Steel Fist Gang leader Gerd had a cautious personality that didn't match his rugged, macho image.

He tried to initiate a conversation instead of attacking immediately, and when that didn't work, he requested an automaton battle rather than resorting to violence.

Though this approach might seem foolish at first glance, it was actually a very rational choice.

'Considering that automaton battles are their way of resolving all conflicts, he's showing that they follow the history and traditions they've created.'

Even if it seems ridiculous to others, they take it seriously. This is why Osian didn't ignore or dismiss the other party's proposal. If he had, they might have fought to the death instead.

'He's using his head well.'

Though Gerd might look stupid, he's a man who holds the position of leader in an organization. He wasn't simply proposing this battle for the sake of discipline.

'He must know. If they fight us, they won't come out unscathed either.'

Steel Fist had originally planned to ambush them and seize Neo. From their preparations, it was clear they were expecting someone to come.

'More precisely, they thought the remaining corporate forces would come leading their troops.'

But what they faced weren't subordinates of some external corporation. Not Oil Finger, not Sullivan's descendants, not Mining Heavy Industry. It was Osian's group that appeared, which no one had anticipated at all.

It must have also caught them off guard that a small organization had arrived here, and in better condition than expected.

'So instead of attacking right away, he's dragging out the situation like this.'

Osian's guess was correct. Gerd stared at Osian's group from behind his sunglasses. Though he didn't show it, he was quite surprised at the moment.

'What the hell? Different guys showed up than I expected! What are these people anyway?'

He had heard from his subordinates. Some external fixers had gotten involved in this matter. Particularly, the man standing there with a sheriff's badge was the new champion who had defeated his subordinates in an automaton battle.

'Lackeys who take crap from external corporations. And the oil people, Sullivan's offspring, and the mining lunatics all gathered in one place and fought. It must have been absolute chaos.'

Just from the reports of his subordinates, he could imagine how terrible the scene must have been. A death spiral where anyone could die. In that vortex, individuals could only be torn apart without even being able to resist.

But surprisingly, the group that survived that chaotic race was one that nobody had expected.

'And only one of them is injured.'

Only Don Quixote was severely injured; Osian and David hadn't suffered any notable injuries despite the fierce battle.

'You could say they were lucky to have seized that automaton. It makes more sense that they just picked up what others dropped.'

But Gerd didn't jump to conclusions. The instinct that had brought him to this position was whispering to him.

'Don't be fooled by appearances. These guys are the real deal.'

That battle wasn't something you could survive just by being lucky. To come all this way unscathed, among massive modified vehicles and crazed gang members? The Death Race isn't that easy.

'If I rashly underestimate them and order an attack right now, how many would die?'

Even at a minimum, more than half of his people would fall. Moreover, this place was the boundary closest to the outside. He couldn't rule out the possibility of reinforcements from outside.

Gerd had to make a decision. Of course, Osian had no doubt that he would make the right choice.

'The gangs here aren't as stupid as one might think. They're quicker than anyone when it comes to survival. Especially those who've risen to leadership positions.'

Gerd wisely used his head during that brief time. He carefully weighed his options between fighting Osian's group and choosing another method, then reached a conclusion.

Resolve it with an automaton battle. It was the best solution Gerd could think of.

"A battle."

"Here, suddenly?"

"Dunno. If the boss says to do it this way, he must have his reasons."

Some gang members were puzzled by this, but since Gerd had decided, they followed without complaint. It was a testament to Gerd's reputation.

"Um, does that mean I have to fight?"

Neo asked nervously. Automaton battle. Just from the name, wouldn't it seem like he would have to fight directly?

"Don't worry. I'll handle it."

Seeing Osian step forward, Gerd smiled, revealing his gold teeth.

"Yes. New champion. Of course you should be the one to come out."

"What about you? Are you stepping in yourself?"

"Hahaha! Isn't that obvious? If the boss doesn't step up here, who will? I've got to set an example."

As Gerd moved with the controller in hand, his personal automaton walked forward with heavy steps. It was an automaton that had undergone all kinds of modifications to add its own character. Perhaps resembling its owner, the automaton was very massive. It made the previous one with just one strange arm look cute in comparison.

"That's one hell of a big frame."

"Don't tell me you're scared?"

"No way. If anything, I'm looking forward to the challenge."

"Hahaha! I like your spirit! I've been curious anyway. I wanted to see the skills of the new champion who defeated our executive!"

"So that's why you prepared the automaton I used before."

Osian saw the automaton that the Steel Fist gang members were bringing out. A small, tiny automaton that should have been discarded. It was the machine that Osian had used to claim victory before.

"We didn't prepare it specifically for this. We can't just mess with an automaton used by a newly crowned champion. It's quite an honorable machine."

Gerd's voice was full of pride for the champion's machine.

Gerd threw the controller to Osian. Osian caught it smoothly in mid-air, then tried moving his automaton.

-Kying. Kying.

It seems they didn't neglect its maintenance as the movements were smoother than before. They had oiled it and replaced old parts with new ones.

"I thought you were just using your head, but there are sincere aspects too."

"Heh. You knew all along? And yet you still accepted. This is rather embarrassing. But how could we enjoy this if we weren't sincere about it?"

Yes. What appealed to them was exactly that purity. So how could he refuse? He had no choice but to gladly comply with their wishes.

"Let's battle."

"Match over!"

The referee was Dyke, who had faced Osian before.

The battle was over. The result, of course, was Osian's victory.

