The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

Fire Moth had a tradition: after killing a Herrscher, they partied.

Of course, Fire Moth was huge. Cramming everyone into one place was impossible. People from different levels had nothing in common; forcing grunts and higher-ups to mingle would just be awkward. So, everyone naturally split into smaller groups.

The combat division at headquarters alone had nearly a hundred different parties. In one small, unremarkable bar sat Elysia and Lee.

"Elysia, I won't ask why you're at Kevin's squad's party… but why are you dressed like that?" Lee propped her head up, looking at Elysia in a maid outfit. "Is this some kind of… special interest of yours?"

"Hee hee hee, it's a welcome party for the newbies! I wanted to dress up~"

Elysia adjusted her headband, twirling happily. "So? How do I look?"

"Cute, but I'm worried you'll scare the newbies. Walking in and seeing Fire Moth's famous Elysia dressed like this… not sure if that's a good first impression."

"Don't worry, they'll feel my passion and sincerity—and I got one for you, too~"

"I'll pass…"

Lee eyed the maid outfit in Elysia's hand. "I'm not really into… uh, clothes with low defensive capabilities."

"That's exactly why I got this for you, Lee!" Elysia said seriously. "You're always in uniform, or those shapeless cartoon tees and pants. You never show off your cute side!"

"You look cool in uniform, but trust me, this will be even better!" Elysia looked like she was giving genuine fashion advice, but the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her excitement.

"Come on, try it on! You'll look amazing…" Elysia held out the outfit, giggling and closing in on Lee, who backed away until she was cornered.

The usually sweet Elysia now radiated a dark aura, a glint of mischief in her eyes. Lee finally understood Griseo's perpetually done-with-Elysia expression. Was this the Elysia she usually dealt with?!

Lee finally "agreed" to change—though she'd planned to all along; the initial refusal was just part of the plan.

A usually conservative heroine suddenly rocking a cute outfit? Classic goodwill booster. Not only were Kosma and the other newbies coming, but Kevin, Mobius, and the rest would be there, too. This was a golden opportunity.

But Lee's character was outwardly confident, yet inwardly shy, so she couldn't just agree outright.

First refuse, then "reluctantly agree" after Elysia's pleading. It fit the character and made Elysia feel appreciated. Two birds, one stone!

I'm a genius.

…

"Mobius, didn't think you'd leave the lab."

"Rude. Call me Dr. Mobius, or Senior Mobius, at least."

"Sure, Mobius. Got it, Mobius."

"You little…"

Mobius fumed while Kevin grinned.

He was polite, but not to someone trying to steal his girlfriend. Sneaking around Lee for years, taking advantage of her youth… total creep.

Sure, he and Lee weren't official yet, and wouldn't be for another nineteen years, but that didn't stop him from being protective. Mobius was high on his list of threats.

"We're welcoming two new members today. Try not to scare them off with talk of dissections."

Mobius scoffed. "Me scare them? I doubt it. I heard someone made a newbie cry four times on their first day… wasn't that the kid Lee rescued?"

It sounded unbelievable, but Kevin really hadn't meant to make Kosma cry. He hadn't expected it to happen four times. The kid's file said he was tough…

"It was an accident," Kevin said helplessly.

"Sure," Mobius said, unconvinced.

She didn't care about parties. She only came because Lee told her to get out of the lab and socialize.

It was also a chance to keep an eye on Lee and make sure Kevin didn't steal her away… Losing Bianka to that brute Ato had been bad enough. If Lee fell for this white-haired gorilla, too…

Just the thought of watching Lee and Kevin at the altar made her fists clench.

But she quickly relaxed. Sadly, she couldn't beat her rival in a fight.

Maybe I should ask Vill-V to build some Kevin-destroying weapon(mind way)…