Other Side of the Raid
Justice (Part 3)
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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”
Chapter 8, Part 2: Justice
During the coffee break, Aria’s impromptu alliance from lunch reconvened in a quieter corner to refine their strategy. While they acknowledged that organized Explorer abuse extended far beyond Los Angeles, the group agreed that the Efficient Exterminators case offered something rare: solid documentation, willing witnesses, and the tactical advantage of timing their investigation during peak dungeon exploration hours when the abusers would be most active. Each member subtly committed to supporting the operation within their own jurisdictions, exchanging contact information with a sense of purpose that transcended mere professional courtesy.
The remaining conference days proceeded with standard diplomatic protocols, but Aria noticed how her new colleagues used their time strategically—Anastasia focused on incident reporting procedures, Emily emphasized data collection methodology in specific regions, and Marco and Dusty observed sessions about jurisdiction overlaps. By the closing ceremony, the groundwork had been laid for coordinated international action, even if they could only address one case at a time.
Three days later, Aria arrived in Los Angeles for what the official itinerary listed as facility tours and Guild visits. Emily met her at LAX and immediately diverted her to Diamond Analytics, citing better security protocols and a high probability that the Efficient Exterminators had informants in major hotels. During the drive, Emily outlined the systematic nature of their targets: Marcus Chen, a former corporate efficiency expert who treated lower-rank dungeons like resources to be “optimized”; Dr. Sarah Williams, whose military psychology background correlated with a 91.2% rate of incidents being classified as “psychological stress-induced accidents”; and the Porter twins, disqualified Olympic gymnasts whose synchronized attack patterns left brutal aftermath. Every incident was meticulously documented as training accidents with witness statements filed exactly 43 minutes afterward—a statistical impossibility that revealed the scripted nature of their operations.
At her office, Emily explained that her father, the LA Guild Master, knew something was wrong but lacked the concrete evidence needed to overcome the Efficient Exterminators’ perfect documentation and A-rank privileges. Emily had been compiling data in hopes that Aria’s diplomatic audit might reveal procedural irregularities justifying formal investigation—though she remained unaware of what other options might be available beyond official channels.
Key Takeaways:
The international group committed to supporting the LA investigation while acknowledging they could only address one case at a time across multiple jurisdictions
Aria traveled to Los Angeles three days after the conference for an official diplomatic inspection
Emily diverted Aria directly to Diamond Analytics due to high probability of Efficient Exterminators informants in major hotels
The Efficient Exterminators is led by Marcus Chen (former corporate efficiency expert), Dr. Sarah Williams (military psychologist), and the Porter twins (disqualified Olympic gymnasts)
Lower-rank dungeon incident rates increase by 312% when the Efficient Exterminators are present, but all incidents are documented as training accidents
Witness statements are filed exactly 43 minutes after each incident—a statistical impossibility revealing systematic coordination
Emily’s father, the LA Guild Master, suspects wrongdoing but lacks evidence to overcome A-rank privileges and perfect documentation
Emily hopes Aria’s diplomatic authority can reveal procedural gaps for official investigation, unaware of potential unofficial options
Justice (Part 3)
Morning found Aria at the LA Guild headquarters, a modern building that somehow managed to incorporate traditional Guild architectural elements. Emily was waiting in the lobby, her usual array of tablets notably absent - this was to be a formal meeting.
Emily: “Dad’s very particular about protocol,” she explained while leading Aria toward the Guild Master’s office. “Especially with everything that’s been happening lately.”
The Guild Master’s office reflected its occupant - meticulously organized with a clear view of both the city and the nearest Dungeon entrance. The man himself rose to greet them, his resemblance to his daughter evident in their shared analytical gaze.
Guild Master: “Lady Aria, welcome to Los Angeles,” he said formally, gesturing to a chair. “I trust my daughter hasn’t overwhelmed you with statistics yet?”
Aria: “Dr. Chen’s thoroughness is commendable,” she replied diplomatically. “Her data analysis provides valuable insights into Explorer safety patterns.”
Guild Master: “Yes, she’s very... thorough in her documentation,” he said carefully, glancing at his daughter. “Though sometimes statistics can be interpreted in various ways.”
He’s choosing his words carefully. Aria noted.
Setting the tone for an officially neutral discussion.
