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Aiko was in a state of profound turmoil, her mind whirring with the ethical implications of Hans' revelations. Was the Black Dragon truly justified in their actions? She couldn't help but ponder various hypothetical scenarios, trying to place herself in their shoes. Yet, even after much contemplation, she remained uncertain about what she would do in their position. This uncertainty left her feeling lost and conflicted.
Despite the moral compass that guided her, Aiko understood that in this ruthless world, survival was the key to everything. Her mission, given to her by Zero, was her only chance at staying alive, and she knew she had to see it through at all costs, even if it meant abandoning her moral convictions.
The gravity of her situation weighed heavily on her, as she wrestled with her conscience in a desperate attempt to find some semblance of clarity.
Just as Aiko reached for the handle to her room, her interface lit up and began to ring. With a growing sense of unease, she hesitated for a moment before answering the call. The voice on the other end was cloaked in mystery and urgency, unmistakably belonging to Zero.
What could he possibly want at this hour?
With a racing heart, Aiko listened closely as Zero's words sent shivers down her spine.
Zero's voice was tense as he spoke, sending shivers down Aiko's spine. She knew that when he spoke in that tone, it meant something big was happening.
"Forget about the black dragon for now," he said, his voice cold and dead, and Aiko's mind raced with possibilities.
What could be more important than the black dragon, a vigilante who had been causing chaos in the city?
Aiko swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry, and asked,
"What is it?"
"The Widow Makers," Zero said, getting right to the point. "They struck again, this time it's a heavy hit."
Aiko's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the notorious group. She had always avoided missions and bounties related to the widow makers, fearing for implication of Alecs with them.
Zero's voice was serious and commanding as he delivered the news to Aiko. She felt a sense of unease growing in her stomach as he spoke of the mission ahead.
"This mission," he continued, "is unlike the ones you've tackled in the past. It's a significant one." he said firmly.
The pause that followed his statement seemed to stretch on for an eternity, as Aiko braced herself for what was to come next.
"However, you won't be alone. You will be joined by two other bounty hunters from the Shinsekai division."
"The Shinsekai division ?! " Aiko pondered how a low-ranking bounty hunter like herself could interact with the upper echelons of field.
"Who are they?" she asked, her voice betraying her nervousness.
Zero hesitated for a moment before answering.
"I cannot reveal their identities yet," he said cryptically. "All you need to know is that they are highly skilled and capable. You will receive more details once you arrive at the rendezvous point."
Zero's voice grew more serious as he continued,
"The data stolen contains sensitive information that could compromise the security of the entire district. It's crucial that we get it back and eliminate those responsible."
He paused for a moment, as if he was gazing Aiko through the interface. Then, with a grave tone, he continued,
“Your main objective will be to eliminate Markos Salazar, also known as Tick-Tack, and Clio Agathangelou, also known as Madame Rock."
"Tomorrow you will meet with your fellow bounty hunters to discuss the mission," Zero instructed with a tone of authority.
He paused for a moment, his voice lowering to a serious tone.
"This mission will require your full attention and cooperation with your team.”
He paused for another second,
“Take care, Aiko. Your chance to prove yourself is now." With that, the call ended.
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A wave of relief washed over Aiko as she processed Zero's words. She felt grateful that the mission didn't require her to eliminate Alecs, the thought of facing him made her heart race with anxiety. Despite the risks involved in the new mission, Aiko couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that she could finally push the Black Dragon out of her mind and focus on the task at hand
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The Next day
Aiko awoke with a start, her heart racing with adrenaline. She had slept for far too long, her body and mind exhausted from the previous day's work. Glancing over at the clock, she realized that she was running out of time. Her meeting with the other bounty hunters was fast approaching, and she needed to be ready.
Her heart raced as she checked the coordinates Zero had sent her. The location was completely unfamiliar, and much farther from her district than she had anticipated. What's more, it was a high-level area in the heart of Elysium - a rare sight for her.
She emerged from her apartment, the morning sun casting a warm glow on the concrete street. Positioned on the corner, just to her left, was a sleek Apemosyne 6 motorcycle, its black and silver exterior shining brightly in the light.
