章 75: New Sights

[Day: Friday]

[Time: Noon]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

[New Woman Registered!]

[Information Acquired.]

Name: Ruby Whitmore

Age: 22

Birthday: July 4th

Height: 5 Feet 9 Inches

Weight: 135 lbs

Nationality: Welsh

Status: Ally

Bond: 20%

Title: The Seraphim

Occupation: Alchemist

Most Desirable Trait(s): Talent, Charm, Empathy, Romance

Least Desirable Trait(s): Corruption, Evilness

Libido: Normal

Favorite Gifts: None

{College Storyline: 50% Complete}

{Jessica, Baylee, Melissa, Faith, Joy, Ui}

{Karma Storyline: 24% Complete}

{Naomi, Chloe, Mariana, Phoenix, Ruby}

{Mafia Storyline: 0% Complete}

{Charlotte, Eliza, Alice, ???, ???}

{Esorian Storyline: 31.2% Complete}

{Lustie, Talenta, Charismari, Passion, Luckie, Romancia}

{Tribal Storyline: 55% Complete}

{Ani}

It's been two days since my battle against Ruby and she's still resting for a while due to her injuries and being resurrected. I didn't go to class today, taking a mental break from school and recollecting myself. As I worked on my system, I heard a knock on my door, taking my attention away from my laptop.

"Come in," I said, standing up from my desk.

The door opened, revealing Mariana standing in my doorway. She shot a warm smile at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hey, Shiro. Dante and I was wondering if you wanted to come with us to Sanctuary Central."

"Why?" I questioned, seeing the look in her eye and that dangerous, sly smile on her face.

Mariana stepped forward, holding her hands behind her back. "Well, if you didn't know, Dante has a girlfriend there and I don't want to be a third wheel...so I wanted to see if you wanted to come as my date~ It would be a cita doble~"

"A double date huh? Well, I haven't been on one of those in a while and it would be nice to have a little bit of peace after what transpired..." I said softly, closing my eyes and gathering my thoughts. "Eh, what the hell. Sure, why the hell not~"

{Mariana's Affection Meter rose to 25%}

"Yes!~ See Dante, I told you he'd join us!~" Mariana said happily, turning back to see Dante leaned against the wall casually.

Dante chuckled softly, letting out a soft sigh. "Yeah alright, but I have to warn you. It's not gonna be your typical shop to the mall or a stroll around the park with a picnic following. Our dates are hardcore."

I tilted my head, my gaze shifting to Dante. "Hardcore? I'm gonna need some clues on what to expect. I normally don't do 'hardcore' dates. I'm a romantic."

"Well we have a couple things planned. Going racing, maybe stir up some trouble with some other gang members, a little smoke session...oh can't forget the fight club! Charlotte's father actually owns a fight club in Sanctuary City and we get to duke it out with some real luchadores rudos!" Mariana said, her tone filled with excitement and a extreme sense of danger.

"This is the gang version of a slice of life. I'm actually curious though, so accept!" Lust-E said, tugging my sleeve gently.

I glanced at Lust-E and chuckled softly, shrugging my shoulders. "Alright, alright. I'll go. It'll probably be a more tame version of what we've been through already."

Mariana giggled softly, hurrying toward me to kiss my cheek. "We'll meet you at the park, mi amor~"

I smiled at her, my cheeks slightly heating up from her affectionate act. I watched as she and Dante disappeared downstairs then walked off to get ready. As I picked out clothes and headed to the bathroom to prepare for the double date, my mind swirled with questions of what today would consist of and I was more curious than I was excited.

Whatever would happen on this date, I was going to be prepared for it.

[Day: Friday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Sanctuary City - Central Division]

I parked my car in a parking lot of a park, stepping out and adjusted my sunglasses and smoothing out my clothes. I looked around, seeing families enjoying the attractions of the park, the cheerful sounds a contrast to what I've known about the Central Division so far. I walked toward Mariana and Dante, who were sitting at the bleachers near the basketball court.

