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"Bangboo? Those little robots can go missing too?"
Considering their massive numbers in New Eridu, and Ignis' usual lack of attention to them, losing one or two wasn't particularly surprising. He never treated them as cute pets—they were primarily combat-capable mini drones.
Still, to a Space Marine, these round little guys were undeniably adorable. Even though Amillion had displayed their firepower, it was already far beyond what Billy could do.
"Not that it's really my place to say, but… you guys take on jobs like this too? Proxies' work really is all over the place."
The Salamander glanced at the Son of Sanguinius, who was wearing a helmet, revealing nothing.
"You know it's not exactly proper, right? The Cunning Hares' work is even more eclectic. From finding cats to fighting corporations in court—the range is absurd."
Cerakos had been around New Eridu long enough to have heard of Nicole's manpower dispatch agency.
On this topic, the Salamander had little room to criticize—he had actually done that "finding a cat" job himself.
A wealthy family's male kitten had gone missing in the Thiren District. Nicole had spent considerable effort securing it. The cunning little group, knowing they had a cat expert and a giant who could track via thermal radiation, assumed it would be easy.
But the cat expert's influence didn't extend to the Thiren District. Local cats looked down on this "slum-born" cat, and after exchanging a few words, Cerakos' cat got its fur all puffed up in frustration. Even the reward—cheap canned cat food—was rejected.
Stray cats in the Thiren District were wealthy-area strays. Upper-district cats were elite—expecting them to help in exchange for cheap food was laughable.
These were translations from the cat expert, who was furious at the time. If it weren't urgent, she might have captured them all and brought them back to her territory, showing these self-important strays who ruled the Janus Quarter.
In the end, Ignis, cooperating with the cat expert who knew cat behavior, traced thermal radiation and circled through corners of the Thiren District. They finally found the missing kitten among a gathering of strays, terrified by the calls of passing females.
After everything, Nicole confirmed the reward, and the cat expert ordered her strongest subordinate—a robust tabby—to lead the cat into the Thiren District for a lesson.
For Ignis, it was the first time he'd seen such joy on a cat's face—the thrill of battle. If this brave spirit were in the Warhammer universe, it would rank at least a Space Marine company captain.
Later, the cat expert reported a complete victory. The offending cats were thoroughly disciplined. That day, her two tails swayed constantly, and she even had Ignis prepare a special meal of pork liver and fish for her victorious troops.
"Why did you suddenly go quiet…" Cerakos looked at him after a long pause. "I thought you'd fiercely argue with me."
"Nothing to argue. I've done this kind of work."
The Salamander didn't hide it.
"Rich-district cats are different. Hard to deal with."
"Faunus Quarter isn't a wealthy district. It's a border area with the Outer Ring, full of mixed populations. Most importantly, monitoring coverage is limited."
The Son of Sanguinius crossed his arms.
"The missing Bangboo all vanished in blind spots of the cameras."
"Because the area isn't wealthy, these Bangboo have been serving their households for years. Performance starts to lag, or issues appear. But to their owners, these little ones are invaluable."
"Some grew up with them. Losing them suddenly, with no leads, is frustrating."
Bangboo had impressive intelligence for a robot. Trained properly, they could assist in work—especially in Hollows. Small intelligent robots could stay longer inside, reducing human exposure to ether corruption. Their wages were low, but Belobog Heavy Industries paid well.
Koleda was generous, and Grace frequently helped with maintenance. Belobog Heavy Industries claimed to have more machines than bears—and their Hollow work was strengthened by the sheer number of intelligent robots.
Even Victoria Housekeeping's butler-Bangboo could brew tea and make pancakes, earning Ignis' approval.
At Phaethon's home, Eous, Six, and Eighteen were like family.
"Not just financial loss, but emotional. That's why you took it on. Public Security—Bangboo count as citizen property, right? Why aren't they investigating?"
"Reports of missing Bangboo happen daily. The recent cluster hasn't drawn attention yet."
"Faunus Public Security focuses on people moving from the Outer Ring into the city. No manpower left for this. Progress is slow."
Cerakos' explanation didn't surprise the Salamander.
"Some impatient people posted in the Inter-Knot for help, but negotiations failed over fees."
"The main issue is the Bangboo went missing near a Hollow. The client suspects it entered, so they hired Proxies to investigate."
Ignis sensed something off. Near a Hollow? Bangboo had intelligence and curiosity, but would it really go in on its own?
