Exiting one of the most luxurious airports there was, a familiar woman holding a terminal with my name on it immediately greeted me.
“Mr. Halls, welcome back to Lion City. You may not remember me, but I’m Emma, who was with you during your stay here last year.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you for your help back then.”
When in doubt, always nod and answer vaguely.
“I was just doing my job. Now then, if you would please follow me. We would like to retake your identification metrics as you have gone through some changes since the last time you were here and then go over the new terms now that your company has become an F-Class corporation.” She said, while eyeing my cyberware.
I complied and was led to the Bank of Lion City’s headquarters, which was a gigantic megabuilding in itself. It was located just on the border of the inner and outer city, where Lion City residents were segregated from foreigners.
I was taken to a hospital-like room, fully equipped with a plethora of medical equipment. Various nurses each handled a device to perform a number of medical examinations on me.
I made sure to have my sensitive cybernetics hidden by the same tech my active camouflage relied on. It should be enough to prevent their scanning and probing. Still, I got nervous about the battery levels as the examination continued, but I was thankfully released before they ran out.
Emma then came back to pick me up and brought me to a standard meeting room, where she laid out a terminal with the updated terms of service before me.
“As an F-Class member of the Elevate City Consortium now, you are entitled to superior rates when using particular selections of our services. We will also try to make your banking experience with us as easy as possible.”
“Any specifics?”
“It varies, but we will be able to help you facilitate small transactions on your behalf. I believe you already heard about the ‘services’ you may request from the Elevate City Police Force from your acquaintances. We are able to facilitate timely payments when you need such a service and act as the middleman.”
At her words, I was reminded of what Joey had told me a while ago, about the perks an F-Class corporation enjoyed. We would be able to make use of the police force to help us investigate or resolve small matters. The famed ECPD would never risk their lives and fight for anyone, but anything else that was free from danger and they could grease their pockets, they would likely do without hesitation.
At the same time, I was surprised she knew I had already been made aware of the perks I would receive as an F-Class corporation. Joey had spoken to me in a public setting, but it was quite concerning that such information had spread. It made me even more cautious against the behemoth that was Lion City.
While ensuring I was still wearing a facade, I reviewed the documents and signed them.
“Thank you. I have confirmed that you have signed the updated terms of service. Please allow me to show you and your companions to your accommodations.”
Just like last time, they planned to offer accommodations to me at their expense. It was for a full week this time, and it honestly felt refreshing having the entire trip be free, but I doubt promoting a corporation’s tier rank was that common.
It was too bad I wasn’t here to just enjoy the luxury, as I had another objective in mind. I walked over to the window while waiting for the elevator and looked out into the city.
“Emma, is it possible for me to take a tour of the inner parts of Lion City?”
“Umm…Please give me a moment.”
Her gaze wandered and unfocused as she looked into my request.
For a big entity like the Bank of Lion City, it shouldn’t be an issue to get a foreigner into the inner city, but the problem was just how willing they were to oblige to my request. They didn’t benefit from this in any way except earning my goodwill, while they would likely be responsible for any issues that arise due to me.
“Mr. Halls, was there a particular reason or place you would like to visit in the inner city?”
They would likely have someone surveilling me at all times while in the inner city, too.
“I just wanted to take a look at how Lion City residents lived their lives, so maybe a stroll around wherever I’m permitted?”
Emma responded after another brief pause.
“We should be able to get you a pass to enter the inner city in two days, but please do note that you will have to enter alone without bringing any weapons or guards.”
“Very well. Thank you for arranging this for me.”
“I’m happy to be of use.”
After my business meeting with the Bank of Lion City, I quickly stowed my luggage in my new accommodations before rendezvousing with my employees.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Flo, did you guys learn anything new?”
“...Welcome Rollo, and no…we’re still working on it.”
I glanced over at Andrew, who was staring at the ground, and shook my head.
“So the only thing we know is that Erza may be in the inner city? Is there anything else I can use to find her? I got permission to go in, by the way.”
“We…no. We’re still looking into it. All we know is that she was doing gigs that led her into the wasteland prior to her heading into the inner city somehow.”
“Wait, so she went there willingly?”
“Yes, I can confirm she left notes saying so.”
This is only getting more complicated the more I learn.
“In that case…” I mused, “I assume you’re already finding anyone she may have had contact with during her time here. Her QG, other mercs, everyone?”
“Yes, no luck so far. It’s like they’ve all gone to the ground.” Andrew chimed in.
“There’s nothing much we can do but keep trying…”
----------------------------------------
We continued our investigation into the next day.
