Chapter 177 - Night of Resolve
Absolutely, I will destroy the McDallian Family. For that, I need solid information.
They act separately in factions. Each of these factions must be dealt with individually. Knowing where they are and what they’re doing is crucial. At the very least, I need a rough estimate of their numbers and their hideouts.
My primary target, of course, is the ones who used the explosives. I will make every single one of them pay. To achieve this, I need to know who they are. Josephine and the Intelligence Bureau are working on gathering that information.
Simultaneously, I’m gathering information from other sources. Right now, speed is as important as accuracy. To expedite the process, I’m using every resource at my disposal.
As I wait for reports from my reliable comrades, it’s late at night when the first one finally arrives.
I suppress my impatience and sit with the senior members on the makeshift chairs. Josephine and a former prisoner approach us.
“Hello, President Yukarinowe, everyone. We’re done.”
The woman speaks in a casual tone, almost too familiar. She’s a former prisoner we recruited for her unique connections. Ortlinde recommended her, and she’s proven useful, especially with her expertise in interrogation.
“So?”
“Actually, we’ve got some juicy intel. I’m expecting a special bonus for this.”
She’s brave to say that surrounded by furious senior members. I have to admire her nerve.
The former prisoners are indebted to us. We paid for their release and turned it into a debt. I want these skilled individuals to stay with us, so I don’t skimp on rewards. If they provide valuable information, I’ll compensate them accordingly.
“I don’t skimp on pay. But if it’s false, I won’t tolerate it.”
She’s not an amateur like me; she’s a professional in her field. She can detect lies and assess the truth from multiple angles. If Ortlinde vouches for her, I trust her judgment.
She seems satisfied with my response. Josephine then begins her report.
“We have a good grasp of the McDallian Family factions and their locations. We also identified those involved in the bombing at the Headquarters.”
“Hmph, that’s enough. Now it’s our turn.”
With this, the perpetrators of the bombing are confirmed. No need for surprises here. The Intelligence Bureau has combined information from torture and prior investigations to provide highly accurate data. Once we have the information we need, it’s time for action.
After everyone heard the report, we discussed the next steps.
As we were discussing, the Intelligence Inspection Bureau’s representative brought us another report.
“...Here it is.”
While waiting for Josephine’s report, and during our discussion, the casualties became apparent.
The report listed only names and affiliations.
Nine members from the Secretariat.
One member from the Intelligence Inspection Bureau.
One member each from the combat units and Security Bureau who were present as messengers.
And the Secretary to the Head of Operations, Claris, among the senior members.
These were the casualties suffered by the Kikyo Society.
Thirteen in total. Just thirteen, yet each one is significant. No matter what anyone says, these thirteen were important to us.
Human lives are not equal. These thirteen lives are worth a hundred times more than those of the average person. I will say that the lives of the McDallian Family are worth nothing compared to ours. I will make them pay a thousand, a hundred thousand times over. It is only fair.
Additionally, two civilians who were petitioning were also confirmed dead.
Losing civilians is a blow. It affects our reputation, and if influential figures were among the dead, the situation could become complicated. Regardless, we cannot ignore this and must take responsibility.
Fortunately, due to the busy atmosphere, members from other sections were mostly absent. In normal circumstances, the casualties would have been much higher. Advisors, Public Relations Bureau members, and those with business at the Secretariat usually spend time in the administrative areas.
Perhaps the worst-case scenario was avoided. But that doesn’t make it okay. The damage is already significant.
So, we will bring the worst to our enemies. They will regret their actions more than death itself. We will make them regret it in the depths of hell.
We are going to war.
Our targets are the top leaders and senior members of each faction. They will all be killed. Every single one. This is a line we will not cross. While it’s unrealistic to eliminate everyone, we will focus on those responsible for the decisions. However, anyone who stands in our way will be killed. We cannot afford to be lenient.
Frankly, the death of one Kikyo Society member is worth a thousand of their lives. If someone spouts the lie that all lives are equal, I will strangle them with my own hands. I will make them pay. I won’t allow anyone to say it’s not balanced. We are serious.
