Chapter 26 - Volume 2 (2/2)

“Huhu, it won’t be my first time.”

Isaac looked around to see how others reacted to Foxt’s blatant threat. Dinozo seemed as disinterested as ever, while the other three bosses seemed satisfied to watch this through with keen interest. Isaac pulled out a cigarette as he sunk into his chair. Only after he had a puff of his cigarette did he speak.

“Then kill me.”

“… Huh?”

“What are you doing? I told you to kill me.”

“Ha! Are you trying to bluff? You chose the wrong place for that. This is New Port City! n.o.body gives a f.u.c.k about who dies here, even if they’re a n.o.ble!”

“Ah, you talk too much. Why can’t you just do as you’re told and kill me when I tell you? You sound like you’d boast about how you finally killed me after I die of old age.”

“You f.u.c.ker!”

Unable to hold himself after Isaac’s sarcastic tone, Foxt tried to pull out the knife from the table when Isaac suddenly highlighted his left shoulder with an exaggerated movement.

“Oh dear me. There’s some dust on my shoulder!”

Foxt’s movements stopped when his eyes followed Isaac’s hand. The five golden stars. The symbol of College. He would usually scoff at any administrator’s orders. But that symbol was the reason not just he, but all of the bosses couldn’t ignore this invitation. Even Foxt, a man whose actions speak before his brain, had to hesitate in the name of College.

“Kuuh!”

Foxt’s body trembled in anger, but all he could do was stare at him.

There was a reason the respectable College graduates were the symbol of fear to criminals. It was because of the ma.s.sive invasion of Central at the news of their deaths. Even if the graduates died a peaceful death of old age, the organization would perform a ma.s.sive investigation. They would question every single person that ever came in contact with the graduate. The joke that the average arrest rate of the Empire rises by 10% whenever a single graduate pa.s.sed away was based on truth.

“How could we possible disrespect someone from the College, Sir Isaac?”

Foxt could only stand on his spot, unable to do anything. This is when a middle aged man with a cunning appearance rose up to speak instead. When Isaac turned his head, Dinozo quickly introduced the middle aged man.

“He is Soland, President of the Meta District’s Development a.s.sociation.”

Isaac turned back to Soland and pointed at Foxt with his chin.

“He looks like he’d do it.”

“He only made such a mistake because he’s so used to dealing with the rough sailors that work under him. But I have a question I wish to ask.”

Isaac smiled at Soland’s request, interested as to what he was about to say.

“Shoot.”

“There are many people who travel through this city, and they bring much news with them. But among them we heard a strange rumour about some weirdo of the Campus.”

“And?”

“From the rumours, it seems that man was cast away from his own family to the Campus. The Campus also didn’t want to deal with him and promised to graduate him if he simply stayed for five years. That he did, and the man graduated from the Campus after playing around for five years. Strangely though, the degree that man held wasn’t that of Campus, but that of the College.”

“Yeah. That’s right. That’s me.”

“Ha! So much for your tough guy act. You’re nothing!”

Foxt shouted as if he’d finally found an opening, while Isaac looked back with pity in his eyes.

“So? You think you can kill me now?”

It was not Foxt but Soland who replied to Isaac.

“I believe they sent you here because it’d be too much of a ha.s.sle to have you around, and the easiest way to remove you is for you to die during your work. That is what I believe.”

Soland’s words sent ripples throughout the plaza, and everyone who gathered here began staring at Isaac. It was a conjecture that would scare a man to their deaths, but Isaac simply snickered and applauded Soland.

“You’re pretty smart.”

“Thank you. But I believe it’s something anyone can come down to if they used their head for a second.”

“Tsk tsk. Why don’t you actually sit down and have a nice, long pondering instead of that? I guess you don’t even need to since all the idiots here who can’t even read would wors.h.i.+p you like G.o.d with that shallow thinking of yours.”

“…”

“Since this is my first day and because I’m so merciful, I will teach you guys one thing.”

“We will listen, for this may be the last time you speak.”

Isaac smiled at Soland’s cutthroat words and lit another cigarette.

“Instead of trying to kill me, you guys should be protecting me.”

“Is that all for your last words?”

Soland stood up and all of his followers rose up with him. Just as expected of their occupation, they all had a weapon in their hand.

Foxt, Soland and all of their followers had got off their chairs but the rest of the men under the other three bosses simply watched the situation unfold.

“Well, it’s true that I was trouble in the Campus. But the same applies to you guys. This city is the symbol of crime and corruption, but they’re just watching over it because they know from their past attempts of trying to clean up this place, it would simply revert to its ruined state long as the foundation of this city stays the way it is.

“I am honoured to hear that you treat us commoners as equal to your n.o.ble status.”

