50 Okay Mr. Big-shot, I see how it is. (2/2)

I scoffed and blocked it with my elbow. A crack was heard from his fist, probably broke something.

He was provoked so easily? My expectations have been ruined. I guess that's all you get from a small loan shark group.

I lashed out a sharp kick to his solar plexus and he fell to the ground gasping for air.

I looked up at the other four.

”W-what the fuck do you want with us?!” The person who seemed to be the second-in-command stuttered. ”We'll g-give money if that's what you want.”

Did he mistake me for a robber?

I tilted my head. Why am I starting to really feel like the bad guy?

It doesn't help my consciousness that I'm dressed in black, am wearing a mask, have two guns secretly equipped, and stormed in without an invitation and beat up their guys without saying a word.

I didn't notice but.....I indeed look like a crazy, cheap delinquent girl who's desperate for money.

More like I didn't want to notice, actually. Wouldn't be good for my own sanity.

I now have more memories to seal up and add to my forbidden dark history.

I was about to correct their misunderstandings when their leader finally caught his breath again.

”Heh.....you won't get away with this, missy. I may be the boss of this gang but we're still under one of the 12 Rooks! Boss Kuno won't forgive you!”

Ohhhh! Spoken like a true side character! His dialogue fits the scenario perfectly!

Thank you very much. I'm satisfied now.

Hm? Rook? As in Chessboard Rook?

I took out my phone and looked at the list of notable members that Joker had sent me in the past.

Yup. There was a Rook named Kuno. I'm guessing that this group is his. I'm a bit curious as to why a Rook would care for a ragtag bunch like this.

”Call your boss over then.”

They were the first words that I had spoken so they were momentarily shocked before the leader scrambled to take out his phone and text somebody. When the message was successfully noted as 'read' he finally relaxed and laughed at me in contempt.

”Just wait! You'll be begging for forgiveness soon enough!”

Okay.

I just waited, as he told me to.

I took the liberty to sit down as well.

A few minutes later Kuno finally showed up with two guards in tow. He arrogantly looked down at where I was sitting.

”””””Boss!””””” The five men said simultaneously while pleading for him to do something about me with their eyes.

”You dare attack my followers?” He threatened. ”You just randomly decided to attack us? Did someone send you after me?”

Do you think you're important enough for that?

I really don't like people looking down on me. Literally.

I stood up and leaned towards him with a sneer.

”Hah. A measly Rook is acting like some big-shot? What a wannabe thug.” I laughed.

His face instantly darkened and he scowled.

”Tsk. A mere high school girl dares to use that tone of voice towards me? Take her down and unmask her, I won't stand for this disrespect.”

His two guards instantly pounced towards me like trained hounds.

I struck them down instantly. A few thugs working under a Rook doesn't scare me. To be honest, only Joker scares me....

I suddenly saw another figure timidly peeking around the corner.

”W-what happened here?” A familiar yet unfamiliar female voice shakily asked.

Everyone turned towards the unexpected visitor.

Black hair, gentle eyes, and a scared posture. However, her face was extremely familiar and I instantly recognized her as Tania. She was different, but still very charming due to her delicate features.

Through the character customization, she had changed her hair color and gave herself tougher features but it was still within the 15% change range.

I finally understand why people say that sometimes online personas are nothing like the real thing.

Indeed, they're not the same at all!

Kuno looked at her with furrowed brows.

”Tania, what are you doing here?” He quietly questioned.

Wait....

He seems to act.....gently towards her? Isn't it his fault that she's being chased by the cops?!

H-huh? Although it was a miracle as to how Tania had survived fine for so long like this.....makes sense now. He's a tsundere, a very stupid one at that.

”I-I came to give the weekly quota....” She meekly answered while avoiding his eyes.

Haha, it looks like she can't tell and is really scared of him. Too bad for you Kuno.

”Just stay downstairs for now, I'll deal with this quickly.” He ordered.

Kuno turned back towards me without looking to see if Tania had listened to him. In fact, he probably wanted her to stay and impress her. That's just way too unlucky. He's even tossing his coat aside!

Kuno ran his hand through his brown hair and glared at me.

Well, at least he's handsome? That's probably the only good thing?

I was still in thought when he suddenly charged at me without warning.

Tsk. And I thought at least he was a gentleman.

You're wasting your good looks!

Time to test the abilities of a Rook.