Chapter 36: Fire Away!

“Vision Industry... Ellen, what was it that let Vision Industry beat Belobog Heavy Industries in the bidding?”

Phaga thought for a moment, then turned to ask.

Ellen crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. “Lower construction costs.”

“No severance pay, no relocation fees because they didn’t move the residents... So that’s why the costs were lower. That’s how they won.”

Phaga rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

“Exactly! Which is why we need to stop that train now! We can’t let it blow up in Canvas Street!”

The long-silent Nekomata suddenly spoke up: “Otherwise, everyone there will be blasted to pieces!”

“Easy, little kitty.”

Phaga glanced at her, then turned his gaze to Eous. His tone grew firm. “Mind telling us what your original plan was?”

“No problem!”

Belle’s clear voice carried cleanly across the Hollow, as if distance didn’t exist.

“Our plan originally had two steps. But with a powerful fighter like a vampire on our side, I think we can make some adjustments...”

...

Phaga crouched by the tunnel entrance, pressing his ear to the rails.

Moments later, he stood and exhaled. “About ten minutes until the demolition train arrives.”

“Alright, Ellen. You’ve done enough. Get Corin out of the Hollow.”

He tilted his head slightly, ruffling Corin’s hair. She’d been trapped in the Dead End Hollow far too long. Keeping her here any longer could be dangerous.

“I’m sorry... Corin just caused trouble for everyone.”

Corin lowered her head, clutching her chainsaw with both hands. Her eyes brimmed with gloom.

“It’s not your fault, Corin. We were too late.”

Ellen hugged her from behind, smoothing her hair with one hand and squeezing her small hand tightly with the other. Even the cold palm carried strength. Corin’s reddened eyes blinked back the tears on the verge of falling.

She bit her lip, then lifted her head with sudden resolve. “Mm. Corin will do her best!”

“Good.”

Ellen gently patted her head, then turned toward Phaga. “Are we really siding with Phaethon?”

“More allies mean more paths forward. And don’t forget—we’re carrying a fourteen-million commission.”

Phaga murmured, “Vision Industry is desperate to join the TOPS Alliance. Don’t tell me they’ve got no one backing them—that’s a lie. They’re already the most suspicious.”

“In other words, our goal matches Phaethon’s.”

As he spoke, Phaga pushed his laptop into Corin’s arms, gently brushing her hair again. She smiled faintly, offering no resistance.

“You know how to use [Carrot], right? Once you’re out, tell Rina and Lycaon everything that happened inside. They’ll know what to do.”

“You don’t need to tell me that!”

Ellen puffed her cheeks, turning away in a sulk.

Woo—woo—
Clang! Clang!

At the far end of the rails, an old-world locomotive thundered forward along the tracks of the new era. The rails bore its weight like a strongman hoisting a relic of the past, roaring loudly.

“The train’s here.”

Phaga took two steps forward, eyes locked on it. Phaethon’s words echoed in his mind:

【We have to take control of the train.】
【But there’s a human scent on board.】
【Oh? Then they’ve been looping for this long and still haven’t noticed.】
【They trust autopilot too much.】
【Alright. Phaga, even with people aboard, taking control won’t be a problem, right?】

Phaga didn’t answer. He shrugged off his coat and tossed it aside—only for Ellen’s tail to catch it before it hit the ground.

“Thanks.”

Phaga gripped the parasol firmly, flashing her a smile.

Ellen’s face flushed. Her eyes darted back to him briefly before she looked away again, muttering, “Be careful.”

“Got it.”

Phaga chuckled softly, then turned back toward the tracks. His vast wings suddenly unfurled, blotting out the light. With a powerful flap, dust rolled across the ground.

The train bore down on him, and Phaga began to gather strength.

In a rush of speed, the train roared past—Phaga’s reflection flashing in the windows.

“Mr. Phaga! Do your best!”

Corin broke free from Ellen’s arms, cupping her hands to shout.

Thump!

Phaga’s heart jolted. A smile tugged at his lips. Extending his left hand, he gave a thumbs-up.

“Let’s make those bastards inside sweat.”

With a violent flap, Phaga hurled himself into the train!

BOOM!

The impact sent the engine leaping half a meter off the rails before it slammed back down. Sparks showered as the wheels screeched, grinding against steel.

“Wh-what the hell?!”

The lurch sent passengers in the rear cars sprawling. A few finally staggered up, their faces pale with fear.

“Is it... is it an Ethereal?”

“Didn’t Perlman swear there were none on this route?”

“Damn Perlman!”

“Quiet! Shut up! Listen to the announcement!”

The train’s PA blared: “Warning. Driver’s cabin compromised. Unknown lifeform has entered the passenger compartment.”

“Warning...”

Everyone inside froze. Someone whispered, “It really is an Ethereal...”

BOOM!

The carriage door burst open, ripped off its hinges and sent crashing into the crowd.

But no one dared turn. Their eyes fixed on the figure emerging from the wreckage.

A young man.

Human?

The passengers exchanged stunned glances.

No wonder they thought so—Phaga had retracted his wings, appearing almost ordinary.

His gaze swept over the carriage. Every person was dressed in Officer gear.

But clothes didn’t make them Officers.

Phaga flexed his fingers, then asked evenly: “Just to confirm—everyone here knows there are still residents in Canvas District, don’t you?”

One second. Two. Three.

No answer.

“Alright. I see.”

Phaga lowered his head. His fingers extended, sharp claws sliding free—the weapons of a vampire.

“Hey, you! Hands on your head and get down! Or face the law of New Eridu!”

One man forced down his fear, stepping forward to point at him.

Whoosh!

Phaga slashed. The man flew backward, collapsing in a heap.

Beside him, another felt something slap his face. He grabbed it instinctively.

It was a shattered visor from Officer armor.

He looked up. The man who’d spoken now lay sprawled on the ground, helmet ripped away. His face was shredded with five deep gashes, flesh torn open, blood pouring down. His eyes stared wide—lifeless.

A death without peace.

“Ahhhh!”

“Guns! Raise your guns!”

Terror overtook the rest. Weapons rose, barrels shaking, but no one dared fire.

Others followed suit, lifting their guns as well.

Still, not one pulled the trigger.

Finally, a trembling shout rang out: “Monster! Get off this train!”

“Yeah! Monster, get off!”

“Didn’t you hear?! Get out!”

Phaga bowed his head slightly, murmuring: “Monster... Haven’t heard that in a while.”

“I used to care about that.”

【Stay safe.】
【Mr. Phaga, hang in there!】

Phaga raised his head. Through his falling hair, crimson eyes gleamed. A grin split his face as he faced the sea of gun barrels.

“But now... someone’s waiting for me outside the Hollow.”

Woo—

The train plunged into the tunnel. Darkness engulfed the carriage.

Not total darkness—two scarlet eyes still burned, glowing in the black.

“AAAAHHH!!!”

“AAAAHHH!!!”

Screams rang out as warm liquid splattered across the passengers.

They touched it. Slick. Slippery.

It was blood.

“Fire!!!”

At last, someone broke, shrieking the order.