Chapter 728: Make It Public.

The more Dante learned about Riot, the more he realized that the big guy had some really nasty luck. Learning that you have a heart disease just as you achieved mastery over your martial arts, having to choose between death and walking into a road bock. Building a home only for an accursed Genome to destroy it, then some punk comes in and kicks you while you’re down. Most people wouldn’t be able to get back up after suffering all of that, so one couldn’t blame him for giving up and drinking his life away.

Dante had seen that rock bottom himself, and so he believed he knew exactly how the big guy felt.

-Nope. You are nothing alike.-

Putting all of that aside, Dante was pleased with the result of his experiment. Not only does his upgraded implants prevent CDR, but they also fix the damage that had already been done. They worked even better than in his case, dealing with the problem right away instead of fixing it over a few days.

If his plan succeeds and be becomes able to upgrade implants by the bulk, he would be able to create an army of full cyborgs. Even if they only reached Level 4, they would still be capable of self repair, and with Storage and Equip, their fighting capabilities should increase significantly. A force capable of waging war against Eidolon.

[Would you like to see an evaluation of Riot’s stats?] Volcan said.

’Forget it...’

The big guy got his powers from Soul Manifestation, so his normal stats weren’t likely much to brag about. With his soul now repaired, he should be able to resume his training and advance further on the path of the martial artist. If he manages to manifest a soul weapon, he would become a very reliable asset.

-Don’t hold your breath.-

~[ ]~

Night had already arrived, which meant it was time for the monthly trade. Caroline was already waiting at the chosen location, her anxiousness clear in the way she kept tapping the floor with her foot.

The previous deliveries had been different. No, disappointed would be the right word. Though the corpses had been strangely fresh despite months having passed since their supposed death, they were in a far worse state than anticipated, making it feel a if the deal they made with the villain wasn’t worth what they gave.

This was their last chance to prove that wasn’t the case. If they got even one of the kidnapped Genomes back, it would prove that they had made the right choice. Thee minutes ticked by, and nothing seemed to happen. Just as she was about to give up and call her contact, her eyes caught a sight that almost caused her heart to stop.

One moment, the warehouse was empty, and in the next, he was standing there. Bulky dark blue armor, and a visor as large as an astronaut’s. Caroline recognized him immediately, and so she raised her guard. That was Ghost, the hero killer.

[I have a question that needs answering, in case you’re wondering what I’m doing here.]

He answered as if he had read her thoughts. Though she wasn’t on her own, there wasn’t anyone close by who could face the villain with her. If she tried to call for back up, the deal could be broken, or worse.

"Ask away."

In the end, her only choice was to do a he says. For now.

[I’m sure you’re aware that the abomination I will be returning today is still alive.]

"That was our deal." She replied.

[Indeed. My question is, what are you going to do with them?]

Caroline narrowed her eyes.

"I do not believe that is anything of your concern."

[Correct.] The villain answered. [But, you see, the three I currently have in my possession have committed a crime that can’t be forgiven. I want to know if you intend on punishing them or not.]

She knew. They had already done their investigation, and the findings weren’t something that can be accepted. Crimson Watch ran cover for Black Skull, protecting its leaders despite knowing about their crimes. Red Bull in particular was involved in the Doll business, and there is proof of him having participated in the abuse of the victims.

"We will do our best to ensure that justice is served." Caroline replied.

[I see...]

Ghost said nothing else, letting the air inside the warehouse gain weight. After some time, he raised a hand. Right beside him, a black circle appeared, and as soon as it reached a certain size, something fell through it. Three distinct thuds followed, and as the dim lighting banished the shadow, their form was revealed.

For a moment there, Caroline almost believed that she was looking at a bunch of corpses. They looked like skeletons wrapped in skin, is if they had been left out to dry in the sun for a very long time. Despite their state, Caroline recognized them immediately. Red Bull, Red Bold, and Frostbite. The three missing heroes.

"Ugh... cough..."

The alarms going off in her head went silent as the three began coughing, quickly curling up and covering their heads. They were alive, for the most part.

"What... what did you do to them..."

[Nothing.] The villain replied. [Well, I did forget to feed them once or twice.]

"... what?"

[I promised to return them alive, and here they are. Do you have any complaints?]

Biting her tongue, Caroline swallowed her pride and words. There was nothing she could do at this moment. Nothing, for now.

[Just so we are on the same page, I do not trust you.]

As she did her best to restrain her anger, the villain spoke again.

[I very much doubt that you will reveal to the world their crimes or punish them in any way.] He said. [But a deal is a deal.]

Just then, the BEO commander seemed to realize something, and so she turned her gaze to the men on the ground. As if doubting he own eyes, he counted one more time, confirming that there were three of them. Three. Their deal had been to receive one at the start of each month in exchange for the BEO not meddling with Hollowgrid and the gang ruling it. But now he had returned them all, abandoning the only leverage he had.

[I will give you time.] He said. [Make it public. Come out and apologize to the world, and ensure that they pay for their crimes.]

As she shifted her gaze to him, Caroline felt that they had locked eyes despite the black glass separating them.

[Do that, and I will consider sparing you.]