November 10th, 186 AJ. District 11.
Basked beneath a sea of neon radiance ranging from all spectrums, the outskirts of district 11 was experiencing its usual lively night. Droves of people infested the streets, many eager to drown away their troubles with the taste of indulgence. Only those who could afford such a privilege of course.
Ironically it was those beyond its expanse which came to benefit from all of the night's allures, with those of the outskirts either left to select from a few less optimal establishments or ready to throw away their little hard earned revenue for a moment of solace.
A few chose to not enter anywhere and merely allowed the streets to be their bearer while their minds flew away into a wonderful dream. Among those sprawled with mist sizzling from their mouths were also pedestrians tiredly flocking to their homes after a long bitter day of work. Even then some already had bottles at hand, just as keen to escape into a manufactured mirth as all those around them.
Then peppered across the mass expanse of the outskirts were a few buildings of notable stature, however not for noble reasons. Massive holographic ads flashed in the sky above them, all while the structures bask under their own sources of neon lights. Many moved towards these beacons like moths to flame. Unable to rebel against their greed, they all soon entered the many casinos of the Rich Valley Area.
Here all one needed was but a few credits, and perhaps, just maybe… They could come out of it with a new life. Yet they were foolish to believe life was so kind. In truth, they were merely delivering wealth to the palm of the Red Tiger Gang. Just as they did the day prior, just as they would the day after.
Things were different today however. Two of the most notable casinos failed to open their doors. The Royal Casino was excused since it suffered a bloody attack just two nights back, but the Heaven's Touch Casino had no such incident.
What was left unseen beyond its large walls was a chaotic scene unfolding within. Unlike the Royal Casino which was covered in scarlet, the Heaven's Touch Casino was full of white radiance. White and blue painted its walls and holographic imagery, creating a far more vibrant scenery than the dark crimsons and lower lighting of the Royal Casino.
Presently scattered within its expanse were men dressed in steel blue suits, all a member of the Red Tiger Gang's Royal Division. Instead of overseeing the nightly games they were instead bringing forth a multitude of alloy containers.
Held inside were various types of weaponry from assault rifles, Advance-Grade dual purpose shotguns, and even Advance Strategic Cybernetic Armors, or ASCAs. A robotic exoskeleton armor with nano-tech integrations that encompasses the body to allow for superhuman performance along with access to built in weaponry.
Such a weapon was the jewel of Bastion's armed powers before the success of the Esper Program and Railgun Miniaturization. However, even now it served as a lethal boon for any entity which had access to it.
Overseeing all the preparations near the casino's entrances were two figures. One was lean and short, possessing a black beard that hid his chin. His slick back hair was the same color as his beard with only his eyes serving to contrast them with its green coloring. The second figure was a head taller, with a clean face, brown eyes, and dark hair. They too wore steel blue suits, a natural result of their sationing upon this casino.
They were Dominic Smith and Kenneth Blake, two Red Tiger Heads.
Leaning against a pillar with a frown adorned on his face, Dominic ruffled his beard as he broke the silence.
"Any new word from the boss yet?"
"If there was, don't you think I would have told you already?"
"Check and be sure…"
Kenneth sighed, then inspected his phone with an exasperated look on his face.
"Ah!"
"What is there something?!"
"Yes! A screen!"
Realizing that he fell for a joke, a vein emerged on Dominic's head. His skin colored by a rising crimson.
"Stop the bullshit and take this seriously! I mean why else would the boss order us to fully arm ourselves?! Maybe the police or a rival gang is on the move!"
Kenneth shrugged.
"The police wouldn't dare. And the other gangs wouldn't require us to take out this much high level weaponry now would they?"
Dominic stamped his foot.
"Then what?! It has to be serious so why keep us in the dark?!"
"Perhaps it is, but regardless, these are the boss's orders."
Kenneth sighed.
"Speaking of, he should be arriving soon. 8PM he said."
Seeing as they could only wait, the two heads fell back into silence.
*****
Their wait was no longer than what was promised. When the hour struck 8PM, the doors of the casino opened to welcome their stern leader.
Wilson Francis permeated a familiar calm and elegant temperament. He wore a black suit made of fine cloth, adding to his grace. Dominic and Kenneth were about to greet him, yet the words became stuck in their throats when they noticed the unquestionable shade of simmering fury within the depths of his brown eyes.
