trna behind, despite her looking like she had something to say, and Matoba drove away from HQs parking lot.


    ~o~O~o~


    It was early in the morning. 4:55am, as Matoba drove up to the parking lot in Sheffield. His test drive that had begun the previous night ended up covering over 150 miles in distance.


    The twelve officers excluding Zimmer were already gathered at the parking lot. They were all going to be participating in the raid on the members of the porn stealing gang. There were the guys from Vice and six uniformed officers from Department 4. They were all making idle chit chat mixed in with some typical policeman ng. Godunov was talking about some gossip while the uniformed guys allughed.


    Trna had apparently gotten a ride from Cecil.


    Tony got close to Matoba and whispered Isnt she a bit colder than usual?


    Who is? Trna. At a first nce she looks calm, but somehow she just looks upset. Really?


    Trna was standing with Godunov and the others, and she seemed to be asking something to a uniformed officer. She probably didnt understand some particr ng term or something like that. The other officersughed and started exining it to her. A lot of officers hated Semanians, but these guys were apparently very interested in Trnas very existence, so they werent disying any signs of hatred or rejection towards her.


    Hey, Im sorry. I got carried away by my new car. Youre the worst. Why do men always get so engrossed in their cars or whatever? Ive wondered that as well. It must be one of the seven greatest mysteries of the world.


    Said Matoba as he tried to hold back from yawning. He had been driving all night nonstop after all. He didnt really intend to sit back and let the entire mission carry on without him, but this was mostly going to be Tony and Godunovs work after all. And the criminals were probably all just a bunch of low life losers, so it should be fine. He had nned to simply go back home and take a good rest after the mission was taken care of and the paperwork handled.


    Zimmer got to the parking lot driving an old Toyota Crown.


    I think were all here. Lets go over the n again then. Hey, Matoba. Here.


    Matoba extended a map on top of the patrol cars bo, as he started exining all the necessary information to the present units. Their cement, and the routes they would be taking, the methods they would use to block the roads, the frequencies they had to tune their radios to and so on. He also mentioned some potential problems they could run into, and which car they would be taking Tony and Godunov to, separating them from the gang members. How they would react in case the gang members were armed. And what they would do if anybody got seriously injured.


    So its something like that. Any questions? I have one, Mr. Sargeant. Are we going to be splitting the porn magazines equally among us?


    Said a patrol officer jokingly.


    You can have them all for yourself if you want to. Though youd probably be an old man before youre done with them all.


    The officers allughed out at Matobas response. Zimmer made a bitter expression almost as if he were biting into a huge bug, but he didnt seem like saying anything in particr about it.


    Well, Im mostly joking, but you know, theft is theft. So theres no way anyone can take any magazines or books. Anyways, lets get on it.


    The uniformed officers all went back to their respective cars, and started moving with their lights off. The officers from Vice all headed straight to the nned location. Trna also got on the passenger seat of the Maserati without saying a single word.


    Did you drive nonstop through the night? No, I had to do some work at some point, but to be honest I did spend most of my time driving. Let me drive. No way! I already understand the generalyout of a car, and I almost have my license already. It would be better if I knew how to drive it when the timees. Absolutely no way. This car is almost twice as powerful as the Mini Cooper. Theres no way I will lose it to your destructive hands. Youre an asshole. I dont care.


    Matoba drove the car to his designated location.


    Hey. Are you still staying at Cecils? Yeah. I decided to move in with her. Im moving tomorrow.  I see. Your stuff is still at my ce though Thats okay. Ill carry it.


    Said Trna bluntly.


    Matoba stopped the car at a side road from which they could easily observe Sheffields abandoned factory, the ce where the supposed trade was going to take ce. They were about 200 meters away, and there was still no movement at the scene.


    The two remained almostpletely silent. asionally they would receive some information or instructions from Zimmer on the radio.


    It was almost dawn, but that part of town still had very little traffic at that time. After about fifty minutes, Tony and Godunov arrived in front of the abandoned factory driving their Citroen.


    Were here. Though it seems like Gyarben and the others havent arrived yet. Understood. Stand by.


    Replied Zimmer.


    ~o~


    It was a little past 6am, the time of the appointment, as they heard a Diesel engine getting closer. Arge truck with a container, and another small vehicle drove past the mostly deserted coastal warehouse district, and then finally stopped right next to the abandoned factory.


    Thats them.


    Which meant that the container was packed with porn magazines. Gyarben and his partners got out of both vehicles.


    It seemed like they really were just three people.


    The n was for Tony to check the contents of the truck, show them the money (all cash) he had brought with him, and then just as the business was about to be closed, all units would jump at Gyarben and the others, and catch all of them.


    Tony had a hidden device with him, so they could hear his conversation with the gang as well.


    Sorry for making you wait, Zeetha McCloud. We had to take a little more time getting all of them ready I dont give a shit about your excuses. Just show them to me already. Yeah right here


    Looking through the binocrs, they could see Tony and members of the gang walking towards the back of the truck. Godunov simply stood still next to the Citroen, and wouldnt leave its side with the money inside no matter what. As morning rolled in, the abandoned factory and its surroundings started getting lighter, to the point where it was even possible to make out their expressions from a distance. As they opened the back of the container, Tony whistled cheekily.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (11)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (11)


    Holy shit you managed to gather a lot of them. Im sure Id be a fucking geezer after I was done with all of them.


    He could hear theughing voices of his coworkers on his earphones. Even Matoba was stifling hisughter.


    Thats my joke there, cowboy. Come up with your own. Dont mess with me right now!


    Whispered Tony into the microphone, but Gyarben replied in confusion.


    Huh? Nothing. In any case, I think were set. The cash is this way. Ah, ah.


    Tony and the others returned next to Godunov and the Citroen. On Tonysmand, Godunov opened the trunk and took out a boston bag from it.


    Here it is. Use it well. Right. Darsch Zanna. Darsch Nah Zanna! Zeetha McCloud!


    Gyarben and his two partners started jumping with excitement as they kept repeating the Farbanian word for thank you and looked at the bags contents. It wasnt even much money for such a deal. They didnt even seem worried at all about Tony and Godunov betraying them to begin with. As the scene kept unfolding, they could only feel sorry for the guys.


    Those Rahkebye


    Said Trna, annoyed from the passenger seat. Her face looked particrly flustered. Perhaps she felt embarrassed for them as a fellow Semanian.


    In any case, the gang epted the money. There was enough evidence already. It was time to work. Zimmer whispered via the radio All units, get ready.


    But then something unexpected happened.


    No. Wait. Two men areing from the abandoned factory. What? Did no one see them? This is bad, theyre armed.


    Matoba could see them from his position. They were two southeast Asian men who appeared out of the shadows of the abandoned factory, and were getting closer to Tony and Gyarben carrying a handgun and a shotgun.


    Hey, you bastards! Dont you dare move!


    One of the two men shouted at Tony and the others while pointing his gun at them. Godunov was about to reach for his own gun, but Tony grabbed his arm and whispered Wait, lets look at the situation first.


    Yun. Why are you


    Asked Gyarben. Apparently the man was Chinese.


    You thought you were going to get away with all the money for yourselves?! Let me remind you filthy bastards that it was us who helped you get all of those fucking mags in the first ce! Theres no way that shit fee you paid to us will cut it. You bastards were going to make 50 fucking grand with those magazines?! No, actually its just 5 grand


    Said Tony


    Shut the fuck up, I dont care. In any case give us the money. Come on! Hurry the fuck up!


    The Chinese man named Yun pointed his gun at Tonys chest.


    Apparently there had been yet another group of people helping Gyarben and the others with their thefts. They were apparently extremely upset at the idea of this trade taking ce, and so decided to arm themselves and take all the money for themselves.


    Theyre getting violent. It seems like they may be under the influence of a drug of some sort. This is bad.


    Matoba and Trna muttered, but then Zimmer raised his voice and gave the order.


    Well, theres nothing we can do about it. Were just charging straight ahead like this. All units move forward. Go, go, go! Fucks sake.


    He turned on the engine of the Maserati, and pressed on the elerator. At the same time, the other officers that were surrounding the abandoned factory also turned on their vehicles and sirens, and started moving towards the site of the trade. Matobas car came flying to the scene in under 10 seconds. He opened the door, and jumped outside. He pointed his gun at the Chinese man and started shouting at him.


    Dont move, police!


    The other patrol cars followed suit. Gyarben and the others raised their hands andplied with their orders, but the two Chinese men werepletely caught off guard, so their only reaction was to take Tony as a hostage and open fire towards the officers.


    !


    The shot bounced off the bo of a patrol car, and sparks flew in the morning sky like fireworks. Matoba tried to shoot the two men, but Tony was in the way and made it hard to get a clean shot. Godunov took his gun out of his jacket, but in the end he couldnt get a clean shot either because of Tony. As a consequence the two men noticed Godunov and shot him.


    The shot hit him right in the middle of his stomach and he copsed face up on the street.


    Alex!!


    The two Chinese men kept holding on to Tony as a hostage, and slowly got to the parked Citroen and got in. To make matters worse, the engine was still on. The Citroen elerated rapidly, and quickly got away from there. The uniformed officers shot at the vehicle in an attempt to make it stop. Sparks flew from the bullets and from the barrels of their guns. They managed to break one of its lights but not much more than that as it got away.


    Stop it! Youre going to hit Tony!


    Matoba ordered a uniformed officer who was still shooting right next to him to stop firing at them. He tried to grab the still hot barrel of his gun and pull it back, but the officer identally shot once.


    !


    Fortunately no one was shot, but the gun fired right in front of Matobas face. His sight went pitch ck from both the shock and brightness.


    He stumbled and fell on his butt. Was it from the gunsh? He could hardly see anything. His nose was burning, and his ears were ringing with his heartbeat. The only thing he could make out with his blurry vision was the officer that had identally shot the gun shouting something. His eyes were tearing up and he wasnt able to see much more than that. The first thing to return was his hearing.


    Im sorry. Are you okay, Matoba?


    Said the uniformed officer.


    Im fine, go take care of Godunov instead. Theyre looking at him already. He seems to be fine. He was wearing some body armour under his shirt so Im still alive, Kei.


    That was Godunovs hoarse voice. He was swearing and he sounded agitated.


    I think I pissed myself a little. Please dont tell Camie or the others. Nevermind that, Tonys in trouble


    We need to chase after them.


    Still barely seeing anything at all, Matoba stood up and started running towards his car. Immediately one of the patrol cars turned on their siren, and started chasing after them. The patrol car was so slow and sluggish, he could tell that by the sound alone.


    They would never catch up to them like that. Despite how Tonys Citroen might look, in fact it had been tweaked a lot by his partner. Both the engine and the undercarriage were also equipped with custom made parts. It also had some turbines and mufflers that no legal maker was able to sell, so it was perfectly equipped to beat even an official patrol car.


    The only one that can catch up to them is my new car.


    He sat in the drivers seat, but no matter what, his sight was still not back to normal. And he still wasntpletely used to the car, so he wasnt even able to find the handbrake or the shift lever. He kept moving his left arm vaguely trying to find them, while just muttering anything that came to mind without saying anything substantial.


    Fuck! My eyes fuck Leave it to me.


    He could hear a voiceing from right next to him. He could practically feel the other persons lips right next to his ear.


    It was Trna.


    What did you say? What are you going to Move it! Now! He- hey


    She pushed a still confused Matoba, and got in the passenger seat. She pulled his legs violently, and finally managed to push himpletely over to the passenger seat. She probably had used magic or something like that again, because she had some unbelievable strength in those tiny arms of hers.


    Wait, what are you going to do?!


    Shouted Matoba, his upper torso still lying below the dashboard.


    Isnt it obvious? im helping Tony.


    He heard the small metallic sound of the handbrake. He could hear the sound of the clutch being pressed. The shift lever being moved around, and finally the roar of the Maseratis engine.


    What are you talking about. Stop i


    He felt almost as if someone had kicked him in the face as the car pushed backwards. He clumsily fixed himself against the passenger seat, but almost immediately his head was violently rocked back and forth once again. He let out a sorrowful scream.


    Its the other way! Stop! Stop! No. This is the right way.


    The tires squeaked loudly. The car started violently swaying left and right. If he remembered correctly, they would crash into the factory if they kept going. They dodged a few patrol cars and the truck, and then the Maserati came to a sudden stop.


    Wha? Ready, Kei? Ill show you the results of my training. Sto


    Trna pressed the elerator. Matoba felt some intense pressure. He could feel his upside down body being crushed against the seat by the speed. The sky became a blur of color, his brain rattled inside his skull, his inner ear rocked back and forth in confusion.


    Hey, this is pretty easy! Youre still in first gear! Change gears! Change gears!


    Shouted Matoba over the roar from the cars engine as it kept gaining speed.


    Oh youre right.


    They suddenly lost speed. And then a sudden push forward as if someone had kicked the car from behind.


    Matoba kept screaming. The same scenario repeated a few times, until the Maserati suddenly stabilized and started swiftly moving forward while gaining speed.


    Ah there we go! Hows that, Kei? Stop this! Lets switch! Are you trying to kill me?! You cant even see anything like that. You just shut up and sit down. Alright Tony, wereing for you!


    The car kept moving forward. Trna kept driving in the direction Tony and his Citroen vanished while violently moving left and right and gaining even more speed. The terrible sudden stops and eleration had vanished, but it seemed like there was still something wrong. Matoba finally properly sat down on the passenger seat, and tried to take a look with his still poor eyesight. He saw their own car driving fast like a bullet on the <em>leftne</em>.


    They were driving insanely fast on the wrong side of the road!

 Book 2 Need for Speed (12)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (12)


    Youre on the wrong side of the road! Go to the other one, the other one. go back!! He- heeeeeeyy.?!


    A huge trailer was driving right in front of them and they were getting closer at an incredible speed. His horn sted at them like the roar of a huge beast. The instant their bumpers were about to crash into each other, the side of Matoba''s head mmed into the window next to him. Trna had barely managed to go left, avoiding crashing head first into the trailer.


    They crossed the strip in the middle of the road as the car violently bounced up and down, but eventually managed to return to the right side. Matobas head smashed hard against the ceiling several times, as he screamed in pain. His sight had been slowly returning, but now due to Trnas maneuver, he was seeing shes of light again.


    Alright, I think Im starting to get this. This thing you guys call speed driving isnt half bad. Actually, this is truly You dont understand a single thing, you alien! And you in particr really have no clue what youre talking about! Anyways just stop this already! If you dont Im going to There they are!


    Shouted Trna,pletely ignoring his words


    Thats Tony''s car. Ill catch up to them. To- tony is there? Were going to catch that guy.


    The Maseratis engine roared even louder than before. The morning sunlight, the road, and even the traffic lights all turned into a chaotic mess of lights and shapes that ran past them. Was she going over a hundred miles per hour already? Werent they driving on a regr street?


    Matoba was scared. He was in true fear of losing his life.


    The blonde haired goddess of death sitting behind the wheel was going to take him to the afterlife while looking oddly filled with pride or sheer happiness.


    The Citroen in front of them sped up as well. They had noticed the Maserati and were trying to get away.


    I wont let you do that!


    Shouted Trna getting caught up in the moment. Going at that speed, there was no real method to slow down whatsoever. The only thing Matoba could do was sink deep into his own seat and hold on tight to the cushion below him.


    Im begging you. Let me get off the car. Stop talking nonsense, were almost there. I dont want to die. Dont worry about that. If we die we wont even notice it.


    The Citroen kept driving past several other cars. It was getting close to an unavoidable turn. But it was not slowing down. And neither were Trna and Matoba. They were still chasing after them. And at that exact moment, the Citroen slowed down dramatically and quickly turned left. It crossed the intersection and kept driving east.


    The tires screeched. The engine roared.


    Blue mesing out of its exhaust pipe, as the sound of it kept reverberating through the road.


    But the Maserati wasnt going to lose either. It dashed through the intersection as the traffic lights were turning red, while slightly driving on top of the sidewalk. It corrected its course rapidly. A regr car that was caught off guard by its movements had to brake aggressively, causing it to spin and crash violently.


    This is good. I cant even find words to describe it this has to be what it feels like to be high or something like that, right?! I cant take this anymore. Just kill me already! The windows right there. Just jump off if you feel like it.


    She drove past yet another red traffic light. The Citroen was driving right in front of them again. Tony was sitting limp on the back seat. The man in the front putting his gun out the window was visibly panicking, and shot at them. Naturally he would miss while driving at such a high speed. But then


    They heard a loud high pitched noise. The front ss was fractured like a spiderweb. ss shards flew inside the car, Matoba and Trna both tried to cover their bodies.


    They hit me! Hey, Im hurt! What are you going to do about it?! Huh?! Stop crying like a little girl! Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck!!


    The two cars were leaving the harbor district behind and driving into amercial district. They kept driving forward as the Citroen started fleeing. Trna clicked her tongue, and maxed out the throttle. The Maserati started shaking heavily, and moving even faster, cutting the wind before it.


    Hey, dont tell me.


    She was going to pass them and cut in front of them. It was apletely insane technique. No, he was the one who had taught her that technique in the first ce. If anything, this was divine punishment for that.


    Wait, wait a minute! Theres no way that you I can do it! Stop!


    The Maserati barely managed to avoid crashing straight into the Citroen despite their efforts to block the road. Their right door crashed into it, and sparks started flying through the air. Matoba attempted to cover his ears as a piercing metallic noise resonated loudly. They passed the criminal with immense speed and took hold of the entire road as they slowed down aggressively.


    Ah!


    They crashed.


    The Citroen crashed into the back of the Maserati. Matobas back mmed hard against the seat. Hepletely lost his bnce as the car was thrown into a wild spin. All their surroundings turned into a sh of unidentifiable colors and shapes as they kept spinning. Even the sounds of their screams wereing from all directions at once. He could barely make out the shape of a construction site on the side of the road getting closer and closer.


    A violent sound came from somewhere outside. The Citroen had somehow be airborne behind them.


    On the other hand, the Maserati kept spinning until it eventually crashed into the first floor of the construction site. The cars hood tore into the safety. All sorts of construction materials started flying all over, the car barely missed beingpletely crushed by some scaffolding, and eventually it dug itself into a mountain of cement and finally stopped.


    What a fucking mess. Shit, what a mess.


    Maybe the cement had worked as a cushion, but for some reason he wasnt gravely injured. The airbags had been activated at some point and they were inted right in front of him. He hesitantly moved over the inted bags, and looked at the drivers seat. Trna was limply embracing the airbag.


    Hey, Trna Ugh. ah.


    She also seemed to be alright, though her eyes were still spinning from the crash.


    Stay right there!


    He tried opening his door, but a destroyed cement drum was blocking the exit. He tried pushing it and eventually managed to create an opening barelyrge enough for him. He stumbled his way out of the car. His head felt hazy and confused, and his eyes were stinging.


    They were on a construction site. A steel beam was hanging above him from arge crane.


    He turned around and looked at the Maserati. All of its exterior was badly damaged, and its windows were all shattered, but unbelievably, it seemed to have somewhat survived the crash. It would certainly cost quite a bit of money, but it was still salvageable. The fresh cement had saved their lives. They had been really lucky to crash into a rtively empty crash site, and not apleted building


    Thats right, Tony!


    He looked around and immediately found them. About fifty yards from there on the back of the same construction site, the Citroen was lying on its side with the left door at the bottom. Its rear wheels were still spinning. Matoba drew his gun and ran towards the car. He checked inside without lowering his guard.


    The man named Yun was still sittingpletely limp on the drivers seat. On the back seat there was yet another Chinese man together with Tony. Both of them werepletely unconscious too.


    Fucks sake all of them fucking useless


    He said in an annoyed tone, as he roughly dragged out both Chinese men from the car, disarmed them and restrained them with handcuffs. He then stuck his torso inside the car, and shook Tony softly trying to get him to react. He started muttering weakly.


    Oh Kei You died as well? This ce looks pretty grim and dreary for heaven, though Are we? Sorry but we aint going to heaven just yet. Can you move? Im sorry, Kei. I never thought it would turn out like this Dont worry about it. Pull yourself together,e on.


    After struggling a bit, he eventually managed to pull Tony out of the car. He wasnt gravely injured either. They would have to perform the appropriate medical examinations, but it didnt seem like he had been shot, and there were no evident exterior wounds either.


    In any case, mission aplished.


    He called Zimmer on the cellphone and informed him of the current state of affairs. He then walked back to the Maserati. It took around five minutes for the other officers to arrive at the scene. Gyarben and the rest of the gang were arrested and taken away without any further issues.


    As he returned to the car, Trna finally opened the door and walked out in a daze.


    Where are the criminals? What happened to Tony? Tony is fine. And we carrested them. I see. Thats good.


    Trna started copsing looking relieved. Matoba hurriedly caught her.


    Dont push yourself. Youve juste out of a pretty intense car crash. We still dont know if youre injured, for fucks sake. Its because youre always making fun of me.


    Trna said sulking.


    So So now youve seen That even I can pull off something like that. Im not awful at driving anymore either, got it? I got it, I got it. So please spare me the reckless driving again. See? Youre still doing it. Could you at least recognize anything I do right?! Hm Youre treating me like luggage! Even though everyday everyday Im studying hard. You only recognize my failures. If you dont ever tell me what I do right then who will?


    Trna lowered her gaze and fell silent.


    Hearing all she had to say, Matoba finally understood her feelings. Ever since she had destroyed his Mini Cooper S, he had been especially mean with her. Sure, he was angry, but he was also mercilessly attacking her. He had gone too far.


    She was trying her best and wanting that to be recognized.


    As he understood that, all his anger for her reckless driving a little earlierpletely vanished. They had aplished their mission, and no one had any life threatening injuries. If anything, it was thanks to her efforts that they had managed to save Tony from a much worse fate. Who knows what wouldve happened to him if they had just let them get away


    Im sorry.

 Book 2 Need for Speed (13)

    Book 2 Need for Speed (13)


    Matoba was frowning.


    I went too far with you recently. I know youve been trying your best all this time. .. I have to give it to you. Youve been kind of useful. So dont worry too much about it.


    Trnas eyes opened wide as she looked at him attently. She wasnt exactly crying, but she was staring right at him nervously.


    He said, frowning


    Do you really mean that, Kei? Yeah. For real, for real? Im telling you that its true. Lets leave what happened with the car behind. And that Maserati too well looking at it, it looks awful, but I think we can fix it. Dont worry about it. It can be fixed? I think so. The exterior may lookpletely wrecked, but the inside seems to still be okay. After everything is said and done, Ill even let you drive it and we can practice. For real?!


    Trnas face immediately lit up. Matobaughed as he calmed her down.


    Dont get too excited. But its a promise, as long as you drive safely


    At that moment, a noise came from above them. It was a metallic sounding from the wire from which the steel beams were hanging.


    ?


    As they looked up, the beams that would have presumably been used for constructing the building started moving as they kept hanging from the wire. There were several of them, each weighing a few hundred kilos.


    A part of the entire mechanism seemed to have broken with the prior crash.


    Suddenly, an explosive and metallic sound resonated throughout the construction site, and all the beams started falling as the wire snapped. The several gigantic steel beams were falling directly on the Maserati


    Ah


    Both Matoba and Trna eximed,pletely dumbfounded. At the same time, the beams started crashing and embedding themselves in the car. They fell on top of the engine and the cars innards, destroying itsbustion system and spilling gasoline all over, which then somehow caught fire and started burning.


    It exploded.


    As the two of them simply stood astonished in front of the wreckage, the Maserati Coupe kept burning.


    Ah ahh!!!


    Matoba fell to his knees in disbelief. Trna muttered behind him.


    It seems like its received quite a bit of damage. Do you think we can still fix it? Theres no way we can fucking fix it, you dumb alien! Wha- Whats with your attitude? Its burning! Its fucking burning?! We cant fix that! Youve gone and yet again killed my newest girlfriend you good for nothing!


    Of course Trna wasnt just going to take all the insults.


    What a whiny idiot you are! What happened with all that sweet talking from earlier?! Dont fuck around! Well have to go back to riding the bus with this! What are we going to do? Fuck, this is the worst. Its all your fault! Just die already! You idiot! ET! Alien! Your blood is made of acid! Like a barbaric half human is one to talk! You inferior creature that doesnt even know proper words of gratitude! And I swear by Kithenya, youre going to burn in hell forever! It is my car whos burning you idiot! Bring her back! Pay her back to me!!


    The other patrol cars started arriving at the scene, and the two of them kept insulting each other harshly all the time until the criminals were finally taken away.


    After being scolded by Godunov for wrecking his car, being heavily insulted by Zimmer for yet another reckless car chase, being made fun of by the four officers from the other departments, and receiving several safetyints from the fire department


    It was finallyte at night.


    Matoba took the bus back home, feelingpletely exhausted and dejected. He hadnt seen Trna at all since noon, and it wasnt his problem anymore. She had talked to him about moving somewhere else, so she had probably been busy with that.


    In all honesty, he had been so tired and busy, that he hadnt even had time to think about Trna.


    After the shy incident earlier that day had beenpletely dealt with, he had been showered by paperwork to fill, and had forced ONeill to stop his newest enterprise of bringing Earths printing and publishing industry to the Semani world. Now he was finally able to leave work.


    On the way home, he bought some buns and hotdogs at a convenience store for dinner, and was carrying them on one hand as he half opened the garage door.


    He entered the empty garage. Thinking about it, he hadnt been home at all in two days. Fortunately he had left plenty of food for Kuroi before leaving, so she wasnt going to starve to death, but she still probably felt lonely after that long.


    The parking space looked strangely empty without a car inside it. Especially considering a Maserati shouldve been parked there.


    Im home.


    Said Matoba, without hearing any response from Kuroi on the second floor.


    Then a voice spoke to him


    Hmph. So youre finally back


    He looked up, and saw Trnaing down from the second floor.


    What?


    She wasnt wearing her regr Farbani suit, but for some reason she was wearing a simple long dress. It was a white, silky one piece, and it had a modest Farbanian emblem embroidered on it. A tiny ck cat was right next to her.


    What do you think youre doing?


    That was a strange attire toe pick up her stuff.


    Im getting everything done. ? Right here. You can take a look.


    Trna nonchntly walked down the stairs, and headed towards the back of the first floor; a space that was meant to be used for storage. The door that looked so rustic and simple until a couple days ago was now adorned with an elegant tapestry or something like it. He looked at it suspiciously but decided to follow Trna and Kuroi into the former storage space. Within it was now somethingpletely different. A ce that seemed toe from apletely different world.


    What used to be a storage space had beenpletely remodeled into a Farbanian living room.


    The concrete walls were now hidden behind high quality curtains and paintings. A deep brown colored Barossa-style table was enshrined in the middle of the room, apanied by matching chairs and even a closet. There was even a cute dresser with a foreign design probably Swedish? However, it was all neatly arranged so the room didnt feel cramped.


    At the back of the room there was a homemade bed. It was also adorned with curtains with elegant patterns, and covered by pure white pillows and bedsheets.


    And it even had its own lighting. The gentle light of an oilmp and a yellow incandescentmp lit up the entire self-made room.


    What do you think, Kei?


    Said Trna,pletely confident in her results. It was truly an impressive room, especially for something built in so little time. It was decorated with Semanian elegance here and there.


    Well thats a nice hobby to have.


    He muttered, trying to let it all sink in.


    Right?! I had Cecil help me out for a couple of days, and just finished it, finally. This is going to be my room from now on. There are still a few things that I want to work on, but for now Ill consider itplete. I will be your newest guest after Kuroi. Consider it an honor! An honor huh You know this is my house, right? Dont worry about it. Im fine with it.


    Trna smiled proudly. It was such an innocent and lovely smile that getting mad at her would bepletely stupid.


    Apparently the only one who ever thought she would be moving somewhere else was him. She had always considered finishing this room from the beginning. She had only been staying with Cecil to ask her for advice or something. And well, there was nothing he could do about her finding out about him living together with Trna. She was a goodpassionate person anyways. Heughed bitterly and decided to leave it at that.


    Though he would have never guessed they would conspire together like that


    Anyways, you arrived just in time for dinner. Prepare yourself for a full course meal. Full course? That Kohshi Hikkari or whatever wasnt too bad, but its time that I show you truly civilized cooking. You two will be my very first two-legged and four-legged guests. Just make yourselffortable over there right next to Kuroi.


    Kuroi cried in eptance. Trna was about to exit the room and head to the second floor, when Matoba called out to her.


    Hey, Trna. What? Are you still mad about that car?


    Trna stopped in her tracks and said in a disappointed manner. It was an arrogant attitude, but Matoba saw anxiety in her eyes.


    For some reason that expression felt deeply nostalgic to him.


    It reminded him of his long gone younger sister


    Ai was also very pushy and assertive when she wanted, but sometimes she would also look at me like that. Whenever she would scold me for fighting with one of the nasty kids in the neighborhood. Or whenever she would force me to take one of her pretty poorly prepared bentos to school with me. Or the time she resolutely opposed me going to Semani as part of the PKF.


    Thats right, Ai was like this as well.


    Her eye color, her skin color, her hair color were allpletely different from Trnas. But she still was like her somehow.


    No


    Matobaughed bitterly


    Im not mad. I think I got used to the idea that theres nothing to do about it Alright then. Thats fine in that case.


    Trna giggled casually and disappeared behind the curtains. He watched her leave, and whispered to Kuroi as he started petting her behind her head.


    Well I have no idea what kind of food shes going to bring, but youll have to be my partner in this, Kuroi


    Kuroi started purring, and then replied with an uneasy Nyaa~.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (1)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (1)


    Episode 4 Do the right thing: the face of a thousand lies


    Nyaths memory of thest time he looked at his hometown was the sight of a port city engulfed by mes.


    The Zambenikan troops were starting the piging, and his mother was pulling him by the hand as they were running towards the veryst Moz.


    His mother was just the average Farbanian peasant, but to his young self she was the worlds most beautiful woman. Hurry up, Nyath She was trembling in fear of the attackers and, breathing heavily, she would turn around time and time again. She was desperate to flee from the attackers as quickly as possible. We have to hurry


    Several bodies were lying on the road. Even corpses of people Nyath knew. Neyani, the Mildita with the scary face. The old man Nuza who was always giving him Moray shells. Catinna, the craftsgirl from the neighborhood that he yed with countless times. All these people thatughed and cried, they were all lying dead on the ground. Dont look. Its just a little longer until we get to the Moz At that moment, he felt a woosh above his head, and heard a nasty sound. As he raised his eyes, he saw an arrow that had pierced his mothers head from the side. The tip of the arrow was sticking out of her other cheek, and her right eye was in an odd position. Ny A strange voice leaked out of her throat.


    His mother began falling slowly in his direction. The warmth of the fresh blood on his face, and the weight of the body both left asting impression on him. Nyath screamed as he was crushed by his mothers body, and began to cry uncontrobly.


    He could see the Zambenikan archers getting closer, despite his sight being blurred by his tears.


    It was an organized rank. They were wearing the silver masks that imitated the man-eating demons from Obiza. Thepletely merciless murder squad wasing to get him.


    One step, and then another step.


    Within the ever lingering smoke and fire the troops kept getting closer


    Nyath Maybell woke up from his dream. The morning lighting in from the gap between the curtains was dazzling. He reached for the Seiko rm clock on the side of his bed, and squinted at it. It was one minute before his rm rang. Ahh He flipped the rms switch, andnguidly got up. That was an awful dream. A dream about back when he was over there. It was a dark and distant memory.


    He didnt have that dream all the time. Maybe once a month, or even less than that. He felt as though it had be even less frequent recently.


    The nightmare where he failed hisnguage knowledge exam was a lot moremon. He had be able to use English in a non-awkward way, but to learn Latin on top of that! What a stupid decision that had been.


    There was a knock on the door


    Hey, Nyath? I heard a scream, are you okay? Ah yeah, Im fine dad.


    His adoptive father, Stan Maybell, opened the door, and leaned into the room.


    The usual dream? Yeah. But Im okay. Im already used to it


    Nyath forced a smile, and in a very Dorini-like gesture, shrugged. Stan nced carefully at him, and subtly nodded several times.


    Oh okay. Moms making breakfast. Come down soon.


    He heard his mom, Polly, humming downstairs in the kitchen. Stan vanished behind the door. Nyath washed his face and tidied his hair in the bathroom, came back to the room and changed into his Sherwood School uniform, and stood in front of the mirror.


    No problems. He couldnt really call himself the cool type, but at least he didnt look like ame Semani farmer. He hung his bag full of notebooks on his shoulder, and went to the dining room.


    Good morning, mom Oh good morning, Nyath


    Said Polly while serving the same scrambled eggs as always. There was also some crunchy bacon, and the previous days leftover chili beans.


    Nyath stuffed his breakfast quickly while looking at his watch. It was a normal day for this household. No particrly important conversations were taking ce. As always, Nyath was going to school, Stan was going to his Apple Hills office, and Polly was heading to her part time job at T-mart, after finishing the housework. Nothing special, just a normal morning.


    Stan was changing the channels on the TV. The weather was good, and the temperature was also warm.


    So hows school, Nyath? Asked Stan


    Nothing special. Its normal. Why? No. Since youre going to that kind of school. I just wanted to know you werent having a rough time Nope. Its full of rich kids, but Im not just a little kid that gets bullied, just because Im the Semani with the schrship Alright, then thats fine Stan nodded and took a piece of bacon to his mouth.


    By the way, hows it going with that girl? This time it was Polly who asked.


    Um that girl. Norue. Shes been giving you a ride recently, right? Ah theres nothing going on with Norue. We just live in the same direction, thats all. Is that so? Thats a shame, shes really pretty. Please stop that But Nyath, I think shes great for you! She also seems really modest you think so too, right? Mom I really wished you could be friends with a girl like that. How about asking her out just once? She coulde here and- Mom!!


    Without holding back, Nyath raised his voice. Stan and Polly had stopped eating and were looking at Nyath startled. I, asked you, to stop that! He was heavily irritated. And emphasized every word with a stifled voice. The two noticed their situation and came back to their senses, hanging their heads to the side.


    Ah Im sorry. In any case, were not like that. Im sure if I told her something like that, Id be troubling her. So Id rather not. Im sorry, Nyath No, its okay I didnt mean to hurt you. Its just that I get it. Anyways, Ill get going.


    He felt like he needed to get away, and so he left the table. He could see his adoptive parentspletely frozen in the reflection on the ss door. He picked up his bag and went out of the entryway, running to the bus stop a few blocks away.


    The streets felt fresh, with the locals walking their dogs or jogging, and cars going back and forth to work or to school. A refreshing morning scenery in contrast to his dark and gloomy mood.


    There was nothing between him and Norune. Honestly, she was just giving him a ride, thats all. She may have been a pretty and kind girl, and its true that they were good friends, but that was most likely just some Semanian affinity.


    Nyath had never achieved anything other than a good school performance to begin with, and what kind of appeal could a poor kid like him even have? Besides, his good grades only meant that he had been making an effort more intensely than other people for a while.


