Reward

We ignored the man's rudeness and went on our merry way. How could we not be merry? We got the Professor without being caught after all.

Still, Seamus made us change clothing a couple of times along the way. If the government tries to investigate the matter and starts off with people that were caught in the vicinity, we would be ratted out by residents.

If we change our clothing the soldiers can't ask if they saw men of x and y height wearing z. There is even a chance that the residents would lead them to the wrong people.

"That was the first time I encountered a mutant" Seamus finally said a word as we nearly reached the base.

Personally, I am sick of seeing mutants already. First was that worm and then my experience with maggots. I wouldn't hesitate to believe if someone were to say I am cursed.

"Let's hope it's also the last" I replied to which he nodded.

"Alright, let's hurry" Seamus said as he picked up the pace. We were much further from the scene of the crime so it was alright to walk more briskly. Doing so previously could have aroused suspicion.

After about 5 minutes, we finally reached our destination. Seamus provided the code and we both entered. I noted that the password was different. It seems it changes frequently or on a per operation basis.

Upon entering, Seamus started a conversation with Jimmy.

"Is Kaiser here?" Is what he asked him. Since he was the one to manage the door it was only natural that he would know who was and wasn't inside.

"Yeah, in his office." The strong looking Jimmy sternly replied.

"Alright, if the others come around tell them to stop their search" Seamus ended the conversation with that while holding a wide grin.

"Ah, looks like you'll have to treat me later" Jimmy said in realization before trying to get a meal out of it.

"Hehehe" Seamus mildly laughed as he turned around. He still had the foolish grin on his face.

"Let's go and report." He told me and pointed upstairs with his chin.

"You'll owe me two meals" I said before walking away.

Seamus was initially confused but he then remembered how he had punched me in the face and got moving without a word of complaint.

We reached the top floor without much idle chatter. The lounge on the way was empty. Clearly all members were anxiously looking for the professor. They would be sorely disappointed after the report without a doubt.

Seamus knocked on the door.

"Come" Kaiser's voice said in return.

We didn't waste much time and entered. Kaiser didn't have any papers on his desk and instead looked as if ruminating over something.

"What's up? Did you catch the man?" Kaiser ceased his thinking and casually asked us.

Seamus as the one that was basically in charge of our two-man team spoke up.

"That is correct boss." He said solemnly with deep respect.

Come to think of it, most of the mafia members here seemed to be rather respectful of kaiser. It was very much possible that they all shared some sort of history with one another.

"Hmmm... Where is he then?" Kaiser said while rubbing his chin pensively.

This wasn't easy to answer. Collecting the bounty was bound to improve Kaiser's relationship with the government but as things stood that wouldn't happen. It was very much possible for him to resort to an under the table deal instead.

"The professor mutated. Dan killed him and I packed him up and stored him away in one of our compartments." Seamus didn't hesitate to tell the truth exactly as it was. He didn't even bother trying to appeal for understanding.

Exactly as it was… packing him up...

"That's too bad" But that was mainly because Kaiser was an understanding man to begin with. I'd dare say he is a nice person which is quite funny to consider, Why is the first nice and understanding person I met a mafia boss?

"It looks like I won't be advancing any time soon after all" Kaiser grumbled before standing up from his seat.

"I doubt we can recover the materials for the moment. Tell Malcolm to get in contact with Alfonso to ready the channels." He ordered Seamus as he walked over to a crate.

He pulled out some crystals from it. Grade one crystals to be exact. Their sizes were small like a finger.

"This crate has a majority of our savings. This was from a previous alcohol sale." Perhaps he noticed my curiosity but that was what Kaiser said as he continued to bring out more crystals.

I was a bit doubtful in regard to the validity of that information but I chose not to pry. It just seemed odd to have a large chunk of one's savings out in the open like that.

He tossed about 100 of them into a bag and tossed it to Seamus.

"That should be more than enough for the next grade. Good luck." He told him. Seamus' eyes lit up as he glanced down at the boss and the bag.

"Boss, I'll see you then" Seamus said and performed a small bow to leave.

He looked rather thankful but I could tell that the prospect of going up a grade had him far more excited. He thus promptly yet respectfully left.

I was the only one left in the room but Kaiser closed the crate and went back to his seat. Noticing I was still there, he looked up and said...

"And you don't get anything. You are still in debt to me" Is what he said…

And he was completely right. Still, I couldn't leave it as is, could I?

"Then what's the next mission?" I asked him. Since he insisted I was still in debt it was a good idea to quickly repay it.

"I… I-" Kaiser said hesitatingly. I had a feeling this had something to do with his earlier pensive state.

"I'll inform you later. For now, you may leave." He said to me before opening a desk drawer and looking over some papers.

It was clear to me what happened. Keeping the grade six crystal for myself affected his trust in me. I can't blame him so I quickly left the office.

I let out a sigh after closing the door behind me. I guess I felt a bit disappointed somewhere in me. Regardless, I returned to my indifferent self and left to hopefully eat something.

If possible I would also like to make some more connections inside of this group. Maybe sneak into the library. My knowledge is still lacking.