Guild Master: “As part of your diplomatic inspection, you’ll want to review our incident reporting procedures,” he began, pulling out several folders. “Particularly regarding A-rank party oversight in lower-rank dungeons.”
He spread out various documents showing standard protocols, his movements precise and deliberate.
Guild Master: “You’ll note that A-rank parties have considerable autonomy in training exercises,” he continued, highlighting specific sections. “This was implemented to allow experienced Explorers to pass on their knowledge. However,” he paused meaningfully, “some parties interpret these privileges... broadly.”
Emily shifted uncomfortably in her chair but remained silent as her father outlined the official procedures and limitations of Guild authority.
Guild Master: “There have been concerns,” he continued carefully, “about certain training methodologies. Unfortunately, without clear violations of Guild protocols, our options for intervention are... limited.”
Aria: “I understand certain incidents have been thoroughly documented?”
Guild Master: “Indeed. Each incident report is meticulously filed,” he selected another folder, “complete with witness statements, medical evaluations, and signed waivers from all participants. The Efficient Exterminators is particularly... efficient in their documentation.”
The way he said “efficient” carried volumes of carefully contained frustration.
Guild Master: “As Guild Master, I must maintain absolute neutrality unless presented with irrefutable evidence of misconduct,” he stated, his formal tone carrying a hint of apology. “Even in cases where patterns suggest... concerning trends.”
He glanced briefly at his daughter, whose hands were clasped tightly in her lap to keep from reaching for her tablets.
Guild Master: “Your diplomatic status grants you extensive access to our facilities and records,” he continued. “I trust you’ll find everything in perfect official order. Perhaps...” he paused deliberately, “too perfect.”
After reviewing more documentation and official protocols, the meeting concluded with careful formality. Emily walked Aria to the Guild entrance, waiting until they were outside before speaking.
Emily: “I know it seems like we’re not doing enough,” she said quietly, adjusting her glasses. “But without concrete proof that would stand up to official scrutiny...”
Aria: “You’ve done more than most would dare,” Aria assured her. “Both you and your father.”
Emily: “I have more data compiled at my office if you’d like to review it,” she offered. “Though officially, I should remind you that the nearby Dungeons are open for diplomatic inspection at your convenience.”
Aria: “I think I’ll start with those inspections,” Aria replied thoughtfully. “Sometimes direct observation reveals patterns that even the best statistics might miss.”
After Emily departed for her office, Aria checked her surroundings carefully. With no observers in sight, she could finally begin her real investigation - starting with the Dungeon where most of the “training accidents” had occurred.
Let’s hear what unofficial side can tell me about The Efficient Exterminators Aria thought while checking Captain Whiskers’s latest Instagram stories for his location.
After several rapid runs around the city, Aria finally caught up with Captain Whiskers.
Aria: “You are surprisingly fast for a cat.” She said, trying to catch her breath.
Captain Whiskers: “Fam, nobody runs in LA! Just portal-hop like a pro!” he adjusted his camera rig. “Though this chase scene is totally giving me amazing content ideas!”
That must be against protocol.
Captain Whiskers: “But OMG, you’re finally here!” he checked his analytics quickly. “Ready to help with our little situation?”
Aria: “I’ve gotten details from the local Guild and enough statistics on the Efficient Exterminators to fill a library,” she replied. “But I’d like to hear from the Dungeon inhabitants who’ve dealt with them.”
Captain Whiskers: “Say no more! Time for a collab!” He manifested a portal significantly larger than his size. “Follow me, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!”
Aria stepped through into a room where two cat-girls sat at a table, casually eating.
They look similar. I wonder if they’re twins. But those ears and tails are adorable!
Captain Whiskers: “Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Mei “Sunshine” Nekohara!” He gestured at the girl in the lighter outfit with practiced showmanship. “First floor boss and rising star!”
Mei: “Hi there !” she replied cheerfully, though barely glancing up from her meal. “Just call me Mei!”
Captain Whiskers: “And our special guest star, Rei “Nightmare” Nekohara!” He indicated the girl in darker attire. “S-rank raid boss extraordinaire!”
Rei: “Tch, just Rei is fine,” she muttered, focused on her food. “Let’s get this over with.”
Captain Whiskers: “And now, for our featured guest---” he began, but both sisters had finally looked up.
Mei: “Oh em gee, no way !” She jumped up excitedly. “You’re Aria! Your battle was like, totally inspiring !”
