ã€ŠSensei Consultancy Servicesã€‹


 The Commencement

    <u>THE COMMENCEMENT</u>

    "And the beginning carries within itself the seeds of the future ..."

    *************************

    The rain was incessant. Had it been some other night, the shady man would have detested the sight of it, but today was different. The lightning, the rain, and everything in between was his only bet. He was running. He had to run.

    "Damn it, why can''t I shake that one off? He''s been tailing me forever now!" he screamed in his mind and ran down the street. Neon lights flashed in the urban area. It was a wealthy place, a place that had some importance to it. He cut into an alleyway, hoping to avoid any trouble and finally shaking his pursuer off.

    The moment he entered the alley, he felt a swipe on his legs and fell crashing. His bag with the valuable papers slipped from his arms.

    "I shall be returning this to the Professor safe and sound. These are far too valuable for the world to be in the hands of someone like you." The voice was deep, dark, and resonant.

    After a few seconds of readjustment, the man got a better look at the assailant. He was a man in a traditional dark suit and tie, formal black shoes, and a white shirt. He had a fedora hat with a purple ribbon tied to it and a chain-like appendage that added to the icy stare of his blue and stoic eyes.

    The man stood up and took out his gun. "Damn it!" he groaned and tried to take a shot but it never happened. The assailant knocked the gun right out of his hands and slammed him on the wall of the building nearby. Holding him by the throat, the assailant punched him in the solar plexus with enough force to knock him out cold.

    *********

    The boy paced about in the hall. It was shiny white and pristine. Something about it made him feel oddly relaxed.

    "Allow me to congratulate you on a job well done, Sensei!" a man said. He was a jovial man, perhaps in his late thirties. He was in a blue suit with formal shoes and a white shirt. He had a slight beard and large sideburns.

    The boy nodded.

    "The papers you brought back to me were of the utmost importance. You know my job too well to know what would have happened if it fell into the wrong hands, don''t you?" he said.

    " I am glad I could help, Professor Rolstein." the boy said somberly.

    "You do not have to be so stiff with me, boy. You are like family to me, you know." the Professor said while adjusting his glasses. " I''m sorry I called you so far out from the city. Rest a while and then return when it is convenient for you. London  is a fine place after all!"

    "Thank you, Professor.  I will head to the Library and then be on my way." the boy said.

    He took a cab to the nearest library. Even in the current digital age, nothing made him feel better than reading books in peace. He had his file with him in his bag. He took it out and looked at the cover.

    [ ID NO: 4444

    NAME - KAI KYOSUKE

    DESIGNATION - {REDACTED}

    ]

    Those days were over. This grim file was the only reminder that the past ever existed. The past was dead and he had no intention of reviving it.

    The cab pulled up near a giant building with the name " ARZELION BOOK HOUSE".

    There was a poster that was partially covered by the presence of another vehicle.

    X XXX

    Join the age of space-exploration and colonisation. The future is upon us.

    Come to K***l City.

    XXXXX

    Kai did not need to read the rest. He knew that city by heart after all.

    He paid the driver and left the cab. After letting out a small sigh, he entered the building.

    ***********

    Meanwhile somewhere else.......

    "Why do you think the boss has called us out here?"

    "How would I know? I want to return as soon as I can. My business empire suffers when I am not around." Two men bicker about the situation.

    They were in a gothic hall with old paintings. The central table had been arranged neatly. The Boss never cut corners with these showy things after all.

    " Now, now, the boss has called us out. It must be quite important'' a honeyed voice said. The lady was in a blue party dress. She had blonde hair and an alluring smile.

    The three continue chattering as four others stay seated without talking much.

    The holographic display model at the center of the table starts lighting up.

    "The Boss is here at last." someone chirps.

    The holographic display lights up and a shadowy figure arrives. There are faint outlines of a suit and a red tie. The face was glitched out.

    "It is a pleasure to see you here, my fellow associates. This meeting has been called to discuss the papers." a metallic voice rang out. Nobody knew who the Boss was.

    Those words were enough to bring all of them into a state of complete attention.

    "I am glad to have your attention. Patterson has failed. He failed to retrieve the papers and was apprehended. Intel suggests that he was captured by an entity known as Sensei. The cameras in the areas have been wiped clean and we have no conclusive data regarding our friend.

    Patterson will be dealt with shortly." the voice said in a monotonous drawl.

    " Who is this Sensei? Patterson was one of the elites, like us. He may not have been the best of the bunch but anyone with the ability to take him out is a threat to us." someone in the hall voiced the concern.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Do not fret. I have sent in Black to survey our friend and take him out if needed. He already has a lead. We shall continue as planned." the voice said and the hologram turned off.

    The entire table seemed at ease at this. It was THE Black they were talking about after all...

    *******

    Kai was busy reading a book; "Arthur¡¯s Trail". Detective fiction has always had a cathartic reaction on his nerves. He felt calm and collected.

    This was a one-in-the-world bookhouse. An entire building solely containing books and a few employees somewhere within the maze. It was as peaceful as it could get and he was going to make the best he could of it.

    Time had perhaps ceased to exist. The birds were chirping outside and the monotonous clicking of the giant wall-clock provided a kind of peaceful solace to a wayward soul.

    ¡°Reading detective fiction I see¡± a grim voice echoed.

    Kai looked up.

    A well-dressed person in a golden suit with a long tail-coat looked upon him with a piercing glare. He had blonde hair and eyes that resembled a dark night without stars.

    Kai did not respond. He was wary of the stranger. No. He was wary of everyone. He fixed his icy glare suspiciously on the stranger.

    ¡°No need to be so cold brother!¡± the guy said in a jovial voice. ¡° I am not here for trouble. I love that book by the way. Consider it a personal favourite¡± the man continued.

    The man had a youthful and clean face with shimmering green eyes. He had blonde hair and was fairly tall, almost as tall as Kai. He had a slender build.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Hmm¡­. What do I want indeed¡­..¡± he said comically. ¡°I am a writer you see. I find inspiration in the happenstances that pique my interest. You, my friend, are a magnificent find! Let¡¯s just say that you are the inspiration for my next novel.¡± All the while, he had a grin on his face.

    Kai had always been adept at reading and analyzing. Be it books, people, situations, or events, it was all the same.

    Kai noticed the goofy smile on the man¡¯s face, the poised posture, the curious but radiant eyes, and the even breathing.

    ¡°He wants something more.¡± he thought.

    ¡°What drizzle is this? I am not interested in whatever you have to say.¡± Kai said in a sombre voice.

    ¡°Hey hey! Let us take a deep breath. So, you found out that I have some more ¡­.. wishes. You have some wits about you, eh, fellow!¡± he said with a mocking confidence.

    ¡°How about this..¡± he said while stealthily moving up near Sensei¡¯s right ear.

    ¡°You are not a normal person, are you? What are you hiding?¡± he whispered while maintaining an amused smile.

    Kai had heard whatever he needed to hear. He swept into action with great speed and caught the man in a joint lock from behind. Using his brute force, he slammed him onto the table.

    ¡°Who are you? What do you want?¡± Kai growled.

    ¡°Ooof! Pretty strong, aren¡¯t we, chap? My name is Melvin Havencort! Yeah, nice to meet you too!

    As for what I want¡­¡­ Hey! Check out the name of the author of the book that you were reading. ¡°

    XXX

    Arthur¡¯s Trail

    A detective thriller by Melvin Havencort

    XXX

    ¡°Thank you for your patronage!¡± the man said. At that instant, a smokescreen erupted from Melvin¡¯s body and covered the entire area.

    There was a white flicker as Welvin dashed away with superhuman speed and exited the bookhouse.

    ¡°Whew! That was a close one! I am glad my abilities helped me escape like this. What a cynical and unsocial bloke¡­¡± he exclaimed.

    ¡°I am sorry for being so unsocial¡± a grim voice replied.

    ¡°Seriously?! How the hell did you get here faster than I did?¡±

    Welvin tried to fight his way off. He threw a jab but he felt that it only connected with Kai¡¯s after shadow. He tried to dash away again but Kai appeared in front of him.

    He clicked his tongue and tried to throw a kick but it never connected. He looked around but he could not see Kai. He did not have a moment to think for in the blink of an eye, he was on the ground and he was restrained by Kai..

    ¡°Could you ease up a bit? It hurts ya know¡­¡± Melvin comically uttered.

    ¡°I will ask you one more time. What do you want? Your well-being depends on your answer¡± Kai uttered menacingly with a gleam in his eyes.

    ¡°Scary! I want two things primarily. One. An inspiration. And Two, A ticket. A ticket out of this place to another one.

    Look, I know you have abilities. I have some too and I can detect those with extraordinary abilities. Call it a writer¡¯s hunch¡± he winked.

    Kai could sense that it was the truth. He got up and let Melvin stand.

    ¡°What ticket? Explain¡±

    ¡°Well, you see. I have a certain bounty on my head due to some personal reasons and I need to evade the local mafia. In simpler terms, I need an escort. As you know, I am a well-known writer. I can pay you once we leave.

    As for my location. I am sure you have heard of it. Kazel City¡± Melvin gave a smug grin.

    Hearing that name, Kai gave a secret smile.

    Before Kai could say anything, a blockade of black cars popped up.

    ¡°We found him. Intel was right. He is here¡± a man screamed. A dozen goons in formal suits stepped out with weapons.

    ¡°There¡¯s someone with him? What should we do?¡±

    ¡°Dispose of them both.¡±

    Chaos erupted as ceaseless rounds of bullets danced around like drunken nobles strutting about on the dance floor.

    ¡°Use the smokescreen that you used a while back¡± Kai ordered.

    ¡°Does this mean you will take my job?¡± Melvin teased.

    ¡°Just do it¡± Kai growled.

    ¡°Yes, Yes!¡±

    The entire area was flooded by the smokescreen. Kai knocked out the closest assailants. He took Melvin and used the chaos and the lack of sight to move into one of the smaller alleyways.

    ¡°Why are they after you?¡±

    ¡°I write too damn well you know! They must be so jealous of me¡± Melvin winked.

    ¡°Kai is exasperated beyond belief. He rolls his eyes. The man must want to keep it secret. Kai was not the prying kind. Besides, he could sense no ill will from the person.

    ¡° I happen to be heading towards Kazel city myself. I will take you there. At this point, I may not have much of a choice.¡± Kai sighed.

    ¡°Thanks for your patronage my friend¡±, Melvin bowed.

    ¡°Stop fooling around and listen to me. I have a contact here who can secure us a path  to Kazel via one of the Velcian Jets. The fastest commercial private birds. Don¡¯t ask any questions. ¡° Kai said.

    ¡°Well connected, are we?¡± Melvin teased.

    Kai took out a couple of things from his bag.

    He tossed a round circular tech piece to Melvin.

    ¡°Use this. It will hide us from all the radars and create false identities for us in the cyber-space for as long as it is active.¡±

    He also took out a set of fedora hats.

    ¡°Wear this and keep your face as covered as you  can.¡±

    Melvin whistled and used the things without complaint.

    They walked down a few alleyways and entered a large airfield near a docking bay.

    Melvin started staring intently at all the streamers and planes in the area.

    ¡°Stop gawking at everything and  let¡¯s go. Unless you wish to have a bullet therapy performed on you by the clowns from before. If so, then be my guest.¡±

    ¡°Geez, I am coming¡± he scoffed comically.

    They walk up to a particular hangar. It read ¡°Hanger Number 4¡±.

    Kai and Melvin enter the hangar.

    A jet-black Velcian was there in the hangar.

    ¡°Rick. Are you there?  I need the bird.¡± Kai shouted.

    A man exited from the rear platform of the vehicle.

    ¡°Ah! It is you! I take it you are going to Kazel?¡± the mechanic said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kai said. ¡°Thanks for taking care of my ride, Rick. I am grateful to you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± he bellowed.