The McDallian Family will be eradicated today. We will crush them so thoroughly that no one will dare to carry on their legacy.
Stepping outside, the clear night air slightly eases my anger, but it does not diminish my resolve.
Surrounded by Gradena and her comrades, who exude a divine aura of battle, I declare our resolve.
“...Tonight, we will destroy the McDallian Family.”
I didn’t say we would kill individuals but an organization. No one here should misunderstand. The McDallian Family, which has long ruled among the Five Great Families, will be destroyed by the Kikyo Society. This is a fait accompli.
However, objectively, the enemy is a towering organization. Even with our anger, some of the younger members might feel uneasy. The McDallian Family, despite their internal divisions, are one of the Five Great Families. Their scale far exceeds ours. Normally, we wouldn’t even consider challenging them. But we are going to crush them. Even if everyone is prepared, there might still be some anxiety. That’s why I need to simplify things for them.
“Each of you needs to kill thirty. That should balance things out. There shouldn’t be anyone here who finds this task daunting, right?”
It’s a simple calculation. Just that much effort, and the balance will be met. Whether this is an accurate ratio is debatable, but in this situation, momentum is more important.
“Yeah, no problem!”
“That’s not enough! I’ll do more!”
“Just thirty? Bring me ten times that number!”
It’s a great group. Instead of being intimidated by the number thirty, they declare it’s not enough. Of course, the Kikyo Society combat units are more than capable of handling such a discrepancy in numbers.
“Alright, I’ll take on a thousand! I will avenge our fallen! Let’s go!”
With a massive aura of determination, she rallies the troops, and they begin preparing to move.
Numbers don’t always determine the outcome of a fight.
In a world where magic reigns, numbers aren’t everything. The Kikyo Society, though fewer in number, are all highly skilled. Many can take on a thousand enemies single-handedly.
Facing the Five Great Families, I have no doubt we will win.
Before we leave, I address the senior members.
“We need no more casualties. Understood?”
“Of course. We’ll crush them.”
“No one will fall. Not a single one.”
Their confident and solemn responses follow. Momentum is good, but caution is also necessary. I expect the senior members to balance both.
“You don’t need to say that. Yukari, you better not mess this up,” one of them responds.
That goes without saying. I shake hands with Gradena and the others, and we head to our respective battlefields.
The world is cruel. This is a harsh and unjust place. Countless people die unjustly every day.
But the Kikyo Society fights against this injustice. We strive to live happily in this harsh world. We will never bow to simple violence. Our combat prowess is now absurdly strong.
We won’t witness such unjust deaths anymore. We won’t let history repeat itself. A somber atmosphere doesn’t suit us. We will settle this to live joyfully.
The McDallian Family is divided into factions. Even within their ranks, they compete for power. We don’t need to worry about their coordination. We can take them down one by one. However, we won’t take them down sequentially. Each Kikyo Society combat unit will target and eliminate their designated enemy simultaneously. We must prevent any cross-faction coordination or escape.
Of course, we can’t dedicate all our resources to the McDallian Family.
Attack and defense must be balanced. The enemy is not just the McDallian Family. We must be prepared for any situation.
The Kikyo Society, even the Secretariat members, are all highly capable in combat. This is a significant strength. We have almost no dead weight. The only exceptions are the children in the Healing Bureau and the apprentices.
The Secretariat, Public Relations Bureau, Construction Bureau, and R&D Bureau members will set up defensive positions using magical artifacts. The non-combat sections will guard the Headquarters and Lightning Street, with Siegrune as the overall commander. Charlotte can assist if needed, and we have members like Sophie and Lily with specialized high abilities. With the numbers we have, defense should be manageable. Siegrune’s leadership is beyond question.
The Security Bureau will continue guarding Epic Junebel, an important venue for guests. As additional insurance, we have Advisors Rosabel-san and Colette-san joining them. They are our aces.
Rosabel-san is the world’s top healer, and her skills have reached a new level since my unconventional advice. Her support is invaluable.
