Meeting a mysterious group of people

Kyle thought "Stealing is out of question . I'd prefer some kind of job if possible." Kyle knew his chances were bleak. It wouldn't be easy to find someone willing to hire someone like him in this low quality society. Orphans from the slums were already considered to be at a high risk of committing theft in marketplaces and such, making people all the more wary of them. Not to mention, if it were that easy to find a job, orphans would barely exist. Even if they managed to find one they'd be exploited and underpaid. Since that was the case, Kyle wondered if he had any useful talents he could use to his advantage.

The only special skills he had were the ones he obtained from his previous life: a university level education, the ability to do household work and other life skills obtained from living alone. He searched his head for a way to apply these skills in a useful manner, but it was nearly impossible without the right social connections. This meant that the only options left for him were the less than legal methods, but Kyle —no, Earth's Kyle inside of Kyle — was extremely reluctant about turning to crime, which was weakness Kyle himself had long since thrown away. Really, there was no point in avoiding criminal activities anyway, considered how often Kyle had been forced to act as an accomplice for the men that used him.

The realisation of how dirty his hands were rose within him , overwhelming him with guilt. It was too late for him. The corner of Kyle's mouth quirked up in a self depreciating smirk as he stared at his palms with furrowed brows. He thought "No I can't let myself get weak now after all those people are still alive."

At that moment —

"Hey you there. Little girl?" A stern, womanly voice said to Kyle. He raised his head to see five people of various ages standing before him. They all wore nice, clean robes that hid their faces and covered their bodies, so Kyle couldn't tell their genders from their appearances. Looking at their heights, the one who addressed Kyle waa probably the oldest in the group. Judging by how young the person sounded, they were most likely in their late teens. Behind the one who spoke was a figure who looked to be the size of an early teen and three child-sized figures— they were probably around Kyle's age.

Apparently, the one who had just spoken to Kyle was unsure of his gendre too. His face had always been rather androgynous and his hair had grown long and scruffy making it easy to mistake him for a girl.

"Stinks" two of the small children muttered under their breath in disgust. Both voices sounded feminine, like a little girl. It was melodic and cute sound but the words were just as blunt and harsh. "It would best to avoid breathing in too much. It might be bad for your health." One of those two child said. Kyle thought"They sure are saying whatever they please." Kyle frowned ,slightly upset at their words. He was aware of the fact that his current stare wasn't ideal, but he had just washed himself. Kyle turned to look at two little girls. Their faces are covered by hoods, but he could feel them looking down on him anyway. Meanwhile other two small next to them were also watching Kyle observantly. He couldn't feel any negative emotions behind their gaze through.

"Hey, are you listening to me?" The eldest woman asked in a serious tone. "Don't tell me you can't even understand what I am saying."

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She seemed to be in a hurry for some reason as She threateningly pressed for a reply. "I hear you. What do you want?" Kyle replied coldly. He observed the four of them cautiously — the clothes were too clean for them to be residents of the slums. He could see an expensive looking hilt peeking out from between the robes of the eldest woman. What could they possibly want from an orphan of the slums? They didn't seem like that would want to hire thieves but Kyle raised his guard anyway.

"Have you seen a little girl with azure hair? She's around your age ," the woman explained. There was an air of superiority behind her words, as through she was looking down on someone that she expected would obey her orders. So they were looking for someone. Kyle wasn't particularly bothered by her attitude, but he didn't feel obliged to answer her politely, either. And in any case, he didn't have any clue where this girl could be. He stood up with a sigh and shot them one more glance before walking away. "Hey wait. Answer the question," the woman called back to Kyle clicking her tongue in annoyance.

"No clue sorry," Kyle said ,pausing mid-step and tossing his answer over his shoulder. "Answer her properly." "Hiding the truth som benefit you." The two girls pressed Kyle imperiously, seemingly doubting Kyle's statement while the other two figures sighed. He huffed.

"Like I said I don't know anything." "I don't think he 'll answer if we speak to him like that everyone." Just as Kyle had finished speaking, the small figure who had been silent until now spoke. It sounded like a tired voice of a boy.

"Hm William." The eldest woman looked at the boy she had called William." Please leave this to me, Miss Alice." "Good idea," the woman addressed as Alice said, hesitating for a brief moment before passing the baton to William. "A teaching professor like you could probably handle this situation best." William then took a step forward. "Hello there , sorry if we suprised you before. Will you tell me your name ?" He asked kindly. "Oh, and I'm William"

"Kyle" He muttered in response. "Kyle? That's an unusual name." "I'm a migrant child ,so.

" I see so that's why your hair is black. Would you mind if I ask you a question, Kyle?"

"Go ahead." Kyle nodded. "Have you seen a little girl with azure hair by any chance? We're currently looking for her. Would you happen to have any ideas?" "Sorry I haven't seen anyone like that." Kyle shook his head. He couldn't imagine any child from another district remaining safe after wandering into slums, even commoner clothes could be resold for a ridiculous amount. If the aforementioned girl was related to these five people in any way, she'd probably be wearing high quality clothes — those would have been long stripped from her by now. If she was lucky, that'd be all that was taken. She could end up in one of those brothels for men that had taste for little girls.

"I see" William's voice trailed off with disappointment. He took a breath and pulled himself together before asking."The slums are past here,right?" "That's right." "Is it a big area? Would we get lost easily if we went in?" "It's pretty big and the roads are kind of complicated. Are you going to go in?" Kyle's eyes widened a little. "Yes we have to find this girl." William asserted without hesitation. "I wouldn't recommend it."

Author

Manthan