Chapter 70: Meteor City!

A few days later...

"...So, we're a homeless now? Is this really our plan?"

Luke's voice dripped with frustration as he glanced over at Raymond, whose appearance was now disheveled.

Raymond's clothes were torn, and dirt smeared his face, yet he seemed oddly unfazed by his appearance.

He didn't even bother wearing shoes, yet he carried himself with the same confidence as always.

"How can you even feel okay looking like that?"

Looking at Raymond's disheveled appearance, resembling that of a beggar, Luke couldn't help but sigh in exasperation.

Originally skeptical about Raymond's proposal to consider Meteor City as a potential factory site, Luke and Song had their doubts.

After all, Meteor City was notorious for being a lawless, mafia-dominated wasteland.

However, Raymond argued that despite its reputation, building a factory in Meteor City could offer them the highest profit margins if they were able to establish themselves there.

The location tucked away in the eastern part of the Yorbia continent, a spot known only to a few.

Despite its secrecy, it held significance, being close to both the sea and the dense forest.

Although it remained hidden from the general public, it wasn't completely isolated.

Smugglers, human traffickers, and other criminals often frequented the area due to its remote location and accessibility to the road network.

The prospect was tempting, and after much deliberation, Song and Luke found themselves intrigued.

Although they might have to need some time for this, if they were able to get a piece of land, the benefits would be higher than the rest of their current options!

So, they made the decision to send a small team to Meteor City to gather firsthand information.

To Luke's surprise, he found himself among the group, dressed in tattered clothing to blend in with the locals.

Accompanying Raymond, Luke and three others ventured into the city.

The expressions on their faces mirrored Luke's apprehension.

"I've heard they're not too fond of outsiders. You think we'll be safe?" Luke voiced his concern, scratching at his skin uncomfortably.

Raymond shook his head, "We won't know until we're there..."

But he was certain of one thing:

The homeless don't hate each other!

"You're kidding, right?"

Luke halted abruptly, staring at Raymond incredulously.

"..."

Their companions shared similar expressions of disbelief.

Raymond merely shrugged, his demeanor casual, "Time's ticking, folks. We can't afford to waste any more."

With resigned sighs, the group followed Raymond.

As they entered the small town, they were met with a sight of rundown buildings scattered across the area.

Despite its size, the town seemed desolate, with empty spaces littered with garbage between the dilapidated structures.

The buildings were in a sorry state, with wide gaps separating them, and some appeared on the verge of collapse.

The rooftops were particularly worse for wear, many of them broken or missing entirely.

Among the ruins, they spotted people with disheveled appearances, who appeared to be making do with makeshift shelters constructed from whatever materials they could find, including plastic bags.

"...Forget about building anything here. I doubt we could even last a week here," Luke commented, surveying the bleak surroundings.

Raymond understood Luke's sentiment as he took in the deteriorating cityscape.

The dilapidated buildings and litter-strewn streets painted a grim picture.

"Oh! More newcomers!"

Suddenly, a youthful voice broke the silence.

They turned to see a teenager, no more than fourteen, with dark hair and striking purple eyes.

"Hey there, newcomers! I'm Taka. Welcome to the neighborhood!" he greeted with a cheerful smile.

Taka introduced himself, his gaze scanning Raymond and his companions with curiosity.

"So, how long have you guys been living on the streets?"

"Not too long," Luke replied, a hint of irritation in his voice.

Taka chuckled and stepped closer, "No worries! Welcome to Meteor City. It may not look like much, but it's our home now!"

Raymond's eyes gleamed at these words.

Seemed like Meteor City had a steady flow of people coming.

Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The air grew tense, and Raymond sensed unseen eyes on them.

Silently, he observed Taka, letting Luke take the lead in conversation.

"Hmm, you're right," Luke muttered before introducing himself and the rest of the group to Taka.

Taka's demeanor suddenly shifted as he talked about the general situation of living in Meteor City.

His eyes narrowed with seriousness, "Watch your backs here. Outsiders sometimes come to snatch people for organ trafficking..."

"Seriously? This place is dangerous, then?"

Luke's expression darkened in alarm. 

Taka nodded as his figure seemed to be visibly relieved for some reason.

He rubbed the back of his head with a nervous laugh, "It's not uncommon, but as long as you stick together, you'll be okay."

Raymond saw that Taka seemed to be visibly relieved as he sensed a newfound tranquility settling over their surroundings.

A small smile tugged at Raymond's lips as he silently thought, "Surprisingly enough, it seems like we've been welcomed here..."

Taka gestured towards a lone building amidst a heap of garbage, "There should be some room near that building..."

"But really, you can pick any spot you like," Taka added with a shrug.

"We don't own anything around here."

"Hmm, I suppose we should explore our options first—" 

"No, let's settle down there..."

Luke began, but Raymond interjected firmly.

Luke turned to Raymond, his eyebrows raised in silent inquiry, silently asking, "Are you sure about this?"

Despite knowing it might not be the most pleasant choice, Raymond nodded in affirmation.

"Hmm?"

Taka regarded Raymond with a new look, recognizing him as the group's leader. He chuckled, "Well, it's not my concern anyway..."

"Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to look me up. I'm over on the east side of town," Taka announced before bidding farewell.

"Well, that's me done for now. I'll catch you guys later."

"See ya," Luke called out as Taka turned to leave.

Just as Taka took a step forward, he stumbled, his eyes widening in alarm.

"Oh, crap!"

Before he could fall, a figure swiftly appeared by his side and caught him just in time.

"You alright there, kid?"

Raymond asked, steadying Taka with a firm grip.

Taka nodded gratefully, "Phew... Thanks for saving me there. I owe you one, Aniki!"

After the incident, Taka dusted himself off, offering a nod of gratitude to Raymond and his companions before taking his leave.

Observing Taka's departure, Luke shot Raymond a curious glance. "You're just gonna let that go?"

Raymond remained silent, his gaze fixed on Taka's retreating figure.

He turned to Luke as he smirked before taking out a worn pouch, saying, "He took mine, I took his..."

"I knew it, you nasty bastard..."

Luke shrugged, knowing Raymond well enough to understand that he wouldn't tolerate any losses.

As Taka retreated to a secluded corner, his innocent facade melted away, replaced by a sly smirk.

Casting wary glances around him, he ducked into a simple shelter made from discarded clothing.

"Heh, they bought it completely. Let's see what's inside this pouch," he muttered, his chuckle laced with mischief as he carefully opened the stolen pouch, hoping to find some food.

"Did you steal again?"

Another child, similar in appearance with dark hair and brown eyes, emerged from the shelter.

"Shut up, Sin! Hehe, I bet it's food this time, I swear to god!"

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