“Belle, explain the objective of this operation.” Buyuan drove while having Eous in the backseat brief Ellen.
“Things happened fast, so I’ll keep it short.
Vision Industries’ old metro blasting plan has a problem.
When the Cunning Hares entered the Dead End Hollow, they discovered that the residents of Canvas Street hadn’t actually been evacuated.” “Yet Vision publicly claims that Canvas Street no longer has any residents.
The next shipment of Ether explosives is being transported right now.
We need to enter the Hollow, intercept the train, then find a way to get the residents out or stop the blasting.” Belle summarized the situation in the simplest terms possible.
“Proxy, I want to contact my boss, Lycaon.” Ellen thought it over and decided to reach out to Lycaon.
This operation involved a lot.
Victoria Housekeeping served the mayor, and getting involved in this matter would be advantageous for her.
“Yeah.
Have Mr.
Lycaon wait at the blasting site for the live broadcast.
Once we’ve dealt with things, we’ll inevitably have to confront Vision directly.
As for this operation, there’s no need for Mr.
Lycaon to get involved.
We can handle it.” Buyuan didn’t refuse Victoria Housekeeping’s participation, but also didn’t let them join this particular mission.
“Understood.” Ellen quickly contacted Lycaon and explained the situation.
“Ellen, if this operation succeeds, suppressing Vision will benefit our master.
I will have Rina wait near the live broadcast site.
I, however, need to search for Corin within the Dead End Hollow.
For certain reasons, she and I became separated.
For this operation, please be sure to stick close to Mr.
Mo.” Lycaon added one final note.
“I will ensure the master’s safety.” Ellen thought Lycaon was worried she couldn’t protect Buyuan properly.
“That is not my meaning.
But I imagine you will find out soon enough.” Lycaon’s voice carried a hint of mystery.
“Your Victoria Housekeeping really does have eyes everywhere.” Buyuan could naturally hear the voice coming from Ellen’s phone.
“We only just became aware of Mr.
Mo’s information the day before yesterday.
Our master bears you no ill will.
Victoria Housekeeping is also willing to establish friendly relations with you.” Lycaon’s tone was respectful.
Buyuan had some awareness of his own value.
After all, just considering Kabuto’s Clock Up alone — against humans, it was practically unsolvable.
Against Ethereals, it was somewhat diminished, but still.
“These things aren’t important to me.
I’m more curious about who leaked my identity.
I’m reasonably confident that no one who knows my identity would ever leak it.” Buyuan held extremely high trust in the people around him.
So he was somewhat surprised that this mysterious mayor had managed to get his information.
“As you say, we have an abundance of eyes.
During that Hollow excursion, one of our people happened to be present and left something behind.” Lycaon didn’t hide it — or perhaps he never spoke the full truth.
But it didn’t matter.
“I understand.
I have no interest in these methods of yours.
Have that Miss Rina keep a close watch on the Miss Sarah at Mr.
Perlman’s side.” Buyuan seemed to think of something and added a specific reminder.
“Unexpected.
I didn’t imagine you would also take an interest in that organization.” Lycaon was somewhat surprised.
“Hmph.
A bunch of self-righteous vermin as troublesome as sewer rats.” Buyuan naturally had not a shred of goodwill towards the Order.
“I believe we can have a cordial exchange after this operation is complete.” Lycaon elevated Buyuan’s importance level a notch higher.
“Not necessary.
I currently have no intention of cooperating with any faction.
Maintaining the current relationship is sufficient.” Buyuan knew now was not the time to pick sides.
Whether it was PubSec with its chief as the ultimate boss, the military with its mysterious experiments, or the completely inscrutable mayor.
As the car engine died, everyone prepared to enter the Hollow.
Before that, Buyuan also sent the relevant information to Qingyi.
Buyuan: That’s the situation.
If you want to get a foot in, you’d best bring most of PubSec.
I’m sure you can guess why.
Coming alone, even if there’s no danger, isn’t exactly a way to earn merit.