"When is she getting here, Te? I'm kinda getting impatient," Mariana asked, leaning toward her brother to look at the screen of his phone.

Dante continued to text someone on his phone before turning off his screen. "Calista will be here soon, hermana. Just be a bit more patient."

I made my way toward them, both of their gazes turning to me and a smile curled on Mariana's lips. "I hope I wasn't too late."

Mariana shook her head, leaning her back against the seats above her. "No, elegante, you're actually pretty early. Dante's novia is taking her sweet time getting here."

"Gotcha," I said, taking my seat on the bleachers below the two.

The three of us began to strike up a conversation, Mariana and Dante talking about Chelsey and Caroline and what they've been doing over the days. We also watched a game that was taking place, commentating on how the players were doing.

Soon, our attention was captured by a woman stepping into the area. The guys swooned over her, wolf whistling at her and cat calling her, but she ignored them and simply made her way toward us. She had short dark brown hair with highlights of blonde along parts of her hair, hazel eyes, and wore a casual suit attire that hugged her figure.

"It's about time you showed up," Dante said, lightly teasing the woman.

The woman rolled her eyes, leaning down to kiss Dante's lips before pulling away and sighing. "Well you know that I am a part of a Mafia here. It isn't easy getting free time like I do now. Plus, my father doesn't know I'm seeing you. Also hi, Mariana and..."

Dante glanced at me then smiled, sitting up straight. "Calista, this is Shiro, our honorary leader of Karma and a true badass. Shiro, this is my girlfriend, Calista."

I extended a hand out toward Calista, giving her a gentle yet firm handshake. "It's nice to meet you."

"Shiro Moji. The Syndicates have a massive bounty on your head. Surprised you don't walk outside without a mask," She said half jokingly, her tone steady and friendly.

I chuckled softly and sat back against the bleachers casually. "C'mon, the whole city already knows me plus hiding my face won't do anything special. Besides, whoever does want to fight me can approach me whenever they'd like, but I doubt they'd want to engage in broad daylight. The police are still rather fair in the day."

Calista chuckled softly, crossing her arms. "You're not wrong about that. The corrupt cops of the SCPD don't usually show their faces during the day aside from Phoenix and Marshall. Surprised she's still in the force after her last run."

"Anyway, are you all ready to head to Royal City? I only have a few hours on my hands," Calista said, her eyes shifting between the three of us.

"Oh yeah, we've been ready," Mariana said, shooting up from the bleachers, her tone a mix of excitement and anticipation.

"Royal City?" I asked curiously, standing up from my seat.

"It's a beautiful city just between Goldenwood and Central Division. I promise you'll love it when we get there," Mariana answered, her eyes sparkling at the thought of the city.

I nodded and smiled at the three of them. "Alright, what are we waiting for?"

The four of us made our way to the parking lot, getting in our vehicles then drove off. Like in usual fashion, Dante got us all in a group call as we drove down the street.

"How about we make this a little competition? The last one to Royal City pays for our food and drinks," Dante challenged, his tone full of determination.

"Hmph..~ Feeling dangerous today huh? You're on, babe," Calista said, lowering the roof of her car. "But you sure Shiro can keep up?"

I chuckled softly, steering my car with one hand and keeping a watchful eye upon the road ahead. "Can I keep up? You know my name, but don't acknowledge my skills? I can lap you three times over."

Mariana giggled softly at my comment. "I think that was a direct challenge."

"Yeah? Well Mr. Hotshot, I'll have you know that before the mafia, I am a professional racer. No one has ever beaten me in any race, not even Dante on his best day with his super bike," Calista boasted, having full confidence in herself.

"Looks like I'll just have to show you, so let's make things more interesting, Ms. Racer. If I beat you specifically, you pay for our food and drinks. If you beat me specifically, I will pay for our food and drinks," I challenged, also having full confidence in myself.

