「"Ignis, my warrior… they've come for you."」
「"Be careful—you are special. They seek your soul."」
「"Temper your will, steel your courage. I shall grant you my aid."」
「"Son of Vulkan, child of humanity, child of another world—I need you to guard this world for me."」
Consciousness returned amid a golden light. Someone had spoken to him, yet he could not remember what they said.
When Ignis—the new recruit of the Cunning Hares, Nicole's beloved subordinate—awoke, he found himself suspended in midair.
Not because he had been promoted to the ranks of the Adeptus Custodes, but because a helicopter was airlifting him.
He checked his situation. A massive five-point safety harness bound him tightly, several reinforced hooks linking him to the helicopter's steel cables.
The automated diagnostic system within his Mark X Gravis Power Armor reported no major damage—only that the frontal plates were blackened by the explosion's flames.
He did not know what had happened to the others. In this position, he might very well have been taken as spoils of war by Vision Corporation or some rival faction.
At first, he considered shifting his weight to find a more comfortable position, but remembering his one-ton mass, he thought better of it. Any movement might destabilize the aircraft and cause a crash.
He decided to remain still.
He considered preparing for combat upon landing, but for now, all he could do was wait.
At least there was a night view to enjoy. The helicopter carried him across the night sky of New Eridu.
In the city's core, towering skyscrapers reflected the kaleidoscope of lights across glass façades. If not for the massive hemispherical Hollows scarring the ground, it might have been a breathtaking sight.
Ignis raised his head. For the first time, he saw this world's night sky. The city lights had always drowned it out before.
There were stars, yes—but none familiar. No Big Dipper. No Southern Cross.
And the moon… half of it was black. Looking closer, Ignis realized the darkness wasn't shadow—it was a Hollow, devouring part of the lunar surface.
Just as he pondered the possibility of Hollows consuming the world itself, a head poked out from the helicopter cabin.
It was Billy. His white hair whipped wildly in the downdraft. Seeing his companion, Ignis raised a hand in greeting.
Billy blinked, then quickly ducked back inside. Moments later, the helicopter lurched, swaying dangerously—as if about to lose balance.
Fortunately, the pilot was skilled, regaining control before disaster struck. Ignis nearly thought he'd be meeting the Primarch Vulkan himself.
Once flight stability returned, several heads popped out of the cabin. The iron-bodied one waved at him, cupping his hands like a megaphone to shout something—but the roar of the rotors drowned out any words.
Ignis didn't need to hear. Waving back was enough.
Through the storm of wind and light, he caught sight of pink twin-tails glistening with tears. The one with cat ears exhaled in relief, and the white-haired girl nodded toward him.
Everyone was alive. The plot of Vision Corporation had failed.
The weight pressing on Ignis's heart lifted. The Cunning Hares were safe. Nekomata was safe. Canvas Street's residents had likely evacuated as well.
Perhaps because everyone crowded on one side, the helicopter tilted again. A large, furry paw reached out, pulling each of them back into balance before the craft steadied once more.
As the helicopter left the central district behind, the ground below grew desolate.
With his enhanced vision, Ignis spotted five or six separate gang battles raging across the streets—weapons ranging from crude blades to firearms and homemade explosives.
The most striking sight was a group of Public Security officers clashing head-on with gangsters. The thugs showed no fear, wielding axes and pipes against electrified batons and riot shields.
Their leader was a hulking brute, roughly Ignis's size.
The officers advanced in formation, shields overlapping for cover, fending off repeated strikes. Sparks flew as weapons clashed, and several gangsters fell under electric shocks.
Then the giant shoved his men aside and charged straight at the shield wall. In that moment, his eyes met Ignis's through the darkness.
For a heartbeat, they locked gazes.
He was certain the man saw him—the look was unmistakable.
Then the helicopter banked behind a chimney, cutting off the scene from view.
But that fleeting stare lingered in Ignis's mind—feral, bloodthirsty, and maddened.
He shook his head. Probably just another drug-crazed thug.
Deciding it wasn't worth dwelling on, he turned his eyes forward. The Cunning Hares' safehouse was coming into view.
The pilot descended steadily, lowering Ignis toward the courtyard. He unlatched the steel hooks, stepping aside to clear space for landing.
Before the rotors even slowed, the others jumped out eagerly. The smallest—Nekomata—nearly stumbled, but her balance was flawless as always.
"You're okay! Thank God, I thought you were gone!" Billy ran over, condensation streaking down his metallic cheeks.
"Billy! Don't say things like that!" Nicole scolded, giving him a sharp kick. The robot tumbled, almost tripping Nekomata.
"Was that on purpose, nya? You did that on purpose!" Nekomata flipped back gracefully, landing on her feet.
Anby pulled Billy upright. "According to movie tropes, this is where we're supposed to hug."
Hearing that, Ignis knelt and opened his arms.
Three light impacts followed—three friends diving into his embrace. Only Nekomata lingered, pouting—until Anby grabbed her and pulled her in too.
A brief, warm embrace marked the end of the Vision incident.
"Ahem…" a deep male voice broke the moment. "Sorry to interrupt your reunion, but I should bid you farewell."
