The Black Cat, Part Thirteen

As the group gathered at the gates of the police station, Julia stood alongside Zenith, Emi, Max, and Asuka. 

Zenith turned to Emi, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Are you sure you don't want to come along with us?" she asked, casting a glance at Emi. 

It was obvious what Zenith was getting at. 

With the streak of sudden betrayals going on here, running head-first into a high-level dungeon was probably safer than being at the guild. 

Still, Emi flashed a playful smile, shaking her head.

"Nah, I think I'll stay back today. Just to make sure Max doesn't get her head cut off while I'm gone, you know?" she replied, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Max chuckled, lightly punching Emi's shoulder.

"Yeah, right. Like I need a babysitter," she retorted in a murmur, rolling her eyes.

With a shrug, Zenith accepted Emi's decision, turning to Asuka as they prepared to leave.

"Alright then, let's go," she said, her tone determined.