"Canoe, are you sure about this?" asked a human adventurer with short black hair. Armorless besides a shoulder protector with a crescent moon emblem encircling a goblet on The shoulder protector, marking him as a member of the Soma Familia.
Canoe, a Fat raccoon beast-person and fellow Soma Familia member, scoffed. "What are you so afraid of, Arno? We just need to cause a little ruckus to make some customers fuck off permanently, the pay is fucking huge for something so simple."
Arno hesitated, glancing uneasily down the street. "But… this is the Ishtar Familia's district. You know they'll beat us half to death if they catch us causing Trouble."
"Quit whining about it." Canoe cut him off, muttering under his breath, "We should've left you out of this…"
"Arno, take off that shoulder protector," Theo, another human in the group with shaggy brown hair, who also was part of their familia, chimed in. He was also armorless to avoid drawing attention. "We can't risk the Familia getting dragged into this. Zanis Will kill us."
Arno sighed but complied, unfastening his protector and tucking it away in his bag.
He wasn't opposed to the job itself—the pay was a fortune, 100,000 valis, enough to make the risk worthwhile. But the location made him nervous.
No doubt, the location being the reason the pay was so good.
They stood outside a newly opened decent sized casino in the the red-light district, and their contractors, whoever they were, had hired them to stir up trouble here.
The reason was vague, with Canoe only summarizing, "They're pissed off at them."
Arno didn't need details for that kind of money.
"Stop wasting time! Let's go inside already," Canoe growled impatiently, storming toward the casino's entrance.
'I have a bad feeling about this' thought Arno, but followed his companions without another word.
---
"This is all your fault," Mike grumbled, his scowl so deep it could make the one-eyed dragon nervous.
Bob, his partner, gasped in shock. "What!? You're the one who invited me to play!" He pointed a finger at Mike, his mop held defensively as though it might shield him from blame.
Both were knee-deep in their punishment for abandoning their guard duties: demoted from bodyguards to janitors in the casino indefinitely, and them being indebted to the boss they couldn't possibly voice a complaint, else they get Fangs treatment.
Their boss had been beyond furious, angrier than either of them had ever seen her.
"Yeah, well, you were the genius who didn't report seeing someone walk out of the boss's room! Now look where we are!" Mike gestured bitterly at their current duty—the men's restroom.
"At least we get to go into the ladies' room too," Bob muttered, still oblivious to how much literal shit they were actually in.
Mike's patience finally snapped. "That's it! I'm going to beg the boss for forgiveness! This place smells worse than your socks." Tossing his mop aside, he stormed towards the door, his expression set with determination to march straight to the boss's office.
"Hey! Yours aren't any better!" Bob protested, Trailing after Mike with his mop still in hand.
As they made it halfway to the boss's private quarters, they both began to feel a hint of nervousness creeping in.
"You think she'll forgive us?" Bob asked, his confidence fading now that they are close.
Mike forced a smirk. "Of course! It's the boss—she always had a soft spot, Remember?"
"Why are you still holding that thing?" Mike asked, seeing the disgusting mop still in his partners hand.
Bob looked offended "do not disrespect the Mop! You never know what could happen, we might need it!"
Mike only sighed and didn't press any further.
Passing a few patrons, they were almost at the boss's room when loud shouting erupted.
"This is a scam! I demand a refund!"
Both Mike and Bob turned to see the Idiot who had just uttered the forbidden word in any casino.
a group of three idiots, led by a slightly fat raccoon person.
Bob nudged Mike, grinning. "You see what I'm seeing?"
"Oh, yes I do," Mike replied with a devilish grin.
They entered a nearby hallway leading to the ladies restroom, and watched as the trio continued to cause a scene, even pushing around the patron who had outplayed them at the tables.
"This bastard cheated! And you!" The raccoon pointed accusingly at the croupier, a black-haired girl—whom they both recognized as Anni-chan.
Anni-chan shrank back nervously.
"You're in on it with him! You're both working together—this place is rigged!" He suddenly pulled a dagger out, his friends doing the same.
Patrons near the scene backed away, some scrambling towards the exits.
"S-sir, please put that down" Anni-chan stammered, struggling to keep her composure.
