Since a week, Valos city was under martial law.
Drones covered the sky, soldiers patrolled the streets and space weapons were aimed outward for potential enemies.
Curfews were imposed. Only a small section of metanet was available to the public. All news channels had to go through the army's approval before being telecast.
Any individual that posted information that could bring about chaos would be arrested and detained.
All the essential items were delivered by the drones to each doorstep.
Billy looked at the rations in his hand and blinked in confusion. Closing the door, he stared at the deserted restaurant.
Compared to a week ago, it looked like a haunted house.
"Boss, did you commit a crime? Why are we locked?"
"Aye…I committed a crime of taking you in." The chubby boss walked out from the kitchen and took the rations from Billy.
After checking the contents, he shook his head. "Milly wants to eat purple fish, and they keep sending these eggs."
Billy rolled his eyes. "Isn't Milly in her dorm? We can't even go out, how are you going to send her the food."
"…you little bastard, can't I at least dream of feeding my own daughter?" The boss smacked Billy's forehead.
"Ouch." Billy rubbed his forehead and glared at the boss. "You've been dreaming since a week. How long will you dream?"
"…" The chubby boss' eyes dimmed and he turned around. With a deep sigh, he walked into the kitchen.
Billy panicked. "Boss, I'm sorry. I—"
The boss paused and shook his head. "It's not you, Billy. I really don't know how long this will last.
Billy, if you are weak like me, you can never control your life. Be strong. Very strong. Grasp your own life with your hands.
If you are strong, everyone will respect you. No one will keep you locked."
Billy's eyes lit up and he nodded vigorously. "Boss, I'm going to practice. Don't worry, after I grow stronger, I'll beat up that Peter for you. I'm a loyal fellow."
"Hahaha~" The chubby boss' laughter reverberated in the street.
{Attention Mr. Oss, you have breached the enforced conduct. You are fined this time. Next time, you'll be detained.}
A mechanical voice caused both of them to jump in fright. After understanding the message, the boss jumped again.
"Fuck! Fine? You think my grandpa left me a magic bracelet or something?" Oss cussed.
"What did I breach anyway?"
{Your laughter was too loud.}
"…" Billy blinked his eyes innocently as he saw boss glow red with anger. He slipped away from Oss' sight and sneaked into the training room without any noises.
He was the reason Boss laughed.
"…Billy?!" Oss shouted, but in a low voice, which made it almost seem like a whimper. He didn't want another fine.
From the training room, Billy glanced out of the glass window and saw the empty streets with curious eyes.
He didn't understand war. But he did understand that there was something wrong.
"I wonder how long will this last. I really really want to go to Miracle middle school and become a big gangster."
*** *** ***
"S-32, S-58 and S-14, S-17 is sent off duty. You need to cover their shift." An officer informed the three patrol teams.
"…" An uncomfortable silence set in as the three teams stared at each other with tired faces.
Patrolling civil area was demanding as drones always kept an eye on them. If they slacked off the slightest, they'd be punished.
Besides, it's not like patrolling was safe either.
There were many gangsters, criminals and hooligans in the city. This was a crucial period, and their activities were curbed.
But gang activity didn't complete vanish. For instance, they could use space awakeners to travel to and fro. They could use Alpha orbs to communicate and plan.
This all happened in the dark. In fact, there were also quite a few infringements done in the open.
When patrol guards tried to catch them, some retaliated.
The lucky ones escaped with minor injuries. The unlucky…they were killed.
The more areas they covered, the higher the danger. So, it was natural these patrol teams were reluctant.
"I am not informing you, I am ordering you." The officer bellowed. "You know the penalty for disobedience, right? Especially during this period…"
The officer's words caused the nine members to go pale. They knew a bit about the upcoming war.
If they resisted an order now, they could very well be charged for treason. It was in fact a common tactic used to instill fear and discipline.
For the punishment to carry maximum deterrence, they would directly be killed.
Once the thought crossed their mind, a shiver ran down their spine and their backs were instantly drenched.
'We have no other choice.' They looked at each other and sighed inwardly.
Controlling their breath, they answered sonorously. "Yes, Sir. We'll complete the task."
"Don't disappoint m—" The officer halted midway and saluted the handsome middle-aged man in the military hover car.
The patrol teams followed him to salute. Looking at the familiar car, they all had only question in mind.
'Shouldn't he be in the military zone?'
Colin should be in the military zone. After all, this was a crucial time. But the message he received was even more crucial to him.
After storming into his home and checking on the sleeping Belly's condition, he sighed lightly.
She looked fine. Not like a poisoned person. But the poison was supposed to undetectable.
'Should I inform this to others…but her health check up showed no abnormalities.'
Colin weighed his options but didn't dare to risk his daughter's life.
So, he locked himself inside his room and opened an alpha orb. It projected the hologram of the person who sent him the message.
On the other side was an abyssal sitting on an exquisite tone.
Colin could tell the other party was weaker than him, but instead of giving him a sense of security, it only increased his fears.
"Hi Colin. I'm Abrax.." The Abyss prince introduced himself with a smile.