Blazewood.
Caesar had already arranged for a few houses to be tidied up for Sol Mercer and his group to stay in. At the moment, everyone had gathered around a platform shaded by a parasol.
Each person had a glass of Burnice's special Fuel Drink beside them—her way of offering a warm welcome and an appetizer for what she called hospitality. As for the main course, that would require scheduling a proper time for a grand party.
Under the parasol, including Baal, there were twelve people total, gathered for a roundtable discussion about the Perlman Incident.
Although at least half the participants were obviously just there to loaf around—like Anby eating a burger, Nekomata licking her paw, or Baal watching the show—the scene still appeared rather impressive.
"Boss Caesar, Perlman—the guy who almost blew up Canvas Street and hundreds of residents—has fled to the Outer Ring. This time, we're going to work with the Public Security officers to bring him back to justice."
Billy Kid stood up and began explaining, "But since we're not very familiar with the Outer Ring, we'll need the help of the Sons of Calydon."
"Billy, you're part of a professional Hollow Raider team, and you're telling me you're working with the Public Security—fine, I can let that slide. But did you just say you're not familiar with the Outer Ring?"
Caesar wiped her eyes, as though she couldn't believe her ears.
The former champion of the Sons of Calydon, the White-Haired Devil feared across the Outer Ring, claiming he wasn't familiar with it?
She had literally watched Billy grow up—the Outer Ring was his hometown!
Not to mention, Billy often came over to work part-time with her crew. And that counts as unfamiliar?
"Well, I've been following Boss Nicole for quite a while now… so I'm not really up-to-date with the factions in the Outer Ring."
Billy scratched his head awkwardly, giving a weak laugh.
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at Sol and Nicole. Seeing that neither showed any strange expression, he finally relaxed.
Everyone here was pretty reasonable—but facing his former boss, current boss, and future boss all at once, even Billy felt a bit on edge.
Boss Nicole, Boss Sol, don't get the wrong idea. I'm already a top-tier household appliance of the Cunning Hares!
"Pfft, Billy, your memory's really slipping. Doesn't sound like the undefeated champion I know."
Lighter smirked, voice lilting mockingly.
That's what real friends were like—always dependable when it mattered, but never missing an opportunity to roast you.
"..."
Billy shot him a resentful look.
Bro, now's not the time to sell me out!
Sol ignored the sulky man in sunglasses and the snarky robot, smiling as he turned to Caesar. "So, Caesar, will you give us a hand?"
"Of course! Scum like Perlman isn't welcome anywhere—catching him is everyone's responsibility!"
Caesar slapped Big Ray on the shoulder and agreed without hesitation.
She loved making friends and hoped the Outer Ring could be lively and happy—but people like Perlman didn't belong in that vision.
"Then we're really grateful. With the legendary biker gang Sons of Calydon helping us, taking down Perlman will be a breeze."
Nicole's narrow eyes curved as she smiled slyly, like a fox.
She adored this type of straightforward person—easy to hook and reel in. Not like Sol, who always left her feeling hooked and hanging.
"Nah, we're not as great as you say."
Caesar scratched her head sheepishly, grinning with embarrassment.
Lucy sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, annoyed that Caesar was tarnishing the image of the Sons of Calydon.
As expected, she should have been the true leader of the gang.
Taking a deep breath, Lucy asked the group, "So, you want our help finding Perlman—do you have any leads? The Outer Ring's huge. Looking for someone with just a picture is like finding a needle in a haystack."
"There's a bit of a lead. According to the Public Security officers we're cooperating with, Perlman's trail vanished near Pallet Town—that's territory occupied by the Vanquishers."
Sol explained without hesitation, "This intel came from Justin Bringer, the deputy director of the Janus Quarter Public Security Bureau. He mobilized all their resources for it. But because of the Outer Ring's complicated situation, they couldn't continue their investigation."
"The Vanquishers… they're the current overlords of the Outer Ring," Caesar said, eyes widening slightly. "They control the division of biker transport routes."
