Chapter 7 - Northern District

Later that day, when we're having dinner. I talk to Alicia and Melissa.

"I'm going out after this."

Hearing my words, Alicia stopped eating her food and looked at me, while Melissa just frowned. I could understand why their reaction was like that, it was because usually after dinner we went straight to our own rooms or watched TV in the family room.

" Want to meet your mistress?"

"Can you stop acting like I' m going to have an affair?"

"When a married man goes out at this time of night alone, he's definitely going out to meet his mistress, right?"

"Apologize to all the married men doing the night shift."

As usual, Melissa replied to me with her spicy words.

"Where are you going?"

Alicia asked me while eating her food.

"Just doing some pilot stuff."

"Where?"

I wondered a little if I should answer that question honestly or not, but I think it's better to say it honestly now. I don't really like lying anyway.

"Northern District."

Alicia frowned slightly at my words. Dammit, maybe I should just lie.

"Huh!? What kind of pilot stuff are you doing in there? Playing seed planting with the woman from the brothel?"

"No, i;m not gonna do that."

After responding to Melissa's scathing response, I turned my gaze back to Alicia while waiting for her response.

"Fine....but."

She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief before looking at me seriously.

"Just don't do anything stupid that could ruin our family's reputation."

"Trust me, I won't"

I didn't know which family she was referring to, but as long as I got her permission it was enough.

"And...."

Just when I thought she was done talking, Alicia spoke again.

"Don't be late to drop us off tomorrow."

"Oh yeah, sure. Don't worry about that."

After that I finished my dinner much faster than the two of them and quickly got ready to do my business.

********

"I'm leaving."

"Yeah..."

"Have fun with your mistress."

I'm gonna pretend i didn't heard that last one.

After saying goodbye to them, I went to the warehouse to get my weapons and pilot suit before driving my car to the northern district.

The northern district is the worst district in the Imperial Capital, it's a place where bad things always happen. Gangsters, Space Pirates, Mafia, Brothels, Assassins, Drug dealers, and several other bad things. If I remember correctly, this place was led by 3 big gangs that controlled the territory in this district.

Rose gang rules the center area, Scarecrow gang rules the left area, and Metal gang rules the right area. Every small gang or small organization that wants to operate in their territory must pay an operating toll to them every month.

They do this so that they can get a steady income, and control the small organizations in their territory. Many people might wonder why the imperial government doesn't arrest them when they do so many illegal things.

Actually, not everything they do is illegal, like Rose gang who only open brothels, inns or bars as their main income. And they also didn't let evil organizations like Space Pirates or Slave traders do business in their territory. So you could say, those three big gangs are the law enforcers in this district.

I don't know much about other organizations, because only Rose gang has ever appeared in my past memories.

The government of the Empire probably made this district as a sacrifice to make the other districts safer. Because sometimes, the way to solve crimes, is to let them exist. They probably let criminals or something like that use this place as their place of action so that the other districts could be safe from crime.

That's why the Empire left this place as it was, so that the other districts would be safer and more peaceful.

However, for now, I didn't care about the three gangs, because my destination there was not them.

I drove for about an hour before parking my car in a public parking lot on the outskirts of the main district, I then put on my pilot suit and helmet and took out all my weapons from the trunk. I only brought my AR-15 and laser pistol, I felt that I didn't need a sniper this time.

Once I was ready, I then walked across the bridge that spanned the river separating the main district and the northern district. Right after I crossed the bridge, I could see the northern district which didn't look like night at all.

That's because it was so bright and lively.

I could see many people dressed as mercenaries being seduced by female prostitutes, and they were all carrying weapons. That's why I didn't hesitate to wear my pilot suit or carry my gun, it's because things like this are common in the northern district.

Although it's very few, but I can also see people wearing pilot suits, although I don't know if they're real or not. Most people who wear pilot suits in the northern district are usually just scammers.

I stood still for a moment to figure out where I was, if I remember correctly, the area right by the main entrance was the Rose Gang area. My first goal was to find someone, and if I remember correctly, he usually drinks in bars at this time of night to look for a job.

That means I have to check every bar I see. It sucks, but for the sake of my future plans, I have to do this. However, just before I took a step, I felt a tug on the sleeve of my grapling hook.

When I turned around, I saw a teenage girl with orange hair in a side-ponytail style wearing the uniform of the academy, was staring at me. What is a girl like her doing here? She's too young, is she lost?

Since my reflexes didn't react, that meant she had no bad intentions.

"Do you need anything?"

The child gasped after hearing my voice, she then tried to speak despite stammering.

"A-Ano.... I-I was just wondering.... If you need..... night service...."

What did she say? I didn't hear her too clearly because of all the noise around us.

"What did you say?"

"Um... Do you need .... Night service?"

This time she spoke more clearly.

"Night service?"

"En... I-I can serve you once, 1000 credits."

