Preparing a grand feast always takes time. The night before, they had only eaten something simple, but Ignis had already written out a list of all the ingredients he would need. Early the next morning, Nicole and Billy set off to buy supplies.
Belobog Heavy Industries had settled the intelligence payment last night. Nicole hadn't mentioned the amount, but judging from how she immediately paid off the cable bill, it must have been substantial.
From the moment he woke up, Ignis—the Salamander—had been busy in the kitchen, making various preparations.
Although the kitchen was fully equipped, long neglect had left a thin layer of dust. At the moment, Ignis was washing every tool and utensil one by one.
In the hall, the television was playing the morning news.
["Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Morning Report. Today, our focus is the latest developments in the Old Capital Metro Reconstruction Project. This project has been reopened for bidding after the previous contractor, Vision Corporation, was found guilty of multiple violations."]
The anchor was a young, attractive Thiren of canine descent, dressed neatly in a formal suit. Her professional smile made her especially striking.
["Last night, at the Dead End Hollow entrance near the Old Capital Metro site, a serious criminal incident occurred. Vision Corporation, the former contractor, is accused of concealing the presence of residents who had not yet been evacuated during demolition. In order to cut costs, they even posed as Public Security officers to seal off the area."]
"nya? They're talking about what happened yesterday." Nekomata yawned as she emerged from the room assigned to her.
She was wearing Anby's borrowed pajamas—loose and oversized on her petite frame. Still half-asleep, she trudged to the sofa and flopped down headfirst.
["The Janus District Public Security responded immediately after receiving a report, with Chief Bringer leading the team. They successfully arrested numerous Vision Corporation personnel, including the company's representative, Charles Perlman, preventing possible civilian casualties."]
"That secretary woman was the one who gave the order. They didn't catch her, nya." Nekomata said, watching the broadcast. "Where are the others, anyway?"
"Nicole and Billy went shopping," Ignis replied, moving a pile of pots and pans. "Anby went for a run. She should be back soon."
"She never gets tired, huh… still goes running…" Nekomata murmured, yawning again.
["Authorities are continuing to investigate and will conduct full interrogations of all suspects. The Old Capital Metro Reconstruction Project will be re-tendered to ensure smooth progress and proper relocation of residents."]
"They didn't mention us at all, nya…" Nekomata sat up, stretching with a few audible cracks in her joints. "Hey, Ignis, got anything to eat?"
"There's some leftover rice in the fridge. Is fried rice with egg okay?" Ignis asked, setting aside the cleaning.
"Yes!" Nekomata nodded enthusiastically.
["We'll keep following this story as it develops. Next up—other news. "]
"It's better that we're not mentioned," Ignis said, cracking eggs into a bowl, adding salt and pepper, and whisking them. "We did most of the work, but the Public Security finished it cleanly. If we showed up in their reports, they'd lose face."
He lit the stove, poured in oil, and waited for it to heat.
"Besides, what we did wasn't exactly legal. We're Hollow Raiders—it's better if fewer people know about us." He figured Anby would be back soon, so he made an extra portion.
"Maybe, but it still feels like someone stole our credit," Nekomata grumbled, her twin tails flicking. "When they were taking statements, we slipped out and got that Belobog helicopter to pull you out."
He fried the eggs, then tossed in the cold rice and began to stir-fry.
["Last night, the Janus District Public Security conducted a large-scale raid in the Fourteenth District against a group calling themselves the Mountain Lion Gang."]
["During the operation, the Mountain Lion Gang's leader, Razor, and his men showed extreme violence, engaging in a fierce firefight with Public Security. Eight officers were killed in action."]
"Whoa." Nekomata stared at the censored footage—blood-stained pavement, bodies covered with white sheets turned red.
"They fought Public Security head-on?" she said in disbelief. "Are they insane? They'll get crushed."
"Would the Red Fang Gang ever do that?" Ignis asked, serving her a plate of fried rice.