    Sherwood was a rich and prominent school in the area, and it was expected to get there by car. Its students luxury cars were always neatly lined up in the parking lot. Considering that, Nyathsmute by bus all the way from North Zalze, which was barely within the school district, was probably something tough at.


    For anybody to fall in love with someone like him


    What a boring life. A school life with no changes.


    His future was probably going to be the same. Maybe hed be able to afford a decent car, but that would be it. (Even though he was never interested in cars to begin with). He would handle his tedious everyday life wlessly, be bored of it all, and turn into a middle aged man.


    In that case, why was he going through the trouble of being a schrship student anyways? Learning those boring chemical forms, or remembering all that grammar by heart, staying upte reading to or writing a report what kind of purpose did all that serve?


    Even asking himself that, he had no idea.


    Nyath saw the school bus drive casually by West End about two crossings in front of him. If he didnt get on that one, hed have to wait ten minutes for the next bus.


    Shit! I have to hurry!


    Nyath hurried. He would make it in time if he ran. But just as he was about to cut through the crossing right in front of him, he got into a small ident. Someone hade flying from the side at the corner, and rammed right into him.


    Ow


    The moment he aggressively hit the ground, the contents of his bag scattered all over the sidewalk. His notebooks, writing materials, and his paperbacks. Nyath addressed the other person, as he hastily gathered his belongings.


    I- Im sorry. Are you okay?


    He stopped mid-sentence without thinking.


    The person that had run into him was a girl in a school uniform. For some reason she was carrying a baseball bat case on her shoulder. Her hair was long, and her eyes were big. Her skin was smooth and shiny. A girl so pretty she looked straight out of a CG anime. She still had a youthful air to her, while also having a smug presence.


    Basically, if it werent for her sitting right there with her legs spread open like a letter M, probably feeling a pain on her tailbone so strong it made tears well up in her eyes, she wouldve stolen Nyaths heart.


    U-um


    And with that, Nyaths gaze went straight into her skirt, clearly gluing itself to her thin underwear. From where she was sitting still, he could see it was wonderfully snow white and cerulean. And with horizontal stripes on top of that! It was not shy, but there was a modest cuteness to it.


    Ugh ah eh?!


    Having ovee the pain in her butt, it seemed like the girl had finally noticed her immodest position. She hastily closed her thighs, and lowered the hem of her skirt.


    D-dont stare that much! You rakebye! I-Im sorry


    Nyath, surprised at her insulting him in Farbanian, averted his gaze. Those features, and that ent. This girl was a Semanian, just like him.


    Are, are you hurt? Obviously. I cant just get bumped into and shrug it off like you. If I were normal, you wouldve torn my gorgeous body in half! Eh? Nevermind, forget it. Anyways, you should at least look in front of you when youre walking, you crapdunce!


    That wasnt a very elegant way to speak. It definitely irritated Nyath.


    Thats not even a word, is it? And werent you also ignoring what was in front of you? I even worried about you and asked if you were okay, what the- Oh!


    With just a nce, they saw the bus at the stop, and passengers had just begun getting on and off. The girl smacked her lips, stood up and started ferociously sprinting towards the bus, leaving Nyath behind.


    Ugh I cant bete on my first day after transferring Hey, wait


    The girl crossed the street at full speed, and ignoring the several cars that honked at her or had to stop on their tracks, rushed to the bus right in front of her. She barely made it in time, and the bus slowly drove away.


    That uniform. It was the same as his Sherwood uniform. He thought he was the only student in the area. But even more importantly, him beingte was a problem. However, the bus had already left. What am I going to do?


    Nyath gathered his scattered belongings, shoved them into his bag and looked up to the sky.<hr><ol><li>Semanian for transport ship</li><li>Semanian for idiot</li></ol>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (2)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (2)


    After sitting on an empty seat in the bus that had already begun moving, detective Trna Exedilika embraced the baseball bat case that contained her beloved Krge with both hands, and sighed in relief.


    I got on. No weird incidents to be seen


    Then a small earphone-like wireless device received a signal, and she started pulling hastily from the creases of her uniform.


    Thats obvious, youre just on your way to school. Theres no way any incidents will happen


    A mans low voice responded. That was her partner, detective Kei Matoba. He was tracking the bus from a 100 meter distance in an old Volkswagen.


    Just in case, Im abiding by the protocol If youre gonna say shit like just in case, then Id at least like you to avoid pulling anything that stands out. You crashed into that kid and shed your panties, what kind of bullshit is that?


    That was Matobas usual sarcasm. His disgusting words really got on her nerves. After something like that she would put an end to any ipetent man, but unfortunately, Matoba was extremely capable.


    There was nothing I could do That Semanian kid looked like he was from your same school. Poor thing. Isnt he gonna bete after all that? Not my problem It was your idea to go there by bus. Since this is a rich kids school, you couldve gotten in my car and I wouldve taken you there. To do this from North Zalze Shut up


    She whispered with a stifled, quiet voice.


    Well Im sorry. Who wouldve thought that real newbie undercover cop Lady Trnia Exedilika would get nervous? Over


    And so the line cut.


    Keh Imatuba. What a disgusting guy. He was always like that. Even though she waspletely serious, he only fooled around. He was constantly saying things that rubbed her the wrong way.


    Trna cowered in her seat on the bus, and as she started feeling nauseous, she received another call from him.


    What?!


    She raised her voice without minding the suspicious nces from the other passengers.


    Theres something I forgot to say ? But well, whatever, Im sure since its you, itll be fine Huh Dont get too grumpy. Enjoy it, since you wanted to be a high schooler. Over


    The line was cut again from his side. Trna was left with her mouth open for a short time, and then looked down, feeling her face getting hot.


    Theres no doubt, I totally despise that guy.


    She said after the exchange that left her feeling disgusted.


    Ever since Trna transferred to the San Teresia police department, there had been many first time experiences that had left her speechless.


    Even this time as an undercover cop makes me feel anxious, honestly.


    He had guessed that, and had decided to follow her. However


    Thats exactly the kind of thing that I cant stand!


    That shy disy of adultposure. Do I have no will at all to win at the disgusting Dorini socialdder? Ugh, it pisses me off.


    Three days before Trna Exedilika was transferred to Sherwood High:


    Yesterday in the early morning, a womans body was found lying naked on the streets of Queens Ballet.


    Said director investigator Bill Zimmer, in a small meeting room for the Special Vice Squad, located in the citys police department headquarters. Detective Kei Matoba stifled a yawn, as he leaned in to listen to Zimmers story. Trna was sitting quietly by his side, as several other detectives were all over the room looking intently at the screen.


    The first to find it were the local milk delivery workers. We received the report at 5:30. About five minutester, a police car that was patrolling the area arrived at the scene. There seemed to be no suspicious vehicles or individuals in the vicinity. At around 5:45 the ambnce arrived. However, the victim had already suffered a cardiac arrest by then. She was carried to Patterson Commemoration Hospitals emergency room, and was pronounced dead at 6:15.


    Back at the murder department, case briefings were carried out in a simr manner. They were always men that looked as if they were repressing all their anger and hatred towards the world. However, being in front of pictures of a dead body that looked like that, their faces looked as if they had forgotten all that energy somewhere else.


    Zimmer touched therge LCD disy that had gone dark with the tip of his finger, and a map, and a chronological recount ofmunications appeared on screen.


    The vice-director examiner of the autopsy department, that is, Cecil Epps, was in charge of the autopsy. The actual time of death was sometime between 3:00 and 3:30. The cause of death was severe overdose. There were no external wounds. Theres evidence to suggest that several hours before death, the deceased had engaged in intercourse with an unspecified number of men. Semen from several different blood types was found both within her stomach and vagina. However, it is believed that the chances of rape are low.


    Those were some crude picture, and some crude words.


    Trna was the only one with a grim expression; the other detectives faces remained unchanged. Matoba was the same, his reaction was equivalent to the one he showed with the slight price changes in the stock exchange.


    Trna whispered


    Everyone seems to be just fine Theres no way were fine. Officers who are fine would at least drop a juicy joke.


    Replied Matoba with a quiet, uninterested voice.


    Juicy jokes? Macho jokes. For example she probably just had too much of a cocktail or something. You gotta be moderate even when youre getting fucking wasted or something like that. No, thats not my joke right there. There was just this guy that once said something with a simr case a while ago, and Matoba


    Zimmer, who was exining the findings of the autopsy, called him out in disgust.


    What do you think about this? Tell us Ah sorry. Just by listening to the situation, it seems like just a hooker that did the wrong amount and died, and a client that panicked and simply threw out the body. Dont say it so casually. So if shes a prostitute, its okay for her to die like this? Its not like Im saying that Matoba thought that the sudden roughness was odd, but he understood the reason immediately afterwards. Zimmer projected the girls data on the screen.


    This morning, the subject was identified. The name of the deceased was Norune Norbam. She was not a prostitute. She was a second year student at Sherwood High. Only sixteen years old.


    Matoba took a deep sigh.


    So she was probably aplete angel up until a few years ago, she started getting into drugs, getting promiscuous, and ended up kicking the bucket carelessly and being thrown out on the streets. It wasnt as if this kind of case was unusual for this department, but that didnt make it any less revolting.


    Trna was looking down, and muttering something. He didnt understand it, but it was probably some kind of curse word in Farbanian.


    Sherwood High, huh? I remember hearing that somewhere. Isnt that a pretty good school? Yeah. There are a lot of wealthy students from Queens Ballet going back and forth between their estates. Its not a boarding school, but there are some students that do move on to Yale or Harvard afterwards


    Within all the schools with shallow history in San Teresia, it seemed this Sherwood High was an especially highly ranked private school. Maybe evenpeting for spot number one or two.


    Her mom is influential in her own field, and this Norune Norbams father was the same. Have you ever heard that Norbamst name? No


    Right by the frowning Matobas side, Trnia opened her mouth.


    Shes a Semanian, right? Im certain Norbam was a family namemon among priests. Thats right. Norunes father, Mister Moda Norbam is the board director of the New Gravani Church and he has an active participation in the rise in social standing of Semanian refugees. He also appears frequently on debate shows, right? Since hes handsome, his poprity with the olddies is quite high. I dont watch debate shows or anything like that. Theyre annoying My God is my fans, huh no, nevermind. Anyways, this Norbam didnte out and spill out everything about his daughters death, but instead he has been puttin pressure all over the ce. So that means hes a big shot? That means hes not just some teatime idol. Norbams church has power within the city government. He also has a big crowd wedged into congress. With only his call, he could get demonstrators to start an uproar. Hes also been involved with stuff like police scandals regarding Semanians, or making donations to organizations rted to themissioner


    Its slowlying back to me. Yeah, there was a guy like that.


    Matoba started remembering the face of amentator he had seen on TV while zapping.


    A debate show. Semanian. Handsome.


    He was talking with a distinguished tone. He was eloquent. He could finally match the name to the face.


    Yes. That Norbam. Thats because his daughters tragic death hasnt been extensively reported.


    Trna was outraged.


    Why? His daughter was killed in such an awful manner, right? He doesnt want to track down the truth? Its because theres a rumor that hes targeting the mayor. His daughter died from an overdose, so its not something hed like to make public anyways. Ugh


    Recently, Trna has been having fewer of these I just cant ept it moments whenever she hears stories like this. And at these situations that are hard to ept, now she just looks down and gets lost in thought.


    Matoba. You infiltrated that neighborhood as a broker about a year ago, right? Yeah. Though it wasnt that big of a case.


    He was able to arrest a small group of delinquents that had been selling cocaine to rich housewives in the Queens Ballet Brownthold area. It was before he was partnered with Trna.


    It wasnt something he had told Zimmer, but he probably had read it in his past report data or something.


    So you know anything? Now that you mention it, as I was undercover, that group of dealers did say something. Well start getting better customers now. These high school students are rich or something along those lines. The next day was the big roundup so I didnt think there could be any rtionship. To be honest, recently there have been simr rumors from department seven and other branches. That a new dealer has been carrying out his business with a high school partner? Even better then. Theres a possibility that a high school student has been handling the drugs. In that case, he must get his stock from somewhere. I dont think a student is just quietly growing marijuana. I dont know about that. The boss didnt want us doing that investigation. However, a prestigious school being infested with drugs is something we cant ignore. Its our turn now. So were saving the bosss ass again, huh?


    And so the general panorama was clear. Matoba and the Vice Squads task was investigating the sale of drugs and weapons, prostitution rings, and so on. And to carry out undercover/decoy investigations rting to that on a daily basis. It was good to have a small team that could do it stealthily.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (3)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (3)


    Infiltrating the school of the deceased Norune? We cant do anything else with our current situation. Its unorthodox, but not illegal. I want to investigate Norunes personal rtionships. How about McBee? Tony? Hm


    In the case of infiltrating as a teacher, fellow investigator Tony McBee might have been a good fit. Matoba thought so as well. Tony was well educated, and he was well mannered. He probably would be able to be popr with the students pretty smoothly.


    However, Tony and his partner investigator Godonov were not present at the time. They were at a restaurant in Diego Avenue, meeting with a small fry gangster. Their investigations for other cases had been piling up and for a while now they had been killing themselves working on various matters.


    Nah Tony cant do it. Besides, teachers are morning people, and his cases all take ce at night. Hed die from exhaustion. What about you, Austin and Estefan?


    The two female investigators sitting in the corner: Jamie Austin and Cameron Estefan, were being addressed.


    Were going to be working on the raid of the Chinese prostitution ring, so we dont have that spare time I see


    All other investigators were in simr situations. They especially were not interested in the school aspect of it. Because of their Vice duties, their time to sleep was from around dawn until noon, in the morning. Infiltrating a school would mean working 24 hours with no sleep.


    For fucks sake. All of you are pretty much useless


    Said Zimmer, as he fleetingly cast a nce at Matoba. It wasnt a nce that was simply asking for help, but rather a dramatic one. Immediately afterwards, he directed his eyes towards Trna, and trying to avoid being direct, he raised his eyebrows at Matoba in a gesture that said:


    Wouldnt this kid have a chance?


    He was just talkingst week in the smoking area with Matoba about Trnas integration, so Matoba guessed what he was aiming for right away. With the right undercover mission, he could have Trna learn a few things, and with that appearance of hers, it was hard to get a good opportunity to do so. It was just a matter of doing what felt right.


    Matoba nodded just slightly. And with that, Zimmer replied with a Should we have her do it? gesture. Im at a loss. Im also stuck working on an investigation in the morning so


    He baited Trna, expecting her self nomination with a In that case, isnt this a job for me?. Trna seemed to not have noticed the makeshift ploy between the two adults yet.


    Absolutely. I have no clue


    Matoba and Zimmer both crossed their arms. After a short silence, Trna made up her mind and spoke up.


    I- in that case, Ill do it What was that? I could pass for a Farbani professor. I also have plenty of other skills that could be of use. Besides, Im rtively free in the morning hours. If its just taking the time to go undercover as a teacher, then Ill manage somehow.  What do you say? Hmm


    At Trnas heated words, Matoba and Zimmer started making careful interjections. Jamie and the other investigators who guessed that it would turn out that way, started showing some subtle expressions.


    If shes even saying that, then isnt Trna just right for the Job? Said Matoba


    Yeah, youre right. Then lets have her do it. Said Zimmer.


    Then suddenly, Trnas face brightened. A school with a looming drug scandal. Infiltrating as a teacher was a difficult task. She was thinking it was the perfect scenario to prove her worth.


    Alright, Exedilika. Its up to you.


    She was fearing that theyd chuckle at her proposal. But Zimmer just spoke bluntly.


    Show us what you can do Said Matoba, smiling.


    Alright. Leave it all to me Trna breathed excitedly while she puffed up her chest.


    Or so I said but as a student?! Even though Im sure I couldve taken this task as a teacher.


    The morning of the infiltration, Trna got off a bus in front of Sherwood Highs main entrance, and looked down at her own school uniform d figure. Being honest, she had gone a couple of days earlier to ask for autopsy examiner Cecil Epps help, and borrowed an adult suit, to try and see if she could infiltrate as a teacher. The unanimous opinion of the Vice investigators was that she didnt look like a teacher at all.


    Then a smiling Jamie and Camie brought in those clothes. Well, try them on! they said, taking her to the dressing room right away.


    The two female investigators then forcibly removed her Mahselna pattern attire. They even removed her Oze silk underwear.


    After leaving Trnapletely naked, the two said Lets give you a girly makeover! and started fondling her all over. Why was there a need to do that? Why did the two look like they were having so much fun? Trna didnt understand it at all.


    Unfortunately for them, Trna was from a noble Farbanian family. Themon aspects between female personal care practices on Earth and Semani were surprisingly extensive, and so the makeover that the girls wanted to do, was mostly unnecessary. However, that didnt stop them from looking at her and touching her all over. It was embarrassing, and it tickled, and her body started feeling itchy, but they made her wear all kinds of clothes besides the uniform until exhaustion.


    A professional swimsuit that tightly outlined the shape of her body, or some gym clothes that covered even less skin than that. And on top of extremely tight and extremely small underwear they called supporters, they had her wear this and that, doing with her as they pleased.


    As they were having her wear the sports clothes named bloomers that for some reason Japanese students had been wearing to physical education sses for ages, Matoba knocked on the door furiously.


    Hey, give it a rest! Shes not your fucking dress up doll!


    He shouted. As Trna came out dejectedly wearing Sherwood Highs school uniform, the Vice investigators unanimously agreed that this looked the most natural.


    Matoba didnt express any opinions about it. Trna shook off her numbness at his attitude, and asked.


    Kei, what do you think? About what? About the outfit. Tell me your opinion You look like a junior high student.  Dont you have anything else to say? Nothing. That was his tone. She wasnt expecting him topliment her, but at least a sarcasticugh would have been fine. That evening, she called Cecil on the phone and voiced herins at her. Cecilughed and replied.


    But wouldnt it be weird if he had been ogling you in that school outfit? Well, thats true but


    Now that she mentioned it, Tonys partner, investigator Godonov, was ogling her intently. If Kei did something like that, maybe it would have felt wrong. Did she want him tough, or did she want him to ignore her? She had no clue herself.


    Well, whatever. Right now it was the undercover mission that mattered. Trna became tense, and went through Sherwood Highs main entrance.


    The amount of students that were getting there by foot like her was minimal, and on the other hand, most students wereing in by car. They rode past her, and into a huge parking lot right beside the entrance hall. Cars, cars, cars. She didnt know much about the different types of Dorini cars, but even she had a feeling that they were all luxury cars.


    Awesome. Theres a Porsche, and a Jaguar ah fuck, even a Maserati like the one you broke the other day. I couldnt buy a single one of these cars with my entire yearly wage. What kind of family gives their child a car like this?


    Matoba grumbled on the other side of the line.


    Maybe it has to do with their family status. I also got a swift Gotha horse from my father for my knighting ceremony. Because it would have been an embarrassment in front of other nobles if the eldest daughter of the Exedilika n got on a workhorse. The pretentious rich are the same everywhere, huh Say what you want


    Nobles have noble issues. No matter what she said, a plebian like Matoba would never be able to understand them.


    She first headed to the principals office, handed over some documents and exined briefly. She received the school curriculum, and was introduced to the specifics of the institution. What to look out for, and what not to do. After the exnations were dealt with, Mr. ude, the principal, addressed Trna


    These are the things you have to take care of as a student


    Principal ude was a man around his fifties. His skin was pale, his cheeks were sagging, and he was looking up at her with the eyes of someone who has had injustice itself fall upon him.


    The death of Norune, her cause of death, the pressure her dad was putting in, the secret investigation from the police department, his coboration after the incident was discovered It was one nuisance after the other. This principal was probably already exhausted.


    However, it seemed like what was wearing him out the most was not his students death, but rather the crisis that was about to hit the school.


    This school Sherwood High is undoubtedly a prestigious school with great opportunities within the shallow history of the city of San Teresa. Its a school that has adopted several aspects of the Japanese school system, where noble students enroll, with a passion for education. The students are brought up in an environment surrounded by economic and social discussion, and the student body is filled with overachieving students with great academic results. I you to have thatpletely clear. Being that the case, what do you want from me?


    Said Trna, who didnt understand the need for the roundabout words of the principal, and wanted to start working right away.


    Ah Investigator Exedilika. I would like you to refrain from carrying weapons with you. No, I am not doubting your status as an investigator. But rather, the problem is that, if for any reason this undercover investigation were to be discovered, the fact that an armed official was acting on school grounds without the parents permission would be a great source of trouble. Their trust in the school would be severely damaged Isnt it damaged already?


    Said Trna harshly.


    Mister Principal. If there werent a drug scandal being carried out within this school already, then I wouldnt be right here looking like this. This is your failure for not grasping the reigns of your students with enough strength. Are you saying this is my fault? Excuse me, youngdy, but as an institution we cannot meddle in our students private lives. We can punish those who break the rules, but there is no way we are going to get involved with whatever goes on in their weekend parties! Hmph. Why not? You ask why?


    Trna kept rattling on to the puzzled director without any restraint.


    Listen here, you Dorini principal. When I was a student they were pretty strict to me. My sleeping schedule, my dinner procedures, my praying etiquette, every single detail. Those who neglected the small details would get harshly punished by our masters. The immature must be treated like that and corrected. Do you know why? Because humans were cast the curse of sloth by Meda Lehba, one of the nine evil gods. And until they are summoned to the realm of eternal spring, humans will never escape sloth. That is precisely why we must fight sloth from when we are children until we die. Uh If you abide by this logic, Mister Principal, then search the students belongings at once. Manage everything about their appearance with a firm hand, take every single one of their luxury items away, forbid them from going out at night, and punish all of the infractors collectively. Take it as a piece of advice, from my civilized self to you. This school is not the Marine Corps! I dont know what that is, but if these are things those Marine Corps do, then that seems like a good educational institution. Im sure theyre educating some soldiers who stand above the rest.


    While that was pretty much correct, the nuance behind it waspletely wrong. Matoba, who could have pointed it out to Trna, was at that moment right outside of the school inside his car, in the middle of doing some paperwork.


    Investigator Exedilika. Please forgive me, but right now, I am starting to have my own doubts about you actually being an investigator for the San Teresa police department. What, cant you believe what an alien is saying?


    She blurted out the slur that earthlings repeatedly used to refer to Semanians.


    Absolutely not. Thats a discriminatory term. And we also have Semani students at this school. However, to be honest, I was thinking that even among Semanians, you were somewhat entric. Not at all. Its just that other Semanians have been poisoned by Earth Oh I see. Be as it may, going back to our conversation, I just wanted to say that you being armed was a problem. In that case, theres no problem.


    Trna looked confident as she showed a smile and puffed her small chest.


    I dont have any weapons with me. I swear.


    Within the bat case hanging on her shoulder, was her Vyfert ss Krge, a closebat weapon, with an unparalleled killing power, that fit in perfectly. But she wasnt thinking for a single moment about informing the man about it.


    Well then, Ill be going to ss or whatever. Was it the chemistry ssroom? Let me take you there. Thats not necessary. Ive learned theyout of the school by heart.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (4)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (4)


    Nyath, who was runningte, finally arrived at Sherwood High, and the first period sses had already started. The school grounds had gone quiet.


    Shit


    It was the worst morning. He had crashed into and was cursed at by a girl, got on the buste, stuck in traffic, and sat right next to a middle aged man with a pungent body odor. At least getting to see up that girls skirt was lucky, but it was just a second anyways.


    Seemed like he definitely had to save up at his part time job, and get a used car. He wondered if that used Nissan he had seen at the dealership for about 800 dors was still on sale. The paint was starting to fall off, the hood was bumpy and the panoramic was starting to crack, but as long as he could drive it, anything was wee.


    He thought as he quickly walked through the hallways, past the stairs, almost crashing into somebody right around the corner.


    Woah!


    It was the same girl as before. This time, however, they both managed to dodge each other, and it was over with only a slight struggle.


    Hmph


    She took a few steps and took distance from him. For some reason she readied her bat case at the hip and scowled at Nyath.


    Ah Im sorry. You are the girl I met earlier, right?! What are you talking about?


    She asked while casting a wary nce at him, without rxing her pose.


    Ah, this morning. Just before getting on the bus in North Zalze. I dont remember How cruel! Even though crashing into you was the reason I ended up being sote. Dont you have anything to say? Oh


    Finally remembering what he said, she rxed her pose. She looked down and faintly blushed at the recent memory of the young boy seeing her in such an indecent position.


    Im sorry


    The girl didnt even notice her absent minded expression. He didnt have the time to observe her like before, but she was probably another Farbanian native like him. Putting it in Earths terms, her beauty was just like a dolls.


    He had heard that there were a lot of Farbanian nobles that looked like that. Of course Nyath, who had been brought to Earth as a peasant when he was younger, had never even seen a Farbanian noble before.


    Its my first day as a transfer student. I didnt want to bete either Oh youre a transfer student? Im Nyath. Nyath Maybell. Nice to meet you


    He stretched his right arm. She looked wearily at his hand. Its a handshake. Just a handshake. Ah Even now Earths greetings are my weak point. Im Trna Elnebara. Lets just ignore the Thaph.


    Elnebara that was a name Nyath had heard somewhere before, but he just couldnt remember. Trna shook his right hand. It was cool to the touch. And while being elegant and slender, it felt firm and strong. Nice to meet you, Trna. Can I call you just Trna?  Sure, fine. Youre the first person Ive met since I came here. Call me whatever you want Thank you. So, let me guide you around. Youre going to your ssroom, right? Yeah, I have science ss. I heard thats Theza Kiffers ssroom. Youre kidding, what a coincidence! Im also going there. Thanks to being the one guiding the transfer student now Ill have an excuse for beingte.  I see. I dont get it, but good for you


    For some reason his heart was racing. Why did he always start feeling like that whenever he was with someone beyond his reach? Like with Norune, or now with Trna. Speaking of Norune, she had not beening to school for that entire week.


    That was way too long for a cold, maybe something happened to her?


    Matoba who was waiting right outside the school, merely listening on the wireless device, realized that Trna was infiltrating her first ss after running into this male student that was taking her to the ssroom.


    To Matoba, who had been raised in Japan, the tradition of introducing the transfer student in front of the ss on the first period homeroom seemed logical, but in this San Teresian school that kind of practice didnt exist. There wasnt even a division such as sses, and transfer students were simply suddenly thrown into the crowd of students.


    Nevermind that, though


    This looked like nothing more than a peaceful elite school. There were other schools where student dealers gathered, like Seven Miles or North Brook. They were built with much cheaper concrete and steel materials, and anywhere on the wall that the brats could reach was covered with graffiti.


    Student dealers. They were not particrly smart, or good at football or basketball. They mostly grew up in apartmentplexes for minimum wage workers, so for them drugs were just another possibility. It wasnt right, but to Matoba there were several logical things about that.


    However, kids who grew up in privileged environments like this school did not have any need to get involved with drugs. Selling them here could only be more ytime. That didnt sit well with Matoba.


    He looked at Sherwood High again from the car window. It was a school building built with brand new cement blocks. It was a well designed blend of modern architecture and Semani-styled architecture, that while being modest, still was grand and elegant. Its closest style was probably Gaudis architecture. A wide inner garden was surrounded by a pentagon-shaped building, and although it bore no resemnce whatsoever, it gave off the vibes of a European middle ages fortress.


    Right, it was a fortress. Matoba noticed just then, looking at the school building. That kind of school was with that its own city state. For instance, even the police could not barge in at a moments notice.


    Wasnt that extremely dangerous?


    Nyath Maybell, huh?


    That was the kid that crashed into Trna. He was definitely a Semanian, but he was speaking in an extremely fluent English. Maybe his almost destiny-like two or three encounters with Trna were more than just in coincidence. Perhaps Trnas cover was discovered, and he had been sent to keep an eye on Trna or something- no, that was definitely not it.


    Matoba essed the mobile police department database.


    Nyath Maybell. He had a profile. But it was just a record of a regr police questioning. About ten months earlier, Nyath had been returning home from the mall on his bicycle, and an officer from branch 14 called him out while on patrol. He had just run a red light, but the bicycle was his, and there was nothing suspicious about him, so he was just given a warning and went home. Just a bored officer.


    He lived in northern North Zalze, a mid-ss estate neighborhood. Guessing from his name, he was probably a Semanian orphan that was taken in by Earthling parents. If that was his parents address, then paying Sherwood Highs expensive fees was probably rough for their finances. Maybe he had gotten a schrship.


    I worry too much


    Matoba criticized himself, closed the database, and looked at his watch. It was almost time of his appointment. He had managed to get an interview appointment with Norunes father Moda Norbam, so he had to go to his office next.


    Ill be back by 3. Just get used to the general atmosphere today.


    He sent by mail. He started worrying whether Trna even knew how to read emails right after sending it. Oh well. She could always use her phone if anything happened.


    Even though I told you that I didnt understand emails


    Muttered Trna reproachfully during lunch break, as she gazed at the screen of the smartphone that she didnt know how to use at all. Notifications were popping up in a corner of the screen. She only knew that some kind of mail by Matuba seemed to being in, but it wasnt much more than that. What button did she have to press to see its contents? She didnt have the courage to give it a try, no matter what.


    She was sitting alone in a corner inside the cafeteria located on the first floor of the west part of school. That way she wouldnt be called out by anybody or anything. Though if she had to choose, it would probably only be okay if it were that Nyath guy. He had to go to a different ssroom from the second period, so she had not seen his face since then.


    And she didnt have the time to speak to anybody else, so right now her friend count was zero.


    However, the sses she had attended had been extremely interesting. Science, maths and history were all much easier to understand that the Dorini books she had read back home. They had satisfied her intellectual curiosity. She was finally able to forget about work, and get immersed listening to them.


    But no, she couldnt get careless. She was on a mission. At a first nce the ce looked like a peaceful education environment, but at any moment anywhere the drug dealer may have spotted her ande attack her. Thats right, even, for instance, while she was struggling to read her mail


    Hey! Is this ce free?


    Suddenly a voice came from behind her, and someone tapped her shoulder.


    ?!


    Even before she could think, thebat skills that had been drilled into her during training came out. Trna grabbed the arm that was extended behind her, twisted it, and in a fluent motion threw her opponent from his upper body. Her opponent rolled in the air once, and crashed by the back into the table right in front of her.


    It was a piercing noise. The table creaked aggressively, and silverware and food came crashing down as her opponent let out a short scream.


    Trna removed the cap off her bat case, readied her stance, and finally she came to her senses.


    Ah


    She had done it now. Of course this wasnt a drug dealer. It was a male student she had no memory of. He was robust and handsome. He was a young guy farrger than Trna, but his eyes were turning without him quite realizing what had even happened to him.


    Sorry. Are you okay?


    The surrounding students were watching while keeping their distance, while they were making questions nervously.


    Wh- what are you doing?!


    The kid jumped up on the table, and was screaming angrily at her. It was the appropriate reaction.


    Im sorry. I just did it without thinking. Without thinking? You go around almost killing people without thinking?! Look at this mess. Im covered in sauce! What are you going to do about it?! I will apologize for my violent reaction. However, you also have some responsibility for grabbing peoples shoulders from behind without warning- Shut up, you fucking bitch! Is that how you apologize to people? Ugh


    Blood had started rushing to his head. The student stretched out his hand without minding all the attention from onlookers, and reached for Trnas hair.


    What the-


    My hair. Grabbing the hair of a daughter of the Exedilika household, with those filthy hands of his! No matter the altercation, behaving like that with a nobledy is unforgivable! But I am apassionate woman, so for his atonement I will only cut off one of his hands. I could take your life, so you should be thankful, kid.


    Well, he probably would be taken to a hospital, and his hand would be immediately reattached. She had heard that among the healers they called surgeons, there was a rumor about going to San Teresa if you wanted to learn how to perform reattachment surgeries.


    He should be thanking me for only making that necessary. Thats right. Ill cut it, Ill show him and Ill cut it off. Ill try not to dirty myself too much with his blood, just take half a step here and yeah, something like this.


    She took off the lid of her case, and just as she was about to pull out her Krge,


    Ghili! Let that girl go!


    Called out a new, harsh voice.<hr><ol><li>Thaph means full name in Farbanian</li><li>Theza means Mister in Farbanian</li></ol>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (5)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (5)


    Trna stopped her hands and looked in the new voices direction. A single girl was making her way through the crowd of curious onlookers, and was headed in their direction. She was beautiful. Tall, with long arms and legs, and arge chest.


    Her face was clean and adult-like. Almost to the point where she didnt look like a student. But she was wearing a uniform, so she probably was one. Unexpectedly, the boy named Ghili let Trna go immediately. Even if they had been seen by a teacher, he probably would not have reacted that quickly.


    Ah Emma. No, this isnt- What were you even thinking of, choosing a girl like that as your opponent? Are you mad? This bitch is insane. Just because I touched her on the shoulder- Ill hear itter. You just go over there Wai-! Just go. Hurry


    Ghili was trying to exin something to her, but in the end he simply dropped his shoulders and went where she told him to.


    Whats with this? fucks sake


    Trna watched Ghili retreat while muttering to himself, then she put the lid on her baseball bat case. The vice principal, who got to the cafeteriate, asked what it all was about, but the girl named Emma exined that a student just got up too quickly, and fell on the food and silverware. The vice principal seemed to trust Emma, so he just believed her words and moved on.


    After the room had calmed down, Emma called Trna out and asked


    Are you okay? You look pale Ah thanks


    Truthfully, Trna was feeling down. What was she going to do? She had made a terrible mistake. It wasnt just a matter of throwing a student across the room, but getting angry at his attitude, and even going as far as thinking of chopping his hand off.


    What was with that stupid undercover officer?


    That was some incredible technique. Was that Jujutsu? You looked as strong as a ninja. Why are you so frightened?


    Jujutsu? A ninja? They were probably Dorini heroes. Be as it may, this female student, Emma, deduced that Trna was frightened just from the color of her face after the previous confrontation.


    She took offense at being mistaken for a coward, but she probably would have to y the part.


    I was learning those physical techniques back when I was little and me throwing him away was almostpletely an ident. He suddenly startled me and Yeah. I would have been startled too I did something terrible to him


    Trna said, but Emmaughed


    Its just Ghili, he''ll be fine. Hes sturdy like a buffalo, and hes really not a bad guy. He just lost his cool earlier. Im sorry You dont have any reason to apologize But Im friends with him Oh, my name is Emma Sem by the way. Its nice to meet you Emma Sem stretched out her right hand Trna Elnebara. I just transferred here today. Charmed, Miss Sem Just Emma is fine. Can I call you just Trna as well? Yeah


    As she shook hands with Emma, Trna was wondering. Why did Dorinies want to call her by her balbah so badly?


    Okay then, Trna. Is it okay if I sit next to you? I havent had lunch yet, and Im starving! Sure. Unfortunately, my lunch waspletely smashed by Ghili


    Emmaughed cheerfully.


    At a distance, in a corner of the cafeteria, Trna noticed a male student looking in her direction. It was the boy she had met earlier, Nyath Maybell. He was eating alone, and he looked gloomy.


    But just as Trna was about to call out to him, he averted his gaze, stood up from his chair and left the cafeteria.


