The last song of the ancestors

Spin Bomb, Akachi and Prince Happy returned to Okafor's store in the late afternoon. They reported that someone had died. The journalist and digital influencer called a funeral company to transfer the cameraman's body. He shouted into his smartphone: the funeral home didn't want to go to Chrome Hill with its helicopter.

Old Okafor was angry at having lost his hydro-tuned buggy. At the same time, he was relieved that the pair hadn't died. But he couldn't help charging for the damage. His commission would increase. He smoothed his palms and, with a grim look on his face, said:

"Hohohoho, your percentage will decrease. You know, choom transport destruction rate."

"What? But you came, so we'll never raise enough money to get into Ilu Nla."

Prince Happy could hardly believe his ears. Two mercenaries from a favela wanting to enter the metropolis. They had no idea of the difficulties they would face.

"You want to enter Ilu Nla? Only illegally, sweethearts! Every day people are purged from the city. Only wealthy people or renowned scientists have visas to enter. Those who try to immigrate in the shadow of the state, well, they meet a bitter end."

"What are the chances of sneaking in, Prince Happy?"

"Well, getting in like that isn't impossible, my friend Okafor. It is, however, very difficult."

Prince Happy explained in detail the ways of illegal immigration, and their risks. One of these ways was via the coast, more precisely via the Conch Bay. Ilu Nla's territorial waters were guarded by two aircraft carriers. The Navy and the Coast Guard watch the sea day and night, making any infiltration difficult.

Another way was by river. Two rivers flowed from nearby mountains and cut through the city. To reduce the risk of flooding, pipelines were built throughout history to drain the water safely. It was an unsafe and rat-infested place. A lot of garbage was thrown into the pipes, leaving some areas clogged.

Barrier systems and grids had been set up to retain the garbage thrown in by the communities, which made the crossing too dangerous. Individuals invading Ilu Nla through the pipelines were likely to drown in one of these waste containment barriers.

The third, and most plausible of all, was a clandestine fighting tournament. It took place underground and was sanctioned by the Ilu Nla authorities. It was organized by one of the three members of the Phalanx. The tournament guaranteed the winner a way up to the metropolis and a contract with the Armed Forces.

"Wait, what's the Phalanx?"

"Akachi, you look like a noob at everything, my little love. The Phalanx is a group made up of the current ruler's best cyber soldiers. It's the army's elite. They have been genetically enhanced so that they are not dependent on combat drugs. They have the best armor, with built-in laser weaponry and drones guided by brain waves."

The young amnesiac's eyes lit up. There was a way into the city, and with the permission of the Army's top brass. To do so, the bidders had to face a series of deadly battles. It was a challenge, no doubt. However, the goal of returning to his father was stronger.

"I wanted to try!"

"Really, Akachi? Didn't you hear what the Happy Prince said? In your current state, you'll die in the first round. Besides, the tournament isn't what you think. There are bets involved. If the house matches the outcome, they'll probably do everything they can to kill you."

"Okafor, I need to find my father again. I know he's out there in the metropolis somewhere. We were separated, I've lost my memory. But my connection with him remains strong. I feel that he's looking for me too."

"I don't agree, Akachi. You're too naive. Don't get too emotional! You don't even have a cybernetic implant, nor do you have any fighting skills. You can't even shoot. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to discourage you. I know how important family is. But don't act without thinking."

Prince Happy put the back of his left hand under his chin and watched Akachi frown. He rolled his eyes. He hated to see such a cute young man die. But it could be fun. He smiled inside.

"Listen, my sweet. There's a man called Tuponili. He's a fighter manager. He's not on my list of best friends, but he is an acquaintance of mine. It was through him that I got to know the world of illegal fighting in the city's underground. The tournaments are quarterly. And the next one won't be for another two months. If you want to risk your life on this move... tell him the Happy Prince recommended it. Take this brooch in case he doubts your word. Don't lose it!"

"I'll take part in the next tournament, thank you, Mr. Happy Prince."

Akachi took the brooch from the Happy Prince and put it in his jacket pocket. Then he looked at Okafor and said:

"I know my pay will be cut. I don't want Credibits, tell me, can I get my pay in equipment?"

Okafor raised an eyebrow. It was a strange request for someone who lived without money.

"Well, yes. What caliber do you want?"

"I don't want a firearm. I want a pair of sticks."

"Sticks?"

Okafor scratched his temple with his metal fingers. He turned and walked through the door at the back of the counter. He rummaged through several boxes inside. He returned with a steel case containing padlocks with biometric readers. After confirming his fingerprint, the locks opened.

Inside the case, in a padded velvet case, were two polished sticks with a bluish-gray sheen. The rubberized handles had small removable braided straw straps. Okafor took one of them and showed it to those present.

"These are sticks made from a metal alloy of electro-coated steel and tungsten. It's ten times stronger than titanium. Light as a feather. If you turn the handle counterclockwise, the tip emits an electroshock discharge. Don't worry about a battery or anything, this little beauty uses a photothermal recharging system. All you have to do is shine a little sunlight or any source of ultraviolet light on it and it recharges."

Okafor turned the handle clockwise and the electrocution stopped. The reflection of the batons appeared in the lenses of his glasses. It hid the spiral glow around his pupils.

"Wouldn't it be more useful to have an anti-material rifle or perhaps a machine gun, Akachi?"

"I don't like firearms, Happy Prince."

"Ah, but you'll need it after the Fourth Estate finds out what they did to Ata's little brother."

Okafor felt a strange foreboding. Swallowing dryly, he asked the pair of mercenaries:

"What the fuck did you guys do up there?"