The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

"Twilight Street…?"

Lee lay on her sofa, reading her new assignment with interest. The last time she'd gotten a location-specific assignment was years ago, when she was assigned to headquarters security. Technically, she was still a security officer, which was why she was always at HQ instead of other branches.

Headquarters was great. Close to the power center, where all the ambitious people were. But for Lee, the best part was easy access to high-quality ATMs like Mobius, for goodwill farming and energy extraction.

But as Fire Moth's combat strength increased, her bodyguard services were less needed. So, they'd reassigned her.

Twilight Street. Despite the name, it was a lawless zone, a haven for shady characters. Fire Moth and every world government had given up on controlling it, happy to have a convenient dumping ground for troublemakers.

Think Gotham, but in the Honkai-verse.

Lee's mission: establish a Fire Moth presence and crack down on crime…

Even Lee knew Twilight Street hated authority. Fire Moth soldiers barely made it out in one piece. She wasn't worried about her own safety, but establishing a base and fighting crime were different matters.

Mei was trying to keep her away from the power struggles, but this was… extreme. Good thing I'm not actually Batman. This job would be a nightmare.

"Starting tomorrow? That's short notice."

Lee packed her things. Besides her Seven Thunders, she didn't need much. Even the most chaotic places had stores, right?

Time to say goodbye to Mei and Mobius, and grab some energy. Too bad Elysia's gone, too.

Fire Moth had put Kevin in charge of HQ security, probably worried Elysia would become another Lee, easily gaining popularity and influence.

Kevin was stronger, but he was too serious; he wasn't good at winning hearts and minds like Lee and Elysia.

But more importantly…

Lee knocked on the door across from hers, suitcase in hand. "Kalpas, you awake?"

"…What?" The door opened, revealing Kalpas in his Ultraman mask.

Although the Herrscher of Ice appeared in a remote area, minimizing casualties, Kalpas, as the sole survivor, was supposed to be quarantined. But Lee wasn't letting this freshly shorn sheep wander off, so she kept him close.

If he had to be quarantined, why not in Mobius's mostly empty lab dorms?

It was a bit unorthodox, and Kevin strongly objected, but with Mei and Mobius's silent approval, Lee got Kalpas a room.

Kevin, upon learning this, also demanded a room in the lab dorms, but Mobius shot him down.

"Kalpas, I'm leaving today." Lee showed him her suitcase. "So, what are your plans? Want to stay?"

"Fire Moth isn't perfect, but it might be a good fit for you. Plenty of strong opponents. If you want to stay, I can recommend you. You're strong enough."

"If you don't want to stay, I can help you find a job. Less fighting, but I think a peaceful life is better."

"…Someone wants you gone?" Kalpas's voice was calm, but Lee knew that if she badmouthed Fire Moth, the headlines would be "Ultraman Mask Dude Wrecks Fire Moth HQ."

Lee liked drama, but not that much. "Just a transfer. I won't be here after today."

"Sorry. I brought you here, and now I'm leaving…"

"Where are you going?" Kalpas asked.

"Twilight Street—you probably don't know where that is. It's far from here." Lee chuckled. "Want to come? I wouldn't recommend it; it's not as nice as here."

"Heh, at least no green-haired vivisectionists there." Kalpas's meaning was clear.

Mobius… I told her to leave him alone, but his stats were too tempting for her scientist brain… Lee sighed. She couldn't stop a scientist from being curious; that applied to Vill-V and Mei, too.

"Fine. You're strong enough to handle yourself…" Lee smiled. "My transfer orders only apply to me. You're not even in Fire Moth."

"Pack your things. We're leaving today~"

"Lee, take care! Be happy! If you're in danger, call me; I'll come right away! Stay safe… Lee, is there room on the aircraft? Maybe I should come with you, Lee!!"

[Energy +20,000]

Kalpas watched the white-haired man chasing the aircraft, then looked at Lee, who was face-palming inside. He snorted, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes.

So much power, yet so ridiculous… Glad I'm not like that.