Chapter 4: Outlaw Haven

Hehe, that's only natural! You did run around quite a bit at the casino, after all!

Really? Maybe you're just too weak, Big Boss?

I suspect their crime was so pathetic that the authorities did not even bother to arrest them.

Alternatively, they may have used some kind of perception-disrupting technology that makes it difficult to remember people's faces.

I paid them no attention, so I don't remember them very well.

Do we even need to care about that? Big Boss will take care of it anyway!

That's true. Remembering too many faces is tiring too!

By the way, I guess we really shouldn't believe all the rumors...

To think they were the [Super Rich]... I thought they were master thieves who only targeted high-security places...

Well, because I was hoping to ask them to steal a pair of designer panties from a brand I've always dreamed of owning someday...

I guess if I really need a thief, I should look for [Carmento]...

According to the records, she ripped it open at M.A.D.'s instigation.

The fact that the Chronoscholar Family is a prestigious family in Vermont was probably also taken into consideration.

Come on, I still had a blast this time! If every day is this fun, I'm completely satisfied!

Besides, Big Boss, didn't you get some pretty good use out of that data drive the other day?

What was it in Vermont... Kinogarten? You were downloading movies from there and stuff...

Huh, really? Hmm, I'm pretty sure I saw you watching some flesh-toned video with a Day of Freedom theme...

And you never let it leave your side for even a second. Almost like you didn't want us to see it.

That is correct. You can still have fun even without money, and bread sampling is indeed possible without money.

Let's go line up early for the bread sampling together, .

Hmm... then what role will you play, ...?

Ah! Could it be... stripping to distract people...?

My, so rough!♡

Hehe, I'm glad you're adapting so quickly!

You've probably been overwhelmed ever since you fell from the sky, so I'm glad to see you're adjusting!

Humans are adaptable creatures. No matter how physically weak they are, this much is well within their capabilities.

I had faith in you, .

Heheh, to celebrate us all getting closer, and our first proper release from Panoticon together...

Should we take a commemorative photo?!

Come on, this is nice too, Big Boss!

It's not like tofu is flying at our faces right this second!

Heheh... Then take one of us first!

And then we can grab anyone walking by and take one all together!!

Over here, over here!

Make sure you get Panoticon in the shot too! Snap a good one!

Ahaha, it has been a while since we took a picture together like this!

We have never taken a group mugshot, after all.

More importantly, Freya. It is difficult to stand close because of your breasts.

Lumina is having a hard time standing close because of her breasts too!

Can't you just sort of rest your head on them?

...Hmm. Squishy...

Wh-What is it?! What's happening all of a sudden?!

Oh my... That was quite a noise behind us...

Typical Humanitas. I did think it was unusually quiet today.

There is no reason to blow up a place where one only needs to rest for about a day before leaving.

Perhaps a gas accident occurred.

Exactly. The food is great and the service is good, so why on earth would anyone carry out a bomb attack?

Hmm... But the explosion seemed to come from the detention floor...

... everyone

As expected, whaaat?

Ahahahaha! Kidnapping complete!

Eheheheh, don't be so cold to someone in the same line of work!

We even ate food together in the Panoticon... and talked, didn't we?

Hey!! Mane!! What do you think you're doing, kidnapping our Big Boss like that?!

Give him back right now?!!

Ahh, right... There was one speedy little thing, wasn't there?

Okaaay, you can have a beer too!

Aaaah!!! I slipped on the beer can!!!

Ahahahahah!

Ah, jeez, my butt hurts...

Is she really drunk? Her throwing angle is incredibly precise!!

She's clearly done this more than once or twice!

Though it didn't feel like she was trying to harm ...

If I recall, the last time we encountered her was when we had breakfast in the cafeteria before our release. Is that correct?

That's right. For some reason, it seemed like she was brought in early this morning.

and she seemed to be talking about something, but I was too focused on the food to listen.

Hmm, she didn't say anything special...

I think we only told her about our previous prison break and a few of our recent jobs.

Surely she didn't blow up the side of the Panoticon just because of our prison break story, right...?

...By the way, where could she have taken our leader?

Even if he is physically weak and not of the slightest help with bread tasting, he is still the leader of M.A.D., so I hope she does not treat him too harshly.

When someone is kidnapped, we should go to the police first, right...?

...Ugh, but I'm not sure how much help the police will actually be.

Or maybe we could ask the people who have helped us with our previous requests for cooperation...

Did you get their personal contact information? It seems only properly shared their number.

Ah...

F-For now, let's just ask whoever is nearby to help us!

Y-Yes, let's do that.

Ahaha! What is it you want help with?

By any chance, is it to teach a lesson to the jerk who caused this mess?!

If that's the case, I'll help as much as you want!!

M-Maybe we should listen to their story first...

Talk later! Revenge comes first!!

Oh, it's The Great Tofu Troupe!! I was just wondering how to get in touch with you guys anyway.

If it's the Tofu Troupe, we can certainly trust them.

I must at least acknowledge their ability to take action.

However, finding our leader takes priority over revenge.

