《Dungeon City Vanskoria》 Prologue 1 New year had pass behind for two weeks. Smiles from fireworks already withered, replaced with hard reality of ordinary days of works or study. Responsibilities never had holidays nor would wait for a brief of time. It was the meaning of life for us humankind, to be breathing and alive. Rain has been through since sunrise, with several thunder clapped on distance away. Slow morning for everyone, with street less crowded unlike the usual. But for certain girl in a taxi, this day was her special day. She has just finished her first lesson when an official message from the guild came in. A potential partner for her has requested an interview right away. After getting a permission from her teacher, she called a taxi from her high school and now they on the way toward the guild. The taxi drove in reasonable pace under the rain that pouring the city of Vanskoria. An old name for a modern city, which not that surprising since the city itself were founded nearly 300 years ago. Even now everyone could still saw the remnant of the old age in the building architecture. ¡°It¡¯s rather weird to have rain in these days.¡± said the taxi driver. The girl just smile politely. Her gaze shifted toward the scenery outside where the gentle rain has brought certain color in her heart. A moment later her phone rang, her beloved sister called her. ¡°Hello dear sister.¡± Her soft voice answered sweetly. -Is it true? You have an interview offer?- ¡°Yes, i¡¯m on the way to the guild.¡± She said with a little smile. -So soon? Are you sure? Should i go there right now? I mean your last interview was a bit mess.- The girl pondering for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m okay sister. It¡¯s a sudden request to meet right now so i can not be late.¡± -If you said so. Talk to me later okay?- ¡°Later.¡± Just when she cut the call, a message came to her phone. She did not have many friends in the school so she already know who message her. Unni!! I heard you went to the interview! Why you did not called me!! It¡¯s from Song Yae, the only classmate that would talk to her casually. The other tends to ignore and stay away from her. Is he handsome? From what family? Kyaaa my Unni is getting enggange! Smiled at how her friend hype, she wrote back to calmed her. I am still on taxi, will contact you later. I just hope he is a decent guy, nothing more. Unni is always like that! You should asked a prince for your partner! Another smile, another color on her heart. She would rather welcomed a decent man with decent personality rather than a wealthy and handsome man with trashy attitude. Those combination would bring chaos for his surrounding and would left another person to take care his trash. But for now she needed to hold her thought and just wait until she met him. For the rest of the trip she exchanged messages with song until her driver informed her that they had arrived. The taxi slowed down before pulled over in front of a government-like building. The girl came out with a red colored umbrella, quickly walk toward the entrance to avoid her coat drenched from the rain. Several men tilted their gaze, locked at the beautiful creature that passed them. Other, like a security in front office, offered her to take her coat. ¡°Thank you.¡± said the girl politely. Under her coat were a pair of long sleeve shirt and over the knee skirt, both with white color with a bold black stripes on the side. A golden and red emblem with flower ornament pin was all the identification she needed. Immediately everyone recognize the emblem and nodded with respect. It was an emblem of one the most prestigious high school in Vanskoria. ¡°How can i help you Miss?¡± said one of the front officer. He tried hard not to staring the tall girl in front of him too long. ¡°Yes, i believe i have appointment for this afternoon.¡± She said while took out her ID. A few second passed as the front officer check on his computer after confirming her ID. ¡°Yes, we have expecting you. Please proceed to 2nd Floor to the north corridor. Our staff would guide you from there.¡± She let a smile and took her ID back. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Miss Hana, Good luck with your interview!¡± The front officer smiled brightly. The girl¡¯s steps halted for a moment, before nodded politely again. Then she walked toward her designated room, where her future partner awaited. ¡­ ¡°Not so sunny day to start the week, but work is work.¡± said the bald man in suit. ¡°It won¡¯t finished by itself right?¡± he added with a smile, opening a door with a sign interview room and inviting Hana inside. ¡°Please sit down.¡± He pointed to the sofa, urging Hana to sat down. For a minute the bald officer gone to the back of the room, then came back with two cup of tea and a plate of cookies. After a brief of pleasantries he pulled out his tablet and change his face into business like attitude. ¡°I¡¯m not going to sugar coat things here Ms. Hanna.¡± He started. ¡°Both you, and your partner, should you decided to accept him of course, are not in favorable conditions.¡± The bald officer looked at Hana¡¯s face and sighed. She was a beauty, anyone could see that. Deep blue eyes that radiate intelligence, oval face with full lips that attract gaze to it. She was tall, with more than enough meat where the should stood out to make opposite gender charmed. But the most noticeable was her hair. It was pure silver, glittering under the light and looks so beautiful. Yet it was her hair that bring misfortune to her. ¡°Yes i understand my circumstances Mr¡­¡± her words trailed off. ¡°Call me Yang.¡± He answered. ¡°I know that sounds weird, but i have a bit of asian blood in me.¡± Hana tilted her head, a bit hard to believe what the bald officer said. He was big, brown colored skin, and his name is Yang. Dismissed any unnecessary thought, she nodded slightly. ¡°Like i said, i understand that my hair color bring bad luck for me.¡± Her gaze fell into the brown colored tea on the table. ¡°They said it bring misfortune and nastiness for the partner. That''s why many would called me the cursed child.¡± Yang lost of words for a moment. It was crazy that the girl itself would bring it up. When he read up her history before, he was kind of understand how she felt right now. