Atsume concludes her story: “I never want to be in need of money again or that anyone else has to suffer like me just because they couldn’t pay. That’s why I’m out to look for a planet just like Katara. Even if Katara like told doesn’t exist.”

  Erika hugs her from behind and pats her head.

  Raiden assures her: “That’s a wonderful dream! And through my experience in space, I can assure you that there are entire planets out there made of diamonds. Or at least could be. And even then! They might not be planet-shaped but there are a lot of rich people out there which you could just steal from.”

  Atsume smiles: “Thank you.”

  She stands up: “Since I feel like I can trust you guys with anything, I’ll show you my real self.”

  Slowly but surely, the human shell of her body seems to melt off and her form reveals to be made of a dark purple mucus which can barely keep a humanoid shape. Glowing yellow eyes emerge somewhere and the others look at her with curiosity.

  She then turns human again and explains: “That felt nice. Opening myself up to you guys. But I will use this human form as my default form because I like it and it keeps things uncomplicated.”

  Shurui makes an announcement through a speaker: “Guys, I hope I’m not interrupting something but we’re approaching Kaishi City.”

  Raiden takes the torch: “Alright crew! Before I go to the cockpit, I’ll tell you what we’re doing to get money in Kaishi City. It’s an illegal underground tournament with prize money! You girls wanna participate?”

  The girls are shocked and Ketsuki asks: “Why aren’t you asking me?”

  Raiden replies: “I already counted you in. I thought you’d take any fight you get.”

  Ketsuki gives a slight smirk: “You’re right on that one.”

  Raiden now leaves the room but Erika shouts after him: “Hey! You’ll get us into trouble, you idiot! Don’t just walk away!”

  The ’Battery Bucket’ lands on a parking lot for spaceships and our crew enters the streets. It is loud, full of people and you can hear hustle and bustle everywhere. Neon lights on signs and ads fill the scene, even on the little food stands and trash bins.

  “This might be one of the most technologically advanced cities I’ve ever seen.”, Raiden says as he looks around with a big smile.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Erika holds her nose: “And still, there’s garbage everywhere. It really stinks.”

  “But it stinks different than the mechanic district. And you’ll surely get used to it.”, Raiden replies and Erika is unhappy.

  They walk down the streets, being completely overstimulated.

  “Shurui-chan, you wanna be our little guide for the way?”, Raiden asks and Shurui replies excited, “Of course, chief!”

  She scans the environment and does a little search on the internet and as they walk, she explains: “Kaishi City is a metropolis with a very high crime rate. It’s completely normal to witness an armed robbery or gang wars while out on a stroll.”

  Raiden listens curiously while Erika and Atsume are equally shocked and Ketsuki doesn’t react at all.

  “There’s effectively no government that keeps this place in check. Basically, this city is constantly involved in a huge fight for power between the biggest corporations, the Kaishi City Police Department and a ton of gangs. The average life expectancy in this city plummeted to just 57 human years within the last three decades and even the Space Force has mostly given up on helping this city out.”

  Erika states: “That sounds like a nightmare of a city! Why would anyone want to live here?”

  Atsume says: “I agree. This sounds like society on a thin thread between corrupt governance and anarchy.”

  Raiden adds with way too much enthusiasm: “And it sounds like a lot of cybernetic enhancements! Erika, don’t you want to get some?”

  Shurui comments: “They could enhance your ass, Eri-chan~”

  Erika replies: “Raiden, I’ll rip your arm off if you ask me something like that again. You’re asking a mechanic to get something done by another mechanic? And Shurui-chan! You either stop these comments or I’ll downgrade your ass!”

  Raiden raises his hands: “Okay! Sorry! I apologize!”, and instantly gets distracted, “Oh! Look there! This guy sells meat skewers.”

  He rushes up to the seller and says: “Four please!”, “On the way.”

  Atsume says: “But I don’t want any.”, and Erika adds, “Me too.”

  Seconds later, Raiden and Ketsuki each hold two skewers and Atsume asks: “Shurui-chan, how far until we’re there? These streets aren’t laid out to be very walkable.”

  Shurui replies: “Oh we’re already here.”

  She points up at a neon sign above a dirty entrance into some underground establishment.

  Atsume reads: “’Club Red Night’? My first instinct would be something completely different than fighting when reading this.”

  They enter the club and hear a lot of people cheering. There is a sunken arena while people watch from above.

  Some unfriendly guy behind a counter shouts at them: “Hey! You peeps can’t just come in like this! Either register as a viewer or fighter or get the fuck out!”

  Raiden goes to talk to him.

  Ketsuki mentions: “They don’t look so strong to me.”

  Erika comments: “I don’t get why anyone would like fighting so much. It’s barbaric.”

  Raiden returns to them and says: “Alright, you girls are registered as viewers now. Ketsuki, we’ll be fighting. Fights are over when someone’s unconscious or gives up, no hacking. Oh and… killing someone disqualifies you. I hope you can restrain yourself.”

  Ketsuki is annoyed: “I only kill when it’s necessary.”

  Raiden is annoyed too: “And I thought you’d understood by now that killing is never necessary. …Come on, we’ve got to go to a changing room and wait there.”

  Erika sighs after they’re gone: “I hope they get that settled soon.”