What, got kidnapped? No wonder he wasn't with you guys.

Tracking and rescue aren't exactly our specialties though.

Umm... O-Okay, I understand.

Oh? Suji, you look like you're really troubled by something...

Th-There is one way, but... it's a little... complicated in more ways than one...

Huh? What's so awkward about it?

N-No, it's just... My master could help, but I feel like things might get pretty complicated afterward...

Come on, what's the worst that could happen?

I mean, she's Suji's master. I'm sure it'll be fine, whatever happens!

Since... 's safety is at stake... I should be willing to deal with at least this much... right?!

Why are you running toward Panoticon?

Wh-What is going on? Should we follow her??

...For now, it seems we have no other choice. Booster on.

P-Please wait!

Ahaha☆ You're going to see that person, aren't you?

She's bizarre in many ways... but she's definitely helpful.

Hmph. Though I don't think she's ever been that helpful with our tofu sales.

That's because your sales tactics are terrible!!

That's because your marketing is garbage!!

Are you done talking? Let's throw down!!

Oh, bring it on! Today we're settling this once and for all!!

Ahaha☆ What a mess again!

You got this, Suji!

Ehehehe... No can do!

No way, it's nothin' like that... More like a lodging I "borrowed" for a bit...

Rip off?! No using such nasty words!

We Unsigned... only rob bad guys...!

...

...Or guys who stiffed us on money... Hehehe...

Oh, but hey, Fixer...

Aren't you... thirsty...?

There was some reeeally strong liquor in the Head Maid's room...

I wanted to try it so badly... so I borrowed some...

Hehehehe... but it's too good to drink alone...

They say these things are best shared, don't they...?

Come on, no way! Here, bottoms up!

...This conversation is going nowhere. ???

Captain Mane, time out. ???

Ptooey, ptooey!! What is this?!

Ugh... that instantly sobered me up...

What else? It's coffee-scented spray. ???

It's very effective when you need to sober up. What do you think? ???

Ugh, maybe for a coffee addict like you. Ptooey...

Of all things, why did you have to spray it directly into my mouth?

Because it's effective and efficient? ???

Want me to spray it up your nose next time? ???

Jeez, no thanks. I'd better go to the bathroom and rinse my mouth out. Ugh...

...Nice to meet you, Fixer. My name is Oblia. I'm one of Mane's companions.

I asked Mane to put me in touch with you because I needed some help... but I didn't expect us to meet like this.

Hmm... before we get into the job, let me ask you a few things.

Don't feel pressured, just think of it as a pre-interview.

You go in and out of Panoticon pretty often, so are you the type who doesn't mind doing illegal work?

So you sometimes turn to crime to make ends meet?

So you're just petty.

Hmm... Well, to put it nicely, you're no hardened criminal.

And that's why you ended up in Panoticon recently?

In exchange for a cut of the credits in the vault?

Essentially, you'll do almost anything if money is involved...

I also heard you're an exhibitionist who roams the streets naked... Don't tell me you got paid for that too...?

Hmm, so that information was incorrect... Fine.

In that case, we can talk about the job now.

We have plenty of money. Captain Mane makes pretty good money, despite appearances.

...Smuggle someone out.

Out of Humanitas. All the way to Vermont.

Me. For various reasons.

...Both. I'll explain later if necessary.

Let's get moving.

We need a few more people to help.

You didn't really need to follow me... It-It's dark, so please be careful...

We're doing this to find Big Boss anyway, so we need to know what's going on!

...By the way, where is this?

Th-This is a secret passage leading to the security zone deep inside Panoticon.

We were told never to use this route unless it was an emergency, but... the entrance is a mess, and the s-situation is what it is...

Hmm... really? This place reeks of something illegal!

A-Anyway, it's dark, so please don't push and move slowly...

Whoa, something touched my butt!!

Wh-What is it?! What gives?! Why do you keep poking me!

Ah, that's probably the tip of my staff. It's so dark that I've been feeling my way around with it to avoid bumping into anything...

Freya, your butt is so soft and firm...

Ah, well... Thanks...?

Ow!! Why are you poking me again?!

...? I didn't do anything this time...

C-Come to think of it, I think I saw a rat in this passageway before...

E-Eeeek??? L-Let's get out of here, fast!!!

W-Wait, there's a ledge here—

Huh? What did you— Gack!!!

Oww... That's why I said there was a ledge...

Ugh, I just wanted to get out fast. I didn't think we'd end up like this...

S-So, where are we...? It's still a bit dark, but... did Panoticon always have a room like this...?

Normally, the maids manage everything, so it shouldn't be this messy...

...At least the desk area is clean.

It doesn't look like it's been vacant for long. It seems more like the room of someone who's simply bad at keeping things tidy.

Whoa, they just tossed their underwear right here.

Look how big these are. They might be about Lumina's size...?

Oh, really? I wonder if they're designer underwear.

Wow, these are expensive too, aren't they? Such high-quality material... Huh?

Is there a problem, Lumina?

O-Oh? These... are knockoffs?

You can tell just by looking at it once...?

Of course! I've looked through more than my fair share of designer catalogs!