"Oh, this is perfect," Bob said, thrilled as they watched from the hallway.
"Showtime," Mike said, striding forward with confidence.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Bob called after him, gripping his mop tightly.
---
Canoe watched smugly as patrons scattered, satisfied that they'd achieved their goal easily.
Half the patrons had already bolted just from the sight of their weapons, unwilling to get caught in a unnecessary fight, the rest were following slowly.
They could leave now, but he figured a little more fun wouldn't hurt. After all, the casino's security seemed practically nonexistent.
"S-sir, please leave, or I'll be forced to call the authorities," the croupier, trembling, tried to threaten them.
"Oh, come on, babe, we're just getting started," Theo sneered, inching closer as he spun his dagger in his hand.
He reached out, trying to grab her arm, but she jerked away.
His expression darkened. "You don't want to mess wi—" A champagne bottle crashed into his head mid-sentence, shattering as Theo slumped to the ground, unconscious but probably alive.
The croupier took the chance to flee, with a "kyaaa!" vanishing into the crowd.
"Theo!" Arno yelled in alarm.
Canoe and Arno turned to where the bottle had come from, only to see two men....in janitor uniforms?
"Huh?! Was it you idiots who threw that bottle?!" Canoe scoffed, confident he could still win. That was just a lucky hit, after all.
"Shut it, fat ass! No one touches Anni-chan!" the one with the mop yelled back.
"What did you say?!" Canoe snarled, clearly sensitive about his weight.
Ignoring him, Mike glanced at his partner. "Didn't Anni-chan slap you for complimenting her chest?"
Bob laughed. "Yeah! Closest I've ever been to a girl that is not a whore!"
These bastards! Canoe's face reddened with fury.
"Arno! Let's teach them a lesson!" Canoe snapped, unable to stand being insulted then ignored.
"But we've already finished our main job," Arno reasoned, shifting nervously. "The faster we get out, the better."
"I don't care! Move!" Canoe barked, storming forward.
As the chaotic fight broke out, Bob wielding his mop with a surprising ferocity, swatted at Arno and narrowly dodging his dagger thrusts. Mike, meanwhile, grabbed whatever he could find—a stool, a potted plant, even a ashtray—using them as makeshift weapons and throwing objects.
"Is that all you've got, fat ass? I bet bringing you down will damage the place more than what you are doing right now!" Mike jeered as he dodged another wild swing from Canoe.
"Shut up!" Canoe roared, lunging at him.
"Man! These guys can't fight for shit!" Bob said with a mocking laugh.
Amid the ruckus, Miss Lia, their boss, emerged from her private room, her expression a mix of irritation and curiosity at the noise.
"Who is making all this racket?" she demanded, her gaze settling on the brawl before her, widening a bit.
"Sorry Boss! Just taking out the trash!" Mike shouted, narrowly avoiding a punch from Canoe.
Seeing their boss watching, Bob spinned his mop theatrically. "Time to Clean This place!"
Arno Attempted a surprise attack. "take this!"
Bob jumped back, avoiding the attack entirely, then With a sudden flourish, he swung the mop straight at Arno's face,
"Argh! Fucking disgusting!" Arno stumbled back. "You son of a—" He swung his dagger wildly, but Bob sidestepped, swiping his mop to catch Arno's leg.
Arno yelped as he lost balance, then crashed onto his back with a loud thud.
Bob's mop came down hard on Arno's head, knocking him out cold.
"Man I feel like those cool Far Easterner Martial artist!" Bob, holding his mop over Arno. Happily Exclaimed.
As Arno collapsed from the solid whack to the head, Canoe grew desperate.
These idiots could actually hold their own!
He had initially thought this fight would be a cake, after all these are just Janitors! The only thing they can fight is dust.
But as the fight dragged on, his breathing grew labored. He took a wary step back, scowling.
"c'mon fat ass! Burn those Fried potatoes!" Mike teased, throwing another glass at him, hitting him on his left shoulder.
what the fuck are those glasses made off!? They hurt!
grabbing a nearby ashtray. Mike flung it at his opponent, Canoe flinched, but Managed to bat it away in time.
