As the last remnants of the day dissipated, Carla approached Candy, a sly smile playing on her lips. The dim glow of the den accentuated the shadows that clung to Carla's figure.

"Good work," Carla remarked, her voice a low murmur laden with satisfaction. "You're proving to be quite an asset to us."

Carla's discerning gaze lingered on Candy as they retreated to a quieter corner of Marco's den, away from the prying eyes and lewd whispers that dominated the main lobby.

"So, how was your first full day in Marco's paradise?" Carla inquired, her voice a conspiratorial murmur.

Candy offered a knowing smile. "Eventful, to say the least. The clientele here is... diverse."

Carla chuckled, acknowledging the nuances of the environment they navigated. "You handled it well, though. The outfit certainly have an impact."

Carla's gaze bore into Candy, studying her with a keen intensity. "Tell me, Candy, any notable encounters or pieces of information obtained in the lobby?"

Candy's lips curled into a practiced smile as she began recounting the day's events. "The day went as usual. Lewd comments, suggestive remarks. A few whispered conversations here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary."

Carla nodded, acknowledging the expected repertoire of a server in Marco's den. "And the interaction with the two girls? How did that play out?"

Candy hesitated, then decided to reveal a carefully crafted narrative. "They're competitive, as expected. One of them tried to assert dominance, but I played my part."

But after saying that Candy's demeanor softened, recalling the shared histories and camaraderie that had unfolded during their interaction. " They're also different, Carla. We clicked, talked about our pasts. Made me feel like I belonged."

Carla's scrutiny intensified, assessing the significance of this newfound camaraderie. "Good," she nodded approvingly. "Relations can be your greatest strength in times to come."

Carla's feature then expressed a subtle hesitation underlying her expression. "They're outcasts among the other girls, like you. A bit rough around the edges, but loyalty matters more than appearances here."

The notion of being an outcast resonated with Candy, offering a peculiar comfort in the midst of this seedy underworld. "I liked them. They felt real."

Carla's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Sometimes, authenticity is a rare find in this den. You've got a good eye for it, Candy."

As the conversation unfolded, Carla broached the idea of forming a cohesive group—Candy, alongside the two female gang members. "What do you think about the three of you sticking together, completing tasks as a group?"

Candy considered the proposition, the unspoken understanding of solidarity weaving its threads. "Sounds good to me. We can watch each other's backs."

Carla's nod conveyed a sense of approval. "You three are outcasts, but in unity, you'll find strength. It's reassuring to see you embracing that."

Candy felt a burgeoning connection, a newfound sense of belonging among these outcasts who had become allies in a world teetering on the edge of shadows. As they solidified their pact, Carla leaned in, her voice said.

"Tomorrow, you'll have a new task. A bit more intricate than serving drinks. I trust you're ready for it?"

Candy met Carla's gaze, determination gleaming in her eyes. "Absolutely."

The echo of Sunday's reverie resonated with a sense of inevitability, as Candy realized that her journey into this underworld was a perilous expedition with no clear path back.

As they parted ways, the echoes of the conversation lingered in the dimly lit den, hinting at the unraveling underworld machinations that awaited in the days to come.