    Melvin was gawking at the vehicle. It is said to be the fastest plane in existence. It can travel between hemispheres in minutes at top speed and uses a small Quantum-AI-driven drive core for performance. A design from Kazel city that revolutionized the field of technology.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this guy? A friend of yours¡± Rick asked.

    ¡°No. Just a stray that I need to deliver. ¡°

    ¡°Hey! I can hear you.¡±

    The back platform opens up and allows entry. Kai uses his virtual key to open it up.

    ¡°So long Rick. It is time for me to depart.¡± Kai said.

    ¡°See you soon my man!¡± Rick bellowed.

    They both walk up to the platform and start to enter the Velican. Melvin keeps staring at it from the outside.

    Kai frustratedly kicks him inside. ¡°You can enter any time today.¡±

    Melvin scowls a rather comic scowl.

    ¡°The Velican can take us there in a couple of minutes but I do not want anyone to raise any suspicions so we will lower the speed. It will take us a few hours. Kazel is located near Japan. We are off.¡± Kai spoke.

    ¡°Zymandis. Set the speed to dial 5. Our destination is Kazel City. Krienz Bay 141, Hangar 4. Take charge of the flight¡± Kai commanded.

    ¡°As you wish.¡± the ship-board AI responded.

    ¡°Are you secretly royalty or something?¡± Melvin asked, awestruck.

    Kai did not reply.

    ¡°Your room is on the right. I am sure you will find it¡­. Accommodating.¡± Kai said and sat in the pilot¡¯s seat.

    Melvin shrugged and entered his room. It was lavish. It had all the amenities for luxury travel.

    ¡°A luxury sleep would do me wonders!¡± he exclaimed and crashed on his bed. He was out cold for a while.¡±

    Melvin woke up after his deep nap and stretched his body. ¡°This feels great!¡±

    He walked out of his room and into the pilot¡¯s section. Kai was already there.

    They looked out the front window. They were above the Japanese airspace. They could see a cluster of Islands. One particularly stood out the most in the area. They were decelerating towards it.

    Kai looked up to Melvin and said ¡°Welcome to Kazel City¡±.

 Welcome to Kazel City!

    ¡°The land of dreams, nightmares and the void in between¡­..¡±

    **********

    The deceleration was smooth and comfortable. Floating in the clouds would perhaps be less comforting. As the Velican hovered over the giant behemoth of an island, the two inhabitants peered onto the engineering marvel.

    Kazel City. A name that turned heads throughout the world. Two decades ago, a submerged island near the Japanese mainland resurfaced. The unbound potential that it contained was not unseen by the world. The Japanese Government mobilized all its resources and started working on making it habitable once again.

    The major nations throughout the world pitched in with investments and resources to forward their self interests and a grand project to create one of the most advanced technological marvels known to mankind started in earnest.

    In the current age, it is known as the most advanced semi-autonomous city-state known to humankind. The rest of the world might just still be in the proverbial stone age compared to Kazel city. Technological revolutions, ground-breaking research and limitless growth; all of these terms were synonymous with Kazel City.

    Artificial Nuclear Fusion powered thrusters made sure that Kazel City could float and move around if required. The same idea had been used to develop the experimental Velicans. The latest buzz around Kazel had been about its space exploration programme.

    ----

    ¡°It is more than I had imagined! Would you look at that beauty? Marvelous!!¡± Melvin whistled.

    ¡° I agree.¡± Kai replied.

    Melvin blinked and looked at Kai. ¡°What? Are you growing soft? No remarks or jabs?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°I would prefer that Mr.Havencort. I really would. But, out of respect for your ¡­.. literary talents¡­ I shall refrain. For now¡± Kai yapped.

    ¡°Pfftt¡­!¡± Melvin chuckled.

    A sharp stare and a furrowed brow from Kai may have been somewhat effective in minimizing the grin but Melvin could not help but smile inwardly.

    ¡°He¡¯s not a bad chap. I mean he saved me so I knew that already¡­.¡± Melvin wondered.

    ¡°What did I do to get stuck with this person?¡± Kai sighed inwardly.

    The descent of the vehicle was nearing completion.

    ¡°Initiating docking protocol : Krienz Bay 141, Hangar 4¡± Zymandis the AI said in a mechanical tone.

    ******************

    --In London

    The sign read ¡°ARZELION BOOK HOUSE¡±. The damage to the area was significant. Gang skirmishes are fairly common but this was unexpectedly bad.

    ¡°I am not surprised. Given who they were up against, it is a miracle that these fools lived to see another day¡± the man in the cloak wondered.

    He knew the habits of his prey well. Too well.

    The signs were absolute. ¡°So it is you, huh¡­..¡±

    He walked up to one of the mafia goons who was being treated inside the book house.

    ¡°That looks rough¡­.. Tough battle?¡±

    ¡°Who are you, stranger? This does not concern you. You are not part of the medical team¡± the mobster replied.

    The hooded man smiled.

    -----¡°You will tell me what you saw¡±------- he whispered in the air.

    The gangster entered into a trance. ¡°Melvin Havencort. The mysterious stranger with him. Smoke. Confusion. They escaped. Must capture the bounty¡­..¡±

    ------¡°You will forget what happened just now¡± -------

    ¡°Excuse me! Medic! This man seems to have fainted. Get help!¡± the hooded man shouted.

    A team of medical professionals came rushing.

    ¡°Move it! Go!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the call but who are you?¡± one of the nurses asked.

    But, there was no one. The hooded figure was gone.

    ¡°Huh¡± Where did he go?¡±

    The nurse was confused. The robed stranger was gone with the wind and only a chilly uneasiness remained.

    *****************

    Kai and Melvin exited the Velican and walked down the aisle. The area looked busy with busy workers running around and working on several vehicles. T

    They exited the docking bay and started towards a large sign that read ¡°Welcome to Kazel City¡±.

    ¡°Thanks a bunch for bringing me here with my head attached to my shoulders, chief¡± Melvin said.

    ¡°You are welcome¡­¡± Kai replied.

    ¡°So, you are a big shot huh! The flight, the attitude and the hat¡­ It smells like authority chief!¡± Melvin cooed.

    ¡° I am looking for a certain¡­. location out here. Mind helping me out again?¡±

    Kai glanced at the person from whom the voice emanated. He was sure that Melvin was not harmful but he did not want to get involved in his personal business any further.

    ¡° I am afraid I have to pass on your tempting offer, Mr. Havencort. I wish you all the best in your journey. I can give you a rundown on the general structure of the city.¡± Kai replied in a somber voice.

    ¡°Spoilsport¡­..¡± Melvin sighed with a mischievous grin.

    ¡° I should spoil your face with my fist right now¡­¡± Kai thought to himself.

    After giving him a general rundown, Kai shook hands with Melvin and parted ways with the author with the words ¡° Your writing. It is good.¡± while walking away.

    Melvin smiled.

    The two parted ways on an even term. Each of them had their destinations and goals in Kazel.

    ===== Kai¡¯s POV =====

    He was exhausted. His body felt alive but his mind had already sunken into the depths of the ever present nothingness. He wanted to get back to his establishment as soon as he could.

    His mind wandered back to Melvin. The air around the man was different. Bright even. Kai felt at ease around him and he did not like that.

    ¡°I have not forgotten the past. Getting close to someone like that is a recipe for disaster.¡± he thought.

    The sounds and smells of this particular section of the city have an allure that tame the raging storms that embrace Creation itself.

    Light was seeping in through the gaps between leaves and the moist smell of the well maintained plants was adding depths to the character of that very moment of existence.

    The market district. The jovial heart of the city. It was perhaps not as chic and electronic as the rest of the city but nobody complained. This is what kept Kazellans alive!

    Boasting uncountable wares, stores and assortments of flora and fauna, this place was always meant to capture the wayward hearts of weary souls.

    Tourists flocked the area and took in the various sights and smells in this aesthetic sub-domain of Kazel.

    Business owners found it profitable to open hospitality businesses here.

    Kai gave a wry smile and walked towards a building that he had been waiting to return to.

    He stood in front of a large diner-cum-office. The welcoming aristocratic feeling that the building gave off had grown on him.

    The building was several floors tall and reminiscent of a large European Mansion that had been given a somewhat modern makeover.

    It was red in colour and was built to attract customers, be it hungry diners or people with hunger for consultations!

    A large sign over the glorious entrance read ¡°Sensei Consultancy Services¡±.

    Kai lingered his gaze upon the sign for a few more moments and went round the side.

    He took out his private keys and entered through the section that led directly to the area that connected his office with the lounge.

    Putting the key in, he pushed open the door.

    A flurry of activity greeted him. People were in a rush and electronic devices were being worked upon by (somewhat) diligent looking youths. The lounge was accessed only by important members and certain clients who needed special services. But, everyone seemed happy. They were smiling.

    ¡°I¡¯m finally home¡­.¡± Kai thought!

    ¡°Hey Sensei! You¡¯re back eh! Took you long enough! The old man take too much of your time eh!¡± a jovial fellow around Kai¡¯s age said.

    He was wearing a cream-coloured shirt with brown chinos and black boots with socks. A camel overcoat was loosely placed over his body and a cream-coloured scarf. He had deep and brown eyes and a voice that carried an explorative exuberance. The auburn hair and the stubble added to the atmosphere that seemed to stem from his own being. Yes, Sans Senosuke had his own presence.

    ¡°Hey Senpai. How have things been on this end? All well? Was there any new ruckus while I was gone?¡± Kai replied with a short smile.

    ¡°Everything is fit and fine man! I have been in charge you know. We are all happy!¡± Senpai replied.

    ¡°That is exactly what I am worried about but, okay¡­..¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take the talks to your office, alright? We have a lot to catch up on and discuss and I am sure the privacy would help a lot, eh!¡± Senpai said.

    The two of them walked further through the lounge and into a room that read

    ¡°Sensei¡¯s Office¡±

    Kai unlocked the door and went on.

    ----* Two employees outside *----

    ¡°Did you see that boss? Sensei and Senpai are so cool! This is my first time seeing Sensei?!¡± a new intern quipped happily.

    ¡°Hahaha! Calm down pup! I get it. I¡¯ve been working for this organization since its inception. It is true. They are exceptional.¡± Replied the old head secretary, Mr. Saburo.

    Saburo Tejima was one of the oldest members of the SCS. He managed the consultancy side of the business as well as the restaurant business.

    He was perhaps in his sixties. He was wearing a white shirt with a black vest and formal black pants. He had an antique pocket watch and a monocle that gave him the unofficial title of the ¡°Butler¡±. He liked it though.

    The Caf¨¦/Diner side of the business was thriving in its own right. It was an old Victorian-style restaurant that sold everything from snacks to lunch and it was one of the most popular attractions in Kazel. With an excellent staff, amazing food and unforgettable memories, Cat-A-Blue Caf¨¦ was etched into the hearts of Kazellans and others.

    ¡°Wait! Really?! Tell me more!¡±

    ¡°Sometime soon Wilbur! Sometime soon¡­.¡±

    ----- Inside the office -----

    ¡°So, any new business that requires urgent notice or are they the usual ones?¡± Kai asked.

    ¡°I was about to get to that. We have a platinum request again. The client had one of those coins¡­. Here, let me give you the request memo. It is a handwritten letter. No digital signature this time.¡± Senosuke said and passed over the letter.

    Kai started reading the letter and his eyes were agape. He hurriedly got up.

    ¡°Senpai, come with me.¡± he said.

    ¡°Wait just a moment man¡­. What do you mean?¡± Senosuke said.

    ¡°There¡¯s no time to explain! Let¡¯s go. Now!!¡±

    The two hurriedly rushed out to a site of utmost importance.

    ===Melvin¡¯s POV===

    Kazel city was more than what he had expected. He had seen the different sectors of the island and every area seemed like a different country. He understood what the hype was about. But, he had no time to think about that. He had a very important job to do.

    He knew where he had to go.

