Morning sunlight spread across New York City, yet the atmosphere was far from peaceful.
People crowded around newspaper stands.
Street vendors shouted the latest headlines.
Television screens displayed breaking news.
One topic had completely dominated the city overnight.
The complete destruction of the Mystical Oracles gang.
The notorious street gang had terrorised civilians for years. Even the police had struggled to arrest its members because of their numbers and violent influence.
Yet overnight...
The entire organisation had been found lying across a city park in critical condition.
Broken arms.
Broken legs.
Crushed ribs.
Several members were unconscious, while others could barely speak.
Even their leader, Uvil Jemith, had been defeated.
No one understood how it had happened.
Breaking News
A television reporter stood in front of the park while cameras recorded the scene.
"We still cannot confirm what happened here."
"However, one fact is certain."
"The Mystical Oracles gang has suffered a devastating defeat."
"They were not an ordinary street gang."
"Even law enforcement had difficulty suppressing them."
"So..."
"Who was powerful enough to defeat every single member?"
Another news channel displayed a different headline.
WHO DESTROYED THE MYSTICAL ORACLES?
A NEW POWER HAS APPEARED INSIDE THE CITY?
Journalists surrounded the police station.
Cameras flashed continuously.
One reporter stepped forward.
"Officer!"
"Can you tell us who defeated the Mystical Oracles?"
Another shouted,
"Was it another criminal organisation?"
"Was magic involved?"
"What really happened?"
The senior police officer raised both hands.
"Please remain calm."
"We are still investigating."
"When we discover the truth..."
"We will release an official statement."
"Until then, we ask everyone not to spread rumours."
The reporters reluctantly stepped back.
Inside the Police Headquarters
The atmosphere inside was completely different.
Several officers stared at the security footage in absolute silence.
"...Play it again."
The recording replayed.
A lone woman.
Calm.
Expressionless.
Surrounded by more than twenty gang members.
Within minutes...
Every one of them had been defeated.
No weapons.
No companions.
No visible magical abilities.
Only overwhelming physical strength.
One officer swallowed nervously.
"...Impossible."
"She defeated all of them by herself."
Another officer rubbed his forehead.
"If the media finds out..."
"They'll ask why an ordinary woman accomplished something the police couldn't."
"The public will lose faith in us."
The room became silent.
Finally...
The chief officer spoke.
"This footage stays confidential."
"No one leaks it."
Everyone nodded.
"Understood."
Government Headquarters
The incident had already reached the highest levels of government.
Several officials sat around a long conference table.
One elderly minister frowned.
"A single woman defeated the Mystical Oracles."
"If someone like her decides to become our enemy..."
"She could become a serious problem."
Another official sighed.
"Should we ask Zeror Trav for assistance?"
The room immediately fell silent.
Someone shook his head.
"That would create even more problems."
"If we involve Zeror Trav..."
"The adventurers will demand an explanation."
"They'll ask why the government failed to handle an ordinary gang."
"It would damage our reputation."
Another official crossed his arms.
"Our temporary Oracles could probably deal with her..."
"But none of them are here."
"They're currently carrying out operations beyond the city."
"Hunting Nightglass Covenant adventurers..."
"And recovering treasures from the Ancient Realms."
"Our Wardens are accompanying them."
"So at the moment..."
"We have no one available."
The chairman slowly leaned back.
"...Then continue observing her."
"Do not engage unless absolutely necessary."
City Park
Meanwhile...
The person responsible for all the chaos sat peacefully on a wooden bench.
Miyuki Hanado quietly watched the people walking through the park.
She checked the clock.
11:00 AM.
She sighed softly.
"So..."
"He's not coming."
"I suppose I frightened him yesterday."
She stood up.
"I'll have to gather the information myself."
Just as she prepared to leave—
"Sister Miyuki!"
A familiar voice echoed through the park.
She turned around.
Kupo came running toward her while breathing heavily.
He finally stopped in front of her.
"...I'm sorry."
"I'm late."
"My mother asked me to help with shopping this morning."
"So..."
"I couldn't come earlier."
Miyuki smiled faintly.
"You don't need to apologise."
"I'm simply glad you came."
She pointed toward the empty space beside her.
"Sit."
Kupo nodded before sitting beside her.
For a few moments...
Neither of them spoke.
Then Kupo finally asked the question that had been bothering him since yesterday.
"Sister Miyuki..."
"How did you defeat that gang so easily?"
Miyuki blinked.
"...Hm?"
She looked away for a moment.
"...Let's just say..."
"I've trained my body."
She quickly changed the subject.
"Forget about that."
"I have another question."
Kupo tilted his head.
"What question?"
Miyuki took out Kimmy Leortson's photograph once again.
"I asked you yesterday."
"Where does she live?"
Kupo immediately recognised the picture.
"Oh."
"That question."
He looked at Miyuki curiously.
"But..."
"Why do you want to know where she lives?"
Miyuki remained calm.
"I have my own reasons."
"Please."
"Just tell me."
Kupo nodded.
"Alright."
"Kimmy Leortson lives in Melvin Tower, located in North Bacast."
Miyuki silently memorised the location.
"North Bacast..."
"How do I get there?"
Kupo answered without hesitation.
"You can take the Merton Bus."
"It goes directly to North Bacast."
Miyuki gave a small nod.
"Thank you."
She had deliberately asked Kupo instead of an adult.
The government had strictly instructed citizens not to reveal the addresses of celebrities, politicians, and other important public figures.
Most adults obeyed that order.
Children...
Usually didn't think about such rules.
That was exactly why she had trusted Kupo to answer honestly.
Miyuki stood up.
"I'm sorry."
"I can't stay any longer."
"I have something important to do."
Kupo smiled.
"It's okay."
"It sounds like you're busy."
"Good luck, Sister Miyuki."
A rare gentle smile appeared on Miyuki's face.
"Thank you."
"I'm glad you understand."
She waved once before leaving the park.
As she walked toward the main road, she quietly repeated the destination in her mind.
"Melvin Tower..."
"North Bacast..."
Fortunately...
Money wasn't a problem.
She still had enough cash to travel across the city.
Several minutes later, she arrived at a busy bus terminal.
A large sign pointed toward the correct route.
MERTON BUS — NORTH BACAST
The bus had just arrived.
Miyuki stepped aboard without hesitation.
She took a seat beside the window as the vehicle slowly pulled away from the station.
Outside...
The scenery of New York City gradually passed by.
Her destination was now clear.
And somewhere inside Melvin Tower, her true target was waiting.