"Shut up!" Canoe snarled, but his stance was unsteady now, his chest heaving as he tried to keep up.
Bob, getting closer to his partner to help if needed, glanced with Mike towards their boss, who was still watching them with a encouraging expression.
It's working! After this, they sure Will get their Positions back! All thanks to dumb, dumber, and dumbest!
Out of options, Canoe reached into his bag and pulled out a magic sword, he never in a million years thought this will be the place he'll use something this expensive.
Holding it up with a menacing grin. "Stay back! One step closer, and I'll turn you to ash!" he threatened, pointing the blade at them.
Mike and Bob skidded to a halt, instantly cautious. "Oi, take a deep breath, don't do anything rash, fat ass," Mike warned, his tone less confident. "Let's talk this out."
Suddenly, their eyes widened as they noticed a figure approaching calmly behind Canoe.
"I'll make you all Pay fo—" Canoe's rant was cut short as a hand clamped down on his shoulder, turning to the owner of the hand, he found himself staring into the cold eyes of a white-haired kid.
"Wha—" Before he could register what happened, his face was slammed against the floor, leaving him out cold in an instant.
All For One, assessing that the threat was neutralized, calmly picked up the fallen magic sword, inspecting it briefly before stashing it away.
He approached Mike and Bob, who stood frozen, slack-jawed in shock.
Their boss's boyfriend was crazy fast and strong!
And terrifyingly calm!
"Tie these pests up and move them to the basement. Wait for further instructions." he said, his tone composed but with an edge.
The two jumped to attention, stammering out, "Y-yes, sir!" before scrambling to secure the unconscious idiots.
Thankfully the place was already empty of patrons so no one Will ask any questions.
All For One watched them obey his order, then glanced towards Miss Lia's private room, who was nervously observing from a distance. He strolled over to her, unbothered by the scene he'd left behind.
---
"Welcome, sensei," Lia greeted as he settled into the seat at her desk. He observed her in silence, eyes narrowed, calculating.
Lia shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. Finally, he broke the silence. "Tell me," he began, his tone calm but laced with menace, "why is the security here so laughable that Three fools managed to sneak in with daggers, completely unnoticed."
"S-sir, we don't have the budg—" Lia's stammered excuse was cut off by the sound of his hand slamming against the desk. She flinched, eyes wide with fear.
"Find the budget. Hire more people. We need the extra protection," he ordered, his voice steady and cold.
Then, his tone shifted. "Now," he continued, his voice almost casual, "the real reason for my visit." He leaned forward, a smile curling his lips, though there was no warmth in it. "Why is it," he asked, each word dripping with menace, "that you never mentioned Fangs' Vengeful Friends to me?"
'oh no' her heart raced as her mind scrambled for an explanation. Because of that bastard she was now facing sensei's wrath.
"I-I..." She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat, her mouth refusing to move as she met his unsettling smile.
"Before we get to your punishment for this…oversight," he said, his hand suddenly Making faint black Lightning.
still smiling, he continued "I want you to tell me everything you know about them."
Lia swallowed, the blood draining from her face. 'fuck' she thought.
---
'It's raining' Ryuu Lion, Alias "Gale," thought as she watched the gentle drops fall from the darkening sky, illuminated by the setting sun.
It was a calming sight.
She sat alone on a bench in a small public park designed for picnics and quiet gatherings. Her maid uniform was already becoming damp, and she silently regretted not accepting Syr's offer of an umbrella.
This sudden call for a meeting was unlike Perseus—Asfi—who usually arranged things more meticulously.
But that didn't matter. What mattered was that Asfi had New information she was willing to share about the remnants of that loathsome faction. Ryuu wouldn't miss a chance to Cleanse the world of their disgusting existence and let her fallen comrades rest in peace.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Gale," Perseus voice broke through Ryuu's thoughts. She turned toward the familiar voice.
Asfi approached, her cloak pulled tightly around her to keep the rain off. She took a seat beside Ryuu, glancing briefly at her as silence settled between them.
Ryuu gave an impatient sigh. "Did you call me here just to ruin my uniform?" she muttered, her tone clipped. She'd rather get this over with.