    Kazel did not follow a system of ordinary cabs. Flying vehicles were the norms here. And unlike the market district, every other location was a technological hub.

    Most buildings were techno-skyscrapers that flourished with a neon-light setup. Flying cabs flew around everywhere and electronic whirring was a common background noise. Everyone was so used to it that nobody particularly noticed it anymore. Robotic guards and electronic devices were moving around.

    Nature and technology had a perfect synergy here and the people were used to the cyber-mechano environment.

    ¡°Would you look at that!¡± Melvin whistled.

    This was the Commons district. The region where the ordinary and somewhat wealthy residents lived.

    But, this is not where he needed to be.

    Every utopia has a dark spot. Kazel was no exception.

    He was headed to the downtown district. Also known as the junkyard of Kazel. At its best, it was a little more than the collection ground of the electrical wires and electronic retrofittings that kept the entirety of Kazel afloat. But, that was not all. It was the unofficial slum district of Kazel. Stowaways, vagrants, criminals and gangs. This place had all the beauty it needed.

    Melvin decided to hit the slums in the evening. He went ahead and finished up an important thing that he needed to take care of in the market district and then bought some clothes that would help him blend in with the underworld crowd.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.A blue t-shirt, a yellow jacket with a hoodie, a flashy belt and running shoes.

    ¡°I think I am falling for myself, hmmmm!!¡± Melvin thought out loud.

    Evening came quicker than he had thought as he made his way to the slum district.

    It was not a pretty sight.

    A wrong turn meant death and Melvin knew that.

    The Neon lights had coated the area in a purple hue and the red tint in the skies crackled with an ominous anticipation.

    Melvin put up his hood and walked into the area.

    Ruffians and wannabe thugs were moving amok; drinking, betting and planning. Like they always do.

    He walked into an alleyway and moved past a few electronic boxes.

    He saw a bunch of thugs walking playing cards near an electronic junkyard. He approached them. They all had a tattoo with the design of a bleeding magnolia flower.

    ¡°Hey amigos! Mind putting me up for a round? Night¡¯s crazy and some cash would up my game¡± he said convincingly.

    The spiky haired punk that seemed to be the leader of the bunch looked up.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t seen you round ¡®er punk¡­.. New to town eh¡­¡± he said with a menacing grin.

    ¡°Right mate! Came ¡®ere for the fun!¡± Melvin replied, matching the atmosphere.

    ¡°Come to the right place you ¡®ave¡­. Smart fellow¡­. You play yer round with me. ¡± the punk replied.

    The cards were dealt and the rules were verified.

    One of the thugs yelled ¡°Begin¡±.

    The game was simple. It was a kind of electronic poker that was played using a neural interface that every person on Kazel was supposed to wear. The neural interface based implants were newly made and they were placed on everyone upon arrival. They were completely private and connected to the Kazel interntet network only when access was granted. All cyber transactions could be made mentally using this interface.

    Melvin won three round consecutively and started conversing with the punk leader.

    ¡°So mate, can ye give me a little of the talks around town? Help a lad in need eh¡­¡±

    ¡°What yer wanna know smart guy?¡± the punk quipped.

    ¡°How about telling me where I can find the leaders of the Rinzen gang mate¡­.¡± Melvin said in a collected manner.

    The demeanor in the area changed as if the air was snuffed out of the surroundings. Every single thug started looking at Melvin with very serious expressions.

    ¡°What yer want? Talk to us. The bosses are not to be bothered unless the matter is important. I am Ratchet. The captain of the squads.¡± the pack leader said.

    Melvin took out a small digital box from his pocket and gave it to the leader. ¡° Does this interest you boss?¡±

    Ratchet¡¯s eyes grew wide as he looked at the box.

    ¡°So, yer the client the bosses were talking about eh smart guy! Shudda said earlier¡± Ratchet quipped. ¡°Follow me then. The bosses are waiting for you¡±.

    Melvin followed the gang members. The passed through several interconnected metallic and electrical rubbles and went further below in downtown.

    He could hear the machineries all the way up to uptown and he glanced up to see how far up the technological rubble he could make out.

    They reached a secluded spot with the Rinzen gang marking.

    ¡°Ayyy boss¡­. The Golden Goose is ¡®ere¡±

    Upon hearing those words, there was a flurry of activity.

    Two giant men in highly advanced exoskeletons came out in view.

    One of them spoke.

    ¡°So, you are here to deliver us our key to financial stardom eh¡­. I am Targuss and my associate here is LevZuss. We are the founder of Rinzen.¡± he said in a booming voice.

    ¡°Bingo¡­..¡± Melvin wondered.

    Kazel had the tightest prison district in the world. Said to be notoriously difficult to even scratch, KazDown is known to send fear down the spines of even the most seasoned criminals in existence.

    There exists a loosely held group of seven individuals who had escaped from KazDown and added their names to the list of some of the most terrifying legends. They are known as ¡°The Seven Horsemen of Doom¡±. They had escaped with high-tech equipments and supplies.

    Targuss and LevZuss were two of the seven criminals. Melvin knew that of course.

    Kazel had developed exoskeletons that enhanced the physical capabilities to the level of the mutants that existed in the world. The world came to know it as the Busoku Exoskeleton project. The Seven Horsemen had escaped with seven highly dangerous variants of Busoku gears.

    ¡°I have brought you what you want¡­. Now, tell me where she is and we can part ways.¡± Melvin said.

    ¡°Oh¡­. She is alright. You will meet her soon. But, we must have the box first. Hand it over and the location is yours.¡±

    Melvin thought hard about it. But, he had no choice. He had to give the box up if he wished to find her.

    ¡°Alright¡±. Melvin took out another cyber-box and handed it over to Targuss.

    ¡°My end of the deal is done. I stole the box from The Lodonis English mafia and brought it to you. Now, tell me where she is.¡± Melvin said with palpitations in his heart.

    LevZuss spoke up this time. ¡° I am afraid we cannot do that¡­. Mutant Melvin Havencort¡±

    The entire gang surrounded the writer.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Melvin screamed.

    ¡°You add more worth to our pockets if we sell you to some lab. Be a good beast and come here¡­¡± Targuss laughed.

    ¡°This is how it is huh¡­. If you want a scrap, you will get a scrap. You all will pay!!!¡± Melvin raged.

    ¡°Tough words runt¡­. Get em boys¡­.¡±

    Each and every thug in the vicinity made a beehive for Melvin¡¯s head.

    Being a mutant had its perks. Melvin was physically superior to almost all ordinary humans combined and he had unique abilities. He could use smokescreen, super-speed and mutant detection. He was strong.

    He bobbed and weaved through the almost endless crowds of thugs as he fought on. He punched and kicked.

    They used batons and guns and Melvin had to jump around throughout the area and take them out one by one.

    ¡°Yer pitty good smart guy¡­. Too bad though¡­ I am a mutant too¡±. Ratchet came out of the crowd.

    ¡°Oh yeah¡­. Let¡¯s see what you have got Mohawk¡± Melvin replied cheekily.

    Ratchet hardened up his skin. He could make his skin impenetrable to even missiles. It was his mutant ability.

    Melvin was unimpressed. He sped up to him and punched him with an uppercut right on the jaw. Ratchet flew a distance up and fell a few steps backwards. He had reverted back to human form and he was bleeding profusely.

    ¡°So, the rumors are true. You truly are an Omega level mutant. The highest class. No wonder even Ratchet, an alpha class mutant got knocked out. It does not matter. THIS ENDS NOW!!¡± Targuss growled. ¡°LevZuss. WE.ARE.ON¡±.

    They activated their Busoku gears.

    Targuss suited up into an imposing rocky armor with a hammer. Black chunks were attached to the armor and a stone-like helm with an internal heads up display flared up. He had a big hammer in his gear-set.

    LevZuss suited up into a giant metallic armor with a muscular build. The helm had electro-metallic appendages and an electrical field covered him.

    Each and every stat showed up on the Busoku gears. Attack power, range, potency, weapon equipped, item state and area scan. Everything was there. Every single artificial intelligence based functionality was carved into each and every Busoku piece.

    Melvin was surrounded by the two warlords as they rushed him. He attacked them and he knew they worked to an extent but none of his blows were making any critical damage.

    He added a smokescreen in the vicinity and moved at lightning fast speed while attacking the two monsters.

    ¡°This is annoying Targuss. He is damaging us even in Busoku state.¡± LevZuss barked.

    He sent out a jolt of electrical wave throughout the area and made the smoke dissipate.

    ¡°God damn it¡­¡± Melvin hissed as everything became visible again.

    ¡°Found you bug¡± Targuss screamed and rushed at Melvin.

    Melvin whisked a few steps back and jumped on a parked cab. Targuss started swinging his hammer like a madman and destroyed a lot of clutter.

    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ Come to papa¡± Melvin taunted Targuss.

    ¡°Rwaaarrr!!!!¡± Targuss yelled as he rushed further.

    Melvin skillfully lured Targuss near LevZuss and just before the hammer swing, he jumped out of the way.

    Targuss hit LevZuss and they both got stunned.

    ¡°Targuss you fool, the insect is making us collide. I will charge up my Electro-Busoku to the max and fry him. They can have his body. I will move back. Take him out with your full gear.¡± LevZuss said.

    ¡°Hell yeah Lev!!¡±

    Targuss commanded his implant to bring his Busoku to MAX_OUTPUT state.

    The HUD on his internal screen read

    ** MAX_OUTPUT initialized. All stats at hundred. Gravity Hammer Form initiated**

    His armor grew sturdier and the hammer became a huge sledgehammer.

    ¡°Out of pity, I will tell you this. Now, I can manipulate gravity to an extent. Goodbye you little shit¡­.¡±

    Targuss swung his giant sledge hammer and portions of the area was instantly obliterated. Melvin felt a tug as he was instantly pulled towards him.

    Targuss hit Melvin who was being drawn towards him with the hammer and sent him flying into a wall.

    The wall broke and he flew into the warehouse of sorts.

    ¡°I am coming for your head boy. And you can just sqirm. Regret cannot save you anymore¡± Targuss screamed.

    Melvin coughed inside the warehouse.

    ¡°Holy shit. I almost died with that one¡­¡±

    He was tattered beyond measure. His shirt was torn and he was badly bruised and injured. He could hardly feel anything and the world was flowing into interesting shapes.

    He had to think fast. The only way out was to take Targuss out. Melvin thought of a way.

    ¡°I will end this now,¡± Targuss thought.

    He intended to use gravitational attraction to pull Melvin out of the rubble and smash his head into the ground with a dense gravity charged hammer strike to his head.

    ¡°I will definitely survive here. She is waiting. I will survive. I will survive ¡­..¡± These were the only thoughts in Melvin¡¯s head.

    Targuss raised his sledgehammer with both hands and went maximum gravity mode. The moment before he could release the power build-up, Melvin shot debris at high speed into his eyes.

    ¡°Arghhh¡± Targuss growled as the power dissipated from the hammer. The blade of the hammer got stuck on the ground with the handle raised up.

    Melvin had his chance. He gathered up all the power in his body and ran at a terrifying speed. Sparks of lightning started forming around his body and his yellow eyes started glowing faintly.

    He rushed and used the hammer handle as an inclined treadmill to reach the Targuss¡¯s face.

    He speed-jumped off the ending of the hammer handle and gave a back-flip kick to Targuss¡¯s jaw mid-air and moved higher up.

    A pool of blood escaped Targuss¡¯s mouth and he lost all sensation in an instant. A large section of the Busoku gear was highly damaged.

    The internal display read ¡°----Critical damage to systems. User in critical condition. Administering aid and shutting down -----¡±.

    Melvin was still in mid-air. It felt like he had done a back-flip on a trampoline. He was in a state of high concentration and was about to land.

    At just this instant, a terrifying blast of electricity hit him with an apocalyptic fury and took away his remaining senses. Smoke was coming out of his body and despite having an extremely high healing factor, he hit the ground in a crumpled manner.

