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Why do I want to join the Armorless Union?

What a weird question. This is your organization, old man. What's there to explain?

So, does this count as my interview? I heard all the companies around town do stuff like this now. Are we going to interview every new recruit from now on? Should I start calling you 'Boss'?

Stop being such a pain in the ass.

The way I see it, there's no difference between a hitman agency and any other business. Show up to work, do some overtime, then make that someone else's problem.

If I had to give you a reason, then it's probably for the extra cash. Sure as hell beats what I make from hunting fowlbeasts.

It's the same stuff anyways—you aim, you shoot. Of course the higher paying job's gonna motivate you more.

Isn't that right, boss? After all, everyone just wants to live the good life.

The Armorless Union's hitmen. How did you people find this place?

Does that really matter at this point?

Celebrities such as yourself naturally attract attention with their every move.

While you've done your due diligence, good sir, how should I put this... We're hardly the only ones who can track you down.

There are plenty of people who have it in for you. Beating them all to the punch was no small feat.

Time is of the essence. I do hope you can trust our good intentions.

...Trust you?

The Armorless Union, speaking to me of trust? If that's a joke, I'm not laughing.

When necessary, we are also capable of NOT being Armorless Union.

Hitman, is this the reason you sent your subordinates to die by my hand?

Are you planning to—

Shh. Some things are better kept to yourself.

A man as wise as you surely understands this.

Do us a little favor, and you'll earn yourself an out. It's a pretty good deal if you ask me.

You scratch our back, we scratch yours. So how about it?

The Armorless Union's Lazurite rank. How about it? Sounds pretty powerful, doesn't it?

Honestly, the pay isn't half-bad either. In a way, it's not too different from being a competition knight. You earn your keep by putting your life on the line.

You don't get paid the big bucks without taking a few risks, right?

That said, after more than a decade in the business, it's time to hang up the hat.

'Quit while you're ahead.' The simplest truth to live by. Why swim against the current of the era? There are more stable sources of income, so why burn your life away?

Bring your ship back to port when the time's right.

How could being someone else's underling possibly feel as good as being your own boss?

The surgery is scheduled in two hours. Be sure to show up on time.

Starting tomorrow, your new name will be Joel Tyrell. And in two days, the company will put in a word for us, so don't mess it up.

Also... the General Chamber's people don't seem to completely buy that we died along with the Blood Knight. Not yet, anyway.

Tch, the Armorless Union is already preparing to select the next Lazurites before the investigators have even left.

In other words, lay low and spare us any unnecessary trouble until this all blows over.

...Hey, are you even listening?

Huh? Oh, yes, of course.

Ma'am, I'd like to have the most expensive meal set.

No need for a bag, I'll be eating here. Oh, and make it extra spicy, please!

Okay, so what were you saying, Monique?

...Go die in a ditch.

What an awful thing to say. Why, if I died, poor Mrs. Tyrell would end up a widow—

She sure hung up fast.

(Seems like everything's going smoothly. Even if the Board of Directors has its doubts, it's already too late. As for the Blood Knight... If he knows what's good for him, he'll keep his head down and not make a mess of things.)

(After all, everyone is too busy looking out for number one. Nobody will lose sleep over a couple of 'tools' going missing.)

(I probably don't have to worry about Darksteel either. All that's left is a face transplant and a new identity...)

(Guess I'll be kissing goodbye to this handsome mug then.)

(Who knows how I'll look when it's done, but somehow I doubt I'll be quite as gorgeous.)

(Alas, what a pity.)

The former Lazurite stands on the street, concealed beneath the shadows of the neon lights.

He lifts his hands to pat his cheeks while aimlessly looking out at the bright city lights.

The most recent news highlights are being broadcast on the big screen on the side of a skyscraper.

All the other screens dotting the cityscape, large and small, play roughly the same thing, their clashing noises and flashing lights enough to make one a bit dizzy.

The Blood Knight was attacked by unknown assailants in his secluded countryside home. There were traces of an intense struggle, and it has been confirmed that the blood left at the scene belongs to the former champion himself.

The bodies of the attackers were also found at the scene.

Experts have commented that it is highly unlikely that the Blood Knight survived such a fierce battle, which is consistent with the large quantities of blood found.

The leading theory at the moment is that our former champion, weakened after his battle with the Radiant Knight, exhausted the last of his strength and passed away along with his assailants.

For more information, please stay tuned to our follow-up program! The truth behind the attack on the Blood Knight!

Those bastards! What 'truth'? It's all a bunch of baloney!

How could the Blood Knight be defeated by mere assassins? Not a chance in hell! He's probably just laying low because he doesn't want those media bloodsuckers bothering him over an injury! They only care about the next scoop!

And damn the whole lot of those shameless murderers! Gutter-dwelling pests! The Blood Knight would never go down like this!

Calm down, you can say what you want, just stop flailing your arms like— Yowch, that's my head!

...Huh?

S-Sorry, I got a bit too worked up there. You alright?

Gaah... I'm fine... I guess this just isn't my lucky day.

Hey, you over there! Yeah, you! You didn't get hit, did you?

You alright, man? He didn't hit you in the head too?

Uh... Huh? Sorry, err, were you talking to me?

Who else is there? There's only the three of us squatting by the food stall in the middle of the night.

Hmm, I suppose so. I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. I was just in shock after hearing the news.

The news is nothing but a load of shit!

Those carrion-lickers only care about the scent of blood and death. They don't give a damn about whether the Blood Knight lives or dies. They don't know a goddamn thing, which is why they can run their mouths like that!

'After being defeated by the Radiant Knight, the former champion yada yada!'

Tsk tsk. As long as you pick a good clickbait title, you can easily farm a few days' worth of ad revenue. No one with a bit of curiosity can resist. It's just the latest way to make a quick buck these past two days.

He shouldn't be this... this token of consumerism!

Well said. You're exactly right.

Our company does some business with the knight competitions. I ran into him a few times while following the project, but our holdings went down the drain as soon as the news came out.

*sigh*... Personally, I'm a big fan, so I hope he's alright.

...Hmph. That's more than enough reason to treat you to a drink then!

Huh?

I mean, as an apology for what just happened.

How about it? Or are you too scared to have a drink with an Infected?

But I have work tomorrow...

Well, whatever. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

You pick the place then.

Heh, I like your guts. How about you then? Wanna all go together?

Me?

Actually, I have some things I need to attend to soon—

...Still, fate has brought us together, and kindness is hard to find these days. So, why not? Lead the way.

Great! Follow me!

Pwah! Cheers!

Cheers!

...Wrap it up, you two. I'm not made of money, you know.

Actually, uhh, I recognize you. You're the one who competed today, that, uhh—

Ironwrist Knight!

Wow, I can't believe I got my head smacked by Ironwrist Knight's iron wrist...

Ahahaha! That's gotta be worth at least a point!

C'mon, I already apologized, didn't I?

Ahh!

Too bad about today, you almost got the win. If only the other side didn't get that supply pack!