—Queens, New York
As night fell, the city came alive with dazzling lights and endless excitement.
The neon glow reflecting off rain-slicked streets turned New York into a dreamlike metropolis that never slept.
Bars, clubs, shopping districts...
For many, true "life" in this city only began after sunset.
But beneath the glitz and glamour lurked something darker—crime, corruption, greed, and the unseen undercurrents of vice.
Kagura Hitomi stood outside a high-end nightclub, her hands tucked into the pockets of her hoodie.
She pulled up her hood, partially obscuring her face, and activated her holographic disguise. Her usual silver hair transformed into flowing black.
"Cortana, double-check the intel for me. This is the place, right?" she asked through her earpiece, her eyes scanning at the club entrance.
"Affirmative," the AI assistant confirmed.
"Based on our compiled intelligence, this is the primary hub for illicit Palladium Arc Reactor sales. It's also one of the largest black-market arms distribution centers in the city. Is there a problem, Master?"
"...Not exactly," Kagura muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
"I just... really don't want to go in there."
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Nightclubs.
On the surface, they were legal venues where adults could unwind.
But in reality? Alcohol, dance floors, scantily clad women, and... other services—all kinds of things she'd rather avoid.
"According to our data, this club operates as a front for illegal dealings," Cortana continued.
"The underground trade hub is accessed through VIP Room 13. Their primary contact goes by the alias 'J.' However, we don't yet know the exact entry method. Further reconnaissance will be required."
"Tch. What a hassle," Kagura sighed.
"Isn't there an easier way? Like, I don't know... blowing up the whole place?"
"Master, aside from the numerous civilians present, we also need to secure transaction records detailing where Hammer Industries' stolen weapons and reactors have been distributed."
"Destroying the facility outright would eliminate valuable leads and allow key criminals to escape."
"...Yeah, yeah, I get it." Kagura cut her off before she could nag further.
"You're starting to sound like my mom."
She exhaled deeply, resigning herself to her task.
For once... she'd have to play the part of a bad girl.
With a shake of her head, she stepped into the neon-lit club.
The moment she entered, she was hit by a chaotic blend of sounds and scents.
Music pounded through the speakers, shaking the air.
The flashing lights illuminated a scene of intoxicated revelry—dancers moving in sync with the beat, well-dressed men and women lounging with drinks in hand, the mingling aroma of alcohol, tobacco, and expensive perfume.
"Ugh..." Kagura wrinkled her nose.
"What do people even like about these places?"
Forcing herself to endure the suffocating mix of odors, she wove through the crowd, scanning for VIP Room 13.
As she walked, she felt numerous gazes land on her.
Men holding drinks lazily turned their heads.
Women gave her side-eyes, perhaps out of curiosity or envy.
...She was getting a lot of attention.
Of course.
A young girl, strikingly beautiful, walking into a place like this alone?
It was bound to happen.
Even with her hood up, her slim yet curvy figure and stylish—albeit slightly revealing—outfit drew eyes.
'Next time I go undercover, I'm wearing a full-body blanket.'
Kagura sighed, ignoring the stares.
"Master, the target is 12 meters ahead, at the end of the left hallway," Cortana informed her.
"Scans indicate a large underground chamber beneath the room. There may be a hidden passage."
"Got it. I'll be careful."
Following Cortana's directions, Kagura navigated past the dance floor and into a quieter, more exclusive section of the club—the VIP lounge.
Unlike the main floor, where office workers and drifters partied in a drunken haze, this area was reserved for the wealthy.
Here, the music was lower, the atmosphere more refined, and the people more dangerous.
"VIP 13... VIP 13..." she muttered, searching for the numbered door.
And then—she found it.
At the very end of the corridor stood an elegantly designed room labeled "13."
'Bingo.'
Just as she was about to approach, a towering figure stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
"Restroom's the other way, kid."
The man was massive—easily over two meters tall, built like a professional boxer.
He wore a tailored black suit and dark sunglasses, his arms crossed over his chest in a textbook "you shall not pass" stance.
"This area isn't for you," he stated firmly.
Kagura tilted her head, sizing him up.
[Physically enhanced human.]
[Threat Level: Low.]
[Neutral disposition.]
[No detected weapons.]
[Probability of penetrating "White Moon" armor: 0%.]
Yep, definitely a bodyguard. Which means I'm in the right place.
"Excuse me, but... this is VIP Room 13, correct?" she asked sweetly.
"I was hoping to meet a certain 'J.' Or did I get the wrong address?"
The bodyguard's expression barely changed, but she caught the subtle shift in his stance.
'Gotcha.'
He hesitated for a second before shaking his head.
"No idea what you're talking about, miss. I suggest you turn around and enjoy your night elsewhere."
Yep. That's a total 'I can't confirm but you're not wrong' response.
"Well, alright then..." Kagura sighed, raising a hand in mock surrender. "I'll just pretend I never asked."
She paused, then leaned in slightly with a playful smirk.
"But before I go—hey, big guy, you thirsty?"
The guard frowned. "What?"
"I'll give you a little something as a gift," she murmured, stepping closer.
The man instinctively tensed, ready to push her away.
"Listen, little girl," he said in a warning tone. "I've worked here for three years. I've seen every trick in the book. Whatever you're trying—"
Before he could finish, Kagura lightly tapped his forehead with her fingertip.
"Good boy," she whispered.
[Stealth Electromagnetic Mind Interference: Activated.]
Her violet eyes glowed faintly as an invisible pulse rippled through the air.
The man's body shuddered. His expression froze for a moment... before going completely blank.
"You are my dog now," Kagura whispered with a grin.