Calista glanced at me on her phone before bringing her attention back to her phone. "Alright, deal...but don't be surprised when I have you seeing the exhaust from my car."

Calista sped ahead, drifting down an exit and leaving us behind. Dante watched her then chuckled softly, taking an alternate route to Royal City.

"Well, you've got them excited. I guess I should also make sure I win first place just so I can say, 'I beat my perfect boyfriend in a race'," Mariana chuckled then sped up, taking the same exit that Calista took.

{Mission: Beat Calista in a race to Royal City!}

{Easy Task: Beat Dante and Mariana}

{Normal Task: Beat Calista}

{Hard Task: Get first place in the race within 30 minutes.}

I smirked, lowering the roof of my car and letting my hair flow in the wind. "Let's do this..~"

As we tore through the highway, I steadily increased my speed, my eyes locked on the road ahead. I weaved through the traffic with usual ease, my movements precise and calculated. The wind whipped through my hair as I leaned forward, pushing my car to its limits. I started in last place, so I knew I had my work cut out for me. However, I knew it wouldn't be too much of an issue for me.

I soon caught up with Mariana, her motorcycle a bright speck in the distance that quickly grew larger. With a cheeky grin, I pulled alongside her. She glanced over, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Catch you later!" I called out, blowing a kiss in her direction before accelerating past her.

{Charm EXP +20,000}

{Mariana's Affection Meter rose to 50%}

Mariana laughed, shaking her head as she watched me speed away. "Show-off..~" she muttered to herself, pushing her bike to its limits even though she knew the effort might be futile.

Next, I spotted Dante's motorcycle, its polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight. I pulled up beside Dante, who turned to see me grinning at him.

"Thought you had this in the bag?" I teased, my eyes twinkling with mischief.

Dante laughed, the sound carried away by the wind. "You're good, Shiro, but not good enough. You've never raced against me before.."

We raced neck and neck for a while, the roar of our engines filling the air. But I had a trick up my sleeve. With a sudden burst of speed, I pulled ahead, leaving Dante to watch me disappear into the distance.

"Looks like you'll have to settle for second place!" I shouted over my shoulder, a playful challenge in my voice.

The final stretch was in sight, and there was only one opponent left: Calista. Known for her skills as a professional racer, she was a formidable competitor. Her reputation preceded her, known for her unmatched skill and precision. I saw her sleek car ahead, her driving flawless as she maneuvered through the curves and straightaways with practiced ease.

I pushed my car harder, my focus narrowing to the road and the racer ahead. Calista noticed me approaching and increased her speed, the two cars now side by side. The tension was palpable, the both of us giving our all.

"You're not bad, Shiro," Calista called out, her voice filled with competitive spirit. "But I've got years of experience on you."

"Experience is great," I replied, my tone light. "But sometimes, pure talent beats pure skill."

The two cars roared down the final stretch, the sign for Royal City looming ahead. It was a close race, both of us pushing our limits. The finish line approached rapidly, a beacon our impending victory or defeat.

In the last few moments, with an extra burst of speed, my car surging ahead just in time to cross the finish line first. The sign for Royal City flashed past, and Shiro let out a triumphant chuckle.

I slowed down, pulling over and stepping out of my car, my heart racing with adrenaline and excitement. Calista, Dante, and Mariana soon joined me, their expressions a mix of admiration and friendly rivalry.

"Well done, Shiro," Calista said, a genuine smile on her face as she shook my hand. "You really pulled through."

Dante clapped me on the back. "Well, if Calista commends you on your skills, you've earned her respect. Guess you had us all fooled, starting in last place like that."

Mariana gave me a playful shove. "Show-off," she repeated, but there was pride in her eyes.

I chuckled softly, feeling the respect and the thrill of the race still buzzing in my veins. "It was a good race. But remember, it's not always about where you start—it's about where you finish."

"Ahh, don't you ever say some corny bullshit like that again," Dante laughed softly, shaking his head.