"Is everything ready?"
His serious voice brought them back as the two nodded.
"Welcome boss. Everything is as you requested."
Kenneth said. Then to his side, Dominic questioned hesitantly.
"Um, boss… Why exactly are we arming ourselves?"
It was only natural to wonder. The Red Tiger Gang's Royal Division had the means to arm itself like that of a small army, yet it was an aspect of the organization that was rarely summoned forth. Doing so without care would expose the casino's involvement with the Red Tiger Gang to a level of irrefutability.
However, the boss's words were law and Dominic had neither the position or desire to defy them. All which he held was curiosity.
"Today we corner a rodent, that's all…"
Wilson did not elaborate further. Instead he began a steady walk forth. The two tiger heads followed.
"Kenneth, stay here and organize everyone to guard all hidden entrances to the underground. When you're done, come and join us at the lab."
Kenneth nodded then ceased his trailing. Meanwhile, Wilson ordered ten men, Dominic included, to follow him. Among them, three wore ASCAs, four held Advance-Grade weaponry, two held Regular-Grade weaponry, and Dominic walked among them as a lethal esper.
It was not long before they arrived upon the underground structures. The usually lively Mist-Powder factories were experiencing a rare night of slumber. They walked past it in silence before at last reaching a steel door at the end of a narrow hallway.
Wilson turned to his men.
"Wait here and enter only after the commotion starts."
He ordered, then opened the door unceremoniously. A cool breeze, along with the lab's familiar sight, welcomed him.
Compared to the Mist-Powder factories, the lab was a newer construction consisting of five parts. The first was the main area, where all the equipment is stored and the machinery is put together. The second was the holder of the Chip Installer Model 18, a beast of steel alloy crucial for the process of becoming an esper. The third room was the observation chamber, while the last two rooms were the lab user's apartment and bathroom respectively.
Wilson's eyes immediately landed upon the sole user of the lab. That figure was situated before a steel table. He was a tall man with a lean build, brown hair, and porcelain skin. Hidden behind a pair of magnifying glasses were two ocean blue eyes. His attention focused upon a small device which he was modifying.
There was a few seconds between Wilson's entrance and the figure, Arthur Cole, noticing his presence. Upon realizing such Arthur jolted from surprise.
"B–Boss?!"
He removed the magnifying glasses, laying bare his youthful face as it wore a bewildered expression.
"What brings you here today?! Wait. Don't tell me it's already the deadline for the next batch of E-Chips?! No, no, has my solidarity finally made me lose any semblance of time?!"
In a panic, Arthur stood and rushed in the direction of steel compartments built into the very walls themselves. His lab coat fluttered as he sprinted. All the while Wilson watched on.
This was the mystical researcher who defected from the NSRA and brought the Esper Program to the Red Tiger Gang in exchange for protection. In a way he was Wilson's golden goose, a partner. And also— as it turned out— a deceiving snake who was playing him like a fool. That realization alone made Wilson be overcome by seething fury.
Masking it behind a calm temperament, Wilson at last broke his silence.
"That is not why I am here today Arthur."
Arthur froze, turning to face Wilson with a bewildered expression.
"It isn't? Then why?"
Wilson gestured for two seats situated opposite of each other and separated by a steel table. Atop the table were a few mechanical equipment scattered about, along with specialized tools. Arthur did not resist and did as Wilson instructed. Before long the two were face to face.
"So, why the visit?"
Arthur asked, unease finding itself upon his voice.
Rather than answering, Wilson asked a question of his own.
"Arthur, how much do you know of the Esper Program? All the details?"
Arthur tilted his head slightly as he nodded.
"Ah yes, all the details. However, as I stated in the initial report I wrote to you, my knowledge does not go beyond the second stage."
Lie…
Wilson stroked his beard.
"I see. Hmm, so everything was sent in that report? Including potential dangers and all available applications of spirituality?"
Still confused, Arthur answered dubiously.
"Ah, yes everything was there."
Lie…
Wilson nodded.
"Okay then. But I've been curious over something the report mentioned for a while now. The part that said any nano-tech alloy could serve as materials for the E-Chips. If this is the case, how can they conduct spirituality?"
