On this particular day, Professor Rebecca and Sai embarked on a crucial patrol mission alongside the latest addition to the Crime Patrol team, Linda outside of the school grounds. Their destination was a troubled neighborhood called Ankara just beyond the school's borders.
Usually, their other member Akane would join them as well. But she had been called away on urgent business with the covert Ritter Diva group she was also part of. Ritter Diva worked privately behind the scenes to maintain peace and order in the city.
As the four walked through the worn-down streets of Ankara, Linda looked around cautiously. "I've heard this neighborhood has a really bad reputation for gangs and thugs being active," she commented nervously.
Sai nodded grimly. "Yes, that's unfortunately true. And a big reason we wanted to patrol here. The crime rates in Ankara have gotten out of control, with muggings, vandalism, and more. The people here need help that they're just not getting from officials."
However, Sai had an ulterior motive for suggesting this location beyond just its high crime rates. He specifically remembered this area being the site of major events that took place in the otome game he had experienced. Though the game's world was different from reality, Sai hoped exploring Ankara might trigger some of those key events to happen once more. He was silently keeping an eye out for any signs of the prophesied occurrences.
The group walked slowly, observing their surroundings sharply for any criminal activity. It wasn't long before Linda spotted a man grab a lady's purse and take off sprinting down the street. "Stop, thief!" Linda shouted as she raced after him. Her athletic training allowed her to quickly catch up to the mugger and tackle him to the ground. After subduing him with her martial arts skills, she retrieved the purse and returned it to the grateful woman.
"As expected, crime runs rampant here without serious intervention," Linda remarked once she rejoined the group. "The police barely even patrol, allowing thieves to run amok."
Professor Rebecca sadly nodded in agreement. "You're right, the officials have mostly neglected this area. Smuggling and corruption have become commonplace as a result. Most ordinary citizens are too afraid to even walk these streets."
As the patrol continued, Sai reflected on how random street encounters and events seemed to happen frequently whenever he went out on missions like this. He suspected it might be related to a phenomenon sometimes referred to as a "hero's flag." Essentially, heroes and those with noble causes tended to naturally attract more incidents and adventures along their journeys.
Possessing the divine Qilin bloodline, Sai believed himself to be sufficiently qualified as a fated hero capable of setting in motion such narrative flags. The presence of Professor Rebecca by his side likely played a contributing role, considering her status as one of the heroines within the Otome game.
Between the two of them, they gave off enough of a "heroic" aura to attract attention from both allies and enemies. Sai remained alert, patiently waiting to see if this patrol would lead to any significant encounters or breakthroughs related to the game event.
As the group continued their patrol, they unexpectedly stumbled upon a makeshift outdoor market in the heart of Ankara. The vibrant colors of various stalls caught their attention, and Sai couldn't help but notice the delicious aroma of street food wafting through the air.
"Hey, guys, how about a quick break?" Linda suggested, eyeing a stall selling what appeared to be giant, rainbow-colored cotton candy.
Professor Rebecca smiled, "Why not? We could use a little breather."
As they approached the cotton candy stall, the vendor, a cheerful elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, greeted them warmly. "Ah, welcome, welcome! I've got the best cotton candy in all of Ankara. Guaranteed to brighten your day!"
Linda couldn't resist and purchased one of the massive, rainbow-flavored cotton candies. Sai and Professor Rebecca followed suit, each choosing a different flavor. The trio ended up with an assortment of cotton candy that could rival a carnival.
As they indulged in their sweet treats, Sai couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn of events. "Who would've thought we'd find such a delightful market in the midst of all this chaos?"
Just then, a mischievous-looking street performer approached, juggling colorful balls and doing acrobatic tricks. He grinned at the group and said, "Greetings, brave patrollers! How about a little entertainment to sweeten your day?"
Without waiting for an answer, he began a comical routine, incorporating exaggerated movements and silly antics. The group couldn't help but smile widely, momentarily forgetting the seriousness of their mission.
As the street performer concluded his act with a dramatic bow, Linda handed him a piece of her cotton candy. "For adding a touch of humor to our day!"
The street performer happily accepted the sweet gesture, and with a cheerful wave, he disappeared into the lively crowd.
The unexpected encounter left the group in high spirits, and they continued their patrol with newfound energy. As they walked away from the market, Sai couldn't help but feel that perhaps the "hero's flag" had a sweet tooth.
Sai and his companions were continuing their patrol through the streets of Ankara when suddenly a loud, explosive blast rang out nearby. They immediately stopped in their tracks, exchanging alarmed looks.
"What was that?" Linda asked worriedly.
"It sounded like it came from just a few blocks away," Professor Rebecca observed, already moving in the direction of the noise. "We should hurry and investigate!"
The group quickly made their way towards the source of the commotion, weaving through small crowds of nervous onlookers along the way. As they turned a corner, the scene of the blast came into view - a crater-filled alleyway billowing smoke.