I laughed along with Dante then turned my sights to the city ahead. "Well, this city might run Twilight City for its money. It's rather beautiful here."

"I told you~ Now come on, I'm hungry and wanna visit Charlotte before the fight club gets too crowded and prevent us from finding a table," Mariana said, brushing her hand along my arm as she walked to her bike.

With that, we all got back in our vehicles and drove off into the city to explore the sights and attractions of the new city.

{Mission COMPLETE!}

{Reward: Credi Earned +150,000, Ambition/Talent EXP +45,000}

[Day: Friday]

[Time: Evening]

[Location: Royal City]

The night was alive with the hum of neon lights and the distant murmur of the city as Calista, Mariana, Dante, and I made our way to Charlotte's father's underground fight club. Nestled beneath an unassuming building, the club was a popular spot, renowned not just for its intense fights but also for its legendary food and drinks.

We descended the narrow staircase, the rhythmic thumping bass of music growing louder with each step. At the bottom, a burly bouncer nodded them through, recognizing me immediately. The interior was a blend of raw energy and dimly lit ambiance, with a central fighting ring surrounded by tables and booths. The air was thick with anticipation and the occasional roar of the crowd as fighters clashed in the ring.

I led the way to a corner booth, spacious enough for all of us. We slid into the plush seats, the tension from the race melting away as they settled in. The booth offered a perfect view of the ring, where two fighters were already locked in combat, their movements precise and powerful.

A waitress approached, her tray balanced effortlessly on one hand. She wore a sleek black outfit that matched the club's edgy vibe. "What can I get for you folks tonight?"

I glanced around the table, everyone's faces illuminated by the flickering lights. "Let's start with some drinks. I'll have a Golden Float."

Mariana, still flushed with the excitement of the race, grinned. "I'll take a mojito."

Dante leaned back, his arm casually draped over Calista's shoulder. "Whiskey, neat."

Calista smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Make mine a margarita."

The waitress nodded and disappeared into the crowd, weaving expertly through the throng of patrons. We all relaxed, the atmosphere buzzing with the energy of the fights taking place nearby. It wasn't long before our drinks arrived, the cold beverages a welcome relief in the heated environment.

"Cheers to a great race," I said, raising my glass. The others followed suit, the clink of glasses a testament to our camaraderie.

"Man, I can't believe you beat us all," Dante said, shaking his head. "That last stretch was insane. From last to first like that."

I chuckled, the sound mixing with the background noise of the club. "You guys made me work for it. I thought Calista had me for sure."

Calista smirked, taking a sip of her margarita. "You're fast, Shiro. But next time, I won't go easy on you."

Mariana nudged me with her elbow, her eyes twinkling. "Blowing kisses at me, huh? Is that your secret weapon?"

I laughed, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. "Just a bit of friendly competition, Hermosa..~"

{Charm EXP +15,000}

{Mariana's Affection Meter rose to 75%}

{Bond with Mariana increased.}

Our food arrived shortly after: a spread of juicy burgers, spicy wings, and loaded fries. The rich aromas filled the air, making our mouths water. We all dug in, savoring each bite, the flavors rich and satisfying. Conversations flowed easily, a mix of banter, laughs, and reminiscences of past missions and adventures.

"By the way, Shiro," Dante said between bites of his burger, "you should try your luck in the ring here. Lots of strong men and women to give you a challenge."

I wiped my mouth with a napkin, glancing towards the ring where a particularly intense match was unfolding. "Mmm, maybe I'll give it a shot. They do seem pretty tough," I said, chuckling softly.

Mariana's eyes lit up with excitement. "You should! It's been a while since we've seen you fight."

Calista nodded in agreement, her expression eager. "I'd love to see what you can do."

I shrugged modestly. "Maybe. Depends on how things go."

As we ate, the fights in the ring grew more intense, the crowd's cheers and jeers providing a lively backdrop. The energy in the club was electric, each punch and dodge in the ring resonating with the spectators. We enjoyed our meal, our bond growing stronger with each shared laugh and story.