I’m entering the Hollow now.
Decide for yourselves what to do.
If you plan on participating, go find a lady in a maid dress — a ghost of sorts — near the blasting live broadcast to get briefed.
With that, Buyuan stepped into the Hollow alongside the others.
“Now we’ll be counting on our great Lord Phaethon.” Putting his phone away, Buyuan teasingly set Eous down on the ground.
“Love hearing that.
Say it louder.” Belle wasn’t embarrassed at all — she actually puffed out her chest.
“This is no time for jokes!
Meow.” Nekomata was hopping anxiously at the side.
“Cough.
Next, we proceed according to the earlier plan.
This train is unmanned.
As long as we take advantage of the train decelerating before entering the tunnel to throw me onto it, I’ll have a way to bring it to a stop.” “Belle, we have no way of knowing the Dead End Butcher’s current location.
We need to be extra careful on this operation.” Seeing Belle’s completely unworried expression, Wise still reminded her.
“Hmph hmph.
Fairy, calculate the route to the control room.” “Calculating optimal route to control room.
Path has been plotted for you.” “Let’s go.
First, we change the tracks.” Belle piloted Eous, running ahead.
“As expected of Phaethon.
Hollow navigation skills like this are truly astonishing.” Ellen carried her shears, walking beside Buyuan, and remarked quietly.
“Plenty more astonishing things await you yet.” While keeping an eye out for Ethereals in the surroundings, Buyuan did his best to keep up with everyone’s pace.
Without Kabuto’s enhancements, his current combat strength was still somewhat diminished.
“Something’s off.
There’s something dangerous nearby.” Buyuan suddenly felt a surge of pressure and warned the group.
“Warning.
Detected ultra-high-threat unit activity in the vicinity.
Advise evasive action.” Fairy also issued an alert at that moment.
“Hide first.
Our mission is time-sensitive.
Not the moment to clash with that thing.” Buyuan and the others quickly found a place to conceal themselves.
Soon, they spotted a massive figure, as tall as a small building, moving along the abandoned train tracks not far away.
“So that’s a notorious Ethereal.
Such immense pressure.” Wise’s expression was serious.
“So scary, meow.” Nekomata was huddled in a corner, trembling.
“It’s moved on.
Quick, time to move.” After confirming the Dead End Butcher had disappeared, Buyuan resumed the operation.
Passing through a rift, the group successfully arrived near the control room.
“Control room detected.
Successfully bypassed permissions.
Scanned and located a deceleration zone along the train’s travel path.
Master can alter track direction to route the train through the deceleration zone, creating an opportunity to board.” “Understood.
Fairy, begin the operation.” Belle led Buyuan and the others to rapidly search for the mechanisms.
“Here!
Is there anything heavy nearby?” Buyuan looked at the pressure-sensitive switch before him and asked the group.
“Here, meow.” Nekomata laboriously hauled over a sizable chunk of marble, wobbling side to side.
“OK.
Two more to go.” “One here with me.” “Good, Ellen.
I’ll go find something to weigh down the switch.” After completing the mechanism Ellen had found, the group searched a while longer but couldn’t locate the third track-switching device.
“Last one left.
Fairy’s scanned it.
Follow me.” Under Belle’s guidance, they arrived at a platform blocked by an abandoned train car.
“Why is there a train car here?” Nekomata eyed the car, which clearly didn’t belong in this spot, with puzzlement.
“Probably the Dead End Butcher’s doing.” At this moment, Buyuan was wondering if a little matcha cake was hidden behind this very train car.
“So?
How do we get past?
I could try smashing straight through, but it might make a lot of noise.” Ellen eyed the blocked path and hefted her shears.
“No need.
If it really comes down to it, we can try climbing over.” Belle hurriedly stopped her.
“Ah!
Is that Ellen?!” Little Corin’s voice was flustered yet tinged with delight.
“Meow!
Who’s there?!” Nekomata’s fur practically exploded.
“Corin!
