Pickpocket

The motorcycle sped steadily down the dusty road toward the Old World Network, carrying its two passengers, Modeus and Abigail. The night was deepening, and the sky above them glittered with stars, but their minds were still preoccupied with the battle they had just survived and the journey to their final destination.

Modeus gripped the handlebars tightly, his eyes focused on the road ahead. However, his thoughts wandered, recalling how Luca and Selena had become part of their mission. They had just come out of an unexpected life-and-death struggle, and now the two of them were on their way to cash in on the fruits of their labor—Selena's head, worth 10 million nexbits—at the Old World Network.

"I still can't get over Luca," Modeus finally broke the silence, his voice slightly muffled by the wind rushing past their helmets. "Are you sure she won't cause trouble later on?"

Abigail, sitting behind Modeus with his arms wrapped around his waist for balance, took a deep breath before answering. "I've bound her with a demon contract. As long as she's not stupid, she'll stay in line. Besides, she looked scared enough when we left her."

Modeus nodded, still somewhat unconvinced. "But there's something that's been bugging me. Luca had that anti-magic field device, right? So how were you able to use magic when we faced her? Shouldn't that have blocked your powers?"

Abigail's gaze shifted briefly to the starry sky before returning to the road ahead. He smirked, his voice calm and measured as he responded. "That's the beauty of a demon contract. It's not bound by the usual rules of magic. Anti-magic fields can't stop it because it's not ordinary magic—it's a curse, a binding of souls. As long as Luca's marked, I can reach her, no matter what she tries."

Modeus' grip on the handlebars tightened slightly. "So, there's really no way out for her, huh?"

"None," Abigail confirmed. "Not unless she's willing to risk her life. And even then, I'll always have the upper hand."

Abigail chuckled, his voice deep and resonant. "Ancient hero magic is different, Modeus. It's not something that can just be undone by modern tech like an anti-magic field. The magic heritage of my family is far too strong to be stopped by ordinary means. Even the most advanced devices from the Old World Network won't be enough to sever that connection."

Modeus listened carefully, his thoughts wandering. Abigail was a descendant of the legendary Einzvil family, heroes who had vanished from history. There was still much about him that remained a mystery, including the true extent of his powers. But Modeus was a man of action, trusting deeds over words. So far, Abigail had proven reliable in every fight they'd faced together.

After a few minutes of silence, Modeus suddenly complained with a slight grin on his face. "But speaking of power, looks like our bike's starting to struggle, huh?" He tapped his fingers against the handlebars. "The engine took a hit from that mecha missile Selena fired earlier. Honestly, we're lucky it's still running."

Abigail smirked, his eyes scanning the beaten-up motorbike beneath them. "Yeah, I figure we'll need to buy a new one as soon as we reach the city. With the 10 million nexbits we're getting for Selena's head, we can afford just about anything we want." He leaned back a little, relaxing into the ride. "What are you planning to do with your share, Modeus?"

Modeus thought for a moment, his gaze still fixed ahead. "I don't need much, honestly. Maybe I'll get a new weapon or upgrade my armor. The rest I'll probably save, just in case. But I won't say no to a fancy meal at one of those elite restaurants in the Old World Network. It's been a while since I had a decent meal."

Abigail laughed again, this time more freely. "A fancy meal? Are you serious? With all that money, all you want is good food?"

Modeus shrugged, though Abigail likely couldn't see him. "My life's simple. Don't need a lot of luxuries. Besides, you never know when you'll need that money. Life as a Relic Hunter isn't exactly stable, you know?"

Abigail nodded, though his own plans were different. "Me? I'll probably invest some of it. And then, maybe I'll dig deeper into those ancient artifacts we've been hearing about through the underground networks in the Old World. I've got a few interesting leads from when we worked with Marlene at the lab ruins earlier today."

Modeus furrowed his brow, recalling the events. They had stumbled upon some valuable ancient artifacts during that collaboration with Marlene. "Yeah, I almost forgot about those. We could make a decent profit if we sell them to the right buyer. Marlene sure knows how to find those strange relics."

