Alex, Tereza, Benezia, and Jewel remain silent for a moment, each of them considering Robin's suggestion.
Not like we have a choice. I believe her, and it looks like Crocodile wants to test us. We can't take any more risks—even threatening Robin was way too risky. It's best if we just do the mission.
"Since nobody is talking, it looks like we all agree, then. Is that okay with you, too, Tereza?" Alex asks, breaking the silence.
"Okay," Tereza nods. "It sounds like the best plan. The only plan to be honest."
"Let's get hunting, then," Alex says decisively, stretching out his hand towards Robin. "Give me the list, please."
Robin nods, handing Alex a long document filled with dozens of names—and, of course, detailed information about every target, if available. "Most of the targets are in Alubarna, the capital. Rain Base is completely devoid of any target, so you need to leave."
Now that I think about it... this is the second 'bounty' list I've received. Might as well get used to it. This mission's turning out to be pretty cruel.
"Before we go," Benezia announces, "we require travel funds. Surely you can provide us with some—as the partner of the boss."
Robin looks mildly surprised but then shakes her head. "Everything I hand out is documented. I can't provide you with money. Embezzling funds would be a really stupid way to die, and I really don't want to take that risk. I'm fairly certain I'm under surveillance, too."
Alex sighs at her response, but then Robin moves to her desk, pulls out a small pouch, and hands it to Benezia.
"This is part of my private escape fund. These are a few rare gems. You can have them. They'll sell for at least a couple of million."
"Thank you!" Alex says with a smile.
More Belly means more items!
Gems?! This must be destiny! Princess Jewel will finally create her Royal Gem Collection!
"If you have any questions, call me on the Den Den Mushi," Robin says. "However, be careful with what you say. Only when I mention the word 'Void' can you speak freely. If I don't mention it, assume I'm not alone. Please see to it that you take down at least one or two targets. Most of them are vile criminals—scum even by Baroque Works' standards—so don't hold back. I'll need at least a few days to see what I can do about the mission."
"We need a long-term mission that lasts at least a week or two, see to it that you get it done," Benezia adds, before turning around, ending the conversation.
"Thank you!" Tereza says with a bright smile.
"You're rather friendly," Robin comments, eyeing her curiously. "Is there a reason for that? Especially considering I'm being blackmailed by your comrades... and now acting as your mole in the organization?"
"No," Tereza replies with a smirk, glancing at Alex. "Just trying to be on the safe side. Who knows? Wouldn't surprise me if you join our little group in the future."
Princess Jewel disagrees! She forbids it!
I don't deserve these accusations! It's not like I was planning to recruit anyone.
Princess Jewel loves her Soulmate, but she recognizes that even he can't resist the might of a well-endowed space mommy. This is the reason Soulmate recruited Benezia, right?
No, it isn't! It just... happened. Well, let's move out. I want to get to work already.
"Let's go," Alex says, turning around as well, following after Benezia, who already waits near the exit of the office.
The group swiftly leaves Robin's office, heading back down the stairs before passing through the casino and exiting Rain Dinners without delay.
Princess Jewel wants to play in the casino!
"No," Alex replies to Jewel's request. "We want to quickly leave and take care of the job. We'd be pissing off the boss if he sees us lazing around, wasting time."
Outside, still a little dazed from the events that just unfolded, Alex rubs his head.
"What now?" he asks. "Do we fly over Rainbase, try to find Menchi, and tell her our plans? We need to head to Alubarna—the capital—I think that much is clear. Anyway, let's find her!"
"No," Benezia answers. "We might be able to find Menchi if we search long enough, or if we draw her attention using all the means available to us—however, there's a risk we'll also be spotted by other players. We have a few days before Robin gives us an update. Let's fly toward Alubarna and summon Menchi in a day. That way, she can take care of things here in the meantime."
"Didn't think of that," Alex admits.
She is smart... and she doesn't even need to think about these things.
"She's right," Tereza says with a grin. "Like always. Reminds me a little of Rishi."