"Fight Public Security directly? No way." Nekomata scooped a mouthful. "Mm… so good. We did bad stuff for money, not to die. No street gang would be dumb enough to fight the cops head-on."
["At present, Mountain Lion Gang members are still at large. Public Security has issued warrants and urged residents of the Fourteenth District to stay alert. Lock doors, avoid strangers, and report any sightings immediately. Your vigilance is vital for community safety."]
["We'll continue following this developing story. Stay tuned for updates."]
At that moment, Anby returned, pushing the door open. She wore a sports bra and shorts, her midriff exposed. Her skin glowed with a natural flush from exercise, fine sweat shining under the morning light. Her breathing slowed, chest rising and falling with each deep breath.
"You're back. I made breakfast—want some?" Ignis waved at her, pointing at the plate on the table.
"Of course. Let me wash up first." Her white hair clung damply to her temples.
Ignis turned his attention back to the TV; with his enhanced hearing, it was better not to focus on the sound of Anby bathing.
["Recently, a new narcotic called "Fantasy" has appeared in the city. It looks like pink crystal granules and is easily mistaken for rose salt. According to captured dealers and users, the drug causes intense hallucinations and neural stimulation."]
"Drugs, huh… Red Fang used to deal those," Nekomata sighed. "After leaving Canvas Street, they strayed farther and farther from what they used to be."
["Several well-known artists were among the users, claiming the drug inspired 'creative visions.'"]
"They always say that," Ignis frowned. "Drug addicts love pretending it's about inspiration."
["Abuse of such substances poses serious risks to health and society. Citizens are advised to stay vigilant, especially in entertainment venues, and avoid taking unknown food or drinks from strangers."]
["If you notice erratic behavior or suspect someone has used this substance, report it immediately. Your awareness may save a life—or stop a crime."]
As the morning news went on, Ignis realized New Eridu was far more chaotic than it seemed.
Street racing rings, hostile corporate takeovers, brawls between fans of Bomb Cola and Neon Cola, even a company partner throwing the corporate seal into a Hollow to avoid a merger.
Life wasn't easy, but people in New Eridu were… eccentric—living less to survive, more to stay alive.
By the time the news ended, Anby had changed into a white T-shirt and black shorts. She grabbed her now-cold fried rice, switched the TV to the movie channel, and started watching casually.
Ignis, uninterested, returned to cleaning the long-unused kitchenware.
Nekomata, still avoiding sitting near Anby, finished her plate, washed it, and sat quietly at the table, lost in thought.
Wearing Anby's oversized pajamas, she looked even smaller. Her ears drooped, her tails wrapped loosely around her waist. She seemed drained, her slightly tanned face buried in her arms.
"What's wrong?" Ignis asked, wiping his hands and patting her head.
"Is it really okay for me to stay here…?" Nekomata mumbled. "I was planning to kill you all, remember?"
"Still hung up on that?" Ignis sat across from her. "We already said we don't hold it against you. Why can't you let it go?"
"Uu…" she growled faintly. "It's just—"
Before she could finish, Nicole burst in through the door.
"Ignis! Are all these ingredients really necessary?" The Cunning Hares' boss was drenched in sweat. "Everyone, help unload the stuff!"
"The kitchen was missing plenty, and I'm stocking up for the long term," Ignis laughed. "We're not just eating one meal. If I'm cooking every day, I'll need a full pantry."
"Ugh, don't start justifying yourself. I'm exhausted." Nicole pointed toward the courtyard. "Come on, all of you, help."
Anby gulped down the rest of her rice and stepped out. Nekomata sighed and dragged her feet to follow last.
"Didn't sleep well? You look beat." Nicole wrapped her arms around the catgirl.
"I…" Nekomata started to speak, but Nicole cut her off.
"Tomorrow's your first mission with us," Nicole said, ruffling her hair. "We need you to reach out to your Red Fang contacts, find out where that safe Silver stole came from. I'm counting on you."
Hearing that she had a job, Nekomata's eyes lit up again.
"Leave it to me, nya!"