The Down Market: Manga! Issue #2

In the heart of St. Ant City, life at the Downtown Rand Building residency and Lab hums with the relentless pace of technological innovation and academic rigor. Li and Fahim, newcomers to the city, have been engrossed in their tech studies and quizzes, navigating the high stakes of the Students and Next Gen program. Meanwhile, locals Serafina and Landon, who reside off-campus—Serafina in an apartment with her siblings and Landon at his parents' home—bring a deep connection to the vibrant city life that pulses just outside their classroom windows.

Despite the dynamic energy of the city, Li and Fahim’s first week has been intensely focused on academics. However, Li’s curiosity extends far beyond her studies. She’s been digging deeper into the elusive Los HEX gang, driven by their unsettling encounter during the scavenger hunt three weeks ago. Ever since that day, Li has noticed something strange—none of the other students seem to remember what happened, as if the incident had been wiped from their minds entirely. The police have dismissed the gang as an urban legend, ignoring the group’s activity and leaving their filed reports to gather dust.

Li's research paints a far more troubling picture. She’s beginning to suspect that the Los HEX gang has harnessed Chaos technology to erase people’s memories, either temporarily or altogether, which could explain why law enforcement hasn’t pursued the case. This emerging pattern of forgotten encounters fuels Li’s obsession, making her determined to uncover the truth behind the gang’s growing influence.

She’s also leaned heavily on Landon for support—one of the few who seems to remember the gang's attack clearly. His connection runs deeper, stemming from his experiences in the underground street racing scene where whispers of Los HEX are commonplace. Landon has witnessed the gang using strange devices during these races, technology that seems capable of manipulating the minds of those around them. His insights confirm Li’s suspicions, making him an invaluable ally as she pieces together the true extent of Los HEX’s reach. Together, they form a quiet alliance, driven by a shared resolve to understand the chaos surrounding this mysterious group that operates under the radar of the city’s authorities.

Eager to take a break from their rigorous routine, Landon and Serafina decide to introduce Li and Fahim to a cherished local tradition—Hot Donuts! (also known as The Original Donut Shop). Since 1954, this beloved spot on Fredricksburg Road has been a beacon in the community, known for its iconic neon red "HOT DONUTS!" sign and the famous toasted bean and cheese tacos. This isn’t just a casual visit; the team has an extra motive: securing a Mega Heart Donut for Headmaster Kathy to score some much-needed brownie points.

"Why do they call it Hot Donuts then?" Li asks as they drive to the shop in Landon’s acid green BMW convertible. Serafina laughs, "¡No seas tonta, no voy a reconocerte como mi amiga! Hay cosas que no se cuestionan, solo disfrutas de lo bueno, ¡por Dios!" (Don’t be dumb, I won’t acknowledge you as my friend! There are things we don’t question, we just enjoy the goodness, Jesus Christ!).

Upon arrival, the shop is bustling with a mix of regulars, from blue-collar workers to night-shift nurses, all drawn to the early morning warmth of tacos and donuts. Landon and Serafina split up to tackle the sacred lines—one for tacos, the other for donuts. Meanwhile, Li is lost in her Holo-Projector Watch, continuing her research on the gang.

Suddenly, the peaceful routine is shattered. Jorge, a notorious member of Los HEX known from Landon's racing days, brazenly enters the shop. With a sly smile, he uses a mind-wipe device embedded in his contact lenses, compelling a staff member to hand over food, cash, and, most importantly, the coveted Mega Heart Donut meant for Headmaster Kathy.

Seeing their carefully planned mission unravel, Li jumps into action. In a daring move, she punches Jorge, snatching the donut back from his grasp. She screams as the pain from the punch radiates through her hand, but her eyes catch something critical—Jorge’s colored pupils sparking and fading to normal. Realizing the mind-wiping tech is embedded in his contacts, she quickly grabs one, hoping it will aid her ongoing research into the gang.

The scene erupts into chaos. Landon yells, "Let's move!" as they sprint back to his BMW. They throw the stolen cash back to the Hot Donuts staff and secure the Mega Heart Donut. But the moment they turn to leave, they’re met with the shouts of Los HEX gang members storming into the shop. “That’s Jorge’s Donut!” they yell, drawing their guns and launching into pursuit.

A high-speed chase ignites through the neon-lit streets of St. Ant City, with Landon’s expert driving keeping them just ahead of their pursuers. Tires screech, engines roar, and the BMW weaves through traffic with razor-sharp precision. Despite Landon's best efforts, the chase leaves his car battered and in desperate need of repairs, but the team manages to escape, the gang left behind in a cloud of dust and defeat.

Back on campus, they present the Mega Heart Donut to Headmaster Kathy, finally securing the brownie points they sought. As they catch their breath, the group reflects on their wild morning—a thrilling blend of donuts, danger, and newfound camaraderie. They’ve not only retrieved the donut but uncovered deeper truths about the city and themselves. They’re more united than ever, and with the stolen contact lens in hand, they have the first tangible clue to understanding the true power of Los HEX. The city feels less like an urban myth and more like a looming reality, with each new day promising another adventure in St. Ant City.