Chapter 42

Author here, I already have my future worlds planned out but i wanna hear what worlds you guys wanna see the MC go to, drop it in the comments…

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Both women were visibly shocked by the transformation in Ali's eye. The inky blackness and the spider-like veins crawling up the side of his face were unlike anything they had seen before. Ghouls, though accustomed to their own kind's transformations, found Ali's appearance utterly foreign. Fumiko, her cautious nature taking over, asked the question hanging in the air, "Who... and what are you?"

Ali sighed, clearly not in the mood to explain himself. With a deliberate blink, his left eye returned to normal, and the black veins receded back beneath his skin. He shrugged nonchalantly. "My name's Ali. As for what I am? Who knows. I just woke up like this one day"' he said with a mocking tone, clearly keeping the truth to himself.

The tension in the air simmered, but Ali pressed forward with his proposal. "Look, I'm not from around here. I need cash and some intel. I've got bodies to trade. You interested, or not?" His voice was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it.

Fumiko and Himari exchanged a brief glance before their eyes reverted to their human forms. The initial shock wore off as they assessed the situation. Fumiko was still cautious, but curiosity and the prospect of profit made her relent.

"I don't usually work with people I don't know, but... if what you're selling is in good condition, we can make a deal", Fumiko said, testing the waters.

Ali gave her a smirk and gestured for them to follow him outside. "Follow me."

The three stepped out of the shop and approached the van parked nearby. Ali opened the back doors, revealing several freezers stacked inside. Without a word, he stepped aside, giving the women space to inspect the merchandise.

Fumiko motioned for Himari to open one of the fridges. Hesitantly, Himari stepped forward and lifted the lid. Her reaction was immediate—she recoiled in surprise. Inside, staring back at her with lifeless eyes, was the severed head of the bald gangster they had been dealing with earlier that night.

Fumiko stepped up for a closer look, her eyes narrowing as she studied the contents. Unlike Himari, she showed no outward shock, but the realisation was clear. She turned to Ali, who stood leaning against the van, smirking like a man who knew he held the upper hand.

"Did you kill them all?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Ali didn't bother answering directly. Instead, he folded his arms and laid out the offer. "There are eight bodies in total—your gangster friends, plus two young ghouls. And I've got a Bikaku as well. So, you buying or not?"

Fumiko didn't hesitate, though her tone remained businesslike. "I'll need to inspect each body, especially the Bikaku, before I can give you a price. But if everything checks out, I'll take the lot. You can wait inside while we complete the inspection."

Ali waved a hand dismissively. "Fine, but make it quick. I've got other things to do."

With that, Fumiko used her phone to call some of her workers to discreetly move the fridges from the van into the back of her shop. Ali followed her and Himari back inside, the weight of the transaction now hanging in the air.

Once they were back inside, Fumiko offered, "Would you like some coffee while you wait?"

Ali shook his head but smirked slightly. "No, but do you have anything sweet?"

Fumiko raised an eyebrow, amused by his childish request. "There's a bakery nearby that should be open. Himari can go and get you something."

Ali didn't miss a beat. "Get me one of everything that looks like dessert. Don't come back unless your arms are full. I have a big appetite."

His commanding tone, almost dismissive, caught Himari off guard. She glanced at Fumiko for confirmation, and her boss simply nodded. Without a word, Himari left the shop to carry out Ali's request.

As Himari exited, Fumiko sat down across from Ali at a small table near the shop window. The early morning sunlight streamed through, casting a soft glow on the room.

"So, Ali", Fumiko began, folding her hands in front of her, "how did you hear about my place? And what kind of information are you after?"

Ali leaned back in his chair, his expression cool and calculated. "I got your name from that bald guy sitting in the freezer. As for the info, I've heard rumours that tensions between the CCG and the ghouls are heating up. I want to know what you know."

Fumiko paused for a moment, glancing out the window as she gathered her thoughts. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm but laced with a hint of caution. "The situation is... complicated. No one really knows the exact details, but something major happened recently. About a week ago, the CCG launched a surprise raid and killed the son of a very powerful ghoul. The father, as you can imagine, isn't taking it well. But instead of retaliating immediately, one of his associates, who runs some very secretive auctions, has announced an unexpected auction in two days. These auctions are usually so secretive that I only hear about them after they've happened. For word to reach me this early... something's off."

Ali's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. "So, it's a trap. They're setting up the CCG to think they can ambush the auction's high-profile clients. Do you know where it's being held?"

Fumiko leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "You realise that the answer to that question will use up all the credit you've earned with me so far. Are you sure you want to know?"

Ali's voice dropped, a dangerous edge creeping in. "Say it. And if it turns out to be false, I'll be back for a 'bloody' refund."

Fumiko's heartbeat quickened under his icy stare, but she complied, revealing the auction's location.

After a moment of silence, Ali asked, "So, how come a ghoul like you has no problem selling other ghouls' body parts? Isn't there supposed to be some solidarity?"

Fumiko shrugged, her tone indifferent. "It's the same as you killing humans. It's just business."

Ali smirked, amused by her response. "I guess I expected more loyalty, considering you're a minority."

Fumiko's eyes flickered, but she maintained her composure. "Some ghouls do think that way, but it just gets them killed—either by the CCG or by other ghouls. I care about my profits and the people who work for me, nothing more. Now, since I answered your question, maybe you could answer one of mine. Why do you care so much about this conflict between the CCG and the ghouls? What do you want out of it?"

Ali chuckled, leaning in closer. "You know, I find smart businesswomen very attractive," he said, his voice low and teasing. Fumiko blushed slightly, caught off guard by his boldness. Just as she anticipated something more, her thoughts interrupted by a movement at the door. Himari had returned, struggling to carry several boxes of pastries.

Ali stood and smirked, opening the door for her, leaving Fumiko momentarily flustered and wondering what game this man was truly playing.

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