    LevZuss had activated his MAXIMUM_OUTPUT mode. The horns on his helms had grown and he had accumulated an insane amount of charge before releasing it on Melvin. He took advantage of the distraction and timed his shot.

    ¡°Fool. Learn to count. There are two of us. Still, you were strong enough to best my equal Targuss. You could have been one of us. It is a pity we will have to sell you. No hard feelings.¡± LevZuss said.

    Some of his men were still standing. He asked the remaining two henchmen to pick him up for delivery.

    The two guys picked him up and were about to take him away.

    Two gunshots echoed and the two henchmen fell into the embrace of life-long pain. A pool of blood adorned the ground.

    ¡°What the hell is this?¡± LevZuss growled.

    A man in a black suit, a fedora hat with a mini bow-tie, a chain-like appendage and a thirst for violence was standing on one of the higher electronic railings.

    ¡°This is your hell. I am just here to negotiate the terms of your stay.¡± the man replied.

    Melvin looked up. He was coming to his senses but every movement was extremely difficult. Thinking hurt too.

    ¡°Y¡­You¡­.?¡± he let out feebly.

    ¡°Hello Mr. Havencort. Once again, Welcome to Kazel City!¡± the man said with a small grin.

 A Daring Rescue and a New Beginning

    <u>A Daring Rescue and a New Beginning</u>

    ¡°A world too big to be so small¡­¡±

    *************

    ¡°Who are you?¡± LevZuss whiffed out in suppressed anger. ¡°You have crossed a bridge that will cost you dearly¡­¡±

    ¡°I am not interested in such minuscule costs. And I have no time for you. Move.¡± Kai said in a controlled and calm tone.

    ¡°You do not understand do you? One of the Seven Horsemen of Doom stands before you. I hold the cards my friend.¡± LevZuss said.

    Kai gave him a disinterested look and raised his gun again.

    ¡°A mere gun cannot penetrate my armor¡­.¡± LevZuss thought.

    Kai was inches away from pulling the trigger when some commotion from the layers above caused LevZuss to look up.

    A man in a camel coat was jumping from one techno-landing to another after descending from a layer above in an effort to reach Kai.

    ¡°Now hold on just a minute you trigger happy, blood thirsty, gunslinging wolf!!!! Do you know how tedious it is to deal with irritating mobs like these? ¡°Senosuke said in a flustered tone after landing beside Kai.

    ¡°Knowing you, you were about to inflict maximum amount of pain right? I wish you would stop being so sadistic against criminals man. There is always a better way. How many of these henchmen and thugs did you demolish on your way here man?¡± Senpai said.

    ¡°I understand you concern Senpai. But this had to be done. Some forms of evil cannot be allowed to fester.¡± Sensei said.

    ¡°Sensei¡­. Please don¡¯t cross a line you will never be able to return from.¡± Senpai replied.

    ¡°LevZuss of the 7 Horsemen of Doom is it¡­¡­ That must be your brother Targuss then. Here is the deal. We are from Sensei Consultancy Services. The yellow haired man over there is our ¡­. friend. I, Sans Senosuke of SCS propose a deal. You let him go and this does not escalate any further.¡± Senpai looked at LevZuss and said in a rational manner.

    ¡°W¡­.Wh¡­y a¡­re yo¡­.u h¡­e..r..e?¡± Melvin whispered in a pained tone.

    ¡°Well Mr. Havencort¡­. Let¡¯s just say that your message reached the right consultant.¡± Kai said with a slight smirk.

    *** A few hours earlier in the SCS Head Branch -¨¤ Sensei¡¯s office ***

    ¡°So, any new business that requires urgent notice or are they the usual ones?¡± Kai asked.

    ¡°I was about to get to that. We have a platinum request again. The client had one of those coins¡­. Here, let me give you the request memo. It is a handwritten letter. No digital signature this time.¡± Senosuke said and passed over the letter.

    The letter read :-

    ¡° To Sensei of the Sensei Consutancy Services,

    I have attached one of your most coveted consultation coins with this letter to bring to your attention the gravity of my situation. I believe I have a valuable cargo that the Rinzen gang of Kazel downtown require. It has been extracted from the archives of the Lodonis Mafia of England.

    I shall require your more ¡° practical consultation¡± service exactly five hours from the submission time of this letter. I believe I shall meet the leaders directly and I cannot trust them completely. A deeply personal stake is involved and I cannot spare too many details about it. I can pay you upfront after the job.

    If you choose to accept my offer, please come find me.

    ----- Melvin Havencort¡±

    ¡°Senpai, come with me.¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Wait just a moment man¡­. What do you mean?¡± Senosuke said.

    ¡°There¡¯s no time to explain! Let¡¯s go. Now!!¡±

    The two headed down the aisle that connected the large SCS building with its different wings. They moved passed all the security personnel and went down a private elevator that only the top executives could use.

    ==== The basement ====

    The private section of the basement had all the vehicles of the executive members.

    Technology has advanced at a rapid rate here in Kazel. Large scale objects can be stored in small quantum containers and unlocked using neural interface based commands. Though, this was only available to a select few individuals.

    ¡°Senpai, I will use a hoverboard. You contact the teams and follow after me. I will share my neural coordinates with you.¡± Kai said while unlocking his hoverboard.

    Slick, metallic and lightweight, it is the most convenient way to travel. SCS exclusive experimental property had its perks.

    ¡°What is this about Sensei?¡± Senpai asked in alarm.

    Kai tossed him the letter.

    Senpai read it and realization struck.

    ¡°Do you know Melvin Havencort?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say that circumstances were a bit ¡­ special. Let¡¯s discuss this over our interfaces as we go¡± Kai replied.

    **** Cue to current time ****

    ¡°Sensei Consultancy Services¡­. Well, this makes things more interesting. I have a proposal of my own. I do not know what deal Melvin Havencort has made with you. But, I can offer you a much better one. This man has a bounty on his head. And, he will fetch us a hefty sum. He is famous so we can gain money from his benefactors too. The payload that he has brought us has sensitive data too. Do you see the potential? It is much more than anything he alone can muster.¡± LevZuss said confidently.

    Kai started getting angrier by the second. The blood lust was palpable and Senpai could feel it.

    ¡°I am sorry. We cannot accept this proposal. We are not mercenaries. We shall take Melvin Havencort with us.¡± Senpai said.

    ¡°I see¡­ I am sorry it has come to this then!!!¡± LevZuss said and launched a massive electrical storm towards Sensei and Senpai.

    The entire area was lit up and several electrical devices in the area were completely fried as the electrical storm devastated everything in its path with a blinding dazzle.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Taking out the two of you will improve the quality of my work. I will ask the crew members to clean up the bodies.¡± LevZuss confidently declared.

    His smile faded away as a voice echoed.

    ¡°It was a good plan. But you failed to consider one thing¡­..¡± Senpai said.

    The area became visible again and there was not a scratch on the two.

    ¡°¡­. the possibility that your attack will not work. What a pity¡± Senpai finished.

    ¡°What¡­.?¡± LevZuss wondered in disbelief.

    ¡°And about you men¡­. Could you please check your interface? It will tell you what exactly happened.

    LevZuss checked his interface to see what his crew was up to but only saw people knocked out in all sectors.

    ¡°I took the liberty to knock them out¡­ Sensei, you should be considerate of me. Do you know how tiring it was?¡± Senpai cackled.

    ¡°Uh¡­ yeah. Good job!¡± Sensei replied with an apologetic smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as appreciation. And, I will take care of big guy down there. Do not go firing like a madman.¡± Senpai said.

    LevZuss went alert.

    Senpai jumped towards LevZuss.

    Even before LevZuss could blink,Senpai was right in front of him.

    ¡°It is time to put you out Horseman of Doom.¡±

    LevZuss charged up a punch straight at Senpai but Senpai caught it with ease. The grip was so tight that LevZuss felt an immense surge of pain.

    ¡°A mere person toying with a Busoku armored behemoth¡­. This is just impossible¡± LevZuss thought in shock and despair.

    Senpai just smiled at him.

    He released his grip and gave him a push that sent LevZuss a few feet backwards.

    ¡°urghhh¡­.¡±

    The busoku interface read -¨¤ ¡°Warning!! Entity with superior battle power detected. Immediate termination or retreat is advised.¡±

    ¡°If that is how it is, then there is no point in anything but this¡­.¡±

    LevZuss initiated a chain of commands:-

    ¡°Busoku Maximum Output mode initiated. Electrical field around user-suit at maximum. Electro dispenser at maximum. All stats at maximum. Warning: All safety measures disabled.¡±

    LevZuss charged up the entire power of the suit and attacked Senpai with several blows but it was all for nothing.

    Senpai dodged and blocked every single attack.

    Not wishing to prolong this any further, Senpai launched a devastating sweeping kick to LevZuss¡¯s solar plexus.

    A loud crashing noise played throughout the area. Pieces of metal and electronic parts scattered everywhere as a portion of the Electro-Busoku was decimated. LevZuss was sent backwards with a whirlwind force. Blood spilled from his mouth and eyes as he crashed and fell.

    ¡°Warning: Critical damage to suit and user. Administering possible medical aid and shutting d¡­..¡± The interface could not finish the message before the suit completely shut down.

    Senpai looked at the entire scene and sighed.

    ¡°Why does it always end like this¡­¡±

    Sensei started clapping in a grandiose manner. He was very amused!

    ¡°You enjoyed that didn¡¯t you?¡±Senpai said with a light scoff.

    ¡°Oh yes¡­. I did! I got a kick out of it!¡±Sensei smirked.

    Senpai rolled his eyes and went to check up on his victim.

    ¡°He¡¯s out cold. Our people should be here soon to wrap things up and round up the thugs.¡±

    He walked up towards Melvin who was slowly recovering.

    ¡°Mr. Melvin Havencort¡­. It seems we have a lot to discuss¡± he offered in a soothing manner.

    He took out a healing kit.

    ¡°Here, this will help you recover some ounce of strength¡±

    The electronic kit deployed several medical nanobots throughout Melvin¡¯s body and basic aid was administered. Some of the wounds were patched up and relaxants were injected into his body.

    ¡°Thank you¡­ uh¡­¡± Melvin fumbled.

    ¡°Sans Senosuke from the Sensei Consultancy Services¡± Senpai offered.

    ¡°I am Melvin Havencort¡­ Thank you for the help. Both of you.¡±Melvin said.

    Sensei had quietly reached beside Senpai and both of them were relieved that Melvin was recovering.

    ¡°Where do I even start¡­.. First of all, you should have told me that you were Sensei of the Sensei Consultancy Services.¡± Melvin quipped.

    ¡°You never asked¡­.¡± Sensei said in return.

    ¡°That is true though¡­¡± Melvin said and smiled at himself.

    ¡°Mr Havencort, I have heard how you met Sensei here. You stole something from the Lodonis Mafia?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did. It is a list of all the locations of the different gangs bases and mafia operations. All the updates and comm details are present here. LevZuss has it in his interface.¡± Melvin revealed.

    The two gasped.

    ¡°Well¡­.. this is big. This is a very dangerous piece of information. I don¡¯t know how the Lodonis Mafia had this but ¡­.. You know what you did was reckless and dangerous, right? This could have been used to fuel a lot of evil¡­. ¡± Senpai told Melvin.

    ¡°You are right¡­. I was desperate. I needed some intel that these people had. I had planned to recover it from them later. I was careless¡­¡± Melvin said in a remorseful voice.

    ¡°Yes¡­ It was careless. But I understand¡­ somehow. I will not condone your actions but your eyes are filled with sorrow. I know you bore no malice. ¡° Sensei said in a somber tone. He looked pensive and somewhat remorseful, as if he understood what Melvin was going through.

    ¡°Huh¡­. Do you really understand? Why I am doing so much of shady things even though I never wanted to? Can you really say THAT!!¡±Melvin demanded.

