—Alright, Mr. Kailen, all the paperwork is ready. Please sign here, acknowledging that you understand the risks of an early discharge. And allow me to try to dissuade you one last time.

  —I’ll be fine, Doc. You saw what happened—I need to get to work.

  —I understand, your complicated personal situation demands it. If you ever experience medical issues related to the procedures you underwent, please don’t hesitate to seek care here. Or, if you choose another facility, you can request your technomedical records at any time.

  —No issues releasing those papers? I thought that kind of stuff was confidential.

  —Well, I also expect a little common decency from you not to spread them around…

  —Of course, man, that’s the least I can do.

  We shared a brief chuckle, and I finally gathered all my belongings. I was wearing a fitted shirt with a lightweight jacket, both a dark navy—almost black. My pants were black, snug but flexible, ensuring mobility without getting in the way. My boots, brown with thin soles, were worn just enough not to make noise when I walked. My revolver rested on my right hip, snug in its usual holster.

  A nurse came out to see me off, holding a keychain.

  —Here are the keys to your motorcycle, Mr. Kailen. Your companion left them here when you arrived. Your vehicle is in the back parking lot. Insert this disposable card into the machine, and it’ll let you out with no extra fees. Have a nice day.

  —Goodbye, and thanks for everything.

  I walked toward my bike, already planning my next moves. I needed to put together a solid team. Because of the competition’s rules, no troops obtained through patriarchal intervention were allowed. In other words, no one affiliated with the Neuvak family could participate—which worked just fine for me. Any of them would put the old man’s orders above mine. Now, I had the chance to pick my own crew, and with any luck, secure at least a little loyalty. But that was something we’d only find out when the time came.

  I checked the time on a holographic board across the street. It was already getting late. Kan should be at his mother’s place. I decided to pay him a visit. Recruiting Kan was a priority. Out of everyone I knew, I trusted him the most not to stab me in the back at a critical moment.

  I fired up the bike, revved the engine, and sped off toward that bastard Kan’s place.

  Kan lived in one of the massive housing blocks near Nest. Technically, it was still part of the Lower City, but the difference from the deeper districts was barely noticeable. Everything here still reeked of the same shit—crumbling concrete, ventilation systems on their last legs, and that constant feeling that at any moment, something—or someone—was bound to fail.

  I stepped into the elevator, hit the button for the 13th floor, and let the doors slide shut.

  Unfortunately for me, someone else got in on the second floor.

  A… woman?

  She wore gray pants with military patterns, black boots, a green tank top, and had a metal bat slung over her shoulder. Her hair was short, and her face was unreadable. But what caught my attention the most was her build. She was fucking jacked—enough to make me hesitate for a second on whether she was actually a woman.

  That wasn’t even the strangest part. She only had one breast.

  Instinct kicked in, and I looked away before she caught me scanning her. I wasn’t sure which was more dangerous—her presence or the heavy silence that settled inside the elevator.

  Then she hit me with a short, dry:

  —Hey.

  And proceeded to press multiple buttons on the panel.

  As the elevator started moving up, she turned to me when I didn’t answer, scanning me from head to toe.

  —What? You think you’re too good for me?

  —If that’s what you think…

  —Little shit, I’ve had drinks more bitter than you.

  —Nah —I replied, shaking my head—. You’ve never tasted anything like me.

  —Ha, I’d like to see that.

  She licked her lips just as the elevator stopped on the fourth floor.

  Without a word, she stepped out and, without warning, swung her bat straight into the legs of some guy standing nearby. Poor bastard nearly spun in the air before hitting the ground like a sack of bricks.

  He had no time to react. The moment he landed, she slammed two more punches into his gut before spitting in his face.

  —Never forget to pay and tip after touching the girls.

  Just like that, she got back into the elevator as if nothing had happened.

  She had pressed floors 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 earlier. If this was a routine, the night was shaping up to be interesting.

  When the elevator stopped at the next floor, I considered stepping out and taking another one. But as soon as the doors opened, a group of people about to get in saw her… and in unanimous agreement, decided to stay the hell out of it. If my choices were waiting with that whole crowd for another elevator or staying put, the decision was easy.

