"Why would he need to find a teacher at this hour?" Diane's friend mumbled, grabbing a drink from the vending machine as well.
On autumn field trips, teachers usually stayed nearby to keep an eye on students, as accompanying them to sightseeing spots and hot springs was a perk for everyone involved. They, along with the staff, stayed close to the student quarters.
While heading back to their room, Diane found herself, as if by some mysterious impulse, taking a little detour and peeking out into the hall.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Her friend pulled her away complainingly, and Diane playfully dodged. She scanned the empty corridor room outside and muttered to herself strangely: "Where did Logan go? How did he disappear so fast?"
"You are so nosy..."
Just as Diane was about to turn back, a figure appeared in the distance.
"Is that…"
"Wow, it's the president of the travel club!" Her friend's eyes sparkled as she grabbed Diane's arm excitedly.
The student who emerged from around the corner was tall and slender, walking with a graceful, steady confidence that only came from experience. She had a beautiful face with a somewhat aloof air that made her seem hard to approach. She was alone, carrying a folder, radiating an elegance that combined subtle floral fragrance with a refined demeanor.
"Good evening, Senior."
Diane and her friend greeted her politely. The girl was Olivia, a senior in her final year, known as the president of the travel club and a driving force behind organizing this autumn field trip. Rumor had it she also came from a well-off family.
Olivia nodded slightly, "Good evening."
"Senior, are you here to see the teachers?" Diane's friend asked admiringly, clearly impressed by this senior's graceful and powerful aura.
Olivia glanced over their outfits, crossing her arms casually, which subtly highlighted her enviable figure. She tapped her folder lightly and said, "Just confirming tomorrow's itinerary with the teachers and staff, nothing too special… And you two? What are you doing out here?"
"We..." The friend winked at Diane.
"Oh, we just came out to look around a bit," Diane replied, a bit embarrassed. Students weren't supposed to leave the lodging area, and while Olivia was technically also a student, her position in the travel club gave her a certain authority.
Olivia didn't seem to mind, and simply reminding them, "Try not to go out casually" before turning to leave. She hadn't gone far when she was stopped again.
"Senior, excuse me… When you came by just now, did you happen to see a boy?" Diane asked, looking up with a gentle smile.
'Still a bit awkward with the height difference.' Diane thought, frowning slightly.
"No, I didn't," Olivia replied, looking puzzled.
"Oh, okay then ..."
"What happened? Is there something wrong?"
"Ah, no, nothing really." Diane waved her hands hurriedly.
…
Outside the main building, Logan moved quietly through the shadows, muttering to himself, "Manager's Office, Manager's Office..."
This hot spring inn was expansive and well-located, with prices and decor that clearly indicated its luxury. The place was a legitimate business, heavily used for cash flow, making it an ideal front for the Bear Head Group's operations.
Earlier, Logan had noticed a few intimidating-looking men with extensive tattoos hanging around the men's changing room, likely part of the staff or guests. Though the resort seemed normal on the surface, it clearly had hidden aspects not apparent to the average visitor.
Following a lead, Logan slipped out of the student lodging area and headed to the administrative building instead of leaving right away.
Now fully focused, he picked up his pace, not caring if any classmates happened to see him on his way out, knowing they wouldn't be able to keep up even if they tried.
The hot spring inn covered nearly half the mountainside, and while Logan kept his speed cautious to avoid the surveillance cameras, his stealth skills allowed him to reach the smaller admin building effortlessly.
Staying concealed in a corner, he waited until a staff member stepped out for a bathroom break. In a few swift moves, he subdued the unfortunate man, took his keys, and used Transformation Technique to take on his appearance.
Logan avoided unnecessary risks, as he knew using any flashy moves around others could expose him. With the floor mostly empty after office hours, he simply wandered along the row of offices, flashlight in hand, checking various rooms until he found some records linked to the Bear Head Group.
He confirmed several details from Damian's intelligence, and even peeked into the security room to check the camera footage. Satisfied that there were no issues, he retraced his steps back to the bathroom.
After waking up the dazed staff member, Logan quietly slipped away, leaving no traces… or if there were any, they seemed 'natural'. If anyone found the slight oddities later, it would be up to the poor staff member to figure it out.
The Bear Head Group had taken over several Blue Gang territories in Napa, and while Damian's instructions were to 'test the waters' there, any chance to cause them trouble was considered a bonus.
Logan took the opportunity to capture a few photos of incriminating 'evidence of friendships' he'd found, just for good measure.
After climbing over the wall to the outside, Logan walked through the bustling nightlife, and flagged down a taxi. The day-to-night temperature drop was sharp, especially in this mountainous area.
Standing at the roadside, he breathed into the cold air, watching his breath fog until the green-lit taxi pulled over, and he quickly got inside.
Lowering the hood of his black sweatshirt, Logan looked back at the darkened mountain and the twinkling lights of the resort in the distance.
Soon, taller buildings and vibrant neon lights replaced the mountainside scene. He couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic for the hot springs and tatami mats.
While others enjoyed a warm night indoors, playing cards or deep in romance, he was out in the cold earning a living.
'Not having to worry about money sure was enviable.'
"Sigh… only a fool would be out in this freezing weather."
…
"It's so boring, who wants to stay cooped up in a room like a fool?"
Inside, the heater continuously pumped warm air, and students gathered around a makeshift table. Under the bright fluorescent lights, David tossed down his cards in frustration after yet another loss.
"Enough with the whining." One of the boys said, waving away David's complaints and promptly sticking a slip of paper on his forehead.
David looked around at the cheerful group with a hint of resentment. Today, his luck had been nowhere in sight. Not only had the hot spring plan failed, but he'd also lost every single round of cards. By now, his face was almost entirely covered with 'penalty' slips.
It was just after 8 p.m., and although everyone was a bit worn out from the day's activities, most of the sophomore class had already recharged and were full of energy again.
In the casual atmosphere and long evening hours, some outgoing girls had even sneaked over to join the boys' card games.
Whispers and rumors about who confessed to whom, or who had been seen walking together earlier, spread through the room, adding to the buzz of excitement. With hormones running high, sleep was the last thing on anyone's mind.