Asfi answered by pulling a few documents from her bag. "I have proof that this group was connected to the Dark Faction." She handed Ryuu the papers. "Take a look."
Ryuu scanned the documents. The information was detailed, with the most recent ones dating back to five years, referencing shipments of weapons to the….Rudra Familia.
"A Familia, or just a few bottom-feeders?" Ryuu asked, her tone cold and filled with disgust.
Asfi hesitated before answering. "J-Just a small band of arms dealers. As of now, we have no evidence of any Familia involvement."
Ryuu considered her words. She could tell Perseus was holding back details, a frustrating reality, but she was the only reliable source Ryuu had in tracking down the remnants of Evilus.
"I'll handle them," she said icily, then stood and left without another word.
Asfi watched her go, waiting a few moments before muttering to herself, "I hope this draws them out further."
She didn't want Gale going full vengeance mood against the Anansi Familia. They needed more concrete proof—more than just connections to a group outside their Familia that had once worked with Evilus.
With the immediate task done, Asfi turned her focus to another concern: uncovering the identity of that mysterious Level One.
She headed off toward one of their informants, hoping for any new leads.
This was turning into quite a headache.
---
'Thankfully that sudden rain stopped before I got too wet' Lili thought.
She was making her way back to her place after another exhausting day as a supporter for yet another cocky adventurer.
She longed to work with Bell-sama again—his kindness and politeness never failed to make her smile.
But she didn't want to cause any trouble between him and Welf-sama.
While Bell-sama had forgiven her for her betrayal, she doubted Welf-sama was as understanding.
Though She never brought it up when Bell-sama visits her.
As she neared her home, she spotted Bell-sama waiting for her. Her heart skipped a beat. She hoped she hadn't kept him waiting too long!
But what could he be doing here? It wasn't his usual time to visit, and it was already getting dark.
"Bell-sama!" she called, catching his attention.
"Miss Arde!" he waved, smiling warmly.
She sighed inwardly, 'I've told you to call me Lili bell-sama!' she thought with slight disappointment.
When she reached him, she asked, "Did you need something, Bell-sama?"
He smiled gently. "I wanted to show you something."
Oh, a surprise from Bell-sama! This awful day was suddenly looking brighter.
"What is it, Bell-sama?" she asked, excitement bubbling up.
He chuckled at her eagerness. "Follow me," he said, leading the way.
As she trailed behind him, her mind raced with possibilities. A new backpack? A special outfit? Or...could it be a secret date!? She blushed at the thought.
"Lili," Bell-sama's voice suddenly cut her from her fantasies.
He had never used her given name before, and hearing it from him caught her off guard.
"Yes, Bell-sama?" she asked, her heart fluttering.
He stopped, turning to face her. "I wanted to ask, Why did you betray us in the dungeon?"
The question was soft, his tone pained, as if recalling a sad memory.
Her heart sank, and she too halted in her tracks, shame washing over her.
"B-Bell-sama…" she said weakly, her voice barely a whisper, guilt weighing her down.
"Please, tell me the reason," he urged gently, his eyes kind, without a hint of judgment.
She couldn't stop herself from admitting, "I….I needed the money." She looked away, ashamed to confess her greed aloud.
"And why did you need the money?" His voice remained steady, gentle.
She hesitated, then her voice came out in a choked whisper. "My familia….they attacked me and took all my savings." she looked down to her feets, Her voice trembling. "Lili wants to leave Soma Familia….to be free." She fought back tears, her regret filling her for using bell-sama to get money for her selfish wish. "It's the only way out—buying my freedom."
Head bowed, she couldn't bear to look at him, fearing disgust in his expression.
Bell-sama moved closer, until his feet were within her view, kneeling beside her. She suddenly felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her into an embrace.
"B-Bell-sama?" she stammered, her face burning with confusion and embarrassment.
"no one came to save you," he whispered. "that must have hurt," his voice gentle, and understanding "how scared you must've been, Being all alone, with no one to turn to."
Lili's vision blurred as tears welled up. "Bell-sama…" she whispered.
"from now on, you'll be okay, I am here," he promised, holding her gently. "But will you be there for me, too?"
With a wavering voice, she managed, "Y-yes…"
He let her go and stood up, smiling down at her. "Then follow me, Lili."
