Chapter 41: Misplaced Trust

Chapter 41: Misplaced Trust

As Gong is beginning to head to the surface, I go up with her. Do you mind if I come with you? I am still getting used to this part of the city and would like to learn more.

She appears to think to herself, before nodding.

That should be alright. Im planning on heading back to Big Sister Cranes place. She seemed to like you, so that could help with negotiations and information gathering. Well need to know what has changed since weve come back. Especially, since Ive raised a bit of a stir with revealing that I now have full control of the spiders.

Thats a good point.

From what she had told us earlier, there must be quite a few factions that are vying for control. Crane must have been doing information management, or at least have been giving that impression to Gong. Whether she is actually on her side, I cant really tell.

All signs point to them being closely connected, though.

For now, I wont worry too much about it, but will keep myself protected and ready.

Moving to the surface with Gong, we actually head out the main entrance this time. The sun appears to bright and heading towards the midday position. Behind us flows a large number of spiders.

I would estimate the group to be around half the total number of current spiders. I get the feeling they are individually large now than they were before. They separate into different streams, with some burrowing underground and others heading into other passageways.

Honestly, its a good move. It allows her to quickly bring them together, but now be as open about it.

One of the smaller, but still big spiders follows behind Gong.

Gong explains this to me as we move, but anytime she leaves from the main entrance, she always moves in a roundabout pattern. I cant help but to ask, Why not always just leave from a separate cavern entrance then? That way, you dont need to change routes as much.

Oh, that statement turned a few heads. Im sure she did that on purpose.

At this moment, gasps come out from the surrounding people, as a carriage-sized, fast moving, stream of spiders flows up to Gong and then disseminates back into individual spider streams. A brief show of force, to show that there are teeth behind that statement.

I personally feel that could be too provoking, but Im sure that she knows what shes doing.

Hopefully.

After this display, she continues on, softer.

From what she tells me, apparently the Blue Bands are a secretive group, but focuses on information trading and robin hood- like actions. They are excellent at leveraging information to get an advantage and play groups off of each other.

Lastly, the Yellow Sashes are a protection group for prostitutes. Unsurprisingly, if your services are enjoyed by wealthy, powerful people, they like to give you nice things. This was used by the founder and her group to increase their power enough to protect each other. All up to the point where they were now dictating most of the rules.

No one messes with the prostitutes.

Gong also scolds me for causing an issue with one of the prostitutes, the other day. However, from what shes learned (though I dont know when she got the chance), it turned out to be a non-issue. She suggests not diving deeper into it, though.

By the time she has finished giving me the rundown on the gangs and current situation, we have reached Big Sister Cranes place. Gong, noticing something, asks me to wait by the front of the building. She quickly heads over to see her. A brief scan reveals nothing abnormal, but I keep it active nonetheless. I can see some of the hidden guys in their regular spots, but it looks like they are just relaxing.

From what I can see, Big Sister Crane and Gong are having a good conversation and apparently a great time, but I dont use my scan to find out more. The aura they and everyone there gives off is that this is a regular thing.

I guess, Ill just wait until theyre done.