By the time Mr. Abrams joined security’s hunt, which was really only a minute and a half later, those leaders he caught sight of already disappeared. Simultaneously, the phone number of ‘Zero’ he tried to call for further answers was no longer in service.

Mr. Byle: “Mr Abrams… you came too late. Those powerful ones hiding away already seem to have escaped. Had you notified me sooner, then I’m certain they wouldn’t have gotten such an opportunity.”

Mr. Abrams: “Hah! Fat chance in getting me to believe that. They were monitoring your security detail and headquarters. Didn’t you notice? Ah, well, probably not. I’m sure you’re busy trying to sniff out a rat, by now. I can help, if you want.”

Mr. Byle: “Pffff! Get those stupid ideas out of your head. I don’t need anybody’s help in disciplining my men.

...Speaking of... where ARE my men, Abrams? Last I remembered, 60 perfectly qualified men were stationed at the forest tonight, on guard and on alert for a raid such as this. I don’t believe for a second that they were all killed.”

Mr. Abrams: “Oh them? Hahaha…

…

I kidnapped them.”

Mr. Byle: “...You… If you’re telling the truth, then so help me--!”

Mr. Abrams: “Ah, well maybe ‘kidnap’ is too strong of a word. I only knocked them out and locked them in a hidden room of Dormitory two. No harm, done. Hehe.”

Mr. Byle: “What… WHAT THE HELL IS THE DIFFERENCE?!”

Mr. Abrams: “Now, now, settle down, Mr. Byle. I merely did what was best to save them, and trick the mercenaries into a false sense of security. This way, I could round them all up. And for the most part, it worked.”

Mr. Byle: “’The most part’? Do you honestly think my men would have lost to some measly thousand or so mercs?! These are TRAINED war vets Mr. Abrams! Looking down on them is a foul choice to make. I’ll let you spar with them one day to test it yourself.

...No magic, though.”

Mr. Abrams: “I… don’t mind. But… I’m curious now. Truly curious, you say your 60 or so men could take on roughly one thousand mercenaries, give or take a couple hundred or so. Then, what do you suppose their odds of winning are, when the number is a little higher? Like say…”

Mr. Byle: “How high are we talking? Because even if it were double that number, they can at least hold out until I’m called to the scene. Unless they’re all members of Villain Haven’s personal mercenaries who’ve each made it on the ranked 1000 list. That’s a different story.

Be honest with yourself, Mr. Abrams. Weren’t you worrying just a ‘little’ too much? Because of your miscalculation, you lacked the necessary manpower to finish what you started. It’s quite… sad, really.”

Mr. Abrams: “15,000 mercenaries. Their numbers were fifteen thousand, and that was only the ones they sent deep into the forest. Oh! Looks like your men succeeded in rounding up the lackeys after engaging them. That pesky anti energy barrier was taken down too. Impressive~”

Mr. Byle: “...Come again?”

Mr. Abrams: “Ah, how sad, Mr. Byle. As head of security, your job requires your senses to remain forever sharp! To fail at hearing me, and while you’re this close even…

Old age sure is terrifying.

Should I notify the school heads? You may need a replacement soon.”

Mr. Byle: “Fuck off with that ‘old age’ bull crap. If I was still a naive rookie in the field, then I might’ve believed your age matches your appearance. Hmph! Magic can even make a dinosaur like you appear as a bewitching young man in his twenties. *Shivers* I feel bad for your fans.”

Mr. Abrams: “...I’ll do you the favor of ignoring that remark. Back to the topic at hand; since it is clear by your jokes that you don’t believe me-”

Mr. Byle: “Obviously. My subordinates aren’t that incompetent.”

Mr. Abrams: “Heheh, since you said as much, then let me take you to them.

*Raises Hand*

Don’t resist.”

*VWISH!*

Fifteen minutes later…

*VWISH!*

Mr. Byle: “...(There really were fifteen thousand! Why?! How the fuck did this many get inside?? Nobody should have the authority to dismiss my men and women, so then; what the fuck happened to the hundred I stationed at the entrance?? This matter… requires investigation.)”

Mr. Abrams: “Hmm? Mr. Byle, care to share what’s on your mind, right now? I’m quite curious.”

Mr. Byle: “No.”