Well, well. My apprentice brought some unusual friends again. ???

Wh-Who's there?

Who else? I'm the owner of this room. ???

Nice to meet you. I'm Bobcat. Some call me... the Demon of Panoticon.

I've never heard of that. Are you actually known by that alias, or is it just an edgy persona?

...Ahem. ???

Hello, M.A.D. I've met your leader before... but this is my first time meeting the rest of you.

...? You've met the Big Boss?

Through Suji, that is. Hehe... He was quite interesting. Interesting enough to make me want him for myself.

Just kidding, just kidding. Anyway...

Once again, welcome. As the sole long-term inmate of this prison-slash-hotel, and as the shadow of this street... I welcome you.

...? Is there even such a thing as long-term imprisonment?

Officially, no. Let's just say I have my reasons.

Anyway, my dear apprentice? What brings you to me today?

I thought you were determined to avoid asking for my help unless it was absolutely necessary?

U-Um, we need some information. The culprit who blew up Panoticon's outer wall and kidnapped ...

Ah, that mercenary? If you're talking about Mane, I already know all about it.

The Head Maid was sighing and looking for a repair company just a moment ago.

Oh my? That's a much calmer reaction than expected!

Ever since you broke out, barged back in, and trashed the place, she barely bats an eye at anything anymore.

...And keep this a secret, but I made a killing again. That's why she's letting this one slide more easily.

What did you short this time...?

Panoticon.

???

I didn't know Panoticon had stocks. Isn't this outright market manipulation?

Now, now, this is just a healthy correction. I had absolutely no idea someone would plant bombs on their way out!

...So you knew.

You knew.

You knew.

They've grown too much lately. It was simply time to knock them down a peg.

Push what down? Whose head?

Push down on a head...? Maybe if it were breasts...

She is talking about stocks. That has nothing to do with pushing someone's head down.

I don't understand a single thing you guys are saying...

M-Me neither...

Well, that's not important, so let's move past it.

So, you're looking for that mercenary, right?

Y-Yes. Since you have so many informants, Master...

For free?

...???

Hey now, my apprentice. I'm a businesswoman, too.

Speculation... I mean, investing is one of my trades, but so is the underworld of this street.

Even if you're my apprentice, I can't keep helping you for free.

A-Ahahaha... W-Well, what do you need then...?

Fufufu... Yes, that's more like a businessperson.

Now, shall we talk business?

Ah, there are some allies I work with often!

If nothing else, they're great at opening anything that's locked.

Because the actual smuggling is the final phase of this operation.

We have quite a lot to do before that. And a lot of things we need, too.

Of course. I'll treat each task as a separate job and pay you for each one.

On top of that, you'll get a hefty bonus once everything's done. What do you say?

You don't have to call me boss. It's a bit too much...

Anyway, we're here. This is the place.

Huh?? What are you doing here, ...?

Why are you here? Did you quit being a Fixer and decide to become a mercenary?

N-No way!

It's just our day off, ahahaha...

It is not slacking off, it is power-saving mode.

It was simply a conscious choice to secure adequate rest.

I do not know who that is, but I shall take it as a compliment!

Hey!! "Lockpicks"?! Seriously?!

Do we look like toothpicks to you?!

Urgh, seriously...

Sometimes those raiders steal stuff and lock it away in special vaults. Even shooting them won't open them.

But the Super Rich always get the job done, so I keep coming back to them.

We're desperate too. You're one of our few steady sources of income.

So don't go around saying things that ruin our reputation.

I don't know! But there are a lot of thieves around, after all.

I heard there's even a vault designed to humiliate anyone who forces it open. It sucks you in headfirst and leaves only your butt sticking out.

You mean the one that sends everything from your head to your waist into another space, making it look like you're sticking out of a wall?

Ah, yeah! Exactly, that's the one.

Damn... My professor developed that one...

Let's talk business first.

I'm Oblia, a member of the Unsigned, like Captain Mane. I'd like to officially hire Super Rich for this job.

You didn't bring a vault, so I guess this is different from your usual jobs?

I don't know whether it'll be a vault or another security system, but I expect we'll need your help.

If it's something we can steal and bring back, we'll bring it here... Otherwise, we may need you to come to us.

I get it for now. So, what's the pay?

All the Credits we plunder during this job...

Of course, if there are no Credits, I'll pay you separately.

...So the target is something other than money.

Correct. This time, the target isn't money or an object. It's data.

If left alone, it could cause massive problems, so we must retrieve or destroy it quickly.

...First of all, we haven't fully identified what the data is yet.

But there's a good chance it's a collection of confidential information that could bring down most companies in Humanitas.

Someone could probably use it to blackmail each company for a fortune.

Well, there could be something like that in there.

The issue is that not only the data, but the malware used to harvest it might also still remain.

If that spreads too, it could cause far more damage than just bringing down a few companies.

At worst, Humanitas's entire economic and financial system could collapse...

...And that code. There's a good chance it's a variation or copy of code I wrote a few years ago.

The AI source code that caused the Worst Morning... Yeah, I wrote that.

