Central Region

Their exit of the Rich Valley Area did not take long, the PMV soon found itself driving through the ever useful Western Stretch Highway. Before long, Ciel began seeing familiar roads and buildings emerge from beyond the vehicle window. At last after many long years he had returned to the central region of the outskirts. It was a region divided into two areas: the Crasmere Area in the south and the Lerwick Area in the north. 

It was a region known for its weathered structures and highly cramped apartment complexes, a consequence of it being the most populated region throughout the outskirt's expanse. 

Unlike the Rich Valley Area, neither central areas were known to be dominated by any particular industry. Rather a balance of varying establishments could be found peppered throughout. However, the region was known for its high crime rate, particularly those related to gang violence. 

While no region within the outskirts was devoid of gangs, the central region was unique in that it served as host to the three largest gangs of the outskirts. Those being the Red Tiger Gang, the Silver Dragon Gang, and the Green Python Gang. 

The Red Tigers lay full claim over the entire Crasmere Area, while the west and east of the Lerwick Area were controlled by the Green Python Gang and the Silver Dragon Gang respectively. 

From the three giants, the Green Pythons were the smallest, however their territories had yet to be seized by their rivals. A result of their brutal determination to defend what is theirs. The Silver Dragon Gang on the other hand already possessed control over most of the outskirts' northern region; their foundation larger than even that of the Red Tigers. 

Naturally, their presence so near to each other often served as the catalyst for brutal gang wars or smaller, but just as deadly, exchanges. Of course, it was in the best interest of the Red Tiger Gang for such periods of chaotic violence to erupt so often it would be them acting as the aggressors. 

Then when the district police inevitably enter the fray, only bloodshed is to be expected… 

Ciel was pondering over the many memories which he forged in these very streets when he suddenly heard Leonard address him from the driver's seat. 

"You have been assigned as the 11th Red Commander. There are a total of 25 commanders, however you don't need to worry about their activities as each commander reports over to the 12 Tiger Heads. Your job is simple. You are a chaos bringer. While you will need to oversee other tasks, never forget where our gang truly gains its wealth."

Ciel nodded. 

"Yes, I'm well aware. Death, death, and more death right." 

He said, adding a hint of sinister glee to his voice. 

"Right… Anyhow though, we have complete claim over all of the Crasmere Area. We maintain that control by controlling a few apartment complexes near the end of the area. The one you have been assigned is on the west side, a building called: Evergarden. From there you will command the activities of the Street Division. Remember, you are a leader so there is no need to always place yourself in danger. Only act personally when necessary and no matter what stay away from police notice…" 

Leonard paused, his eyes glanced at Ciel through the mirror for a moment before he continued.

"Actually in regards to the police presence. Recently, the district police have become far more brutal in their actions against us, adapting a kill first, arrest only if possible mindset. While that is not a big change on its own, what you need to be wary of is a specific strike squad led by Lieutenant Anderson Shaw. He is a man who has single handedly kept all of the three gangs in the area well behaved within the last year. He is also the reason we have a vacant 11th commander until you." 

Anderson Shaw huh… 

"Is that the reason the boss wants me to start a ruckus when I arrive? 

Leonard nodded. 

"Yes, it's part of it. However, what the boss really wants right now is to suppress the Green Python Gang. Just like us, they too have gotten the Esper Program. Our greatest advantage has been compromised, but if we eliminate the weaker competitors before they have a chance to outnumber us in espers, then the Red Tiger Gang will soar to new heights given enough time." 

I see… 

"I understand then… Has the boss gotten me the weaponry I requested?" 

Leonard chuckled. 

"Yes, it will all be in your room by the time we arrive. I must say though, for someone so young you seem to enjoy dangerous toys." 

Ciel smiled somewhat sinisterly. 

"Children play with toys, I prefer what adults flaunt… In regards to my task though, when we arrive, I want you to arrange a gathering with all the kids working within the Intern Division. I also want a report on the Green Python Gang members, and of this Anderson Shaw person." 

Leonard nodded. 

"As you wish." 

Ciel spared the silent Rin a side glance before adding. 

"One more thing, when we arrive I want you to find something to cover her face. It will be troublesome for all of us if she exits the car and enters an apartment complex at this hour."

Hearing such, Leonard seemed to gain a new sense of vigor. 

"Of course!" 

What a fool… 

Ciel did not bother with any more words, returning his gaze back to the passing buildings. 

*****

It took another hour for them to at last arrive at their destination. The Evergarden building stood at the center of Mirfield Street. It was a five story tall structure which hosted a weathered exterior. Its visible windows possessed iron bars and at the entrance a steel double door awaited. Its green paint had long since turned dull while the holographic sign above its roof constantly flickered. 

The first floor was mostly just a lobby with a magnetic elevator at its end. From there one could go into one of the 10 apartments found on the second to fourth floors, or upon the sole room found upon the topmost level. It was there where Ciel would be staying. 

Upon their arrival, Ciel wasted no time and promptly made his way towards the top floor. Left behind in the vehicle was the ashen vampire as she waited silently for Leonard to go retrieve something which they could use to cover the effects of her blood's infernal fury. 

Before long, Ciel used the key card given to him by Leonard and opened the door to a well kept two bedroom apartment. Ciel was indifferent to its quality however, his eyes instead focusing upon a few steel boxes sprawled upon the living room floor. 

His weapons had indeed already arrived…