Eventually, the food was gone, and we sat back, content and relaxed. The fight in the ring reached its climax, the crowd erupting in a cacophony of applause and cheers.

"We should do this more often," I said, my eyes reflecting the warm light of the club.

"Definitely," Mariana agreed. "Races, fights, food, and drinks—what more could we ask for?"

Dante raised his glass one last time. "To Karma and great times."

The rest of us echoed the sentiment, our glasses meeting in a final toast. The night was still young, and the bonds we shared were as strong as ever, forged in the heat of competition and the glow of companionship.

[*BEEP BEEP BEEP*]

I looked at my watch, realizing Lust-E had detected another woman for me to date in the future. I looked at the ring, noticing a woman stepping into the ring. My eyes were fixated on her as I checked her out.

The woman had fair skin, long black hair with streaks of green, pale green eyes, and a toned, athletic build. She wore a white gi and golden bracelet and anklets, the light reflecting off them beautifully. Her demeanor was very calm and collected, her eyes only focused on the opponent in front of her.

"Next up, we have our Royal Champion, Wendy Gray, The Windy Princess!" The announcer exclaimed, clearly showing his undying support for the woman. "And her opponent, straight from Goldenwood City, Xavier Lloyd!"

"Windy Princess! Windy Princess!" The crowd chanted for the woman in unison.

"You've got this, Wendy!" Charlotte cheered from a booth, raising her glass in the air, clearly drunk.

"Yeah! Make us proud, Wendy!~" Chloe cheered, giggling softly and her face was also flushed from being a bit drunk as well.

The dimly lit fight club buzzed with anticipation as the crowd cheered for Wendy with undying respect and loyalty to her. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and adrenaline. In the center of the ring stood Wendy, her long dark hair now tied back, green streaks glinting under the harsh lights. Her pale green eyes focused intently on her opponent, Xavier Lloyd, a towering figure with a muscular build, his goal being to dethrone the princess of the club.

Wendy adjusted her stance, feeling the cool metal of her golden bracelets and anklets. She took a deep breath, letting the familiar sensation of the wind element flow through her. Xavier smirked, confident and unyielding, as he cracked his knuckles and stepped forward.

The bell rang, and Xavier lunged, aiming a powerful punch at Wendy's head. She ducked effortlessly, feeling the rush of wind as his fist sailed past her. Using her speed, she spun around and delivered a quick, precise kick to his ribs. The impact made Xavier stagger, but he quickly regained his footing, eyes narrowing in anger.

"You think you can beat me with those fancy moves?" Xavier taunted, launching a series of rapid punches and kicks.

Wendy parried each attack with fluid grace, her movements a seamless blend of Karate, Kung Fu, and Jiu-Jitsu. She could sense the shift in the air around her, using it to anticipate Xavier's next move. As he aimed a roundhouse kick at her head, she bent backward, letting the wind support her in a gravity-defying maneuver.

With a swift motion, Wendy struck back. She harnessed the wind, creating a powerful gust that pushed Xavier off balance. She followed up with a series of rapid kicks, each one infused with the force of the wind, sending shockwaves through his body. Xavier grunted in pain, struggling to keep up with her relentless assault.

Realizing he was outmatched in speed and agility, Xavier attempted to overpower her with brute strength. He charged forward, aiming to grapple her and bring her down. But Wendy was ready. She channeled the wind beneath her feet, leaping high into the air and somersaulting over his head. As she landed gracefully behind him, she delivered a spinning back kick to his spine, sending him crashing to the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers, but Wendy remained focused. She approached Xavier cautiously, watching as he struggled to stand. His face contorted with pain and frustration, he glared at her, but there was a newfound respect in his eyes.

"Not bad," Xavier muttered, wiping blood from his lip. "But I'm not done yet."

Wendy gave a small, determined smile. "Neither am I."