Flo and Andrew’s team had been looking into the QGs and mercenaries in the dungeon delving scene while Thorne and I began looking at places Erza may have previously visited.
There were numerous places they could’ve visited with the huge numbers of mercenaries in Lion City, but Flo’s previous investigation had already given us several potential bars Erza frequented.
With that information, it was only a matter of time until we gained access to the camera footage.
“Do you know any of these people here with Erza, Flo?” I asked as soon as I sat down during our lunch meeting to review our findings.
“No. Fresh faces, but I think they’re the team I heard about from Erza. I’d never met them or spoken with them, so we’ll have to start looking into them, too.”
Flo’s eyes took on a glow as she began reaching out to her contacts while I glanced over at Andrew.
“Any updates on your end?”
He frowned and hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“...Yes, and no.”
“What do you mean? Spit it out already.”
“We haven’t found anything new, but I think there’s been others trying to look into Erza as well.”
“...Why do you think that?”
“The people I’ve spoken to. Nothing definitive, but I’m pretty sure judging from the way they’re acting.”
“...We’ll have to find Erza’s teammates first to learn more. You guys should—”
Before I could finish, Flo interjected.
“Found them. I’m calling them now.”
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“Mr. Halls, here is your visitor’s pass. No weapons are allowed inside, so please leave them with your men before you head inside.” Emma, our contact from the Bank of Lion City, carefully handed me a thin metal plate.
I didn’t doubt there was a tracker on it, but I still accepted it with a smile. I wasted no time and immediately headed for the giant dome that the inner city was encapsulated in.
The entrance appeared to be unguarded, and the glass walls there seemed flimsy. But as a city-state that could even stand up to large corporations, it was a fool’s errand to underestimate them.
Emma followed closely behind me until I reached the entrance, where I simply had to tap my visitor pass for the doors to swing open.
Inside was a dimly lit corridor that stretched further than the eyes could see.
“Do I just continue walking?” I turned to ask Emma.
She nodded before taking the lead.
“There’s nothing to be worried about, Mr. Halls. Every resident returning to the inner city takes this same path.”
Following along, I reined in my urge to scan my surroundings with my Argus. As hard as it was to detect the scans, it was better safe than sorry. I was pretty confident this corridor was filled with sensors that tried to see through me and had measures against any harmful elements I may bring to the city, whether willing or unwilling.
I’m sure there were more than one or two corporations that would like to infiltrate this place with something like my Nyes. I wasn’t arrogant enough to try myself with no good reason to do so.
I could soon see the light at the end of the hallway coming from the inner city. When we walked out of the corridor, I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed at how plain the place looked. There were many buildings like in any metropolis, all right. However, they all looked the exact same, with a dreary grey as the main color.
It didn’t take long to spot the residents after I got outside, dressed casually, and going about their lives. Seeing their expressions, it finally hit that the inner city was different from the usual city. The people here didn’t seem stressed at all times or worked until they looked like lifeless drones. They had life in them and seemed happy. A sight I hadn’t seen on this scale ever since I came to this world.
As I passed by more residents of Lion City, I began to realize I was drawing a lot of attention. I turned back to Emma, who was following along with a neutral expression.
“Is it that easy to tell for the people around here that I’m an outsider?”
“Yes, your military-grade cybernetic limbs give it away instantly. It is not legal for normal citizens to use powerful models like yours, and security personnel must change into a civilian model while not in uniform.”
“...I see. You sure seem to know a lot. Have you lived here your entire life?”
“Oh no. Only one side of my family is from here. I studied in Elevate City growing up, which is why they trust me to deal with clients such as yourself. The average Lion City resident wouldn’t be…a good fit when dealing with some types of corpos.”
I took in her words as we continued to walk around aimlessly. The aromatic smell of food drew my attention, and I glanced over at a busy side street that was crowded with people and restaurants.
To my pleasant surprise, the food here was all made of authentic ingredients and I couldn’t help staring at the various residents, wondering what they did for a living to be able to afford the luxury.
I think even back in my world, there are a few rich cities with insanely high GDP per capita. They never had a large population, but an entire city of rich people, huh…
After sampling the food to my content, I prepared myself and tried my luck with my request.
“Actually, I heard one of my friends is currently in this city as well. Do you think you can take me to them?”
“You have a friend who’s a resident?” Emma looked back skeptically.
“No, they were invited in, like me. I heard someone by the name of Robert Victis Lee invited them. Do you think you can help me find them?”
“Give me one moment.” She said before quickly turning around and mumbling something.
I could only silently stand there as I waited for the moment of truth.