“Yeah, embrace that honour. Listen here. There are two f.u.c.kers you don’t want to exist, but trying to do it personally would only cause more trouble. But hey? Isaac’s graduating. What would happen if we threw him into this city with a degree? He’d either die trying to pull the same s.h.i.+t he did in Campus or die complaining of how hard his job is. That’s one down. But what if we raise his status and make him a College so we can clean up the situation by getting Central involved in this? That’d be the perfect happy end for everyone. Why, you think I’m wrong?”

“…”

There was logic in Isaac’s words. Would Central truly ignore Isaac’s death? Impossible. Central would gladly proceed with the plan Isaac had made.

Isaac wondered during his entire trip to New Port City as to why he was given the t.i.tle of College graduate. Kainen was involved in this, but he had no authority over the College so there must have been someone higher up that pulled the strings. The moment he received details about New Port City, he believed the scenario he told to Soland was the reason that he was sent here. That’s exactly what Isaac would do if he was in charge.

While Soland hesitated, Isaac laughed and started his meal again full of confidence.

“That’s why you guys need to protect me with your lives on the line. Why? Do you think Central will give up like you guys? There are many people who’d be happy to stab a man to death for the right price in this city, but if that happened, it’d be you guys who are on the losing end. I’ve got nothing to lose but what about you guys? Can you give up on everything you’ve achieved? Well, that only matters if you manage to survive.”

While silence filled the plaza, Foxt and Soland were contemplating as to what options they had left. Their little stunt ended up hurting them instead. The districts of New Port City were in a fine balance, but each faction was looking for an opportunity to rip each other’s throat. If they simply backed down, it’d hurt their reputation, which would result in weakening their influence. But on the other hand, they were afraid of the consequences if they killed Isaac. That’s how terrifying Central’s presence was.

Even if Central were to approach them with a formally written contract, they wouldn’t accept it. Central was notorious for backstabbing and making false promises. There were many rumours in the slums that many of the syndicates that dissolved were actually serving Central. They were all eliminated once they had fulfilled their uses. This started the saying ‘Don’t see a Central, don’t talk to Central and don’t listen to Central. If you unintentionally involve yourself with Central, kill yourself to at least save your family.’

“If you understand what I said, then stand there and think about what you’re going to do with my life while I have myself a meal.”

Isaac was about to start eating again when he paused and looked at the other bosses who also sat on the table with him.

“And why are you lot still sitting on the chair?”

Dinozo was the first to get off his chair and the others who hesitated at first soon followed. They stood in a line opposite to where Isaac sat, while Soland and Foxt unwillingly joined the other three.

While the rest of the people were in complete silence, Isaac alone caused a ruckus in the party complaining of his food. The meat was too tough, the wine was disgusting, and the soup was cold. All of the complaints were directed at Ratt, who failed to run away from this situation.

The people who stood like statues in front of Isaac were perplexed as to what had just happened. This was the first time someone had blackmailed them using their own lives as a bargaining chip, making it very difficult to think of a comeback.

“Burp! That was a nice meal.”

Isaac slapped his stomach in satisfaction. He lazily took out another cigarette and finally spoke to Dinozo.

“Introduce the rest.”

Dinozo pointed at the bald man with a thick beard to make up for it.

“This is Axlon, President of the Miner’s Union in the Zeta District.”

Axlon didn’t know what to do after the introduction so he gave a small nod to Isaac. It wasn’t the most respectful behaviour from him, but Dinozo found no reaction from Isaac. Dinozo moved on and began introducing the only woman on the table wearing a fancy dress that wrapped tightly around her attractive body.

“She is Milena, President of the Woman’s Rights Protection in the Beta District.”

Unlike Axlon’s emotionless greeting, Milena made a charming smile toward Isaac, highlighting her exposed cleavage.

“Hohoho, I am Milena. I am pleased to meet a reliable Administrator such as you.”

Isaac decided to accept the pleasing view from Milena and replied.

“As a n.o.ble and official Administrator of the Empire, I only remember the names of those who are worthy of my memories. Therefore that idiot who made a ruckus at the start will be Dumba.s.s, and the f.u.c.ker who tried to act smart will be Smarta.s.s. That mute one runs the mines so he’ll be Pickaxe. And only a crazy woman would walk around with a dress like that so I’ll remember you as Crazy b.i.t.c.h. That will be your names and I expect each of you you to come immediately when I call you out.”

“…”

The four whose names have been changed against their will could feel the anger rise inside. But they must hold on for now. They’ve already lost the initial conflict and Central, who stood behind him, was too formidable of an obstacle. Instead of making a scene on their own, they needed to follow the orders of their masters in Port City. There, influence and intricate connections with the government may come with an answer.

But even so, they were annoyed that Dinozo wasn’t mentioned by Isaac.

“What, you feel wronged? Our Captain of the Police Force is different from you criminals. At least he has a proper t.i.tle.”