    What happened, Trna? Ah, nothing


    He looked so friendly in the morning. Had something happened to him?


    ~o~O~o~


    Moda Norbams office that Matoba had to visit was located on the first floor of a building to the east of Queens Ballet, on Giraffe street in the San Juan neighborhood. Giraffe was a ce rather simr to Seven Miles, so it wasnt pretty.


    Themon sights in a ce like Giraffe road were bailers and informal money lenders. There were plenty of men visible below the glowing neon lights. It wasnt a ce fitting for the debate show regr Moda Norbam, but maybe it was just part of his whole act.


    As the spokesman for Semani refugees that had to fightrge corporations, if he had gotten an 80 thousand dor a month office on the 30th floor of Forest Tower in the Upper Ballet, where he could look down upon the scenery and live quietly, then he probably would have nobody there to support him.


    Maybe his office just emphasized his upright appearance. His beloved car on the parking lot was just a used ecofriendly car, and while the entrance was worn out, it was spotless. His secretary also looked like an olddy that could just be working at the counter of a drugstore somewhere.


    The modest sign at the entrance read New Gravanni church. However, it didnt look like a church at all. Actually, it seemed like the churchs activities were carried out at several other locations.


    Even though my daughter died in such a way youre probably thinking my behavior is quite unusual, right?


    Said Norbam in a mncholic voice, when went out to greet Matoba.


    However, right now is a crucial time for us. The new elections for the city council are close. If we manage to get at least three of the five people we want to have reelected, then we could make ourrge civil rights ordinances be a reality. We, the New Gravanni church, the frontrunner on these issues, cannot allow our image to have any dark stains. At least until the elections are over on the 12th of next month. So youre saying that its okay if the person responsible for letting Norune die doesnt get what they deserve?


    It sounded like that at first. Politicians had their own political problems. Even the amendments they were pushing for well, Matoba had informed himself quite well by reading an article online beforehand. But there was no point in criticizing Norbam right now, and Matoba knew it. It would be better for his type to simply ask a lot of questions and have him hesitate first.


    ording to the autopsy report, there is a possibility that your daughter could have been saved if she hadnt been thrown out on the street, and instead had been taken to a hospital right away. Were you aware of that? Mahni shehba


    Some Farbanian slipped out of Norbams mouth. Maybe it was the first he had heard of it.


    No even then, my duty remains unchanged. These elections who knows how many tens of thousands of Semani futures depend on them I see. Then the people who fucked Norune should just go on and live a peaceful life. Private Matoba, watch your words!


    Norbam became agitated immediately. He was the kind of man that could lure his opponents into getting angry during the debate shows, but it was impossible for him to keep his cool after that kind of exchange.


    No, I have no need to watch my anything. Your daughter was fucked, and left to die. This is the truth. You can stand it pretty well. A normal father would have grabbed his shotgun and gone after them to take their lives  Well, perhaps a man with nerves of steel would take a few deep breaths after that and put the gun away in a locker or something. But even a father like that would not start interfering with the investigation. Am I saying something crazy?  Private Matoba. I know you are trying to anger me. And I will admit your scheme was sessful, but what do you want me to say after you have made me so upset?


    So apparently he was upset. Seemed like his calctions were mistaken. He was actually hurting for Norune.


    Nothing


    Replied Matoba with a calm tone


    If I said something like and you still call yourself a father? Give us a hand to n out a much better investigation then your reply probably wouldnt be a yes, right? I already exined the situation to you


    Matoba leaned on the chair at the reception, and looked straight into the eyes of the disappointed father.


    Mister Norbam. I am a detective, so Ive seen a lot of fathers. Even nasty conmen who would bring beat up prostitutes to the hospital crying. Those fathers would send their own daughters out to get customers so they could drink the day away with that money. Fathers who were gang leaders that had murdered dozens of their enemies would still be frightened at the idea of anything even touching their own daughters. Ive seen a lot of shit. So what? You are unlike anything I have ever seen. How should I put it Somethings not right about you. But even then, Im a pretty serious detective, you know? And I didnte here to talk to you based on any theory, so to be honest, I dont even know where to go from here. I dont get it, but I cant see you, so I cant see Norune. And because I cant see Norune, I cant see the ones behind this. Well Ideally, we would be gathering a muchrger team and investigating. But since we cant do that, were helplessly doing what we can. To be honest I was really pissed at what you were doing no, actually, it still bothers me, but I didnt juste here to ruin your day. My main objective is just one: I want to make the people who let your daughter die, pay. Oh


    For the first time, Norbam was looking remorseful. He looked down, and dropped his shoulders as if a heavy weight had just been removed from them.


    Im not lying this really is a crucial moment Ten years. Its been ten years since I first came to this city, and it took me ten years to get to where I am now. There are a lot of Semanis living in San Teresa who, with wages lower than a junior high babysitter, have to provide for a family of four. Its a horrible life. Those who cant stand it, end up dirtying their hands with crimes. Youre an officer, so you should know Yeah A guaranteed minimum wage, and expanding the professional training programs, healthcare and education subsidies there is a mountain of things to do. But if we dont guarantee some basic living conditions for the refugees, the gap between Earthlings and Semanis will just keep growing. Were you a refugee yourself? Thats right. I was a devout priest of Moor Zelze, but we started being oppressed over there, and my entire family fled. Then I learned yournguage by myself, and studied aboutw to make a call for solidarity. It was a huge effort, but it was all for the people who came to rely on me. But even then no


    He was about to say something with a bitter face, but he swallowed his words.


    But even then what? I dont want to say it. Its heresy.


    Matoba observed Norbams speaking manner very carefully. He talked about heresy, but it didnt seem like he was talking about Moor Zelze or whatever. So maybe


    Are you talking about Norune?<hr><ol><li>balbah means first Semanian first name</li><li>Farbanian for what did you just say?</li></ol>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (6)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (6)


    Matobas guess was spot on. Even though Norbam was the kind of guy that could destroy even the best educated participants from the most prestigious universities on debate shows, he now looked like a patient that was talking to his counselor.


    She was born on the other side, and came here as a refugee as well? When she was six in earths age, yes. Soon enough we were living a life of poverty in a tent with her siblings too. Thats a life Im sure many refugees even today know very well. However


    He swallowed his words again. Matoba could generally guess what it was. Probably a problem that came up as his daughter aged.


    As you probably expected, she wasnt living a particrly modest life


    Spot on. So he did have an idea about it.


    I dont know what kind of friends she was hanging out with. But about a year ago she started arguing with me and my wife. She wasnt respecting her curfew at all, and she was indulging herself in a lot of luxury shopping. You know what I mean. Clothing, essories, those kinds of useless products. It was my fault as well. If I dont have at least this then no one will want to go out with me! she would say, and I would end up giving in and buying it for her. I was busy with work. I didnt send my daughter to Sherwood High just so she could have a good time with her shy rich friends. I wanted her to get a top notch education on Earth, and to carry on the responsibilities of a new generation. To think that this happened


    Norbam, who had been speaking quite quickly, had no words, so he covered his face with both hands, and his shoulders started trembling. Those were obvious emotions any human would feel: discord, suffering, regret, indignation and on top of all that, this man had decided to choose the path he had been forging for ten years.


    Matoba wouldnt go as far as to say that he wanted to understand, but it wasnt impossible that someone like that actually existed.


    He waited until the man calmed down, and asked


    Do you have any recollection of any of her friends?


    Norunes phone had not been found. They had already checked with her phonepany and her emails log records, but nomunication data was found. Seemed like she almost never used the phone that her parents had bought for her.


    She had most likely gotten her hands on a different phone from some of her bad friends, and was using that. They couldnt track her with that one.


    I told you earlier, I have no clue. The only one I remember is that that Semanian ssmate of hers, she would drive him home, or so I heard. Whats his name? What was it?  Ny Nyath, I think? Maybe it was Nyam? I never knew hisst name


    Nyath. The kid who bumped into Trna in the morning.


    Anyone else? I honestly dont know. My wife didnt know of any other kids either.


    Seemed like looking within the school was the only option. Matoba was getting worried about having to rely on Trna.


    After that he asked a few questions about the day before Norune died, and other various things, but he didnt get any new information that wasnt already in the initial report filed by the police.


    Would that be all? For today, yeah. For now Ill run along with your wishes and keep investigating like this, but if we feel like weve reached a dead end, then there will be a change of ns Which means basically making it all public?


    Matoba shrugged


    Something like that. Youre very mistaken if you think my superiors will just let this go. There are several people who could just open the floodgates when needed. Besides, we dont know when the media will stop being so quiet. In any case, we wont be considering anyones feelings more than we think is absolutely necessary. Thats the way of the Vice Squad. Basically we can see through the intentions of HQ because this stuff surrounds us.


    And as the conversation reached its end, Matoba stood up.


    So youre saying that its okay if these alien politicians are destroyed? I havent said anything like that, but the guys at HQ are full on policemen. They wont take kindly to the way youre doing this whole thing, naturally. Well, if you ask an underling like me, Mister Norbam, then Id say that you politicians think too much along the lines of If Im not there to do it then who will?. When in reality its best to think that there are countless people who can rece you. Well thats true for you officers too, right? At least for the serious ones, yeah


    Matoba thought of thest moments of his previous chief, Jack Roth. He was a serious officer as well.


    Its true that even if I fall, the movement to fix the Semani peoples standing will not stop. However, it will be dyed by several years. And in that time, many youngsters will lose their path and end up like my daughter.


    <em>What was with this man, who couldnt even see his own daughters problems?</em>


    Matoba thought, but he couldnt get himself to say it. If he, for some reason, ended up having a kid in the future, he wasnt sure he wouldnt end up being the same. A high school daughter that was a true alien. There was no doubt it would be even more bothersome than living with Trna.


    Now that he thought about it, Cami, his coworker, had said something at their drinking party the other day


    You know, Kei? High school girls are the most insolent creatures in the world. I was one, so I know


    In that case, high school boys were the most stupid creatures in the world. He knew because he used to be one, after all. Would Trna be okay, being thrown into a ce like that?


    ~o~O~o~


    Even ording to Trna, Emma Sem looked like a wise girl. She was also funny. And she was choosing the right topics for someone so distant from social life, even back in Semani, like Trna. Although she was sure Emma was quite a few earth years younger than her, it absolutely didnt feel like that.


    She heard several suspicious stories about the school from Emma. For instance, there was a rumor about how before Sherwood High was built, there was a cemetery that stretched over most of the old town suburbs. Because of that, a ghost appeared around block C, and it attacked the unfortunate students that were still there.


    What sort of appearance do you think that ghost has? No idea Its covered in blood, it carries a chainsaw, and it wears a hockey mask on its face. What is this, Friday the 13th? Whats that? A character from a horror film. There being a cemetery here, on Caliena Ind was something from back when it was part of the Semani world, right? But the ghost that appears is an earthly horror character! A lot of it is just downright stupid. The guys who came up with it probably dont even know what inspiration means. Huh I kind of get it, kind of dont Sorry, was that boring? No. Actually, it was very interesting.


    I think your reactions are pretty funny, Trna. Youre cute like a doll, and removed from our mundane world. By the way, what area are you living in right now? New Kombbton Oh, New Compton? Thats close to the sea, right? Yes. Its a storage neighborhood Its pretty far from here, right? Do you live in a storagehouse? My house is a remodeled storagehouse. Myndlord wanted to build arge workshop for himself its a very popr trend recently. Ah, kind of like Soho, right? Soho? Its a neighborhood in New York. Is your family full of artists? Artists, huh you could say they are in some way What do you mean? Im told we were considered to be knowledgeable in the Art of War some time ago The art of war? So if your dad a photographer like Robert Capa? He doesnt have an interest in photography, but hes an entric guy


    That was how the conversation went. Almost more than 50% of it were words Trna didnt understand, but Emma always found her reactions funny.


    Well, thats how parents are. My family is like that as well Artistic? No way!


    Emmaughed


    Theyre just boring managers. My dad is an investment consultant, and my mom makes medical food. Theyre not cool at all Arent both investments and food better hot than cold?


    Emma stuck out her face andughed


    Ah, youre weird! But well, youre kind of right. I just met you and I already like you, Trna Im honored


    She was looking at Trna with eyes brimming with curiosity. It was the gesture of adypletely aware of her own charm.


    Hey Trna, are you free on the weekend? Im nning on having a small party on Friday, and I especially want you to be there A party? Is it your birthday? Hahaha! Not at all! If it were my birthday, I would be doing something a lot crazier. Well, its just something to have fun. I just want to live it up with some friends Hm


    Trna thought about it for a second. Honestly, she didnt have the time to go to a high schoolers party and y around. And on top of that, officer Trna from the Vice Squad was usually busy on Fridays. The previous week she had been to a prostitution club on Motoserra Road, and she had been wrecked by the events that followed. She had no nned investigations for that week, but depending on how things with Cami and that mysterious shop went, she could be called suddenly for work.


    Well, this Emma girl seemed socially skilled. Maybe getting well acquainted with her was a good way to know the reality behind that school. She had to be present at the party for that.


    Then I will take you up on your kind invitation, Bona Sem. I offer my gratitude for choosing the Elnebara family.


    Emma rounded up her eyes at the stiff response by Trna, but immediately she did a little earthly bow at her refined reaction, and replied with a dramatic tone


    I thank you as well, Princess Trna. The written invitation will be sent to you tomorrow.


    Lunch break was almost over, so Emma just said Well, bye! and left smiling. Then several female students that were seated near the exit stood up as if they had been waiting for her. They exchanged two or three words, and left the cafeteria together. Doing that they looked more like maids escorting their nobledy.


    I see, so shes pretty popr.


    After the afternoon sses were over, a handful of girls approached Trna and introduced themselves to her, saying Emma told me that youre actually pretty nice! or Nice to meet you! I hope we get along. and so on. They were being kind, but Trna still felt some distance between them somewhere.


    After meeting with the girls, they left the school building behind. The sses were all over for the day. She had to take the bus, then the subway, and then go to the police department headquarters.


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (7)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (7)


    Trna walked to the bus stop right in front of the school, and she saw Nyath Maybell there.


    Ah hey


    Nyath nodded slightly. There was something awkward about his movements.


    Nyath


    For some strange reason Trna felt relieved. Perhaps it was because, after spending an entire day in a school she wasnt used to, with unknown students, it was all getting on her nerves, and seeing a familiar face felt good. No, it was odd to even call him a familiar face. She had only met him that same morning after all.


    Are you going home? Yeah. You already know that I dont have a car or anything, so


    He fleetingly gazed at the distant parking lot. Going out of the school, there were only luxury cars, luxury cars and more luxury cars. Thinking back on what she said to Kei about getting on a workhorse being a discredit to her familys honor, Trna wondered if this was something simr. Even though her boss on this side, Zimmer, was riding and taking care of an old car.


    Dont worry. Im also taking the bus. Yeah, I can tell Besides, the bus isnt even that bad. Its the best way to observe the Dorinis. I was quite pleasantly surprised by their tradition to give their seat to older men and women. That doesnt exist? Semanians dont have that habit? No. There arent even any buses to begin with Ah, well yeah. Obviously


    Nyathughed


    You were raised on this side, right Nyath? Yep. I was there only until I was seven in Earths years. Do you know a town called Dohga? No Im sorry No, well, its just a country town. Its a port town in the Goliah region Goliah, huh?


    The Goliah region. It was a part of Trnas home kingdom of Farbani. It must have been almost nine years already since the tragedy where the Zambenikan army had marched in and it fell into disarray.


    The Zambenikans, who were main contenders to the Farbani Kingdom, had unofficially received the support of an East Asian country from Earth, and the problems only became even more dire since then. She had heard that many people fled amid the Zambenikan piging, crossed the mirage gate as earthlings called it, and ended up moving to San Teresa.


    Trna was still only a child at the time, and she had been removed from it all living in the Exedilika estate, so she continued her training in swordsmanship and mildite, carrying out her undisturbed life. She had heard about the suffering in the Goliah region, but she had only thought of it as an isted incident that took ce in a single region of the entire kingdom.


    Even after the kingdoms Milvor Snda chased after the Zambenikan troops and made them pay, the region was left inplete chaos.


    You must have had a rough time back then, right? Yeah, thank you. But I dont really remember much of it. I think both of my parents died around that time, but I cant say I really feel too sad or anything like that now I see After that I blended in with the refugees, came to Earth and an NGO found an adoptive family for me. The Maybells, that was the name of the family. Its horrible to say this, but I dont even really remember my Semanian family name. I am an earthling by heart, no doubt. I cant even speak much Farbani at all. Do you feel like going back? Not at all. If I came back right now, I dont think I would be able to adapt. I mean, its a world without any AC or any smartphones, so I dont think I could do it!


    Trnaughed as he said that


    We do have at least AC, from a little while back Oh, really? In the kingdoms capital of Zalze we do. The buildings over there are already built with their own AC. Youd be surprised at how chilly it would get even in the summer. Ohh But, arent normal Semanians not allowed in Zalze? Eh? Why did you go there? The ce where they check your qualifications to travel to Earth is somewhere else, and Ive heard that even noble families have issues getting in. Isnt the city only merchants and Milvoa knights? Yo- you do know an awful lot about it after all, huh?


    Trna did her best to hide her surprise.


    Zalze was a small piece ofnd in the middle of the Vinm river that ran through the kingdom. It had a special district for people from earth that lived in the Farbani kingdom, and a special district for merchants as well.


    Even in Semanian history records it was an unusual ce, so previously, when she had told Kei about a ce like that, he nonchntly nodded and said Ah, so its basically Dejima, huh?. Apparently in his own home country, there used to be a ce like that a long time ago.


    The reason Trna was able to enter Zalze was because of her being a member of the knight squad, and the actual reason her English was that good, was because she had always beening in and out of that ce. There were a lot of veryplicated circumstances but she couldnt just reveal all that to Nyath.


    So how did you manage to get into a ce like Zalze? My father he was amerce manager! So I took the opportunity to go with him in one of his trips to the capital. Oh, I see. So you really are a nobledy, huh?


    He didnt seem to be particrly doubting her. Nyath just epted it immediately, and he changed the topic.


    By the way, you seem to have made quite the scandal during lunch break So disgraceful. You see he suddenly called out to me, and startled me, and No, no. Seeing you send that Ghili guy flying was kind of refreshing actually Why? Looking at it fairly, it was I who was in the wrong. Well yeah, doing something like that all of a sudden can be a big problem. But he tried to grab you by the hair, right? That tells you all you need to know about him. I hate him. I dont really get it, but


    Looking at Trna who was raising her eyebrows at his approval of her actions, Nyath pped his hands together


    I dont know how it is in the Semani world, Trna, but Earths schools have these things, some kind of invisible social sses. Ghili is the type of guy that people call a jock. Hes tall, and hes really muscr and violent, basically a macho guy. His strengths are sports and being popr with girls. That kind of guy has a really good standing within a school. Huh A in guy like me is just normal, so we are made fun of by them really often. He went berserk because you did something like that to him, but from our point of view we were just thinking that it served him right, and no, Im sorry, Im just talking nonsense. Forget it.


    Maybe he wasnt the type to go around badmouthing others. As if noticing himself getting carried away, Nyath simply stopped himself from talking bad about him any further.


    I see. So it seems like Emma Sems words were mistaken after all Ah, her


    He frowned only slightly


    Is she a friend of yours? No way! She wouldnt even hang out with me. To put it simply, shes the queen of this school. She is incredibly beautiful, super rich, and her personality is great too. Shes a popr girl. Extremely popr


    He smiled drily. It was an expression simr to Keis when he said something sarcastic.


    From the way your speaking, I dont think it sounds like youre praising her very much Oh, did it sound like that? Maybe thats just my poor guy''s resentment speaking then Well, Im sure she found you interesting, being your first day here, so youll probably be able to make a striking debut with Sherwood Highs high society. Im sure there are already emails being thrown around all over the ce. A mysterious beautiful transfer student was being friendly with Emma Sem for thirty minutes! and stuff like that. Even standing on this bus stop, and talking to me if they saw you doing this it would be bad for you. This is just a school, right? Calling it the high society or something is going too far Its not going too far! There are many people approaching her, dying to be weed into her group. Worst of all, even one of my friends is doing that. I cant believe her, that Norune Norune?


    Trnas expression stiffened, though she tried to hold back. Was he talking about Norune Norbam, the girl that had died from a drug overdose?


    Yeah. She hasnte for the past two or three days, though. Maybe she caught a cold or something. Ill introduce her to youter. Shes also a Semani, and I think you would get along with her


    Right then, the bus finally arrived. Line F22, bound for East Ballet. Trna asked nervously at Nyath, who was taking his pass from his wallet


    So uh that Norune girl Yeah? What kind of rtionship do you have with her? A- are you interested in that? Whu- well yeah a little


    Trna replied vaguely and looked down. She didnt think her cover would be blown just with this, but she felt embarrassed at not being able to keep her cool and just ignore him being friends with the victim.


    Ah, thats hard see, how should I say it Norune is a good friend, but were not in that kind of rtionship, you see? I dont even think I know it for sure but ah, the bus is here. Lets go, lets go!


    For some reason, Nyath had turned red, and he hurriedly got on the bus. Even if he said something like that kind of rtionship, Trna had absolutely no idea what kind of rtionship he was even talking about.


    Are you an idiot?


    Said Kei Matoba, shocked while sitting in his dining room that evening.


    Norune is a girl, Nyath is a guy. Within that context, asking him something like what kind of rtionship do you have with her would make any teenage boy think something like maybe this girl is actually into me?. For sure, no doubt about it! What an annoying thing you did


    Matoba was skillfully serving the red pasta in the frying pan into two separate dishes, and carrying it to the table along with some sd. He then brought some steaming consomm soup, and dinner wasplete.


    Well I dont get it Get it already! Fucks sake You wouldnt be thinking it wasnt that big of a deal if you were a guy. Sucks for Nyath


    Matoba sighed, and took off the checkered apron he was wearing. Then he took a seat, and after whispering that strange itadakimasu spell, he started slurping away the pasta in a most vulgar manner.<hr><ol><li>Snda means knight in Farbanian</li></ol><hr>


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (8)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (8)


    Hey. So not only do you discriminate against me by calling me an alien all the time, but now youre going to discriminate against me for being a woman as well? Take it back Huh?? So ultimately, you ended up bing one of those female liberation warriors too, huh?


    Matoba wasnt budging. He soaked the cherry tomatoes in the sd in balsamic, took them to his mouth, and seemed to be enjoying the taste happily. He then finally met her eyes and said in a low, muttered voice, almostining about having to reply at all


    What? Dont say something annoying. Just eat. My specialty housewife-style spaghetti will get cold This is not about the food. Its just that you, saying that just because Im a woman Okay, I get it. Eat.


    Matoba pushed the pasta dish with no hesitation towards her. Trna rolled the thin string-like strange food around the fork, and unwillingly put it in her mouth. It had the right amount of spice and garlic. The pleasant feeling of oil and the mellow umami of the onions spread through her mouth. Not only wasnt there anything unpleasant about it, but it seemed that Kei Matoba actually had a talent for cooking.


    How is it?  its delicious I know it is, bnce is key. Just by adding a few more capers, it would taste like shit, though. Its surprisingly difficult. Dont underestimate the skills of a single man. Leave your moral high ground for when you can cook a pasta even better than mine. Thats a must. This isnt even an issue of discrimination to begin with. Even though I recognized a creature like you from another as a woman, you started taking that kind of attitude Wh Then I wont cook for you anymore. Ill just cook my dish when youre not around, and eat it by myself. How rude!


    Trnas eyes were getting watery, but Matoba kept pushing.


    Before you worry about all that alien stuff, worry about how youre ten years behind on housework. When I tried to teach you how to wash rice the other day, you went and did such a bad job, putting too much pressure into it, I couldnt even call it washing but more like smashing the rice. And it was the good Koshihikari rice that I had brought from Japan. Apologize to the farmer!


    For some reason, Matoba had started to noisily and annoyingly pester her about food. Where had his generous andposed attitude gone? He was the kind of person that got impatient extremely easily. Maybe he had struggled with food a lot in his earlier years.


    Rakebye


    Trna looked up and muttered, as she stuffed her mouth with food. She had no choice but to give it to him. Keis Sbaghetti was delicious. This was the kind of guy that would someday be thrown out of the police, and be left out in the cold. Well, if that happened maybe he could just work for Normas parents at their diner. Surely both the master of the house and the sisters would be d to have such an entric change of pace.


    The two of them became silent for a while, as they kept eating. Kuroi the cat had eaten to his hearts content earlier, so he had just rolled up on the living rooms sofa and fell asleep. He kept inting and deting quietly as he slept.


    Man I feel like having a drink


    Muttered Matoba to himself. He then went to the fridge, and came back with a ss and a bottle of wine.


    You want some? Its the cheap one No


    She replied bluntly. Trna wasnt good for alcohol. Or rather, she had barely ever drank any at all. When she was back in Semani, a knight friend of hers had offered her to drink some fermented beverage made from Sehbe herbs, but with just a sip she had felt sick.


    Well, maybe I shouldnt be offering it to high schoolers


    Heughed, then opened the bottle and started drinking it noisily. Trna was annoyed at him joking around and treating her like a child, but protesting about it would be even more annoying, so she didnt say anything.


    After dinner, Trna cleaned up the dishes, just like they had agreed as roommates. As she was washing the dishes in the sink, he sat on the sofa in the living room, and kept drinking wine while watching TV. After doing the dishes, she went to the bathroom, and took a shower.


    She would asionally look at her own naked body in the mirror while she dried herself. Her perfectly white skin was dripping with glistening water droplets. All over her long arms and legs, her slender body, and her small breasts was her wet golden hair, epassing it all. She had an almost childish belly and navel.


    Trna didnt like her own naked body much. She thought it wasnt illogical that people treated her like a child sometimes. Even at school that very day, nobody had suspected her being an undercover investigator, even after she had done something so troublesome during lunch. Perhaps it could be useful for her job, but if someone were to ask her if she enjoyed having those specific features, then shed have to reply that she did not.


    She changed into a baggy camisole and a pair of shorts, and returned to the living room. Matoba had opened his second wine bottle. It seemed to be fresh out of the fridge. He was watching a debate show with an expression of disinterest.


    A Semani man was sitting deep into an armchair, he was cornering his debate partner and talking down to him. He had a calm smile, but for some reason his eyes were reminiscent of a midbat swordsman.


    Thats Moda Norbam. Norunes father


    Said Matoba, as he was taking a sip of wine from his ss


    I tried looking him up, and sure enough, there he was doing a debate show. And hes even saying some good stuff. And theres the moderator pressing annoyingly again. Hes getting provoked all over, but he wont budge. Hes swaying neatly, and aiming for a good chance, he will dash the moment he thinks is just right. And hell dash and dash. Just like a boxers good technique. Hes a pretty big deal, that old man.


    Seemed like he was starting to take a liking to Moda Norbam. It was the same as cheering for the rookies at a baseball match. Trna took a seat beside Matoba, while she was wiping her hair with a towel. Kuroi jumped up right away on her bare thighs and rolled up his own body.


    You met up with this guy, right? How was it?


    Matoba stopped his hand as he was about to serve more wine


    How? It was just the same as the written report by the guys from the 18th. There was nothing particrly new Im not talking about your questions or the investigation. Im asking about the guy. After his daughter died in such a way, I just got curious about what kind of father he was He was a normal father Normal? A grieving father. He just has a lot of stuff going on. Hes always looking out for the refugees and both that old man and Norune came from a refugee camp. After getting out of such a dumpster, and now that hes just one step from the city mayor elections, I guess you could say hes making a huge effort. Such a dumpster? Do you know what life was like for refugees ten years ago? There wasnt anything like todays old town district or the Semani project around. It was just terrible


    Matoba took a deep breath that reeked of alcohol. For some reason Trna wasnt disgusted by it.


    Back then, San Teresa was in the middle of its construction rush, and waste was being produced left and right. The UNs refugee camp had reached its capacity, so the ones that were left out went on to live within a mountain made of waste. A mountain of car junk and building materials They would gather all of that stuff and try to make a daily living  Back when I was in the army, we were tasked with something called the public order measures, so we patrolled the camps for about a month. Children were sleeping packed like sardines by the dozen in small makeshift board houses, while cockroaches ran around all over. Maybe their parents had died or something, who knows they would crowd around us Jehkan, Jehkan! they would scream Jehkan? Jay-kan. Japanese soldiers. They were nice to the refugees, so they were popr. The Chinese and Korean armies were scarier, but they werent able to tell them apart just from their faces, so they would run up to them screaming Jehkan, jehkan. Hm There were girls even as young as 10 who were prostituted. Even when we told them to stop it, they would still surround us but even if we had gotten them to stop, then what? Its not like we could just guarantee a better life for them starting the next day. Drugs from earth were also seen all over the ce, but even the very soldiers supposed to catch the dealers would end up bing frequent users well, it was just all a mess. There are several special departments in the San Teresa police department, but the very first one to be created was the Special Vice Squad. Im sure you can probably easily imagine the sorry state it was in.


    Trna had somewhat studied San Teresa Citys history, but this was the first time she had ever heard of that.


    Thats unforgivable. Why did you treat them so horribly? Thats the real problem. It wasnt just a matter of discrimination. People got fed up with the powerful countries egos and bureaucracy. Try to imagine it, though. Think about the other side of the story. If arge amount of people from Earth suddenly flooded into the other side as refugees, then what kind of reaction would the Kingdom of Farbani even have? W-well thats


    Probably something simr. They would provide assistance to a group of refugees only to keep appearances, and then ignore the existence of the other refugees. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people are not easy to take care of. Food, welfare, theres a lot to consider.


    Someone who was attacked by thieves and forced to leave and flee the ce they had always called home is not going to be nice forever. If someone is wronged by truly evil people, they wont be worrying about everybody else in the world.


    Matoba shrugged.


    Its not as bad as before, but refugees still live in distress. Norunes father is trying to do something about it and well, his efforts are not just a lie. Just saying, but I think Norune just let her fathers efforts go to waste So youre saying its her fault that she died like that? Im not saying that. Im not saying that, but


    Matoba gulped down his wine, and looked down, reflecting deep in thought. But in the end, it seemed like he didnt reach any conclusion.


    Nah, Im talking shit. When something this awful happens, its easy to think stuff like its that girls fault, or you reap what you sow. People think its easy to me the victims because it helps them ignore the raw cruelty of reality. Is that so? I dont believe I can think about it like that at all. When a rtive suffers a death like that


    Matoba reclined on the back of the seat, and looked up


    ming the one who did it is obvious, but at the same time one of the following two patterns takes ce. Either you me yourself, or you me the victim. Its not about what is right or what is wrong. Normally people fluctuate between both while they grieve. Its a never ending conflict. Have you had that kind of experience? Never. Haha never


    Matoba let out a dryugh.<hr><ol><li>Farbani for idiot</li></ol>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (9)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (9)


    As Trna started thinking that Matoba was behaving strangely, it finally dawned on her. He was getting drunk already.


    Kei. Are you drunk? I am drunk, honey! H- honey?


    He started fooling around in silence. Then heid on his back on the sofa, stretched, and started muttering softly something in Japanese.


    Thats right I have heard a story like this somewhere. About ten years ago. It was the story of a soldier that was campaigning in the Semani world. A soldier? That soldier had a promise to meet with his younger sister on his free days, when he could return to Earth, to San Teresa. It was just a normal family meeting. They would hang out for two or three days, and he would be sent back. That man wouldmunicate with his sister via mail. He would tell her to not walk alone, to not wear her miniskirt too short, and to not get near North Brook no matter what However, that younger sister would ignore her brothers warnings, and go out to that ce. She had confidence in her Karate and Jujutsu abilities, and she believed she could protect herself all on her own. To the point of actual stupidity.  The following day, that man had to see his sisters remains face to face. ording to the police, she had been shot by some street junkie. Seems like several people had taken her to a back alley and assaulted her, but when she tried to resist something awful happened to her and then she was shot. Something like that, though I never heard any of the details


    His voice sounded like it was someone elses problem. Almost like he was exining the argument of a movie or a novel. And with that same tone


    Of course, that man resented the criminals. He wanted to find them and kill them all. He swore in his heart that he would do that. And then what happened? He never found them.


    Matoba took a cigarette and lit it up. He inhaled deeply, and while he numbly looked at an empty space, he said


    Nothing to do about it. The real problem came afterwards. At the same time, the man was extremely mad at his sister. Even though I told her so many times. Why did she do something so stupid? She was obviously going to get killed He would think, and for some reason the pain in his chest would subside by doing that. It was my sisters fault too. That theory would defend his heart from all the mess it had be. And that man felt extremely embarrassed at his miserable self who did that


    Trna, who was listening to the entire story in silence, and then carefully asked Was that all about you? Why do you think so? Well when you tell a story like that its obvious that Ill think that normally, right? Well, I see Nah, this is just a story from a film I saw a long time ago. Basically it was just a joke Thats not funny at all


    Trna puffed her cheeks, and Matoba who was mindlessly staring at her, simply muttered


    I know, right? Its a boring story. Ah why am I telling you something like this? Maybe I had too much to drink Thats right, you drank too much. Just leave it already


    Trna snatched the wine ss away from his hands, stood up and tightly pulled Matoba by the hand


    What? What? Go to sleep. Im taking you to bed To bed? With you? No, no, I cant do that What are you talking about? Come on, lets go Look, you can say that but Its not right to do it while Im drinking. Or rather, I cant do it with you. No, I dont mean it to say that youre not attractive or something, so dont feel down. And I think that I dont have a single type, but how could I say this, like this is crossing the line, or I dont feel right doing it I dont get what youre saying. Come on, this way


    Trna grabbed Matoba by the shoulders as he flimsily stood up, and led the way as he tumbled to the neighboring room. It should have been obvious, but he was incredibly heavy. She was pondering about using some muscle enhancing Mildi, but rather than using that sacred craft, she was thinking it would just be better to leave a guy like this out on the floor and let him catch a cold.


    Youre pretty small. And really soft too Stop saying creepy things, you idiot!


    Trna got flustered, and after a giant effort, got to the bedroom. She threw the drunk Matoba on the bed with a thud, and finally took a breath.


    Okay,e here! Lets sleep together Are are you kidding? What are you even- Come, Kuroi. Thats right, stretch right there and sleep


    The silent cat that had been following them from behind, jumped next to Matoba and fell asleep. Oh! What a good boy Youre just like a dog, arent you? Suit yourself. I dont care Nev shiiya, Bona Trna


    Leaving Matoba and Kuroi there, Trna left the bedroom. She turned the lights off, and headed to her room on the first floor. She threw herself on her soft bed and curled up.


    Her heart was throbbing again. That was the first time she had ever seen Kei behave so carelessly. Alcohol was definitely something indecent.


    However


    That dead younger sister thing. That was true. She had heard it from Cecil before. Cecil had told her to keep her mouth shut, so she tried to act as if she didnt know anything.


    So does Kei really think of histe sister every time he sees me? No, no, what am I even thinking? I have to stop it with the ufortable ideas. Besides, I have to go to school tomorrow, and I still havent written todays report.


    Trna stood up, turned on themp on her desk, and started writing the report with her fountain pen. Even though the second hand notebook Matoba had pushed onto her wasying right there on the side, she didnt even think about opening it up.


    ~o~O~o~


    For the next few days, no special incidents took ce. Trna would go to Sherwood High in the morning, andmute all the way to the police department headquarters downtown in the evening. She would go to meetings, do paperwork, studyw and so on. Then near midnight she would head back home in New Compton, write the report, and sleep tightly. Then repeat again the next day.


    For most days Matoba was working on a different case until early in the morning, but in an unexpected act of consideration, he would still drive to Sherwood Highs neighborhood when he had the time, and he would stay there as backup just in case. No matter how much Trna said things like Im already used to it so theres no need, he would not listen. It was almost as if he didnt trust her. Maybe not telling him about the entire mess at the cafeteria the first day would have been better.


    Leaving that aside, Trna had been building a sort of group of friends rather naturally around her, without making any sort of positive effort to approach them. Mainly Emma Sems group of popr girls.


    There were three other members, aside from Emma herself. Jessica, Rin and Donna. The three were tall and beautiful. When it was time to have lunch, Emma would call out to them and Trna would just naturally be one more of the girls that surrounded her. Their conversations were all very superficial. About how the new boutique that had opened in the Upper Valley was the hottest, or about who was close with whom, or who broke up. It was all gossip.


    But just as Trna was thinking about that, the conversation topic changed to the history ss they had taken in the morning. They started wondering about how Rome during its imperial government period had made use of very.


    Trna, you grew up in Semani, right? Ive heard that there are some countries over there that still have ves, is that true?


    One of the girls in the group asked carelessly


    Well yeah. Some countries still use ves Your country did as well? No, Im not trying to protest or anything. Its just that I got curious. I mean with those films you know, about the muscr ves fanning the king, or the girls all dressed in sexy clothes bringing him food, theres a lot to think about. I was just wondering if it really was like that, you know Ah


    15 years ago when the Mirage Gate that created a bridge with Earth opened, a lot of bizarre films started being made. They were passed off as true story dramas, and they painted an image of a weird and extravagant Semani world. Though most of them were filled with stereotypes and prejudice.


    Trna had nced at one that Matoba was watching on TV a while ago from the side. One of the Peacekeeping Soldiers (PKF) from Earth that had been transferred was the protagonist, and in the story he helped Semanians who longed for freedom, and fought alongside them to overthrow the tyrant.


    Matoba, who personally knew what the real PKF looked like, and Trna who knew what the real Farbani army looked like, were both irritated at the amount of nonsense in the film.


    There even was a scene just like that in that very movie. The Semani tyrant would whip the ves for fun, or rape them, all kinds of stuff. However, starting a ruckus because of those lies was also ridiculous. She would just try to provide a historically informed opinion and fix the misunderstanding.


    My country, the Farbani kingdom, has ouwed very for more than 200 years. We did it about 50 years earlier than the Americans Oh is that so?


    Seemed like they only knew the specifics of Earth history.


    There was arge ve uprising. And after ages oppression, the king of the time finally decreed the abolishment of very What an upstanding king. Any other person wouldve probably tried to suppress it. I dont know about upstanding, but at the very least he was a wise king. His actual reason for it was to take power away from some noble families by cutting off their economic power, solidifying the kingdoms power. Its said that one of his main reasons was to build the kingdoms economy without depending on ve workforce. Around that time, there had been some modest improvements in the fields of metalwork and agriculture, so therge-scale food output grew considerably. This gave rise to different situations and interests for each industry and field of work, which ended up in very being ouwed. Basically, it wasnt so different from the context in which your North-South civil war was held. King Saramaya is as popr among the people as President Lincoln.


    As Trna remembered a discussion she had had with a private tutor from Earth, she arranged her thoughts calmly. She hadnt intended to ramble with any grand intent, but Emma and the others all looked puzzled and had nk stares. Trna, who was already gulping down her Caesar sd with a fork, finally realized that everybody was staring at her in confusion


    What? No. Its just that you were talking non stop like a history teacher. I think were impressed Oh, okay. I mean, youd expect anyone to at least


    know this much if they are a Farbanian noble is not something that she could afford to say, and she finally realized that. And although it was easy to forget about it, Trna was also older than those girls. The education she had received probably also covered some topics that went beyond what was studied at that school.


    Ah, no sorry. I was just repeating some theory I watched on a History Channel TV show.


    She bluffed with the name of a Channel that she had barely remembered


    Ah, so it was something like that


    The girlsughed. Seemed like they were expecting something more uniqueing from Trna. The girls didnt want to hear something so serious, but rather a more gossip-like topic.


    In that case what about this?<hr><ol><li>Nev shiiya means good night</li></ol>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (10)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (10)


    Well, if you guys want to hear a story like the ones in the movies, there are some. Theres a y called May Darahna. Its the story of a king named Zahbra who was known to indulge himself in degeneration and debauchery So they really existed, those tyrants! And the y was about the May Darahna harem. Do you know what that is? No clue Its an old word for ultimate pleasure. There were over a thousand beautiful female servants at the harem, and it was said that obscene parties were carried out day after day. King Zahbra simply ignored the sorry condition of the kingdom and kept indulging in these partes, so a priestess advised him to stop secluding himself, hoping he would devote time to the government. That priestess was a beautifully modest woman. So King Zahbra made a different proposal to her. If, after a hundred bygone days in my harem, thou dost still think that way, then very well, I shall do as thou sayest. She epted the kings proposal, and joined May Darahna.


    As Trna got up to that point in the story, Emma and the others were evidently overflowing with intrigue.


    And then? What happened to the priestess? She was attacked by the temptation of pleasures beyond what anybody on Earth could imagine. Liquor and banquets more delicious than anything she could ever taste. Guards so skilled in love making they could make any woman melt. Nheless, she kept crying out gods name with honesty, and managed to push through every single temptation she faced. However, she could not win against Shumena. Shumena? A secret potion. It was an extremely strong aphrodisiac created by a magician that worked for King Zahbra. Just by drinking it, any woman no matter how modest she was, would lose her mind in pleasure and sloth. And then the hundred days were over. She clung erotically to King Zahbra,pletely naked, and begged him to let her stay in the pce. Woah he broke her. What an ending What a sucky aftertaste


    All of them were muttering in unison.


    While its true that it is a painful story, the tale itself also serves as a lesson on its own. About how anybody, no matter how purehearted they may be, can lose to addiction I dont know, its kind of a preachy story. Isnt that obvious?


    Emma said whileughing, and then the rest of the groupughed along with her. Trna just observed them annoyed, and as they were calming down, she muttered quietly


    Well, Norune didnt know Everybody went quiet, as if someone had dropped a bucket of cold water on them. Silence surrounded the entire table. Trna was caught off guard by that reaction.


    What Norune?


    Emma asked


    That was the name of the priestess. In Earthling terms, its close to Maria, a prettymon name Ah, I see. So that was it, you scared me


    Said Emma, as they all wereughing ufortably, and exchanging looks with each other.


    Oh okay. Why did that scare you? Eh? Ah we have a friend with the same name. Norune. She hasnte to school in the entire week, so were kind of worried about her Hm is she a Semani? Yeah. Shes a good girl. I would like to introduce her to you as well, Trna, but I wonder what happened


    Wasnt this some unexpected chance? Trna was thinking. The actual name of that priestess was pronounced Nhne. It was a good fit, so Trna had just tried to say Norune. However, enquiring anything more from Emma and the others would be too risky.


    There was a possibility that somewhere would hear something like that transfer girl has been sniffing around asking about Norune from them. She could tell at least that even without Matoba explicitly telling her so.


    As if trying to fix the spoiled mood, Emma spoke


    Anyways Trna, about the party. Friday at seven, Ill see you at my ce. Dont forget it, okay? Of course! Im looking forward to it


    ~o~


    Besides hanging out with Emmas group like that, Trna also kept meeting up with Nyath Maybell, the ex-Semanian student. However, she didnt speak much with him while they were at school. Even when they ran into each other, they would each go their own way rather quickly. The moment she had to speak with him was after school. They would both go to the bus stop and meet up there.


    The fourth day after infiltrating, a Thursday, was no different. Trna and Nyath were standing around waiting at the bus stop on their way back home.


    Her conversations with Nyath were also pretty superficial. About how the hot math teacher actually wore a wig, or several different things about the cafeterias menu, or the urban legend about the haunted locker that would make any student that used it fail a subject. But those conversations were in fact refreshing for Trna. The detectives at the Vice Squad would normally talk about very work centric topics, so they would usually be filled with brutal or graphic things.


    This kind of life wasnt so bad. What kind of person would she have been if she had grown upmuting to a school on Earth like this one, and talking to a carefree kid like Nyath? After talking about a singer that was selling lots of records recently for a while, Nyath asked her


    By the way, Trna, are you kind of used to this school already? Well I dont know. I dont think Ill get used to Earth no matter how many years go by. Im not so sure about that. You know, for some reason, I get the feeling that youre actually a pretty adaptable person I wish. Speaking of adaptability, I get the feeling that you also dont really fit in with the rest of the school, Nyath


    Trna said without thinking much about it, but immediately an ufortable expression fell on Nyaths face.


    Because I dont have any friends? No Im not saying that Well it sure seems like you are. Ah, Im sorry. I really dont have any friends. I guess maybe I could call Norune a friend, but she hasnte all week and shes not answering the phone either


    He still didnt know that Norune was dead. Trna felt inexplicably guilty at hiding the truth from him. Maybe he didnt show it much, but it seemed like he was starting to feel uneasy about not being able to contact Norune.


    Personally, I dont mind about having few friends Thank you for your kind words, but well, Im used to it, so Im okay. Im not like you who can be popr just like that after being transferred. Im a poor Semanian peasant, so theres absolutely no one who would want to be my friend. Im also a Semanian A rich Semanian, right?


    Nyath noticed what Trna was wearing on her right wrist.


    This for example. Where did you buy this? What? This wristwatch. Its a Tiffany watch, right? I think this is insanely expensive Ah


    Trna hadnt even thought about the price of the watch that she was wearing. It was just an item that she had borrowed from the polices confiscated items storage.


    I dont know the price it was a present from my family. You see? A normalmoner would never get something like that. You were given a watch worth several thousand dors, and you arent even aware of its price. Emma Sem and her group obviously noticed that too. From the moment they first met you, they knew that you were a richdy, and called out to you immediately


    Trna was perplexed at Nyaths resentful tone, and she protested


    Are are you criticizing me for the price of a watch? This is not about that! How should I say it no, you know that? Forget it. You probably wouldnt get it even in a million years!


    Just at that moment the bus wasing. Nyath was going to take out his pass and get on the bus originally, but he put his bag on his shoulders again, and started heading west, walking briskly.


    Where are you going? The bus is here I just felt like walking. You go home on your own Nyath, I didnt mean to insult you- See ya!


    Nyath waved his hand at her, and just kept walking. Trna hesitated about going after him, but ultimately got on the bus without doing anything.


    ~o~


    Well then, I dont think you were in the wrong. It was Nyath who was being judgy.


    That evening, Matoba heard Trnas story as they were turning around a corner in Seven Miles.


    But well, I dont think we should be criticizing him either. This happens often when youre that age. What about trying to just make things up naturally the next time you see him? I dont know about that


    Trna was grimly looking out the car window. The neon lights were lighting up the city at night. Women were standing out on the streets, and their pimps were calling out to them. Plenty of vices, all far removed from that school. But no matter where she went, she couldnt run away from sad incidents. Be it in Semani or on Earth.


    Hey, did you fall for Nyath? Wha?! Absolutely not!


    Trna denied eagerly. Matoba was just making a lighthearted joke, so her reaction surprised him a little.


    Whats up with you? Wait, am I right? No, no. Im telling you I didnt! Well then, why are you so flustered? Its not like that Its simpler than that. Ever since I first came to this city, I never had a friend that was from my same world, and around my same age. Ah, I get it.


    Matoba simply seemed to ept that. Since she was working for the police, there was nothing to do about it, but Trna had been surrounded only by adults from Earth. So she probably hadnt had the chance to simply hang out with anybody like that.


    Thats all it is. I dont have feelings like that for him. Besides, Nyath is younger than me, and I dont really dream about being together with a man as immature as him. Do you understand that? Yeah I get it. Or rather, why did you get that serious and start denying it in the first ce?  who cares. I dont even know myself Youre pretty weird. You got all red all of a sudden Shut your mouth, you savage Shut up, you alien


    They insulted each other like they always did, and that conversation came to an end. But Trna still felt upset. Not about the Nyath issue, but about Matobas reaction. It was making her angry, though she didnt quite know why.


    Were here. Its that building.


    Matoba slowed down. He parked in front of a small apartment building on Meyfield street, pulled the handbrake and turned the engine off.


    Thats a pretty seedy looking building. The dealer is here?


    There was a rumor going around about arge cocaine distributionwork near Queens Ballet, and a dealer named Mendoza was living in that building. Matoba had nned a meeting with him, naturally not as a cop, but as Kei Manobe, independent broker.


    Not all traffickers live in luxurious apartments


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (11)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (11)


    Trna and Matoba got out of the car, and right in front of the apartment building there were two ck men. One of them had a long, priest outfit, and the other looked like a rough wrestler.


    It was Viz ONeill, self-proimed pastor, and his bodyguard Kenny. He was an informant that Matoba relied on frequently. He was a greedy man, but also somewhat trustworthy. During the first investigation Trna had participated in aftering to Earth, he had also helped her here and there with some things.


    Wee, Mister Manobe!


    O''Neill opened his arms in an exaggerated fashion, and shouted out Matobas alias. Then he swiftly pushed back the sleeves of his robe, and took a peek at his expensive-looking Rolex.


    You are ten minuteste, but God is magnanimous and forgiving. And also um Miss Elnebara, was it?


    Elnebara was Trnas alias. She had been using it a lot during her undercover mission. It was the name she used at school, so she wasnt quite fond of using it so freely like that in such a ce.


    Just call me Trna. Or actually, you know what? Just dont call me by anything too friendly. Excuse me. For instance how about I call you Manobes apanying concubine guard? I believe that would be an exceptionally respectable position! Then you be the concubine! However, deardy. Wasnt that the original setting?


    Said Kenny, the bodyguard


    If we were to make you Manobes business partner, wed run into trouble. Your appearance is too cute. Maybe if you were a more masculine, big breasted female knight, then maybe we could go with a different n. Right, Mister Manobe? Please dont. I dont want to be treated like a pedo.


    Muttered Matoba spitefully.


    However, for the undercover mission, it was decided to treat Trna as if she were the concubine of Matoba, who would be passing off as a criminal. Of course both Matoba and Trna voiced their disapproval of the setting at first, but ultimately there was no better solution. If they didnt go with that, then it would be hard to exin the circumstances that lead to the young-looking Trna hanging around with them.


    Well then, wheres Mendoza? Hes waiting inside. He has great expectations of this opportunity to meet with broker Kei Manobe, who happens to be well connected in the Semani world. Are you for real? What do you mean? Have I ever, as Gods faithful servant, ever betrayed an earnest and hardworking man like yourself? Please do not give me any reasons to feel disappointed. Well you tricked me and had me wear thatscivious dress


    Muttered Trna


    Youre talking about that event at that club a while ago? What a regrettable thing youre saying! We did just fine like that! Excuse me,dy Trna. Making use of your young, blossoming beauty by having you wear those garments straight out of Gomorrah, was honestly the overall best way to have everything work out erotically and groovy. And in the end, we ended up contributing sufficiently to your capture of the enemy, correct? Dont say stuff like young, blossoming beauty! Your way of speaking is the creepiest thing about it! Even though I was simply saying my praise. What a regrettable affair. Ah I get it already, just shut up and lead the way.


    Matoba interrupted Trna and ONeills back and forth interactions


    We dont even know if Mendoza is out best candidate. Dont go around wasting time. Leave it to me. Indeed you are a most diligent man, so allow me to stress that thoroughly to him. Dont do anything unnecessary. Introduce me to him, and then shut up.


    Then he turned to Trna


    You wait in the car. Why? Youve been showing your face at school recently, havent you? If Mendoza really is involved with this incident, then for whatever reason, he may find out your true identity. Hmph.


    Matobas request was reasonable. Nevertheless, Trna didnt want to run away from an opportunity to learn about her undercover mission. Perhaps she would have to use that technique. She had learned it as a special technique for mischief when she was a kid, but perhaps it would be somewhat useful for a situation like that.


    Very well. Give me a second.


    And in front of the three men looking at her with puzzled looks, she pulled a t talisman out of her pocket,posed herself, and started chanting a spell quietly.


    Bruui mehnaena, ltami meaena. Moraize thamje, gunaith zah sonnath. Sehdam blu nara Mafusa bajirno menuh iyahge


    Rahtena started concentrating within her body, and manifesting itself via the talisman. The surrounding air started bing faintly fluorescent, and a faint breeze started enveloping the shape of her naked body.


    Manifest yourself


    The transformation spell wasplete. Trna put the talisman away and peeked at the mirror on the car next to her. Her golden hair had be pitch ck, and her skin white as snow was now ck like tea. Her beloved red Shahi, was now a deep green, like a dense forest.


    With this there should be no problems. I should now look Zambenikan to other earthlings. No one will even think Im from the Farbani Kingdom.


    She replied arrogantly to the three men who had their eyes wide open. And then Kenny the bodyguard just quietly muttered


    A yer 2 skin.


    Immediately ONeill started banging his greasy head, while hisughter roared to the heavens


    My dear lord! There is no better way to put it, Brother Kenny! This is absolutely a yer 2 skin! ?


    ONeills and Kennys insolentughter continued right in front of ck Trna who was simply frowning. Both Matoba and Trna were looking annoyed and confused.


    Whats that? At least let me in on the joke and exin yourselves. Oh my, Mister Manobe! Do you not y some fighting games? I dont. Ive been a Tetris specialist since my military days. Fu fu fu When you make a character in a fighting game fight against itself, in order to tell them apart no, actually, thats not the right way to put it. You chant an exaggerated spell, and thats a yer 2 Skin. Oh lord, fu fu fu


    ONeill was stillughing.


    I dont really get it, but to put it simply you people are just mocking my Mildi? Not at all. We were of course surprised to see your secret, sacred technique but wait wait wait, stop looking at me with those scary, vengeful eyes. Ill lend it to you next time, SFII or something Its a masterpiece. For real.


    Kenny added while wiping the tears off his eyes


    By the way, I personally use Balrog. Brother O''Neill, what about you? Thats obvious. Im a Dhalsim believer. I knew it!


    Both said as theyughed again. Trna didnt understand a single thing


    on that note, youngdy. this is still about games, but in an RPG context, what ss would you be? I get the feeling that you look kind of like a knight, or a swordsman, but you use that weird magic. Its not some weird magic! Its Mildi!


    Trna squared her own shoulders and shouted, but Matoba held her back from behind.


    Ah, whatever. Lets just go. This is our job. But Kei! This man just- Dont fret about every single thing they say. The stupid will rub off on you!


    Matoba started walking by himself towards the entrance of the apartment building. Flustered Trna simply followed suit behind him, while ONeill and Kenny were stillughing and making jokes about fighting games. About some Power Instinct and how good was it?, or about whether they had used their 2000 dors.


    ~o~


    Mendoza, the dealer that ONeill had presented to them, was lounging on the sofa and seemed to be in a bad mood


    - which is why I truly believe that Manobe possesses extraordinary connections both on Earth and in the Semani world! I could swear it on Gods almighty and soulful name, Seor Mendoza. Im sure that doing business with him could bring great benefits to an important man like you. You could say that you are right now staring at a fertile ground full of great crops and sweet honey and of cour- Shut up, you fake priest.


    Said Mendoza tly. The barrel of the submachine gun his Colombian bodyguard standing behind him was holding, could be inly seen.


    Hmph. In that case I will dly remain silent. If thats your wish. Do you think Im stupid enough to actually go around drooling for whatever shit a lying bastard like you could say? Should I be offended by that? I only have one specific interest in what you have to say, and thats whether you could find me a broker that could make coke cheaper, thats all. Im not expecting anything else about anything.


    Mendoza was the absolute ruler of that small room. He was wearing a tight tank top that was enveloping his tan, golden muscles. He didnt have any merchandise at hand, but instead he looked like the type of guy that simply drowned himself with steroids.


    Matoba was sitting on an opposing sofa in front of Mendoza, and he was swinging his legs lightly.


    ONeill. What the fuck does this mean? You didnt tell me anything about coke or anything.


    He said with an insolent attitude


    What? Dont y dumb. I was even looking for a Semani partner that could sell some good Goblin Powder. I dont know shit about coke.


    They hadnt discussed a single thing about that in the preparations they had made beforehand, so ONeill was looking slightly confused. He felt bad for him, but there was nothing he could do.


    It would probably be even more suspicious if he were to y along with the scenario that ONeill was proposing.


    Just as Matoba expected, Mendoza started getting annoyed


    ONeill. You dumbfuck


    Mendozas underling pointed his submachine gun at ONeill. Both him and Kenny just lifted their arms right away.


    Ah, well, this is Its all just a big misunderstanding. Basically you see um Mister Manobe? It seems like Seor Mendoza has the impression that I was in the wrong, and only I am at fault. In order to reach a peaceful and constructive resolution, I urge you to please talk things through and- Shut up. Just kill them if you want to.


    Matoba took a breath, looking fed up with it all, and stood up from the sofa.


    Im leaving, Seor. You can boil those two, or fry them as you please. I dont care. Wait! Darling!


    Please save Kenny. ONeill doesnt matter, but at least spare Kenny. That was the message that Trnas gaze was trying to convey. For some reason she was fond of him. He may look like a cannibal demon, but hes an unexpectedly sweet person on the inside or something like that.


    Dont worry. that was just a bluff


    As Matoba was thinking that, Mendoza called out to him.


    Well, just wait a minute. Sit down, Mister Manobe. What? I told you earlier, I dont know anything about coke. Which means you do know about something else. You said that, right?


    Mendoza lifted his left hand slightly, and his underling lowered his gun.<hr><ol><li>Northern moonlight, southern brightness. Eastern daybreak, western dusk. Let the thoughts from Mafusas brush remain thine.</li></ol>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (12)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (12)


    Well, yeah, thats true but its not the kind of stuff youre looking for. Have Colombians run out of middlemen already? Im not buying it. Go ask your brothers or something. Theyll cross the entire ocean and bring the stuff for you anyways, right? A lot has happened, you see. The route we take to bring coke from South America to San Teresa has seen arge increase in both DEA and military presence recently. You may not see it in the news, but the policemen dealing with drugs all know it already. Ah so that story about the big shot of the Reboro Cartel being captured was true after all. Well, yeah, pretty much.


    Matoba let out a sigh and clicked his tongue, trying to make it seem like it was all news to him.


    No wonder then. That other bastard that was always smuggling coke was also looking pretty pissed, just like you. And the market price has also gone to shit. Stuff like only 40 grams? You cant sell that. It really is unfortunate. Who would that other bastard be? Thatnky Garcia guy.


    Matoba mentioned the name of another dealer that was famous in San Teresa. Garcia was actually a man that for a long time had been selling and doing business all over the ce, but recently he had be a coborator for the authorities.


    Doing business with that guy isnt a smart idea. How so? 40 grams arent nearly worth the effort within this industry. Garcia was pretty much eating you alive, Mister Manobe. Hey hey, are you insulting him?


    Matoba shrugged his shoulders


    That guy watched my back a lot back in prison. I got to enjoy both some tobo and guys asses thanks to him.


    Matoba said, and then Mendozaughed and pped his hands


    Hes fucking gold, huh? That faggot. So he was your pal from prison, huh? We go way back. To his days in the district prison of Turfa.


    Trna, who was standing at his side, was casting him a painful gaze. ONeill and Kenny were both trying to reassure her by saying things like this is something he does often in a quiet tone, but still she appeared to have taken a big shock.


    Dont be surprised, you idiot. This is all obviously a lie. I dont have any experience with guys asses. I mean, same thing for girls but still


    I like you, Mister Manobe. Ah, no no, Im sorry, I did say like but I dont mean it that way.


    Mendozaughed again


    Dont say such dangerous things! Youll worry the girl.


    Matoba replied, and then he hugged Trna in an overly familiar manner. He could tell her back was trembling with fear, but he couldnt just tell her that it was all an act to calm her down.


    Fortunately, Mendoza didnt seem to have noticed Trnas reaction.


    Ah, youre right, youre right. But well you know, the coke issue is a pity, but I think theres still a possibility that we might be of use to each other. Well now that would be good.


    Comined Matoba grumpily. But truthfully he was mostly just putting on an act to check whether Mendoza had already taken the bait


    Hey, Manobe. Were having a lot of shortagestely. Im sure that Goblin Powder of yours will at least make our customers happy. Thats just some casual stuff. Its not at all like the Fairy Dust thats also made out of Semanian produce. Its not too hardcore. Do your customers have any use for that kind of stuff? They do, of course. Hmmm The kind of client that buys from my turf usually tends to prefer the more casual stuff. I just didnt have connections that would bring some Semani stuff over. But now this situation is more than wee.


    Was Mendoza talking about wealthy clients?


    And where exactly would that be? Where the rich people live.


    He was a profoundly cautious bastard. There was no doubt he was talking about Queens Ballet, where Sherwood High was located but he just wasnt going to say the exact name of the neighborhood.


    Well, when talking about that part of town, I cant say I dont get it, but have you actually gotten any good results? Are you saying that you actually have some clients that pay you on time and everything?


    Mendoza stretched both his arms in an exaggerated manners


    Thats not a problem at all. I have plenty of well mannered young kids. You could even call it an entire franchise of sorts.


    A franchise. So he finally mentioned it.


    And what exactly even is that franchise? Youre kind of making it sound like youre giving away flyers with your number, and do deliveries like a pizzeria. Well its not like we actually have a door to door delivery service or anything but it is a pretty safe business that makes use of the neighborhoods elites. Well, anything more than this is a secret of our business though. Hmmm How about 30 grams, based on market price and purity? If you can get about 2 kilos ready within three days, then feel free to add another five percent to the price.


    Matoba showed a contemting expression. Mendoza was using well mannered young kids in Queens Ballet, and distributing his merchandise there. But even then, that was arge neighborhood. Matoba still couldnt say for certain that this mans products were being directly sold at Sherwood High.


    While it was true that cocaine caused Norunes death, Mendoza was currently put on a chokehold by the cocaine shortage. Maybe if they had been nning seasonally, there was a possibility that they still had some coke left in stock, but considering he was willing to negotiate with Matoba on their very first meeting, even that was doubtful at the moment.


    Well then, what now?


    Was it better to move on with the deal and keep investigating slowly, or to stop it altogether and look for a lead somewhere else? Preferably without capturing him.


    Mendoza wasnt stupid, and he had not a single time stated directly anything like Im selling drugs. If he were to defend his position as a distributor of sweet sodas in trial, he could probably maintain it. Even though coke had been used as a ng for cocaine for more than 30 years, even in cop films and dramas it was all nonsense.


    Trna who was sitting beside him, came up close like a spoiled child, and almost as if she were about to say some sweet words, she caressed his ear and whispered


    Catch him right now. If you dont hell figure it all out.


    Ah, so it wasnt that she was finally starting to get into her role and ying her part, that was what she wanted to say.


    Hey hey, cut it out. We can have some funter.


    He whispered in an effeminate manner.


    Mister Manobe. Leave your flirting forter. Ah, sorry. Its just that shes the type that finds this kind of talk boring.  so, what are you going to do? Are you in or not?


    He had made up his mind. He was going to stall, so the negotiations would go on


    Im in, Mendoza. But only for 35 grams. Oh ho, hold it. My products purity is over 80 percent. And you want two kilos within just three days. And I will also be taking care of the transportation, so 35 seems rather cheap actually. What are you even on about? I wont be making any profits that way. Well you wont be losing money either. And besides Im also barely making enough myself. You can have some bonds for your first time customers and move your business like that anyways, cant you? And if a new route appears eventually, Im sure costs for both of us will go down, and profits will stabilize, so Im sure there will be plenty to celebrateter on.


    Matoba was smiling boldly


    33 grams. Dont make me go any higher than that, Matoba. 34. I cant. 33 with no decimals or anything. Well, I guess that will do. Ill settle this time for a useless deal like this, but next time it wont be a meager 33.


    Said Matoba with a bitter expression. Mendoza, who was finding Matobas attitude of doing a favor quite unpleasant, pointed a finger at him and suddenly raised his voice.


    Hey! Dont get too cocky. The fact that you said youre even going to be able to have it all ready was suspicious to begin with. If youre bluffing, I will have no mercy. Dont make such a scary face, Seor. If you want to see a sample, then I have it right here.


    After the little joke, Matoba stretched his hand into his pocket. Mendozas bodyguard reacted right away at the gesture and pointed his submachine gun at him.


    Dont freak out, you monster. Look.


    He pulled out a small vinyl case, about the size of a rosebud, and held it between his fingertips. And within that semi transparent case there was a ck powder. It was called Goblin Powder by suppliers on earth, but it actually was a Semanian drug.


    While the Semanian fairy dust resulted in a strong feeling of ecstasy and divine bliss, this drug provided a heroic sense of exaltation and might. To put it shortly, it was one of the higher level drugs on the casual scene that, even without a high degree of purity could be enjoyed, and at a considerably low price. Compared to Fairy Dust which was produced with very rare fairy extract, Goblin Powder was made from fungi and minerals found on the other side. It was only natural that their prices would be very different.


    This is a memento of an acquaintance. Take good care of it.


    He threw it hastily on top of the table in front of him. Mendoza took it with extreme suspicion and muttered


    I will examine it thoroughly. Of course. If that were me, I wouldnt pour the reagents carefully or anything that bothersome. I like to scoop up a bit with my little finger and smear it below my tongue. Its best to have a little fun and enjoy. I dont y with my products. Thats the kind of shit junkies do.


    Mendoza said, as he folded both of his veiny arms.


    Youre more of a muscle training kind of guy. Well, you know, to each their own.


    Matoba stood up once again as he cast a fleeting nce at his watch.


    Well then Ill send two kilos over the day after tomorrow. I will contact you with the specific ns by tomorrow at noon, so if you have anyins, then tell me as soon as possible. Understood. Well then, its up to you, seor.


    Matoba seemed to be going for a handshake, but just as expected, Mendoza refused


    Lets leave the handshake for when the deal ispleted. You are correct Come on, were going.


    Matoba left Mendozas apartment dragging ONeill, Kenny and Trna all looking extremely bored, behind him.


    ~o~


    Just as they were leaving, they heard the bell ringing. Mendozas underling answered and they heard a short exchange


    Its the kid from the phone. Ah, let them in.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (13)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (13)


    The group of four got in the elevator, and when they got off on the first floor, they passed each other with a young man. He was wearing a New York Yankees hoodie that covered his eyes, so they didnt get a good look at his face.


    On their way to the car, ONeill startedining with no hesitation


    Goodness gracious, you just med me for everything! That mans underling just pointed his very illegal fully automatic weapon at me, an unarmed, unresisting civilian,he was clearly doing it with murderous intent, right? Arent you supposed to get paid precisely to protect upstanding citizens from dangerous crises like that? Im constantly getting annoyed by your methods Well what could I do? If I had left it up to you, then the negotiation that took ce wouldve been doomed anyways Impossible! After I introduced you with such passionate devotion to him. Did it not ur to you that I couldve just shouted that you were a detective?! If you had done that then I wouldve beaten you to a pulp Thats it! Brother Kenny! Did you hear that?! Thats awful, sir. Well, its not like I dont get it, but


    Kenny grumbled


    Right? There is no way that I was going to check whether this guys ns were going to work. If I had left it all to him, we wouldve ended up with a few holes in our bodies at best, and like a swiss cheese at worst How deplorable! Do you not know piety at all?! Even in dealings as filled with immorality as that, the unseen hand of god is always present and moving. That atheist way of thinking is the authoritarian like enlightenment that is rotting todays people from within, like- Shut up. Do you want me to send you back to prison? Oh no that again! Oh Lord, please forgive this man!


    Trna was just there quietly right by ONeills side as he sighed. Matoba noticed and he asked her about it as he was opening the car door


    What happened? Hm


    She answered vaguely, and got on the passenger seat. ONeill and Kenny went off muttering among themselves to their own car  a one box vehicle with an exaggerated James Brown portrait painted on it  and drove off.


    ~o~


    A short whileter, just as Matoba was about to start the car, Trna finally opened her mouth


    Kei. We passed by a man back there as we exited the elevator, remember? Yeah That was Nyath Maybell. From high school What?! I have no doubts about it. I dont think he noticed me, but


    It was all full ofpletely illogical things from the very beginning, with Nyaths out of ce appearance Trna was just getting more and more confused.


    Why him? And why was he in a ce like that?


    Matoba was wondering whether it was just someone else, but that was unlikely. She had just had a fight with him a few hours earlier, so there was no way she would mistake him with someone else.


    Thinking about it, normally


    Said Matoba shyly, as he turned moved the car to a spot where they could observe the entrance to Mendozas building


    Mendoza talked about a well behaved young kid, so wouldnt that be Nyath? That would be the logical conclusion Absolutely not


    Trna denied it immediately.


    How can you be so sure? Nyath is not that type of person. His personality is quiet, and he almost doesnt have any friends in school. If youre going to start selling drugs, then you probably need some customers, right? Its not him So theres no possibility that hes just acting like that? If the guy is well aware of his surroundings, then he will avoid standing out and instead have someone do the business for him as a proxy Well thats


    Trna had no words.


    She had taken a liking to him, but its not like she knew Nyath very well either. She only talked with him on the way home from school, so there was no way she actually knew what he was doing at night.


    Well, just by looking at his database record, there was absolutely nothing suspicious about him. Hes just a hard working high school student Record? Did you look Nyath up? Dont look at me like that. I just looked him up to know about him, since you were talking to him so much I- Its not like Im talking that much to him But you were. Every day. look, this is his record Matoba extended his hand with the portable terminal, and she took it with an awkward feeling. The screen, which had turned yellow from all the tobo resin, was disying his extremely short profile.


    Thats it? Thats it. I also looked up his adoptive parents, the Maybells, but they were also spotless. Well we need to get to it and look into it. We cant say anything just yet Its just as his record says. Its not him.


    Trna returned the terminal


    In that case, how do you exin this situation right now? Its not like hes here as a tutor or something for the Mendoza household. This is not the kind of ce a spotless underage kid visits I dont know Ah if only we had a long distance mic. We could perhaps point it towards his apartment and eavesdrop on their conversation A device like that exists? Lets use it! I dont have one. Besides, you need to get legal permission to be able to use it That fundamental human rights god at it again, huh?


    She said with a worn out tone, as Matoba exhaled.


    Well even you eventually got to understand it! Anyways, if Nyath came out, I was thinking that we couldnt just go up to him and restrain him on the spot We cant?


