Other Side of the Raid
Justice (Part 4)
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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”
Chapter 8, Part 3: Justice
Aria met with the LA Guild Master at Guild headquarters, where Emily’s father carefully outlined the limitations of his authority over A-rank parties like the Efficient Exterminators. Speaking in measured, diplomatic language, he revealed that while incident reports were meticulously filed, the Exterminators’ documentation was always perfectly in order—perhaps suspiciously so. Without irrefutable evidence of misconduct, Guild protocols left him unable to intervene, though he pointedly granted Aria full access to facilities and records, subtly signaling that her diplomatic authority might succeed where his hands were tied.
After the formal meeting, Aria tracked down Captain Whiskers across the city to hear the Dungeon side of the story. He portaled her to meet the Nekohara sisters—Mei “Sunshine,” a cheerful first-floor boss, and Rei “Nightmare,” a formidable S-rank raid boss. Despite the avatar system preventing physical pain, Rei described the psychological toll of enduring brutal dismemberment at the hands of A-rank abusers, while Mei struggled to maintain her bright demeanor. Captain Whiskers also referenced a particularly severe incident involving someone named LilyBlossom. Aria committed to interviewing more Dungeon employees and Explorers before taking action.
Over the following days, Aria conducted extensive field research reviewing Dungeon recordings and interviewing witnesses. Emily then arranged a cafe meeting where Aria discovered Rei had ventured outside the Dungeon in disguise, equipped with a Universal Translator, and had been feeding Emily anonymous statistical data. Aria confirmed to Emily that the Efficient Exterminators’ talk of optimization was a facade for power abuse, and that survivors who improved did so only out of fear. When another incident was reported mid-meeting, Aria struck a deal with Rei: she would first attempt to resolve the situation diplomatically, but if talking failed, she would authorize Rei to swap places with Mei for one fight against the Exterminators—and make it count.
Key Takeaways:
The LA Guild Master acknowledges the pattern of abuse but lacks the evidence needed to override A-rank privileges and intervene officially
The Efficient Exterminators maintain suspiciously perfect documentation that shields them from Guild oversight
Mei and Rei Nekohara, cat-girl Dungeon bosses, describe the psychological damage inflicted by the Exterminators despite the avatar system preventing physical harm
Rei has secretly left the Dungeon in disguise using a Universal Translator, feeding anonymous data to Emily in violation of protocol
Aria’s field research over several days confirms that the Exterminators’ “optimization” rhetoric is a cover for deliberate power abuse
Aria brokers a deal with Rei: diplomacy first, but if it fails, Rei gets to swap in for Mei and face the Exterminators directly
Rei requests Aria’s autograph for her sister Mei, revealing a softer side beneath her tough exterior
Aria advises Rei to make any potential fight entertaining, noting that Vaeloria values good ratings
Justice (Part 4)
The next day, word came that the Efficient Exterminators was preparing to clear the entire Dungeon, apparently to “blow off steam” after yesterday’s incident. Aria’s plan was set in motion.
Time to see what happens when the Efficient Exterminators faces someone they can’t intimidate Aria smiled slightly as she headed toward the Dungeon entrance.
As soon as Aria entered the Dungeon, she used her Administrative privileges to teleport directly to the first boss room. Rei was waiting, her hood pulled low over her face.
Rei: “You’re early,” she muttered, adjusting her earring.
Aria: “I wanted to make sure you were ready,” she replied, checking the holographic screen with the Dungeon’s internal cameras. “Remember, we try talking first. Only if that fails do we switch you in.”
Rei: “I know the plan,” she replied, her voice hard. “But these guys... they don’t listen to reason.”
Aria: “Then we’ll have to make them,” she replied, hiding the holographic screen. “They’re here.”
The Efficient Exterminators entered the room, momentarily stunned by the unexpected presence. Marcus Chen’s usual corporate smile flickered as he assessed the situation, while Dr. Sarah Williams immediately began making notes on her tablet. The Jack Porter and Jill Porter twins moved with their characteristic synchronization, already positioning themselves for potential combat.
Marcus: “Well, this is an unexpected variable,” he said, his corporate facade masking growing irritation. “And you are?”
Aria: “I’m Aria, UK diplomatic liaison,” she replied calmly. “Here to discuss your recent activities.”