She nodded and replied shyly.

Did I hear it wrong? This girl just offered me that thing, right? And also, even though I've never done it, i'm pretty sure 1000 credits is too expensive. Besides, this girl is too young to do that.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!"

This time the girl answered more firmly.

"How old are you?"

"Uh. Umm..... 15 years old."

As expected, that's too young. I'm sure the Rose Gang wouldn't accept a worker this young.

"Have you done it before?"

"Umm... If I answer that I haven't, you won't accept it."

"If you haven't, it's actually better."

"Oh! Then take it easy sir. I've never done it before! It's actually my first time!"

The girl replied with excitement or perhaps it would be more accurate to say feigned excitement, as she seemed to be convinced that I would accept her offer.

Well, I knew something was wrong. Why would an academy student like this be in a place like this offering "that thing" at such a high price? Jesus Christ.

"Alright, I'll get you out of here. This place is no place for a high school girl like you."

"Uh, but sir. Didn't you just say that you would accept my offer?"

"I was just pretending. Come with me, I'll take you out of this district."

It was a waste of time, but I'm not the type of person who would ignore something like this right in front of my eyes. I then took the girl's hand to lead her out of here.

"No, wait a minute. I can't do that, let go of me, sir!"

"Come on, don't resist Your parents must be worried."

"I'm doing this because of my parents."

Hearing her words, I stopped pulling the girl. I was curious about what she had just said.

"What do you mean?"

"If you promise to accept my offer, I'll tell you."

"Alright, I accept your offer."

"You promise?"

She's a pretty innocent girl.

"Yeah, i promise. I never take back my words."

The girl stopped resisting, but I held her hand just in case.

"My mom is in the hospital, the treatment is very expensive, and I have to pay it off tomorrow or she won't be treated. I've sold our house, but it's not enough, not even half. And while I was looking around for ways to get money, I heard that I could do it this way in the northern district."

The girl paused for a moment, she looked like she was about to cry.

"Honestly, I don't want to do this either. But I don't know what else to do, if I don't pay off my mom's medical bills, she would probably die. My mom is the only family I have, I can't imagine what I would do if I lost her. So, even though I'm really scared to do this, I'd still rather do this than lose my mom."

Wow, that's one of the worse stories I've ever heard. She told me all that with teary eyes, if this kid was acting, then she deserved an Oscar. But because the emotions I felt from her were so real, it was impossible for her to lie.

"How much money is left to treat your mother?"

"3500 credits."

"3500 credits? You intend to do it three times tonight?"

"Un...."

Crazy, this girl is really innocent. Thank goodness she offered me, I can't imagine what would have happened if she offered someone else.

"Then come with me."

Once again, I urged the girl to follow me.

"Ano.... Sir, if we really want to do it. I hope you'll do it gently, and if possible, I'd like to do it in a bed."

"Yeah, sure."

As I led her over the bridge, she asked again.

"Sir, why are we leaving the northern district?"

"Don't ask too many questions, just follow me."

After dragging the girl far enough away from the northern district to a fairly pedestrianized place on the outskirts of the main district, I spoke to her.

"Which hospital is your mother being treated at?"

"Uh, why?"

"Just tell me."

"Andrea Hospital."

Hearing the girl's words, I connected my pilot suit's communication device to the internet and searched for the hospital's contact and then contacting it.

"Hello, this is Andrea Hospital's call center. How may I help you?"

"I'm Hiro Denzelnas from Danzel Weaponry Corporation, I'd like to pay for a patient at your hospital."

"Uh, Sir Denzelnas? Just a moment, I'll confirm it."

I waited for a while, and soon thereafter.

"Well, sorry to keep you waiting Sir Denzelnas. Can you tell me the name of the patient?"

I then turned to the girl.

"What is your mother's name?"

When I asked her, she was stunned. It seemed like she was still surprised by what I did.

"Hey!"

"Ah yeah, sorry. My mom's name is Tiana."

"Her name is Tiana."

"Last name?"

"What's your mom's last name?"

"We don't have a last name."

"She don't have a last name."

"Okay, please wait a moment.... Is she in room 403?"

"Your mom is in room 403?"

"Yes."

"That's right."

"Okay, then let me take care of the payment immediately."

After I settled the matter of the girl's mother, I quickly sent her back.

"Alright, now go back. You don't have to worry about your mother anymore."

"Uh, umm....."

She still looked hesitant and wanted to say something.

"What else is it? If you have something to say then hurry up, I have business to do."

"Why are you helping me?"

About that, huh? No wonder she would want to ask that.

"First, because you're a pretty girl. It would be a waste if a girl like you became a prostitute. Secondly, my leader once said "If you do something good before going on a mission, then your chances of coming back alive are higher." So you'd better wish me well on my next mission."

"Yes, I will."

"Good."

Since I thought I couldn't stay here for too long because my pilot suit was getting too flashy, and I thought it was okay to leave this girl here, I quickly left.

