I didn't dare underestimate Reign as I did to the Chessboard. I learned my lesson the first time. Even though Joker said that they should be no problem I still carefully scouted out their base which Ryan had thoughtfully texted me.
A sketchy cheap office building located in a run-down neighborhood with a worn-down sign saying 'sarakin'. All the windows were barred and the curtains were drawn. I didn't see a single camera, I guess security must not be the highest priority around here....?
Haha. This base of theirs is literally straight out of a 'how to be an illegal loan shark' textbook!
According to Ryan, the group should only have around a dozen people working together. It probably won't be the biggest problem for me to shut them down all at once. I doubt any of them have had any martial arts training.
I wish they did. It would be better practice for me.
Saying this, I still have my new twin handguns strapped in their hidden holsters. Can't be too careful.
I'm a bit troubled as to how to make the organization (if you can call them that) close down. Getting enough evidence on them and handing them to the police would probably be the better way but...that wouldn't help me test my current capabilities at all.
Alright, time to just go in and beat them enough that they give up. We'll work from there. Sounds reasonable. It makes me feel like the bad guy though.
As I continued to scout the outside of the building, I caught sight of an incredibly sketchy store nearby.
I stared at a futuristic black mask that had a silver rim through the store windows.
Just my style! What a coincidence, I just needed something to hid my identity with.
But honestly, I'm starting to doubt I'm living in reality.
I don't think a normal high school girl usually does things like this.
I bought the mask from the still half-asleep storekeeper. He was surprisingly young, seemed to be only a few years older than me. Sketchy.
I was still wearing my school uniform but I didn't bother to change out of it. I just put on a cheap black hoodie that I bought along with the mask. Not only did it have a cool wing design on the back that sort of matched the mask, but the hood was also useful to help hide my uncommon hair color.
But damn, this store really has everything useful for a robbery. They even have a small corner to change clothes in!
Not suspicious at all. Nope. The man didn't even bat an eye when I walked out of his shop looking like I was about to rob somebody. He simply went back to sleep after making sure I paid for everything.
I think I can be friends with this guy.
When I left the small shop, the streets were fortunately empty or else I had a feeling I would have been reported.
You don't usually see some weirdo with a hood up wearing a mask in broad daylight.
Thank god there are no cameras around.
I approached the building and casually walked in. It was too small to have a proper lobby, so I was greeted by an empty reception desk and a few chairs. There was a staircase leading up and the sounds of talking and laughter.
What great service. Love it already.
In case you didn't notice, I'm being sarcastic.
Someone seemed to have heard my entrance since the chatter stopped and a man who seemed around 20 came down. He looked at me with suspicion but seemed to relax after realizing that I came alone.
"What do you need?" He asked. "We're not currently open for business. You can come back af-"
I ignored him and headed upstairs. Waste of time talking.
I'm curious as to what the rest of the building would look like! I've never really seen an actual loan shark office before. It's all new to me.
"Hey! Where do you think you're goi-" He tried to stop me but I cut him off with a quick kick to the groin which made him pale in pain and fall over.
He was getting a bit annoying.
When I got to the top of the stairs I saw around five people all standing up and posed in cautious postures. They probably heard the guy downstairs and thought something was up.
No no, they're all getting the wrong idea! I'm just simply giving myself a tour of the place!
"Hey...missy...what do you think you're doing?" A man with a bushy beard said with narrowed eyes. "This isn't a place for kids like you to be at."
The other four men nodded in agreement.
I realized that their ages are quite diverse. There were four adults, but there was also a teenager who looked like he should have been in college.
When they realized that I wasn't answering, they looked at each other and shrugged.
The teenager walked towards me and flashed his most charming smile. I studied him a bit more closely, I guess he would probably be considered handsome compared to average?
It doesn't really work against me though. I've already built up an immunity to good looking people. Girls included.
The few guys I've associated myself with make this guy seem like a pebble at the side of the road.
"You're around my age, right? Why not take off that mask? There's no reason to be wearing one here. We won't harm you."
Yeah right. I totally believe that.
I stepped around him before stomping hard on the back of his knee and pushing him down the staircase.
Bye-bye.
He ended up promptly landing on the guy who was still squirming at the bottom in pain. He didn't move. Probably knocked out from the fall.
The other four immediately put up their guards and spread out. Judging from their stances only the oldest man had actual fighting experience and seemed to be their leader.
As expected, he came towards me in a fighting position while motioning for his 'friends' to stay back.
1 v 1? Heh. You're on.
"Don't try and fight boss missy, he used to be a specialist in the military!" One of his followers sneered proudly.
A specialist? Uh....I don't remember what that rank is. Sounds.....special....I guess.
What was the point of telling me that? I don't get it.
I stepped towards the large man and started off with a jab to test the waters. He responded with a block and a counter. I shrugged it off with a parry and sneaked in a sidekick which was dodged. He lept back and looked at me with surprise.