...You really don't know anything, do you?

Sigh... I don't know about three lines, but this happened a few years ago. There was a company developing an AI assistant.

That AI was seriously impressive. It specialized in finding and organizing exactly the information you needed.

Even I benefited from it when writing my university reports...

A-Anyway. The problem arose after that...

I'd been pulling all-nighters for days working on the AI... Then one night, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep, and that's when it happened.

The next morning, almost every company in Humanitas had its confidential information stolen. By the AI I'd developed.

Account information, contracts, passwords, even stored customer data. Everything.

I heard only a few companies, including Midwen Corporation, managed to stay secure by cutting the power or constantly putting up new firewalls...

After that, inevitably, countless companies went bankrupt, and many people suffered.

...I don't know. I certainly didn't develop it to behave like that.

I suspect something happened while I was asleep, but... with no evidence and no one to help me, I fled.

The company I worked for took the blame and went under... And now I'm wanted, so I can only enter or leave Humanitas illegally.

Still, before I ran, I took only my AI's core source code and destroyed all the rest, or so I thought...

Recently, I heard that someone was distributing my old prototype source code on data drives.

I don't know... I have no idea how they got my contact information, which has me worried.

But they seemed to know me surprisingly well... And they showed me proof I couldn't deny.

About that...

First, I need you to take off your clothes.

Got your hopes up? For what? Is your exhibitionism acting up again?

The prerequisites are a small group and the clothes we soaked in that scent earlier.

Don't worry. It's all according to plan.

Hey, don't leave me out.

I'm on standby for ranged support, so it's not like I didn't come along.

It's all part of the plan, so please just bear with it for a bit.

You don't... actually have some exhibitionist streak, do you?

Hmm... Well, by my standards, you weren't exactly bad to look at.

Come to think of it, I can't quite remember what made me feel that way. It's like my memory's a little hazy...

Strange. This might be similar to perception-disrupting technology... And yet, I'm certain you smell nice...

Huh? Nothing.

Huh? I didn't hear anything either.

Speaking of antics, you're no slouch yourself, Fixer.

I heard you were quite a handful from the moment you arrived in this city!

Hmm... Even someone exceptionally sturdy should've needed at least a day to recover in Saverim after a fall like that.

Are you sturdier than you look? Or do you have some sort of special ability...?

...

Could it be, ... Are you a follower of Harmonix?

Hm? What is it?

...Being wanted isn't the real problem. I've made too many enemies.

Imagine someone with no real combat ability getting caught by all the people who lost money because of me. What do you think would happen?

...You haven't been in this city for very long, right, Fixer? It's not like you lost money because of the Worst Morning.

And as long as there's money you can make right now, you wouldn't have any reason to betray me.

There's no point explaining everything step by step when you'll find out soon enough.

Ah, here they come. Our next partners.

Just let them keep getting closer.

It's not like you're in any danger. You don't have any money anyway.

Moving on to the next phase.

Strip.

That's why I told you to take them off.

Well... you're the one who said you didn't want to strip and that you liked them rubbing up against you, so I can't say much.

It's nothing special. I just soaked them in catnip-scented perfume that cat beastkin go crazy for.

It was a rare find from an auction. Nice to finally have a use for it.

It's a scent specifically for cats and cat beastkin. Unless you have an exceptionally sensitive nose, it's hard to pick up.

The problem was...

If you stay in one place too long, you might attract every cat in the neighborhood...

At that point, I doubt they'll stop at licking and rubbing against you.

Right, let's take these guys back first.

Until they spill all the information we need.

It can't be helped. It's not like we have a proper washing machine around, and taking a quick dip is the most efficient way to get the scent out.

Really? I could've sworn the records said you were blacklisted from using them, Fixer.

Now, get in.

We don't have time for that, so just jump in and get out!

Don't worry, you won't be the only one going in!

...Hmm, good. Now it just smells like lake water.

It's bad enough to make any cat or dog beastfolk tracking you wrinkle their nose and turn back.

Alright! Next up...

Hmm, you're right. Did the scent mix with something else...?

Well, they say catnip can act as either a stimulant or an aphrodisiac depending on the individual, so it shouldn't matter.

Aw, don't overthink it!

Just dunk them in the water. They'll come to their senses eventually!

See? Nothing beats cold water for snapping you out of it! Ahahaha!!

It's strictly a temporary measure to wake them up.

Besides, this is actually pretty tame.

Exactly! It's way better than tying them to the back of a car and dragging them dozens of kilometers across the wasteland!

...

They're clearly faking it. Boss, dunk them again.

Roger that!

Yep, nothing beats a little force when people won't listen!

So, are you finally ready to start talking?

Yeah, I was starting to get bored of this method anyway.

I was thinking we'd put apples on your heads and try to hit them next.

Great, then let's get down to business.

Do you guys know anything about some data that's supposedly been circulating lately?

Classified data, blackmail material, things like that...

Oblia, doesn't look like they're going to talk.

Guess we'll have to give them another taste of the lake!

Agreed, Boss.

