As Katsu and Bon were led through the large warehouse by a well-dressed man as they were introduced to the inner workings of the Underground Pint. The man took them around the different sections of the warehouse, filled with boxes and workers.
"So, what brings you here?" asked Jones.
"This brat ain't-" Bon began to say, but was quickly interrupted by the manager.
"Oh, forgive my impoliteness. I'm Jones Weatherford, Senior Manager of this here Underground Pint."
"Wow, even a crime organization has a manager," Bon remarked.
"Please, sir, we'd rather you not call this a 'Criminal Organization' but rather a 'Brotherhood,' perhaps."
Walking inside the vast insides of the warehouse, they finally arrived at an area filled with boxes and workers. Jones began to explain the purpose of their organization.
"You see, all of us here in the Underground Pint were famous criminals, and of course, some aspiring ones. The gang is a haven for criminals who can't live a normal life anymore and people who live a life of crime."
"Oh, really?" Bon replied.
"Yes, I myself was a very well-known criminal, not to brag of course," Jones chuckled loudly. "But most of the time I've spent hiding from the Police. But, after meeting Mr. Ivan and hearing that he would make a gang for criminals like us, I joined him. Now I'm his most trusted manager. Boom! Best decision I ever made!"
"Huh? Good for you then," Bon muttered.
Realizing his actions, Jones cleared his voice and continued, "And so, we behave more like a Brotherhood, give or take, with a collective goal to survive long enough until the Katz Reich invades us. But with the recent failures of the invasion, it looks like it's going to take a while though."
"What!?? You guys are with the Katz Reich!?" Bon exclaimed in surprise.
"A little convincing will do the trick. We'll do whatever they say, yadda yadda… in exchange for us being spared," Jones explained nonchalantly.
"You all don't seem to know how terrible the Katz are…"Bon warned.
"Well, I trust that Ivan can convince them… Anyway, as we wait, we need a stable source of income, and here is where the 'Criminal Organization' comes in."
Jones opened a large container, and revealed what was inside to be tons and tons of alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances. Katsu's eyes widened in shock as he looked around and saw hundreds more of the same thing scattered throughout the warehouse.
The air was thick with the scent of marijuana and the sound of bottles clinking against each other. Workers bustled about, packaging and labeling the illicit goods. Katsu couldn't help but feel a sense of disgust and unease as he watched them work.
"This is how we make our living," Jones said proudly. "And we're damn good at it too."
Katsu couldn't shake off the feeling that he was in the midst of something dangerous and illegal. He knew that he had to tread carefully if he wanted to get out of this situation alive.
"This is our main source of income! Oh, excluding stealing, bounties, bank robberies, raids on military camps, and selling info of various high profile officers of the army to the rebellion, this is our main source of income!" Jones boasted with a sly grin, his eyes shining with pride.
Katsu was awestruck by the extent of their operations. He couldn't believe that he was standing in the midst of a group of dangerous criminals who operated with such impunity. Even Bon, who had seen much in his lifetime, was amazed by the scale of their operations.
"U-huh, so that's why you need to sell these?" Bon asked, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah! Above all of that is selling alcohol, hence our name, Underground Pint. AND! This gang, working under the leadership of Ivan Hanzai, is making our biggest move yet, taking down the entire Empire! After some preparations, we, along with the rebellion, will conduct large scale attacks against the Empire. Through these constant attacks, and an intelligence system that rivals the Military Police's Central Security Division, we will weaken its defenses and lead to a quick invasion by the Katz Reich. That should speed up the process!" Jones revealed, his voice filled with excitement.
Katsu felt a chill run down his spine as he listened to Jones' plans. He couldn't believe that there were people who were so evil and ruthless that they would stop at nothing to overthrow the government.
But Jones seemed to take his silence for agreement and continued on, leading them through the endless maze of the warehouse, pointing out various illegal activities that were taking place.
"And you guys are perfectly fine with telling all of this to me?" Bon spoke up, unable to hold his tongue any longer.
"You were hired by Ivan, Ivan told me that you resent authority and government. So, you are trustworthy," Jones replied with a smirk.
"Well, you guys do you. I'm just doing my job," Bon said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Not doing it good enough I see," Jones sneered quietly.
Bon bristled at the insult, but before he could say anything, Jones quickly added, "Don't worry sir, we understand, you must be tired from all your work."
"Yeah…" Bonnmuttered, feeling relieved that Jones seemed to have let it go.
As they walked through the warehouse, Katsu couldn't help but notice how well-organized everything was. Despite their illegal activities, they seemed to run a tight ship.
After what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at a dark secluded part of the warehouse. The manager knocked four times on the door.
"Who is it?" A muffled voice from the inside asked.
"Ivan sir, it's Jones, the bounty hunter you've hired wants to meet you, he brought the child as well," the manager replied.
"Well then, bring them in!" the voice replied.
As the manager opened the door to a small room lit up by a flickering fireplace, Katsu felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew that he was about to meet the most dangerous man in the Empire, and he had no idea what to expect.
End of chapter 18