    Trna was half thinking about it seriously, so she opened her eyes wide. Matoba sighed exasperated.


    Heres the thing. Youre undercover, remember? What kind of idiot would just go around showing themselves and risking being-?


    Right at that moment, a part of the apartment building exploded, and his words were cut short. The fumes from the explosion were raging together with the violent attack that came from an apartment on the fifth floor. Almost at the same time, the ss windows of all the surrounding buildings shattered, and even their car that was parked on a separate street started swaying from side to side, and some of the ss splinters came flying their way,nding on the roof of their car.


    Wha-!


    Immediately, the two of them that were hiding below the dashboard, raised their heads timidly and looked up astonished at the gigantic body of mes and ck smoke that were rising towards the night sky.


    Is that Mendozas apartment? Obviously


    Matoba recovered himself from his daze quickly and turned on his wireless earphone


    V21 to HQ! We have a code 21 at an apartmentplex in Corinthos! The address is Mayroad number ah one three nine one! I repeat, an apartmentplex in Corinthos no, its not all of it, as far as I can tell its only the fifth floor. Its an emergency, call the firefighters and a few ambnces as well no, I dont know yet. It just happened. In any case, send them over quick!


    A lot of screaming and yelling was flying around all over the ce. Matoba cut off hismunication, and started cursing at the sight of the destroyed hood of his car.


    Nyath


    Trna mindlessly got out of the car and only looked at the mes rising from the apartment.


    ~o~


    They were made to wait two hours inside the car until the drenched firefighters at the scene extinguished the fire and told them toe in.


    Within those two hours, the head of the seventh department, and the head of the crime prevention department argued intensely about whose responsibility this was, and the firefighting offices investigation team and the forensics team were talking all over about crime scene preservation, as the police department supervisors were repeating the same useless. The ADF (Alcohol, Tobo, Firearms) department investigators were offering information to the citys insurancepany representatives.


    And the two of them stuck waiting inside the car spent the entire time arguing and throwing insults around.


    ~o~


    In the end, along with the authorities reaction protocol, and all involved parties, the forensics team managed to carry on their scene preservation duties, and atst after establishing a minimum entrance zone, they let Matoba and the Special Vice Squad into what once was Mendozas apartment.


    I didnt expect that. To think that these guys would be so nonchnt about this


    Water sprinklers kept spraying intensely. Matoba looked up at the ceiling, andined


    Isnt that typical of extreme bureaucracy and hierarchies? I wonder how they would be acting if this were some kind of modern violent terrorism or something Thats easy with terrorism. The terror unit from the police department would immediately unify everything and take control of the area. With great gravity and imminent danger, a higher up would be granted amand right. Its all defined in the protocol


    Said chief Zimmer as he opened his umbre ready to go. Ultimately he too had been involved with the management problems, and ended up leaving to inform everybody of the police department headquarters intentions.


    Since this time drugs are involved, its all a mess So, what do you think?


    Zimmer was constantly staring at the ckened, distorted spring mattresss remains. There was no way Matoba even knew what actually happened. However


    It wasnt an explosive


    Said Matoba


    These kinds of explosions usually result from gasoline vaporizing or something and then starting a fire. We even found the remains of an empty tank, so Im pretty confident about it. I talked to the forensic guys earlier, and they held the same opinion About how much are we talking about? Gasoline? With a ce this size, that would be about seven gallons. Its an amount that a single guy could carry by himself. I see. So in that case, it would be that high school kid that Exedilika saw who was carrying it within his bag?


    He asked Trna who was standing in a ckened corner, lost in thought. Her metamorphosis was already undone, and she was back to her usual golden hair, light skin appearance.


    Exedilika ? Yes, boss? I was asking you. That Nyath Maybell or whatever was carrying enough explosive materials with him? Well I dont think he was


    Trna answered devoid of energy. Matoba looked at Zimmer in the eye, and seconded her words.


    Mendoza is a drug dealer. He was probably saving some gasoline just in case he had to deal with the police or something. That sometimes happens, with his kind of people. When pushes to shove, theyll use it to avoid having their merchandise confiscated upon their arrest, and instead just destroy it. No matter what, facing a fire is a lot more desirable to them than being sentenced for trafficking. But theres also no way that Mendoza justmitted suicide with all that gasoline Well yeah


    The bodies at the scene still hadnt been subjected to an autopsy. Looking at them superficially, they didnt seem to have any external wounds, but nothing could be said for certain at the time.


    Besides, Mendoza had a very rough bodyguard watching his back with a submachine gun. It didnt have a suppressor or anything, and its quite a loud gun. However, neither me nor Trna heard the sound of a gun at all. I dont think those guys would just be killed by any guy without putting up a fight Maybe they were doused in gasoline suddenly, and didnt even get a chance to do anything about it. And he couldve started a fire with a lighter while they were still recovering from the shock, or something But in that case, the culprit would have been caught in the explosion as well, and we would be looking at five bodies. We were only able to find four.


    Trna asked in return


    Four? Mendoza and his three underlings. Four people in total. That Nyath kid you saw was not among them His corpse? Theres no corpse. None of them match his size Ehya Narsdahme


    Trnained in Farbani.<ol><li>What in the world?</li></ol>


    Can''t wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (14)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (14)


    You say you saw Nyath, but we have no way to undeniably confirm that. Theres no way there are any security cameras or anything in an apartmentplex as trashy as this, and neither me nor ONeill or Kenny have ever seen Nyaths face. I dont mean to say that you imagined it, but No way. But I waspletely sure that


    Trna cut her words short, and lowered her gaze. Perhaps she was starting to doubt her own memories.


    I dont even know whats going on anymore


    Zimmer sighed


    In any case, if Nyath is alive, we need to profile him as soon as possible. To hell with discretion. We need to investigate the current situation thoroughly


    Trna was taken aback and she raised her head


    Boss, thats just What? You yourself said that you saw him. I wont go as far as to call him a suspect, but theres no doubt hes an important participant Matoba, can you look up Nyaths particr traits? Yes. Ill get that ready right away


    Matoba called the headquarters with his mobile phone, and shortly after asking about Nyaths particr physical traits, he received the physical profiling. Race, age, height and weight. The clothes he wasst seen wearing.


    What about the Sherwood High undercover mission?


    Said Trna. Zimmer looked at Matoba as if wanting an exnation for it, so while he was still talking on the phone, he simply mouthed let her do it. Zimmer looked troubled, but ultimately he hesitantly nodded several times and said


    Keep it up. This is clearly connected to Norune, and everything. However, dont go around spying and pushing yourself too hard with all sorts of stuff. If any kind of trouble pops up at any point, well abort it.  Understood Dont expect toe up with any results


    With that line, one of the forensic investigators said


    We found an incendiary timed device


    It was ckened and charred, but with a cooking timer, a 9 volt battery, and parts of a lighter, it was a device that even a high school student could make. Matoba finished giving instructions through the phone to the headquarters, and hung up.


    The preparations are done. I had Cami and Jamie head over to Nyaths house Well thats good, isnt it? Eh, theyll find out right away that hes just a regr high school student. Theres no way hes this murder mastermind


    ~o~O~o~


    Contrary to Matobas expectations, Nyath Maybell was not home. Cami and Jamie, full names detective Cameron Estefan, and detective Jamie Austin, drove over to the Maybell household in North Zalze near New Compton on a red BMW M3.


    Hey, arent we sticking out a lot?


    Jamie muttered as the car was slowing down.


    I just cant feel at ease with outfits as colorful as these in this traditional, conservative neighborhood.


    Both of them were heading back home from work, so they were wearing prostitute outfits. Highly revealing tight miniskirts and short pants. With a high emphasis on their breasts and their cleavages. Camis dark skin and Jamies light skin were both glistening below the streetmps.


    We shouldve definitely changed clothes beforeing here What are you talking about? It wouldve been more than an hour going all the way back to the office from Metsera. We had no choice But you know what, Cami? A friend from high school lives in the area. If she for some reason saw me wearing an outfit like this, it would turn into a pretty bad rumour


    Jamie took her Gi handbag, and started frantically trying to cover her butt and upper thighs with it. Even when working undercover for the Special Vice Squad, Jamie would stand on a street corner acting embarrassed, but it seemed like that was actually even more popr with men. Her conviction rate was evenrger than the more serious and traditionally sexy Cami, just standing around bashfully.


    She wasnt particrly jealous or anything, but she did find the direction in which the modern day male tastes were heading, somewhat maniacal. Thats what Cami thought.


    Forget that, lets get going Ah, how annoying. That Kei, hes always pushing theseme situations onto us


    Camiined as they kept heading towards the Maybell household entrance.


    Its not Keis fault. Besides, I feel like hes always looking after us and all


    Jamie defended him


    You totally have a sweet spot for him though. If you asked me, though, Kei Matoba is the embodiment of male chauvinism itself. Hes always behaving like your typical tough guy. A guy with a mountain full of stupidity. Hes absolutely the type that would say ah, lets have the women do that bullshit job, since its safe Im pretty sure he wouldnt say something like that, Cami. The guy has been facing dangerous situations nonstop, and hes also looking after Trna, isnt he? Which would be fine if he wasnt a fucking pedo Cami! Ah, yeah yeah, Im sorry. It was a joke. Trna is a good girl, and I think I would be doing the same thing in his position Having her wear some underwear you bought at a sex shop? No, that was us that did that But that was cute, wasnt it? She has a smooth skin and a great butt, so it looked really good on her Yeah youre right. But I feel like she could use with a little more volume on her, and then she would look great but wait, we werent talking about this in the first ce, right?


    Cami sighed. Jamie was an excellent detective, and a good friend, but the only thing that worried her was how fond she had gotten of that Kei Matoba guy. She wouldnt go as far as calling him a good-for-nothing, but he was no doubt the kind of guy you didnt want to date. He was trouble. Camis father was the same kind of person. He was stubborn, a typical macho, sarcastic far from being simply a considerate and kind guy towards women. In any case he was a man that reeked of olden times.


    Well, when talking about peoples tastes, to each their own, and besides she wasnt just going to start meddling in other peoples affairs about things like that.


    They got to the Maybells front door, and Jamie said


    What time is it right now? 00:22 Hey Cami. Can we pass as policemen knocking at a time like this? We are policemen! Pull yourself together  Youre right, yeah. But Im sure theyll think were some kind of sketchy delivery massage service or something. Pizza ces are already closed and everything Shut up


    Cami knocked, and after waiting for about 30 seconds, the door opened, and Mr. Maybell appeared. He looked at the two beautiful women, raised his eyebrows and said


    Ah Im sorry, but I think you knocked at the wrong house. We havent ordered any massage services or anything like that, really


    See? I told you


    Jamie said with her eyes. Cami ignored that, and she pulled out her badge from her handbag and showed it to him.


    Mister Maybell? Excuse us for knocking thiste at night. Im officer Estefan from the San Teresa Police Department. And this right here is officer Austin. Theres something we want to ask you about the explosion incident in Corin We- we may look like this but were real police officers! Look, we have to do a lot of undercover missions and well


    Jamie interrupted from the side


    You shut up But Cami! Just leave it!  Ah, forgive me. The one we want to question is your son, actually


    Mr. Maybell heard what they had to say, and got really worried


    Nyath? Yes. Is he at home? Of course. I saw that incident on the news earlier today but Nyath has been at home all along. He even had dinner with us. Are you sure youre not mistaken? We cant say anything yet. Please tell him toe But- Please. This is something extremely important for our investigation


    She was asking him in an extremely serious manner, but he still couldnt hide his distrust for the two women


    Forgive me, but can you show me your badge and ID again please? Ive heard I have a right to do that Of course. Here you go


    So it woulde to that after all Cami presented both her badge and ID to him, after pulling them out of the tiny notebook she kept them in. She wasnt veryfortable with it, since her ID picture was extremely unttering, so she would avoid showing it to other people. On top of the thick sses, there were the crooked teeth, the unkempt hair, and a terrible uniform.


    That doesnt look like you Yeah I get that a lot. However, as Ive kept fulfilling my duties, Ive found the need to look like this


    Right then, Jamie interrupted


    Mr. Maybell, its okay. Officer Estefan used to be a literary club introvert type of girl. She used to write Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock romantic fanfiction, and-


    This time, she really thought she was going to beat her partner to death.


    Please shut your mouth But Cami- Leave it. Well talk about this very thoroughlyter


    After replying with a murderous tone, she directed herself toward Mr. Maybell once again.


    Excuse us, Mr. Maybell. Would you like to check Officer Austins ID as well? No, thats okay. Your badge looks real


    Mr. Maybell returned Camis wallet.


    Thank you very much. Well then, would you please call Nyath? But as I told you earlier, my son had nothing to do with that incident. Besides, he has to go to school tomorrow, so I would like to know what to do after you have had your time to talk to him


    So that was why he was opposed to it. A serious parent would of course try to protect his own son. He wouldnt just go all ah yeah, certainly about the situation.


    If you still insist on not calling Nyath, we will have to end up using legal means to get his side of the story. This kind of conversation will also be recorded, and it may end up affecting his criminal record in the long run. At this stage, hes only one of many names that havee up during the investigation, but if you keep insisting like this, his file will have a refused to cooperate with investigation annotation. And we do not want that either, to be honest


    Although she was speaking gently and politely, her words were a clear threat. Cami knew very well that this sort of procedure was necessary sometimes. Surely Matoba did it as well. Basically, she knew that if it were Matoba who was trying to get information from Nyaths parents, he would do it that way as well, which is why he sent Jamie and her. Instead of going over there with his tough looking face, he would have those two gals go so everything would transpire much more smoothly.


    Which is why she hated him


    Mr. Maybells pupils changed in fear, fortunately he seemed like a reasonable man. Without furtherining, he turned to his wife who was observing everything from behind, and told her to call Nyath. The woman hesitated for a second and then nodded, and went quickly to the second floor.


    But Miss detective. My son was home the whole time. Hes a childpletely clean of any crimes. On what basis did his namee up? Someone ims to have seen your son at the scene Who? Give me a break I cannot tell you the details. We dont really believe that your son is the culprit either. I understand how you feel, but please coopera- Stan


    Ms. Maybell called out to him after rushing down from the second floor. Her voice was restless, and her eyes were full of fear.


    What happened? Wheres Nyath? Hes not here. Seems like he went out the window at some point ah darling, what are we going to do? He is not here. I looked everywhere!


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (15)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (15)


    Mr. Maybell was looking straight at Cami with a bewildered expression. She shared the same feelings as him, and her expression was a mix of numbness and stress.


    Mr. Maybell. he was with you until around dinner, right? Yes he definitely was with us. But, I never thought Do you have any idea of where he went? No idea. This is the first time anything like this has happened


    Ms. Maybell muttered as she was clinging closely to her husband


    But we did find this note taped to the wall over his desk Did he leave it?


    It was torn off a notebook. Some unfamiliar characters were scribbled along the paper rashly. It was anguage and writing that did note from earth. Cami couldnt read it


    That cheeky bastard. Theres no way we can read this at all. I wonder what it says This is a dialect of Farbani


    Muttered Jamie quietly, who had been listening intently to the entire conversation. Among the Special Vice Squad, she was the most well versed when it came tonguages.


    What does it say? Seems to be easy to read


    Answered Jamie


    This is for Norune. Thats all


    ~o~O~o~


    After showing the picture of the note that Jamie and Cami had sent over to Trna, she groaned and raised her voice


    Nyath!


    She brashly returned the portable device to Matoba, and kicked the cars dashboard. The Volkswagen that was parked on a random road in the San Juan neighborhood swung from side to side, and a homeless man that was gathering several empty cans on the side of the road got startled at the noise.


    Why did he do something so stupid? Four people died, and theres no way to bring them back. What happened? Why Mendoza? Where did he go? She was feelingpletely lost.


    If only I had called out to him and stopped him when we passed by each other after the elevator Trna was biting her own lips fiercely with regret and frustration. Matoba was looking at the screen of his terminal and reading some iing information.


    Nobody wouldve expected that boy to do something like that. Letting him pass us by was the normal thing to do back then But- Before getting pent up with frustration, take a deep breath and use your head. We still have a lot of stuff we dont know. It would be odd if it was Nyath who killed Mendoza and the other guys Thats true We cant say anything with just this note. However, it is true that he was at the site of the explosion Seems like it


    Matoba kept using his terminal.


    He was caught on several cameras in different neighborhoods and streets on his way from North Zalze to Corinthos. From 7:31 to 8:15. He had dinner with both his parents and then immediately snuck out of his house, and headed to Mendozas apartment. The route he tookplies with that What happened afterwards? Did no other cameras catch him? None. Theres only so many cameras we can check right away, and theres much less surveince at night. And if on top of that he changed his clothes, then he would be almost impossible to identify Have the patrols not found him either? So far, yeah


    Information about Nyaths physical appearance was already given to patrol cars all over the city. They werent given an emergency warning or anything, but officers were told to keep it in mind and to detain him if they ran into him. They were told to keep an eye on any young people that they saw walking around that also looked like him, and to ask him to identify himself if they had the time.


    Some patrolling officers were given instructions to look around 24 hour restaurants and fast food joints, main motels and simr, but so far they had found absolutely nothing.


    Hes supposed to be an average high schooler, right? Is it even possible for him to escape from the police and hide like this? Although its hard, I wouldnt say that its impossible. He could very well be hiding inside any civilians garage, and be found in the morning at best. Besides, Nyath is a Semani


    Trna was bothered by his partners way of speaking.


    So what if hes a Semani? What does that have to do with it? Dont get offended, Im not being a racist or anything. Hes just like you so I was saying that maybe he could use magic or all other sorts of stuff If youre referring to Mildi, then theres no way. Its not something that peasants can simply pick up as they please. Only the most talented kids of nobles and aristocrats will keep learning it from a very young age and will only be able to use it after years of practice. Since Nyath came to earth when he was five or six, I find it hard to believe that he would be able to even use Mildi at all Huh, is it really that hard? Well, yes, I would say that it is difficult. Its kind of like how it is with you guys and musical instruments. Natural talent wont really get you more than some noise. And people who specialize on both Mildi and swordsmanship like myself are pretty rare So now youre boasting, huh? Im not saying it that way!


    She was predicting that he woulde out and say something like that, and in the end he did. Even though she was just trying to exin it simply and briefly. What an annoying guy.


    Hmph


    Matoba ignored Trnas objections, and instead took his hand to his chin and started thinking deeply. That gesture, no matter how often she would see it, she just couldnt get used to that bizarre motion that earthlings did when they were thinking.


    Thinking about it, youd get to the conclusion that there was someone making preparations and stuff for Nyath


    Matoba turned on the engine and started the car quickly. It seemed as if he had thought of something. Trna asked a question as she tightened up the muscles in her body as she still wasnt used to his reckless driving.


    Kei, what do you mean? That he had a partner in crime. Preparing an explosion like that is too technical for a high schooler Didnt you say that it was a simple crime? Where did he find out about Norunes death in the first ce? Wouldnt it be logical that the guy who told him was also his coborator? Ah


    Trna had also been wondering about that herself.


    Well its not like it waspletely confidential or anything Exactly. It couldve been Norunes family, a coborator of the police or an infiltrate, the school principal, among many other candidates. Even with a confidentiality restriction, there will always be at least thirty people who find out about stuff. But on the other hand, that means that the route will always be restricted to one of those people


    As Trna heard that, she understood where Matoba was headed.


    So Norunes family? Well, it wasnt impossible for Nyath to meet up with Moda Norbam, Norunes father. And it would make the most sense that it was him who told Nyath about it Well he couldve heard it from basically any other- Yeah, there are thousands of possibilities, but for now lets check up with Norbam


    Norbam was a well known name among the Semani civil rights movement. And it wasnt particrly odd that he would at least have heard of a drug dealer as deep into the business as Mendoza was.


    How Mendoza managed to arrange his meetings and dealings with Norune within the school, and a lot of other issues were still aplete mystery, but it was probably better to go and visit Norbam directly, instead of going aimlessly around town looking for Nyath.


    Kei. If youre right about everything with your theory, then that would mean that Nyath and Norunes father conspirated together to kill Mendoza


    As Matoba turned the steering wheel, he sighed and nodded at the same time.


    He didnt look like that kind of father maybe Im just getting old and useless Those men that fooled around and used his daughter as a ything would obviously be a target for her father, theres nothing strange about that. Thats how it will be normally. But, its strange, you know even now, Norbam gives me a sense of innocence. Hes not that kind of guy, and I think he just has a lot of stuff going on


    Even though he was the one that had turned a suspicious eye towards Moda Norbam in the first ce, Matoba didnt actually want to believe in that scenario. It was an unusual attitude for Matoba.


    Trna looked at her wristwatch. It was 3:16 in the morning.


    That watch. Not even twelve hours ago had Nyath looked down on her wealth and indifference because of it. You probably wouldnt get it even in a million years is what he had said.


    Did Nyath know about Norunes death by that moment already? Trna didnt think so. If he had known about it, he wouldnt have just stormed off like that. He would have been more upset, and he wouldnt have been gossipping with Trna all along before that.


    Kei What? Do you think maybe Nyath liked Norune? Well obviously he liked her, that was why they were friends. He even went out to get revenge for her and everything Not that kind of likepared to the kind of rtionship I had with him, it would be uh Ah


    Matoba nodded, looking like he had just understood something


    Well, he was a teenage boy after all. Its obvious he would feel all sorts of vague and confusing things for girls. I think he probably liked Norune, but maybe he was also interested in you after you just showed up. He didnt even have to realize it himself either. It was probably something like that


    Even after hearing that, her uneasy feelings were still not cleared up.


    I dont really get it Look


    After hesitating for a bit, Matoba looked like he had made up his mind, and said


    Since it was just a kid that had caught your attention during your infiltration, I had mostly been poking fun at you for it so far but now that itse to this Ill tell you something. Dont develop any feelings for Nyath.


    His voice was rough. It felt like he had just poured a bag full of ice on her during her slumber.


    Depending on how things unfold from now, you may have to end up attacking him. No, you may actually have to end him. In any case, any personal feelings for him will end up getting in the way No. Theres no way that I For instance, say Nyath points a gun at me, what would you do? Would you attack me without holding back? No way. Theres no way that I would ever attack you!!


    The strength behind her words of denial even took her by surprise. Matoba looked somewhat surprised as well. Even though he was driving, he still had his eyes wide open, and he was looking straight at Trna.


    Thats uh because its my work. I would never recklessly attack my partner. Besides, that would make Kuroi sad for sure Well, thanks for that Look to the front, please. Its dangerous. Uh, yeah


    Matoba corrected the course of the car, as it had been slowly moving towards the center of the road.


    In any case whats true is that we dont know if things will get to that point. I dont usually mess up, but it will only get in the way if youre so unstable. Okay? Okay So do you think you could cut him?


    Trnas eyes were watering up with tears. But she replied in a high pitched voice


    I think I could do it. Probably. If its just cutting off a hand or something Hey I get it. Ill cut his head off then No, listen. Its not like Im not telling you to go around cutting him all over Youre not?! I hate your attitude Im not. Ah, man it always turns out like this whenever I try to be a serious cop for once and tell you something. Whats up with you and your insane ramblings? Rakebye  Ah, I dont care about it anymore


    He pressed on the elerator.


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (16)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (16)


    They arrived at Moda Norbams house at 4 in the morning. Due to Kariana Inds lowtitude, that time would be considered closer to the early morning, than dawn.


    Matoba turned off the headlights, and kept moving through the quiet neighborhood. He turned off the engine about three buildings before arriving at the Norbam household, and let it get there past two other buildings, beforepletely stopping.


    Matoba pulled out his beloved handgun from the holster, pulled slightly on the slide, and checked his ammo. He knew that he had loaded the first bullet, but it still was a habit that he had picked up in the army.


    Lets go


    He put his gun back in the holster, and got out of the car, heading towards the Norbam household. The surrounding area was a stereotypical suburban residential neighborhood. The road was about as wide as a regr twone road, and gingko trees were lining up on both sides of the road. Every home had a well kept green frontwn, and was built out of hardwood, in a stylish two-storied style.


    The garden was full of different blooming flowers, and some pottery was decorating the Norbam family homes front door. At a different time, like noon, it all probably looked beautiful.


    Dont you ever feel like moving to a ce like this?


    Trna said, almost whispering Not at all


    So ultimately she was going to go in with him.


    Looking at it from the outside, the Norbam household seemed to be quietly sleeping. No activity could be seen from any of the windows. The two of them looked out of ce, carrying their dangerous looking gun and sword with them around a ce like that.


    That was exactly why they couldnt feel at ease.


    Matoba rang the doorbell violently without hesitation several times.


    There was no visible movement inside the house. There were also no signs of anybody moving in the second floor either. Even after waiting for an entire minute, it didnt seem like anybody was answering.


    But just as they were about to ring the bell one more time, the front door suddenly opened, and Moda Norbam appeared.


    Ah, officer Matoba


    He muttered, and smiled faintly. He had dark bags under his eyes.


    I was thinking that it was about time you came over. Ive been waiting all along Sorry about the time, Mister Norbam. Its about your daughter- Dont worry. Come on in


    Norbam opened the door, and invited Matoba and Trna into his home.


    My wife and the kids are staying over at a rtives, you see. So its just me right now. You know how it is, right? After something like that happens, your family life wont go as smoothly as it used to I can imagine Do you want something to drink? Well, I took the liberty to have something prepared for me already


    He held up the whisky bottle that had been on the living rooms table, and swung it around in the air. There was only about a third left of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask.


    It was a strong liquor that Semanians seemed to have a slight habit of drinking. He poured some of it in his ss, and then the distraught father said self-deprecatingly


    A priest is drinking alcohol. This must seem sphemous to earthlings


    Ah no However, even in our Semani world, there are many religions that forbid alcohol consumption. Likewise, even my own god will only forgive me for drinking alcohol twice a year, on special asions, and only if its a little. However, God has never banned Ailsa Malt from Earth. I mean, he didnt even know about this world, and this alcohol in the first ce.


    Norbam swirled the amber colored liquid around, and took a deep breath.


    This world, where my daughter had to go through something like that. God couldnt have known about that. In any case, whos thatdy over there?


    Seemed like he had finally noticed Trnas presence, and he was pointing at her with the little finger of the hand that was holding the ss of whisky.


    Shes a colleague And shes a Semanian? We have Semani policemen recently. You should like that, right?


    Norbam shook his shoulders andughed


    Well, youre right. Id like it if it simply became the norm eventually Mr. Norbam. A while ago you said something that made me think you know the reason were here. Would you like to exin yourself?


    Matobas way of speaking was thoroughly polite, but he immediately took a stance where he could easily pull out his gun from the holster, refrained from sitting down, and wouldnt stop looking around his entire surroundings.


    Ah. That boy Nyath. If its about him, then I happened to hear something


    Said Norbam


    He was Norunes friend. I really do think that its a shame how he gave his life away trying to get back at those junkies Thats not an answer at all. You met up with Nyath, right? Yeah, I saw him


    He shook the ss again, and grimaced


    It was in the evening. A boy introduced himself as Norunes ssmate, and went over to my office. It was Nyath Maybell. He was worried about not being able to contact my daughter for about a week well, thats obvious. And then I told him the truth The truth what truth?


    Interrupted Trna


    The truth as it was. The way in which my daughter was found and everything. He seemed to be quite shocked. I think I was too rash Rash?! Norune was his only friend! Do you not- She was also my beloved daughter  It was enough already. I didnt have the time or will to be considerate to her ssmate on our first meeting. I dont know what happened next. He disappeared without saying anything, really


    He muttered powerlessly, and then lowered his head.


    His words didnt seem to be made up. That was what Matobas gut was telling him. But in that case, how did Nyath know about Mendoza, and then go on tomit such a crime?


    No, something was off


    Gut? What was he even thinking?


    Pleaseugh, officer Matoba. I was powerless. I couldnt help my daughter, and I couldnt have helped him either


    To urge a father who had lost his daughter any further than this would be cruel. That shouldnt be done, even by an officer.


    Thats right even more importantly than a police officer, Im a human being.


    Lets just leave it like this.


    Wait, wait a second. Why am I


    Excuse us, Mr. Norbam. Just knowing that was enough


    Matoba saidpassionately to the man, even though he had no need to do so. He was overflowing with grief, and felt an almost passionate need to help this father.


    What even is this? Im not like this. Even though there are thousands of things that dont add up, why am I-


    Thank you, officer Matoba Thats okay. I know that I would do the same if I were in your position Youre an incredible detective, officer Matoba Not at all. But I do pray that you will heal from your wounds eventually Yes. I will do my best, officer Matoba


    Officer Matoba. Officer Matoba. Officer Matoba.


    His calls kept popping up in the back of his head, and from his distorted point of view, he could see his figure moving back and forth in space, as he felt an incredible sympathy for the man swell up from within his chest


    Kei!


    Trna grabbed Matoba by the cor, and screamed in his ear.


    What, shut up. Im having an important talk with Moda Norbam. Stop fooling around.


    Kei! Pull yourself together! Shut up. Hes an unfortunate man. Dont cause any more trouble for him What are you saying? This mans words are nothing but lies!  Forgive her, Mr. Norbam. Shes just a little confused, thats all


    Trnas just feeling worried about Nyath, so she cant judge the situation properly. That must be it. I need to shut her up soon.


    Thats not impossible, officer Matoba


    Right now Norbam was neither griefing nor feeling sad. The tips of his mouth were rising, and he was looking straight into Matobas eyes.


    Ah, well then. Feel free to call me Moda. Consider us good friends Thank you, Moda. You can call me Kei as well Kei!


    Trna made up her mind, she took her hand to her waist, pulled out her Krge, pointed it towards Moda Norbam, and swung it towards him. What stupid trick was she trying to pull?


    Stop! Ah


    Matoba grabbed her arm from behind, and pulled her away from Norbam. Suddenly, in an act of desperation, he threw Trna away. Matoba saw her sword fall on the floor, and kicked it away from her. And before she realized, he was already pointing the barrel of his automatic handgun at her.


    So you feel like doing something to him? I wont have mercy, not even with you  Kei, cant you see it? This mans words are all lies!


    Trna kept shouting as she was lying t on the floor.


    Lies? Stop saying iprehensible- That man is not a priest at all! Hes a Mildita that can manipte peoples hearts! You have been charmed by him already! Dont be stupid. Moda is not a magic user at all. Cant you tell by looking at him? Hes all messed up. His daughter died in such a horrible way, give me a break!


    His anger towards Trna kept rising. This girl, what was she even saying about him?


    To insult Moda, what an insolent brat. There was no way he was any kind of sketchy magician or anything. He was a man among men, a true servant of god who was only helping poor immigrants. To ignore something like that-


    Officer Kei Matoba. She has lost her mindpletely


    Said Norbam


    She was probably even hiding drugs from you and using them everyday. I have seen many young people like her, so you can believe me What?! Trna, is that true?! Kei! Officer Kei Matoba. There is no way to cure her. Im sure you know that better than anybody else. If we let her be with her mind as broken as it is, she may be an alien that just attacks anybody without holding back. She was even about to attack me just a moment ago  Youre right


    Hurtful thoughts were making his chest feel tight.


    It was just as Moda Norbam said. There was no way to cure Trna. It had been fine because he had been with her all along, but maybe she had always been like that. Or at some point someone struck her with the curse of madness. Surely even a sane Trna would hate that.


    Thats right.


    He had to help her no matter what


    There is only one way to help your partner Yes Just end it in one single moment. So she doesnt suffer. And you know how to do it Yes Moda, I know


    He pointed his gun towards the back of her head. A point nk bullet would travel all the way through her cerebellum and exit through the top of her head, through her brain tissues.


    Im sorry, Trna


    He muttered


    Kei?! The only thing we can do to help you is this. There seems to be no way of stopping you from cutting up a fine man like Moda right here Thats right, officer Kei Matoba. Save her! Kei,e back!


    He could feel her trembling with the tips of the fingers with which he was pressing down on her. She started squirming, freaking out, and struggling with all her might, but Matobas physical strength was too much for her.


    Dont freak out. Just close your eyes and itll be over in a second Kei! Trna kept screaming regardless


    Are you going to me me, just like that time with your sister?!


    She suddenly said something odd and Matoba seemed confused

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (17)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (17)


    My sister? What are you- Youre going to keep telling yourself that it was my fault. Do you n to live the rest of your life saying that? If you do that, then youll be nothing more than a sad loser! Wha


    His attitude changed, as if someone had pped him in the face. In the vast corners of his mind, rage and shame were battling each other, urging him to not pull the trigger in unison.


    Do you get that, Khe Imatuba? I am not as forgiving as your brother. And I will haunt you for all eternity, never forgiving any of your excuses. And I will travel the heavenly realm of eternal spring, badmouthing you with all of the great heroes that inhabit it. Telling them about how Dorini warriors are no big deal, and how you got manipted by theme magic of a mediocre Mildita into killing your own friend shamelessly  Do not pay any attention to her words. Shoot, officer Kei Matoba! But Shoot her


    Thats right, I have to shoot her. I need to control myself, and pull my index finger on the trigger-


    I will even tell your own sister! How her brother is a weak coward! Stop Shoot! Thats right, your younger sister, asme as yourself. She may scream at me, and sob all over the ce and I wont care! You bastard Shoot!


    In the end, he couldnt win against his impulse to pull the trigger with his index finger.


    A shot was fired.


    He barely got to move his wrist only slightly, enough to move the barrel of his gun away from Trnas back of the head. A single bullet was fired at an empty spot on the floor.


    Fuck!


    He pushed Trna away, gritted his teeth violently, and managed to shove aside the urge to shoot Trna. He removed the magazine from his gun, pulled the slide, threw his ammo away, and groaned like a beast.


    What the fuck is going on?! Why the fuck am I doing something like this?!


    He shouted with a voice that could be heard through the entire neighborhood, punched the wall, and started shaking his head time and time again


    Shit, shit, shit shit shit! Kei?! What was I about to do? Was I about to shoot you and kill you what is going on? Norbam, is this your fault?!


    It seemed like he hadpletely regained control of himself, and was finallyprehending what he was about to do. His sympathy towards Norbam still hadnt disappearedpletely, but thanks to his intense anger, he managed to stay alert, and firmly forbid his own mind from ever forgiving him.


    What does this mean?


    Norbam was sitting expressionlessly on the sofa. His face wasnt that of a father ovee with grief for his daughter, or that of an influential messianic figure that was there to save the unfortunate refugees.


    That was Mildi. You enchanted Kei with a special deceiving technique


    Trna said as she pulled out her long sword, and got her body in position, raising and pointing it at Norbam


    Mildi? I havent done anything. I was just sitting here, and saying that you had lost your mind. The one who pulled out the gun and was about to shoot you was officer Matoba himself Shut up! Now I know why Nyath ended up doing something like that. It was all your high level hypnotism I dont know about that. I am a priest for Danbealy. Theres no way I would use a technique like that How shameless can you be! Prepare yourself!


    Trna pointed the tip of her de towards Norbam


    Stop that, Trna Dont stop me, Kei. This man must pay at least by having his tongue severed! Or perhaps are you still under the effect of his spell? No


    Matoba took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.