Not so sure she will appreciate that comparison. It's not exactly a compliment, although Tereza may have hit the nail on the head. She is a little crazy as well. Why are all the women in my life lunatics?
Without hesitation, the group departs Rainbase, heading outside the city, briefly walking into the desert, without looking back once.
Tereza quickly shifts into her bat form while Alex puts on the harness, before mounting her alongside Benezia.
As she soars eastward toward the capital of Arabasta, Alex takes the opportunity to study the target list in greater detail.
"This one's a small gang selling drugs. Crocodile wants them gone. I wonder why? I guess he is already seeing this as his kingdom, and he doesn't want street gangs ruining his kingdom."
"Here we've got a corrupt weapons merchant—selling to the Kingdom of Arabasta, the Rebellion, the Marines... even Baroque Works themselves? Looks like he sold intel to competitors and even murdered people. Crocodile wants him dead and his shop shut down. He wants to send a message without causing too much commotion."
Alex flicks through the list, noting, "It looks like we have to report it if we take out a target. Let me look at some more targets."
"Pirates hiding in Alubarna and Nanohana... some with decent bounties."
"I also see a bunch of 'mysterious people' on the list," Alex mutters, then passes it over to Benezia. "They have no real description, no history. Just marked as suspicious with a few vague descriptions. We don't even know their names—the only thing we have on them are these drawings. Did the Unluckies, Crocodile's animal spies, draw them? I am pretty sure these people are from the Realm."
"Are you thinking those 'mystery targets' are players?" Benezia asks with a grin.
"Yes. By now, most players have joined factions," Alex explains. "Wouldn't surprise me if we're on some lists as well. From this point forward, we should expect people to come for us."
"It's solid reasoning," Benezia replies. "You might be right. I am impressed. The timing is suspicious."
Princess Jewel knew that from the start!
Next time, tell me then!
Princess Jewel wants to hear Soulmate's reasoning. She likes it when he struggles to come up with the correct answer. Princess Jewel is always rooting for Soulmate.
Next time, tell me instantly!
Still deep in thought, time passes quickly, and Alex enjoys the breeze as Tereza flies towards the capital. As they cross the large river, Alex is interested in the various animals on Sandy Island, but decides to focus on his mission instead.
In just around an hour, Tereza reaches Alubarna.
"The city looks rather weird... it almost reminds me of Midgar from Final Fantasy VII," Alex comments. "It's built on an elevated, massive, flat rock—shaped like a pizza—with exactly five main entrances that split the city into different districts. The palace is all the way at the back, in the one direction that doesn't have an entrance. This place is also enormous—wouldn't be shocked if hundreds of thousands live here."
Pizza ❤️
"The palace is the most secure part of the city," Benezia observes. "There are probably escape routes leading outside."
"Tereza, I'm guessing there are guards stationed at each of the five entrances," Alex says. "Try to fly directly into the city. Even if we get spotted, as long as we leave the landing zone quickly, we should be fine. Just make sure to land far away from the palace."
"Got it," Tereza responds, descending toward the sprawling city below.
As she descends, Tereza veers toward a cheaper-looking area of the city, heading for a partially destroyed house and landing smoothly on its roof.
"Great," Alex comments. "This spot looks perfect! Let's get out of here and take a look around the city. It will probably take a while to find our targets. Maybe we should head to the people with known locations first. They still might be close by."
"Indeed," Benezia comments, "On our own, the chances of catching our targets are slim."
Tereza quickly transforms back, and the group jumps down from the roof, landing on the ground floor.
Benezia is more athletic than I thought.
Now on street level, they don't see a single person around.
"It's a little too deserted... where the hell did we land?" Alex mutters.
Just as he finishes speaking, a group of thugs appears, approaching slowly with sabers, clubs, and spears in hand—snickering among themselves as they eye the group.
"Great spot indeed," Benezia remarks, smiling as she calmly walks forward to meet the newcomers.
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