That’s what Isaac said. All they could do was grit their teeth in anger.

Meanwhile, Dinozo, who remained emotionless throughout the whole ordeal, sighed at their reaction in his heart.

Those idiots couldn’t even see Isaac’s obvious attempt at creating a rift between them. They were simply too busy thinking about how unfair this treatment is. He was amazed that they even rose to the rank of Boss and led an organisation of their own.

“I hate it when someone bothers me, so send me someone who would serve by my side. Ah. Actually there’s no need. I can just keep him instead. He is so fun to tease.”

Ratt’s face went pale at Isaac’s words, but no one here was on his side.

“We wish to hear which direction you wish to lead New Port City, now that you’re in charge. That way, we may be able to cooperate with you to our fullest.”

Isaac waved his hand with an annoyed face when Dinozo spoke those words.

“You guys have been doing well enough without a mayor or an Administrator until now. Just do as you’ve always done.”

The faces of the five changed slightly to Isaac’s words. Since the t.i.tle of Mayor has been empty, the balance of power and order was in the hands of the Administrator. A single action from him could send the syndicates into chaos. That was the entire reason they either eliminated or enticed the Administrators. But they could only stand baffled when they were told that Isaac didn’t want anything to do with it.

“But you have to keep one condition.”

Indeed, it was too good to be true. Of course there was one condition.

The five stood trying to think just what Isaac’s condition could be. Was it money? Women? Or something else?

“Don’t starve the children.”

“…”

The five stood in silence to that incomprehensible order. Isaac lit another cigarette and continued.

“I don’t care whether you mug or murder your way through this city. But you better feed the children. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. From today onwards, if I ever see a starving child, I will personally go to that district and kill myself. So if you don’t want to see Central knocking on your doors, you better do your job well. That’s all I’ll say, so you can all f.u.c.k off.”

“…”

The five stood looked at each other contemplating Isaac’s words and Dinozo spoke out as the representative.

“Much preparation had been made for this Welcoming Party. Don’t you think at least the food should be…”

Isaac flicked his finger and called Ratt to his side.

“Hehe. What seems to be the… Uck!”

Ratt, who quickly answered to Isaac’s call, was once again punched in his nose. The swelling had finally started to go down but this just put him back to square one.

“Did you not send my message properly? I prefer my table to be so full of food that it looks as if I haven’t even touched it by the time I’m done.”

“I, I understood it as you just wanted to prepare as much food as possible…”

“d.a.m.n it. I hate it when idiots try to look for a hidden meaning to a straight answer.”

“T, then what do we do with all the food…”

“Throw it out.”

“What?”

“Throw. It . Out.”

“…”

Ratt could only listen for the orders he received from Isaac with his blood dripping down his nose. This extravagant meal had cost him so much to prepare that he needed to get a loan to cover it. Most of the members of the syndicates were also looking forward to this, since the food that was prepared was something they would only see in a fairy tale.

And Isaac was telling them to throw it out.

While Ratt was at loss for words, Dinozo stepped in and spoke in his stead.

“Then we shall head off.”

Now wasn’t the time to argue about food, but rather to come together and think about how to deal with the walking disaster called Isaac. It seemed everyone else on the table had the same thought and made a quick farewell. The speed at which they disappeared seemed to show that they didn’t even want to stay for a second longer. The subordinates under the bosses had no choice but to exit the party with them.

Everyone had left while Ratt was still confused as to what had happened. Suddenly Isaac slapped the back of his head.

“What are you doing?”

“Do you know how expensive this food is?! And where can we possibly throw out all this food?!”

“We can throw them away into their stomachs.”

Isaac pointed to the alleyways around the plaza. When Ratt followed Isaac’s fingers, he could see the orphans of the slums slowly leaving the alleys, their eyes fixed on the food in front of them.

Report on Surveillance Target 728

Surveillance target 728 has safely arrived at New Port City. Unlike the prediction of his death made by some in the HQ, the target had managed to make all of the bosses of the syndicates submit by using his own life as a threat. (Details are attached to this doc.u.ment.)

We need further monitoring on the reactions from the criminal syndicates and Port City, but according to our observers they predict that target 728 isn’t a type 3 or 4 invader, but a man with severe anti-social behaviour who holds little value in his life or that of others.

Therefore, we believe a debate is required regarding the benefits of recruiting the target or proceeding with the plan the target had mentioned himself.

<Return>

After a.n.a.lysis, proceeding with the plan Target 728 had made himself would lead to great benefits on increasing our influence over Port and New Port City. The HQ is currently split in two on whether to ‘eliminate’ the target or not. After much debate, everyone as agreed to monitor the situation to find out the true meaning behind the questionable order the Target presented to the syndicate bosses. The Target’s actions are to be closely monitored.

Credits: MOYOYO, Pyrenose, Jaiki

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