Evening in Blazewood.
The sun was sinking westward, staining the sky a deep red.
Although Lucy and Caesar had spent most of the evening bickering, the collaboration with the Cunning Hares had been formally established.
After a long bout of sparring, Lucy eventually lost to Caesar once again, allowing her to retain her title as the boss of the Sons of Calydon.
"Well then, everyone, let's talk about our plan," Caesar said, scanning the group with a serious look.
"There's not really much of a plan," Sol said with a stretch, speaking in a relaxed tone. "Once the two officers arrive, you just need to lead us to the Vanquishers' camp. That's it."
"Huh? That simple?"
Caesar ran a hand through her ash-green hair, looking dumbfounded.
She had imagined some grand battle of wits against the Vanquishers—an intricate, high-stakes struggle that would test their limits and end with them fighting to their last drop of blood.
She was ready to sacrifice herself for justice and righteousness. That run under the setting sun—that would be her youth without regret~
"You're looking down on us, aren't you? We're the Sons of Calydon, not a bunch of cowards!"
Lucy stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Sol.
"Of course not," Sol replied casually, shrugging. "It's just that things really are that simple. You're the ones overcomplicating it."
"Really?"
Lucy and Caesar exchanged doubtful looks. A moment ago, they were rivals; now they were unexpectedly united in skepticism.
"What else?"
Nicole Demara let out a smug little hum. "With our forces joining together, making things complicated would just be a waste of expressions!"
In truth, she believed that with the Cunning Hares and Phaethon working together, everything could be resolved easily. The Sons of Calydon only needed to serve as intermediaries.
Of course, it wouldn't be polite to say that outright.
To be honest, after Sol's "training" had boosted her strength considerably, Nicole had become a little full of herself.
"What if there's a sudden Hollow outbreak?"
Lucy, unwilling to admit defeat, countered stubbornly, "You can't just rely on brute force to handle a Hollow. You need professional knowledge and experience."
Sol thought back to the X-83 Hollow he'd blown apart with a single punch and concluded that most problems—Hollows included—could be solved with enough force.
Nicole, meanwhile, raised Belle's hand proudly. "We have the legendary Proxies, Phaethon, on our side! A little Hollow is nothing!"
"Keep it low-key, low-key!"
Belle waved her hand modestly, though the corners of her lips curled upward uncontrollably. Her delicate face tilted upward slightly, practically inviting more praise.
"..."
Wise rolled his eyes and sighed softly.
Phaethon was supposed to be a shadowy identity, yet Nicole blurted it out so easily—and now even his sister looked proud about it.
There was no saving them.
But then again, considering that half of Sixth Street already knew who they were, maybe this wasn't such a big deal anymore.
"Phaethon!"
The members of the Sons of Calydon gasped in surprise, turning their attention toward the fair-skinned young woman who looked around twenty-five or twenty-six.
Caesar blinked in amazement. "I can't believe the famous Phaethon is such a young woman!"
Belle shook her head and pointed to Wise. "Actually, there are two of us—me and my frail older brother."
"Whoa!"
Another round of gasps erupted.
Piper tilted her head. "Isn't it dangerous to reveal your identity like that?"
"Hehe, it's fine," Belle said lightly, scratching her head. "We're planning to expand our business into the Outer Ring anyway, and you're all trustworthy friends. It's okay if you know."
"That's reassuring," Caesar said sincerely. "It makes me feel much safer knowing we'll be working with Phaethon."
Lucy nodded reluctantly. "Alright, fine. You've got skills. With Phaethon's Hollow expertise, everyone's combat strength, and our network connections, things really are simpler."
They had direction, power, and relationships.
If the Vanquishers refused the polite invitation, the punishment wine would surely follow.
"Good. Then it's settled," Sol said decisively, tapping the table. "Zhu Yuan and Qingyi will arrive tomorrow morning. We'll move out right after."
"No problem!"
Everyone responded in unison.
"When this is over, I'll buy everyone fuel drinks! Let's have a real Fuel Drink Party!" Burnice cheered, waving her arms with a radiant, sun-bright smile.
She wanted music. She wanted to dance.
Bur ↗ nice ↘, Bur ↘ nice ↗, Bur ↗ nice ↘!
"Sounds good," Sol said, rubbing his chin with a pleased grin.
After a simple dinner, everyone returned to their rooms for rest.
That night, Sol was truly pitiful—his only companion was Baal, serving as a makeshift pillow.
So tragic.
…
By early morning, the sun was a pale orange-red, and the chill still lingered in the air.
Just as dawn broke, a New Eridu Public Security vehicle, its red and blue lights flashing, drove into Blazewood, immediately catching the attention of the few early risers.
Due to geographical and historical reasons, law enforcement in the Outer Ring was notoriously weak. It was rare to see Public Security officers here—usually, local biker gangs maintained order.
"Ah, looks like we're a bit early."
Qingyi stepped out of the car, sipping hot tea from her thermos, feeling warmth spread through her body.
"Sigh, can't believe Sol and his team got here before us. We're supposed to be the officers," Zhu Yuan said, glancing at the two familiar cars parked by the roadside with a hint of embarrassment.