    Sensei peered into his eyes and locked his gaze. ¡°You are searching for something very important, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Melvin was taken aback by that. He did not expect this. ¡°How do you know?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Your eyes told me¡­..¡± Sensei voiced in a very serious and earnest tone.

    Melvin blinked at Sensei and chuckled heartily ¡°Ahahahaha!! What does that even mean?!!¡±

    Senpai smiled and said ¡±Well, it is nice to see you get along!¡±

    ¡°Are you blind? I get along with no one¡± Sensei huffed.

    ¡°Whatever you say man. Let¡¯s leave it at that¡­¡± Senpai replied.

    Sensei went towards LevZuss and used his neural interface to extract the stolen location module from him. ¡°This shall be put to good use.¡±

    ¡°What do you plan to do with it?¡±Melvin asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of evil that must be purged. And a lot of justice that must be meted out.¡± Sensei quipped quizzically.

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±Melvin was confused.

    ¡°What he means is that we can use the data to prevent a lot of potential crimes. Don¡¯t worry, he has a habit of speaking like that sometimes.¡±Senpai intervened.

    ¡°Oh¡­..¡±

    ¡°If I may ask, what are you searching for Mr. Havencort? We can help. And how do you have one of our platinum coins?¡± Sensei asked Melvin.

    ¡°I am searching for someone. A girl¡­.

    Actually she is my sister.¡± Melvin said.

    ¡°Should be easy enough!¡± Senpai exclaimed.

    ¡°No¡­.. The funny thing is¡­. I do not remember her. And many things about my past. I am sure we had a lot of memories but my mind draws a blank here. I remember having your platinum coin and my father explaining how it works to me. He never explained anything else no matter how much I asked. And he disappeared a few years ago¡­.¡± Melvin blurted out everything as if he was unloading a burden that was weighing his heart down.

    Sensei and Senpai were shocked and they let out audible gasps.

    Sensei gave a pensive scowl while looking up towards the sky. He felt uneasy. A quiver. Like an inkling that something big was happening and he was not privy to it.

    ¡°My condolences Mr. Havencort. I am sorry. I understand. I can¡­.. never mind. You have my condolences.¡± Sensei said in an uncharacteristically soft voice.

    Senpai looked at Sensei and Melvin and said ¡°This is strange. Very strange. Yet if Sensei trusts you, then so do I¡­.. We will help you.¡±

    ¡°With that sorted, I have a proposal. Sensei¡­. We have a vacancy for an executive position for a Public Relations and Coordination Officer, right? We need someone influential and connected to people to expand our services. All services.¡± Senpai said slowly.

    ¡°Here, we have a writer¡­. A famous one who is immensely popular¡­ What if we-¡° he continued but he was cut off.

    ¡°No.¡± Sensei interjected.

    ¡°Why? Do you not trust me? I can understand your concerns but I can prove my worth ¨C ¡° Melvin started.

    ¡°It is not that.¡±

    ¡°Then what?¡± Melvin questioned.

    ¡°You may lose your life. I do not wish to bring that reality upon you¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Oh¡­. Oh¡­.. Is that so? Looks like grumpy here has grown a heart¡­. Don¡¯t worry chap, I can take care of myself. I took care of the hammer swinging twit there didn¡¯t I?!¡± Melvin teased.

    Sensei scoffed.

    Senpai chuckled.

    ¡°I have no qualms then Mr. Havencort. I welcome you into our ranks.¡±

    Kai held Melvin¡¯s hand as if to shake it and helped him get up. The important ritual of handshake was done.

    Senpai heaved a sigh of relief and Melvin¡¯s cheeky smile had returned.

    ******Somewhere in London. In the Headquarters of the Lodonis Mafia ******

    ¡°What is the meaning of this??!!¡± the leader fumed.

    They were seated in a luxurious hall with all the amenities that those who oppress and destroy the poor can have.

    ¡° I trusted you. You said I would have the data and the mutant by this time. YET, LevZuss called off the deal. Listen here. Your life shall be used as payment for this failure.¡± he yelled at the robed man. Every executive was in agreement.

    An eery laughter erupted from the robed and hooded man.

    ¡°What is so funny?¡± the boss fumed.

    ¡°No. No. You were fantastic. But your use is over. Great work¡­ Everything went exactly how I wished it would go!¡± the man uttered.

    ¡°We shall have your hide.¡±

    Before anyone could react, the hooded man took out a techno stick that turned into a scythe.

    Only second of horror registered on their faces before the room was turned from white to red with their blood.

    ¡°Thank you for your cooperaton!¡± the hooded man exclaimed as he finally slit the throat of the boss of the Lodonis mafia. His face was splattered with some blood and he nonchalantly wiped it off.

    ¡°So close¡­. Just you wait¡­.¡±

    That was a night that the survivors of the Lodonis Mafia would never forget. There was blood, destruction and death and no one knew what had happened. The imagery of the terrifying dance of the fire that entombed the Lodonis HQ has etched itself firmly in the hearts and minds of the few survivors.

    *******

 The Secrets that Lie Below

    ¡°The depths and secrets that lie below¡­¡±

    ******

    ¡°Did you read about what happened in London?¡± Melvin asked.

    ¡°Yes, Melvin. It is very concerning, to say the least. The Lodonis Mafia is gone¡­.¡± Senpai replied.

    Sensei was looking out the window towards the canal area that was covered with beautiful trees. He was thinking.

    ¡°What do you think Sensei?¡± Senpai asked.

    ¡°Something just feels off¡­.. I do not think this is a coincidence at all. But, we must not let this get to us. ¡± Kai replied thoughtfully.

    ¡°You are right Kai!¡± Melvin said.

    Kai and Sans looked at each other. They seemed to consider something for a few moments. They had a silent but meaningful conversation through their eyes and reached an agreement.

    ¡°Melvin¡­. There is something that you need to see. It is crucial for all of us. It has to be done.¡± Kai said in a serious but kind tone.

    ¡°Oh yeah? What is it?¡± Melvin asked.

    ¡°You will have to see it for yourself. Telling anything about it will not clear up anything.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way, mate,¡± Melvin said.

    ¡°You will understand once we go there. But there is something else that needs to be done before we do that.¡± Kai replied.

    ¡°Right! This is something that needs to be done. Melvin, you should follow us to the lower floors. That is where the real fun stuff happens!¡± Senpai added.

    ¡°Lead the way! Melvin and fun cannot stay apart!¡± Melvin declared.

    The trio reached to the bottom levels through an elevator in the private section.

    A grand opening awaited their arrival. An entire eco-system of technology, gizmos and people was thriving there.

    Everyone seemed important here and everyone stood in rapt attention as the three left the elevator.

    Certain important looking people came up to them and shook their hands.

    ¡°It is a pleasure to see the members of the inner sanctum here. I assume that the newest inner sanctum member will get his designation today?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are right Colonel Amato. Please relay the message to every member of the outer sanctum. Today is an important day.¡± Senpai replied.

    ¡°As you wish!¡± Mr. Amato replied and hurried away.

    Melvin looked on in daze as everything happened in a flurry around him.

    The pristine condition of the area did not reveal anything. It was a beautifully sculpted area where technology and ancient architecture had a perfect fusion.

    ¡°This is a small segment of our base. The Kazel underground network is run by us. The consultancy is just a front. A huge section of the sub-structure below Kazel is owned by us. Welcome to the inner sanctum of Verneire, Melvin Havencort.¡± Kai added.

    Melvin was speechless for a moment. It took him a lot of time to process whatever was happening.

    ¡°So¡­.. we are covert operatives of sorts?¡±

    ¡°Ha! You could say that¡± Senosuke chuckled.

    They walked through an underground hallway filled with technological gizmos and grand statues everywhere.

    ¡°In different sectors, we have troops, vehicles, supplies and a lot more. Consider it an army of sorts.¡± Kai mused.

    They reached an end hallway with a gigantic door. It had a very strange and hypnotic design carved on it.

    It was a dark violet and black design with a central eye-like structure in the middle. It represented a purple anemone with a lock in between. It was a symbolic look that put the soul into a state of quiet cacophony.

    Melvin was in awe. It was not quite what he had expected. Or dreamt of. He could feel a veiled sense of excitement, a palpable anxiety and the welling up of a million questions.

    ¡°What on Earth¡­..?¡± he uttered.

    ¡°It is a pathway to the future. The inner sanctum of a society that aims to bring balance to this world. It is your gateway to the unknown. The door to the Inner Sanctum lies in front of you.¡± Kai said with devoted eyes.

    ¡°Can someone please tell me what is exactly going on?¡±

    ¡°Soon my friend. Soon¡± Senpai consoled.

    From the centre of the symbol, a scanner scanned the iris of Sensei.

    The door opened up, ushering the trio into the inner hall.

    *********

    ¡°Uh guys¡­.. Why is it so dark in here?¡± Melvin voiced out loud.

    He heard no response.

    ¡°Okay¡­¡­. this may not be too fun guys¡­. Hello?¡±

    ¡°Hey you pricks¡­.. You can stop the prank now¡­.¡± Melvin said in a rushed manner.

    After not getting a reply for a while, Melvin realized that this was no prank. He was lost.

    The entire location was pitch dark. He could feel nothing, perceive nothing and hear nothing. It was quiet.

    He kept on walking. Time perhaps no longer existed.

    After what felt like ages, there was a stirring within him. He could feel his mind expand.

    He found himself back in his fight against Targuss.

    ¡°Huh¡­.¡± he wondered. But he had no time to think. The brute was charging at him.

    He dodged the swing of the bulky hammer and went in for a return uppercut but in place of Targuss, LevZuss had appeared.

    The moment the punch connected, he felt that dreadful electric shock once again.

    The pain lasted only for a moment though and the entire scene had shifted again.

    Melvin found himself talking to his editor and scribbling away. At least the writer was behaving normally but he was almost in an out-of-body experience. He was experiencing moments of his life as a spectator in 3rd person. He could see his family manor and many old memories vividly.

    He was starting to get used to the experience. He was almost feeling comfortable. But, of course, nothing is that simple.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    He felt a sharp and unnerving pain permeating his entire being and everything vanished again.

    It was dark.

    He was sinking.

    Sinking.

    Sinking¡­..

    ********

    Melvin felt like he hit the floor with a thud.

    He stood up and even though this place was beyond dark, things started to become visible. Depth and perception returned to the repertoire of his senses.

    He saw a decorated door in front of him. It was entirely made of darkness with some bright yellow spots spread throughout. He walked towards it with trepidation. He felt a sense of exhilaration and fear as he approached the door. Something was pulling him towards the door and something else was pushing him away.

    He was inches away from touching it but the final touch never came.

    Melvin realized with a shudder that another hand had latched onto his. He looked up and saw that he himself, or rather a look-alike of himself had caught on to his hand.

    ¡°Hello there Melvin! You can call me Melvin.¡± the other one jeered and smirked.

    ¡°Who are you? Cosplaying as me? So cute¡­..¡± Melvin quipped back.

    There was a rising sense of urgency. He had to leave.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what is happening¡­.. And I don¡¯t really care. I was there with my friends. I need to go. And on a side note¡­ Stop cosplaying as me if you can¡¯t get it right. That door must be my exit. Move you clown.¡± Melvin yelled out.

    ¡° I am afraid that door cannot open yet. It is too soon.¡±

    ¡°We will see about that¡­¡± Melvin tried to bulldoze his way through but the imposter swung at him with great precision.

    Melvin and the imposter went back and forth while trading blows.

    ¡°Why do you resist Melvin Havencort? You remember nothing and whenever you try to remember past a certain age, you start to feel the pain. Remain here. You will be happy. You can conjure up anything you wish to¡­.¡± the imposter said.

    Melvin found the offer tempting for a while. He was slowing down.

    But then he remembered how he had found a new family in SCS and how he still had a mission to complete.