"Damn it. Not even landing a single proper hit. It's been a long time since my pride was hurt this badly. How can anyone handle an automaton that well?"

The match ended with Osian's dominance throughout. Gerd fought well as befitting a leader, but even he was no match for Osian.

"But a promise is a promise. Boys, clear the way!"

The Steel Fist gang moved as if they had been waiting for this. Barricades were removed and vehicles made way on both sides. No one voiced any complaints.

They had witnessed with their own eyes the crowning of a new champion. Who could dislike someone who earned their position through a fair fight?

"Glory to the new champion."

"Blessings on the winner's path ahead."

As Osian's group passed by, the Steel Fist gang members thumped their chests with their fists to show respect. It was almost like a religion.

Realizing this was their way of showing respect, Osian returned the gesture.

"I always thought outsiders were all sly weaklings, but there are some better than these guys. Come visit again if you get the chance! I'll properly avenge myself then!"

"Looking forward to it."

"We'll keep this one like a trophy until then, so don't worry!"

Gerd smirked as he mounted his steed, a chopper bike. The automaton Osian had used was carefully placed on his back seat, treated like a precious trophy.

"Let's go, boys! With everyone else weakened, now's our chance for the Steel Fist gang to rule District 49! From now on, everything in District 49 will be decided by automaton battles!"

"Yeehaw! That's our leader!"

"Battle! The age of battles is coming!"

"Anyone who doesn't listen, prove yourself in an automaton battle!"

Gerd departed first, followed by his executives and subordinates. The Steel Fist gang disappeared beyond the wasteland. There was no one left to hinder them. The affairs of District 49 were now concluded.

Perhaps because the tension had eased, Don Quixote let out a sigh he had been holding back.

"Is it finally over?"

Osian didn't hastily answer that question. Over, you ask?

'No. Perhaps, this is just the beginning.'

"Good heavens. Am I dreaming right now?"

Upon returning to the Rat Hole, Mark's face looked as if he had encountered a ghost.

"I can't believe you really made it back alive."

Although he had wished them luck when they left, how many people could actually fulfill such wishes?

Moreover, the number of people returning was different from when they left. Two more people and one horse had been added. One of them was so thoroughly wrapped in a blanket that it was questionable whether they were human.

"Why? Surprised?"

Mark chuckled at Osian's question.

"Of course not. Welcome back safely. Except for that guy."

Mark showed his middle finger to David, who was waving at him. David chuckled at the sight. It was his own way of expressing friendship toward an old friend.

Guided by Mark, they came outside to be greeted by the open abandoned village. David was so delighted by the scenery of the dilapidated area with its jumbled buildings that he didn't know what to do.

"How should I put this? It feels strange. Maybe it's because I've been in dusty environments for so long. I never thought I'd miss this damp air."

After being in an environment full of sand, returning to this dark and dreary world made it hard to know whether to be happy or sad.

"Now, what are you going to do?"

David asked. From the moment they left District 49, Osian had essentially completed his mission.

At those words, Don Quixote's body trembled slightly. He too realized it was time to part ways.

Osian pondered for a moment before asking Don Quixote.

"Are you in a hurry? Do you need to return immediately because of your severe injuries or something?"

"This kind of injury is nothing. The first aid is done, so I'm fine."

"Is that so?"

Osian smiled and said.

"Then let's go have a meal together."

"...Are you serious?"

"We're comrades, aren't we? And I happen to have someone I want to introduce you to."

Don Quixote's hesitation wasn't brief.

"Of course I'll go! Aren't we fellow knights! Hahaha!"

"...So that's why you came here?"

Ronan Roland was quite taken aback by the guests Osian had brought without warning. It wasn't that he didn't know anything. Rather, after hearing the whole story from Osian, his head became even more complicated.

"Hmm. So that person is..."

"Knight Don Quixote."

"Ah, yes, yes. Mr. Don Quixote. A name very similar to the protagonist of that famous old romantic tale."

"Not similar, I am him."

"Hohoho. Well. What an interesting person has come. And the person next to you is..."

"Nice to meet you, friend! I'm Neo! An automaton!"

Neo, who had unwrapped his blanket, said while raising his hand high.

"Ah, yes, yes. Mr. Neo. Pleased to meet you. I never dreamed that a living, moving artificial intelligence automaton would actually exist."

After being introduced to the two, Ronan spoke with his fingers interlocked.

"Hohoho. Osian. I'm feeling quite embarrassed right now."

"Hmm. Speaking lies without even wetting your lips. Truly a dangerous specimen. Is he really your partner?"

"What an interesting friend!"

The contrast between Don Quixote, who was wary of Ronan, and Neo, who found him fascinating, was quite remarkable.

"Haa. I'm too tired to argue anymore. Well, since Osian hasn't been doing this kind of thing for just a day or two, it would be funny to be surprised at this point."

Ronan wiggled his interlocked fingers. Having heard the news that Osian had brought guests, Loraine, Diolan, and Ena were peeking from beyond the staircase leading to the second floor.

"But more than anything else, why did you bring Neo here?"

Neo was the mission itself that Osian had undertaken. More precisely, the mission was handed over from Basilio.

Although Osian had successfully completed the mission given to a top-grade fixer, Ronan could read some other intention in the current situation.

"As expected, you know everything without me saying it."

"Osian. You don't mean..."

To Ronan's words, Osian nodded and said.

"My mission was to find Neo. The mission was essentially complete the moment I found him. So now, I need to accept a new mission."

His gaze turned toward Don Quixote.

"Would you like to request a mission from me?"