"Um, well the sensors are what matters. They detect spirituality and it then follows the fibers naturally. We don't actually understand why it chooses to follow the fibers yet."
Liar, you know why. Because it's a mystical metal.
"Then what about the skin? I can feel my spirituality field above it, but your reports lacked any information regarding manipulating it, why is that?"
Arthur tilted his head slightly.
"Beyond the increase in healing potency for the skin there are no real benefits or applications that I am aware of regarding its manipulation."
Liar… Damn liar.
Wilson felt the urge to reach for Arthur's throat, yet he restrained his body from acting. However, He no longer restrained his tongue.
Donning a deep frown, he spat.
"Enough already—! I know you have been feeding me half truths. Voiding small details, piling them up subtly until they form a large cluster of ignorance. I'm only going to ask once, why have you deceived me? Are you an NSRA spy? Or perhaps you and your 'partner' never did separate and your allegiance is actually with my enemy?"
Hearing Wilson's stern accusation startled Arthur. His face turned pale and he wore an expression of equal terror and confusion.
"Boss? Why are you suddenly thinking this?! Have I not delivered on everything I promised?! Why would you think I'm against you?!"
"I said enough!"
Sparks of electric fury began dancing upon the surface of Wilson's hand as he slammed the table with a fist. The table trembled and electricity scattered. No longer bothering to mask his rage, Wilson stood from his seat and stared at Arthur with contempt.
"I could have tortured you for the information back when you first came to me! Instead I made you a partner, a generous deal where we both benefited, yet now I learn that it was all tainted by disgusting deceit?! Damn brat, I'll slaughter you and slice you to chunks before feeding what remains to dogs! Now answer me, why did you lie?! Who are you really?!"
Behind him, the steel door slid open and Dominic's figure emerged along with the nine other Red Tigers.
Now faced with a small force and the fury of the Red Tiger Gang's boss. The terrified and confused Arthur at last ceased his acting. His ocean blue eyes lost their fearful luster, replacing it with a calm core. His expression turned aloof, and his previous frightened posture straightened.
Just like that, the once timid young man disappeared, leaving behind an unrecognizable man.
Arthur sighed.
"So I was found out… How curious."
Resting his elbow upon the steel table, then his chin upon his hand, Arthur donned an insidious grin as he stared at the two vengeful eyes of Wilson Francis.
"No way you discovered it on your own though. Due tell, how did you figure it out?"
"You brat!"
His calm decorum only served to enrage Wilson further. Electric sparks began simmering from his hands once more as the Red Tigers circled Arthur with their weapons aimed. However, Arthur continued to appear unbothered.
"So you won't talk? Am I supposed to be scared of these men? Of you? Heh-heh, I know you won't kill me because I am the core of your esper program. Without me there is nothing you can do."
Arthur said smugly.
"Taunt more and see if I don't blow your head off. Don't forget, I can always just go and take your partner away from the Green Python Gang if I dispose of you. Until then however, our friendly cooperation is over. I know you lied about lacking the means to create an E-Chip for the third stage. Even if you do, you don't lack the knowledge. If you value your life then you will build it. Ah, but if some pain will help motivate you then we can arrange that as well."
Arthur stared at Wilson, indifferent to everyone else. His grin grew wider.
"Are you breaking up with me boss? Hmm, got to say, it doesn't hurt me as much as you think it does."
He stood up, causing everyone present beyond Wilson to straighten their backs.
"I did lie, but not just about the esper information I gave you. Wilson Francis, the truth is I never needed protection. Not from you or anyone. The goal was simpler than something like that— Not that it matters anymore, I wanted things to unfold differently but this is fine too, I suppose."
The grin on his lips dissipated as he donned a vicious scowl.
"Now listen carefully. I'm leaving and you're not going to stop me. If you try… I'll kill you all."
The next moment, both Wilson and Dominic felt an illusory force engulf the area around them. Dominic's expression turned tense while Wilson's brows furrowed even more.
They were both espers so they could recognize the familiar flow of spirituality, even if it was not their own. Instead— This was the expansion of Arthur's spirituality field, an ability said to be reserved for Third Stage Espers and above.