Sarah: “Ah yes, our recent guest,” she glanced up from her tablet, a cold smile playing at her lips. “The one asking all those interesting questions at the Guild.”
Jack: “She’s that Explorer---”
Jill: “---the one who quit for politics.”
Sarah: “B-rank, if I recall correctly,” she added with calculated dismissal. “Illusion magic. How... quaint.”
Marcus: “You know,” he adjusted his tie with practiced precision, “inefficiencies in the system really should be... addressed. And you, my dear, are becoming quite the inefficiency.”
Aria: “Tell me, why do you attack your fellow Explorers?” Her voice remained calm despite the growing tension.
Marcus: “Oh, someone’s finally gotten the nerve to be direct,” he smiled, the expression never reaching his eyes. “We’re simply improving system efficiency, as permitted by Guild regulations.”
Aria: “By torturing lower-ranked Explorers?”
Sarah: “You misunderstand,” her clinical tone carried an edge of pleasure. “We’re providing valuable learning experiences. The trauma response data alone is fascinating.”
Aria: “There are better ways to teach.”
Marcus: “You still don’t get it, do you?” His corporate mask slipped, revealing something darker. “What happens in a Dungeon stays in a Dungeon. No one can stop us -- and after today, no one will dare try.”
So much for the peaceful approach. Aria prepared herself for what would come next.
Aria: “That’s disappointing,” she said with genuine regret. “I had hoped we could resolve this professionally.”
Sarah: “Professionally?” A cold laugh escaped her. “This isn’t some diplomatic function. This is a Dungeon -- our Dungeon.”
Marcus: “And you came alone, unarmed, unarmored,” his voice dripped with condescension as he raised his blade. “Time for your first lesson in efficiency.”
With casual grace, Aria activated her adamantine nails. One fluid movement left Marcus’s sword in five pieces, the hilt looking absurdly small in his shocked grip.
Jack: “That’s impossible---”
Jill: “---that was mythril!”
Marcus: “What the hell?” He stumbled back, corporate composure shattered. “How did---”
Panic spread through the Efficient Exterminators as they registered the gleaming nails.
Sarah: “This defies all established parameters,” her clinical facade cracking. “Illusion magic can’t---”
Aria: “Your data’s outdated,” she replied calmly. “I’m not the same B-rank Explorer you researched. And illusions are just the beginning.”
Marcus: “Impossible,” he whispered, fear replacing arrogance. “You’re just some diplomat.”
Aria: “One last question,” her voice hardened. “Why torture the Dungeon bosses?”
Sarah: “How---” genuine fear crept into her voice. “No one saw---no one could have---”
Aria: “Let’s just say the bosses aren’t happy. Speaking of which,” she gestured to the hooded figure in the corner, “you won’t be seeing Mei today. Her sister Rei insisted on filling in.”
Sarah: “Bosses don’t have names,” she protested weakly. “They’re just system constructs---”
Rei: “Yo!” She waved casually, metal bat scraping ominously against the floor.
Jack: “Did it just---”
Jill: “---speak to us?”
Aria: “Meet Rei, usually the final boss of the nearby Raid,” she moved toward the exit. “Today, she’s here specially for you.”
As Aria closed the boss room doors behind her, she heard the slow scrape of Rei’s bat against stone, accompanied by the twins’ synchronized gasp of recognition. Sometimes, she mused, karma had perfect timing.
That evening, Rei met Aria at their usual cafe.
Rei: “It’s done,” she said simply.
Aria: “I don’t want the details,” she replied. “But Emily will need something.”
Rei: “Yeah, I got it covered. Something statistical enough to satisfy her, vague enough to skip the specifics.”
Aria: “And I’ll smooth things over with Vaeloria”
A few days later, back in the UK, Aria received word that Emily had gotten some interesting new statistics showing marked improvements in Explorer safety. While Emily never learned the specifics of the Efficient Exterminator’s final Dungeon run, she had a strong suspicion that Aria’s diplomatic visit had somehow resolved the situation.
As for what exactly happened in that boss room? Well, as they say, what happens in a Dungeon, stays in a Dungeon.
📡 End of Transmission
Oliver here - That was quite a chapter! Our dimensional frequency is picking up intense emotional resonance from Aria’s world. What did you think of her decision? The comments below are buzzing with theories from other interdimensional travelers...