Story Reader / Hidden Story / 12 Kowloong Metropolis / Story
Mr. Watanabe, the number of Corrupted coming from the outer rim are decreasing, but...
They're now pouring out of the city instead, eh.
After the Forsaken got off the vehicle, they made a temporary encampment on a nearby route to intercept the enemy. Though they are only forty or so in numbers, to these veterans, it is more than enough.
Corrupted remains are scattered all over the ground. Watanabe tells his men to salvage the still usable supplies, and he peers at Kowloong Corp in the distance.
——What made Kowloong build such a metropolis?
The sight is grandiose and consuming, but to Watanabe it borders on a sickly obsession. Home is comfort, but shelter too deep, and it becomes a prison.
Watanabe knows that this imposing city will not have many places to house people. Even the shops are likely not in use.
The stately streets are fossils, left only to remind themselves of a lost, golden age.
Mr. Watanabe, I wonder when we'll get to settle down...
A comrade close by asks a question, and Watanabe glances over.
Settling down in the current world is but an extravagant hope. Normally, people know not to dream about it—delusions dull your blade.
And so Watanabe responds, flipping the knife in his hand, pointing it at the throat of the one who asked the question.
Mr. Watanabe?!
Um... What are you doing?
Don't come any closer! Keep your distance!
They do not understand the situation, but the Forsaken immediately back away as per Watanabe's orders, leaving only Watanabe and the person he just saw through together.
And here I thought I was putting on a great act...
——How could this man be so keen? Lamia, who would have preferred to avoid confrontation, sheds her illusion and returns to her original form.
You are an Ascendant, aren't you? What are you trying to do by sneaking in here?
I just wanted to pad my results a little... But now... Looks like that's not happening...
If I say sorry, will you... let me go, pops?
...
...
You owe me one.
Really? Yay! You can have the Corrupted I brought with me! Do whatever you like to them.
Thanks for the trouble.
Mr. Watanabe, should we have let go of that Ascendant?
We can't win against her now. With her prowess in stealth, if she had intended massacre...
...I'm sorry. We held you back, Mr. Watanabe.
Whatever it is, don't let down your guard! The enemy can come from anywhere!