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The Apemosyne 6 was a mundane vehicle that could be found on every corner in the city. Although it was far from being the most outstanding, for Aiko, it served its purpose and was her only mode of transportation in the city. Despite its unremarkable appearance, Aiko had developed a fondness for the vehicle, and she made sure to take good care of it. She was aware that it wasn't suitable for dangerous missions, so she avoided taking it on those occasions. She had even given it a name, Spark, which to her was an endearing and fitting title.
Aiko approached her motorcycle, she gripped the handlebar and positioned herself onto the seat. She inserted the key and turned it, causing the engine to come to life with a low and unremarkable hum. The sound was nothing extraordinary, but it was enough to indicate that the bike was functioning properly. As she revved up the engine, the wheels began to spin and emit a mundane, purple glow. Despite its unimpressive appearance, Aiko felt a sense of comfort and familiarity as she embarked on her journey.
As she rode through the bustling streets of the underbelly, she deftly weaved in and out of traffic, maneuvering around the other vehicles with practiced ease. The sound of her engine hummed softly in her ears as the wheels spun smoothly beneath her. The crowded street was a familiar sight to her, and she navigated it with the precision of a seasoned rider.
Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, Aiko arrived at a massive bridge that loomed before her.
The bridge towered over her, and she couldn't help but feel small as she drove towards it. Aiko noticed the traffic starting to thin out. She slowed down her motorcycle and weaved through the last few cars, eager to get a clear view of what lay ahead.
As she began her ascent, the sounds of the bustling city below began to fade away, replaced by the hum of the Apemosyne 6's engine and the wind rushing past her hair.
As she reached the top of the bridge, she was met with a breathtaking view of the city's skyline. The towering buildings and sprawling metropolis seemed like a completely different world from the cramped and dirty underbelly she called home. Aiko couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she gazed out at the magnificent sight.
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When she descended the other side of the bridge, the surroundings gradually became more and more foreign to her. Strange vehicles she had never seen before whizzed by, and the towering skyscrapers seemed to grow taller and more imposing with every passing moment. Aiko drove on, determined to reach her destination, but couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she entered this unfamiliar world.
The more she delved through the heart of the city, the more she noticed that it was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. The roads were wide and spacious, with barely any traffic to speak of. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful, devoid of the usual pungent smells that permeated the underbelly. Instead, there was a distinct absence of scent, almost as if the air was completely devoid of any organic matter. The towering skyscrapers that surrounded her were almost suffocating, their holographic displays and advertisements for products she had never heard of constantly vying for her attention.
The advertisements were abundant, plastered on the towering buildings and flashing in bright neon colors. Most of them were about various products and programs, promising a better life or a solution to a problem she never knew existed. They ranged from the latest technology gadgets to the newest fashion trends or latest sexual pleasure programs. Aiko couldn't help but wonder how much money was being spent on these flashy ads, and how many people were actually buying into them.
Despite its opulence, the city felt eerily quiet and sterile, as if it was a completely different world from the one she knew.
Finally, she reached her distination, The Formschön Hotel, as she approached she couldn't help but notice the grandeur of the building. It stood tall and proud, a monument of wealth and luxury. The exterior was made of polished steel and glass, reflecting the surrounding buildings and the clear blue sky above. The hotel's name was emblazoned in bright, neon letters that stretched from the base of the building all the way to the top, proclaiming its status as a true icon of the city. Aiko couldn't help but feel a little intimidated as she parked her motorcycle in front of the entrance.
As she stepped inside, the lobby was filled with advertisements and promotions for the hotel's amenities - the rooftop pool, the state-of-the-art gym, the fine dining restaurants. Even the walls were covered in screens, each displaying a different product or service. It was overwhelming, and Aiko couldn't help but feel out of place amidst the posh and impeccably dressed crowd.
The people around her wore weird, extravagant and flashy clothing that seemed to have cost a fortune, while Aiko's simple attire and worn-out boots stood in stark contrast. The looks she received from the other patrons were cold and condescending, as if they were judging her for not belonging in such an opulent environment. The feeling of being scrutinized made her uncomfortable, and she quickened her pace towards the meeting location.
A sense of unease washed over Aiko as she surveyed the deserted meeting spot. She was just about to give up hope when a melodious male voice wafted towards her from behind.
"Hair as dark as the night, clad in unfamiliar garments," it said in a sing-song tone.
Aiko whirled around to face the speaker, and as he saw her face, he continued,
"And eyes as blue as the vast sky."