    Am I myself again? Seems like I am


    Moda Norbam. I am arresting you


    He took out his handcuffs


    Arrest me? On what grounds? Murder attempt and murder instigating Do you think you can actually prove that? You simply took out your gun and pointed it to thatdy over there with the clear intention of killing her. Youre wasting your- You have the right to remain silent


    He didnt have the intention of listening to any more of this mans words.


    Everything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to contact awyer. If you cannot afford awyer, one will be appointed for you


    Matoba grabbed Norbams arms, and forcefully made him stand up. He handcuffed him from behind, and checked him for any weapons.


    For heavens sake. Now its even gotten to the point of police oppression Lets go I want to call mywyer. Please give me my cellphone


    Matoba did as he requested, and then they dragged him to their car. They pushed him into the backseat with the handcuffs still on, and then each got on the driver and passenger seat respectively.


    While turning on the engine, Matoba said


    Trna What? You know well that. Im sorry about that


    Trna was taken aback by his unexpected words of apology.


    Dont worry about it. Its not your fault I wish that was true More importantly, I should be the one apologizing for having said those things about your sister. I didnt really mean any of that! Okay? What are you talking about? That was a story I heard from someone somewhere. It wasnt about-


    Trna was looking up at him with her big, round pupils. She was seeingpletely through him.


    So youre just going to leave it at that?  No. Im sorry. That was my story Good


    Matoba looked sour, as if he had been grounded, but Trna lookedpletely opposite of that. For some reason she was looking even satisfied.


    Ah, crap I need to watch out for alcohol Absolutely


    She pushed him lightly on the shoulder with her closed hand.


    ~o~O~o~


    Moda Norbams attorney arrived at the Police Department''s HQ almost immediately, despite it being close to five in the morning. He was hoping to be able to get an interview with Norbam as he was detained, so he was pressing Matoba about it as they were exiting the interrogation room.


    I will corroborate this with my client


    All of the security guards, police officers, and everybody rted to the investigation were forbidden from talking with Norbam, but they couldnt keep an attorney from talking to their client. Matoba shrugged his shoulders, and along with Trna, left the prosecutors interrogation room.


    As they exited the room, they met up with the assistant prosecutor Kevin Gardner, who was looking at them reproachfully.


    Hey, Mr. officer. Did you really think that we could prosecute that Norbam guy? Thats what I wanted to talk to you about Prosecuting a guy like him would be almost like prosecuting the president. You keep saying that he cast a spell on you, and almost had you kill your partner, but how do you even intend to prove that?


    Gardner looked tired, sleep deprived, and he was rubbing both his eyes with his hands, and shuffling his messy hair over and over again. Whenever he had to stand in front of the judge and the jury during trial, he would look like a handsome man, wearing a perfectly fitting three piece suit, but it seemed like there had been several murder cases within the past few days. So Gardner looked at the moment much closer to a failed used car salesman.


    But that kind of stuff has happened before. Theres the precedent of that guy that did something simr with some kind of drug Thats Connecticuts Greens case, from may 2012. But on that asion, the barbiturate found in the defendants home was used as evidence against him, and the results of the proof and subsequent investigation led to a conviction. Compared to that, our situation ispletely different.


    Matoba was quite impressed by how easily he could remember the ce and date of that case. This kind ofwyer was better described as a judicial otaku. He could only think of them as the same type of people as the drama fans that sat around chatting about the specific line that Samantha said on season 4, episode 7 of Stargate.


    Cant you do something- No way I would do anything. Besides, theres no evidence, and only two peoples testimony. How about you worry about facing charges for an unwarranted detainment and usation? Theres no way I would be lying about this. He cast some weird magic on me, and was trying to make me kill Trna! Are you saying it would have been better to just let him go without any consequences?!


    There was no way that Gardner would listen to him when he was acting like that, but Matoba just couldnt stay put without shouting at him. Trna was standing in the back with her arms crossed, her eyes closed, and her head nodding up and down. Where had she seen his expressions before?


    Im not particrly doubting the truth of what youre saying, Matoba. I am talking about what you actually can do. If you want tounch a rocket, there are several parts that you need, and if you dont have those parts, the rocket wont fly. No matter how much you yell at it, it wont fly Ah youre right. Fuck. Couldnt we detain him for apletely different thing while hes in here right now? On what charge? Murder assistance and instigaton, or maybe for criminal conspiracy depending on Nyath Thats fine. Since well be doing it like this, I wont be able to detain him for too long How long?


    Gardner looked at his wristwatch


    Ill try my best, but Ill be able to detain him until tomorrow at best. And if things go south, then today by noon Thats Ah, shit. Keep him here, in any case Okay. Then Ill take my leave. Ill get the paperwork ready Thanks for everything. Ill leave it up to you


    Gardner softly hit Matoba on the back with his folder, and left.


    Ugh


    Matoba noticed Trnas thinking expression


    Whats with you? I think I can imagine what you want to say, but look, this is the way things are turning out to be I should have cut that guy in pieces back then


    Trna puffed her cheeks bitterly and muttered


    Dont be stupid. If you had done that, then I wouldve had to arrest you for murder Thats ording to earthsws or whatever. Ive been holding back and hanging around you people, but honestly I dont think I will ever be able toprehend them But it is just as Gardner was saying. We dont have the right parts. We dont have the appropriatews to judge magic users, so we need to do it via traditional means That mans tongue is dangerous Yeah He has most likely been using Mildi and taking advantage of people with spells like that all along. And he even admitted to being able to ce a tremendous pressure on the upper echelons of the Police Department. A man like that is trying to enter the world of politics. If we let him be, then he may end up bing a huge problem


    Matoba was thinking that as well. But this was a problem that far exceeded their capabilities. It would be best to hope that by reporting on it, the responsible departments would take care of it. It wasnt an issue for the Special Vice Squad.


    Their job was investigating the circumstances surrounding Norunes and Mendozas deaths, and making Norbam pay, if it came out that he had been actually involved in either of them.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (18) ***Bonus***

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (18) ***Bonus***


    Moda Norbam was already a celebrity to begin with. Why was he doing something like that?


    But


    Matoba contained his anger and looked at Trna quietly. He got his fists ready, mentally, and organized his thoughts.


    Maybe, unexpectedly, the guy is getting impatient Oh? Why do you think he tried to have me killed? The Mildi he used, the tongue of make-believe is quite different from Zdas dead maniption, and it doesnt have any binding power. Coercing someone intomitting suicide, or making someone elsemit a murder is an ability that is incredibly hard to attain. The fact that you managed to overpower it was most likely a consequence of that as well


    So shes not going topliment me on my willpower after all


    He thought to himself, but since it wouldve interrupted the flow of the conversation to say anything, he remained quiet


    So youre basically saying that the kind of magic he cast on me is quite rare? Not impossible, though. Especially as a surprise attack when you cast it on an unexpecting opponent, you may entice them tomit suicide or murder. However, its still difficult So youre saying that that strength is his true form or scratch that, his powers are actually not well known? Thats right. Its also why he was trying desperately to kill me


    Maybe Norbam had intended to cast a much simpler deceiving spell on Matoba in the first ce. Perhaps one especially to make him doubt himself and it wouldve been enough with just that. However, he wasnt counting on Trna being there as an extra.


    When youre a Mildita yourself, you can sense if your opponent is one of your own. You can feel the small changes in Rahtena, and see their fine gestures and words its nothing you couldnt hide with enough self awareness, but its also something that a very carefully observant opponent would notice Did you notice it at first when you met Norbam? No. But I had my doubts. Im sure he noticed that himself


    An unknown Semani appeared in front of him, and one that had high chances of detecting any criminal intent, so he decided to protect himself by having Matoba kill her before she could figure anything out.


    That was a very risky gamble, even for someone like Norbam. And he failed.


    And so now hes freaking out. I get it. I think I can get his reasons now Having said that, I think this is no more than just a constion prize. Even if we managed to infer something like this, that would still not change the fact that it would be almost impossible to lock him up in a dungeon, or to have him decapitated, right?


    She sighed painfully, and peeked at Matobas face


    No. I told this to Gardner earlier as well, but we still have Nyath. If only we could guarantee his detainment it may be impossible to prove the hypnotism thing, but maybe we could do something about the murder instigation and support with his testimony In that case we need to find him quickly Wait


    Matoba was trying to calm Trna down, who was looking just about ready to take off running somewhere.


    Its morning already. You should head back to Sherwood onest time Why? Im sure theyre well aware already about Nyath being a suspect. Theres no way he would show his face to school right now That may be true but I think there are still several loose ends at that school that we shouldnt just discard ?


    The conditions had gotten pretty intricate, but even then, the general scenario looked like this:


    It is believed that Norune died because of Mendozas drugs. It is still unknown who let Norune die and threw her out. Norbam, the father who found about it one way or another, used Nyath by casting his unusual powers on him, and had him get revenge on Mendoza and his gang In order to cover his involvement in that revenge plot, Norbam cast his magic again, this time on Matoba and Trna to get rid of both of them.


    That was what they considered to be the truth up to that point.


    Wait- is it even true in the first ce?


    It just wasnting together at all. If all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle had been buried underground, then the remaining nk spaces were giving them no time at all to wait and find them. They couldnt afford to allow themselves to miss the forest for the trees, and get a distorted perception of the big picture.


    Of course the Moda Norbam issue was important, but werent they ditching Norune and forgetting about her altogether? Her death was the catalyst for it all to begin with.


    And would a man who almost had Trna murdered in cold blood like that, risk his own social standing to get revenge for his daughter?


    Norbam, Nyath, Mendoza. They are all involved somehow, but we still havent even seen Norunes face. What kind of girl was Norune to begin with? We wont be able to know the full story until we find that out At school she had an immacte record, but her private life was tainted with immorality. It sounds dramatic, but its not that strange. In a city like that, its not weird to find that kind of people- dont you think it may be something like that? Well, maybe thats true but hmm. In any case, Im not really feeling it That detective gut or whatever? Shut up


    The detective gut. He hated that term. Relying on something like that would be just like stooping himself to the level of the unskilled detectives that went ahead with an investigation after following the first thing that came to mind. Guys like that knew all sorts of people. But this world wasnt made for the sociable ones.


    Society and humanws of physics werent affected by ones own pettymon sense and wishes, basically, by ones gut. Even then, only asionally, this annoying gut concept would pop up, and mess with ones very simple thoughts and ideas.


    This was one of those unpleasant times


    Saying that he wasnt really feeling it, and using that as an excuse, was not going to convince Trna who was actively worried about Nyath.


    Understood. Today I will be going to school again.


    She readily agreed


    Whats with that surprised face? I thought you would hate the idea I dont really like it either, but your intuition is important too. Even when you try to ignore it, there is always some merit to checking out what your gut tells you. It has been like that several times so far already. I wonder about that


    Trna cast a pitiful look towards Matoba, who was wringing his neck


    This is one of the harmful effects of Earths civilizations. Since you already have the very convenient objectivity or whatever, you dont listen to the voices of your own guardian spirits. If you thought more like us, then maybe even your suicide rates would lower by themselves Youre overthinking it


    Just at that moment, Norbams attorney came out of the interrogation room. He was talking about an unfair arrest and violent treatment, piling up the usualints, and then urging them to release his client as soon as possible, talking about Semani discrimination, and about Matobas standing beingpromised after the incident. Ultimately, he announced that he would be fighting them thoroughly, and left the ce breathing very heavily.


    I dont really get it


    Said Trna as she watched him leave


    does he gain anything at all by trying to coerce you after saying all that stuff? Hes just like those junkies we met up with earlier. They go around saying stuff like are you game or not?!. They dont have confidence, so they go around motivating themselves like that


    Nyaths search and the investigation of the area was left to Matoba and the personnel of the Special Vice Squad, while Trna went to Sherwood high as usual.


    ~o~O~o~


    Since she had not slept at all in the past day, the sses were particrly tough to take, and the only moments she had to doze off were the breaks.


    Nyath was absent, of course.


    Even among all other students, Nyath practically didnt get brought up at all. His name had not been disclosed to the public yet, but there was a lot of talk online about how a Semanian schrship student from Sherwood High had been involved with the explosion. There were probably a lot of students who knew that already.


    However, nothing was being said about him. Almost as if, by discussing that issue directly, people would be hurting their own personal history.


    As the morning sses came to an end, Trna had lunch with Emma and the others like always, but even then, Nyath was she didnt want to say naturally, but he waspletely absent from their conversation.


    Ghili, the kid she had sent flying on her first day as a transfer student, and a friend of his hade over and poked fun at Emma with some mundane conversation. Ghili didnt seem to care about that days incident anymore, and he even asked Trna if she had gotten used to the school already.


    Yeah. Reasonably


    Trna answered, and Ghiliughed


    We will also being over tonight. So lets get along, okay? See ya!


    Said Ghili, who stood up and left. Emma was looking at him walk away and said


    I think its great that you made up with Ghili. Him and his friends hang out with us a lot, theyre a pretty fun bunch By the way, I didnt see Mike. Hes always with Ghili Seems like he didnte to school today Ah, I see


    For an instant, Trna saw a slight hint of worry appear in Emmas face. No, that was probably just her imagination. She was immediately back to her elegant smiling self.


    The conversation topic that followed was entirely about the ns they had for the party that would be carried out at Emmas ce that evening. About how they were going to order all sorts of sweets from a famous western-style bakery. There were going to be cakes, and chocte ordered. They were even going to order things that Trna had never heard of before, and Emma and the girls were throwing their opinions around.


    Trna, do you like Macarons? Do you have anything you hate?  eh? Oh, you were dozing off. You seem like you didnt sleep at allst night Sorry, a lot happened so.


    There was no way she would be talking so carelessly about western-style sweets or anything at a time like that. She repressed her ever growing annoyance, and instead showed a vague smile to them


    What about going home and taking a nap after school? Tonight is going to be big Yeah yeah! We are going to go at it until morning. Well be throwing your wee party as well


    She thought it was a joke. After school was over, she would have to take care of Nyaths search. She had no time to go to a party, not in the slightest. She had to tell them that she would not be going, when the time was right.


    And I have prepared something a lot better than just sweets. A much better secret dessert A dessert? Yup. A dessert. Look forward to it tonight


    Said Emma, and they all giggled.


    What were they talking about? It was probably some strange food from Earth, or something. But their attitude was off. Could it be


    Trna, your phone What? Its ringing


    The phone sticking out of a pouch on the table was blinking and vibrating.


    Excuse me


    It was an unknown number, and all it read was public number. She clumsily pressed the answer button with her hands, and answered.


    Who is it? Trna. Its me


    The one calling her was Nyath.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (19)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (19)


    Ny


    Trna was about to scream, but she shut her mouth. Emma and the others noticed that and looked at her with suspicion.


    You gave me your number, remember? And well I wanted to talk to you Ah yeah, dont hang up. Just wait a second


    She left her pouch on the table, and only took the case with her Krge with her on her shoulders, as she left.


    sorry. Ill be going somewhere else


    Emma and the others shrugged and gestured here to go ahead. Trna rushed out of the busy cafeteria.


    She ran around the hallways for a bit, until she found a corner with no one around, and talked to the phone again


    Nyath. Where are you? I was worried about you


    The phone surely must have had a function to record iing calls, but she had no idea how to do that. She cursed at herself for underestimating the usefulness of learning to use it properly.


    Thank you, thanks for worrying about me you know about it as well, right? Know? Know what? The bomb incident in Corinthos. I have to tell you something about that Yeah. I saw that on the news. And also on the in inte, and well, theres a lot of rumors going around


    There was no way she would tell him that she was a detective. She would test him by feigning ignorance on the subject.


    Oh, I see. I havent been able to use my phone. The police would probably find out where I am Nyath. Did you did you do it? Yeah. I did it


    Oh dear Rubana. She closed her eyes tight and gritted her teeth.


    You see, theres this Semanian drug called Mna Fiera. You dont know it, right? I dont. I dont care about that


    She actually did know it. It was a very vtile sleeping pill.


    Even when properly dosed, just a cup of it could make about ten men fall asleep soundly. It was verymon in Let Semani. But the drowsiness could be effectively fought off by consuming the extract of a nt very simr to Earths chili, so its use in militarybat was very limited.


    Nyath probably drenched his clothes or something in that drug, and consumed the nt himself. The men in that room wouldve lost their fight to sleep within less than five minutes.


    And then he did as he wished.


    He looked up Mendozas house, he investigated what he would need, put them to sleep and then he calmly sprinkled gasoline on top of them, set up his basic homemade detonator, and took care of the rest.


    By the time Trna and Matoba saw the explosion, Nyath had already fled by the back door.


    You killed the drug dealers? You did that? It was easy. Even though they were four typical macho men, it wasnt scary at all Why did you do something like that?! You cant be connected to a violent incident like that!


    Said Trna half acting and half honestly. She still didnt know if he had done it as a result of Norbams magic, but she still couldnt believe the attitude he was taking.


    I thought so as well. Until yesterday, that is I was born in Semani but my heart is that of an earthling. I was the son of the peaceful and happy Maybells. But, it really wasnt like that at all. Nyath. What are you saying? Norune died  I wanted to introduce her to you, she was my friend. After I left you there yesterday, I talked to Norunes dad. She hadnt been going to school at all, and I got worried. And Mr. Norbam told me. Last week, she died in a horrible way. She was raped by several different men, overdosed with some drugs, and then was thrown naked on the street. Thats not something human beings do. Those guys were animals. So you went and killed four people? Thats right. But


    Nyath hesitated


    No, lets talkter Trna, are you still my friend even now? Yeah. So lets think this through. There must be a way to fix this whole thing


    She was surprised to be saying these words herself.


    Her normal self would surely say something along the lines of You wish. A coward like you would never be my friend. Scratch that, even without saying it in such a cruel way, she would have at least felt like that. That was the natural reaction for a noble Farbanian aristocrat like herself.


    But that was not how she felt.


    Nyath was her friend. And she had to help him somehow.


    Dont do anything reckless, Nyath. I will do anything I can to help you. So please Thank you, Trna. In that case, wont you meet up with me at the bus station? The one right in front of school Are you in the area? Yeah. Are you in school? Okay, yes, Ille over right away. Wait for me Thank you, well then, Im hanging up Wait, dont


    Nyath hung up.


    Trna looked at her watch. It was about time for the afternoon sses to start. She walked along the several students who were heading towards their respective ssrooms, and then headed straight to the front gate.


    Nyath


    What should I do. He thinks Im his only friend, thest person he can trust. But Im also an officer, and I have to arrest him if I see him. Can I just pretend I didnt see him and let him go, though? Or pretend I didnt even get that call, and avoid meeting up with him so I dont have to arrest him.


    (No)


    What would even happen to him if I let him go? Would he just spend the rest of his life as a fugitive? Leaving aside the fact that his testimony would be useful to prove whether Moda Norbam actually manipted him, I can also help him out. I could appeal to them Kei and the others and try to figure something out.


    Its not just about arresting him. He may think of it as nothing more than a dirty betrayal, but I will have to ept his hatred and resentment. No matter what insulting words he throws at me, I will have to bear with it.


    Knishuba


    She cursed her situation in Farbani, and while she was rushing to the school gate, her phone rang with a call from Kei Matoba.


    ~o~O~o~


    Matoba heard the current turn of events from his partner, as he was standing outside of the interrogation room


    Okay. If you need to hold him down, you can do it on your own. I will have some patrol cars ready about a block away, so let us know when you secure him  Understood Dont forget it. Dont let your feelings interfere I know that


    She answered brusquely, and then hung up.


    ~o~O~o~


    Themunications team checked the phones of the entire area, and located the exact payphone that Nyath had used. ording to their intel, Nyath had indeed called Trna from a phone close to Sherwood High. The backup was contacted via themunication center, and a notice sent ripples through the entire dra, after boss Zimmer was notified.


    After finishing this and that, Matoba went back to the interrogation room.


    Matoba nced quickly at Moda Norbam, who was swinging in his chair looking bored.


    We are going to arrest Nyath


    Said Matoba, hoping to get something out of Norbams reaction. But he remained expressionless as always. Matoba couldnt even remember what his grieving father face even looked like anymore.


    Depending on his testimony, we may not be able to ignore your part in this whole thing anymore. What are you going to do? Im sure the scandal loving newspapers wont just leave it alone. And if that happens, then you can bid goodbye to our currentcency, and waiting for yourwyer and everything


    Norbam lowered his gaze, shrugged his shoulders and spoke in a self-deprecating manner


    Yet I keep telling you, I didnt do anything Say it. Even if theres no way to prove that you can cast hypnotic magic, we have several other methods to make you talk Well, thats just the way the police works, isnt it? You can do as you please. However. However? Thats right. I think Im bored. So Ill tell you a crazy thought I had


    Said Norbam with a challenging stare


    A crazy thought? Yes. Crazy Lets say, hypothetically, that I met up with this boy, Nyath, and that hypothetically, I told him about Norunes death, and hypothetically, I told him that drug dealer, Mendozas address And then lets suppose, hypothetically, that I gave him all sorts of useful tools and drugs, andpelled that gentle boy to carry out a revenge n lets imagine that


    That couldnt count as a testimony. Norbam had been extremely careful to include the word hypothetically everywhere. It was an extremely annoying manner of speaking, but it seemed like Norbam was trying to tell Matoba the truth.


    No, that would be way too suspicious


    May I procede? Do as you wish


    Without having particrly high expectations, Matoba jerked his chin.


    Its a pretty interesting incident. Of course, then again, this is all just my imagination but if that boy had been coerced by the tongue of deception or whatever you call it, then he wouldve gone to visit Mendoza a lot sooner. It wouldve been immediate. He wouldnt have had any time to mull it over or to ask for any advice. So basically


    Norbam put both his elbows on the table of the interrogation room, and raised his body very slightly.


    That boy carried out that revenge out of his own free will, officer Matoba


    Nyath killed Mendoza out of his own free will?


    Theres no way, is he using his hypnotism again? Matoba remained silent. He was feeling overwhelmed by Norbams persuasiveness.


    Dont worry about it. I am merely trying to have a conversation with you. This is just the natural flow of apletely hypothetical, and baseless scenario that were discussing


    This bastard. Its almost like he can read my mind.


    In any case, that boy is not just a puppet victim of hypnotism like you guys think. Hes fighting with himself in solitude, trying to get in control. Though it may be a little too hard to understand. Ah this delusion is of course just a result of the effects of boredom on my own mind. Its nothing more than just a hypothesis. You have absolutely no need to believe any of it, so dont worry about it Thats okay. It is only hypothetically that Nyath decided to kill Mendoza and the others all by himself, and then run away Thats right, hypothetically


    Norbam was smiling, as ifmending Matoba for finally understanding it.


    So what do you think? Youre probably thinking that theres no way a well mannered student with such a clean record would suddenly behave like that, right? Thats a very earthlike way of thinking. But he was raised as a Semanian when he was young. And before he came here, he probably experienced something very emotional, right? Thats right, speaking in Earths terms, you would call it a psychologically traumatic experience. That could probably be locked up within him as he lived his regr life. But that lock probably broke after Norunes death, carrying along with it passionate rage, and possibly some antisocial behavior. You could call it his souls own bacsh. It grew and grew, living within him for over ten years. His mdanni mrna came flowing out of him. It was the straw that broke the camels back Thats a very in depth psychological analysis. Dont you think you should dedicate yourself to that instead of politics? Well I am also a priest. Reading peoples hearts correctly is also part of my mission. I think that a lot of interesting things havee to me thanks to that Hm


    This time it was Matoba who pressed his elbows on the table and slightly pushed his body forward.


    What I really find interesting, Norbam. Is how you can be sitting here andughing like that after your own daughter died like that merely a week ago Each person shows sadness in their own way. I dont think thats something I need to tell you I see


    He wasnt nning on exchanging questions and answers with that man all day. He didnt think that anything urgent was happening to Trna at the moment, but he still thought it would be better if he headed that way.


    Stay put right there Your wish is mymand


    He pissed him off. Norbam was almost nothing like the man he had met the first time he saw him.<hr><ol><li>Mna Fiera means Fairy nket</li><li>This is the worst</li><li>Mdanni mrna trantes literally to bad colors, but its used more like true colors</li></ol><hr>


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (20)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (20)


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong>


    Matoba left the interrogation room, and called Detective Tony McBee who was in charge of the investigation rted to Mendozas finances.


    Tony. What are you up to? Kei, Im currently at San Teresa Banks security center. We were just checking their security video databank.


    Security center? Why was he in a ce like that?


    There was this guy who had a very suspicious ount, so I was just checking that up. And wellparing the videos and everything takes time, so I wasnt sure if I wanted to do it or not. But fortunately, something interesting just popped up Okay I get it, just tell me already Geez, what an impatient guy. You see, the person using that ount


    ~o~O~o~


    Nobody was waiting at the bus stop. Trna came up right next to the bench, took a deep breath and looked around her. Cars would asionally pass by, and she would see a pedestrian walking every now and then. Not a single person looked even slightly like Nyath.


    She waited for a minute, and Nyath still wasnt showing up.


    Should I look around for him? Or just keep waiting there?


    Just as Trna was starting to get confused, her phone began blinking and vibrating. It was an unknown number, but not from a payphone this time. She answered immediately.


    Nyath? Trna. Did youe to the bus stop? Yeah, Im here. Where are you? Im close by


    A bell rang. Both from beyond the fence in front of her, and almost immediately from her phone as well. The afternoon sses were starting.


    Are you in school? Why arent youing? Dont move from there, Trna Whats going on? Its alright, just stay there. And please listen to what I have to say


    She felt an indescribable tremor all over her body. She didnt know what it was, but she could tell that something horrible was going to happen. That hunch grasped her and never let go.


    I get it, okay, so juste here. Ill do anything I can to help you. So please To be honest, Trna, Norune wasnt killed by those drug dealers or whatever What? Before I put an end to them all, I got a lot of information from their leader, that Mendoza guy. They were only selling some drugs. They werent the ones that fucked Norune and killed her. It was true that she had died from their drugs, and they got what they deserved but I dont get this. Nyath, please Shut up and listen!


    He spoke with a voice that she had not heard from him before, a threatening voice.


    please listen to me. This is something that I want you to hear. Youre my friend, arent you? Yeah Thank you. So I pulled it out of that Mendoza guy. Who he had sold the drugs to And who was it? It was Emma. Emma Sem


    No way.


    Emma? That cheerful girl that was just getting fired up about some western style sweets a few minutes ago?


    Thats impossible. Isnt that some sort of mistake? No, its not. Mendoza had her phone number saved on hisputer, along with a record of their business. He had been selling them to her for over half a year Thats


    That was all she could say


    The night Norune diedst week, she was hanging out with Emma and the others. I didnt hear about it in detail, but she was there for sure. She had dressed up in a bizarre way, and then that happened to her. I even know who did it, Emma and the others toyed with Norune and killed her Im sure thats a misunderstanding No. I even got some evidence. And that guy whos always with Emma, that Ghili, he knows for sure. I got it out of his buddy Mike. I went over to his housest night, and called him on the phone well, and then a lot happened


    Trna thought back to the cafeteria a few minutes earlier. That very male student was absent. His name was Mike


    What did you do to Mike? He also let Norune die. When they threw her out on the street, the one who was driving was Mike. He confessed it himself


    He wouldnt answer Trnas question. Mike was probably no longer alive.


    Theres no doubt about it. Emma and the others did it. But thats strange. Theres no way several people would simply let their ssmate die like that, and then go so nonchntly to school every day Thats exactly why I wont forgive them! Those people moved on like it was nothing! Those fucking dorinis! Theyre all full of lies! Nyath. Im sure youre wrong about this No


    She heard something on the phone. It sounded like a zipper, and some fabric rustling. Did he pull something out of his bag? Since he was holding the phone with one hand, it took him some time and effort.


    Trna. The reason I told you to go there, is so you wont get caught up in whats about to happen. Wait. What are you going to do? No matter what, do note back to school. Stay there


    She could hear short, metallic soundsing from the other end. That was the sound guns made when they were being loaded. She knew it after hearing it countless times from her partner.


    Nyath was somewhere in school, and he had pulled out a gun.


    Nyath! Bye, Trna. Bahli somda Lubarna, zanmoth nar thgi met daiti Stop it, Nyath!!


    He hung up the phone.


    She tried reaching out to him, but he wouldnt answer. No matter how many times she tried, she received no reply from him.


    How did this happen


    Trna immediately dashed towards the school entrance. While she was running, she was calling the Police Departments headquarters security center with her phone, and reporting the situation.


    Theres a risk of a school shooting at Sherwood High. Theres an agitated student in possession of a gun within school grounds. His name is Nyath Maybell. Sixteen years old. Male Semanian. Im requesting for emergency support


    She couldnt remember the policesmunication code. But she had tomunicate the circumstances to them, so she exined it briefly.


    Understood. We will send any surrounding patrols we have


    Then she called Matobas number. He answered right away


    Did you catch Nyath? Tony was investigating some dirty money and they found out about a few things. Im heading that way right Kei! Things turned out pretty bad. Nyath is somewhere in school and he has a gun and it


    At that precise moment, the sound of a gun being fired resonated from the schools east wing.


    ~o~


    The first victim of the shooting was Rod Burns, who was in the French ssroom. He was a part of Ghilis gang, and a regr yer for the basketball team. He had dated over ten different girls, and his school results were passable. His father was the head of a fast food chain or something like that.


    ording to Mike during his interrogation the previous night, Rod was also a participant in Norunes assault. Heughed and told her to Nje Shiya as they threw her out on the street.


    The moment Nyath entered the ssroom, he was sitting in the back, swinging his leg back and forth looking somewhat bored.


    Nyath pointed the barrel of the Tec-9 submachine gun he had gotten his hands on when he visited Mendozas apartment at him, but even then he didnt seem to fully grasp what that meant.


    There was no need for any cool one liners.


    Nyath pulled the trigger with no hesitation, and more than ten 9mm bullets shot right through Rods chest. Blood came flying out of him, and Rod fell over his chair. Nyath felt likeughing at his surprised expression.


    The students in the ssroom shrieked noisily and ran out of there, or dropped to their hands and knees.


    Lets just ignore that noisy crowd. It would be a waste of bullets.


    Ah ah


    Lying on top of the pool of blood that had formed almost instantly, Rod was moving his arms and legs restlessly. Nyath pointed his gun at his head, and shot once. So hisst words were ah, ah. What a pathetic bastard.


    Nyath felt fine. So taking a persons life was that easy.


    He felt free. He felt motivated.


    And he felt like he was actually alive. He had forgotten about that. Even though he had known about it all along. About that time when he was young, in that coastal town.


    He had killed a Zambenikan soldier. He lowered his guard because Nyath was just a child, but as he got closer, he grabbed an arrow and pierced his neck with it. Arge amount of blood came flowing out of him, and before he could even realize he was going to die, he was already gasping for air. Nyath could now remember that soldiers face more vividly than ever before.


    That omnipotent feeling was being revived within him.


    Okay then, next would be


    He had to be nimble now.


    The two girls cowering next to the wall were Donna Carry and Jessica Marshall. They were almost like attendants to Queen Emma, and they were always waiting on her.


    Donna was a cheerleader, and Jessica was a tennis yer. Both of them had very rich parents. And they probably had jumped from guy to guy countless times. The only words Nyath had heard from them since he arrived at that school were out of my way and why is an Alien here?.


    Donna and Jessica had made Norune drink a fairly strong cocktail after being already under the effect of drugs that night. They hated Norune, so they stripped her clothes off, and they incited the guys at the party to do as they pleased with her. And when Norune died, they were the ones that came up with the idea of throwing her out like that.


    The two of them were pleading for their lives with tears in their eyes


    He- help u


    Nyath emptied the Tec-9 on just the two of them. The instant he shot, Donna tried to use Jessica as a human shield, but after being doused in Jessicas blood and pieces of her face, and knowing what true horror felt like, she was also hit by the bullets, and left there to die.


    Okay, next one.


    Nyath hurried three ssrooms east, as he reloaded his Tec-9. Students trying to run away, and teachers who looked surprised by the sound of the gun were already crowding the hallway.


    But just as he got to the chemistry ssroom, he bumped into Mr. Kiffer. The teacher that would bring up the fact that Semanians like you even exist is unscientific by itself at every opportunity. Maybe that was his idea of a joke or something.


    Ma- Maybell? What in the world are you Please move


    Nyath shot several times at his feet. Kiffer jumped and fell on his back, and then wriggled out of the room like a frog. He wasnt going to kill him. Him making discriminatoryments waspletely unrted to Norune.


    Kiffer would not be a problem anymore, so Nyath strode into the ssroom.<ol><li>In the name of Lubarna, I will carry out a trial of justice and harmony</li><li>Sleep tight</li></ol>


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (21) ***BONUS***

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (21) ***BONUS***<hr>


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong><hr>


    Because Nyath had been doing things quickly, all of the students were still inside the ssroom. They seemed to have caught up to their situation after seeing Nyath enter the ssroom carrying a gun, but they were still frozen in ce on their seats.


    Nyath was specifically looking for two people in that ssroom. Emma Sem and Ghili Norton.


    Emma was an obvious choice. She was the scum that had been getting the drugs from Mendoza, and selling them to Norune and other students. And that night she was the one that had pressured Norune into taking a ridiculous amount of drugs. And she was also the one giving instructions to the already dead Donna and Jessica. She told Ghili and his gang to do as they pleased with her. She was the culprit of it all.


    Ghili was the leader of the group of guys that had assaulted Norune. He had a crush on Emma, but it always stayed one sided, and he seemed to resent her somewhat for it. That night Emma told him that she would show him something awesome, and took him to Norune then he did nauseating things to her, and ultimately threw her out on the street and let her die.


    Norune. My friend Norune. They did that to


    Ny eh Nyath. Stop this nonsense please


    Ghili spoke. The manliest of all men, the true leader of the ssroom, took the initiative and stood up, in an attempt to protect his ssmates.


    Im surprised. You even remembered my name Of course! I had been meaning to be your friend for a long


    One shot to his leg. Everybody screamed in terror.


    Ghili cowered on the spot. Blood was flowing down his thigh.


    What are you doing?! I was just Do you have any words for Norune? What? Norune. Try saying out loud what you did to her! Wha, what are you talking ab


    One shot to his shoulder. Ghili screamed in pain and he started breathing repeatedly very quickly.


    Please stop Youre trying to y dumb at a time like this? You know what you did. Say it out loud right here, say what you did to Norune! Thats right, I fucked her! Ghili shouted with no shame or dignity.


    But I didnt force her to do anything! A bitch like that was having fun! But we went a little too far and I was freaking out as well! Cant you understand that?! I never thought that it would get to that point! And then you just showed up to school looking fine as if nothing had happened? I wasnt fine. But I had to pretend I was. I have a future, you know? And my parents expect things of me. Theres no way I could stumble over something like this!


    A future a future? In that case, what about her future? And what about my future?