But this time, maybe we should find a barrel and some concrete—

Hmm... Can we trust them?

Are you sure you don't need another taste of the lake?

...Fine, I'll believe you.

But, if your info is wrong... you know what'll happen, right?

I've heard rumors about this place... but I never thought I'd actually visit.

Humanitas' designer lingerie auction... Where the wealthiest and most elite VIPs compete.

...Of course, I can't go in since I have to act as your operator.

It's possible, but... this is more efficient.

I also need to survey the area with the drone.

You can tease whoever you want, but we might want to steer clear of that crowd over there.

Do they really need to size each other up like that over underwear?

You never know what goes on in rich people's heads.

What? How do you know all that? Don't tell me you're interested in collecting them too...?

Selling it for a higher price doesn't sound too bad...

More profit means more beer. Sounds good to me!

...I think you both have a rather warped idea of investing.

More importantly, it's getting quiet. Looks like it's about to start.

Ah, mic test, one two, one two... ???

Greetings, everyone. I am Rosé, the most junior member of the Humanitas City Council.

I was quite surprised when I was asked to give the opening remarks for this [Luxury Lingerie] auction...

I owe this honor to everyone here today.

After all, without your support, I would never have become Director of the New City Construction Agency.

The proceeds from this auction will fund a charity project helping Humanitas' poor make a fresh start in the New City.

I'll be sure to remember all the distinguished guests here today, so I hope you'll be as generous as possible.

With that, I shall conclude my speech. I hope you all have a wonderful time.

Well then, let us begin the [Luxury Lingerie] auction!!!

Hmm, you like breasts that much? Your eyes went straight to them...

Don't underestimate a sniper's eyes. I can tell exactly where you're looking.

Obviously.

...Why are you looking there now? It's about time to get to work, so focus, focus.

To me, beer is basically water, so I'm just staying hydrated, okay?

Now, this item has been won by Elisia, mistress of the [Bloody Mary], visiting us from Vermont!

This petite Gothic Lolita lingerie is "Beautiful Growth," a piece by [Studio Metamorphose]!!

Could you tell us what brought you to this auction and how you plan to wear this piece? Just a few words, please!

Oh my, I didn't realize this was the kind of event where I would have to speak.

Hmm... Well, if I must say something... I didn't buy it for myself to wear.

You may think of it as a gift... for my beloved daughter.

Y-Your daughter?!

Fufu... Yes.

She is my successor, born from my heart, and the one who will carry on Bloody Mary after me.

I-In that case, did she perhaps join you here today...?!

Hmm... I did bring her, but she doesn't seem willing to come out of that corner.

It can't be helped. Fufufu... She's probably still a little uncomfortable at events like this.

You don't even know that? You really lack common sense, Fixer.

Sheesh... She just told you, didn't she? She birthed her from her bosom.

It's the act of separating a piece of your own soul and turning it into a new life.

Exactly how that's possible is still scientifically unexplained, but...

They say it's possible for beings with exceptionally strong maternal love.

...Well, they exist. Though they're very rare.

More importantly, how much longer are we going to talk about this?

...They showed up the moment you said that.

Those are obviously the "officers" those cats mentioned earlier.

Cut the nonsense and let's go!

Currently tracking the target.

I'm following them from close enough, so don't worry about losing them.

People like that don't usually travel alone.

It's better to let them meet up with their group so we can take them all down at once.

Shh, quiet. Someone's here.

Phase one complete. Finished way faster than expected.

Right? Good tech really does make the job easier.

Well, everyone acknowledges Big Sis's knack for business. It's a bit inconvenient that they're single-use and can only store one thing each, though...

I'm going to swap lenses and head back in, so keep a sharp lookout here while I'm gone.

Yes, ma'am!

She went inside the building.

Two guards outside. According to the thermal imaging... there are about twenty more inside.

It's a small building anyway. A few thermobaric grenades should be enough to clear out everyone inside.

Are you saving the high-explosive grenades?

We're not trying to blow up the building or seriously injure anyone, so there's no reason to use high-explosive grenades.

They aren't even properly armed. Let's keep things simple.

*Cough* *cough*... W-What?! Where did these flames come from—

G-Girls? Why are you all sleeping?

Don't worry, you'll be asleep soon too!

W-What—

Sleep tight!

H-Hunyaaa...

Alright, we got the officer.

Now, we head back to the lake, right?

"Water torture" makes it sound so bad. It's just a cold shower, okay?

There are far more terrifying things in this world, you know.

When the Celestial Convent in Vermont catches an apostate, they perform something called "Execution"...

Like making them walk around Vermont Plaza completely naked... Or tying them up and whipping them while naked...

Oh, I think the worst one of all was tying them up in the middle of the street and leaving them there for 24 hours...

W-What are you talking about?! How is that supposed to be fun?

That sounds like something straight out of Feelharmony... Anyway.

Oblia, I'm taking this one with me, okay?

Wait. A massive crowd is heading your way right now.

They're approaching way too fast to be Naughty Cats members—

Move, move, move!!!!!

You there, get out of the—

Huh? Big Boss?!!!!! What are you doing here—?!!!!