Lucy frowned. "If Perlman really has strong ties with the Vanquishers, it'll be hard to find any clues under their lockdown—unless we start a conflict."
Sol took a sip of his Fuel Drink and smiled. "No need to be that pessimistic. According to the Bureau's investigation, Perlman may have plenty of shady connections, but none are particularly close to the Outer Ring."
"Vision Corporation does have some transportation dealings with the Vanquishers in construction materials, but the Bureau confirmed that's just a clean kickback relationship."
"So, what does that mean?"
Caesar and Burnice looked at Sol with wide, unclouded eyes—pure and curious, like two innocent schoolgirls.
Lucy, however, caught on immediately. Her frown eased. "You're saying Perlman and the Vanquishers don't have a deep connection. At most, they're temporary partners."
"Exactly," Sol said approvingly, raising his glass to her. "And since Perlman's now a wanted man with everyone out for his head, he doesn't have the leverage to make the Vanquishers protect him. Their bond's weak—possibly very weak."
Lucy thought through it, confirming Sol's logic, and nodded.
With golden hair spilling from beneath her helmet, her aura radiated leadership. "In that case, it's feasible. On behalf of the Sons of Calydon, I accept your proposal."
For them, this collaboration wasn't without benefit. Aspiring to challenge the Outer Ring's reigning gang, the Sons of Calydon could use this chance to show their fangs—to make their power known.
After all, the Vanquishers had been giving them the worst transport routes for over a year. That needed to change.
And this partnership with Sol could be the turning point.
Of course, that big-chested brute Caesar wouldn't understand such subtleties. It took someone like her to see the bigger picture.
"No problem. Glad to be working together."
Sol extended his hand with a calm smile.
Two fair, slender hands clasped—the pact was sealed.
"Happy cooperation."
Lucy's smile was bright and confident.
"Wait a sec! I'm the boss of the Sons of Calydon!" Caesar suddenly exclaimed, realizing something was off. "Shouldn't I be the one to make the statement?"
"Quiet down, Caesar. Can't you see I have more leaderly charm than you?" Lucy puffed up her chest, her fair skin nearly blinding in the sunlight. "I'll become the boss sooner or later—I'm just leading the Sons of Calydon toward a brighter future a little early."
"Lucy, I'm the boss!" Caesar reached toward Sol. "I make the call for this partnership!"
"Caesar, let's settle this—one-on-one!"
Lucy was fuming now, raising her spiked club with fire in her eyes.
"You're not my match," Caesar said calmly, confidence in her strength absolute.
"Hmph!" Lucy stomped her foot and shouted, "You'll regret this, Caesar!"
"Right now, I'm the leader!"
Caesar refused to back down, her fighting spirit flaring.
Watching the two of them bicker, Sol couldn't help but feel a strange sense of déjà vu.
"Everyone in the Outer Ring sure is… lively," Belle said with a soft chuckle as she watched the two women argue.
"Yeah, they must be really close," Wise nodded, commenting mildly.
"Who's close with that maniac?!" Lucy turned and roared like an angry dragon.
Piper sighed, shaking her head. Lucy was the one waving a spiked club every day—she was clearly the violent one. But that's just how young people were: self-awareness wasn't their strong suit.
"Uhuhu~" Nicole covered her mouth, suppressing her laughter. "So, this is the Sons of Calydon? They're certainly passionate."
Passionate (×), hilarious (√).
At least it showed that her leadership of the Cunning Hares was solid—everyone got along, no backstabbing, no power struggles.
Every member was her loyal subordinate, deeply respectful of her authority.
Anby, Sol, Nekomata—all loyal to the core.
Well, mostly. Billy still needed a bit of training.
[Sol:Exactly, that's how it is!]
[Anby:That's right!]
[Nekomata:Yep, that's right!]
[Billy:Boss, you've got it wrong! I really am loyal!]