    ¡°I am sorry. I make it a point to not co-habilitate with crazy fans¡­.Ciao my man¡± Melvin said with a grin and landed a devastating punch on the imposter¡¯s face.

    The imposter staggered back but stood back up with a genuine smile this time.

    ¡°See ya later Melvin¡­.. I hope next time will be more pleasant¡­¡±

    ¡°You can count on that!¡±Melvin replied with a smile.

    The entire area started to lighten up and Melvin started to feel lightheaded again. Though, this time, it felt restful.

    **********

    Melvin started to open his eyes. Everything felt bright for a few moments and he had to let his eyes adjust.

    He was lying on a bed in an encased tube and heavy instruments were attached to his body.

    He was not feeling bad though. In fact, he was feeling extremely invigorated.

    ¡°The disorientation should pass quickly. And you have been through the worst so there is nothing to worry about.¡± A somewhat calming and thin voice echoed.

    Melvin¡¯s eyes darted around and saw a man standing near his bed and working on a computer terminal. He was wearing a black jumpsuit with slight hints of red and a brown cargo pant. He had rectangular glasses and short, wavy and slicked hair. The most striking part about him was something else though. He had bionic arms with a purple and white colour scheme.

    ¡°Oh¡­. My apologies. My name is Daniel Bosker. I am one of the senior technical developers of Verneire. Or SCS. You know¡­.¡± The man said apologetically.

    ¡°Hey Kai! The new guy is awake. Bring Sans with you. ¡° the man said over an intercom.

    Melvin sat up and reached for his shirt and suit. He was athletic and fairly muscular because he worked on himself. One did not simply lead the life that he lead without being in peak condition.

    Sensei and Senpai made their way into the room and walked towards Melvin.

    ¡°We are glad you are alright Melvin. We were worried. Terribly worried.¡± Senpai voiced in a concerned tone. ¡°

    ¡°Thanks¡­.. But what on rockers happened to me?¡± Melvin questioned.

    Kai looked at him with a searching gaze.

    ¡°Are you sure you want to talk right now? Should we do it later? And¡­¡­. is your mind jumbled up from the experience?¡± Kai asked.

    ¡°Yeah¡­. Yeah¡­¡­ I want to talk. I feel confused and powered-up at the same time¡±

    Kai and Sans looked at Daniel with a knowing look.

    Daniel nodded.

    ¡°Melvin ¡­¡­ I have gone through the videos showcasing your fight against the two mafia bosses. I will start from there and explain a few important things.¡±

    ¡°Remember when you landed the decisive blow on Targuss?¡± Daniel asked.

    ¡°Yes, I do¡± Melvin replied.

    ¡°Good! Tell me, did you feel anything different?¡± Daniel questioned back.

    ¡°As a matter of fact, I did. I felt an immense surge of power and energy. I felt electrified. Yes. That is exactly how it felt.¡±

    ¡°That was not just a feeling. In a way, your mind and body were altered permanently.¡± Daniel trailed on.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°Tell me Melvin. Have you pondered about the secrets of the universe? About the secrets that have been buried in the primordial past?¡± Daniel asked.

    Melvin was confused but he answered ¡°Yes. I will have you remember that I am author my guy!¡±

    ¡°Splendid. Then I have a demonstration for you. Look at Kai and Sans. Go ahead. Look at them, relax your mind and focus¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright mate¡­¡± Melvin said in a confused manner.

    He looked at the two of them. He waited for a moment and what he saw startled him.

    Almost invisible seams of energy seemed to be emanating from them. In reality, the energy was emanating from every single object. But these two had something different. The energy seemed almost conscious. It was extremely concentrated on the other two.

    He hurriedly looked at himself and found that the density of his energy was similar to the other two. Bokser¡¯s energy felt different too.

    After giving it a while, he realized that living beings had coloured energy points. Kai had a black and dark purple emanation, sans had a beige with misty crimson hue while Bokser had a light purple hue.

    ¡°Congratulations Mr.Havencort¡­.. You are now an Esper.¡± Kai said.

    ¡°An¡­. Esper¡­.¡± Melvin whispered.

    ¡°What you are witnessing is the secret energy that permeates and binds the machinations of the universe. Ancient cultures called it prana or ki or chi and many other things. Quantum Physics has been dealing with it for ages. The hushed term that the scientific community has settled on is Verzon.

    The classification of mutant types stems from this. Every single object of existence works with Verzon energy. People with higher abilities to consciously or unconsciously manipulate the Verzon within or around themselves are known as mutants.

    You are an Omega Level Mutant. The highest class of them all. There are less than 600 Omega level mutants. This is the official story about mutants. Everyone knows about this.¡± Daniel said animatedly.

    ¡°Wait¡­. There is more?¡± Melvin asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Danny, I will finish the rest. You are half scaring Melvin to death right now.¡± Senpai interjected.

    ¡°Oh¡­..¡± Daniel gasped. ¡°I did not realize that¡±.

    ¡°Yes, Melvin, there is more. A little more.¡± Senpai continued.

    ¡°There are some rare Omega level mutants who break the boundaries further. They achieve another level of mastery over Verzon. They are known as the Espers. Kai and I are espers are ourselves. As are you now. You have seen how broken espers are. Devastating weaponry, bodily harm, disease¡­.. All these cannot phase us. Not normally anyway.¡± Senpai finished the story.

    ¡°Wait¡­. Verneire¡­ Verzon¡­ Do I find a connection here?¡±

    ¡°Yes. There is a connection.¡± Kai had spoken after a while. His eyes were gleaming with excitement.

    ¡°Verneire was founded to study, understand and apply the power of Verzonal energy. It has grown to be more. But it started there. I started it because I found a way to mend a lot of things¡­..¡± Kai trailed off. The ephemeral excitement was gone.

    Senpai sensed Sensei¡¯s uneasiness and continued.

    ¡°I will answer all your questions. And we have one last thing to do today.¡± Senpai said.

    ¡°I have a clear picture now. Though I must say matey, this was a long mind-trip. Now, I just want to know why I collapsed.¡±

    ¡°Ah yes. You see, after your awakening, the Verzonal energy density around you went up exponentially. It forced you inside your own mindscape. Everyone has a unique experience. We were concerned about the rising concentration of energy around you and thus we brought you here. This place has a lot of mutants so it triggered your mindscape journey. You were lucky it did.¡±

    ¡°I see Sansy-boy! Whew¡­. That was a ride to be sure!¡± Melvin quipped.

    ¡°There is one last bump on the road left man¡± Senpai said in a kind tone.

    ¡°Remember the Busoku exoskeletons? Well, they have a part to play too. ¡° Senpai said.

    ¡°The Busoku armors are highly advanced exoskeletons but not everyone knows that the full Busoku gear is profound. A true Busoku gear can only be formed with the help of Verzonal energy. Busoku stations are specifically built to form Quantum entanglement with the mindscape of a person to create custom gear. The Busoku gear is like your second skin. A busoku weapon defies certain scientific laws but you must have had a strong connection to it for it to qualify. It can be as simple as a stick that you played with in childhood but after Busokization, it might become a terrifying weapon. It enhances all your abilities to maximum. It is conscious in a way. Non-espers cannot fully unlock their powers. Standard Busoku armors are just fancy exoskeletons. ¡° Senpai finished.

    ¡°Lastly¡­.. We have a Busoku station right here. We would like to get you Busokized. ¡°

    ¡°Yes. That kind of power is something I, the great Melvin, will never refuse.¡± Melvin said. His sense of humor was back.

    Kai rolled his eyes but he looked relieved. Everyone did.

    ¡°Excellent! Now, if you would just follow me to the centre of the room. See the giant circular running wheel like machine there? You just have to hop in and hold onto the two levers. The machinery will entangle your mind and with the nanomachines in the lab and the verzonal energy around you. There may be a bright light but nothing else.¡± Daniel rushed in a hurry.

    Melvin walked up to the magnificent device and stepped into it. Holding onto the levers, he prepared his mind.

    ¡°Push the levers when you are ready.¡± Daniel said through an intercom.

    ¡°Alright laddie, time for an upgrade¡­. Here goes¡­.3¡­.2¡­1¡± Melvin pushed the levers.

    A bright light enclosed the entire area.

    Senpai, Danny and Sensei looked on with excitement as the entire room filled with light.

    ***********

    == Melvin¡¯s Quarters ==

    It had been a few hours since Melvin¡¯s entire world exploded. From secret super-agents to Universe magic, it all seemed too fantastic to be true.

    He looked at the briefcase on his bed and wondered ¡°I never thought my Busoku weapon would be those things. I am even more determined to find her now. ¡°

    He was tired though and needed some rest.

    He went to bed, hugging the briefcase as a comfort pillow.

 Jiselle Case File(1)

    ¡°A monster hidden in kind sight¡­.¡±

    ********

    ===Neo Order ¨C Recorded Case File 1 ===

    *****

    *Inside the control centre of the inner sanctum*

    ¡°Kai, Sans¡­.. You better see this. I am bringing it up on the central big screen.¡± Daniel said without looking up from his terminal.

    The giant holographic display came alive and a world map with several red markers came into view.

    ¡°So, what are we looking at?¡± Senpai asked.

    ¡°To be precise, we are looking at locations. Locations throughout the world that show areas with unusual Verzonal fluctuations. Things have been very strange lately. I think it is time to contact the blokes at the Spire district.¡±

    The atmosphere was tense. They all felt that something strange was happening.

    ¡°It is definitely concerning. The Spire district is our best shot. He will definitely have good directions for us. What do you say Sensei?¡± Senpai went on.

    Sensei pondered for a while. ¡°I agree with your sentiments. But, Melvin has just awakened. If possible, I want him to get used to things. Only a few of the inner sanctum members are here. We need to find them too. We should strategize first.¡±

    ¡°You are right Kai. Cyb and Dae are not here so I have my hands full too. We are far from our peak capabilities.¡± Daniel said.

    ¡°So, how is Melvin doing by the way? He was training with old man Goro wasn¡¯t he? And he has been laced with temporary limiters so the beating must be extraordinary!¡± Senpai chuckled.

    ¡°Heh!¡± Sensei gave a slight smirk.

    Right at that moment, a resounding ¡®BOOM¡¯ was heard from the training room.

    ¡°Oops! Even noise suppression couldn¡¯t hold back the sound huh¡­¡± Daniel said.

    The three looked at each other and smiled.

    Old Goro was a force of nature. Age be damned.

    After a while, the training section¡¯s door swung open and the two sole occupants exited it.

    Goro was dressed in his work uniform and Melvin was still in his training gear. He was exhausted and even Goro was panting.

    ¡°So, how was it?¡± Sensei asked.

    ¡°Hohoho¡­. Without his suppressors, I might have died. Melvin is very powerful.¡± Goro said in his jovial and caring way.

    ¡°Old man, you pack a hefty punch. You are a great teacher!¡± Melvin blurted out.

    ¡°Hohoho¡­ I will get to the caf¨¦! It needs its manager after all! And Kai¡­. she will be here today too. I think it is time we bring up her case son.¡± saying this, Goro left.

    ¡°Well, you might just hold on to hope yet Melvin! Goro trained us when we were younger. If he is praising you this much, you are definitely strong.¡± Senpai said.

    ¡°Melvin¡­. there is a case that we need to handle. I think you can start taking up cases now. The inner sanctum usually deals with rare and bizarre cases. I have a feeling this one will be like that. How about you join me at the caf¨¦ after you recover a little¡­. Does that sound good?¡± Sensei asked.

    ¡°Of course partner! I have been waiting for this for a while!¡± Melvin exclaimed.

    *** A few hours later, Inside Cat-A-Blues***

    The entire place is spacious with neatly designed Victorian architecture and a warm and classy vibe. Saxophones and retro tunes can be heard in the location. It is a bustling place with a booming business. The ambiance added a sense of serenity as well as enjoyment that could not be rivaled.