Rei: “Huh, thought you’d be taller,” she said, trying to hide her interest. “So you’re the one Vaeloria won’t shut up about.”
Captain Whiskers: “Okay fam, time to get serious. The girls have a story that needs telling.”
Mei: “Well...” she fidgeted, suddenly shy. “We know about the risks when we sign our contracts And the avatar system means no real pain, but...” her usual cheerfulness faltered.
Rei: “What my sister’s trying to say,” she cut in, voice hardening, “is that watching some A-rank psycho slowly dismember your avatar ain’t exactly good for mental health.”
Mei: “But I’m okay now !” She brightened artificially. “Your amazing fight gives me strength to keep going!”
Aria: “That sounds very wrong. Can’t Vaeloria intervene?”
Rei: “Ain’t that simple,” she crossed her arms. “This stuff happens on every planet. Part of the job description.”
Mei: “It’s our first assignment like this “ she added quietly. “Others just ignore it, but...”
Captain Whiskers: “And let’s not forget what happened to LilyBlossom,” he added, camera rig dimming slightly. “The metrics on that incident were totally brutal.”
Aria: “I understand your problem,” she replied thoughtfully. “I should talk with other Dungeon employees and Explorers who’ve encountered the Efficient Exterminators. Maybe there’s a peaceful solution.”
Mei: “Don’t worry about me !” She forced another bright smile. “I’ll be totally fine!”
After departing through the portal, Aria spent the next few days reviewing Dungeon recordings and interviewing both bosses and Explorers. By the third day, Emily reached out for an update, suggesting a meeting at a small cafe near the Guild Hall. When Aria arrived, she found Emily sitting with a girl in a dark puffy hoodie pulled low over her face.
Something familiar about that hooded figure. Aria mused as she approached.
Emily: “Ah, perfect timing!” She adjusted her smart glasses. “Let me introduce my new data source. This is Rei.”
I knew it!
Emily: “She’s provided some fascinating statistical anomalies,” she continued excitedly. “The origin of the data is unclear, but the correlation coefficients are remarkable!”
Rei: “Yo,” she muttered, carefully avoiding eye contact with Aria.
Emily: “And this is Aria,” she continued the introduction while Rei visibly tensed. “She has special authority that might help address these patterns.”
You don’t know the half of it. thought Aria and Rei simultaneously.
Emily: “Have your investigations revealed any new behavioral patterns regarding the Efficient Exterminators?” She asked, tablets ready.
Aria: “Their talk of optimization is just a facade,” she replied carefully. “In reality, they simply enjoy abusing their power.”
Emily: “The data suggested that possibility,” she frowned, adjusting her glasses. “Though I’d calculated only a 23.7% probability it was their primary motivation.”
Aria: “As for survivors,” she continued, “the few who improved did so out of fear. Most stay quiet to avoid repeat encounters.”
Emily: “Fascinating! Your field research has produced more concrete data points in days than my statistical analysis managed in months!” Her phone suddenly rang. “Excuse me, I need to take this.” She hurried away.
Aria: “What are you doing here?” She asked Rei as soon as Emily was out of earshot. “Does Vaeloria know? And how can Emily understand you?”
Rei: “Someone’s gotta deal with these punks,” she replied, briefly lifting her hood to reveal a cat ear adorned with a sophisticated earring. “And Vaeloria don’t need to know everything. Universal Translator - ain’t just for you fancy liaison types.”
Aria: “This must violate at least a dozen protocols.”
Emily: “Another incident with the Efficient Exterminators,” she said while hurriedly gathering her tablets. “I have to go!”
Rei: “You see? Something’s gotta be done.”
Aria: “Fine. Next time they enter the Dungeon, I’ll authorize swapping you with your sister for one fight,” she conceded. “But I try talking to them first. Only if that fails do you get your chance. Deal?”
Rei: “Deal,” she grinned. After a moment’s hesitation, she added, “Hey, uh, before you go... could you maybe sign something? For my sister. She’s your biggest fan and all.”
The fearsome raid boss asking for an autograph for her little sister. Aria couldn’t help but smile.
Aria: “Of course. And if you do get your chance,” she added while signing, “make it entertaining. It might be your first Earth fight, but Vaeloria does love good ratings.”
Rei: “Oh, I’ll make sure they feel everything they’ve done,” she tucked the autograph away carefully. “Every. Last. Bit.”
📡 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...