"Twiggy."
"What?"
"Where are we going next?"
"I don't know."
"But... aren't you a human? You should know this place better than me, right?"
"Has it ever occurred to you that, just like you, this is my first time here too?"
"..."
Geno and Twiggy walked unhurriedly along the roadside near the Hollow exit.
It wasn't because they were cautious, but simply because they didn't know the way.
And not only did they not know the way, but neither of them had brought a map.
Don't ask why neither brought one; if you asked, they'd just say they thought the other one had it.
One was an Ethereal from within the Hollow, and the other was an artificial human created in a laboratory.
It was a classic case of being in the wrong but remaining confident about it.
"So what do we do? We can't just turn around and go home, can we?"
Geno was a bit depressed. Was the first thing to do upon going out really just to go back home?
As their first expedition outside the Hollow, such an ending was far too hasty.
"Let's just wander around first. This should still be the danger zone adjacent to the Hollow, so there shouldn't be anyone around. It's also a good opportunity to test the battery life of the wristband."
Given the sensitivity of their identities, it was best to avoid contact with outsiders as much as possible.
Geno looked at the wristband on his hand with suspicion. This thing actually needs to be charged?
Twiggy knew him too well; before Geno could even open his mouth, she took the initiative to explain.
"Of course. Ether energy isn't produced out of thin air. If there is consumption, there naturally needs to be replenishment."
As she spoke, Twiggy checked the energy gauge on Geno's wristband.
"Mmn, since it's a test, the stored energy isn't much. However, it's enough for you to be active for about a day, so there's no need to be so nervous."
Twiggy mentioned she would continue to upgrade the wristband's energy reserves later, which gave Geno something to look forward to.
And so, the two continued to wander aimlessly. Just as Twiggy had said, there really wasn't anyone in the vicinity.
But it wasn't completely devoid of people. Some Hollow Raiders and wanted criminals would still choose to brave the Hollow when they had no other way out.
Just like the current situation.
"Don't run! Stand still!"
"Hmph~ Only a fool would stand still."
A flurry of rapid footsteps rushed toward Geno and Twiggy's location.
The two exchanged a glance and, in tacit agreement, found cover to hide behind.
Soon, the voices got closer and closer, and the owners of the footsteps finally unveiled their mystery.
It was a girl with pink twin-tails carrying a suitcase. The massive assets on her chest bounced with every step, making for a very eye-catching sight.
Following behind her was a white-haired robot wearing a red vest and holding dual guns. They appeared to be together.
The two leaned against the wall, seemingly having temporarily shaken off the pursuers behind them, and seized the moment to recover their stamina.
"Is it really worth chasing us this long for just a little bit of money?!"
"Boss Nicole, two hundred thousand Dennies... I don't think that counts as a 'little bit' of money..."
The male voice, tinged with a slight electronic synthesizer tone, complained helplessly about what Nicole called 'small change.'
One had to realize that this 'small change' was a month's worth of food expenses for their Cunning Hares.
He could have even upgraded his oil from the discount bargain-bin stuff to regular oil.
"Billy! You have a big mouth! If you have the energy to nitpick, you'd be better off thinking about how to deal with those stray dogs behind us!"
Just as the two were speaking, another rapid green figure sped toward them from behind, heading straight for their location.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Nicole didn't panic; instead, she looked somewhat expectant.
"Anby! What's the situation?"
"The situation is not optimistic. The pursuers behind us have already blocked all the surrounding exits."
Anby Demara. The final member of the Cunning Hares.
She had iconic short silver-white hair, the strands looking sharp yet retaining a sense of fluffiness.
Her eyes were a unique orange-red, her gaze clear yet containing a cool sharpness, as if she could perceive every detail.
However, her appearance caused the pupils of Twiggy and Geno, who were hiding in the corner nearby, to instantly contract.
Because they knew this face. They knew it so well they couldn't possibly know it better.
This was exactly what Twiggy and her sisters looked like!
Captain? Why is she here? Isn't she... shouldn't she be dead...
Seeing that familiar figure right before her eyes, Twiggy was momentarily dazed. Subconsciously, she wanted to jump out and demand answers.
But under Geno's restraint, she forcibly held herself back.
However, the commotion here still attracted the attention of the Cunning Hares—or rather, Anby.
"Who's there?"
Anby vigilantly raised her weapon horizontally in front of her, staring at the narrow alley where Geno and the other were hiding, probing forward inch by inch.
"Meow o(=0ω0=)m~?"
A black cat walked out of the alley. Seeing Anby standing outside, it was startled on the spot and immediately bolted, disappearing in a flash.
"Oh, so it was just a cat."
The robot, Billy, stepped forward. Seeing it was a cat, he instantly heaved a sigh of relief. He lowered his gun muzzles, which he had aimed early on, spun them twice, and holstered them back into his rig.
Nicole also breathed a sigh of relief before comforting them: "No need to be so nervous. Those stray dogs won't catch up to us that fast. This is our turf, after all."
"Boss, just because we get chased here so often, can we really call this our turf?"
Thud!
"You talk too much! Hiss~~"
Kicking Billy's iron leg, Nicole sucked in a breath of cold air, hugging her foot and hopping twice.
"The current situation doesn't allow for optimism. The other side seems to be serious this time."
As the one who had stayed behind to scout, Anby wrinkled her cute little nose and informed the other two of the unfavorable circumstances.
"The opposition is not only controlling the various exits, but they also have a team specifically searching for us inside the Old District. I'm afraid..."
"Over there! Quick, grab them!"
Before she could finish speaking, a group of thugs wearing suits and sunglasses rushed up.
Without time to think, Anby immediately grabbed Nicole and ran toward the depths of the Old District.
"Hey! Did you guys forget about me, a big living person?! Even if I am a robot!"
Billy first complained about Anby's double standards, then fired two shots backhand at the pursuers. After attempting to hinder them briefly, he followed their footsteps and began to retreat.
His ammo budget was about to exceed the limit; he had to use it sparingly.
"Chase them! We have to get the debt back this time no matter what!"
"That cunning rabbit! She actually used three IDs to borrow six hundred thousand! And not a single ID was real!"
"The Boss said if we don't get it back, he'll drag the three of us to get sex change surgeries and debut us as idols to earn the debt money back, wah!"
"Actually, that sounds pretty good..."
"???"
Bro, something is wrong with you.
The three petty leaders led a gang of subordinates like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, leaving only a cloud of dust in the open space.
Only after they left did Twiggy and Geno slowly stand up from the corner.
"She... is she really..."
"We'll know if we follow them and take a look."
The two shared the same conviction. Regarding this 'Captain Number 0' who had returned from the dead, they had to uncover the truth.
Sunk. Damn red-haired shorty! I am sworn enemies with you!
_____
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