Meanwhile, on the other side—
"What's going on? Why is it so loud out there?"
Inside the underground storage room, Akira heard the chaotic screams and violent crashes echoing from above. Her brows tightened slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.
"Could it be that CCG headquarters had broken in? Or… had Hayashi forced his way inside?"
She didn't know what was happening outside, but one thing was certain: something huge had gone down.
Thinking of this, Akira scanned the room.
She, the Yasuhisa twin sisters, and all the women meant to be auctioned were confined together. Only faint light seeped in, and all their hands were tied with rope. There were probably ghouls guarding the corridor to prevent any escape.
Akira lifted her long, pale legs and used the sharp heel of her stilettos to saw through the rope around her wrists.
Snap—
With a clean sound, her hands were free once more.
"It sounds like chaos upstairs. It might be that the CCG forced their way in. We need to free the women being held here and then escape together."
She immediately moved to untie the twins.
"We understand."
Kurona and Nashiro nodded obediently. Once free, the sisters quietly went around untying the other women as well.
"Try not to make any noise. Follow me."
Akira warned them softly, slipping off her heels before silently moving toward the door.
Creak—
When she pushed the door open, she was surprised—there was no one guarding the hallway.
"That's strange. Someone should be watching this area…"
She paused for a second, puzzled. Maybe the guards had already fled?
Either way, getting out took priority.
With that thought, she continued forward. Along the way, they saw blood splattered across the walls, even severed limbs scattered around. Soon, they reached the staircase.
Just as they were about to climb—
High-heeled footsteps echoed through the air.Along with them came an unmistakable sense of pressure.
"A ghoul is coming…"
Akira placed herself in front of the women, eyes narrowing.
Normally, she wouldn't fear a ghoul.But without her quinque? She didn't stand a chance.
Tap… tap… tap…
A tall, elegant figure appeared — wearing seductive, stylish lingerie. Her entire presence radiated allure and refined beauty. A delicate eyepatch enhanced her mysterious charm.
There was only one person who dressed like that.
"Nutcracker."
Akira's expression tightened as she shielded the women behind her.
"My five million… Where do you think you're taking my ten million?"
Nutcracker licked her crimson lips, a sultry smile curling upward. Her overwhelming beauty, the charm of a femme fatale, the icy queen-like demeanor — everything was on full display.
"What are you planning?"
Akira's gaze swept over her warily.If she had her quinque, it would be a different story. But bare-handed? Certain death.
"What am I planning?"
Nutcracker lifted her pale fingers to her chin, smiling sweetly.
A heartbeat later, her kagune lashed out, grabbing Akira and the twin sisters all at once.
"My precious fifteen million… You won't escape my hands. You're all coming with me. Otherwise, how will I buy pretty clothes?"
She gently stroked their faces, enjoying herself—
But then a lazy, chilly voice sounded behind her.
"Let go. Give back what's mine."
In that instant, a crushing pressure filled the air. Nutcracker felt her entire body freeze, unable to move at all.
A second later, her kagune was sliced apart, and Akira and the twins fell to the ground.
Nutcracker coughed blood, turning her head with difficulty.
Standing there was a white-haired boy, calm and cold as moonlight.
"I'll say it again…"
Hayashi stepped forward, eyes like frozen steel.
"Give them back to me."