The carriage rolled to a slow stop.
Hashima swung the door open, stepping out with an easy stretch, gesturing widely toward the horizon.
"Welcome..."
"To Alpha's main territory."
"Feerus City."
Saito climbed out after him, eyes widening as he took in the view.
Towering stone walls stretched along the city's edge, banners bearing the Balance Table's scale emblem fluttering from rooftops. Streets bustled with merchants, patrol guards moving in disciplined formations, and the distant hum of a thriving city center.
"Whoa..."
Kaito stepped out beside him, glancing around. "This place is huge."
Fanny hopped down, practically vibrating with excitement. "It's beautiful!"
Bomb whistled low. "Definitely more organized than I expected."
Rin crossed his arms, studying the architecture. "Feels... disciplined. Structured."
Alya raised her tablet, already scanning the surroundings. "Population density's significant. This is clearly a major hub."
Makuto stepped down last, adjusting his sword at his hip, expression as composed as ever.
Hashima grinned, throwing an arm out proudly.
"Told you it wasn't just some backwater outpost."
"Feerus is the heart of Balance Table operations in this region."
He started walking toward the main gate, waving them forward.
"Come on."
"Alpha's expecting us."
Saito jogged to catch up, still glancing around in awe.
"So this is what a Balance Table stronghold looks like, huh?"
Hashima chuckled. "Just wait till you see the inside."
The group made their way through the bustling streets, the city's energy pulling them deeper toward the heart of Feerus.
The group wandered through the bustling streets, taking in the sights.
Alya's eyes suddenly caught something glinting in a nearby shop window.
"Look, Fanny!"
She grabbed Fanny's arm, dragging her toward a small necklace shop, both of them practically sprinting.
Saito called after them, laughing. "Don't be too late, okay?"
Alya waved a hand back without turning. "We won't, we won't!"
She was already pressed against the glass, examining the display with Fanny.
Bomb chuckled, watching them go. "Girls, am I right?"
Saito shook his head, smiling. "Can't argue with that."
Kaito smirked. "Let them have their fun. We've got time before the meeting."
Rin leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed. "Better than listening to more paperwork talk, honestly."
Hashima led the rest of the group forward, weaving through the crowded street toward a large, elegant building ahead.
"This way."
They approached the entrance, where a well-dressed receptionist greeted them with a polite smile.
"Hello there."
She glanced at her ledger. "Name and reservation, please?"
Hashima leaned casually against the counter.
"Alpha Balance."
The receptionist's expression shifted slightly — a flicker of recognition, maybe even respect.
"Right this way..."
"Alpha's allies."
She gestured gracefully, leading them down a polished hallway toward a spacious meeting room.
The crew stepped inside, glancing around at the refined furnishings.
Saito let out a low whistle. "Wow..."
"So Alpha's got his own people here too, huh?"
Hashima nodded, settling into a nearby seat.
"Yep."
"Even though he's technically disbanded his old gang..."
He shrugged, a knowing smile forming.
"He still keeps his connections."
Kaito glanced around the room. "Guess retirement doesn't mean much when you're that influential."
Bomb chuckled, dropping into a chair. "Must be nice having friends in high places."
Rin smirked. "Careful, Bomb. That's basically Saito's whole gimmick now too."
Saito raised his hands defensively. "Hey, I earned those friendships the hard way!"
The room broke into light laughter as they settled in, waiting for the meeting to begin
The group settled into their seats around the table.
Alpha stepped inside, cane tapping softly against the polished floor.
"Everyone's here?"
Hashima nodded, leaning back casually.
"Yep, all accounted for."
Alpha gave a satisfied nod.
"Good."
He gestured toward a stack of keys resting on a side table.
"I've already booked rooms for all of you."
"Please, enjoy your stay in Feerus City."
Hashima raised a hand quickly.
"Wait, wait—"
He sat up straighter.
"We haven't even discussed the mission further yet."
Alpha's expression remained calm, almost amused.
"You're all probably exhausted from the journey."
"Go get some rest."
He tapped his cane once, decisive.
"I don't want anyone falling asleep in the middle of a meeting."
Hashima burst out laughing.
"Ha! Who could that possibly be?"
Beside him, Makuto leaned in, voice low.
"...You, my Lord."
Hashima froze mid-laugh.
"Shush."
The room erupted into laughter, Saito grinning as he watched the exchange.
"Wow," Saito said, smirking. "Didn't take you as the type to doze off in meetings, Hashima."
Hashima crossed his arms, feigning offense. "It happens to the best of us. Long meetings, comfortable chairs... it's a dangerous combination."
Kaito chuckled. "Sounds like an excuse."
Makuto, expression still perfectly composed, added quietly, "It is."
Alpha allowed a small smile, gesturing toward the door.
"Regardless..."
"Rest up tonight."
"We'll reconvene tomorrow with clearer heads."
The group rose from their seats, still chuckling, filing out of the meeting room toward their assigned quarters as the evening settled comfortably over Feerus City.
Saito picked up his room key from the table, turning it over in his hand.
"Wow..."
"Everyone gets their own room?"
Alpha nodded simply.
"Of course."
Without further explanation, he turned and walked out, cane tapping steadily against the floor.
Saito glanced down at the key tag.
"56..."
He shrugged, tucking it into his pocket.
"Alright then."
He waved to the others. "See you guys in the morning!"
Bomb called back, already wandering toward his own hallway. "Don't get lost, Captain!"
"Ha, ha," Saito muttered, rolling his eyes as he stepped out into the corridor.
The hallway stretched long, lined with polished wooden doors, each marked with small brass numbers.
He wandered forward, scanning the plaques.
"Forty-eight... fifty... fifty-two..."
He kept walking, humming to himself.
"Fifty-four..."
He turned a corner, nearly bumping into a passing staff member carrying towels.
"Oh—sorry!"
The staff member simply nodded and continued on.
Saito pressed forward, finally spotting the number he was looking for.
"Fifty-six!"
He grinned triumphantly, holding up the key like a small trophy.
"Found it."
He slid the key into the lock, the door clicking open smoothly.
Stepping inside, he found a cozy, well-furnished room — a soft bed, a window overlooking the city lights, and a small writing desk in the corner.
He let out a satisfied breath, tossing his bag onto the bed.
"Not bad..."
He flopped down onto the mattress, staring up at the ceiling.
"Not bad at all."
Kaito, Bomb, and Rin made their way up the stairs, keys jingling in hand.
Bomb glanced at his tag. "Alright then, room sixty."
He pushed open his door, peeking inside. "Ooh, not bad."
He disappeared inside, already flopping onto the bed with a satisfied groan.
Rin chuckled, shaking his head as he continued down the hall toward his own room.
Kaito lagged behind slightly, glancing at the numbers along the doors.
He paused.
"Room fifty-six..."
He tilted his head, confused.
"Wait... I thought Saito got room fifty-six."
Rin glanced back over his shoulder, shrugging. "Maybe he's still chilling in the lobby or something."
Kaito frowned slightly, staring at the door for a moment longer.
"Huh. Weird."
He shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it.
"Whatever. Not my business."
He continued down the hall toward his own assigned room, key in hand.
"Room fifty-eight..."
He found it a few steps further, sliding the key into the lock.
The door creaked open, revealing a room nearly identical to Bomb's — simple, comfortable, clean.
Kaito stepped inside, setting his bag down with a tired sigh.
"Long day..."
He glanced toward the window, city lights flickering faintly in the distance.
"Guess I'll figure out the room mix-up tomorrow."
He shrugged it off, sinking onto the bed, letting the exhaustion of the day's travel finally catch up to him.