TN: And we're back! sorry for the week long hiatus, it was not intentional since I had to get my right leg in a cast after tripping 3 floors down a stairwell (like an idiot ://) and be unable to use my PC setup upstairs BUT I should be OK now.
Anyways, Thanks for Arcanic Madness, WeissAkumu and WolfWTF for becoming as Supporters!,
===BREAK===
Ignis stood outside the base, staring at the graffiti on the wall.
There were five already-painted backgrounds and four completed works. Nicole, Anby, Billy, and Nekomata all looked vividly alive in Emile Volt's strokes, so distinctive that anyone passing by would remember them instantly.
And the empty background—that one was supposed to have his own portrait.
A tearing pain erupted from his chest, making even Ignis' obsidian-like, steadfast face tremble.
It's okay. I'll bring him back. There's still time.
He could only comfort himself this way to prevent the last remnants of his reason from being consumed by the blazing storm of his anger.
"Nekomata, follow him. If he really tries to harm someone, at least make sure it's not in front of the Public Security, or leave no trace." Nicole pulled Nekomata aside and whispered in her ear.
"Understood!" The Thiren rarely showed proper conduct, but in this situation, she was serious. "I'll watch the surroundings closely, but—"
"Nekomata can't stop him." Anby stated plainly, addressing the core problem.
Everyone had witnessed the sheer power Ignis could display in combat. At three meters tall, with a heavily muscled frame, a small body like Nekomata's was incapable of physically restraining him.
"I just want you to keep him moving! He won't attack his own friends!" Nicole rapped the back of Nekomata's head. "At least don't let it happen in front of Public Security."
"But I didn't expect the Public Security to actually get involved." Billy murmured, impressed. "This big guy… he's already established networks we didn't even know about."
"That's good," Nicole tapped the robot's chest lightly. "Don't you think he's a lot softer than when he first came?"
"But some people mistake that 'softness' for weakness," Anby said calmly, uttering something ominous. "We all know he's a fully-fledged humanoid weapon."
You're worried he'll lose control? Nicole lowered her head slightly, realizing the possibility.
Emile Volt held particular significance for Ignis. He was the first person to actively want to help him, the first bridge connecting him to this land. The bustling night market outside proved the existence of that connection.
And now, this fundamental link had been taken away.
Nicole feared he might lose his mind, consumed by burning rage, transforming into a terrifying dragon as terrible as the emblem on his shoulder armor.
"He won't!"
The assertion came from Nekomata. The newest member of the Cunning Hares, she firmly believed Ignis would not lose himself.
"He will be angry, but he won't completely lose control!" The Thiren insisted. "He's a gentle giant; he won't do anything to make anyone sad."
"Absolutely. He'll never let us worry for him!"
Her unwavering confidence momentarily stunned the others but soon reassured them.
Yes, Ignis was a giant with a gentle core. His wrath would only target enemies. His wisdom and courage ensured he would make the right choices.
"Be ready to move at any time." Nicole addressed Anby and Billy. "We'll need to contribute as well. That kid painted some amazing graffiti. I want him to help promote the Cunning Hares once he's famous."
"Yeah. Emile still owes me a few custom pieces! I've already paid," Billy joked. "But this is a kidnapping. We've handled worse—no problem."
"Right. Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice." Anby nodded and went inside to maintain her gear.
Ignis heard brakes behind him and turned to see Qingyi opening the cab door and stepping out.
"Ready to depart?" Bangboo waved toward the rear of the prisoner transport.
"Yes, let's go." Ignis watched as Nekomata slid out and opened the rear doors.
"This night market is renowned," Qingyi observed. "What was once a den of criminals is now a lively public space. You've done well, far beyond my peers."
"All thanks to Emile," Ignis said, moving toward the prisoner compartment.
"Do not carry weapons. You are 'Assistant Peacekeepers.'" Qingyi warned, specifically regarding Ignis. His strength was far too dangerous. As for Nekomata, she could control herself for a short time.
"And official credentials too," Nekomata said, sitting across from Ignis.
"Lehman Brothers Hotel is famous in this area, Janus Quarter is home to many officials and wealthy elites. Avoid incidents. Zhu Yuan and I will have trouble otherwise," Qingyi said, returning to the driver's seat.
The prisoner transport began moving, carrying the three of them toward the luxurious Janus Quarter.