  —Didn’t collect the debt? —I asked.

  She looked at me like she hadn’t expected me to speak.

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  —No need. That bastard will settle it on his own. If not… —She gripped the bat with both hands.

  —Unusual way to do business.

  —Hey, at least it pays the rent. What about you? What brings you here?

  —None of your business.

  She took a step closer and pointed the bat at me.

  —If you bring trouble to the business, then it is my fucking business.

  I chuckled.

  —If someone sent me after you or your girls, you’d have much bigger problems.

  —You think you’re some big shot, mercenary? I’ve killed bastards bigger than you.

  —I don’t doubt you’ve taken down plenty of drunk idiots. But I’m not like the fools you’re used to beating up.

  She gave me another look, this time lingering for a few seconds on the revolver barely peeking out from under my jacket.

  —I think I could take that —she said with a smirk.

  —If you really believe that, you’re welcome to try —I replied, smirking back as I placed a hand on the gun’s grip.

  She held my gaze, the challenge clear in her eyes. Seemed like she was pissed that I wasn’t intimidated.

  Just when it looked like she was about to take a swing at me, the elevator stopped.

  She stepped out without a word, and just as I expected, another poor bastard got his ass kicked without warning.

  Before getting back in, she glanced at me.

  —Maybe another day.

  —Maybe —I replied.

  The rest of the ride was more of the same until she finally got off on her last floor.

  —Name’s Natalia. If I ever catch you messing with my girls, don’t doubt for a second that I’ll beat the shit out of you.

  —Of course. Goodbye, sweetheart, it was a pleasure.

  —Wait, what’s your…?— The elevator doors shut before she could finish.

  Natalia, huh. Charming. A bit aggressive, but she didn’t seem like a bad person. She could’ve easily killed or crippled any of the guys she visited, but she just left them bruised and aching. In my book, that was called compassion.

  When the apartment door opened, a voice caught me off guard.

  —Kailen? That you?

  —Kan, you bastard.

  We greeted each other with a solid mid-air handshake, followed by a chest bump that neither of us held back on.

  —Hey, lil’ bro, what brings you here? Got a target in this sector?

  —Yeah, you —I grinned.

  —What? You took a contract to kill me? At least let me say goodbye to Mom first.

  —Nah, I got a job, but it’s not you. Quite the opposite—I need extra hands.

  —Oh, good. Mom’s just about done with her famous stew. She said she got a pack of Termite, and it’s got up to eight percent real meat.

  —What!? Who’s got a birthday? Or did someone die?

  —Nah, we’re celebrating that I got reinstated.

  —For real? No issues?

  —Oh, there were issues. They kept me out till today. I can officially return tomorrow without consequences. Apparently, some higher-up backed me.

  —Congrats. I’ll come back later then, let you guys have dinner in peace.

  —Nah, what are you talking about? Come eat with us. If there’s food for two, there’s food for three.

  Kan practically dragged me by the shoulder back into his apartment.

  —Ma, look who’s here to visit!

  —Hold on, sweetheart, I’m almost done with the salads!

  A moment later, Kan’s mother came out of the kitchen.

  —Kailen! My dear boy, you’re okay!

  She nearly ran over and planted a big kiss on my cheek, followed by a quick but firm hug. Then she started inspecting me from head to toe.

  —Ha, ha, don’t worry, Mrs. Mitsui, I’m fine. I just got out of the clinic, and they cleared me—said I’m in perfect condition.

  —What do you mean you just got out of the clinic?

  —Oh, yeah, about that… I was admitted for a few days. Apparently, I had heavy metal poisoning.

  —And how the hell did you end up with that much metal in your body? —she asked, crossing her arms, a deep frown on her face.

  —I might’ve taken a few bullets that I couldn’t fully remove during our escape.

  She immediately shot Kan a death glare before smacking him over the head with a metal spoon.

  —See? Because of you, Kailen almost died, and there you are, doing favors for that little tramp. Maybe you should rethink your priorities?

  —I know, Ma, stop hitting me! You’re gonna mess up my head. I swear I’ll help lil’ bro however I can from now on.

