The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

Warm light filled the bar. Laughter and chatter hung in the air. Lee sat behind the counter, sipping wine, a smile playing on her lips.

Even with four Herrscher attacks, humanity had prevailed. Even the Fire Moth members fighting on the front lines were optimistic about the future.

"Sometimes, I wonder if the point of fighting is to protect moments like these… What do you think, Vill-V?"

"Wow, you saw through me! My magic show hasn't even started!" Vill-V popped up beside Lee. "No one else noticed… are you always this alert?"

"Just a feeling." Lee smiled, not answering the question. "I sent you an invite. Figured you wouldn't be stuck in the lab like Mei."

"Hee hee hee, as long as I finish my work, nothing can stop me~" Vill-V grabbed some bar tools, expertly mixing a colorful cocktail. "Building Divine Keys isn't that hard; I don't need to pull all-nighters."

"You're a true genius, Vill-V." Lee took the drink. "We wouldn't have beaten the 4th Herrscher without your Seven Thunders. Thanks again."

"No biggie. My talents will shine brighter in the future. It'd be a pain if you thanked me every time you used it."

"True. With your talent, that might actually happen." Lee swirled her drink, a strange look in her eyes. "With you, Mei, and the Doctor, humanity will beat the Honkai."

"Beating the Honkai… nice goal! Too bad some people in Fire Moth are already thinking about dividing the spoils~" Vill-V poured herself a drink, her tone light, but her eyes serious. "I hear some bigwigs aren't happy with you."

"Eh, it's nothing." Lee sipped her drink. Vill-V was a true all-rounder, even a master bartender. "Just the usual power struggles. They even wanted me to… take care of some problems they can't handle publicly. I said no."

"I heard that guy was the higher-up who defended you during the restructuring. This might make him drop his support."

"Vill-V, didn't know you were moonlighting as an intel officer." Lee sighed, turning to Vill-V. "I barely know him. He just assumed I was in his faction, like some personal soldier… no idea why. I'm not interested in power games."

"But won't this make things tough for you?" Vill-V twirled her mixing spoon, making a slicing gesture across her neck. "I'm not really into this anymore, but I could… solve some problems for you."

"Don't, Vill-V… that would make me just like them." Lee shook her head. "I won't attack humans. Ever."

"…I really wonder what goes on in that head of yours, Lee." Vill-V narrowed her eyes. "Those guys aren't good people."

"They might be doing stupid things, but they are working towards humanity's future… We can't waste our strength on infighting when facing the Honkai." Lee's voice was firm. "So please, don't."

[Energy +3000]

"…Are you really that into humanity? Even willing to get hurt?"

"What are you talking about, Vill-V? I'm human, too—Elysia, don't teach Griseo to shake soda bottles! And Doctor, what are you putting in Kevin's drink? You're all acting like children…"

After stopping the chaos, Lee sighed at Vill-V. "Let's go join the others before they tear the place down."

"Hmm, why not~" Vill-V hopped off her stool, unsurprised by Lee's actions.

Mobius had been glaring since Vill-V sat with Lee. This was clearly a petty attempt to lure Lee away.

So many people vying for your attention, Lee… yet you seem to have no strong desires of your own… Is it an act, or are you really some selfless saint?

Vill-V watched Lee, her thoughts complicated.

It's fine. If my old online buddy has secrets, I'll find them out.

Lee, oblivious to Vill-V's probing, was pondering a more important question.

I rarely wear skirts… should I send Su a picture? He's been killing it in the medical research field lately; Fire Moth is starting to notice him. Some cute pics of his senpai would cheer him up, and boost his goodwill.

Sending pictures in a new outfit to a cute kouhai… totally reasonable, right?

Can't just send fan service, though. Need some pics with Kevin to trigger some jealousy energy. And if Kevin finds out later, more jealousy energy. Double win!

I'll share Kosma's snacks with Mei later. Can't waste a goodwill farming opportunity.

I'm a financial management genius~