Ouch... My butt hurts...

Ugh, these jerks—

Ugh!! It's locked...

I suppose that is true... ???

As expected of Freya and !

You came to rescue us. I knew I could count on you.

Huh? No. I got captured too!

Oh, I see...

I am disappointed.

We went to see Suji's master, Bobcat, to ask for help finding the kidnapped , but...

But then, out of nowhere, she gave us a request.

Strangely, she seemed absolutely certain. She said we'd meet our leader if we carried out the request...

Infiltrate the Naughty Cats' hideout and either steal or neutralize a dangerous weapon hidden by the current boss.

We were told it was powerful enough to bring ruin to all of Humanitas, so we suspect it might be a massive cannon or a giant robot.

Anyway, we were first supposed to meet one of Bobcat's subordinates...

So... the person my mentor mentioned... is you, right?

Exactly! I'm Bobcat's most trusted informant.

...

Geez, why so suspicious? There are plenty of us who still long for Big Sis and can't forget the glory days—

Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that. Ahem... anyway, you can trust me.

I was even in charge of the underwear smuggling route until the trouble started, you know? Just trust me and follow my lead!

So... you were helping with the counterfeit underwear business while passing information along?

Yeah, yeah, exactly. You have to make good money first if you want access to broader intel within the organization.

In that sense, smuggling knockoffs of the Head Maid's designer underwear was pretty lucrative.

There are plenty of people everywhere who want to imitate the rich!

Ah... But how did the smuggling get shut down?

Well, it's the usual story. The maid we bribed got too greedy and got caught.

The next day, her butt swelled up to twice... no, three times its normal size. Though I suppose some people are actually into that...

Anyway, we were desperately trying to open up a new route...

But the current boss somehow secured some new technology recently, so we don't even need to smuggle or steal underwear directly anymore.

I heard she got some lens that can read an object's essence and structure at a glance. Thanks to that, my stock's hit rock bottom... *Sigh*...

...Is there a reason to go that far?

Of course there is. Honestly, life under the current boss isn't too bad. Our bonuses come in regularly, after all.

But... back in Bobcat's day, we had loyalty and stronger bonds. Those were the glory days.

But now, it's money, money, money, money. Everything is about money. I feel like I've just become a money-making machine.

Ahaha... I-I see. So, where should we start...

First, strip.

...???

I said strip. It's cat cosplay time!

Oh my... ♡

If we want to infiltrate a cat beastfolk gang, we have to pretend to be cat beastfolk first, right?

Hey!!! It wasn't my idea!!

*Sigh* Whatever... Since I'm fast on my feet, I was assigned to handle the infiltration.

So I got one of those tracksuits they always wear, complete with ears and a tail, but...

But once I got it, the tail just wouldn't stay in place and kept falling off! *Sigh*... they definitely made this outfit poorly!

Oh my, if you'd left it to me, I would've made sure it never came off.

I-I don't know! I eventually regrouped with everyone while running away, but they caught up fast and it turned into a huge brawl!

They disappeared without a trace in the middle of the chaos, so... maybe they managed to get away safely?

A-Ahahaha... w-well. S-Someone had to stay free to move around, right?

Like a hero who comes back to save everyone at the very end, ahahaha, haha, ha...

She certainly did run.

She ran away.

N-No! I absolutely did not run away because they threatened to "shove that tail deep inside me for insulting a cat's tail"!!

N-No way... No more...

Still, it's fascinating. Just like Bobcat said, we ended up meeting while carrying out the request...

Well, either way, now that we've found , we don't need to worry about this request anymore, right?

Let's break out of here and head home already!

Huh? Really? I thought you'd be broke, being Panoticon's only long-term prisoner.

By the way, Big Boss, what have you been doing all this time? You didn't even contact us.

A request? Who's the client?

You called?

..? I didn't really have a chance to chime in.

We've been connected the whole time, so of course I could hear you.

Anyway, while you were chatting, I pinpointed your location. I'll see if I can get you out of there quickly.

According to the GPS coordinates, you seem to be in a mansion near a residential area in Humanitas...

Oh my... ♡

...Still, I am a bit curious as to why they kidnapped us.

Typical thugs would just take our Credits and leave us alone.

So, these are the ones, right?

The ones who tried to blend in among us wearing fake ears and tails.

We get them sometimes. Idiots who admire our Big Sis, the ruler of the back alleys, and try to join our gang.

But unfortunately, our gang only accepts pure-blooded cat beastkin. We don't accept fake cats as full members.

But if you pay us regularly, we might take you in as an affiliate.

*Sigh* You're so slow.

I'm saying we can take you in as lackeys, get it?!!

Huh? You guys are M.A.D.. That group of Fixers making a name for themselves lately.

We know exactly what you want now.

But fake tails and ears are strictly forbidden. We'll let it slide this once, but do it again and you're dead meat. Got it?

I-It's not like I wanted to wear them anyway?!

What a shame... I wanted to dress Freya up as a really cute and sexy cat maid someday...

W-What are you talking about?!!!