Abigail's gaze darkened slightly, his mind now fully on the possibilities that lay ahead. "We'll see. Something tells me those artifacts are more valuable than they seem."

Abigail stroked his chin, thinking deeper. "Yeah, we haven't sold those artifacts yet. Maybe after we finish with this bounty, we can find the right buyer. I'm sure there are a few interested parties in the Old World Network."

"Agreed," Modeus said, steering the bike around a pothole. "We could sell the artifacts to Niwa. She's a black market dealer in the Old World Network. If anyone knows the right buyers, it's her."

The mention of Niwa made Abigail smirk. "Niwa, huh? Maybe she could point us in the right direction, though I doubt the deal will be entirely legal."

Modeus chuckled, taking it as a joke, even though he knew there was some truth to Abigail's words. They both understood that the world they lived in was never fully safe, even among so-called "allies." Everyone always had their own hidden agenda.

The sputtering noise from the bike was starting to concern Modeus. "I don't think this bike's going to last much longer, especially if we run into any more surprises. We need to reach the Old World Network soon."

Abigail scanned the road ahead, his sharp eyes watching for any sudden threats. But for now, the night was peaceful, accompanied only by the twinkle of stars and the distant glow of city lights appearing on the horizon.

"Don't worry," Abigail said, his voice calm. "We've been through worse. This bike might break down completely, but we're almost there."

Modeus nodded slowly, though his mind remained alert. "Yeah, we're close."

With a long sigh, the two continued their ride in silence, their minds filled with plans for the future—and a constant awareness of the dangers that awaited them in the intricate world of the Old World Network.

After a grueling journey, the bike finally sputtered to a stop in one of the rundown corners on the outskirts of the Old World Network, an area littered with dilapidated buildings and dusty streets. The motor let out a weak groan as Modeus killed the engine, signaling that the bike had reached its limit. Both men dismounted, and Abigail's gaze swept across the surroundings, ensuring nothing seemed out of place in the sketchy area.

"This bike is officially done," Modeus muttered, patting the tank covered in scratches and burn marks. "We'll need a replacement, or we'll be walking everywhere."

Abigail nodded, his eyes shifting toward the towering main building of the Old World Network in the distance. "You handle the business with Selena's head. Report our mission to the central office and make sure we get our full cut of the 10 million nexbit."

Modeus nodded. "Are you sure you don't want to come along?"

Abigail shook his head. "I've got something else to take care of. I'm meeting with Niwa to discuss selling the quantum artifact we found at the lab ruins. You know, Niwa has contacts in the underground network who can offer way higher prices than the central office. But just in case, let's split the artifact. You sell your half at the office, and I'll compare prices with what Niwa offers."

Modeus understood Abigail's plan. They never relied on a single source to sell valuable items like quantum artifacts, especially in a place as full of intrigue as the Old World Network. They had to stay cautious, particularly with high-stakes goods.

After dividing the artifact evenly, Abigail tucked his half into a small leather pouch slung over his shoulder, while Modeus stowed his portion in a fireproof pouch strapped to his waist.

"Done. We'll meet up at the usual inn once we're done with all of this," Abigail said, giving his bag a final check.

Modeus agreed with a nod. "The usual inn. Got it. If you finish first, wait for me there."

Abigail gave a faint smile. "Don't worry, I'll be there waiting with a cold drink."

Modeus chuckled lightly, setting his helmet down on their bike before swinging his body toward the street. Without looking back, he headed toward the heart of the Old World Network, while Abigail veered off in a different direction. The two adventurers split up to handle their respective tasks.

As Modeus walked through the narrow alleys of the run-down district, blending into the grimy and trash-filled cityscape, a figure floated gracefully beside him. Neumann, an AI in the form of a young girl dressed in an augmented suit, glided calmly at his side. Her sleek and futuristic appearance starkly contrasted with their surroundings. Modeus moved steadily, while Neumann continued feeding him data about the area, answering his casual questions with her usual calmness.

