Sweet Madame, Flaming Red Bolognese, onigiri, Mushroom Chicken Skewer…
Pardo sniffed the aroma wafting off the food and felt like her eyes were spinning. So many things she'd never eaten before.
Sure, she ran around "restocking" all the time, but a lot of the money she got ended up being donated to Aponia's convalescent home anyway.
This kitty was kind-hearted. Even though she made a living doing thief-like work, she never laid a hand on people who were truly struggling.
"Is… is this for me to eat?" Pardo asked in a small voice.
Even rich people probably hadn't eaten stuff like this—every dish looked and smelled perfect, the kind of food that made your mouth water just by looking at it.
"If you're not afraid it's poisoned, go ahead." Koji chuckled and rubbed the kitty on the head.
"Don't rub my head. I won't grow taller." Pardo muttered.
She was sensitive, and she could tell Koji didn't have any ill intent toward her—if anything, he seemed genuinely concerned.
For a little kitty who'd tasted all the coldness and bitterness of life, that warmth was rare.
Koji felt like an older brother to her. If she weren't trying so hard to stay calm right now, she would've already started meowing like a cat.
"Mmm… so good. I've never had anything like this before."
Pardo took one bite. She didn't think Koji would use food to hurt her—there was no need for that—but the moment she tried it, she couldn't stop.
Chomp chomp…
The food Koji took out began vanishing at a speed visible to the naked eye. Pardo straight-up grabbed it with both little hands and ate, lips shiny with oil, showing absolutely no sign of slowing down.
Five minutes…
This was the first time she'd ever eaten something this delicious, so she ate without holding back. Even her little belly started to bulge and bounce as it filled up.
Koji's eyes crinkled with a smile. Seeing the kitty so satisfied made him happy too.
…
"Buuuurp~~~"
An entire table of food was swept clean by Pardo. Her slightly grimy little face was full of pure satisfaction—she'd never eaten this much, this full, in her life.
"I'm so stuffed… I can't even walk anymore."
Pardo sat in the chair and rubbed her small belly. This time, she really had eaten herself into a stupor.
"Want more? I've still got plenty." Koji laughed softly.
Feeding the kitty—an essential check-in activity after arriving in the Honkai world.
"No, no, no! If I eat anymore my stomach's gonna burst!" Pardo shook her head again and again. She really couldn't fit another bite.
Right now, she genuinely couldn't move.
"Boss Koji, why is a powerhouse like you hanging around Dusk Street?"
Now that she knew Koji's name, and knew he didn't mean her any harm, Pardo immediately cozied up and started calling him "Boss."
For someone that weak to survive in a mixed-bag place like Dusk Street, it was obvious Pardo understood how to navigate people. Her instincts were sharp—she knew exactly who she could deal with.
"I'm just wandering around. I ended up here." Koji said casually.
"Besides… do you really think Dusk Street is some ordinary place?"
Dusk Street producing talents wasn't a joke at all. Among the later Thirteen Flame-Chasers, several came from here.
Aponia from the convalescent home, Pardo the righteous thief, Kalpas—who later tore the Herrscher of Ice apart with his bare hands and then went to the convalescent home to work as a helper—and Vill-V, who had even performed magic here.
One-third of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers came from this place. That was the opposite of ordinary.
Especially "Teacher V"—an absolute genius. Even though she died in the Pre-Honkai civilization, there were still traces of her "carrying the whole team" even in Kiana's era.
"Dusk Street is just… a bit chaotic, right? I don't think there's anything special about it?" Pardo scratched her head. This place was relatively lawless—rules didn't bind people much, and the rich acted like emperors.
"Do you know Aponia?" Koji didn't explain further.
"You mean Sister Nia at the convalescent home?" Pardo froze for a moment. She didn't expect to hear that familiar name from Koji.
"Yeah, her. Huge chest, talks a little slow, and wears a super sexy nun outfit." Koji rattled off Aponia's "features."
A nun outfit couldn't hide how dangerously alluring Aponia's figure was.
It wasn't that Aponia lived loosely—her body was just that good. Her heavy bust was so ridiculously full that one hand couldn't possibly support it.
Even among the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, Aponia's figure was miles ahead. Mobius didn't count—she'd shrunk because of the Sesha genes—and Hua's figure was… honestly, it made people laugh and cry at the same time.
"Uh… that description is painfully accurate." Pardo's mouth twitched. She glanced down at her own chest, which wasn't exactly "rolling hills."
She was still young, so she could keep growing… but she also knew that no matter how much she grew, she could never reach Aponia's exaggerated level.
Pardo was seriously curious: with two masses of fat that heavy, didn't Aponia's shoulders get sore?
"Boss Koji… do you know Sister Nia?"
Pardo went to the convalescent home often. Every time, she'd bring little gifts for the kids.
"I know her. She doesn't know me." Koji replied.
Aponia in the Elysian Realm knew him, but this living Aponia didn't.
"Take me to see Aponia."
Pardo hesitated, then nodded. "Alright… I'll lead the way."
To be honest, she was a little afraid of Aponia. She was like a mother—she had that bloodline-suppression kind of authority, and she always loved lecturing Pardo.
If anyone knew Dusk Street best, it was definitely Pardo.
…
Since she was constantly "restocking," she had to scout routes and locations. Over time, she got very familiar with every corner of Dusk Street.
Pardo led Koji to the convalescent home.
…Honkai energy.
Koji could sense Honkai energy coming from inside. In the Honkai world, Honkai energy was normal—but the concentration inside the convalescent home was different from the surrounding area.
Looks like Aponia had started taking in children infected with Honkai disease.
This kind of kindness, in the Honkai world, wasn't really advisable. If an outbreak happened, it could affect everyone nearby.
Aponia had no way to cure Honkai disease. Children with the disease were uncontrollable time bombs.
"What's wrong, Boss Mi-mi?" Pardo asked, seeing Koji stop in place.
"Nothing. Pardo, you've been here before—have you noticed anything strange about this place?" Koji asked.
Pardo thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "There are more kids Sister Nia's taking in. The convalescent home's finances are getting kinda tight."
Koji nodded. Just as he expected—Aponia had begun sheltering children with Honkai disease.
"It's Sister Pardo!"
"Sister Pardo, what did you bring us?!"
…
The moment they stepped inside, a bunch of tiny kids came running over.
Pardo smiled gently and took out the small gifts she'd prepared—just some snacks, but to those little ones, they were precious.
And sure enough…
From his observation, Koji could see the faint traces of Honkai corruption on them.
(End of Chapter)
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