"Wait."

However, after only a few steps, the girl called out to me again. I then turned around.

"What's the matter?"

She bit her lip before saying shyly.

"How... about our promise earlier?"

That promise? Really?

"*Sigh* Come back after you turn 18."

Her face became brighter after hearing my words, she smiled then said.

"Okay, I'll look forward to it."

I had a bad feeling about this.

"Don't ever come near the northern district and do something like this again."

"Yes, Sir. I'll never do it or go near the northern district again."

"Good, then I'll go."

"Yes, be careful, Sir Denzelnas."

Ah.... she must hear my name from the call just now, I did subconsciously set the call to speaker so she could hear it. Never mind, it's not important. I have to finish what I came here for.

I then walked away from the girl while watching her still waving her hand at me.

*******

After searching for as long as I could in 4 bars, I didn't find the person I was looking for at all. I was getting tired of looking because every time I went into a bar, there would be some prostitute trying to flirt with me. They were so annoying.

I then saw a bar that was bigger than any other bar I had seen since I entered this district.

Rosalia Bar.

I swear, if that guy isn't here. Then I'll just do the job myself.

As I entered the bar, I could see that it seemed to be filled with quite a few customers. The waitresses also looked different, unlike the other bars I entered before, the waitresses in this bar wore uniforms that waitresses in high-end restaurants usually wear. They even have a stage for singers.

The security in this place also looks very tight, I can see security in every corner of this place. Looks like I'm entering one of the important places in this district.

I walked up to the counter and ordered a drink before looking around me. There were indeed a few people who noticed me when I entered, it was probably because of my pilot suit, they were probably wondering if I was a real pilot or not.

Either way, it's none of my business. Now I have to find that person, I then searched around and looked at every table. And finally, I found that person. He was sitting at one of the tables in the corner of the room alone.

He was a middle-aged man wearing a mercenary uniform complete with a vest and a gun beside his table. I then ordered 2 bottles of alcohol at the counter and brought them to the man's table.

As I sat on the seat opposite him, he looked at me with a frown.

"What do you want?"

"Job offer. You need that, right?"

"I don't take job offers lightly."

"I know. Only the ones that aren't related to crime, right?"

Hearing my words, the man's gaze sharpened.

"Then.... How much can you offer for me?"

"Well, it depends on you, old man. You want to be paid 3 milion credits in front or wait until the job is done, and you'll get way more than that."

"What do you mean?"

I think it's okay to tell it here, our surroundings are also quite noisy. So I doubt there will be anyone listening to our conversation.

"You know how much pure Soladinium costs per kilogram?"

"Depend's on the buyer, but usually it costs more than 3 million credits."

"Exactly, and in this job. We're going to steal a lot of 'em."

The man looked at me suspiciously after hearing that.

"Don't worry, we're not going to steal from a good guys. But we're going to steal from space pirates, so even the Imperial Government would by our pure Soladinium if we made to steal it."

"What's your point?"

"If you take my first offer, which is the 3 Million credit payment upfront. You will only get that money even if we manage to steal a lot of pure Soladinium, you will still only get those 3 million credits. "

I paused for a moment and drank my alcohol before continuing.

"But, if you take my second offer. We'll split the proceeds of the Soladinium we stole in half. How's that?"

"Isn't the second offer too good for me?"

"Exactly."

The man thought for a moment and spoke.

"There is one thing I would like to ask before accepting your offer."

"Just ask."

"How can I trust your word?"

I knew he would say that.

"We can make a contract if you want, an official contract from the Imperial Government of course."

After I said that, we just stared at each other. Before the man finally gave in and said.

"Alright, you win, kid. I accept your offer, the second one."

"Hmm. I thought you wouldn't give up this easily."

"I really need the money, and my instincts tell me that you're not lying."

"So you trusted your instincts?"

" My instincts have saved me many times after all, son"

"And why did you call me, son?"

"Because you called me old man, so I thought you must be younger than me."

"Make sense."

I then held out my hand to him.

"I'm Denzelnas, old man."

"Drake."

He took my hand while saying his name.

That's right, he was Drake. A mercenary who fought alongside the protagonist against the Parasyte one day, to avenge his wife and daughter who were killed in the Parasyte invasion 2 years from now.

The reason I chose Drake as a partner this time was because Drake is the type of person who can be trusted and will not betray you unless you betray him first.

As our hands parted, Drak asked.

"So, when does the work start?"

"2:30, early morning."

"Good, the sooner the better."

"I agree."

I then gave him one of my bottles of alcohol before we toasted.

Right after we drank our alcohol, the lights in the entire bar dimmed and it became quiet. Shortly after, the spotlight on the bar's stage came on. It highlighted a beautiful woman with long red hair wearing a cocktail dress as red as her hair.

She was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen, you could even say she was as beautiful as Alicia.