Canvas Alley, a gathering place for the poor.
Nekomata led Corin into Canvas Alley. Everything here was exactly as she had seen it before, only much more desolate than in the past.
She had grown up here.
As the border area between New Eridu and the Old Capital, the government didn't pay much attention to this place, nor were any companies willing to invest here. Coupled with the many small Companion Hollows affecting traffic, it had eventually become a lawless zone over time.
A large number of homeless poor, pitiful wretches who had lost their loved ones in the disasters of the Old Capital, and drifters wandering in from outside the city—together, they constituted this slum known as Canvas Alley.
Nekomata, full name Nekomata Mana, didn't know who her parents were, nor did she know why she was here. From the moment she became conscious, she had lived on this land where resources were extremely limited.
To survive, she stole, cheated, and swindled, fought with others, and snatched food.
But how could a young kitten beat those young, strong guys?
Starving one meal and eating the next seemed to be a common occurrence.
Until later, a guy named Miguel found her and adopted her. It was said he also established a mutual aid organization called the Red Fang Gang.
"Become my daughter. That way, you won't go hungry anymore."
This was the first thing Miguel said to Nekomata.
After that, Nekomata's life changed. She and a group of orphans her age became "brothers and sisters," sharing a common father.
The boss of the Red Fang Gang—"The White" Miguel.
At that time, the Red Fang Gang was an organization that existed for everyone, so that people could help each other and gain a foothold in this corner that no one cared about.
However, at some unknown point, everything changed.
Miguel also changed; he became unkind, irritable, and dangerous. The warmth of home she once felt from him also vanished.
Thus, the Cat chose to leave, leaving the home that had once given her warmth.
"Nekomata, Nekomata!"
"Meow? Ah, what happened?"
Nekomata snapped back to reality, looking around in a panic, only to find everyone staring at her.
Seeing her like this, Nicole immediately got angry. She pointed at Nekomata's small nose and said, "You're asking us? What are you daydreaming for? We are discussing a matter of life and death here!"
Nicole put her hands on her hips, looking at Nekomata with annoyance.
Geno and Eous had returned to Canvas Alley after dealing with the train, meeting up with Nicole and the others there and learning about the situation in Canvas Alley.
Vision Corporation had jammed the signals here and dispatched personnel to blockade Canvas Alley. The people here knew nothing about the outside world, and were completely unaware that this place had become a blasting zone.
Currently, Nicole and the others had collected signatures from all the residents, planning to sue Vision Corporation in court after leaving the Hollow.
Meanwhile, Belle and Wise outside the Hollow learned through the TV that Vision Corporation intended to continue the blasting operation, which would happen as soon as tonight.
What they were discussing now was the method to stop the train.
"Based on the previous situation, there will probably be more personnel on the train this time."
Previously, Geno could scare off the Vision people purely because of the element of surprise; the other side hadn't expected an "Ethereal" to attack. With them fully prepared now, wanting to rely on Geno to open up the situation again would probably be wishful thinking.
"Moreover, more importantly, the other side has already tightened their guard. It will probably be even more difficult for us to get out now."
"Um... I, might have a way."
A weak voice sounded. Everyone turned their gaze in unison to Little Corin, startling the child.
"Little Corin, you're saying you have a way?"
"Mhm. If I can contact my companions, perhaps they can stop Vision Corporation's blasting."
Hearing Little Corin's words, Geno was a bit puzzled. Wasn't Corin in housekeeping services? Was a housekeeping company this tough these days? To be able to manage a huge company like Vision Corporation?
But regardless, having a way was better than having none. It just so happened that Belle and the others could contact the outside world. After dialing the number Little Corin provided, a steady and mature voice answered.
"Hello, Victoria Housekeeping, dedicated to serving you."
"Mr. Lycaon!"
"Corin? Where are you now? Have you left the Hollow?"
The man on the other end was obviously very concerned about Corin's situation, but business was more important right now.
"Sir, please don't worry. Corin is fine; we saved her on the way."
"I see. Thank you, sir, for helping Corin. Victoria Housekeeping is endlessly grateful. May I ask, is there anything I can help you with?"
He judged that they needed help so quickly? Is this really the quality an average housekeeping company should have?
Hearing Lycaon on the other end of the phone understand that they needed help in just a few words, Geno was very surprised.
But he quickly threw that to the back of his mind and explained the ins and outs of the matter.
"I see. I understand the situation."
Inside Victoria Housekeeping, Lycaon frowned. He hadn't expected Corin to get roped into such a dangerous event. Nor had he expected her to make contact with the target so early.
But thinking about it carefully, this was actually good. He could go with the flow and connect with those siblings.
As for the Vision Corporation issue, he couldn't solve it alone. He needed a higher-level helper.
"Regarding the matter of Vision Corporation, I will do my utmost to help you negotiate. I believe there will be a result very soon."
Lycaon didn't make absolute promises, after all, the situation in New Eridu wasn't optimistic.
"Before that, please collect more evidence while ensuring your own safety. This will become an aid in court."
Everyone understood. He had helped as much as he could; the rest was up to them.
Subsequently, they hung up the phone, waiting for further contact.
"Before dark, Vision Corporation shouldn't make any big moves. We'll use this time to collect evidence and also warn the residents."
Geno thought for a moment, then said to Eous beside him, "Belle, you've been controlling Eous for a while now. Take a rest first, just while we wait for news from Lycaon."
Belle controlled Eous to nod. She was indeed very tired, both mentally and physically.
Soon, circles spun in Eous's eyes. When they lit up again, it was Eous the Bangboo itself in control.
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