Is that you?” Ellen also recognized Corin’s voice and hastily confirmed.
“It’s me, Miss Ellen.
P-Please…
wait a moment.
Corin…
Corin will come out right away.” Following Corin’s sweet voice came the screeching sound of metal being cut.
“Meow!
So loud!” Nekomata collapsed on the ground, covering her ears.
A massive saw blade emerged from the shipping container, carving a gash.
Just like that, it sliced open an opening large enough for a single person to pass through.
“Aaaahh!
What is that!” Belle piloted Eous to hide behind Buyuan.
Accompanied by a soft-spoken voice, a green twin-tailed maid loli appeared before their eyes.
“H-Hello…
I’m Corin, a maid of Victoria Housekeeping.” Little Corin gave a ninety-degree bow.
“Miss Ellen…” Corin’s expression then turned pitiful, as if she might burst into tears the very next second.
“It’s alright, Corin.
Lycaon has been searching for you all along.
I’m just glad you’re safe.” Ellen gently comforted the little maid.
‘Seems like it’s only with Corin that Ellen actually acts like an older sister.’ Buyuan knew full well that to Ellen, the members of Victoria Housekeeping were family.
“Ellen, since we’ve found Corin, have Belle contact Rina.
Lycaon is probably still inside the Hollow right now.
Do you have your own means of communication inside Hollows?” Buyuan thought for a moment, then asked.
“We do have ways to communicate within Hollows.
Corin’s comms device must be broken.
Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been unable to find her all this time.” Ellen took out an earpiece and spoke with Lycaon off to the side.
Buyuan, meanwhile, continued working with Belle and the others on the train-stopping machinery.
“Lycaon says Corin should continue with us for now.
He’ll regroup directly with Rina.” Ellen returned with Corin.
“P-Please rest assured, Master!
Corin will ensure Master’s s-safety.” Little Corin nervously bowed towards Buyuan.
“Mm.
Then I’ll be counting on little Corin.” Buyuan smiled and reached out to pat Corin’s head — but his hand was smacked away.
Seeing Ellen’s dangerous glare, Buyuan could only give up.
“Hmph.” Watching Buyuan relent, Ellen snorted and went off to clear out scattered Ethereals nearby.
After a short clean-up…
“OK, all done.
Quick, let’s head to the front and wait!” Buyuan led the group as they rushed towards a section of track ahead.
Nekomata swiftly scooped up Eous and dashed into the tunnel.
“We should prepare for combat too.” Buyuan spoke to the two little maids beside him.
“Combat?
There are Ethereals?” Ellen warily scanned the surroundings.
“Not exactly.
The truth is, there are quite a lot of people on that train.” Buyuan looked at the train approaching in the distance and said.
“Wasn’t it unmanned?
How could there be people?
Will that Miss Belle be in danger?
Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Ellen was a bit baffled by whatever Buyuan was scheming.
“With us here, she won’t be in danger.
On the contrary, someone that reckless needs to learn a lesson now and then.” Buyuan spread his hands.
He felt Phaethon were a little too rash at this point in time.
“P-Please…
leave it to Corin.” Little Corin nervously clutched her chainsaw even tighter.
“Uh, no need.
Little Corin won’t have to step in later.” Buyuan glanced at the cold gleaming saw blade and stopped her.
“Not everyone inside needs to be sawn in half.” “Buyuan!” Seeing Buyuan teasing Corin again, Ellen didn’t even call him master anymore.
“My bad, my bad.
Anyway, no need for little Corin to step in later.
Can’t exactly send a cute little cake in to punch them with her fists.
Feels like that’d be more of a reward for them.” Buyuan helplessly pushed the shears pointed at him aside a little.
“M-Master…
what…
what little cake…
P-Please don’t tease Corin.” Corin buried her head low, practically steaming.
“Buyuan!
Eat this!” Ellen generously rewarded Buyuan with a punch.
Watching Buyuan suck in a pained breath, Ellen gave a tsundere huff.