Even with anti-corrosion measures, Bangboo couldn't resist ether damage completely. Without orders, they wouldn't enter a Hollow.
After all, a key function of Bangboo was to guide people out during Hollow disasters—not venture inside.
"Why are you sure it went missing near a Hollow?" Ignis asked.
"The last image from the shop cameras shows it turning a corner. It seemed attracted to something, then headed toward the Hollow."
Cerakos dug out his phone, showing a photo.
It was a red-and-white ribbon—the kind girls use for hair.
"This was on the Bangboo."
Another photo: a Bangboo in a penguin costume, the ribbon tied around its right hand.
"The client said the Bangboo had scratches, damaged exterior parts, so the ribbon covered them."
The ribbon was torn in the middle. Pixelated as the phone was, the jagged tear was obvious—it hadn't been untied; it was ripped off violently.
"Abducted?" Ignis muttered, partly amused. "Kidnapping a Bangboo?"
"If it were a kidnapping, there'd be a ransom demand. But there's no info."
The Lamenter was puzzled.
"So, Cecilia decided to enter the Hollow, check for traces. Honestly, I'm not good at this, so I'm asking you."
Ignis understood: A Salamander's Fire-Sight could track specific heat traces.
"When did the disappearance happen?"
"Today is the third day."
"Then we need to move fast. You can also test your power armor—plenty of targets inside a Hollow."
Cerakos hesitated.
"I'm not you. I have no official identity, not a certified Hollow investigator. I can't just wear this armor on the subway. With us dressed like this, they'll definitely check IDs."
Ignis realized he needed to get the Son of Sanguinius proper credentials.
Nicole's jobs cost a lot. For her own people, it was fine. Helping outsiders requires legal ID and Hollow Investigative Association credentials—too expensive for Cecilia and Cerakos.
Victoria Housekeeping agreed to check for channels, but there's been no update.
"Then we wait until tomorrow. Billy will drive us and the power armor there."
"They went to Sixth Street today. Some families relocated there after the distant bombing incident," the Salamander explained.
"Seems like the only option." Cerakos scratched his head.
"I still need to figure out a black cab to get home. Using Cecilia's card for payments feels embarrassing."
"How did you get here?"
"Rented a shared bike." Cerakos patted his chest. "Don't worry, I kept my speed in check—no incidents."
No, that distance is already a problem… and you'll probably have to ride back.
"You have a motorcycle, right?" Ignis suddenly remembered.
"Modified bike. Can't get it in here."
Cerakos was law-abiding, but without credentials, inspections were troublesome.
After watching him disappear around the corner, Ignis realized he really needed a vehicle.
He pulled out his phone to check his balance, see how close he was to affording a self-built bike.
Then his phone rang—it was Belle.
"Ignis, do you have a moment? Might need your help."
The Proxy was direct.
"Helping Cecilia won't be too busy. What's up?"
"May need you to go into a Hollow."
"Why not ask Nicole? They're at Sixth Street today."
Why go further?
"Haha…" Belle laughed awkwardly.
"Nicole won't take this job."
Even the Cunning Hares had jobs they refused? Ignis was baffled. Nicole usually accepted anything. This was Phaethon's case.
"Because Public Security might be involved. Nicole disagrees."
"Officers? What happened?"
Belle explained: Sixth Street also had a missing Bangboo. A family who moved there after the distant bombing incident lost a Bangboo named Teddy. Their daughter loved it. Belle, as Deputy Officer, helped locate a suspect vehicle.
"You mean residues of highly active ether on the wheels? Possibly entered a Hollow?" Ignis' expression darkened.
"Yes. Qingyi said she'll surveil the vehicle. High chance we'll have to enter the Hollow. Wanted to see if you're available."
For Phaethon, the Cunning Hares were the most cost-effective and reliable agents he knew. Ignis was the strongest among them. Since Nicole refused, having the Salamander handle it would ensure safety.
"Human trafficking? Kidnapping?" Ignis asked. "Public Security wouldn't investigate if a vehicle really took Teddy?"
"Well… Bangboo aren't considered people legally, only property. To open a special case, it must reach a certain value."
"So Public Security can't intervene easily."
The Salamander nodded.
"If I have time, I'll go."
"That's great! That girl, Holly, loves Teddy. Retrieving it would be amazing!"
"Then things just got more complicated." Ignis hung up.
He had a feeling the Sixth Street theft and Cerakos' missing Bangboo case were connected.
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