Chapter 45 : Retirement Letter

I reached my destination.

Looking up at the building, a sigh escaped reflexively. To think I’d come back here. But this should be the last time. I’ll never have to return again.

Steeling myself, I headed toward the main entrance of Ikazuchi’s headquarters.

A place requiring stringent security checks to enter. The standards were so strict that just being cleared to step inside was considered a kind of credential.

That meant nothing to me, though. As part of the elite White Wolf unit, I held a special rank above most regular employees, bypassing nearly all conditions.

However, since White Wolf members’ identities must remain confidential, we use forged public titles. In my case, I carried an ID as a manager in the inspection department.

“Welcome, Manager Lapis!”

The security guard saluted crisply upon verifying my identity. Ikazuchi’s sheer size made even coworkers feel like strangers from different worlds.

Stepping inside, the opulent interior drew an involuntary gasp. It was like another world existed within the company.

At the center of the open atrium, a holographic AI floated, fervently spieling something.

“Ikazuchi, Neotopia’s greatest corporation, always…”

No need to listen to their self-aggrandizing drivel. I snorted and headed straight for the elevator.

Man, so many people. That so many work solely for Ikazuchi made their top-tier status click. Especially since Wave, their only real rival, got crushed in Old City’s corporate war, cementing their dominance.

I boarded the elevator, pressed the 72nd floor, and gazed at the cityscape through the glass.

Neotopia, after five years, looked just as I remembered. Noisy, chaotic, decadent as ever. Skyscrapers blotting out the midday sun, neon signs blindingly garish.

But I recall a moment when those city elements vanished. Rushed to the hospital, I saw flames raging and people screaming in chaos—scenes that still haunt my nightmares.

No trace of the great fire remains in the view now, but that day changed my life entirely.

“…”

No dwelling on the past. The present matters.

Ding!

Arriving at the 72nd floor, I stepped out to find a locked door blocking my path.

[Special Situations Management Department]

The vague name gave no hint of its function, but that didn’t matter. It was just a polished facade.

In reality, this was White Wolf’s base. The man beyond this door was waiting for me.

Knock, knock.

A light rap, and a response came promptly.

“Come in.”

Opening the door, I found, as expected, a blue-haired man greeting me.

“Been a while. Doing alright?”

I barely swallowed the harsh words at his brazen greeting.

“We’re not exactly on friendly terms to be catching up, are we?”

“Ouch, that stings. But today’s the last day, right?”

The last day. That lifted my sunken mood a bit.

“I held up my end, taking Old City completely. We’re done, right?”

“Yep, as promised. Didn’t expect you to pull it off so fast, but great work.”

The moment he confirmed, I placed my ID on the table without hesitation.

“I quit.”

“You won’t find better conditions elsewhere. Sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

“No need. I’m leaving this damn city for good.”

Honestly, wherever I go, it’ll probably be the same mess, but I’ve already decided to leave Neotopia with Ruby and live somewhere else.

“Hm. No chance you’d take one last mission? It’d be a breeze for you.”

“My answer’s the same no matter how many times you ask.”

“Shame. If you change your mind, come back anytime.”

What a joke. Even if the sky splits, I’ll never set foot here again.

With business done, I turned to leave but asked, just in case.

“You kept your promise, right? If anything’s happened to my sister…”

Before I could finish, Hound replied flatly.

“No need to worry. A deal’s a deal.”

“…Got it. I’m out.”

I left the office without lingering.

Stepping out of the headquarters, I felt both relieved and hollow. Five years of grueling work, gone in ten minutes.

No, one thing remains.

I looked at the blue gauntlet on my right hand, recalling the past. Joining White Wolf, I got Ikazuchi’s full support.

This Tactical Gauntlet was part of it. Custom-made, the world’s only Stone connector designed to enhance my electric discharge ability.

Unlike my ring, which blends with casual clothes, the gauntlet’s flashy and conspicuous. I didn’t like it, but its performance far outstripped the ring.

And people didn’t seem to care much. This era’s fashion is so wild, an odd blue gauntlet just passes as personal flair.

Technically, it’s company property, so I should return it upon quitting, but I somehow walked out with it.

“Hm…”

Eh, it’s fine.

If it’s an issue, I’ll return it later. Hound didn’t mention it, so it’s probably no big deal. Hopefully.

Walking the streets, I instinctively lit a cigarette.

“Hoo.”

The harsh herbal scent churned my insides. For my dulled senses, this was the only moment I felt truly alive.

Feeling my mind clear, a small smile curved my lips.

Time to go meet her.

“Wait just a bit, Ruby.”

Neotopia Police Headquarters.

People whispered it was just another gang on the payroll. So corrupt it barely functioned, but not everyone there was a greedy, crooked cop.

One woman, active for years, steadily racked up achievements, earning rapid promotions.

Her name was Reina. A special security inspector with the Neotopia Police Department.

She’d surpassed the rank of her mentor, Eric, from five years ago, yet remained diligent, fighting for justice.

Her accomplishments were staggering for one person. Most notably, she dismantled the Harriers, a major city nuisance.

No matter the opponent, if Reina deemed them a threat to Neotopia’s safety, she punished them as a cop.

Her actions won much public support but drew even fiercer opposition.

Especially from police higher-ups who disliked her boldness, marking her as a problem.

Despite legendary feats, she was denied special promotions and demoted to the worst precinct.

No surprise. Reina was left alone in the near-defunct Rat Town precinct, a shell with just a signboard.

The precinct’s facilities were pitifully inadequate. Sitting on a creaky chair, sipping instant coffee from a paper cup, she reflected on herself and let out a hollow laugh.

“Feels like old times.”

Five years ago, her first day in this neighborhood with her mentor. The shock of a new world she didn’t know.

“No, worse than back then?”

At least she had a partner then. Now she’s alone, sipping coffee in solitude.

Doubt could’ve crept in, but Reina stayed resolute.

No matter the place or situation, her duty never changed.

To change this rotten city. She kept fighting for justice today.

Ring-ring-ring—!

“Hm?”

A phone, tucked in a corner, blared its presence. First time since arriving here. Puzzled, Reina picked it up.

Listening to the tip, her expression hardened.