Armageddon x (Book #1)

Chapter 16: The City of Laxus

With special protection covering the mobile truck. Shin and rest made it to the city without being struck by one of the giant lightning bolts. Driving up to the city gate location at the first of the giant dome. The truck was stop by a group of thugs. Entry fee they ask for. Not wanting to create problem Hollin ask the men how much and what form of "Currency unit." Checking the truck to see a total of 6 people. 

The thugs discuss among themselves first before coming to a conclusion. 10 "Imperials copper" each they said. "Very well," Hollin agree. Exchanging the money with the thugs using a transferring machine. The money digitally transfers to them. Checking to see that it is all there they allow Hollin and the other to enter the city. Passing by the city welcoming sign, welcome to the "City of Laxus."

"Bastards really charges us that much just to enter a stupid city like this, you should have let me snipe them," Mary complain. Feeling irritated. Hollin replied, "don't got no other choice. If we tried to force our way in, then the entire city will come after us. This is their territory. Plus, it could be the same price are ever higher in another city."  

Entering the city, as they expected from a city run by pirates, scavengers, and thugs. Without the influences for the empire. The city has become lawless hell hole. Crimes such as murder, stealing, kidnapping and even trafficking are all legal in a place like this. The city itself is a complete dump. Most of the buildings are rundown and partly destroy. Some are completely destroyed with the rubbles shatter all over the street. The itself streets are litter with not only trashes and old vehicles. But with dead bodies as well. The fowl scent coming from the city is so bad that it is bothering Shin. 

He covers up his noses, looking a bit sick. Taking notice Hollin estimate that it seems that not only his body is superhuman, but his senses as well. "Will you be alright?" Touka ask checking up on him. Shin nods his head saying yes. "Don't worry, we will arrive to our destination soon," said Hollin. Pulling up at a back alley in the heart of the city. Hollin orders the other to stay behind and protect the ride. This city is full of thieves and these bastards are all money hungry prick that will steal anything that looks valuable to them. In the meantime, Hollin along with Touka, Shin and Mary enter down the back alley. 

It was really quiet and a little dark at first but the further they enter the more noises they heard. That's until they enter a very crowded area swarming with peoples. Mostly those who inhabit the city. "This my friend is what you call a black market. A place where you can buy anything you want. Weapons and more. Stuffs that even the empire has in their grasp," Hollin tells Shin. 

"The empire is the most powerful organization in the entire universe. That is mainly because of their weapons, knowledge and their vast number of soldiers and influence they have. And most of what the empire have can be find here. You understand what that mean right Shin?" Hollin turn to ask. "We can find out about planet Zoan here," he replied. Hollin chuckle a bit but also looking please. "Smart boy, but also places like these are forbidden. If the empire finds out that we were here. Not only ourselves but our entire colony could face some serious problems. So, remember to keep your mouth shut once we get back ok," Mary in a teasing but creepy explain to Shin. 

Continuing to walk around the market Touka notices the there are many different races from other planets are here. And some of them don't even look like pirates or criminal but regular civilians of the city. "Does civilians still live on the planet despite the way it is now?" Touka ask softly. "Of course, not only that their planet is classified as a hazardous planet, but it is not under the protection of the empire and ended up become a den for criminal," Hollin replied. 

"But despite all that many still choose to live on the planet instead of moving, why?" Touka wonder. Well, it is not because they want to, but rather they can't," Hollin explained. "What do you mean?" Touka ask. "Jezz and here I thought you royals are supposed to be smart. That is what happened when you spend most of your life behind the walls of your palace. You have no idea what is going on in the world around you," Mary complained. 

"Mary behave remember," Hollin specks. "Think of the universe similar to planet earth. Just like how they are many different nationalities on our own planet like the, Americans, Africans and Asian. Each having their own cultures and belief. With result in racism. It the same with the universe. Think of the many planets in the universe like the countries on the earth and the galaxies, solar system like the planet itself. 

Many races don't coexist with each other, and it make it really difficult for those from different planet and races with different culture and belief to live with others. So instead of taking the chance by trying to live on other planets and ended up getting kill or oppress. They rather struggle to try a make a living here," Hollin explain. 

"But our own colony have different nationally and we live just fine," said Touka. "Wow princess you are so naive. That is because our living situation is different from theirs. Just because we are doing fine doesn't mean people like these aren't," Mary said looking around the market. "No... I di...mean it...lik," Touka quiet herself before specking any further. 

With history out of the way. It was now time of the mission. Going around they asks various personnel, both sellers and buyers about planet Zoan and on where to find it. It wasn't that much as a surprise if some of them would not know about Zoan, but it was shocking later on when they ask literally everyone, they if they know anything about the Zoan. But they all gave the same answer to them. No. No one knows of planet Zoan. But one person did tell them to go see the big boss of the city. Malieek captain of the "Blue skull thug." That guy is said to know everything. There is nothing he can't tell you about if it is real. He could probably help them out. 

Obviously, they ask for a little fee for their services. Which Hollin pays. Luckily it wasn't as much as the entry fee to enter the city. After getting the direction to get to Malieek place. The four head there. An apartment building. The entrance was guarded by a few thugs. They stop Hollin and the others from entering any further upon sight. Hollin tells them that they want to see their boss Malieek to buy some information. After one of the thugs contacted the boss. He gave them the ok, but they must leave all their weapons behind before they can enter.

 Hollin and the other leaves their guns and other weapon behind except for their arsenal suit since the thugs believe that it just a normal looking body suit. They enter the apartment where on the inside is fill with numerous thugs looking menacingly toward them. Taking notice that they are all of the same races. Coming up to the very top floor. 

They meant with the thug leader sitting on a throne like chair at the very back of the room. They were stop from appearing the boss any further before getting search for any hidden weapon. "Clear! They all approach Malieek enjoying the company of his female acquaintances. 

A blue skin alien with metal spike sitting out of his bald head and tattoos all over his arm and expose belly and chest. The same of every other thug in the apartment. Looking down on them from his throne. "How can I help you folks?" he asks.