Eye-Goddess's face was filled with worry as she sat in front of Satoshi and Crispswisp. It was all a hunch, a gut feeling that she should send the interns to the slums since there aren't any accidents that occur there. She thought that maybe they'll be able to unwind and get a feel as to how a patrol is supposed to go. It was just supposed to be training for them, and yet they got themselves into a deeper hellhole than Eye-Goddess had expected. Even Satoshi, who was also eager to experience his first patrol, never would've thought that he'll bump into a bigger problem once again. This had always happened every single time as if fate itself was targeting Satoshi whenever he moves even just a bit.
A few minutes ago, Crispwisp and Satoshi got back to Heimdal Agency after stopping by the police station. There, the authorities unanimously decided that they wouldn't report the capture on news stations since it might commence a global panic. The Superpower Booster is something that almost reshaped the world due to its mere existence. If the populace were told that its existence had reemerged in the shadows once again, then the superheroes would surely feel the backlash. It wasn't even that worse in the past before, but the public had already blamed the superheroes because of the Boosting Incident. If such a thing were to happen again, then the policies that solely exist to keep the superheroes in check might get toppled, and chaos might ensue in the whole world once again as the fine line between superheroes and villains is made more conspicuous.
"Did anyone see you? Were you wearing your costumes?" Eye-Goddess asked for who knows how many times already. She just had to make sure that Crispwisp and Satoshi weren't in any real danger.
"Yes, we didn't wear our costumes. Also, we made sure that the group who sent the kid didn't see us. Fortunately, Crispwisp's idea of waiting for the real customers worked and we were able to capture them. We couldn't question them on the spot since it might've attracted the other people in the slums." Satoshi explained.
"If we'd known a few more details regarding this exchange, then we would've been able to round them all up, and then trace where they're getting the Superpower Boosters," Crispwisp explained. "They're using a little girl to deliver the package... and based on what we saw, this wasn't the first exchange done by her."
"Good judgment, I wasn't expecting something like this to happen as well. It's a relief that you managed to remember your training and you were able to maintain your composure at such a relevant incident. Good job you two." Eye-Goddess said. "We will send the report to the higher-ups of the Superhero Assembly Organization and then we'll wait for their decision. Most likely, they'll give us this case and since you two were the ones who discovered the exchange, you'll be a part of the mission as well."
Crispwisp and Satoshi gulped at what Eye-Goddess just told them. They were going to be part of a mission? Even interns don't get to experience such a rare opportunity. Most of the time, one should be licensed and already a pro hero before becoming part of a mission. Despite that fact, Eye-Goddess told them that they were included, or rather, there's a good chance that they'll be included.
"For now, I want the two of you to continue your patrol by the slums, watch out for these exchanges, and if you see anything suspicious, try to gather as much information as you can. However! Whatever you do, don't engage with people involved with the Superpower Booster. There's a larger force at play here so we should tread carefully." Eye-Goddess continued. "Meeting adjourned, you can take a rest or continue your patrol shift if you want. Make sure to update me if you see or encounter anything noteworthy."
First day patrolling and they've already stumbled upon something world-changing, Crispwisp and Satoshi felt nervousness creeping up within their system.
As Eye-Goddess stood up and exited the conference room to take a phone call, Crispwisp and Satoshi just stared at each other. They didn't utter a single word and yet they nodded at each other as if they completely understood what it is they had to do.
That's right, they were going to resume their patrol once again.
"Let's go, Satoshi-senpai." Crispwisp signaled, and Satoshi nodded in response.
A few minutes later, they were back in the slums once again. By now, the sun was beginning to set and the coldness of the slums was emphasized by the night that would soon follow. The skies were turning a light purplish haze before it turned into a solid grey, marking the twilight and causing the slums to look more sinister than ever. Regardless of the nudging feeling they felt, urging them that they should head back, Crispwisp and Satoshi pressed on, their eyes like hawks as they scanned the area.
"Do you think another exchange is going to happen today?" Satoshi whispered.
"No, but there's a good chance that we'll stumble upon a delivery. You know, those guys need to restock while they're giving out the Superpower Boosters, right?"
"Right,"
An hour passed, and there was still no sign of any delivery or any exchange. However, this didn't affect Satoshi and Crispwisp at all. They were still as zealous as ever. Right now, they had to gather as much information and evidence as they could while waiting for the higher-ups' decision. That way, putting a stop to these illegal activities would process much faster than normal.
"Should we head back now? Our shift's almost done." Satoshi suggested.
With a sigh, Crispwisp nodded. "Sure, I guess we've had enough excitement for today. We should probably head back no— "
Before Satoshi could react, Crispwisp covered his mouth and dragged him by the corner of a ramshackle house. Crispwisp then pointed at the fork on the street where someone familiar was walking.
It was the red-haired girl, accompanied by a man who was wearing shabby, patched clothing.