    And did you think that you could get away with it? Hey, I really felt sorry for her. But a woman like that


    That was enough. Nyath looked carefully at Ghilis face, covered in tears and snot, and fired in full auto mode. This time he didnt scream, and simply fell down among a sea of flesh and blood. The surrounding students had been crying and shrieking for a while already.


    Get out!


    He ordered all of them. They were all frozen in ce.


    Everyone except Emma. Get out of here right now!


    He shot a few times at the ceiling and the students screamed once more their screams sounded just like some filthy pigs shrieking and then all of them left the ssroom where the ughter had just taken ce.


    Alright then


    He was talking directly to Emma Sem, who had been left behind without much say on the matter. She was crying.


    She had shrunk her shaking shoulders, and her eyes werepletely red, and her face was covered in tears, snot and drool. There was nothing cool or stylish about her at all. She waspletely paralized because of fear, and wasnt fighting back. The storm of raging violence had taken away all will to run away, and instead she was just a defenseless earthling waiting for her life to end.


    Does the queen bee have anyst words for the audience? Help me Try saying something else. You reap what you sow Im sorry. Help me Something you want to say to Norune? I dont know. Help, help me!!


    Emma let out a panicked scream just by seeing the barrel of the gun shake, and she kept repeating help me like a broken record.


    No, I dont know is not it, right?. The reason she ended up precisely like that, Emma, is because you fired up your own friends. You were looking at her. After everybody had toyed around with her, you looked at her dead body, and what did you do? Help me Youughed. Didnt you?! You wereughing! Daddy Daddy?! You were the mastermind behind it! You nned everything that happened to her. Everything that happened to Norune! Say it! What happened to her?! Try exining it to me! Ah!!


    Nyath had grabbed her by the hair and was shouting at her.


    Emma didnt show any signs of answering his questions. She was just freaking out, and bawling, looking as if she had run out of any ideas to try to preserve her own life.


    What a stupid girl. At least Ghili was upfront about what he had done. Seems like he was the better person between the two. This girl simply wont admit her own crime. And in the end she just called out to daddy.


    Nyath put the Tec-9 that had be hot after shooting several times close to Emma.


    Look at this gun Help me, help me Look at it. Open your eyes. Look at the fucking gun! No, no, no, no


    Thats enough. Time to kill her.


    If you wont even confess, then Ill do whatever I want. Then again, I wasnt really expecting to have an honest conversation with people like you


    Nyath!!


    That was a new voice.


    The one who burst into the ssroom screaming was Trna Elnebara. Her face looked somewhat confused, angry and sad at the same time. It looked like she had run from the bus stop with all her might. Her breath was agitated. For some reason, she had brought her baseball bat case with her. She always carried it with her.


    Trna. Why are you here?


    Even though I told her to stay right there. You cant be here. I dont want you to see me while I look like this. Youre myst friend, and yourepletely unrted to all this violence


    Nyath. Throw your gun away right now


    Trna said, looking as if she hadpletely detached herself from her confusion. She took her Farbanian Krge out of its case, and was pointing it straight at Nyath.


    A sword? Why did she have something like that?


    Ill say it once more. Youll throw your gun away right now


    Next she threw her case away, and she took out a small pouch from within her Sherwood High uniform. She opened it up and pointed it towards Nyath.


    It was an ID card. Some kind of golden badge. It had the shape of San Teresa citys outer boundaries.


    DETECTIVE SAN TERESA POLICE DEPARTMENT


    It read.


    Trna? Im a police officer. Youre under arrest


    The badge felt heavier than she had ever thought before. Even heavier than her Baifaht ss sword. Even heavier than a Thonmart ss shield. She could feel deep grief as she had to point that badge towards Nyath.


    The police?


    Nyath muttered. Almost as if he had fallen deep into a slumber.


    I am officer Trna Exedilika, part of San Teresa Citys Police Departments special Vice Squad Nyath Maybell. Put your weapon on the floor slowly, and get away from that woman. Raise both your arms slowly. An officer? Youre an officer?


    Nyath was stuck in ce, shaking his head from side to side over and over again.


    What are you even saying? Put down that replica put it away. You you shouldnt even be here. Please get out. No. I will only go out after taking that gun away from you.


    She took a step forward. Nyath was still pointing the gun towards Emma, motionless.


    The police? No way I infiltrated this school to investigate Norune''s circumstances. To find out the truth about her death, and investigate any further connections. Even though I got no results, things turned out this way So you were just all the time? You used me? Thats not true!


    Even though she had been controlling her rage and speaking calmly, she couldnt stop herself from raising her voice right then.


    Meeting you was pure coincidence. There was no way I would know about all this Liar Im not lying, Nyath. Im sorry I didnt tell you about Norune, but I just wasnt allowed to do it. It was my duty, so


    Nyath looked like he was graduallying to terms with the circumstances. He looked angry, he looked like he was about tough, and cry and he shook his head repeatedly several times as suchplex emotions sprung up from within.


    Thats just ah fuck Nyath, put your gun down. You can still make it Haha are you going to get a medal or something for the great achievement of arresting me? I have no interest in any of that. I just want to help you Donte any closer!


    Nyath grabbed the crying Emma by the neck, and made her kneel in front of him. Putting her right between Trna and himself.


    He must have been around ten feet away.


    She had to distract him somehow, if only there were a way to strike him on the nape with the back of her sword.


    No, that will be too difficult. Hes too far away, and Emmas in the way. And I cant just charge in cutting everything in the way.


    She could hear the sound of sirens from outside the window. Was it the officers that hade to assist her? She could hear people screaming and roaring. She could also hear the sound of patrol cars suddenly braking.


    Ill help you. Lets think things through together Youre a little toote, Trna Thats not true No. Theres nothing to be done now


    Time was still running. Trna called out to him time and time again, and she kept trying to convince him to drop his gun. How long had it been since she had arrived at that ssroom?


    Ten minutes? No, twenty minutes?


    She wasnt sure. But it had felt like she had both been through an eternity, and only a few instants of that. And she was feeling awfully fatigued.


    The tip of her Krge was trembling quickly.


    Nyath. This school is getting besieged any minute now. You need to surrender Lets say I surrender. And then what? Youre still underage. And you still have the actions taken by your victims, by this girl and her friends. Maybe if you went to trial, you got get a somewhat lighter sentence. No way


    Heughed.


    Ive already killed eight people. No, nine. And if more than half of the jurors are earthlings, then they wont do absolutely anything for me. But thats fine by me. This woman These guys were all scum. As long as Im able to carry out justice right here, Ill be satisfied You dont have to do that, Nyath. As long as it can be proven, Im sure she will be judged ordingly for her crimes. We just need to take our time and do things the right way


    What an ironic thing to say. She was saying somethingpletely opposite of what her regr self believed.


    She sounded just like a Dorini


    No way. The best you could do is pay the sries of several differentwyers, and even then she could get away just by talking. Dont you watch the news? Thats all you ever see Please stop, Nyath


    She would start crying as well if she wasnt careful.


    How pathetic. As a member of the Milvoa knights, and the eldest daughter of the Exedilika family, I cant cry in a ce like this.


    Norune was my friend. She was nice to me, and she was a serious, good girl. Thats what they what these guys! A serious and good girl?! What a joke!


    Emma, who had been sobbing up to that moment, blurted out without holding back<hr>


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 Book 3: Chapter 1: (22)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (22)<hr>


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong><hr>


    Norune was the dealer! She was getting the drugs from that Mendoza guy or whatever! She would push me around, and make me close some deals for her! That woman made good use of me! Stop fucking around. Not to mention are you trying to me her for everything?!


    Nyath grabbed Emma by the hair, and pointed the gun directly at her temple as he shouted. She groaned violently, and then opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, as if she were gasping for air. Then she mustered up all of her ill will and fought back against Nyath.


    If thats what you want to believe then go ahead!! me it all on me. Thats what truly happened in your sickening world right?! Well unfortunately for you, it was Norune who was behind it all. No one knew. Not Ghili, or Mike, or Donna, or Jessica! They all thought I was the leader. But that was not true. I was merely Norunes pawn, who was ordered around closing deals with some shady dealers! And she was quite a dealer at that! Emma, stop it.


    Dont encourage him even further. If you go around saying unnecessary stuff like that, hell suffer and then who knows what will happen? Do you want to die?!


    Shut up!  Ah, a detective? Dont make meugh. Even though I was being nice to you what, you were just looking down at me from above? You surely know about all of what Norune was doing anyways, right?!


    She said spitefully, while looking at Trna with a messed up face that was half crying, halfughing.


    Nyath was looking at her, still looking like he wasntpletely convinced about it all.


    And then Trna had no words


    Wh.


    Norune was selling drugs. And that was probably the truth. She had just heard about it from Kei on the phone.


    During the investigation that was being carried out by detective Tony McBee on some dirty money, they found a suspicious bank ount. The name of the owner seemed to be unrted to narcotics, but the one transferring money in and out of the ount was Norune. She had been caught doing so by the security camera of an ATM.


    If that money was rted to Mendoza, then now she knew that it had all been handled by Emma, probably. Therge sum of Money that Norune had been saving had vanished without a trace. It was funneled into another ount as part of a moneyundering scheme, and was being passed off as honest money earned by someone else.


    Why was an honest high school girl involved with a guy like Mendoza, and a quasi illegal ount that had been used to deal with dirty money?


    Norune had been trafficking drugs from the shadows. Emmas own words of desperation also seemed to confirm that theory.


    Trna do you know about this?


    Said Nyath with imploring eyes.


    She couldnt say it was a lie. But she couldnt say it was the truth either.


    But he took her silence as a confirmation.


    Youre lying, right? Even Norune no way. She was one sly woman.


    Said Emmaughing with a voice that hinted at aplete loss of sanity.


    The capacity to judge and act upon decisions like not making other people suffer, or to remain silent until the situation calms down, had beenpletely lost by her.


    She took a hold of my own weakness and had me run errands for those Colombians! And she had that calm look on her face Thats why I wanted to get back at her! She deserved that! Shut up


    His hand holding the gun was trembling with energy


    Stop it, Nyath! She was taking drugs nonstop, and it got out of hand. By the end she was asking for more, she was pleading. Well, I didnt think she would actually die. No one did Shut your mouth!


    His index finger started moving energetically on top of the guns trigger.


    Sto


    He was going to shoot. There was no doubt about it. For a second Trna hesitated.


    It didnt matter that she was about to witness a murder. A woman like this wouldnt be missed by anybody.


    If she just stayed put and saw it happen then that would be okay.


    However, she couldnt forgive that. For some reason she felt the obligation of following her duty as a Dorini officer who abided by thew. If she didnt do that, she would be disrespecting the honor of the Milvoa knights, and the honor of her family name.


    Nyath was too far. There was no way for her to get there and strike him. She had no time. She only had time to brandish her Krge and point it towards Nyaths chest thats all she could afford to do. She had not been granted enough time to aim for his arms or shoulders.


    Then Ill go for his chest. Ill go for his chest with my Krge and


    !


    A shot was fired.


    It wasnt Nyaths gun. No smoke wasing out of it, and Emma hadnt been killed. But something was spilling out of his hand, and falling on the floor with a in sound.


    Ugh


    Nyath moaned. He was holding his side, out of which blood was oozing, and looking towards the ssrooms door.


    It was Kei Matoba who had fired his gun. He was holding his gun, breathing heavily, and aiming directly at Nyath, ready to fire more bullets at him if it was necessary.


    Kei?


    Nyath copsed. Slowly.


    Blood was flowing out of his mouth, and he was bending, as life was draining from his face.


    Emma was crawling towards Trna lost in thought. Matoba got closer while still looking carefully at Nyath from time to time, and he kicked his gun away.


    Emma grabbed on to Trnas hips, and kept repeating Help me over and over.


    Nyath was lying on his side, motionless, with both his eyes open and empty.


    Matoba put the tips of his fingers on his neck, and announced via his wireless earphones, the suspects death.


    (The suspect is dead. I repeat. The suspect is dead.


    Almost as if she was watching a video from a far removed world, Trna put her sword down, and stood shocked.


    ~o~O~o~


    The conclusion was that you werent responsible for todays incident.


    Said Officer Hart from HQ to Trna in the interrogation room.


    Predicting Nyath Maybells actions would have been highly unlikely, and your persuasion was of great help in buying officer Kei Matoba time to arrive on the scene. As for your results: you managed to save Emma Sems life. Even though thats apletely worthless life anyways.


    Trna muttered as she mindlessly looked at an empty spot on the table.


    Officer Hart, who was sitting in front of her, acted as if he could not hear her words, and he kept operating a device that looked like a tablet.


    Officer Exedilika. There may not have been any problems about your actions this time around, but your regr speech and conduct has been questioned by several different people. And that wrist thing every time goes without saying, of course. Try to be more self aware from now on and behave appropriately for your job. Is this some kind of warning? I dont mind if you take it that way.


    Officer Hart shrugged


    The citys Police Department has been intending to start recruiting a lot more Semani officials. Your actions are serving as a case of study for this purpose, so understand that whatever you do will affect what is being asked of your juniors.  Ill keep it in mind. I want you to respect the rules of a civilized society. If you dont youll end up the same way as your fellow countryman Nyath Maybell.


    She instantly felt an incredible rage swelling up from within her.


    She would have previously pulled out her Krge, and pointed it at his neck.


    But she didnt.


    What that man was saying was correct. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.


    Perhaps feeling her murderous intent vaguely, Officer Hart trembled slightly in ce.


    Do you have anyints? Not at all. Can I go now? Yeah, you can go.


    Trna stood up silently. She left the interrogation room and saw Kei Matoba who was waiting for her just downstairs.


    He looked pretty carefree, resting his back against the wall, and reading some kind of paperback. As she got near, she realized that it was not a novel, but an Italian cooking guidebook.


    How was it? Normal. He told me it wasnt my fault. I see.


    He closed the book, and started walking by Trnas side.


    We havent been able to talk since all of that happened. Are you okay? Why? Because of Nyath.


    Asked Matoba in a grim tone. It was understandable. After all, he had been the one who killed Nyath. And he was only a sixteen year old kid. Even if there was nothing he could do, that one incident had cast a dark and heavy shadow on him without a doubt.


    Even he himself had realized it.


    Hey. Do you resent me?  No.


    Trna had absolutely no will to look down upon him.


    If you hadnt shot back then, then I would have had to do it. I know that very well. It felt awful. Im sorry. You dont have to apologize. Its just that What?


    Matoba went silent for a while


    I was thinking that Im d that it wasnt you who had to take him down.


    Trna looked down and remembered what had happened


    Youre right. I think youre right. I have to thank you for that. Yeah.


    Matoba showed no surprise at her expression.


    While they were heading towards the Vice office on the tenth floor, Matoba spoke in front of the elevator, as if he had just remembered something


    Now that I think about it, Norunes case was left invalid. I see.


    Nyath had died, and so had basically everybody else that was involved. Since there was no one who could provide testimony, it seemed like unfortunately it would be impossible to prosecute Moda Norbam, who had surrounded himself with attorneys.


    Its an awful story. Even though we know all of what happened to Norune, we cant follow up on it. Because theyre all dead. No matter how you look at it, it must have been that scumbag father of hers who forced Norune into the drug trading business.


    The context found by the investigation surrounding Norunes case that was carried out by the Special Vice Squad, arrived at some fragmented conclusions.


    Even though they contested it, there wasnt enough proof, but it all led to the fact that her father, Moda Norbam, had been making her buy and sell drugs from Mendoza and his gang.


    That was also the reason Norbam had ryed some info to Nyath. And he didnt do it in order to get revenge or anything like that, but to shut their mouths.


    This may all be just my imagination, but What? That Norune, what if she actually wasnt Norbams real daughter? Ah


    Just like Nyath, she couldve been a Semani refugee without parents, that Norbam had simply convinced of being his daughter using his deceptive tongue. And then he made her sell drugs in secret, and use the money he earned to fund his own political movement.


    Its just an idea. Thats all. Yeah. Theres no way hell ever testify. And if he refuses to take a DNA test, then thats the end of it. But someday I will make him pay. His tongue is dangerous.


    That was true. They couldnt just let that man be with his power. He used those young kids as tools, preying on them, discarded them like nothing, and now he was ying victim.


    Maybe it was all temporary, but still they couldnt just forgive a man that had reacted in such an indifferent manner to his own daughters death.


    If we dont make him pay, then In that case, well have to take matters into our own hands.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (23)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (23)<hr>


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong><hr>


    Matoba pulled out his portable device and offered it to Trna. It was disying an online news outlet. Almost all articles were rted to the Sherwood High violence incident.


    A lot was also written about Emma Sem, the one person out of nine that got out alive. Every week there would be a huge scandal about Emmas house. About their problem child and her days doing drugs and having sex behind the mask of a proper student.


    She was done for.


    And in the middle of all of that, there was an article written about Moda Norbam.


    It was a half baked gossip article.


    There was a story about how Norbam possessed hypnotic powers, and how he could force his opponents to do whatever he wanted by controlling their mind. How everything about God and his religion was a lie, and how he was apparently some sketchy priest back in Semani, ording to an acquaintance.


    Well they do have a source that knows his weakness. Be it the author or the advertisers. I asked these small gossip outlets to run stories like this from time to time. If we can make other people doubt his words, then at least maybe he wont be able to manipte your average Joe. And maybe convince some guy who is already under his spell. Thats right, its a small act of rebellion. And extremely small act. Dont say that. We worked hard for this.


    They werent able to catch Norbam in the end. However, they could get him someday. If not, then there was no point in doing their job in the first ce.


    Her eyes were stuck on a few pictures on an online article about the violent incident that took ce in Sherwood High that she was reading in a bad mood.


    Why was it such a gentle kid? We have two pictures of the mysterious Semani girl that was hiding behind this whole incident


    It was a picture of Nyath and Norune. Somebody had taken it at some point, somewhere for some reason. Probably somebody who was close to Norune had leaked it. The picture was taken somewhere within school. It was most likely the west wing, and Nyath and Norune were standing next to each other smiling at the camera.


    She had seen pictures of the body, and her ID, but it was the first time she had seen a picture of Norune while she was still alive and smiling. She was beautiful, elegant and she had a gentle smile.


    This girl had done something like that?


    Trna couldnt even imagine it. Even though she seemed to be treating Nyath as a friend. Nyath, the boy who until Trnas arrival, only had a single friend in her. Nyath, the boy who went out to get revenge for her, after she had lost her life.


    They looked happy in that picture.


    Even though they were fake smiles. Or actually, was it even like that in the first ce? Even now, Trna knew absolutely nothing about what kind of person Norune actually was.


    The world he believed in, and the world that knocked him down and beat him up. The difference between the two made Trnas heart ache.


    Nyath.


    I couldnt help you. Even though you were my friend. Or at the very least thats how I felt. And even then


    The screen looked blurry. Her face was feeling hot. She had reached her limit.


    Trna stopped right in front of the elevator, and while holding her phone tight, she looked down as her face became drenched in tears. Other officers were passing to and fro, but no one even cast a nce at her.


    Trna? Sorry. Its just that


    She grabbed Matobas necktie, and forcefully pulled him towards her. She pressed her forehead against his chest as her shoulders trembled slightly. She tried not to make any sound. She tried not to let herself weep.


    She just sobbed silently, with her face against Matobas chest. Even though she knew that she was doing something terrible in a ce like that, she couldnt stop herself.


    Im sorry. But I just Its okay.


    Unexpectedly, he started gently caressing the back of her head. She thought he would at least make ament mocking her.


    Im sorry Im really sorry It hurts seeing all these people thinking were having a lovers quarrel, but well, all the gossip wont be a problem until next week. Dont worry too much about it.


    Why are you saying that? Everybody in the office knows whats going on just by looking. And youre not that kind of man. The kind that would ept me when Im behaving so effeminate


    Hey. Lets go home and Ill prepare something for you. Ive been looking up a good carbonara recipe. Ill make you eat lots of it, so cheer up. Thank you. But Napolitans fine


    She had eaten that dish only once, but for some reason she desperately wanted to eat Napolitan. Napolitan prepared by Kei.


    Ah? But thats a prettymon pasta in Japan, and its not a particrly ingenious dish or anything But, Napolitan


    She sniffled softly, and repeated.


    Okay, I get it. Then Ill prepare it for you. So stop crying. I want to eat Napolitan Im telling you Ill prepare it. Napolitan For fucks sake.


    Even after the elevator arrived, she kept clinging to Matobas chest, repeating the word Napolitan over and over again.


    End of Volume 3<hr>


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 Book 4 Prologue

    Book 4 Prologue<hr>


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong><hr>


    <strong>Episode 05 SMELLS LIKE TOON SPIRIT</strong>


    <em><strong>Ill take all the help I can get.</strong></em>


    From beyond the cloudy sky, a flying boat was getting closer. From what he could see within the frame of his Bushnell binocrs, there was no doubt that it was a single propeller aircraft, but he could not hear the sound of the engine yet. It was still about five or six miles away. It probably would be no more than two minutes until it arrived at the smallnding strip.


    Kei Matoba turned on the switch of his wireless headset.


    Seems like our guest is finally here. All units, stand by.


    The roll call had already been done. All members of the staff on stand by amounted to 12 people. There were members of the San Teresa Police Departments special Vice Squad, and some uniformed officers from Goranbitha county.


    They were hiding inside the shabby hangar, the regtions cabin, or the storagehouse, carefully waiting and watching out for their guest.


    Thats unexpected. I didnt think hede.


    Muttered Trna Exedilika, looking bored right behind Matoba. She had her blond hair elegantly arranged to apany her silver armor. She was leaning with her back against the concrete wall, and she was disinterestedly poking a wooden box with her sheathed Krge.


    Well, ONeills leads asionally end up being useful. asionally, yeah.


    ~o~O~o~


    It all started the previous night.


    Matoba went home after work, and just as he was about to put his hands on the small sailing ship model he hadnt touched in a long time, he received a call from ONeill, his informant.


    Apparently ONeill had gone to a club in Seven Miles with a girl that night, and coincidentally heard the conversation from the guys next to him. ONeill, the self proimed priest (sometimes a Christian father, sometimes a monk, sometimes a spirit medium), apparently had managed to convince the girl to go with him with some made up story, but more importantly, the contents of what he overheard were quite interesting.


    Apparently there were ns to smuggle in some cargo via a smallnding strip located in the wends east of San Teresa, in Goranbitha county.


    The contents of the cargo were unknown. It probably was more Goblin powder or Fairy dust, or valuable luxury items in a tax evasion scheme. There even was a possibility that the cargo were people being trafficked. The only thing certain was that the items were not being brought in legally.


    The Lancerosnding strip was not the kind of ce regr flights would take off from. It was merely a ce that the very few residents of the vast Goranbitha wends used asionally. A few flights per week would take off in worn out propeller nes, and it didnt even have any permanent employees. It had no beacons to guide the flights, and of course there were no traces of a radar or anything simr. It was a two hour country drive away from San Teresa city, and even the closest police station was already thirty minutes away.


    There were countless strips like that throughout all of Kariena Ind. So of course, people in the illegal business were making good use of them. The air traffic radars were not able to detect small aircrafts like that, and they didnt even have the budget to begin with.


    It had gotten to the point that they needed to rely on intel from informants like ONeill to be able tobat it at all.


    There was nobody around to receive the items. They had only encountered a couple of clueless junkies that had driven to the spot in a rental car, and they had already been arrested, and the car seized. All that was left was waiting for the aircraft tond.


    Im sick of waiting. Kei, lets get this over with and go home.


    Trna stood up. She curved her back and stretched, almost like she had just finished some light workout.


    Hey, were not here shopping. Dont lower your guard. Shopping is harder than this. Dorini market prices are tooplicated. Tea costs one dor, but some fish eggs cost over two hundred? I dont get it at all. Well, thats caviar, I told you about it the other day.


    It had already been over four months since Trna had arrived on Earth as a Semani Knight, but even then she still was not fully adapted to Earths everyday life. Matoba had started wondering if perhaps it was more of a personal problem due to her nature, than a consequence of her condition as someone from another world.


    Back in my world, tea leaves cost about ten times the price of fish eggs. Dontpare the eggs of any fish you can catch in your local river with caviar. This is why youll always be a hillbilly. Hmph whats wrong with the countryside anyways? My Naruma is a city with history! In the past it blossomed as amercial hub under the Kingdom of Darthemyas rule, and it defeated enemy general Belbi during the Shewatha wars. Your hometown of Wonuma or something is not even worth mentioningpared to it. Uonuma is a rice producing site. My hometown is Sagamihara. Try to remember that for once! Well it sounds simr. It doesnt at all! Maybe thats the problem. You aliens have ears that were built like that to begin with. So do sounds like Uonuma and Sagamihara sound the same to you after all? Thats a pretty interesting question. Please educate me on how you Dorinis perceive the world around you. Maybe you are seeing apletely different world from me. However, unfortunately, as long as youre not able to use Morth el Balba, we will never know for sure. Morth whats that? Its some Mildi referred to as the hand that carries the soul. Its a spell meant to switch two peoples souls and if you Dorinis used it, then maybe youd know what real people hear. Huh.


    Matoba reluctantly epted the existence of that kind of magic used by Semanis, but it definitely sounded made up.


    Well thats pretty impressive. Can you use it? No way. Thats a long lost spell. Not even my Thetha knew how to use it. What I wanted to say was that unless I had some magic like that, I would never be able toprehend you Dorinis. Ah, I get it already. Theyreing.


    The strong sound of a turboprop engine was getting closer. The distance to the aircraft had reduced itself to the point that binocrs were no longer necessary to see it clearly.


    And even though they kept calling it an airne, it was more of an old Cessna fitted with some extra floating devices. It wasnt the original model but one that had been modified countless times by the owner.


    Even though it was officially considered an outdated aircraft, there had been several previous instances of people using them to smuggle items. They would receive their goods from Semani transport ships that crossed through the gate over to Earth, and almost always arrived at abandonednding strips.


    The aircraft deployed itsnding gear, and got ready tond.


    Even though there was no particrly strong wind in any direction, the nes wings were swaying from left to right quickly, and its body itself was losing and gaining altitude awkwardly. Though Matoba possessed no flying license himself, even he could tell that it was probably an unskilled pilot at the helm.


    The nended.


    It bounced up and down into the air while pressing on its tires against the runway, but ultimately itnded safely. After it stopped shortly, the pilot made the propeller turn even faster than before, and started heading towards the unpaved road.


    Stand by. Stand by If he stops in front of the hangar, then well get him.


    He whispered into his wireless device.


    His fellow detectives from Vice of course knew better than that, but the countys patrol officers didnt look as experienced. He wanted to prove that they could do a better job than even the HQ detectives that had sloppily cordoned off the area.


    Even the older and more experienced detectives were patiently following along Matobas directions.


    But a single novice county officer was different


    Its okay. Lets go.


    Said a young officer via the earphone, while waiting right at the back of the hangar.


    Wait. Donte out yet. Stand by. I repeat, stand by. This is the closest well be to him. Lets go! Stop it, you idiot! Youre going to mess it all up!


    In an attempt to intercept the aircraft that was still in the middle of the runway, the county patrol cars pushed forward. They turned on their shy sirens. The mysterious pilot reacted immediately. His idling propeller began to speed up immediately, and the aircraft sped up noticeably. It drove lightly on top of thewn that separated the parking area from the runway, and then went straight ahead.


    They were gaining distance and running away.


    Ah, fuck All units ahead! All units ahead! Pin the target down! How are we supposed to pin him down?


    Said Tony from his same department. He and his partner Godonov were hiding inside a rtively tall bush on the edge of the runway.


    Do whatever you can. Dont let him gain any more distance! Does that mean we have permission to shoot? Ah, that eh dont. Negative. You dont have permission to shoot at him.


    The aircraft seemed to have enough aircraft to flee from the scene. Shooting recklessly was dangerous, and on top of that the other side wasnt shooting at them. That was a difficult aspect of being a cop. If they were with the army, then they wouldve shot their opponent open like a swiss cheese with no mercy.


    Kei. They cant shoot?


    Trna asked with aposed expression


    How many times do I have to tell you? We cant be the ones to shoot first In that case, leave it to me. What?  Hey!


    Trna jumped out of the security shack, and dashed towards the runway.


    The problem aircraft started speeding down the edge of the runway. The county patrol cars were driving with the intent of intercepting it, but their tires had be clogged with mud and werent spinning right. The sound of the turboprop engine was getting louder. At that rate, the aircraft was going to get away.


    Trna stood in the middle of the runway. Right in front of the aircraft that was heading her way. She drew her Krge out of its sheath, and took a sword fighting pose.


    Matoba, who hade chasing after her, was looking pale after seeing what she was about to do.


    Stop it, you idiot! Do you want to die?! Shut up and watch. Wha


    He had thought about running in and pushing her away, but he quickly realized that he would only manage to fall prey to the nes propeller. He imagined that, unless she had gone insane to the point of not noticing the risk, then she probably was acting based on confidence.


    As he was folding his arms, the ne and Trna intersected each other.


    It all happened in a sh.


    She barely managed to turn her body, and draw her Krge. Small sparks flew out of the ne, and a grating metallic sound resonated through the air. That was all that Matoba could sense.


    .!


    Fortunately, Trna had not been swallowed up by the propeller.


    Shended on the runway after spinning forward in the air, and the aircraft passed her by as they all watched it get away. On the other hand, the makeshift Cessna seane didnt slow down at all. It seemed to waver slightly, but it kept going to the edge of the runway and narrowly managed to take off.


    You let it get away. Fuck! It ran away, you fuckheads!


    One of the county officers was shouting through the inte.


    It was one of your novice officers who did it to begin with was what Matoba wanted to shout back at him, but doing that on their turf was not a good idea. He simply held it back, and remained silent as he dumbfoundedly watched the aircraft get away.


    Trna calmly stood up, and dusted off a cloud of sand from her butt.


    Hey. What was that? What? That act you put up back there. Were you trying to kill yourself?! I would rather let the suspect run away, than get scolded for letting an officer die!


    Trna didnt falter even with Matobas threatening attitude. She quickly gazed at the aircraft that was gaining altitude and getting away, and merely grumbled hmph.


    Kill myself? Theres no way I wouldmit suicide or anything like that In that case I thought you wanted to stop that airne without shooting. In those cases it seems like you just cant count on your Dorini tools. What? Just watch.


    At that moment, they saw the left floating part of the airne fall off as it was getting further away into the horizon. They could hear no sound. All they could make out was the figure of the float, which was about as big as the body of the ne itself, falling and turning through the empty sky.


    A skilled pilot would have probably been able to keep flying even after that. However, it seemed like this pilot didnt have the ability to reim control of the out of bnce aircraft, preventing it from falling into the ocean. Its wings shook harshly from left to right, and the ne started losing altitude. It trembled as it kept falling, in an attempt to correct its drill-like tailspin movement.


    Ah


    The ne crashed.


    They could see arge water ssh with their own eyes, even standing behind the tall bushes.


    Since the area they were in was full of wends, all Matoba could do was hope that the mixture of water and mud worked as a soft cushion. In the best of cases, they would even be able to save the lives of its crew.


    Got it? This is the true edge of a Vyefahrt de.


    Said Trna as she swiftly sheathed her Krge


    Dorini machinery and technology cantpare. I can at least do something like this without relying on your dull guns Well, of course, I had to rely on a bit of Mildi as well. Ah, yeah. I see.


    After responding adequately to Trnas words, Matoba called out to the others on the radio. And whispering, he said


    The idiot took down the ne. I repeat, the idiot took down the ne. This is an emergency, hurry to the crash site. Wait, Kei. Are you perhaps referring to me when talking about this idiot? Shut up! Who else could I be talking about?!


    He was indeed shouting directly at Trna.

 Book 4: Chapter 1: (1)

    Book 4: Chapter 1: (1)<hr>


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong><hr>


    The crash site of the smugglers was right in the middle of the wends, so they were not able to simply rush in by car, and getting a helicopter would take several hours.


    And on top of that, the stupid county officers had not prepared any boats or hovercraft, so their only choice was walking about two kilometers to the spot.


    It was a two kilometer walk with water and mud up to their thighs, while pushing through a thick jungle of seaweed that would get tangled in their legs, without ever knowing where they would step next.


    Back when Matoba was in the army, they would have them walk through tens of kilometers of wends for their training. However, they would be wearing military uniforms and jungle boots. But this time, the clothes getting dirty and drenched in mud were his Versace suit and his Ferragamo shoes. And everytime he took a step, an unpleasant and slippery feeling would strike his ankles.


    The entire team of officers started cursing after no more than ten feet since stepping off shore. Even Matoba ended up blurting out insults left and right. And after he ran out of curse words, he started throwing out foulnguage in Japanese. The others were simrly insulting and speaking ill of each other in their own nativenguages.


    Trna remained silent as she stood near the very end of the group. Her beautiful white Farbanian dress was also in amentable state, and since her body was not particrly tall, she was covered in mud up to her waist. But she did not feel like she had any right toin. She could imagine that if she mustered up the courage to do it, then she would undoubtedly be showered by insults.


    Just as she was being taught the term   by Russian born officer Godonov, they arrived at the crash site after almost forty minutes had passed.


    Back us up from there. Trna and I will go around it from the right.


    It would be better if I shut up.


    Matoba pulled out his gun, and got closer to the crashed aircraft.


    Unexpectedly, the nes body was much less wrecked than he imagined. Its wing was broken, and the body itself was leaning to its side, but that was the extent of the visible damage, and there was no fire or smokeing out of it. The engine was already dead, and if anything, there was an ominous silence upon the entire scene.


    Are they dead yet?


    Trna whispered right from his back


    Dont say it like its none of your business. Youre the one who took it down.


    Matoba readied his beloved automatic, and started surrounding the wreck from its right side. He was not able to see clearly with the sun as a backlight. It was unlikely that he would be able to go unnoticed, as he had to make his way through the swamp.


    Its the police! Is there anybody inside the aircraft?!


    There was no answer. Matoba tried calling out to them, but there was no reaction whatsoever. There was nothing they could do if going all the way there had been a waste. He made up his mind and got closer to the ne. Trna was following him closely from his right back side. She positioned herself so that if anything happened, like Matoba being shot by somebody still inside the aircraft, she could cut them up instantly.


    It was not something they had discussed at any point in time, buttely they had just been doing it naturally. Sometimes depending on the situation, she would position herself on his left. Talking about even their breaths being in sync wasnt out of the question, but she wouldntpliment him on it, since it was a bother.


    He signaled her to lets go with his gaze. Trna nodded subtly.


    He peeked inside the ne through the open door. His finger on the trigger ready to shoot at any time.


    Shit


    There was nobody inside the ne. A headset was hanging from its cable inside the toppled aircraft, probably removed and thrown away by somebody.


    Its because it took us so long to get here. They ran away


    Said Trna almost sighing


    Dont lower your guard. We dont know if theyre hiding somewhere around here. And even if they ran away, they cant be too far. We can still catch them if we block all the roads in the area.


    Matoba pulled out the radio. He informed his allies waiting back on the runway about the situation, and requested support from the county officers. He instructed Gonodov and Tony, who always worked together as a set, to search for the suspects.