  —Good. —She nodded a couple of times, as if Kan had just made a solemn vow, then turned to me—. And you, young man? What’s with this “Mrs. Mitsui” nonsense? Since when are we so distant?

  —Ah, sorry, Aunt Suka.

  —Much better. Come on, sit down, I’m about to serve.

  She served us both a big plate, and on mine, she added an extra portion of meat. Kan pouted, but he didn’t dare complain under the silent threat of another kitchen utensil finding its way to his head.

  —So, what do you need help with? —Kan finally asked.

  —I took a contract from the Neuvak. It’s gonna be dangerous, so I need trained people.

  Kan froze in place. It was so strange that his mother had to step in to remind him of his promise.

  —Your little brother risked his life to save you. The least you can do is help him with his mission.

  —It’s not that I don’t want to, Ma, but… to get reinstated, I had to sign a strict contract that forbids me from having any contractual ties with any of the Six Great Families.

  Mmm. That was, at the very least, an odd clause.

  —When did you sign that?

  —They called me no more than four hours ago. The meeting was pretty short, and everything was settled quickly.

  —And the person who vouched for you… any chance they were connected to the Neuvak?

  —I think… yeah, that might be the case. I’m not sure.

  I sighed.

  —I don’t have any doubts. They’re definitely trying to box me in, force me into something they can control.

  I shook my head, mostly to clear the negativity.

  —Let’s not dwell on it. Tonight, we celebrate that you got back in.

  Both of them smiled and raised their glasses along with mine.

  The conversation was lively. We didn’t let the issue bother us and talked about all sorts of things. It got a little awkward when Kan’s mom offered to introduce me to some girls if I was having trouble with the opposite sex.

  Near the end of dinner, Aunt Suka’s expression turned worried again, and she finally asked:

  —So, my boy, what will you do? You said you needed trained people. Are you sure you don’t want Kan’s help?

  —It’s not worth the risk. If he even tried to follow me, they’d probably arrest him for conspiring with one of the Great Houses. I’m sure the Neuvak would be willing to go that far and beyond just to trap me. It’s better if he stays out of it. I’ll figure something out.

  —And you, don’t just be useless. Find a way to help him.

  —Ma, I’m thinking… Whoa, don’t hit me! Okay, okay! I’ve got an idea.

  Aunt Suka lowered the utensil.

  —You could reach out to Olaf. I’m sure he’d help you if you have the funds. Do you have the funds?

  —Yeah. This mission is crucial for the Neuvak. They’re footing the entire bill—no budget limit.

  —Seriously?

  —They’re desperate to win.

  —I see… In that case, there might be someone else who could help.

  Kan seemed a bit hesitant about this mysterious person.

  —he got something special?

  —Yeah. He was an Enforcer.

  —Was?

  —They pulled a similar move on him a while back… he never recovered.

  —An Enforcer soldier would be useful.

  —He wasn’t a soldier. He was a captain… and a decorated one at that.

  —Son, why did you keep this information from your brother? He needs it.

  —Because he might be hard to deal with. They say his mind isn’t what it used to be. Cleaning him up from whatever he’s been into could be expensive, and there’s no guarantee he’s still at the level he once was.

  —High-level military training like what they teach in the Enforcers doesn’t just disappear. It stays in the muscle memory, Kan. We saw it when I rescued you… If we really have the money, then what we’re missing is time. The expedition has to leave as soon as possible.

  —He shouldn’t live too far from where you are, but that neighborhood’s rough. Full of junkies and lowlifes.

  —Give me his name and any photo or description you have. I’ll track him down and see what I can do. Hiring him would be good, but I still have Olaf. Hopefully, he can bring in some guys for the mission. I need trained people I can trust.

  —Bah, a thug like him is used to working the Pits. I’m sure he’s got plenty of people with combat experience—just not the kind you’re used to. Fighting in the Pits is different.

  —Alright, thanks for everything.

  —Anytime, kid. Don’t hesitate to come by if you need anything. We owe you big time for bringing this knucklehead back.

  Kan handed me the contact info, and I left without wasting any time.

  Thank you for reading!

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