We were leaving the police station after finishing repairs on most of the robots destroyed by Tom during his countless training sessions.— Honestly, it's a good thing the Special Forces recruited you, Shin. You don't get a robotics expert your age every day.
A wide smile spread across his face, as if he was planning to use my presence as an excuse to train even more. I swallowed my disgust and quickened my pace to catch up with Haru, who had already set off ahead.— Haru, wait! We're supposed to patrol together!
She gave me an indifferent look, then smiled and sped up instead of slowing down. Screw you, Haru. Eventually, she stopped when she saw me running toward her.— Took you long enough.
She laughed in my face, but I didn't even bother replying. I straightened up, inhaling and exhaling to calm my frustrated mind after such a horrible morning thanks to Tom. Adult life really doesn't look appealing.— We're supposed to patrol, right?— Exactly, follow me. We're patrolling the southern part of the city this afternoon. Count yourself lucky—it's the most peaceful area.
— If that's the case, how about grabbing something to eat?
The surprise on her face was priceless; she looked genuinely shocked by my suggestion—but in a good way, I hoped.— If you want, sure, but I'm a bit old for you, you know? You should probably stick with girls your own age.
Don't tell me she thinks… no! I'm not inviting you for anything romantic! I just want to be friendly and social! But if there's a chance… what am I thinking?— What, am I not cute enough for you?
I teased her, but instead of taking it as a joke, her expression became deadly serious.— I have a boyfriend, so stop your bad jokes.
She continued walking without waiting for me after those sharp words. I really don't understand women.— Wait, you just rejected me!?
…Haru wasn't wrong. The southern part of the city was mostly residential areas and the business district. Everything looked unusually clean and beautiful, and people were smiling. Yet I shivered in fear as I realized what kind of world the South really was.— Haru… you know, with my small internship salary, I don't think I can afford to invite you—especially not here in the South.
She laughed as if I had just said something ridiculous, then turned to me with a wide grin.— You're not getting paid, it's an unpaid internship.
My world collapsed. So that's the kind of asshole the government is. No wonder everyone hates them.— And you promised—I guess promises have to be kept.
Just then, a scream echoed from one of the alleyways in the district. Everything happened at lightning speed. I bolted toward the source of the noise while Haru did the same. As we ran, I analyzed the situation: who would dare do something in the South? Any sane criminal would know this area is likely a police priority, and it's more secure than anywhere else. So it had to be an organization that could afford to oppose the police… but who?
After a minute of wild running, we reached the infamous alley. It was where the South met the East, the border between the poor and rich districts. The street was less clean, less colorful, and less lively—but there were three men standing at the far end, right in front of a dead end.
Two of them were the attackers: one wielded a knife, and the other was plunging a syringe into the victim, who seemed to be convulsing.— Shit, the cops are coming! Let's get out of here!— But the boss said to at least check what happens after injecting the solution.— I don't care!
While the two argued, I prepared to charge them—but Haru grabbed my arm to stop me. Her face clearly showed shame and disappointment as she got ready to speak.— Don't do anything. This is the mafia that's set up in Rubis City. We've been ordered not to touch them… just act as if you don't see them.
Hearing that, I fought hard to suppress a laugh. How ironic. Even government forces aren't trustworthy—but well, I hadn't expected much from them anyway.
I suppose I'll have to let them go and focus on the victim. Speaking of which… how is he?
A cold sweat ran down my spine. The victim was devouring one of his attackers, while the other trembled in fear at the scene. The victim had grown much larger—about two meters. His feet slowly became paws, his fingers sprouted claws, and his mouth had turned into a maw filled with a wide array of sharp teeth.
He had become a monster—one of those thought exterminated since the Great War. But how? Maybe it was just an illusion, but seeing Haru trembling violently proved otherwise.— He's… a real monster…
Damn… for once I wish I were wrong.— Now that things are out of control, can you please use your transformer and take him down quickly?— I… can't…
She said, ashamed.— What do you mean you can't!?— I was stripped of my transformer after an incident!
She finally admitted, crying and shaking in the most pitiful spectacle. A powerful fighter deprived of her weapon? What a joke. Looks like I'll have to fight.
While I yelled at my partner, the monster had already finished devouring the two attackers. I stepped forward to face it, hoping not to die—and I had to protect the civilians who could do nothing against him.
I activated my perpetual cycle and launched the attack. I aimed for the most vulnerable part of its body: its ribs.
In an instant, I was in front of him and landed a punch strong enough to shatter a wall into his ribs—but it only made him stagger back slightly.
He growled, satisfied that he was leading the fight, and swiped at me with a claw. I barely dodged. Just when I thought I was safe, he delivered a devastating kick to my leg, leaving a claw mark. He had just taken away my main advantage: speed and mobility. And he knew it, grinning sadistically.
Without hesitation, I activated Boost and struck back with my strongest right hand to his snout, breaking what served as his nose. Then I deactivated Boost immediately to avoid too many side effects.— Damn… even with Boost, I can't land a decisive hit…
The monster growled in rage and lunged to bite my leg. I dodged at the last second, leaping to the side. Yet it reacted instantly, grabbed my leg, and slammed me into a wall, breaking ribs. It followed up with a furious barrage on my already bloodied body until I was nearly lifeless and soaked in my own blood.
Satisfied, it turned to the last living person—Haru. Licking its lips, it moved toward her. But to its surprise, I got up—bloodied and barely standing, but still standing—with a wicked grin on my face.— Wanna fight? Perfect, so do I. Come on!