"Neumann, any trouble with the route we're taking?" Modeus asked, half-joking to break the monotony.

Neumann turned her head toward him, her voice as cold and precise as ever. "No anomalies detected along this path. Statistical probability of interference is 1.5% based on the latest data."

Modeus sighed lightly. "You always speak in data."

"Data provides the highest accuracy in any scenario," Neumann replied with her usual lack of humor.

"So, what do you think about the condition of our bike earlier?" Modeus asked, keeping his gaze forward. It was a rhetorical question—he already knew the answer.

Neumann turned briefly before responding in her flat tone, "The bike is unlikely to function beyond 35 kilometers before it suffers total breakdown. Key components, including the ignition system, are severely damaged."

Modeus smiled faintly. "Always with the precise calculations, huh? At least I still have time to report the mission before the bike completely breaks down."

Neumann floated slightly ahead of Modeus, mimicking his relaxed yet measured stride. "That's a logical solution, Modeus. Prioritizing spare parts replacement after mission reporting is an optimal decision."

Modeus chuckled softly. "You're right. You're always right, Neumann."

As they continued on, Neumann began to mirror Modeus's walk, albeit with a more graceful motion. Every clumsy step Modeus took over stones or piles of trash was mirrored by Neumann, who floated above, seeming to mock his movements with no apparent malice.

Suddenly, Modeus felt a slight jolt at his waist. A small child, running quickly, collided with him without warning. Modeus stumbled back slightly, while the child continued to sprint through the narrow alley beside them without missing a beat. Modeus initially brushed it off, but a few steps later, Neumann's voice interrupted.

"Modeus, the small pouch containing the artifact has been stolen."

Modeus stopped dead in his tracks, immediately reaching for his waist. The small pouch containing the quantum artifact was gone. He stood there, stunned for a few seconds, before Neumann's voice cut in again.

"Modeus?"

The expression on Modeus's face changed drastically. From relaxed and indifferent, his eyes now flashed with a deadly intent. His whole body tensed, and the atmosphere around him grew icy.

"The child who bumped into you earlier is the culprit. I've analyzed her movements and detected the direction she fled in. Do you want to chase her?" Neumann explained in her monotonous tone, though there was a faint tremor—possibly a reaction to Modeus's sudden shift in emotion.

Modeus stood still for a few seconds. "I just want to eat, sleep, and report the mission quickly," he murmured, clenching his fist until his knuckles turned white. A murderous impulse stirred within him, as if a long-sleeping beast had started to awaken. Modeus's eyes changed, radiating a dangerous aura that made Neumann watch him intently, sensing the threat.

"Neumann," Modeus whispered, his voice cold and calm, but with a chilling intensity. "Show me the way."

Neumann was slightly unsettled by the sudden surge of emotion from Modeus. The AI detected an increase in his heartbeat and adrenaline, signs of his intense anger. Nevertheless, Neumann quickly transmitted visual data and the escape route of the child.

Modeus sprang into action, moving swiftly like a predator hunting its prey. He raced through the narrow alleys, ignoring the obstacles in his path. Wood and stones scattered on the ground were crushed under his immense physical strength. His breathing was heavy but controlled, and his focus was solely on one thing: finding the child.

Neumann floated behind, continuously providing directional guidance while occasionally studying Modeus's expression. His face was expressionless, but his eyes betrayed an uncontainable murderous intent. Each of his steps was heavy yet fast. "The child is heading towards a secret passage that leads into the Old World Network area. She's about 20 meters ahead of you."

Modeus didn't respond, just increased his speed. When he reached the end of the alley, he saw the child stop in front of a young woman in an augmented suit and hoodie. The child immediately clung to the woman, crying in fear.

Modeus slowed down and approached calmly, though his face was marked with clear intent. He recognized the woman—it was Oriana. Behind Oriana stood two more women, Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa, who also appeared anxious.

