Special Task Force Headquarters
Turenna nudged her teammate with her elbow. "Has Captain's mood been noticeably better these past few days?"
"Kind of, but not really."
Chevreuse wasn't expressionless, but her emotional fluctuations were subtle. Sometimes it was impossible to tell if she was happy or simply indifferent.
Of course, her anger was unmistakable. Pyro Element would literally steam off her body...
Chevreuse didn't hear her team's conversation, and even if she had, she wouldn't have cared.
...
She silently rubbed her wrist, naturally finding no trace of the handcuffs.
But if there had been any marks, that would have been a problem.
Chevreuse muttered, "Phantom Thief White Cat... No, that girl should be busy being her big-shot celebrity self."
Will she really uphold our agreement properly?
Chevreuse thought absentmindedly.
Perhaps I should have been more meticulous earlier, not just relying on verbal assurances but putting everything in writing. We should have closed every loophole Luna could exploit, like specifying whether "accidental death" would count as murder.
Tsk.
Chevreuse clicked her tongue in frustration.
How careless of me.
Turenna nudged her teammate again. "Crap, Captain's mood seems to have soured again."
"It's probably because of White Cat again..."
-
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
[Do Clockwork Mekas Dream of White Cats?]
Recently, the Geppetto Merchant Guild unveiled its newly developed Clockwork Mekas at a grand exhibition.
Unexpectedly, the Phantom Thief White Cat had already infiltrated the event, disguised as one of the Mekas, deceiving everyone.
She then stole the core component of the new Clockwork Mekas: the "Puppet Heart."
The Puppet Heart has since been returned to the Special Task Force Headquarters and was later returned to the Geppetto Merchant Guild by the Court of Justice.
"Her swordsmanship is incredibly precise," one official remarked. "She severed the connection to the Puppet Heart perfectly, and the repair wasn't even particularly difficult..."
"She's practically a Clockwork Meka surgeon!"
Lady Focalors commented, "A slow startup can't be considered a feature; it's a flaw."
"The rest I can score highly. I hope the Guild continues to strive for excellence. Technological advancement is always a good thing."
However, further testing revealed additional shortcomings in the Clockwork Meka series:
1. Exorbitant production costs and extremely high maintenance fees.
2. The special module installed could cause the Mekas to lose control.
Production of the series has now been suspended, and the Clockwork Meka industry remains in a slump.
An anonymous Traveler's companion lamented, "Clockwork Mekas are everywhere we go! Give us a break already! Stop producing these weapons that only beat us up!"
[Image: Paimon pointing and gesticulating, her eyes and mouth blurred out.]
-
Luna put down the newspaper and tapped the panel with one hand.
Operation Successful
Security Level: High
Treasure Rarity: A-Rank
Action Notoriety: Widely Known
Splendor: Soul-Stirring
Settlement Points: 350 (A-Rank Treasure) × 3 (Security Level) × 4 (Action Notoriety) × 4 (Splendor) = 16,800
The haul was decent, but it was a pity the treasure's fixed points weren't higher, and there were no other treasures to claim alongside it.
Puppet Heart
Information: This device is the core of the new Clockwork Meka "Pinocchio." It's a cutting-edge technological marvel, modeled after a real human heart. Its energy output is powerful, but its extreme manufacturing complexity and exorbitant cost doom it to being a fleeting shooting star in history—listen closely, and you can hear its springs whirring.
Treasure Rarity: A-Rank
Fixed Points: 350
Adding the previous 12,200 points, she now had a total of 29,000.
With such a hefty sum, it was time to splurge.
-
"Next time, try to inflict deeper wounds on me."
I will, Luna thought, determined to show Arlecchino even greater progress and growth. Arlecchino had once said this to her.
It's time to pursue greater strength! With her current power, even at full strength, she could only inflict minor injuries on Arlecchino.
What she lacked most now wasn't offensive capabilities; she possessed all Seven Elemental Powers.
What was missing, then?
Numbers.
Simply put, she needed a buff-type skill.
Radiant Mask (LV: 1/3): Condenses brilliance into a mask, which merges with the wearer's face, transforming their form and enhancing their power. In this state, all elemental skills gain amplified effects and reduced consumption.
In an era where everyone possessed a second stage, how could she not have one?
The only drawback was the hefty cost: 10,000 Points.
Without hesitation, Luna chose to acquire it.
-10,000 Points.
Upgrade it to the next level.
Radiant Mask (LV: 2/3): A mask formed from condensed brilliance, which fuses with the wearer upon contact. This transformation amplifies strength and significantly enhances all elemental skills, while further reducing their energy consumption.
The remaining Points weren't enough to max it out.
She'd need to acquire more treasures, but after her deal with Chevreuse, she could only steal from the guilty from now on.
Not that she minded.
Chevreuse would undoubtedly continue providing her with intel on criminals anyway.
Stealing exclusively from wealthy criminals was a foolproof plan!
This even saved her the trouble of gathering intelligence herself.
"I feel like I've become an unofficial member of the Special Task Force," Luna muttered.
"An unofficial member?" Furina asked, approaching with a plate of pastries.
"I accepted Chevreuse's deal earlier. From now on, I can only steal treasures from the guilty," Luna replied matter-of-factly.
Furina gasped. "That Special Task Force Captain is so bold?"
"Pretty impressive, right? Offering a deal to a Phantom Thief like me."
"Impressive indeed. But if she gets caught..."
"It's fine," Luna said, propping her cheek in her hand as she popped a pastry into her mouth. "As long as I want, no one will ever know the truth."
"...Just don't do anything too reckless," Furina sighed.
"Yes, yes, my dear Lady Furina. I won't do anything reckless."
Besides, there's hardly anything I'd consider reckless, Luna thought to herself.
Furina doubted whether Luna was truly listening, but Luna had certainly become less worrisome since they first started living together.
This must be because of my efforts... right?! Furina thought to herself.
But she did realize the weight she carried in Luna's heart.
"Furina."
"What is it?"
Luna leaned closer to Furina. "A kiss?"
"I'm amazed you can say such things so casually. I could never..." Furina's face flushed crimson.
Maybe it's just my imagination, but it feels like Luna's trying to get me used to initiating kisses.
"I only say such things to people I care about."
Is this 'care' of yours really platonic?
Under Luna's intense gaze, Furina lost her appetite, unable to finish her pastry or even sip her tea.
How did this perfectly pleasant afternoon tea turn into this?!
Furina averted her gaze and pursed her lips.
"...Just one?"
"Mhm."
"I can't resist you..."
Her blush still lingering, Furina turned back and deliberately pressed her lips against Luna's.
It tastes like dessert, Furina thought, but before she could savor the moment, a knock echoed through the entryway.
"Excuse me, is Miss Luna home—?"
Furina panicked and pulled away. "Who's there?"
Luna frowned thoughtfully. "That voice sounds like Paimon..."
"That little flitting creature? The Traveler must be with her too. What could they want?" Furina couldn't help but ask.
Could they be here to invite Luna on a date?
"I'm not particularly close to them under either of my identities," Luna replied. "They probably need help with something."
"Oh..." Furina relaxed, relieved.
Luna stood up and opened the door.
As expected, it was Lumine and her emergency food, Paimon.
"Miss Luna, hello—"
Before Paimon could finish her greeting, she caught sight of Furina stepping out from behind Luna.
She blinked, question marks popping up above her head.
"Wait, why is Furina at your house?"