1.
No organization can handle everything on its own.
This principle applies to life in general and is especially evident in companies that operate rationally and are business-oriented.
From tasks one cannot do alone, those one prefers not to handle, to undertakings that require many people instead of just one—none of these can succeed without collaboration.
As the saying goes, in business, the most important thing is networking, followed closely by capital. Establishing connections is, therefore, the most crucial and necessary element.
For this reason, the damage Silk inflicted on Kaiser was not trivial.
Removing the arms and legs of Kaiser’s operations was shocking enough to send a potent message.
“Sorry, but unlike you, we don’t have the resources to deal with Silk. Thus, we’re canceling the deal.”
“Are you telling us to commit suicide? We won’t do it!”
“How do you expect us to face that monster?”
Once a symbol of fear, Kaiser now brought another kind of dread to Abidos.
The idea that those who partner with Kaiser will have Silk visit them had spread through the region.
Even as Kaiser fumed and warned Abidos that they wouldn’t be able to handle the aftermath of crossing them, there was a greater fear that held sway.
“Hmph. Do you really think your threats will work on us? Can you even defeat Silk?”
“…”
And that single retort left the executive of the PMC at a loss for words, unable to respond.
While the executive stood speechless, all those who had once worked with Kaiser had left.
And so, Kaiser lost the very arms and legs that had once supported them. Although they desired to lead their PMC forces into a full-out war against Silk, it was a desire that couldn’t be realized…
“Damn it! These worms!”
That choice would have amounted to true suicide. And so, the executive could only vent in despair.
Of course, they weren’t giving up entirely, but…
“Yeah, I didn’t expect much from you bastards anyway. I should have never relied on such low-level operatives to begin with.”
While the situation deviated from the original storyline, the PMC executive reached a conclusion similar to the original: they judged the failure as a result of hiring subpar personnel.
“Let’s hire veterans, and the game will change.”
If they hired seasoned professionals, or private investigators with a reputation, the problem could be resolved, they thought.
The executive still had ambitions and was plotting to replace what had been lost.
…
…
…
However, the PMC executive failed to realize something critical.
“An assignment from Kaiser Corporation, you say? Decline it.”
“…But is that really okay, boss?”
“Hmph. We’re on a path of outlawry that requires no help from others.”
“It’s not because Aru simply likes Silk, right?”
“Wh-what are you talking about! That’s ridiculous! Oh, and Director Mutsuki, you’re supposed to call me ‘boss’ at work!”
“Got it, Aru!”
“It’s ‘boss,’ not ‘Aru’!”
The so-called veterans had earned their title because they made objective assessments of the city’s situations better than most.
Further, because of their superior skills, seasoned operatives avoided unnecessary risks. Being able to sense danger and knowing where one should stand was a hallmark of a true veteran in this industry.
“That said, the pay is immense… You have to admit, it’s a bit tempting…”
“Yeah, it is, but I think rejecting this job is the right decision. The reward is high, but the risk is too great. Besides, I don’t want to be against Silk, the boss’ favorite.”
“It’s not that! The way of the outlaw is a lonely and proud one. Thus, we won’t take the job from Kaiser… and it has nothing to do with Silk!”
Most veterans, if not all, were well aware of ‘Silk’s influence, which was why they rejected the assignment from Kaiser PMC.
There was no lack of bounty hunters in this city who didn’t want to end up torn apart by taking on a reckless job.
“KRAAAH! Why won’t anyone accept the job!!”
And though the PMC exec raged, it didn’t seem to matter much to anyone else.
…
…
…
“…”
Upon hearing this, one couldn’t help but question their ears.
“Uh… Master. Could you repeat that?”
“Hmm. An assignment for Kaiser Corporation has come in, right?”
“Me?”
“Hmph. Yes, you. They’ve named you specifically, bounty hunter Nanashi.”
“…”
The thought that crossed my mind wasn’t something I’d say aloud where Himari could hear — but it was impossible not to think:
What the hell kind of amateurs are these people, anyway?
2.
“Wow, they’re something else, huh.”
“Hm? Is something the matter, sir?”
“Yeah, it’s nothing. Just realizing again how many insane people there are in the world.”