Colette-san is also a world-class healer and has additional magical aptitude as an elf. She may appear laid-back, but she possesses unfathomable power. She’s a fitting partner to the top healer.
They will ensure no harm comes to the children or the facility. With Zenobia and the advisors, the defenses are nearly impenetrable.
The apprentices are a concern due to their numbers. If they are targeted, it could lead to a bad situation. The Instruction Bureau, led by Fulaveneta, won’t have enough combat power alone. Therefore, I’ve assigned Gradena and the Headquarters Direct Response Unit to protect them. Persuading the Acting Vice-Commander, who was eager to attack, was easier than expected. She’s a caring individual and understands the importance of protecting the apprentices. While I don’t expect actual combat, we must be prepared for the worst.
Now, it’s time to attack. Thanks to the Intelligence Bureau, we have detailed information on the enemy factions, including the faces of the bosses.
The McDallian Family’s eldest son, second son, young boss, young boss’s assistant, and a young member. These are the bosses of the five factions we are targeting.
I will personally take down these targets, along with our combat units.
The eldest son’s faction, the largest, is assigned to the First Combat Unit led by Angelina and the Second Combat Unit led by Mary. Despite being the largest, the difference is negligible. They can handle it.
The young boss’s faction, rumored to have the greatest combat strength, is assigned to the Fourth Combat Unit led by Bonnie and the Fifth Combat Unit led by Paula. The rumors are irrelevant. For the Kikyo Society, no enemy is a threat. Our martial members will handle them easily.
The young boss’s assistant’s faction, known for their financial power, is assigned to the Seventh Combat Unit led by Brittany and the Tenth Combat Unit led by Ophelia. They may not be as combat-capable but could use troublesome artifacts. However, our combat units are prepared for this.
Finally, the second son’s faction and a faction led by a rising young member are currently together, possibly planning a major move. They are located at the McDallian Family’s main house. This is our main target.
I will lead the assault with Valeria and the Sixth Combat Unit led by Verone. It might seem like we’re outnumbered, but this is the right allocation.
As the President, my combat abilities surpass a single combat unit. This is a widely accepted evaluation among the Kikyo Society’s senior members. While I have limitations alone, with Valeria and Verone’s support, I can perform at my best. This is the appropriate allocation of forces.
Moreover, those who planted the explosives are among our targets. The second son’s faction is responsible. I will make sure they pay.
In addition to the attack and defense of our bases, the combat units will also guard our territory. The Third Combat Unit led by Albert will defend Sixth Avenue. The Eighth Combat Unit led by Mia will patrol a broader area.
The Ninth Combat Unit, led by Liliane, will serve as a reserve force. This is a crucial precaution.
Josephine and Ortlinde’s Intelligence Department will monitor the situation closely. This is essential. We need to stay informed about the movements of the Gandrault Gang, Anastasia Union, Clad Family, and Legisamo Cartel.
There are no elements to be complacent about. We must stay vigilant to avoid being caught off guard while dealing with the McDallian Family. It’s exhausting to be so vigilant in so many directions.
As we head to the enemy’s headquarters in our vehicles, I pray for everyone’s safety. I believe everything will go smoothly, but a bit of nervousness is unavoidable.
Casually touching my little sister’s hair, I say,
“Valeria, I’m counting on you to watch my back.”
“Onee-sama, I will protect you with my life.”
She looks unusually serious, her face filled with determination. She pledges to guard me. She’s a reliable ally. Touching her soft hair, I turn to Verone.
“You and your team’s support will determine the speed of our victory. I’ll take on the bulk of the enemy, so I’m counting on you for the rest.”
This is a battle we will win. Defeat is not an option. The only question is the process and speed of our victory.
“Everything, huh? I’d say it’s all yours, but what’s your plan?”
Of course. She wouldn’t know what I meant without context.
I explain, and Verone and her team understand, despite their slightly pale faces.
It’s simple. We will annihilate the enemy. That’s all there is to it.