Mr. Abrams: “Hehe. Don’t be like that. I also miscalculated a bit. I didn’t think a member of theirs would have a soul magic ability. That type of magic was said to have gone missing after the last war killed off it’s main users from both Herotopia and Villain Haven. Even those users’ families were ridiculed for not inheriting any knowledge of the craft, and instead, choosing the path of ordinary bureaucrats. Of course, I know about it. But it’s surprising that some random Jane Shmane knew about it too. I thought I’d killed her for a second there.

Mr. Byle: “Haaah. There is so much investigating needed done, over here.

(Including within my own Security force.)

What a scary first semester of high school this is turning out to be. I hope things don’t get any worse then this.”

Mr. Abrams: “Following that, I didn’t expect a fourth party to attack the nurses at the stadium. I only found out on time thanks to the-

…

Ahem. My new chat buddy. Z.

(There’s no way in hell I’m saying the Numbers Boss, Zero, let me know beforehand. A killer’s boss is still a killer at heart. From what I’ve heard, he was the culprit that took out the 10th ranked villain in his own home, completely bypassing the villain’s security. That would be the tenth strongest villain, out of 600 million criminals! Haah… just thinking about that number makes me want to vomit. Heroes aren’t faring so well anymore, ever since that man appeared on Earth. The man who instigated our previous war.

...Alright, enough of that! I’ll capture this Zero through my own means, the very moment he commits a crime. Although, I have to wonder if messaging me his number counts as a criminal act, considering I’ve never given it out.

For now, I’ll have Hero Society pressure that Numbers organization, as well as the others that committed an assault today. I learned from Four’s memories that individual members who take on requests are responsible for any criminal acts they commit and how the organization doesn’t actually ‘take’ commissions or jobs with criminal elements. Officially, at least. The public is merely allowed to ‘form a complaint’ through their mail. And by doing so, certain members in charge have taken secret commissions. This Zero Character must surely know about them, but he apparently doesn’t care enough to take them on, discipline those involved or even throw the forms away. This blind - eye - turning should make him an accomplice, if I find evidence…Well, I better check on Dome.)”

Mr. Byle: “Puhahahaha! You?! Somebody as awkward as you knows how to text?? That’s a riot. Ahahahaha! Please tell me your joking…!”

Mr. Abrams: “…What do you mean by that? I’m not stupid. Of course I know how to text. Who wouldn’t keep up with the times?”

Mr .Byle: “Ahh, that was a feeling I hadn’t had the luxury of experiencing in years. But more importantly, why aren’t you giving chase? If you wanted to, I’m sure you can catch them.”

Mr. Abrams: “Yeah, if I leave now, I can certainly catch them. But, will it be that simple? Remember what I just said? A forth party tried to attack the nurses. Besides that, your security has some … questionable actions that make you all slightly untrustworthy in my opinion. If I leave now to play tag with the mercenary leaders and whoever they took with them, how will that ‘forth party’ respond, in regards to my students?

(Besides, if Zero can learn everything that happened today, then what of the force behind these mercenaries? Even the principal has been dragged into this mess, and not in a favorable light either. I have to not rush this mess with impatient actions. I MUST prioritize their safety.)

There’s no need to rush things. Between you and me, reinforcements will arrive soon. We just need to hold out until then. Besides, We have their identities. With Hero Society on high alert AND already aware of things going on, these fools will need a lot more than a hero-disguised villain to escape our country.”

Mr. Byle: “...If they got in, they can surely get out.”

Mr. Abrams: “Maybe if old man Alebard wasn’t aware of their infiltration, you’d have a fair point. But, even after promising to let me take care of things here, he’ll surely take action. They won’t be leaving this country anytime soon. I’m sure of this point.”

Mr. Byle: “...Haah. I just hope they don’t cause any more trouble for us. Cornered rats are the scariest.”

Mr. Abrams: “Hehe, you’re scared of some rats? And here I thought you were dependable. Maybe it isn’t only your failing senses our school should be worried about.”

Mr. Byle: “Don’t be stupid. A couple of rats could never stop me. This school only needs some cleaning, is all. The first semester is perfect for that job. You go back to your students, and thanks for bringing the burnt criminal back to us. I’ll start with my subordinates, and see who I can smoke out from there.”

---