The instant he heard the gruff voice, Dante almost ordered Volcan to equip Type 1-4. In his mind, the only solution to the disaster they were about to face was blasting the entire block, bathing it in flames and incinerating everything. He caught himself before making such a rash decision, but he still had to deal with the mess.
Unfortunately, he wasn't quick enough. Things would have been fine if they had continued on as if they didn't hear anything, but that was asking too much from a boy with very little experience. Finn froze at the mention of his name. That was a reaction, one that didn't go unnoticed by the man who called him.
"Finn? Is that really you?"
Dante turned around, first looking at the man, then at his short companion. Terror painted Finn's face a sickly white, leaving his eyes wide with horror. His body was slightly trembling, and from the looks of it, he had stopped breathing all together.
"It's really you!" The tall man said, taking a step toward them. "I can't believe this! It's really you!"
His tone seemed cheerful and friendly. His beard shifter and two rows of pearly white teeth in a wide grin. Most of his face was obscured by the long hair, making it difficult to discern his expression, but he seemed to be happy more than anything else.
"Where have you been?" He reached out, intending to grab the boy by the shoulder. "We looked all over fo-"
Before his hand could land, it was suddenly slapped away.
"What's up with you, old man? Are you drunk or something?"
Dante pushed Finn behind him and quickly stepped in front of the tall man. Craning his neck, he gave him the best scowl he could make, showing his displeasure.
'What's up with all the giants these days?'
The rugged man wasn't as large as Riot, but he sure came close. He towered over Dante, casting a deep shadow that only added to his intimidating, beast like appearance. The hairy monster seemed confused at first, but that confusion soon turned into annoyance.
"None of your business," Dante replied.
[Multiple hostile entities detected.] Volcan said.
The gangsters were already looking in their direction when the hairy giant called out to Finn, but now their gazes gained a glint of hostility. Clicking his tongue, Dante looked over his shoulder.
Boris was already waiting for them with the doors open, so all they had to do was get inside and drive off. Sadly, the gangsters weren't about to let that happen.
"Oooh! Look what we have here!" One of them made his way behind Suzuka at some point. "Where did this cutie come from? How didn't I notice you before?"
"There is a second one over here!" Another one approached Kizuna. "Hey there! What's your name?"
Their group was quickly surrounded, cutting all escape routes. Dante's mind hovered on the command to equip his gun, trying not to ask his resident AI for one of his armors. He noticed red lines passing over each of the gangsters, and when he turned forward, he saw the same on the hairy giant.
"None of my business, eh?"
The giant's voice came out as a growl. He took a step forward, cutting the distance between him and Dante before leaning slightly forward. His eyes showed through the gaps between his hair. Both were bloodshot as he glared down.
Dante wasn't intimidated. He stood his ground, not budging an inch as he glared back at the giant, ignoring his aching neck. After a moment of silence, the hairy giant raised a hand and pointed at the terrified boy behind Dante. This update is available on novel•fire.net
"That boy is my business." He said. "I have been looking for him for years now."
Before he could finish that sentence, Dante a already opened the messenger app and sent the boy a message before turning to look at him.
"Do you know this old fart?"
[Dante: Say you don't.]
Finn's eyes darted between Dante and the giant, his mouth opening and closing. As his irritation grew, Dante locked eyes with Nobara. She had her pipe in her right hand and was spinning it slowly. The look she gave him had many meanings, but the one he got was "get this over with or I will do it myself."
"I-I… never seen him… before…" Finn finally gave his answer, although the way he stammered put it into question. Dante was forced to go with it anyway.
"There you have it." He said, turning to the giant with a frown. "In the first place, what business does a creep like you have with a kid? Should I report this to the cops?"
Dante's jab was ignored. The hairy giant still has his eyes on the boy, studying him in silence and slowly sapping Dante's patience.
[Dante, be careful.] Volcan said. [The individual in front of you is a Level 4 Advanced Cyborg. He seems to be a strength type, but I have detected a powerful energy signature coming from him.]
Feeling a sudden chill, Dante trembled slightly. Turns out size wasn't the only thing the giant had.
"You, what's your name?" He directed the question at Finn, his focus only on the boy. Dante wasn't taking it, however.
"Who the hell said you can talk you him?"
'Be ready to fry this fucker.' He said in his mind.
[That might not be possible.] Volcan replied. [It seems he has deactivated all of his signal receptors.]
"Hey, I'm talking to you."
The hairy giant was about to step toward the boy, his right hand already raised as he prepared to shove Dante out of the way. Of course, Dante wasn't about to let it happen. Level 4 or not, he wasn't going to let anyone get past him. Just as they were about to clash, one of the gangsters turned to the giant with a panicked look.
"Sir, we got trouble."
The giant came to a halt. He was static for a moment, then he turned to face the one who had interrupted him.
"There has been an incident on the fifth floor." The gangster quickly said as color drained from his face. "The boss is calling you."