Xavier lunged again, but this time Wendy was ready. She summoned a vortex of wind around her, creating a barrier that deflected his attacks. With a swift motion, she directed the wind towards Xavier, knocking him off his feet and sending him skidding across the floor. Before he could recover, Wendy was upon him, her movements a blur as she executed a flawless combination of strikes, each one hitting its mark with precision.

Xavier collapsed, gasping for breath. Wendy stood over him, her breathing steady, eyes sharp. The referee stepped in, raising her hand in victory as the crowd roared.

Wendy extended a hand to Xavier, helping him to his feet. "Good fight," she said sincerely.

Xavier nodded, wincing but managing a grudging smile. "You're the real deal, Gray."

I watched as Xavier and Wendy shared a moment of respect and smiled, my eyes faintly glowing with a sudden jolt of interest. "Who is she?"

"That's Wendy Gray. She's the real deal and the current Royal Champion of this fight club. She's undefeated and a true powerhouse. She is good friends with Charlotte and works closely with her mafia," Dante explained, sipping his drink then watched me stand up.

"Whoa, whoa. You're planning on taking her on? You sure you don't want a few warm up matches before you tackle the champion?" Mariana asked, leaning forward against the table.

"Why not? It would be fun to see what she can do myself," I said, my gaze never leaving Wendy.

"Looks like his mind is made up. I do want to see what he's made of and why The Syndicates are so scared of him," Calista chuckled softly, watching as I made my way toward the ring.

I made my way to the sign-up area, signing a form and a waiver for the fight club. Once everything was finalized, I was allowed to go toward the ring.

"Hold on folks, it seems like we have a new Challenger! What's his name?" The announcer asked, leaning toward his partner then grunted, shooting a glance toward me. "Sh-Shiro Moji?!"

Charlotte and Chloe whipped their heads toward the ring, noticing me walk into the octagon, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I didn't even know he was here..!~ Now I don't even know who to cheer for," Chloe exclaimed, feeling a rush of butterflies in her stomach.

"That must mean he's here with Mariana and Dante," Charlotte said softly, her eyes scanning the room until her gaze landed upon the booth they sat at. "And my suspicions are correct..~"

Wendy watched me closely, holding the black belt that was tied around her waist. She eyed me up and down, studying me. "Shiro Moji, the name that rings bells around here. Charlotte and Chloe talk a lot about you."

"I bet they do..~" I chuckled softly, looking back toward them and winked at them.

{Charlotte's Affection Meter rose to 25%}

Wendy closed her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You came straight for the champion. You have guts, but I wonder if you're in way over your head. I was told of your great feats against The Syndicates. However, I must tell you that I am no pushover.."

I looked at Wendy, eyeing her up and down. A confident smirk stretched across my lips. "I can tell you aren't if you're this confident, Princess."

{Wendy's Attraction Meter rose to 10%}

Wendy opened her eyes, her wind energy flowing around her body. "Observant aren't you? Well, you're already here...so we might as well get to it. Just to let you know, I'm not losing my spot easily."

[Natural Wind Affinity. She does have a Philosopher's Stone implanted in her, but it isn't one made by Lotus. It seems like a perfect creation. One that doesn't kill the user upon activation.]

'Really?' I replied, speaking to Lust-E telepathically.

[100%. However...look at her accessories. Inhibitor Bracelets and Anklets. She scales equally to Ruby's Seraphim Form with those on...and scales above her without it according to my calcs.]

'Damn...and I'm assuming Charlotte is stronger than Wendy and Ruby? Charlotte has really been pulling her punches then if so. This has gotten rather interesting,' I chuckled to myself, stretching.

"Are both fighters ready?" The referee called out, his arm between us.

"I am," Wendy nodded, her determined gaze scanning me.

"Yes," I answered, iridescent lightning crackling around my body.

The referee nodded, raising his hand then the bell rang. The match has now begun.

~{To Be Continued}~

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