---
"B-Bell-sama, why are we here?" Lili asked nervously as they stopped in front of a small, dilapidated warehouse. She recognized this part of town—a haven for small crimes, a place patrols usually avoided.
Bell's warm smile didn't falter. "You'll see," he replied, opening the warehouse door. "Come on, Lili."
She hesitated, then followed him inside. It was pitch dark and the smell was unbearable.
"I'll get the lantern," Bell said, reaching for a magic-stone powered lantern hanging nearby.
As the light flickered on, it illuminated a horrendous scene. Her stomach twisted at the sight.
There was blood, so much blood.
Three figures lay ahead, two sprawled on the floor with sacks covering their heads, motionless. A third figure was tied to a chair, struggling, muffling sounds escaping his gag.
His body was soaked in blood, and she could make out a severed tail, and fingers laying near his chair!
Lili covered her mouth, fighting to keep her stomach from rebelling.
"B-B-Bell-sama?" she stammered, fear creeping into her voice. Did he…did he do this? Why!?
Bell's voice was steady, a calm contrast to the horror before her. "Now, Lili. Can you help me?"
Her mind raced, unable to comprehend his request. Did he expect her to help… bury them? Cover it up?
Seeing her confusion, he walked to the man bound to the chair and removed the sack from his head, revealing….Canoe-sama!?
his eyes wide with terror. His mouth was gagged, nose bloody, one raccoon ear missing.
"C-Canoe-sama?" she whispered, looking into his panicked eyes.
'mmmph!' He was begging her silently, pleading for her help.
Bell's voice cut through her stunned silence. "Can you help me trust you?" he asked, his tone still gentle.
Canoe's muffled screams grew louder, his eyes darting frantically.
Lili's mind spun, grasping for meaning. What did Bell-sama want her to do?
Then, it hit her.
"N-No...L-Lili can't…" she muttered, her voice hollow, paralyzed by shock.
Bell-sama's gentle smile faded, a hint of sadness crossing his face. "Lili, wasn't Canoe the one who stole all your savings?"
How…how did he know? She hadn't told him any details about that.
The realization dawned on her. He must have forced the truth out of them. Tortured it out of them.
The thought made her shudder.
"But…but—" she tried to protest, but Bell-sama cut her off.
"Wasn't Canoe the reason you went to those awful people? Isn't he the reason for the majority of your suffering? The reason Lili had to betray Bell, the only person who cares about Her, you betrayed me because of him. It's all his fault." His voice was cold, stripped of its usual kindness.
She hated this bell-sama, she wanted his gentleness back.
The last remnants of resistance crumbled. Bell-sama was right. It was all Canoe's fault, the reason for her pain, the reason she had betrayed Bell-sama.
Her fists clenched, hatred flaring to life within her.
Bell-sama approached, pressing a dagger into her trembling hand. "Make me trust you," he said softly.
The blade felt cold, heavy in her grip. She took a shaky step toward Canoe, his desperate muffled cries growing louder as she drew closer. His eyes pleaded for mercy, glistening with terror.
But there would be no mercy. He hadn't shown her any when she'd begged him for it.
With a Shaky Trembling hand, she plunged the dagger into his chest.
'mmpphhh!' He screamed, expression one of horror and pain, muffled agony filling the room as his blood coated her hands.
She withdrew the blade, her grip tightening as she stabbed him again, again, again, each thrust fueled by years of pent-up rage.
A hand stopped her, gently holding her back. She looked up, meeting Bell-sama's gaze.
"You did well," he murmured, that warm smile back in place.
Unable to contain herself, she broke down, burying her face in his chest as she sobbed.
"Shh, it's okay," he soothed, stroking her hair. "I'm here. I'll always be here for you."
Inwardly, All For One smirked, his eyes glinting coldly as they shifted back to the mangled corpse of the raccoon fool.
'Thank you, Canoe' he thought. 'You've made this so much easier.'
His perfect pawn has shaping up well. Now, it was time to place her exactly where he needed her.
Oh little supporter, you are my ticket for a very profitable business.
---
AN: It was my Day-off so I managed to finish this chapter, Hope you Readers like it.