Anyway, before the initiation ceremony, there's something you have to do first.

It's nothing major... just pay us a little money to show your loyalty.

Let's see... about one million Credits per person?

Oh my... that's quite a lot. I wonder how many requests we'll have to take...

Huh? Requests? What are you talking about?

Once you become a subsidiary group, you can just claim some turf and shake people down for protection money, right?

D-Don't worry about that. Big Sis has a real big shot backing her now, so we're set!

Yeah, although right now our electricity bills and other expenses are so huge that all our furniture is knockoff brands, someday we'll get the real designer stuff...

...Oops.

Can't you keep your mouth shut, you idiot?! Get her!!

Phew... Nothing happened.

I. Said. Nothing. Happened.

So, are you joining or not?

If you are, I'll give you some time to gather the cash, but if not... hehehe...

Hehehe... Sure, I can do that much. I'll give you some space while I take care of this idiot.

Big Sis will be back from her business soon, so I'll only give you until then. This opportunity doesn't come often, so play your cards right.

It's the cloak with the perception-disrupting technology I mentioned before. Perfect for infiltration.

Captain Mane is running a diversion nearby. She asked us to draw as much attention as possible.

Not really. I was listening in the whole time, so I knew you weren't in any danger.

While I listened in to assess the situation, I interrogated the officer we'd caught.

I had her smell some catnip perfume, dunked her in the water a few times, and she told me everything, including the hideout's location.

Since I was at it, I figured I'd run a few experiments and make good use of the time.

But there was no aphrodisiac effect this time. Only a stimulant effect...

...Exhibitionist.

*Sigh*... Anyway.

She didn't know anything about the data or AI. Only that she sometimes left data drives at designated locations...

So we're going to search for those data drives now. Follow me.

Phew... Layout analysis complete.

By the way, Oblia, any interest in selling one of those cloaks? It's really useful.

Unfortunately, they're rare and I only have three of them. I don't think I can do that.

Tch... fine. Too bad. I would've taken one instead of my fee...

Uuuggh... I've finished mapping out 20 different escape routes...

I was scared because there were so many sketchy-looking thugs everywhere I went, but...

Great, then we can proceed with the next phase of the operation.

Now we'll escort our new affiliate recruits to the boss's room.

Everyone, make sure to play your parts well.

W-We don't even get a break...?

Thanks to Captain Mane, the security is really lax. Anyway...

This is the room of the Naughty Cats' boss, commonly known as [Godmother].

It's the boss's room, after all, so maybe she spent a bit more money here?

Anyway... what we're looking for is most likely here.

Alright, then it's our turn.

I borrowed a few of Seven's cleaning drones, so we should find it in no time.

I've tinkered with drones a bit myself... If I get the chance, could I take a look at one of those cleaning drones?

Ask Seven. I'm her guardian, but I can't just do whatever I want with her drones.

Hmm... Anyway, I've been wondering, Seven is a 100% mechanical android, right?

For an android, she's surprisingly human-like... I'm really curious about what kind of AI she uses.

I just happened to find her broken down one day and helped repair her, that's all.

I don't really know what she is either. Other than that she's a gambling addict who doesn't act much like a maid, but loves maids.

Oh, Seven? She lost at rock-paper-scissors, so she got cut from the infiltration team. She's probably waiting outside...?

Yeah, it's pretty weird. It's not something that happens often...

Uh, I don't know about that, but... She did mention sensing some good luck vibes around here...

There's no such thing as money you can afford to lose!! If there's spare money for that, give it to me instead!!

Hmm... Anyway, this is taking longer than expected.

That's weird. We should have found it by now...

Oh, found it... Wait, this isn't even a secret vault. It's just a drawer.

Did we not notice it because it was in such an obvious place...?

...! Wait.

A passage leading down from the drawer... It's a secret room.

Shall we go down?

T-This is...

I never expected a massive data center like this to be in a place like this.

Hmm... If you take away these server racks and that screen in the back, this looks a lot like that place we were trapped in recently...

Is it just me?

N-No... I agree.

And this eerie chill... I felt the same thing in that vault last time.

W-Wait. Does that mean...

Just as I thought, something weird is showing up on the console again. And this time, it's unlocked...

The [Great Flood] protocol is offline? What does that even mean?

Let's see, if I connect to the internal line...

Agh?!! What was that?!

T-The console is suddenly dead! A massive amount of data is flooding back in...!

A DDoS attack?! Which means...

...Yeah. As expected.

This is the Marlen Prototype...! No doubt about it, it's my old code.

But wait... something's off. It looks like something else was added... Ghk?!

How many layers of security protocols I've never seen before are on this thing...?

There are also multiple pieces of malware... At least the cache is isolated, so it hasn't spread yet...

No, who on earth changed my code like this?!

Y-You're right. Sorry, I lost my cool for a moment...

For now, what I can do is...

I cut the power, so the cooling system will stop soon.

Once that happens, all the servers here will be damaged, and the data on them will be lost.

It's not a perfect solution, but...

O-Oh? Wait... In this corner...

Um, ...