A Thiren stood nearby—a massive bear-like man in white overalls, a pale scar running across his left eye.
"I'm Ben Bigger, accountant of Belobog Heavy Industries." He looked up at the towering Ignis. "We're grateful for the intelligence you provided. Vision Corporation's downfall and all—thanks to you all."
"Not at all," Nicole replied, shaking his hand. "As long as your company remembers to pay the info fee on time, I'll make sure you get the next batch of Vision Corporation dirt first."
"What's Belobog Heavy Industries?" Ignis asked, puzzled—clearly, much had happened while he was unconscious.
"Vision Corporation's old rival," Billy whispered. "They lost the Old City Metro contract to Vision Corporation's underbid. When the Hollow shrank, Nicole contacted them immediately."
"Then we led the residents of Canvas Street out," Anby added. "That's when we saw Nekomata facing off against Pearlman and Vision Corporation's security."
"I was terrified, nya," Nekomata muttered, ears drooping. "Pearlman got darted by his own secretary, and everyone had their guns on me. She was about to order them to fire—when Belobog's helicopters arrived, followed by news vans and Public Security from the Janus Quarter."
"And then all the bad guys were taken down," Nicole said proudly, patting her chest. "I can't fight Vision Corporation head-on, but that doesn't mean I can't make wolves fight tigers. That's the Cunning Hares' wisdom."
"I appreciate your intel," Ben said, chuckling. "But calling us wolves while I'm still standing here—that's a bit rude, don't you think?"
Despite his words, the bear Thiren didn't look offended—he seemed genuinely amused.
"Oh, right. You've got a lot of bear Thirens in your company, huh? Then let's say… driving bears to fight tigers." Nicole shrugged.
Ignis released the others and stepped forward to shake Ben's paw. "Thanks for the lift. Would've been troublesome without it."
"Not at all," Ben said, gripping Ignis's hand firmly. "Word is, you fought brilliantly against Vision Corporation. Our tech director's quite interested in your armor—she'd love to study it someday."
"Well, that's that," Ben added, stepping back toward the helicopter. "We've got another bid to prepare for."
With a wave from the team, the bear Thiren boarded the helicopter and departed.
"Alright," Nicole said once it vanished into the distance, "as promised—time to celebrate with a big meal. Ignis, go change first."
"All-you-can-eat mackerel buffet," she added with emphasis. "And no running away, Nekomata."
"Wha—why so obsessed with me, nya?" Nekomata froze mid-sneak.
"Because we made a deal," Anby said, catching her hand. "You, us, and the Proxy—after it's all over, we'd feast together."
"I was planning to betray you, you know," Nekomata muttered, turning away. "I lured you into Dead End Hollow to kill you, nya."
"If you hadn't, how would we have exposed Vision Corporation's crimes?" Nicole said with a smile. "And we're all fine now, aren't we?"
"Boss cried so hard when the big guy passed out…" Billy began, only for Nicole's hand-chop to cut him off.
"Unnecessary comment."
"Then it's settled," Ignis said, crouching to meet Nekomata's eyes. "If you truly wanted them dead, you wouldn't have come to me at all."
"I—I was keeping my word, nya. Even in gangs, we honor our promises." She crossed her arms, cheeks red. "But fine, since you're all so insistent, I'll eat with you. After that, we're even."
"Then I've got a better idea," Ignis said, standing. "We've all had a long day. Rest tonight—tomorrow, I'll cook for everyone."
"That sounds perfect," Nicole replied immediately. "And cheaper, too. I'll message Phaethon."
"Can you actually cook?" Billy asked.
"Pretty well," Nekomata said. "He's good."
"You've tried his cooking?" Anby poked her. "When? You two seem close."
"None of your business, nya." Nekomata darted behind Nicole.
"Nekomata," Nicole said gently, holding her. "Do you have somewhere to go? The Red Fang Gang's gone—you won't be on the streets again, will you?"
"Being a stray cat isn't so bad, nya," Nekomata said softly. "No one to order me around. I can do as I please."
"Then join us," Nicole offered. "Join the Cunning Hares. We can't offer much, but there's steady pay, bonuses, and a roof over your head."
"Most of all," she said, extending her hand, "I think we get along. What do you say, Nekomata? Stop wandering—come with us."
Nekomata stared at her hand, then at her eyes. She hesitated, glancing toward the others.
Billy waved. "Come on, kitty—the Cunning Hares are a good place."
Ignis chuckled. "Nicole's a good leader. She won't pry into your past and she takes care of her people."
Anby nodded. "Nicole. Good person."
Nekomata trembled, suppressing a sob. She wiped her eyes, then lifted her chin proudly.
"Just so we're clear—cats have no masters. Don't expect obedience. I follow my own rules."
"Of course," Nicole said. "The Cunning Hares don't do forced labor."
"And one more thing!" Nekomata's lip quivered. She sniffled hard, fighting back tears. "I want mackerel. Lots and lots of mackerel!"
"That's no problem," Ignis replied, smiling faintly. "We'll have the big portions."
"You people…" Nekomata finally broke down crying. "You really don't reject anyone, do you?"
"The Gentle House welcomes every lost child," Nicole said, pulling her into an embrace. "From now on, we're family."