    ¡°Ah, Kai, and Oh, Melvin! It is a pleasure!¡± Gorobe Ryusei walked up to the two of them and shook their hands.

    ¡°Hey, Goro-san. I hope you are not overworking yourself.¡± Kai spoke in a quiet but warm voice.

    ¡°Huh huh! I am fine!¡±

    ¡°By the way Melvin, are you getting used to this place?¡± Goro asked Melvin.

    ¡°Yeah! So far, I am really enjoying this work!¡±

    As the two kept talking, Kai took a glance throughout the area and a particular customer caught his eye.

    A young lady was seated at one of the tables. She was wearing a pink and white antique dress and had glasses on.

    She was quietly having her usual meal; a vegetable sandwich along with Premium Cat-A-Blues Coffee.

    Sensei approached her with a knowing look.

    ¡°Lady Jiselle! Thank you for your continued patronage¡± Kai said in a polite voice.

    ¡°Oh! Mr. Kyosuke! The meal is great as ever!¡± she replied enthusiastically.

    ¡° I am glad to see you enjoying your meal. Take your time.¡± Kai said while taking a seat opposite to her.

    He lowered his voice and spoke very carefully to the lady. ¡°Miss Jiselle¡­. May I enquire if you have faced that trouble again? It is okay. We are here for you.¡±

    The lady¡¯s smile turned into an alarmed and somewhat saddened expression.

    ¡°Yes¡­.. Actually¡­.. Things have gotten worse. I can see them following me. I feel uneasy. This is the only place where I can relax.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm. I thought as much. Her eyes darting around, her somewhat haggard state and uneven breathing and her expressions made a pretty clear case.¡± Sensei thought.

    ¡°Do not worry. I shall look into this matter personally. ¡° Kai said.

    He motioned towards Melvin with his eyes. Both Goro and Melvin got the hint. Goro knew about her well and understood what Kai wanted to do.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Melvin walked up to the table.

    He sensed something from the lady and gave a quick glance at Kai who gave a knowing look.

    ¡°This, Miss Jiselle is one of my trusted associates. He is Melvin Havencort. You may have heard of him. Melvin, this is Lady Jiselle. She is a regular here and would like to have consultation with us.¡±

    ¡°Oh! You are the famous writer! I am a big fan!¡± Jiselle exclaimed.

    ¡°Wow! I am thrilled! Thank you for endorsing my work my lady! I shall be of assistance!¡± Melvin gave a wide grin and a dramatic theatrical bow.

    Kai gave a short smile. ¡° This might help her calm down.¡± He thought.

    ¡°Melvin and I shall do our best to protect you from the stalkers.¡±

    ¡°Thank you! Um, please visit my apartment when you get the time. I shall discuss things in more details there.¡±

    Around this time, old man Goro comes up with a few extra dishes for the lady.

    ¡°Another sandwich and today¡¯s special dish for the lady! It is on the house!¡± the old butler announced.

    ¡°Wow! Thank you!¡±

    ¡°Huh huh huh! No need for thanks. Your excellent suggestions have really spiced things up here. We could use an excellent chef like you here!¡±

    With a happy smile, she finished her meal.

    ***A short while later in Sensei¡¯s Office***

    ¡°So, Kai ¡­.. does the lady have some mutant ability like ours? The verzonal energy is quite concentrated around her.¡± Melvin asked.

    ¡°Yeah¡­. She does. I believe she is not aware of it.¡± Kai replied.

    ¡°What is her ability?¡±Melvin asked in a curious tone.

    ¡°I believe she has the ability to calm creatures and befriend them. It works really well with animals. I have seen it first hand. She has two pet dogs who adore her. More so than usual. Every single creature allies itself with her. I believe even we feel somewhat relaxed around her. You must have felt it yourself.¡± Kai explained.

    ¡°Beautiful and scary¡­. Just the way I like my stories!¡± Melvin said, his author-mind¡¯s curiosity getting piqued.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see it soon enough. We are going to her place. You and I. Bosker will be on intel and surveillance support. Senpai is on a different mission at the moment. This is your first case, so go for it.¡± Kai said and looked out into the streets of Kazel.

    **** A few hours later :  At Jiselle¡¯s place ****

    ¡°I¡¯ll recount in brief, okay. For the past few months, people have been following me from the shadows. At first, I thought those were coincidences but the more I see it, the more I come to realize that I am being stalked. Cat-A-Blues has been a safe haven for me but I am tired of watching over my shoulder every second.¡± Jiselle said in one go. The anxiety in her eyes was palpable.

    ¡°Thank you lady Jiselle. And you are right in trusting your gut instincts. They are seldom wrong in such cases. Now, we have a few questions if you do not mind.¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Of course Kai!¡± Jiselle said.

    The two dogs came waddling in with their tails wagging, reaching for Jiselle in a reverent manner.

    Melvin and Kai exchanged a look.

    ¡°Melvin, please keep track of the information. So, do they keep following you till you reach home? If so, this location is quite unsafe. And, have they ever tried to come close to you?¡± Kai asked in his professionally cold tone.

    Now that you say it, they have never followed me home. They appear whenever I go to any location but disappear when I run home. And, yes, one person did come extremely close to me but a cute fox nearby came to my rescue. Chased him away!¡± Jiselle explained.

    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Sensei humms pensively.

    ¡°So, how did you come to be in Kazel?¡± Melvin asked.

    ¡°Ah! Yes. You see, I want to be a chef and an animal care specialist. I can feed people and animals as well as care for the animals that roam this world. Kazel is a bustling scene at the moment. I became an apprentice chef at the hotel next door¡¯s kitchen and I am a member of the Kazel Animal Welfare Group. I take care of the local fauna. And, I am studying linguistics¡­..¡± Jiselle continued.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! You¡¯ve got a lot going on for you huh!¡± Melvin admired.

    There was a knock at the door. Jiselle excused herself and went to open the door.

    ¡°Oh! Mr. O¡¯Riley! Thanks for checking up on me? Are those the premium Kaz-Biscuits? Thank you! And hello to you to Henry.¡± Jiselle exclaimed.

    The man named Henry gave a strange smile to Jiselle but spoke quite less. He was looking intently at her. He was perhaps in his late twenties and was quite plain save his auburn hair.

    ¡°Heheheh! Enjoy my dear. Do you have friends over?! Hello! I am Ron O¡¯Riley. I am the owner of the building. Thank you for being friends with the little lady. ¡± the jovial homeowner exclaimed.

    He was a middle aged man in a simple t-shirt and gurkha pants. He was quite unremarkable save his eyes. They were quite tired.

    Kai looked at him for a moment. ¡°It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr O¡¯Riley. I am Kai Kyosuke. I am glad to see that Miss Jiselle has a good caretaker. It would seem you are quite tired after your daily toiling, yeah?¡± Kai uttered.

    ¡°Ha! I am moving up in age after all. Oh to be young again. Not as much as you guys though. There are certain privileges of life that only slightly older people will understand. Well, have a great time!¡± He left with a wink.

    ¡°What a character!¡± Melvin chuckled.

    ¡°He is an awfully kind man, you know. I always text him when I am in trouble. He keeps the door open for me. He even recommended me to reconsider my lodgings if things get worse. He would help me search for them he said. And, Henry might seem off but he is very sweet. He cleans the building and runs errands for Mr. O¡¯Reiley.¡± Jiselle said in a kind tone.

    ¡°So it would seem¡­.¡± Kai mumbled and gave a small smile to Jiselle.

    ¡°I would recommend staying in touch with any other ladies that you know around here. And, I will send our neural access bands to you, Lady Jiselle. Contact us the moment you see anyone tailing you. We shall depart now. Rest assured, we will find an end to this issue. Melvin has noted all of it down.¡± Kai promised.

    ¡°Alright¡­. Thank you guys!¡± Jiselle replied in a warm but concerned tone.

    ***Outside: The streets***

    Kai and Melvin were walking down the street. They could feel someone trying to tail them. But tailing espers was not that easy.

    ¡°You can come out now. We know you are there. Sorry!¡± Melvin quipped with a cheeky voice and grin.

    A young woman in her early thirties cut the corner and appeared in front of them. She was a very fashionable lady with a confident smile and a haughty pose. She had black hair that was somewhat slicked back and held together by a hair-clip. She was wearing a fancy red half-shirt over a black t-shirt and a red formal pant. Her boots were designer boots. She had various rings that adorned her fingers and she was carrying a fashionable handbag.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cut to the chase. Are you kids friends of Jiselle?¡± the woman asked in a very suave and confident voice.

    ¡°Look out for her will you¡­.. I have been helping her for a while. I am her next door neighbor. I am -¡° the woman was about to complete her sentence but Kai interjected.

    ¡°Miss Celine Irving. I saw your name on the list of members. You are a famous actress and model. I believe the young ladies adore you.¡±

    ¡°You are up to date, huh! Are you a fan?¡± the lady asked with an amused smile.

    ¡°I just know a lot of things. Call it a ¡­.. professional habit.¡± Kai finished.

    The lady gave a laugh and a smirk. ¡°Heh! Smart guy!¡±

    ¡°Now that we are on the clear, mademoiselle, would you mind giving us a few details?¡± Melvin asked with his usual over-the-top chivalry.

    ¡°Flattery won¡¯t get you anywhere. But yeah, please take care of Jiselle. I don¡¯t want to scare you kids but it would be better if she could shift somewhere else. This area is a bit rough¡­.¡±

    ¡°Can you share something more, signorita?¡± Melvin asked again with his cheeky smile in place.

    ¡°Nope. A bunch of kids like you need not know anymore. Don¡¯t you dare try to play detective either. I will report the mess that happens here to Sensei Consultancy Services.¡± Celine answered.

    ¡°But we-¡­. Mmph!¡± Melvin tried to say something but Kai put his hands on his mouth.

    ¡°We understand Miss Irving. We will not do anything stupid. Good luck for your upcoming shoots.¡± Kai said in a serious tone.

    ¡°That is good.¡±

    ¡°And, you, big guy¡­.¡± She turned towards Melvin. ¡° You know, ladies like a man who understands and listens to sound logic. You will be extremely popular if you just work on that one thing.¡± She pats the heads of both the guys and confidently walks away while lighting a cigarette.

    Kai had an amused smile while Melvin was wide-eyed. Ah sweet reversal of situation (almost)!

    ¡°Kai. My dear Mr. Kyosuke. How many interesting characters are we going to meet? She is not even a mutant but she is a shocker alright.¡± Melvin questioned.

    Kai tipped down his hat to hide his grin, put an arm over Melvin¡¯s shoulder in the typical best-bro fashion and quietly walked ahead without a noise.

    After walking a safe distance, they laid out their plan.

    ¡°Melvin, I am more or less sure about the cause of the incidents. She is in grave danger. Miss Celine will not be able to make it in time. Our presence today has jeopardized her safety. And before you ask, yes, she is not an ordinary model. She is the secret chief of the Kazel Security Force. She is for sure an ally. I will explore everything later. For now, we must act fast. We lay our trap tomorrow morning. I will tell you the gist of our plan.¡± Kai said in a flurry.

    ¡°Wait, that fiery woman is the chief of ¨C¡° Melvin began but a pleading look from Kai made him feel guilty. ¡°Right, later¡­.. Please continue.¡±

    Kai explained their plan.

    ¡°The true culprit is ¡­..¡±

 Jiselle Case File(2)

    ¡°Kind sight revoked¡­.¡±

    *** The next day ***

    A message popped up in their neural implants.

    ¡°Kai, Melvin¡­.. I am being followed. Some armed people have been following me for a while. I don¡¯t know what to do. I am sharing my location.¡±

    Kai wrote a reply in a flash. ¡°Great work lady Jiselle! Head towards the docks and hide in container number G-M14. Tell them Kai Kyosuke sent you. They will hide you. Help is on the way.¡±

    Kai and Melvin stepped out of the SCS building and headed towards the docks in a hurry.