What did you do with that USB drive we found and gave you last time?

W-Well, there's a bunch of drives that look exactly the same over in this corner...

What on earth is this...

...I'll have to check this later in a secure environment.

, give me your drive too. I'll check if it's safe.

It's dangerous.

I said it's dangerous.

It's really dangerous, you know??

Ah, !!

Looks like the kidnapping got sorted out. We were all really worried!

Th-That's a relief...

...But anyway, if that's the case, we didn't even need to come all this way, did we?

Suji insisted we come help, so we even set up a temporary shop nearby to keep an eye on things!

, Suji even brought all kinds of medicine in case you were hurt or in danger!

V-Victoria! You didn't have to tell them that...!!

Ahaha☆

What's this? You guys are more loyal than I thought.

Unlike a certain someone.

I agree.

I-I said I'm sorry...

Fufu, I'm only teasing.

Honestly, when they said they'd shove that tail in, even I got chills.

Ahhn... ♡

Sorry, but that's not happening! These guys spat on our tofu.

They actually spat on our tofu, asking who gave us permission to do business here!

Right! So I'm going to give them a thorough beating☆

Let's go, Suji! Let's teach them a lesson!!!

Y-Yeah...!!

Who the hell is messing with my girls?!

How dare you start a fight while I was briefly away on business?! I'm going to beat you all to a pulp and rob you blind—

Ahahahahaha!!!

Gyaaa!!!

Hey! What the hell are you doing while someone is talking?!

You didn't think everyone gets to have a cool entrance scene, did you?

Know your place, you third-rate thug! Get lost!!

Kyaaa!!!

W-Who are you calling a weakling—

Don't compare some lousy back-alley thug to a wasteland outlaw!

You're done with your business, right?

Yeah. Our job here is done for now.

The problem is, we have no way of knowing how far the modified prototype code has been distributed...

U-Ugh...

I-I am the ruler of these back alleys, Godmo—

Ack...!!

What nonsense are you talking about? I didn't even say—

Gyaaaah—!!

Wh-What have you been talking about—

H-Haaah—!!!

H-Humph!! You think I'd give in to that? I am God—

Gyah!!!

Y-You're impossible to talk to, you jerk—

Ahaha☆ Where do you think you're going?!

Aaagh!!!

Hehehe, thugs like her really only learn after a good beating, don't they?

Ugh...!

I'll tickle you for what your lackeys tried to do to me with that tail!!

Uh, that's a bit much...

...??? What does that even mean—

Aaaahhhh!!!

Hehe, it's nothing. She just saw something she shouldn't have.

*Sigh*... The drives were all encrypted, so they gave me some trouble, but...

As expected, both the Fixer's drive and the data drives from the secret vault contained copies of the prototype code.

For some reason, though, all the code was inactive. That made it easy to deal with.

Anyway, um... There was also a lot of... skin-colored data on the Fixer's drive...

Well, if your privacy matters more than losing what little money you have left and all your personal information.

Also, I recommend formatting every device you've plugged that drive into. There's no telling how far the copied code may have spread.

So, was the info you squeezed out of Godmother actually useful?

What about the data center itself?

I see...

So they basically gave them a hideout and all that unusual tech in exchange for doing their dirty work.

Anyone capable of moving that kind of capital must be extremely wealthy or someone high up... But we still don't have enough information.

I don't know either, but...

This modified prototype code can train itself with AI to bypass even firewalls and antivirus software on its own, at speeds no human can match.

I suspect they might be trying to take over Humanitas with this.

If things go really wrong, an even bigger incident than last time could happen.

Not just something like the Worst Morning... A much bigger catastrophe could occur.

A literal blackout. The entire city will grind to a halt.

...This really isn't something you should be joking about.

When someone is trying to have a serious conversation—

What do you mean...?

Th-That's...

...That's easier said than—

...Affection? Me...?

That's...

...That's a bit too much of a leap...

...Pfft.

...Ahaha, hahahaha...!!

Oh, no, it's just... I feel like something that's been weighing on me for a long time suddenly lifted...

Ahahaha... Whew...

Thanks for getting angry for me... even though it wasn't your problem.

I really mean it, Fixer.

Hehe... I'll think about it.

...No, not yet.

They seem to have quite a bit of influence... But I couldn't find any way to trace them.

... Fixer?

Well, if you say so.

Anyway, thanks for your help this time. I've sent your payment, so I should get going too.

Let's cancel that for now.

After hearing what you said, I thought of a slightly more efficient way.

Yep, it's my call. So...

Let's work together again soon, Fixer.

Now, finally, we should divide up the loot.

Can I take a few of the lenses we took from Godmother?

What are you going to use them for?

Well, obviously you're planning to peek at people naked.

Isn't it? Want to test it?

Is this... defective?

Ah, never mind. I think I just saw something weird for a second.

I thought I saw a massive flash of blue light... Right after that, the lens fried.

...? Are you hiding something?

Hmm... suspicious.

Let me take a closer look.

After all, to properly observe someone...

You have to get close, and commit their appearance, and their scent to memory...

...isn't that how it's done?