Just how insane Kaiser’s people were became evident once again. Even if they hadn’t outright shown it, anyone knowledgeable would realize they were up to no good.
“…Openly causing a ruckus, huh.”
Whether it was a matter of principle or sheer stubbornness, they seemed determined to pressure Abidos into submission. Despite their earlier plans collapsing, they were flailing in desperation.
‘Serika’s abduction didn’t happen, the troublemakers who attacked Abidos aren’t around, and as for the bounty hunters… I’m not too sure about them. Maybe, given the lack of funds, they might take Kaiser’s jobs.’
But I wasn’t too worried, knowing that bounty hunters, though they take various jobs for payment, weren’t inherently evil. In fact, if we talked, I’d probably get along pretty well with them.
They were, after all, good people.
‘Maybe it’s something else.’
Perhaps they already realized my involvement and decided it was best not to approach Kaiser at all. Those kids certainly had an impressive ability to sense danger.
The issue was the peculiar behavior of Kaiser itself—unusual even when compared to private detectives or other bounty hunters. Even without usable resources, Kaiser wasn’t backing down from their ambitions.
Thus, the coming events would be crucial.
“Wakamo, let me explain what we’re going to do now.”
“Alright, sir.”
“We’re going to split up. I’ll operate under both my student identity and as Silk, working with the Abidos students, and you…”
Wakamo, her golden eyes sparkling, watched me intently. I gently ruffled her hair while handing her a note with the other hand.
“Use this information as a basis for your investigation.”
“Got it!”
“Before long, I’ll need your help. Until then, rest at the safe house we’ve prepared for you.”
Thanks to Wakamo’s recent activities, she’d gained some recognition around the city as a sidekick. The real action will follow when we return to D.U and Millennium. In this story, the main characters are ultimately the members of the Student Council.
“Thank you so much for relying on me. I’ll do everything in my power to meet your high expectations.”
“Yeah, thanks, Wakamo.”
After a brief hug with Wakamo, I parted ways and messaged Hoshino to let her know I was coming.
“All preparations are complete. Now it’s just about seeing how things unfold.”
I’ve done everything I can. Now it’s about orchestrating the events to come.
Moving forward with the Student Council, we’ll aim for a happy ending.
3.
“Hiro is coming back?”
“Woo-☆ Haven’t seen him for a week!”
When word spread that Hiro was returning to Abidos, excitement began to build among the Student Council members.
“H-Hiro’s coming? For real…?!”
“Yeah. Hoshino-senpai just contacted me.”
A week ago, we met that student from Millennium Academy. Although initially seeming a bit rough around the edges, Nanashi Hiro turned out to be a kind-hearted and sincere young girl.
She was the first, apart from the teacher, to officially acknowledge them as legitimate members of the Abidos Student Council and to truly become friends with them.
Even Serika and Hoshino, who were typically aloof and guarded, quickly warmed up to her. Hiro’s magnetism was undeniable — that’s how everyone described her.
“Hey, you guys know Hiro too?”
“Huh? You know Hiro-senpai too, teacher?”
And this revelation aligned with the teacher’s previous assessment, creating a surprising moment of agreement.
The Student Council and the teacher shared stories about Hiro, finding common ground and learning new insights.
“So, the student you mentioned last time, the one who would come later, was ‘Hiro’…?”
“Right. I didn’t think Hiro would meet you guys first. Haha, she really moves fast, doesn’t she?”
“…”
As Serika remembered Hiro absentmindedly touching her ear, her face turned red. Yes, Hiro definitely had more energy than most.
“So, Teacher, you’re the adult Hiro talked about — the one who approved her activities?”
“Yeah, that’s what happened.”
“…”
“Hmm. I see.”
Because of Hiro’s connection, Serika, who usually kept her guard up, felt her distrust toward the teacher soften just a little.
If this adult Hiro trusted was truly a person of her caliber, maybe a little trust could be extended.
With some curiosity about the teacher, Serika asked Hoshino with an expectant look.
“So, when is she coming? Hoshino-senpai.”
“Hmm~? Perhaps…”
As Hoshino paused leisurely with a casual smile, she continued.
“Right now?”
“-!”
The door to the Student Council room swung open, and a pristine girl with silvery hair and piercing azure eyes walked in.
“I have arrived.”
With a radiant smile.