"This mission is under the guise of Public Security investigating petty thieves impersonating officers. Fritz Volt and his wife, Martha Volt, are key witnesses; we are there to collect evidence," Qingyi reminded Ignis.
"Though I cannot fully understand your emotions, do not lash out. Otherwise, I will have to restrain you to prevent further trouble."
"Understood," Ignis growled deeply.
"So, Public Security did get involved after all. Complicates things," Nekomata muttered. She wasn't fond of the authorities, unlike Orly, who was clueless. Qingyi, however, was not easily fooled.
"Without their involvement, we couldn't even approach the situation. The main target is the impersonators, not the kidnapping. We hope to buy time," Qingyi explained.
"Thanks," Ignis replied curtly.
"You saved me recently. Consider this repayment," Qingyi said smoothly, driving while managing traffic with the activated siren.
"Repayment… do you deliver dead rats at midnight?" Nekomata teased. "Oh, right, you're a robot, you wouldn't know that."
"Miss Nekomata, you have a long criminal record in Public Security. Best not draw attention." Qingyi countered. "Also, I've researched online—most people don't understand 'cat repayment,' often finding it absurd."
"Wait! You're driving and browsing the net at the same time?" Nekomata's fur bristled in shock.
"First, I am Public Security. Whether it counts as dangerous driving is my judgment. Second, allocating a portion of computing power for network tasks does not affect driving," Qingyi replied calmly.
"W-wow… impressive…" The Thiren stammered.
"Also, any prior illegal entries into high-end residential areas can be cross-checked with my records. I'll spot them immediately," Qingyi continued.
…I really hope Ignis stays composed. One wrong move, and this could get messy. Nekomata muttered under her breath, realizing why the others were reluctant to accompany him.
The Cunning Hares… not exactly a clean slate. If Public Security digs, they'll find things on all of us.
Qingyi attempted to change the subject. "Ignis, would you like my opinion on those paintings?"
"You?" Ignis looked puzzled. "You understand art?"
"I have received extensive training, including artistic studies. Emile Volt's work is remarkable precisely because he has no formal education, yet his creations are brimming with life—a rarity," Qingyi explained.
"It's not just me. On the net, his paintings receive wide praise. Comments on posts and videos about the night market often mention 'amazing signboards,' and some even say, 'I'd hire this artist for a full set of illustrations,'" Qingyi continued.
"Why tell me this?" Nekomata added. "If you hadn't discovered him, he'd just be another unnoticed kid. Either trapped in labor in a noisy factory or wasted in a gang. Emile Volt is lucky he met you."
"So don't give up. We will get him back," Nekomata assured Ignis, wrapping her arms around him again. "Your space is still empty on the wall. You're not going to leave it like that, right?"
"I'll use all available networks to trace who kidnapped Emile," Ignis muttered.
"Zhu Yuan has already traced the Public Security uniforms from the warehouse and is interrogating the personnel responsible. It shouldn't take long to make them talk," Nekomata said calmly.
"Understood," Ignis exhaled heavily.
Since boarding the vehicle, Ignis had been mentally rehearsing how to confront Fritz Volt.
They had never gotten along; their first encounter ended in a conflict, even a scuffle. Qingyi was present back then, having apprehended Fritz herself.
Today, Ignis knew that Fritz would not be cooperative, and the most straightforward method—forcing answers—was dangerous.
If he acted impulsively, it would put everyone offering help into serious trouble.
Hatred is a double-edged sword. It fuels action, yet can destroy reason. Grip the sword, control the hand, think clearly, release the rage rationally.
His phone vibrated in his pocket. Nekomata released her tenuous embrace and sat beside him.
The message was from Rain.
The hacker had sent Fritz's mobile payment and bank transaction history. It showed that after losing his job, there were almost no deposits, yet spending was low too.
Until one day, a sudden large transfer arrived from Emile—his first substantial earnings from painting.
Later, scattered smaller transfers followed, all from various painting commissions.
Fritz's expenditures indicated massive spending in a short time: luxury clothes, shoes, the latest phones, and fine alcohol. During the Golden Week, they stayed at the Willow Resort, a significant expense.
The largest recent withdrawal was tens of thousands of Dennies. Even the hotel fees at Lehman Brothers Hotel were paid using Emile's commissions.
Ignis felt a string of his reason snap but forced himself to calm down.
"We're here…" Qingyi brought the vehicle to a stop.
Nekomata's heart pounded as she looked at Ignis' grim expression.
===BREAK===
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