Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 117: Assignment with the Advisor

It was 3 days later, and Aster and Fleur had fully recovered, having only sustained minor injuries after Viper's treatment Rou was not so lucky, though still able to move. As Aster went down the corridors, he reflected upon everything that occurred on his journey, how the Renegard syndicate knew exactly what will stop them, how Rou could be so cruel suddenly, and how he shouldn't always work alone. All these things he had to learn the answers to gradually.

As he swung open the doors to room 114, Aster was approached by Demitris. "Aster, seems you're actually arrived on time for once.", the auburn haired man remarked. His tone seemed slightly more sullen than his usual demeanor, and Aster had a clear idea why. "Seems you're still worried about Rou, eh?", questioned Aster. His face gave off genuine concern, a far cry from the hot headed boy he used to be. For Aster, the mission changed him for the better, even if it changed Rou for the worst.

After a minute of waiting, Rou entered the room. Having been the most injured in the battle, he was using his staff as a crutch, only temporary, but Aster felt remorse for making him that way, even if he did provoke the fight. "What is going on with me lately?", he thought, still not used to his compassionate nature he'd gained over time. As the blue haired man hobbled over, Demitris tried to to help him move, but upon doing so, Rou knocked him over.

"What was that for?!", he yelled at his capo. Rou gave him a look of disapproval, "Soldiers shouldn't assist their superiors...", he explained concisely in a monotone voice. Without saying anything else, he passed over a sheet of paper with Aster's assignment. "Seems I have a solo excursion once more.", he remarked. Rou shook his head, "That's not exactly how it's going to go, Aster.", he corrected.

"You're not the only one going on this assignment, due to my condition, I can't go with you, but Fleur and Viper are both bringing soldiers with them, and the mission will be led by someone who doesn't usually work collaboratively.", explained Rou. Demitris quickly interrupted them, "I could do the assignment in your place.", he insisted. Rou refused once again, "I'm afraid you have your own duties, Demitris.", he informed with a scowl.

Demitris frowned in disappointment, but was confident that Aster could still pull off this mission. "Don't worry Demitris, I'll work hard for both of us. I know you're concerned that all he can do right now is tell people what to do, but give it a day or so and he'll be himself again. Demitris gave Aster a thumbs up, but was clutching his right eye. "Demitris, is your eye okay? Does it still hurt from the arrow?", asked Aster. "It's nothing, I keep it covered normally, so it won't affect the job.

"That's good.", replied Aster in relief. Demitris smiled at his friend for being so kind before waving him off, with one last query, "Aster, I have something to tell you when I return!". Aster headed for the assigned spot on the second floor stated on the paper. On his way, Fleur with Craaq, and Viper with Shiva followed along with him. Eventually they go to the place they were looking for, the corner of the mansion which contained Vox and Catoria's offices.

"The consigliere and bruglione? Seems Rou was right in the fact that they don't collaborate with people very much. But who are we working with?", Aster questioned to himself. Fleur was next to him seemingly nervous, "Fleur, you don't have to be afraid. Look at me, I'm showing my ears on full display and neither Catoria nor Vox have seen them before.", Craaq reassured her.

"Ugh...why are we waiting?", moaned a bored Shiva. Viper rolled her eyes, "You will behave yourself on this mission Shiva!", she shouted. Aster looked on at the pair, judging them for their arguing, "Can you please not show us up?", he scowled. Viper put on a polite face, "I'm sorry, Shiva's still getting used to all the hard work he's been doing.", she replied, subtly implying that Shiva had been misbehaving.

After everyone had calmed down, the door opened to one of the offices and out stepped Catoria with a determined look on her face. "Ah, I see you've all arrived. Come in, I have a lot to explain to all of you.", she announced. The succubus invited all of the subordinates into her office and everyone took a seat. "Now I'm aware that Rou is still recovering, but things must move swifty, this assignment will require your full focus. The people in the room looked at each other in anticipation, awaiting their next task.