    A search? Thats fine, but do we have to keep walking in this swamp? We cant do anything once it gets dark. Hurry. Understood, understood


    He didnt waste any time waiting for Godonov to leave, and instead headed straight to investigate the nes cargo hold.


    There were three square wooden crates of about a meter in size. They werent particrly heavy, but they were way too bulky to carry around while running away in a swamp. Perhaps the smugglers decided to ditch the boxes and run away instead.


    He opened the boxes.


    They were filled with nothing but trash. Semanian fabrics and porcin, carpenter tools and cooking utensils. They were certainly unusual items, but it all seemed like nothing more than souvenirs aimed at tourists who visited San Teresa.


    These are the smuggled goods?


    Said Trna looking disappointed


    In that case they really are absolute idiots. The sum of all this junk is probably cheaper than my Versace shoes.


    Comined Matoba while wiping the mud off his ruined suit.


    No, wait.


    Trna started sniffing the boxes


    What? It Braniis.


    Fortunately fellow detective Tony McBee had made the preparations to get a hover, so they managed to get back without walking all the way there. But even then there was nothing to do about Matobas muddy suit.


    Goldonovs search ended up yielding no results, and the crew that had been piloting that aircraft was not found. The blockade put in ce by the country officers did not manage to catch anything either. The search carried out by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and their helicopters, which arrivedte, found nothing.


    Thinking about it logically, the suspects from inside the ne managing to avoid all of the searches and blockades in such an underpopted area was a highly unlikely scenario, yet they didnt find them.


    ~o~O~o~


    This helicopter is equipped with infrared sensors, so if you werent able to find them, its probably because you killed them.


    Said a CBP officer that had been dispatched to the scene.


    Matoba and the others finally returned to the Lancelosnding strip, not to take a shower or change clothes, but to thoroughly discuss their ns while sipping on a cup of coffee with a face straight out of an economic crisis.


    And you are?


    Said Matoba in an extremely annoyed tone


    Forgive me, Im officer Hernandez from the CBP. A pleasure.


    That Hernandez officer offered his refined hand to Matoba, seeking a handshake. He was a little over forty years old, and he seemed to be the bureaucratic type. He was a Caribbean Hispanic sporting a fitting hairstyle for his well maintained three piece suit, and he was wearing some extremely in and uninteresting sses. He looked like the kind of guy that wasnt popr with girls, but at least had the ability to do a fine job with numbers.


    Matoba acknowledged his existence by shaking his outstretched hand.


    Im Kei Matoba from the STPD (San Teresa Police Department) and I wouldve liked it if you hade here a little sooner.


    Officer Hernandez didnt even flinch despite the mean tone of Matobas voice.


    Were short on personnel as well.


    The Police Department wasnt the only entity in charge of public order matters in Caliena Ind. The United States government also had considerable control over the situation, crowding the ind withw enforcement institutions. The FBI, the DEA, the ATF and so on. The CBA Hernandez belonged to was also one of them.


    Matoba, who was born in Japan, found the circumstances bizarre. Looking at it, Japans Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, etc, all had their own investigation departments, and they could target criminals however they pleased. On top of that, each had the power to carry undercover and secret investigations however they pleased. The big shots were supposed to support each others respective institutions, but in reality it wasnt always so smooth.


    Territorial disputes were pretty terrible, and all of the annoying work was ten times worse.


    Matoba remembered the time he became a San Teresa police officer. He was currently working as a detective, but there was a time when he had to wear a uniform and go around the city in a patrol car.


    One winter night, while patrolling around, he saw a dead homeless man at an intersection. He had been drinking from a bottle of Bourbon he had gotten his hands on non stop, and fell on the floor, freezing to death after a while. Matoba felt sorry for him, but carrying out all of the paperwork rted to the bodys transport, the report ounting for his time of death, and all other sorts of documents, was tedious.


    Ultimately he conspired with his partner to move the body only five yards to the west. It seemed like only five yards, but in reality by doing so, the body would be in another districts territory ording to the map.


    Then two hours after reporting nothing unusual through the radio, they came back to the spot and saw that the body they had certainly moved five yards to the west, was now back on its original ce. No matter what, it was obvious that the guys from the other district had done exactly the same thing.


    His partner back then strongly supported the idea of moving it back, but ultimately Matoba felt ashamed and reported the body to HQ. Thanks to that he arrived home five hourster, and ended up souring the rtionship with his partner to the point of cutting all ties.


    Anyways, back to Officer Hernandez.


    Hernandez wanted to have this specific case turned over to the CBP. The location of the incident was out of the STPDs jurisdiction, so normally they would do it like that. However, this time, the crew that had walked through an entire swamp and gotten involved in the case were not simply going to quietly ept that.


    We cant just hand it over right away. The suspects that fled are still on the run. We will continue with that search. Hand over the confiscated items, and please send over a report by tomorrow. So youre saying were being dismissed? Thats right.


    He didnt like Hernandezs attitude. It wasnt particrly overbearing or overly polite, but his matter-of-factly way of speaking implied that he thought it all was obvious. It wasnt as if he was looking to receive words of gratitude, but everything that concerned his requests was extremely annoying to Matoba.


    I cant allow that. Only until we catch the fugitive suspects and write a report on it. We still havent even made the list of confiscated items. So youre refusing to carry out the CBPs demands? No. Thats not what I said.


    Said Matoba, standing up wearily. With his slow paced gesture, he gazed up and took a peek of Hernandezs eyes.


    I never said anything like that.


    He repeated, and then saw only the very slightest disy of anger show up on Hernandezs face. On the other hand, Matoba disyed a fake, wide smile, and in an overly familiar gesture, ced his hand on Hernandezs shoulder. His hand was drenched in mud.


    Well, this kind of thing does take a while. We want to do the hand over properly, so just wait a little, okay? That will officially be considered a refusal. Oh really? Then go ahead.


    Hernandez left while wiping the mud off his shoulder.


    Even though they still had some spare cars avable, they actually got on one of the CBPs helicopters. The roar of the Turboshaft Engine enveloped them and raised a cloud of dust around them. Even when leaving they could not escape the feeling of dirt in that ce.


    Ahem Kei, do you have a moment?


    Said Trna, who had just been quietly watching the previous exchange.


    Sure. Whats up? That mans CBP is an institution above San Teresas Police Department, right? Turning against them is going to eventually be a problem. Its not like theyre our bosses. We can always refuse as long as we have a valid reason. Oh, I see. Well Normally we would obediently carry out the hand over. But this time, for some reason I dont know


    Said Matoba, hesitantly


    Did he bother you? Well, yeah, that too, but thats not all. In any case, I held it over.


    Of course, he had no intention to mess up the rtions between the two institutions just based on that. However, a voice inside his head kept telling him to just wait a little longer. It was his intuition as always. But saying that to other people would be embarrassing, and it didnt suit him in the first ce.


    In any case, he needed to take a closer look at the situation and find out what exactly made him do it, at least in case he got yelled at by his boss. Saying that he got annoyed after walking through the entire swamp was not a real reason.


    Besides, even our trusty K9 noticed it as well.


    Trna fixed her face up and pouted


    Are you talking about the Branii I noticed? Yeah. You


    Matoba extended the palm of his hand in front of her and stopped Trna from protesting


    Anyways, I at least managed to get us one more night, and I want to have the confiscated items inspected. Can you do that?


    Trna Exedilika nodded reluctantly.


    ~o~O~o~


    Several different nations can be found on the Semani world that lies beyond Mirage Gate, the interdimensional portal. Trna herself was a Valsch from the Great Farbani Kingdom. In terms of Dorini police officials, a Valsch would be of equal status to a sergeant, so she was far from a novice. Her rank was of equal legal status as Kei Matobas.


    The term Knight in that context leads to misunderstandings regrly. It is a word that demonstrates certain social status within Semani society, so not all knights are necessarily fighting swordsmen. In Trnas case, not only was she a sword wielding knight, but also a Mildite.


    Mildite are also a part of the Semani world. They werepletely inconceivable in Earths native human poption, as a group of people whose powers werepletely different from that of civilized science. And Trna had the ability to sense that magical energy. On top of that she was also capable of using different kinds of magic.


    Trna also had a particrly useful skill. She excelled at smelling and detecting magical items that came from the Semani world. Trna and all other Semanians called that Branii.


    It was a feeling iprehensible to most, if not all, Dorinis. However Trna, the only Semanian working with the San Teresa Police Department, knew how it felt. Matoba had started calling her the K9 of the department as small and irrelevant banter.<hr><ol><li>Pronounced chert vozmi, it means something close to What the fuck or Holy shit in Russian.</li><li>Branii means to smell; in this context, "It stinks."</li><li>Vice-Knight.</li></ol>

 Book 4: Chapter 1: (2)

    Book 4: Chapter 1: (2)<hr>


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong><hr>


    They arrivedte at night, sometime past one in the morning, in San Teresa City from the Gnbitha swamp.


    Matobas current car was an old Volkswagen, so they put all the confiscated items in the cabin, and transported them that way. They could have carried them like that all the way to the Police Departments HQ, but that was a long drive, and they were getting tired, so they took them home with them all the way to New Compton.


    By the way, is this not a procedural problem?


    Said Trna as she was yawning. She had been sleeping on the passenger seat all the way from Gnbitha, and she still looked sleep deprived.


    What? The confiscated goods. Wouldnt it be considered theft to take them home with you? Everything at the crime scene is on tape. And it was sent over to both HQ and the CBP. Also, the CBP will check itter, so there should be no problem.


    Said Matoba bluntly as he took a wooden crate between his arms. They headed to the living room on the second floor from the garage on the first floor.


    Alright then, but taking stuff from your work environment into your private life and someone elses property at that, doesnt feel right to me Hey hey, give me a break.


    Said Matoba looking fed up.


    Do you want to drive all the way to HQ just to carry this stuff? I dont have the energy nor will to do that. If you want to do it, then do it yourself. If I could drive, then I would do it. However, unfortunately, I cant make those automobiles or whatever move. At least not those manual cars, anyways.


    Trna arched her chest slightly looking proud for some reason.


    What are you looking so proud of? Theres no way you could handle an automatic car either. Thats I get it already, just help me carry this stuff.


    He was incredibly sleepy. After carrying the confiscated items into the living room, and patting Kuroi who hade to greet them, he hogged the bathroom. It was always like that on nights like these. The faster person would win the bathroom. And right after locking the door, Trna started knocking on it violently.


    Thats not fair, Kei?! Im sure I was supposed to go first today! Its a brand new day. Im first. Sorry.


    He hastily gotpletely naked and opened the shower. Trna kept squawking noisily for a while but he could not make out what she was saying because of the shower.


    Her showers were always excessively long. It was true that she wasnt rude enough to leave her underwear or other clothes lying aroundmon living spaces, and she would always bring her shower set all the way from her room. On top of that, she was always brushing that long hair of hers and taking care of it and in any case, it seemed like being a girl was annoying. If he tried being chivalrous and let her go first, then he would be stuck waiting to take a shower until dawn.


    After taking a shower and feeling refreshed, Matoba put on some loosely fit sweat pants and went out of the bathroom topless. He saw Trna giving him a mean look while holding onto her basket of personal belongings. She had no reaction after seeing him dressed like that. At first she would act disgusted but it seemed like she had gotten used to it.


    Its yours. Rakebye.


    Trna entered the bathroom, not without first rudely bumping her shoulder onto Matoba on purpose.


    Ah, wait. Wait.


    Matoba stopped her from closing the door


    What? You refreshed yourself already, so you should just go to sleep already. No, Im obviously going to bed. But Im leaving the sorting of the confiscated items to you. What?! What did you just say?


    That was an usual gestureing from Trna. She opened her mouth wide in disbelief.


    Well its obvious. Youre the only one who can sense that smell or whatever. Besides, who was it that slept all the way here snoring while the other was driving? S Snoring?! Theres no way that I snore ording to Hernandezs notice, we have until eleven in the morning to return the goods. Got it? Its up to you. Wha


    Matoba shut the bathroom door. They had fought plenty of times in the past. And although he had lied about the snoring, it was a good word to use so she could lower her guard.


    Yeah. Ive got to use it again sometime.


    A sound as loud as someone kicking and sending a washing machine flying came from within the bathroom, but he didnt know what it was. He didnt even have enough strength to drink a beer, and only felt like sleeping. He walked past the living room, and headed straight for his bedroom. Matoba dropped himself on top of the bed, and immediately started snoring loudly.


    ~o~


    The happy snoringing from the next room could even be heard in the bathroom. Trna, who was already inside the bathtub, felt the urge to kick the door down out of anger, but she swallowed it.


    There was some truth to Kei Matobas words. She had been sleeping on the passenger seat both going and returning from that Gnbitha air strip. And in all honesty she didnt even feel very tired. Besides, leaving the inspection of the confiscated items to a Dorini would be futile.


    But even then, she still didnt like his attitude. Wasnt there a better way to ask her to do that?


    For instance thats right


    I hereby make a request to thee, o eldest daughter of the Exedilika family, member of the Great Farbani Valsh! Willst thou kindly inspect these items for us useless Dorinis, instead?


    Or something like that


    Theres no way


    Theres no way Kei would ask me a favor like that, and if he did, then theres no way Id ept.


    In any case, this only means that I am the only one capable of doing this job!


    She smashed her fist on the table, and Kuroi who had been sleeping peacefully right there jumped startled and looked at her with her round pupils.


    Ah Im sorry, Kuroi.


    She leaned over, dressed only in a camisole, and pet the small ck cat.


    Kya Kuroi Shi. I didnt mean to startle you. However you get it, dont you? I was just mad at the man sleeping over there. Everything about that man is boorish, uncouth, in any case Id say at least unpleasant. What do you think?


    Kuroi simply let out a single meow. It could have been interpreted as both consent and dissent, so Trna took it as a sign of agreement.


    I know, right? That man has no idea how to treat ady in the first ce. No, regardless of whether Kei even sees me as one to begin with, he pisses me off And youre ady as well. Im sure you also get my indignation


    After saying all that, Trna felt a void she could not describe.


    What am I even saying to a cat? No, Kuroi is a good cat and everything, but asking her toprehend all of theseplex feelings inside of my chest would be impossible.


    Ugh, thats enough. Is it water? Do you just want to drink some water?


    Kuroi replied with another Meow. This time, she probably was confirming her question.


    Okay, wait right here.


    Trna went to get Kurois te and served some fresh water on it. Then she unwillingly started working on the task of separating the confiscated goods. She had to sort out the items from within the wooden crates they had brought into the living room depending on their Rahtena scent. It was an annoying job, but she could probably get it done in under an hour.


    Most of the items within the wooden crates were Semanian junk: Pottery, copperware, and steel cooking utensils, andrge amounts of farming and construction tools.


    The tools that looked worn out had a special Branii to them. However, that was just the same as Keis beloved handgun, and it didnt mean that they possessed any particr power. However, Trna still separated them on the right side of the table because of their peculiar smell.


    There was a weapon as well. A crossbow. It was a design that she had never seen in her own homnd of Farbani. It had some old Gravani letters engraved on its side, and they were almost impossible to read because of the wear.


    It was about as small as Keis handgun, and it looked almost like a childs toy. To think that people would use it to actually shoot arrows and people and on top of that to kill them well, perhaps if they hit the right spot, there was a possibility. However, under normal circumstances, it would at most annoy the people shot with it, and have them head in the shooters direction right away. Thats how small the weapon looked.


    However


    Hm?


    Trna could sense the strongest Braniiing out of that specific weapon. And it wasnt just the smell of an item that had been used extensively, but the smell of something that had been built with a purpose thats right, with the purpose of being used by a Mildita.


    She couldnt know the exact circumstances of the weapons construction. However, that single item was worth separating from the rest of the confiscated goods. Trna loaded an arrow on the crossbow and shot at a pile of magazines that were lying next to her. Nothing usual happened.


    However, the Branii she sensed was the strongest so far. All other items seemed to be devoid of any particrly strong Rahtena.


    In that case, what kind of power does this crossbow?


    Huh


    There was no point thinking about it. She left the crossbow loaded on a corner of the table, and went back to her inspection of the confiscated items.


    There was an old but well built cup as well. It seemedfortable for drinking C or something.


    Maybe I should wash it in the kitchen and use itter or? No, no, I absolutely cant do that. This is not mine.


    She thought and then put the cup back on top of the table.


    Kuroi meowed once and then jumped on top of it as well.


    Hey, Kuroi, whats with those manners? This is where we put our food. Its not a ce for Khes paws.


    Trna reached out her arms to her, but Kuroi ran away. Maybe she was just messing around. It was true that because of work she hadnt been able to pay as much attention to hertely, but still that was no reason to allow her to get on the table.


    Kuroi! Bad girl! Get down of the table right


    Trna bent her body and tried to hold Kuroi in her arms, but she dodged again, and ced her front legs on top of the pile of junk, slightly losing her bnce.


    The ck cat stepped on the trigger of the crossbow with its legs.


    Ah


    The crossbow was pointing Trnas way. And along with a quiet shooting sound came an arrow that struck Trnas left arm instantly.


    Ow!


    No, it wasnt enough to open any severe wounds or anything. The arrow was slightly thicker than a toothpick, and it didnt prate her skin considerably either. Putting a bandaid on it and leaving it alone for a couple of weeks would be more than enough to treat it.


    However, more importantly than the slight pain, Trna started feeling a distant drowsiness. Her sight became narrower, and it immediately stretched.


    ?!


    She felt herself floating, almost as if her brain had flown straight out of her skull, feeling mesmerized by a feeling simr to letting go of all her physical ties. She immediately could tell, as a Mildite herself, that she had fallen victim of the effects of a magic spell straight out of her own homeworld. The problem was that she had not intended to use any magic of her own.


    Her power was running out of her control. Or perhaps it was being controlled by something else. Somethingpletely unrted to her own consciousness.


    Her own thoughts were being stripped out of her body and taken somewhere else. Somece she didnt know.


    From her brain to her left arm. From her left arm to that small arrow. And from that small arrow to the crossbow.


    They went through the magical circuit surrounding the crossbow, and then through its trigger, straight into the small front paws on top of it.


    Kuroi squealed and Trna copsed on the living room floor, her body devoid of strength.

 Book 4: Chapter 2: (1)

    Book 4: Chapter 2: (1)


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong>


    About an hour and a half after falling asleep, Matoba woke up slightly, and heard Trna and Kuroi making a ruckus inside the neighboring room.


    Not my problem. Lets keep sleeping.


    Another hour and a half passed, and Matoba heard Trna and Kuroi making some noise once again.


    Not my problem. Lets keep sleeping.


    By dawn his sleep got lighter again, and this time he heard Trna and Kuroi running, almost rattling around the living room. He also needed to go to the bathroom, but he still felt like he could hold it a little longer.


    Lets keep sleeping.


    Matoba started dreaming. It was, once again, that bizarre dream where he got capped for the Japanese National Football Team. Then that PE teacher from middle school that he didnt get along with came out and started talking about how he was the only one who could see his true potential, and how he should aim for the entire world, or something like that. Apparently that teacher had somehow managed to be the Japanese Teams manager, and he suddenly called Matoba up.


    He had only ever yed football back in school for PE, and he was more interested in baseball to begin with. He still took some pride in being able to strike out his opponents back when he used to y together with the other brats at the military base.


    Then why am I ying football? I dont get it.


    Nevertheless he was still called up for the Japanese national team. And he needed to practice for it. Footballs were actually fairly expensive, and he needed a ce to practice


    In any case, why am I even doing the whole detective thing? Yeah, a football yer. Thats not half bad. Maybe Id do it if I could.


    Trna was ying for the other team. And she was the goalkeeper. That was extremely hard to believe. Were there even any football teams in the Semani world to begin with?


    And then Matoba opened his eyes.


    Still half asleep, he could feel something rustling inside his bed. It was moving from his legs to his stomach and his chest.


    Ah, its you, Kuroi.


    Ever since my cat allergy got better, she has been hogging my bed with her carefree attitude. She probably doesnt care about it, but I keep worrying about squashing her while turning in my sleep.


    He then went to throw her out of bed, and then


    Actually. Hey, Kuroi


    Comined Matoba


    Its almost spring already, and its not even that cold. Dont get so clingy. Come on, get out, get out


    Just as he started trying to push her out of the bed, Matoba realized that he was in fact not pushing something with ck fur to begin with, and the creaturesrge size and weight were wrong, and it wasnt even a cat to begin with.


    What he then saw, still drowsily, was a light skinned blonde girl. Not a cat, but a human.


    Rather, the creature that had holed up inside his bed was not a cat, but Trna.


    Wait wait wait!


    Matoba energetically stood up and hastily ran to the beds corner. Trna on the other hand stretched her entire body with anguid expression, while wearing her camisole slovenly, without showing any concern about it being lifted up or rolled down. She looked directly at Matoba and let out a listless cry.


    Nao~ Huh? Are you still asleep? Your room is downstairs, downstairs! Nyao


    Trna let out a sad sounding cry. Her eyes were cloudy, and her mouth half open. She was behaving strangely erotically. Even Matoba, who normally had apletely different attitude towards Trna, felt extremely wary of her.


    Trna kept getting closer, crawling on all fours.


    Hey, Trna Nao. Ke Kei Stop it Ke, i?


    She approached him, almost looking intent on kissing him.


    Hey, this is not a good joke. Its actually a pretty terrible joke so hey, stop it! Nyao! Kei!


    Trna smiled widely as she started clinging to Matoba, who fell to the floor. She then started licking his face, moving her tongue all over. She licked his face, his neck and part of his chest, licking him innocently.


    Wai! Stop?! Are you crazy?! Trna Hey!!


    Matoba wasnt a particrly shy man. If the other person were any other normal girl, then he probably would have been able to simply get carried away by the situation. However, the other person was Trna. Trna Exedilika. There was no way that Trna would ever behave like that. His feelings towards her particr behavior and manner of speaking were something much more sinister.


    This is yeah, this is fear.


    Ah! Nya!


    Then right at that moment, a small ck cat got right in between the two of them. It was Kuroi. She was behaving strangely aggressively, attempting to pull Trna away from Matoba, pulling on him as well, recklessly doing her best to separate the two of them.


    Nyaow?!


    Trna immediately jumped startled off the bed, after having her arm tugged by the cat. Kurois every single hair of her coat was standing at its end, and she seemed to be threatening Trna, who in an immodest manner had gone to the corner of the bedroom and curled up on the floor letting out a sad Nya.


    Wha, what even is going on?


    Said Matoba looking confused while hugging his pillow, as Kuroi stared at him angrily.


    Hey, Ku- Kuroi? Nya! Woah


    For some reason he felt like Kuroi was scolding him. Almost as if she was actually trying to protect Trna though that was not it exactly.


    There were plenty of things that Matoba still didnt understand at all.


    Kuroi lifted up her body, almost as if she were trying to stand on her two hind legs. She then tapped her chest with her tiny right paw several times.


    ? Nya


    She kept moving her front paw and then pointed directly at the sleeping Trna on the corner of the bedroom.


    It was a gesture that demonstrated intelligence way beyond that of a normal cat, but even that was not enough for Matoba to fully grasp the situation. He raised his eyebrows at Kuroi, who kept repeating the same movement over and over.


    Nya! Nya! And what happened to you, Kuroi? I dont get it what?


    Matoba got out of bed and looked at his clock. It was already past eight oclock.


    This is bad, I overslept.


    He started hurrying and getting ready to leave


    Ah, shit. Im going to bete at this rate. Hey, you hurry!


    He decided to leave both Trna and Kuroi alone, despite their strange behavior, and started changing into his clothes hastily.


    He barely had enough time to wash his face and clean himself up. There was no time for breakfast or for his morning coffee. Kuroi kept following Matoba back and forth all over the apartment, and kept standing up and crying out to him noisily, but he had no time to pay attention to her. He didnt have time to choose a necktie either, and simply put on his suit hurriedly. When he returned to his bedroom, he saw Trna still lying there in her camisole curled up.


    Was she cking off right there all this time? Even though I told her that we were going to bete. Are you stupid?!


    Hey, Trna, what the fuck are you doing?!


    He shouted angrily at her. Trnas shoulders jerked up slightly as if she had been startled. That gesture was particrly unlike regr Trna. It was extremely innocent and weak willed.


    Eh? Ah what happened? Are you feeling down or something?  I wont be able to help you if you dont tell me. Whats going on?  Nya


    Even while that exchange took ce, Kuroi kept crying out to him repeatedly, and standing up on her hind legs.


    Shes probably hungry or something. I dont have time for her.


    I give up. This is nah


    He looked at the rm clock. Time was running out.


    Hey Trna. I dont know if you behaved like that earlier because you were still sleepy or sick or something, but Im sure there was a reason so dont worry. Youre probably acting up because you''re feeling bad. Maybe you caught some weird alien lovebug or something, so dont push yourself and rest for today. Ill tell people in the office so dont worry Nyaow Dont look at me with those defenseless eyes. Just sleep, okay?


    Kuroi let out a loud and noticeably cry while standing on her two legs. Matoba rushed to the kitchen and poured cat food and water for her. But even then she was still acting up.


    Ah, I dont care anymore.


    Matoba took his holster, his beloved handgun and he quickly threw all of the confiscated wooden crates into his car. The sorting of the items that Trna had been told to do before going to bed still looked iplete. But there was nothing he could do about it. He finished taking everything into his car and then drove off


    Ah, fuck


    It was Thursday, the day nonbustible trash got picked up. He rushed back into the apartment, put the contents of the trash bins into a stic bag, and quickly threw them into the nonbustible container. He didnt even have time to check what was inside. He just had to hurry.


    Nya!


    Kuroi cried. What a noisy cat she was. Maybe she was too needy, but the attention would have to wait untilter. In any case, he had to get going.


    Kuroi. Take care of Trna. Be a good girl!


    He turned the ignition and started the engine. Matobas Volkswagen started moving, leaving behind the automatic garage shutter.


    ~o~O~o~


    Nya! Nya, nya! Nyaaaa!!!


    Kuroi kept crying hopelessly in front of the shutter, getting closer and closer, but Matoba didnt pay attention to her. He had to get to the Central HQ branch, so he pressed the elerator.


    This is the worst. Keis car left already.


    Trna stood at a loss in front of the closed garage shutter.


    No, her soul was Trnas, but her body was Kurois. She looked like Kuroi, and she was sitting powerless in front of the shutter. That was the situation she was in.


    Nya


    She had intended to call Kei an idiot, but unfortunately all she could muster was a sad meow.


    The confiscated items the bow and arrow were among many of the possessions that the criminals had brought over along with them. They were most likely a magical item from Semanian origin. It would switch the souls of the user and the person they shot, embedded with the Moth El Balbe spell.


    The hand that carries the soul. The exact same spell that she had been talking with Kei about just the previous day.


    But that was meant to be some long lost magic. Trna herself had only barely heard about it, and she had never met any Mildite left who were able to use it. But apparently there were some ancient tools left that were still able to cast it somehow.


    Selling that bow and arrow would no doubt make enough money even for the wealthiest of Semani aristocrats to livefortably for a few years. That was about how valuable it truly was.


    She got careless. If only she had noticed it, then it wouldve never turned out like this.


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 Book 4: Chapter 2: (2)

    Book 4: Chapter 2: (2)


    <strong>"Trantor: ClefRunner"</strong>


    <strong>""</strong>


    Switching the body and the soul.


    Since that was the kind of mechanism at hand, then naturally, the one in Trnas original physical body had to be Kurois soul. So if Kurois soul was inside Trnas body, then that meant that the Morth El Balbe spell had an effect even on cats, unexpectedly. So when she went on a rampage that morning doing this and that to Kei as he was defenseless, and behaving in such a preposterous seductive manner, that was all simply a normal behavior for a cat, and Kuroi didnt see anything wrong with it.


    And thats that, but!


    Snuggling with Kei in that half naked dress, and rubbing her cheeks against him and especially licking him all over.


    Ugh Uuuuughhhhhh.


    Trna writhed in pain still looking like a cat inside the empty garage.


    I just want to die already.


    She was considering just taking her Krge and slicing off her throat, leaving this world.


    However, unfortunately, it waspletely impossible for her to take her own life just with Kurois paws. And she would feel bad for Kuroi, as well.


    In any case, she felt so embarrassed she could die. And besides, looking at her (own body) behave in such a manner as an outsider was unthinkable.


    Lookingpletely enthralled and seduced by a man like that. By Kei on top of that! By a gross guy like him! And she was even running her tongue all over him! There was no way she could ept seeing herself like that. She had vividly witnessed her own body in the only position she never wanted to see herself in.


    She cowered and kept crying in the garage for about 10 minutes. The sight of a ck cat cowering and bawling was bizarre, but she did it anyway.


    Unfortunately, she did not die just from doing that, so instead she managed to regain her calm.


    Calm down, me. Thats right, lets calm down.


    If only I managed to find a way to return to my previous body, then I would definitely have a chance to exin everything to Kei. I would tell him that I wasnt me back then. Ill tell him over and over again that whatever Kuroi wanted to do waspletely unrted to me. Thats how it is, got it?!  or I could just get my Krge and exin to him like that.


    Thats right, I dont have to die to restore my honor. I just need to get my body back.


    And in order to do that, the first thing I need to do is inspect that bow and arrow very carefully.


    No wait that crossbow.


    The previous night, after switching bodies with Kuroi, she remembered it falling off the table. And Kei had only collected the items on top of the table earlier, so that crossbow was probably left behind somewhere in the living room but


    There was a bin right next to that table. And going by memory, that bin was right next to the ce she had seen the crossbow fall.


    Wait, wait wait, please


    With a desperate look on her face (despite being a cat), Trna rushed upstairs right into the living room. She leaned her small body against the bin next to the table and pushed it over.


    The bin was empty.


    Kei had pushed all the trash into a single stic bag, and simply took it out just like that.


    Knishuba!


    Trna muttered to herself a word that tranted to This is the worst from Farbani, and she started impatiently pacing around the room.


    Its not here, its not here. I cant find that crossbow anywhere.


    Although it was hard to ept, that crossbow was probably in the container outside.


    If Kei had taken it along with all the other confiscated items, then maybe she still had a chance to be saved it seemed like no matter what the situation had only just started to getplicated.


    Trna kept pacing around the house, looking for an exit. Both the windows and the doors were too heavy to be opened by a small cat. The switch to open the garages door was right in the middle of the wall, and there was no way she could reach it.


    She wasnt even able to get out of the house.


    Kuroi kept ignoring Trnas uneasiness, while dozing off peacefully in her own body. Trna thought that it would be best if she just kept sleeping like that. With her current body, all humans looked gigantic. If she suddenly started jumping on chairs or tables, and meowing all over the ce then it would be troublesome. She had already seen it happen that night, so she was frantic about it.


    What should I do now? I cant do anything useful in this cat body. Is there nothing I can do without somebody else helping me? How about the phone? No, impossible. The only sounds that Im able to make with Kurois throat are Nya nya. In that case


    Thats right, an email!


    Even with her tiny feet, she would probably be able to text somebody. And then if she asked for help


    Un na


    Just as she was starting to think that, Kuroi came out of Keis room. More urately, it was Trnas body with Kurois soul inside it. She was walking on all fours wearing her loosely fit camisole, and arching her back in a strange manner. She sluggishly walked across the living room, straight towards her tiny te on the floor, and she started slurping the water from it with her tongue.


    Aaaaaaahhhhh!!


    How unsightly. How ruthless. I look just like aplete savage!


    Well, I guess she is an actual animal. But please, Kuroi. Please dont do that kind of thing with my body. I cant even stand watching it! Besides, looking at it, looking at her behavior, it would seem that looking at her back trembling like that


    Oh no


    Still in Trnas body, Kuroi headed on all fours straight for her litter box that was inside the bathroom. Trna changed her expression (despite her still being a cat) and followed her body, jumping right on her butt.


    Nya? Nya!


    Stop it Kuroi! At least please just take the shorts off!


    Unya!


    Kuroi waved her arms angrily, sending Trna flying across the room, and redirecting herself towards the bathroom. Trna had just gotten in her way when she had to go to the bathroom. She could understand why Kuroi would be angry but still


    Nn Nya


    Stop it stop ah! Stop ah


    Her own body sighed relieved. Trna, still in her cat body, could not even bear to watch, so she just curled up and let out a sad cry.


    ~o~O~o~


    Matoba! Sergent Kei Matoba! Come here! Come here right now!


    Right as Matoba got to the Police Departments headquarters, the head of Vice, Bill Zimmer started calling him to his office.


    As he walked into his office, Zimmer mmed the door violently, producing a terrible sound that could be heard throughout the entire office. He kicked his own desk. Matoba was going to get wrecked because of the ne crash incident.


    What was that?! Even though the task was fairly simple, how did it end up bing a ne crash?! If it had just been some reckless car chase No, actually a car chase is outrageous on its own, but even then a ne crash?! Whats next?! Do you n to blow up the entire city?! I exined that already, didnt I? They ignored us and started getting away. We werent in the wrong. Shut up! Do you think the higher ups will simply ept that exnation?!


    The old man was easy to read. And Matoba was already used to him, so as long as he managed to calm him down ande up with some excuse, nothing would happen. Despite that, Bill Zimmer kept going on about it.


    The Goranbitha Police Department called and started ranting about something. At 12 in the morning! They were saying that you people were not taking the paperwork seriously, and that you didnt give up the confiscated items That was just their boss trying to show off to the local reporters. But it all became a mess because of one of their novice officers. If only they werent trying to save face and lowered their heads, then Im sure there would have been no furtherins about anything. I cant believe him! That boss of theirs is incredibly persistent He kept repeating the same thing over and over. For more than an hour over the phone, he made me hear himin!! And I was supposed to be enjoying some wine together with Cami for the first time in a long time ultimately even Cami ended up getting annoyed! We had nned to have some oysters and I was just going to take my zinc meds and leave it at that! Why are you people so intent on ruining my family life?! Huh?! Is a single bastard like you actually incapable of understanding that?!


    Zimmer was mming his desk while his face turned beet red


    Ah!


    Matoba was starting to feel sorry for him, but then he remembered something that made him uneasy so he asked Zimmer


    Boss. Was it only the Goranbitha department? What? Were they the only onesining? Did the CBP or someone else say something?


    Zimmer raised his eyebrows at that


    What, that? Did you do something to the CBP guys as well? No, not really. I just wanted to check something. This morning I talked to Hernandez from the CBP on the phone, but he just wanted to know about the confiscated goods. He didnt say anything in particr. Hm


    That was somewhat unexpected considering Hernandezs threatening attitude just the day before. Despite not officially opposing him, Matoba at least expected some antipathy and roundabout criticism. But then again, it was also prettymon for people to get heated up at the spot and then to get home and calm downter. Matoba kept pondering whether he should inform Zimmer of their discussion.


    What? Hey, did you do something to the CBP guys? Speak up honestly, Matoba. Because if you did then Ah no! I really didnt do anything! I simply negotiated with the other departments, so everything could go as smoothly as possible. Well then, Ill get going!


    Matoba turned right around and left Zimmers office.


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