As Adrian performed the profound 90-degree bow as a sign of his unwavering loyalty and respect towards Sin, Sin's initial appreciation was tinged with a subtle, internal disapproval. It wasn't the gesture itself that bothered him, but rather what his eyes had fallen upon. His gaze, albeit discreetly, conveyed a hint of disdain as he took in Adrian's peculiar attire.
The sight that had met Sin's eyes was unexpected and, to put it mildly, somewhat unsettling. Adrian, this grown man who had once challenged Eric on the League 4 stage and had grown into a trusted ally, was clad in a pink sleeping dress. What made the situation even more peculiar was the whimsical illustration of a bear emblazoned on the dress. It was a sight that defied explanation and left Sin momentarily flummoxed.
Sin's internal reaction was a struggle to maintain composure. The desire to smack some sense into Adrian's head, to jolt him out of this absurd choice of attire, flickered briefly in his mind. However, Sin understood that this was not the time nor the place for such a reaction. He had a more pressing matter at hand—the mystery of Lita's disappearance—and he couldn't afford to be distracted by trivialities.
Suppressing his urge to react impulsively, Sin took a deep breath and decided to address the matter with a measure of restraint. He needed to maintain a sense of authority and decorum, especially given their circumstances.
"Adrian," Sin began, his tone firm but not hostile, "while I appreciate your loyalty and dedication, I think it's high time you change your clothes. Wearing a pink sleeping dress with a bear illustration is hardly suitable attire for the current situation."
"Of course, Master Sin," Adrian replied, his voice tinged with humility. "I apologize for any inconvenience."
Adrian returned to the room after changing into a more suitable attire that consisted of a manly shirt and pants. The stark contrast between his previous outfit, the pink sleeping dress adorned with a bear illustration, and his current attire was a visual relief for Sin, who had been momentarily taken aback by the unexpected choice of clothing.
As Adrian settled back into the discussion, he wore a look of earnest readiness, poised to offer his assistance in any way he could. He recognized the gravity of the situation and was determined to play his part in helping Sin and Fatty Jack find answers regarding Lita's disappearance.
"How can I be of service to you both?" Adrian inquired, addressing Sin and Fatty Jack directly. His tone conveyed a sense of sincerity and resolve, underlining his commitment to their cause.
Sin, who had chosen to let Fatty Jack explain the intricacies of their predicament, glanced toward Fatty, silently encouraging him to provide Adrian with a comprehensive account of their situation. Fatty Jack took a deep breath and proceeded to recount the events leading up to their current quest to find Lita.
With a mixture of urgency and vulnerability in his voice, Fatty described the soul note that Lita had left behind, imbued with her fear and desperation. He explained how this mystical message had served as the catalyst for their journey and how it had led them to seek Adrian's assistance, given his extensive network and connections within the city's underworld.
Adrian listened attentively as Fatty shared the details, his expression reflecting a growing understanding of the gravity of their mission. He nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging the significance of the soul note and the urgency of their quest. Fatty's sincerity in his narration was evident, and it resonated with Adrian, who had experienced his own moments of transformation and dedication.
After Fatty had concluded his explanation, Adrian took a moment to reflect on their situation. He recognized the complexity of the task at hand—the need to navigate the intricate web of the underworld, gather information, and piece together the puzzle of Lita's disappearance. With a sense of responsibility and determination, he finally spoke.
"I believe I can assist to some extent in obtaining the information you seek," Adrian admitted, his voice measured and confident. "However, it won't be an instantaneous process. To delve into the depths of the underworld and gather meaningful leads, I'll need some time."
Sin, ever the pragmatist, understood the necessity of thorough investigation and nodded in agreement. He knew that uncovering the truth about Lita's disappearance would require patience and persistence, qualities he had come to admire in Adrian.
"Take the time you need, Adrian," Sin replied, his tone reflecting gratitude for Adrian's willingness to help. "We understand the challenges involved, and your expertise in this realm is invaluable. We'll be patient and await your findings."
Adrian's smile held a hint of intrigue as he began to outline a potential avenue for gathering information. He leaned forward, his expression conveying a sense of confidence and determination.
"I have a connection with a rather elusive gang known as the Rats of the Backyard," Adrian revealed. "Their specialty, if you can call it that, is the relentless collection of information, regardless of its legality. They operate in the shadows, and their reach extends into every corner of the city."
As Adrian spoke, Sin and Fatty Jack listened intently, captivated by the possibilities this revelation offered. The Rats of the Backyard seemed to be the kind of network that could hold the key to uncovering the truth behind Lita's disappearance.
Without wasting any time, Adrian reached for a device which looks like an old generation phone and made a call, summoning a member of the enigmatic gang to his home. Sin couldn't help but feel a sense of awe that device like this exist in this world too. Which stole his attention.
When the newcomer boy finally arrived at Adrian's doorstep, Sin couldn't help but be struck by his appearance. The boy looked as if he had been through the wringer, his gaunt and pallid face suggesting a lack of proper nourishment and rest. His clothes were tattered, and he moved with an unsteady gait, as if every step were a herculean effort.