I still don't remember what a specialist is...
But whatever, this guy has good instincts.
I shrugged and decided to actually get serious.
This guy has been trained before so I won't feel bad about beating him up. If he looses then that's his own fault for not training enough.
He was the one who made the first move this time. It was just a feint and punch combo. Boring. I once again parried his punch.
I guess a specialist isn't a big deal? Is that rank made up....?
Seeing how I wasn't focusing much on our duel, the leader's face flushed up in anger and threw a punch in rage.
I scoffed and blocked it with my elbow. A crack was heard from his fist, probably broke something.
He was provoked so easily? My expectations have been ruined. I guess that's all you get from a small loan shark group.
I lashed out a sharp kick to his solar plexus and he fell to the ground gasping for air.
I looked up at the other four.
"W-what the fuck do you want with us?!" The person who seemed to be the second-in-command stuttered. "We'll g-give money if that's what you want."
Did he mistake me for a robber?
I tilted my head. Why am I starting to really feel like the bad guy?
It doesn't help my consciousness that I'm dressed in black, am wearing a mask, have two guns secretly equipped, and stormed in without an invitation and beat up their guys without saying a word.
I didn't notice but.....I indeed look like a crazy, cheap delinquent girl who's desperate for money.
More like I didn't want to notice, actually. Wouldn't be good for my own sanity.
I now have more memories to seal up and add to my forbidden dark history.
I was about to correct their misunderstandings when their leader finally caught his breath again.
"Heh.....you won't get away with this, missy. I may be the boss of this gang but we're still under one of the 12 Rooks! Boss Kuno won't forgive you!"
Ohhhh! Spoken like a true side character! His dialogue fits the scenario perfectly!
Thank you very much. I'm satisfied now.
Hm? Rook? As in Chessboard Rook?
I took out my phone and looked at the list of notable members that Joker had sent me in the past.
Yup. There was a Rook named Kuno. I'm guessing that this group is his. I'm a bit curious as to why a Rook would care for a ragtag bunch like this.
"Call your boss over then."
They were the first words that I had spoken so they were momentarily shocked before the leader scrambled to take out his phone and text somebody. When the message was successfully noted as 'read' he finally relaxed and laughed at me in contempt.
"Just wait! You'll be begging for forgiveness soon enough!"
Okay.
I just waited, as he told me to.
I took the liberty to sit down as well.
A few minutes later Kuno finally showed up with two guards in tow. He arrogantly looked down at where I was sitting.
"""""Boss!""""" The five men said simultaneously while pleading for him to do something about me with their eyes.
"You dare attack my followers?" He threatened. "You just randomly decided to attack us? Did someone send you after me?"
Do you think you're important enough for that?
I really don't like people looking down on me. Literally.
I stood up and leaned towards him with a sneer.
"Hah. A measly Rook is acting like some big-shot? What a wannabe thug." I laughed.
His face instantly darkened and he scowled.
"Tsk. A mere high school girl dares to use that tone of voice towards me? Take her down and unmask her, I won't stand for this disrespect."
His two guards instantly pounced towards me like trained hounds.
I struck them down instantly. A few thugs working under a Rook doesn't scare me. To be honest, only Joker scares me....
I suddenly saw another figure timidly peeking around the corner.
"W-what happened here?" A familiar yet unfamiliar female voice shakily asked.
Everyone turned towards the unexpected visitor.
Black hair, gentle eyes, and a scared posture. However, her face was extremely familiar and I instantly recognized her as Tania. She was different, but still very charming due to her delicate features.
Through the character customization, she had changed her hair color and gave herself tougher features but it was still within the 15% change range.
I finally understand why people say that sometimes online personas are nothing like the real thing.
Indeed, they're not the same at all!
Kuno looked at her with furrowed brows.
"Tania, what are you doing here?" He quietly questioned.
Wait....
He seems to act.....gently towards her? Isn't it his fault that she's being chased by the cops?!
H-huh? Although it was a miracle as to how Tania had survived fine for so long like this.....makes sense now. He's a tsundere, a very stupid one at that.
"I-I came to give the weekly quota...." She meekly answered while avoiding his eyes.
Haha, it looks like she can't tell and is really scared of him. Too bad for you Kuno.
"Just stay downstairs for now, I'll deal with this quickly." He ordered.
Kuno turned back towards me without looking to see if Tania had listened to him. In fact, he probably wanted her to stay and impress her. That's just way too unlucky. He's even tossing his coat aside!
Kuno ran his hand through his brown hair and glared at me.
Well, at least he's handsome? That's probably the only good thing?
I was still in thought when he suddenly charged at me without warning.
Tsk. And I thought at least he was a gentleman.
You're wasting your good looks!
Time to test the abilities of a Rook.