Thoma paced anxiously outside the Immigration Bureau.
Just as worry twisted in his chest, Shao Yun reappeared, striding out from the shadows. In one swift motion, he pulled out three residency permits from his pack and flashed them toward Thoma.
"Got the permits. We need to go. Now."
Thoma, misinterpreting the situation, assumed Shao Yun had compromised. He offered sincerely, "Shao Yun, maybe wait a bit? I could try to talk to Miss Yurika—see if she'll refund your money."
You won't be seeing her again. She's probably speeding down the Highway to Hell by now.
Shao Yun gripped Thoma's wrist and pulled him along with urgency. "Forget about that. Time is ticking—we've got to move!"
Thoma, baffled, hurried after him. "Why the rush?"
Before the question fully left his lips, a terrified shout rang out behind them.
"Fire!"
The cry struck like thunder. Shao Yun's expression immediately turned grim—maybe a bit early to start urban renewal.
Without hesitation, he yanked Thoma into a full sprint.
"Run!"
As they fled the Immigration Bureau, Thoma finally realized just how serious things had become.
Shao Yun didn't bow to pressure—he flipped the damn table! Killed someone and torched the building?! First day in Inazuma and he's already committing arson?!
The Bureau, built in traditional Inazuman all-wood style, was far more flammable than the wood-stone-brick blend of Liyue.
When they finally turned a corner to safety, Shao Yun looked back—flames had already engulfed the entire compound, devouring it in a roaring inferno.
"Only Lumine and Paimon have the guts to ask me for money like that. Anyone else—this is what happens."
"Mr. Shao Yun, we really need to keep moving!" Thoma had fully submitted now. What kind of hellspawn did I just team up with?!
They stopped at a secluded spot some distance away.
Thoma, scanning the area and confirming it was safe, asked urgently, "Shao Yun… what exactly happened in there?"
Shao Yun smiled slyly and answered casually, "Oh, that Yurika woman dared to demand fifteen million Mora from me."
He spat on the ground with disdain and added, "You think I'd let that slide? I got the permits, killed her, took the cash, and lit the place up. Simple."
Thoma's face drained of color. He couldn't even speak—stunned silent by Shao Yun's ruthless efficiency.
That novel…The Gunslinger Butcher from Fontaine… total softcore fiction compared to this! Escaping Dragonspine my ass!
At that moment, Lumine and Paimon happened to pass by and spotted them.
Lumine approached curiously. "Shao Yun, Thoma? What are you doing here? I thought you were still at the Bureau."
Shao Yun grinned and presented the three residency permits proudly.
"Already handled. What about you? Everything go smoothly?"
Lumine nodded, then calmly extended her right hand. A brilliant arc of Electro energy crackled in her palm.
"I'm all set," she said with a smile.
Shao Yun handed two permits to Lumine and Paimon with casual grace. They took them, folded them carefully, and tucked them away.
Then Shao Yun clapped the still-shaken Thoma on the back and snapped his fingers to bring him back to reality.
"So, Mr. Thoma—what's next?"
Thoma, slowly recovering from the shock, shook his head to clear it and answered, "Let me think… How about we visit the International Trade Association?"
Shao Yun raised an eyebrow. That damn place again? I don't want to get roped into any side quests...
"The Trade Association?"
Thoma nodded and explained, "Because of the Sakoku Decree and growing xenophobia, foreign merchants banded together. The Association isn't just about business—it's also about survival. I thought I could introduce you to some key people..."
Shao Yun cut him off. "Let me stop you right there. We're not here to do business. We came to meet the Raiden Shogun."
Thoma blinked in surprise, then chuckled in admiration. "Ah, so that's your purpose. A lofty goal indeed."
But Shao Yun had no time for poetic musings. With dusk falling fast, he grew impatient.
"Save the admiration for later. The real question is—do you have a plan to help us?"
Thoma nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! But I'll need to pull every string I have… however—"
Shao Yun narrowed his eyes. "However what? Speak plainly. If it's worth the cost, I'll pay."
Thoma sighed with a wry smile, scratching his head. "Ah, well... these things aren't just about money. There's always politics, favors, risks—"
Shao Yun cut him off again. "Enough dancing around. How much is this going to cost?"
Realizing Shao Yun was serious—and volatile—Thoma dropped the diplomacy act.
"Alright, alright! Give me some time. I'll get you an answer. But first, let me arrange a place for you to rest and eat."
That offer came at the perfect time. Shao Yun looked up—the sky was darkening, and they didn't even have a place to sleep yet.
"Fine. Let's get accommodations sorted first."
Paimon, listening in, couldn't hold back her curiosity. "Thoma, you really can get us an audience with the Shogun?"
Thoma nodded confidently, grinning. "Of course. I've been around Ritou long enough to be considered a local boss, if you will."
Shao Yun had heard enough. He waved his hand, urging, "We'll worry about the Shogun later. Right now, local boss, take us somewhere safe to rest."
…
Thoma led them into the heart of Ritou's bustling commercial district.
Shao Yun frowned when he saw the ornate, gold-trimmed sign above the entrance. The International Trade Association again?
"I thought you said you were arranging food and lodging. Why are we back here?"
Thoma laughed, waving it off. "I'm good friends with the head—Kurisu. The Association has plenty of guest rooms. It's the best option while I work on the 'plan.' You understand."
Shao Yun eyed him with suspicion. "You're sure this is just for food and shelter?"
Thoma raised both hands and nodded repeatedly. "Promise, Mr. Shao Yun. No hidden motives. Just good hospitality."
Satisfied—if only slightly—Shao Yun relented.
"Alright then. Thank you, truly."
…
At the door of the Association stood a merchant in Fontaine-style formalwear: Kurisu, the Association's chairman.
He was clutching his head with one hand and a new tax notice with the other, brows furrowed, sighing heavily.
At that moment, Thoma arrived with the group and cheerfully greeted him.
"Hello, Mr. Kurisu!"
Kurisu looked up, quickly stuffing the tax document into his pocket and forcing a polite smile.
"Oh, Thoma! What a coincidence. Good evening…"
His gaze drifted to Shao Yun and company behind Thoma. "And these are…?"
Thoma introduced them with a smile. "Foreign travelers. Here for a temporary stay."
Kurisu's demeanor softened with warmth and empathy.
He examined their outfits with care. "Welcome. Are you here seeking shelter from the Association? Did the Immigration Bureau bleed you dry too?"
Shao Yun smirked internally. Do you mean financially bled, or literally bled?
But he wasn't about to confess to burning the place down.
Instead, he smiled lightly, clapped Thoma's shoulder, and said half-jokingly, "Thanks to Mr. Thoma, I made it through without losing a single Mora. Isn't that right, Mr. Thoma?"
Caught off guard, Thoma froze—then quickly nodded.
"Ah? Uh—yes! All part of the service."