    They saw a lot of armed gunmen patrolling the area. The two split up. Melvin was to find Jiselle and take care of the grunts. Kai was to find the person who was coordinating the attack and take care of it.

    ¡°Remember. Scan container G-M14 with your interface. Only we can access it. Go.¡± Kai whispered and vanished into the shadows of the containers.

    ¡°Well, well. Time to test out my toys!¡± Melvin said with great gusto.

    Melvin took out a dozen golden-yellow circular spheres out of his pocket and they started hovering over his hand with faint glows emanating from each.

    Melvin released a thick smoky layer using his mutant skill-set throughout the area to cover the vicinity of the docking area.

    ¡°My ¡®Aurum Billiards¡¯ will knock you guys out of the park!¡±

    Melvin created a Verzonal link between the spheres and himself. ¡°I am the stick and these are the billiard balls. Let¡¯s gamble!¡±

    The billiards scattered in the air and started attacking and knocking out the various soldiers who were stationed near and above the uncountable number of containers in the area at a lightning fast rate. Faint traces of electrical jolts were aiding the process even faster. The metallic clangs and sparks as the objects hid their targets and each other in a blinding frenzy and the smoke created an amazing spectacle.

    Entire scores of gun wielding fiends started falling. There were unorganized screams and shouts as they tried to make sense of the strange objects and the smoke. Some say they saw a whiff of golden hair and opened fire only to get knocked out by something.

    ***

    Kai walked through the shadows, using the cover of the ensuing chaos to follow the digital trail that his neural implant showed. The boss of the thugs was inside one of the control units.

    A guard spotted a moved in the shadows and moved in to check. But the only feeling he felt for a while was a searing pain as he was brutally punched and knocked out with a single bone shattering punch to the left cheek.

    Kai scouted ahead. He baited all the guards around the area and beat them all down to the last inches of their lives.

    He was moving close to the control centre of the adjacent units when a saw a woman fighting a few guards.

    Celine was taking out a few guards and shot quite a few of them non-lethally.

    One of the guards was running away. A quick kick to the knee from Kai halted him for good.

    ¡°Kid!!! I told you lot to stay away. What on Earth are you doing here? Are you out of your mind?¡± Celine blurted out.

    ¡°We can discuss that later. As for my safety, my resume can speak for itself.¡± He moved out of the way to let Celine see his handiwork of broken bones.

    ¡°How¡­ What¡­. Okay. But, we are going to have a talk later. ¡°Celine responded. She was shocked but she knew better than to argue with results.

    The two of them moved towards the locked main door of the small building.

    ¡°The door is locked. Stand guard. I will get it open.¡± Celine said.

    ¡°No need.¡± Kai responded. He used his neural interface to disable the quantum alarm system and tore open the door with his bare hands.

    Celine looked shocked. She was about to say something, Kai interjected.

    ¡°Yes, I am a mutant. As for your upcoming reply, my answer is that, Yes, I know you do not mean to discriminate. You are just shocked. Now, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Celine smiled playfully. ¡°Alright genius¡­.¡±

    They moved into the building and saw heavily armed people with high end rifles.

    Kai pulled out a gun from his suit. It was a black desert eagle with silver spots.

    ¡°I am getting tired of this game. I will end this now.¡± Kai uttered.

    He moved in sight of the enemy troops. Every single gun from each floor was pointed at him as they opened fire. He was quite disinterested in their shenanigans. Even before they could react, he shot several bullets and injured them faster than a human eye could react. He reloaded at his own pace and kept taking down the hordes of soldiers.

    Celine was in a state of shock as she saw a single person take down swathes of people before she could blink.

    A lone attacker, seeing the chance lunged at her with a knife.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    She broke out of her trance and disarmed the guy and kicked him back. The guy was about to pick up a stray gun but he never got the chance. Kai tackled his arm and put him to the ground with such force that his arm broke. He stomped on his head and smashed his head into the ground. He was left twitching on the ground.

    Celine already had her gun pointed at the assailant.

    ¡°Be careful Miss Irving.¡± Kai said.

    ¡°I was in control. But thanks.¡±

    ¡°I know you were. You are welcome.¡±

    Kai walked up the stairs and moved towards the final room. He could sense only one heartbeat. The mastermind was inside.

    *** Melvin¡¯s POV ***

    ¡°That¡¯s the last of em! Now, it is time to retrieve the damsel in distress!¡± Melvin chirped as the smoke cleared.

    Scores of beaten up militants were lying unconscious.

    He moved towards the designated container and opened it using his neural interface.

    He heard a girl¡¯s scream. Henry was defensively shielding Jiselle with shaking hands and a metallic wrench.

    ¡°Oh!! It is you! Melvin! Oh I am so glad you came. When I heard the sounds outside and the door open, I thought we were done for.¡± Jiselle breathlessly aired out.

    Henry laid down the wrench and plopped down.

    ¡°I saw her running towards the dock while I was running some errands and came after her. I told Ms. Celine about my doubts regarding Mr. O¡¯Riley. A bad guy almost entered this place but I whacked him with this thing. I was sure death was upon us when you opened the door¡­¡± Henry explained.

    ¡°Calm down! Help is here. It is safe to leave. Our dear Kai is taking care of the big bad boss as we speak.¡±

    *** Kai¡¯s POV ***

    He was standing outside the door. He sighed once and kicked the door apart.

    He heard a yelp inside.

    ¡°So, I was right. It is you. Mr. O¡¯Riley.¡±

    The frightened man stood up. The colour had drained from his face. A message read on his transponder. ¡°You have failed. We shall not entangle ourselves with you now that you have managed to ire the wrath of your current assailant. Goodbye¡±. His client had ditched him.

    ¡°You trafficker. You sell the people of your apartment. You use their bodies and souls. Your employers give you protection. I deduced it the moment I saw you. Filthy monster. Spew your sob story if you want. I will show you pain.¡± Kai accused him with cold venomous hatred.

    Celine joined in. ¡° The Kazel Security Force will take you and your dirty agents in.¡±

    ¡°SHUT UP. SHUT UP. So what if I sell these girls and boys?  Some lonely nobles or perhaps slavers will pay me like a king. I was extremely friendly and kind. I let them live inside my house. They owe me everything. Their bodies. Their minds. EVERYTHING-¡° O¡¯Riley could not finish his words.

    Sensei jammed the gun into his mouth and pushed it to the end of his throat. He pressed him against the wall with the gun held steadily. He pressed a little harder. He was inches away from pulling the trigger.

    O¡¯Riley could not breathe. Blood started pouring from his mouth and his eyes were jagged and going awry.

    Celine tried to stop Kai. ¡°Kid! Hey! Hey! Stop. The law will handle him. We need to trace out the victims he has hurt and save them. We need him alive.¡±

    Melvin¡¯s voice erupted. ¡°Kai! No!¡±

    Kai broke out of his reverie.

    Kai was angry. He threw the filthy creature aside with a sideward toss and smashed the back of the gun on his forehead with enough force to break every bone in his body.

    O¡¯Riley fell with a very loud thud and blood started pouring from his nose and mouth.

    The gun broke into several pieces from the sheer force of the hit.

    ¡°You are lucky we still have use for a filthy creature like you. You get to breathe for a few measly days more.¡± Kai said in a very cold and menacing tone. His eyes were cold and piercing. He was looking straight into the depths of the filthy being.

    O¡¯Riley felt true fear. He moved aside and looked up with his blurry vision and saw Melvin, Jiselle and Henry standing outside.

    They had heard everything through Melvin¡¯s transponder. Everything was out in the open.

    ¡°I trusted you like an uncle¡­. Why¡­. Just why¡­¡± Jiselle exclaimed in a burst of emotion.

    Celine came ahead and put handcuffs on him.

    Jiselle was very teary eyed. She could not believe anything. She was feeling incredibly cold. Before she could collapse, Sensei reached forward and balanced her. Melvin wrapped his yellow suit around her and Kai helped her cover her face with his hat.

    *** Outside ***

    Kazel Security Force trucks were rounded into the area and all the militants were put into the capture trucks and secured for imprisonment in the Kazel Prison city of KazDown.

    Celine walked towards Sensei and the rest. The rest of the Force members saluted her.

    ¡°Now then, kid. You have got some explaining to do.¡± Celine demanded.

    ¡°Here. Our cards. You will understand the rest.¡±

    ¡°Sensei Consultancy Services¡­. Sensei¡­. Wait¡­ Sensei!!! And the chirpy boy is a board member too?!¡± Celine exclaimed.

    ¡°Eh!!! Kai, you are Sensei?!¡± Jiselle exclaimed.

    ¡°Wait¡­.. You did not know that?!¡±Melvin exclaimed!

    ¡°No¡­. He said he was Sensei¡¯s little brother and the owner of the two buildings¡­¡± Jiselle exclaimed.

    ¡°This has to be a lie. This young fellow is Sensei. The other is a little older and a board member. And they are mutants and¡­¡­¡± Celine was confused.

    Kai moved towards Jiselle.

    ¡°This may be the right time to tell you. You are a mutant. I would say you are in between Alpha and Omega levels. You can calm down and influence creatures. I know this is a lot but you must know.¡± Kai said.

    Everyone was looking at Jiselle.

    ¡°I see¡­.. It makes sense¡­. Yes¡­. I am sorry. I am very tired. I don¡¯t think I can think straight anymore. I don¡¯t want to go back to the apartment either¡­.¡± Jiselle feebly mumbled.

    Celine put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I will care for her personally till she recovers. She is going to need a bit of time. As for you guys, I am in favour of the consultancy. I know the tales. But please be careful. And Henry, come work at my office. We could use someone with a sense of justice.¡±

    They parted ways. Kai and Melvin started going back home.

    ¡°Kai¡­.. Are you alright? For a moment I thought you were going to lose it...¡± Melvin asked gently.

    ¡°Yeah¡­. Yeah¡­. I am fine. You are unhurt, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Yes. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Melvin replied.

    ¡°I am glad.¡± Kai said.

    Melvin also thought he heard a feeble whisper ¡°I am glad you were there¡± from Kai.

    ¡°Oioi! Come again?!¡± Melvin exclaimed.

    ¡°You must have heard the wind.¡± Kai said and quickened his pace.

    ¡°Oye! Wait for me!!¡± Melvin chased after him.

    **** Somewhere close by ****

    The hooded and hidden man came out of one of the containers placed on the top regions.

    ¡°Found you Mr. Kyosuke¡­!.... That was a sight to behold eh! Guess I should not excpect any less from you. But, you have gone soft huh¡­.. In the past, there would have been a lot more blood, a lot more bodies¡­. a lot more carnage¡± the man hummed to himself.

    ¡°Guess I should start.¡±

    The man walked into the compound and walked towards the control building where O¡¯Riley had barricaded himself.

    He put every Force member to sleep as he walked by and entered the office. He used a neural trace and took all the data he could find.

    ¡°Whelp¡­. I¡¯ll pay O¡¯Cryly a visit¡­.¡± He gave a crazy and amused smile and left the area.

    ***

    The truck carrying O¡¯Riley had halted for a few security checks.

    The man somehow entered the back of the truck.

    O¡¯Riley looked up and saw a hooded figure.

    ¡°W..ho¡­.Who are you?? What do you want¡± he yelped.

    ¡°Just your dramatic neighbourhood me. Don¡¯t mind me, let me copy your implant data real quick. And, Mukobe sends his regards.¡± the man said in an amused tone.

    He took the data and beat up O¡¯Riley and battered him. He left enough of him alive so that he could talk.

    ¡°I am a law abiding citizen. I do not hinder the police. I just beat up those I don¡¯t like. He winked and left the area.¡±

    ¡°Time to pay Sensei dearest a little visit!¡± He said giddily.

    ***

    The KazDown team opened the truck a few hours later and found a beaten up but alive O¡¯Riley. No one could explain what happened.

    ===Neo Order ¨C Recorded Case File 1: CLOSED===