“Hmph.
Leave it to me.
You and Corin wait here.” Watching the train enter the tunnel, Ellen rose and rushed forward.
“Honestly.
I’m supposed to be the main fighter here.” Buyuan sighed helplessly.
“S-Sorry.
Ellen didn’t understand what Lord Lycaon meant.
For…
some reason, Lord Lycaon didn’t allow Corin to tell Miss Ellen directly.” Corin hurriedly gave another bow.
“It’s fine.
This has nothing to do with little Corin.
I just didn’t expect your Lycaon to be this much of a troll either.” Buyuan truly hadn’t imagined that the seemingly upright Lycaon would share this mischievous streak.
“Gently, Master.
Your rear has impacted rather forcefully against the train car.” Fairy’s emotionless voice was somehow brimming with amusement.
“This body is a bit inconvenient.
The arms are too short!” Eous’s little eyes were full of helplessness.
“Do not worry.
Your blood relative, your idol, and your agent’s Assistant Number Two have all praised your body.
Quoting the original words — small and cute as well, with a wonderfully squishy boop-boop feel to the touch.” “Agent I can understand, but what do you mean by idol?” Belle piloted Eous to laboriously pry open the train’s roof hatch.
“Assistant Number Two is the author of your newly added permanent playlist.” “What!
How come I didn’t know?!” Having finally squeezed through the hatch and dropped into the train car, Belle exclaimed in surprise.
“I assumed Master was aware.
The identifying features are quite conspicuous.
Master, personal suggestion — this is not an opportune moment for conversation.” Fairy’s sudden shift in topic caught Belle off guard.
“I know stopping the train is the top priority.” Belle lifted her head.
“I…
suddenly…
understand what you mean.” Belle added, a bit tongue-tied.
“Who’s there!
A Bangboo!
Grab it!” A group of men dressed as PubSec officers swarmed forward.
“Meow!
PubSec?
Don’t be afraid, Proxy!” Just then, Nekomata burst in through the window.
“Not PubSec, imposters.” Ellen followed close behind, seeing through their disguises at a glance.
Ellen and Nekomata’s skills were excellent, and they swiftly resolved the fight.
With the train stopped, Buyuan brought Corin aboard.
“Mission accomplished!
Hehe.” Belle happily piloted Eous over to Buyuan.
“It’s not over yet.
We’ve only stopped one train.
Before this, they’d already transported plenty inside.” Buyuan knew he’d have to figure out the next step himself.
After all, in the original storyline, this train hadn’t been stopped at all.
“Hey!
What do we do with this guy?” Ellen hauled over a dwarf and dumped him in front of Buyuan.
“You!
Who are you people?!
How dare you sabotage Vision Industries’ affairs!” Perlman thrashed on the ground, shouting.
“The blasting plan will definitely be halted now.
We need to head to Canvas Street immediately, regroup with Nicole and the others, and discuss how to get the residents out.
As long as the residents can leave the Hollow, Vision’s entire scheme will fall apart.” Buyuan had no intention of waiting until tomorrow as the plot had originally gone.
With their current combat strength, they should be plenty enough to deal with the Dead End Butcher.
“What?!
You’re going to save those civilians?!
You can’t!
If they get out, Vision is finished!” Perlman instantly panicked.
‘Perlman is nothing but a pawn.
Catching him or not doesn’t make much difference.’ Buyuan glanced at the clamoring Perlman and paid him no mind.
‘That Sarah is ruthless.
Once she learns Perlman’s been caught, she’ll also realize someone’s trying to rescue the Canvas Street residents.
With Lycaon there, they can’t just blow up Old Metro directly, but they’ll definitely blow up the train tracks inside the Hollow to prevent us from using the trains to get people out.’ Buyuan analyzed the current situation.
Qingyi would certainly take part in this operation.
If he didn’t produce some results today, relying on PubSec to make trouble for Sarah would be difficult.
“Belle, it’s on you now.
We need to get to Canvas Street immediately.”
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