The child cried in Oriana's embrace. "He's following me! He's going to kill me!" the child shouted hysterically.

Oriana gently comforted the child, her voice soothing. "Calm down. No one will hurt you."

Lilianne, noticing the murderous intent in Modeus's eyes, panicked internally. I can't guarantee Miss Oriana's safety if it comes to a fight with Modeus. This needs to be resolved quickly.

However, as soon as her gaze met Modeus's, her gentle smile faded. Oriana's expression made it clear she knew exactly who she was dealing with. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa also appeared on edge, especially seeing the rage etched on Modeus's face.

Modeus stood only a few meters away. His breathing was heavy, but his body was composed. He stared directly at the child before shifting his focus to Oriana.

Eun Min Hwa, readying her weapon, thought to herself, If Modeus's power is as Lilianne says, we don't stand a chance here. Ensuring Miss Oriana's safety is our top priority.

Oriana hugged the child tighter. "Please calm down, Modeus. I believe we can resolve this peacefully."

Modeus stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, preparing to draw the Quantum blade. This only heightened Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa's tension. "I only have a problem with the child."

Oriana looked at Modeus with wide eyes, while Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa moved to protect Oriana and the child. The two women braced themselves, clearly feeling the intensity from the man before them.

"I can confirm that the artifact is in the child's bag. I suggest a non-violent approach," Neumann stated in her flat tone.

But Modeus ignored her. His gaze remained fixed on the child, who was now crying louder. Seeing this, Oriana spoke up again, her voice firmer this time.

"Modeus, I apologize for what happened. Let us handle the child. We will ensure your artifact is returned safely."

Lilianne, usually calm, seemed worried about the situation. "She's just a child, Modeus," she said soothingly. "This can be discussed. No need for violence."

Yet, Modeus remained unmoved. Neumann, still floating beside him, added more information. "The artifact taken by the child is an important item. It is recommended to secure the artifact."

Oriana stared at Modeus, her eyes filled with fear. "Please, Modeus... Don't hurt her. She's only acting out of fear."

But Modeus was unreadable. The emotions swirling inside him—anger, frustration, and a loss of trust in his surroundings—made it hard for him to control his predatory instincts. His gaze remained locked on the child, his entire body tense and poised to strike at any moment.

Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa stepped slightly forward, ready to protect Oriana and the child if necessary. Modeus, still seething with rage, regarded them all with cold eyes.

Modeus paused for a moment, then, without warning, he took a faster step forward, heightening everyone's anxiety. Just as his sword was nearly fully drawn and before he could make a more aggressive move, Neumann's calm voice intervened.

"Modeus, it's important to consider the situation rationally. We are in the Old World Network area."

Modeus stopped, taking a deep breath. Though his murderous intent was not entirely gone, he slowly lowered his hand. "I want my artifact back," he said, his voice calmer but still firm.

Oriana nodded slightly, feeling some relief. "We'll return it. Don't worry, the child won't steal anything again."

Carefully, Oriana instructed the child to return the artifact. The child, still sobbing, pulled the artifact from her pocket and handed it over to Oriana. Gently, Oriana passed it to Modeus.

Modeus took the bag, his eyes still sharply fixed on the child. After checking the contents and confirming that all the artifacts were intact, he turned his gaze back to Oriana and her group.

Having received what he wanted, Modeus finally turned and walked away, leaving them without another word. Even as he moved away, the tension in the air lingered.

Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa stood in silence, relieved yet still feeling the residual tension. They exchanged glances, thankful that the incident ended without further violence.

Neumann floated back to Modeus's side. "The situation was resolved without violence. Are you satisfied with the outcome, Modeus?"

Modeus snorted, still struggling to contain the anger simmering inside him. "Not yet. Keep tracking the child. I'll deal with her again once they've left."

Neumann, floating gracefully in front of him, mirrored Modeus's stride as she responded. "Request confirmed. I will continue to track the child's whereabouts."

***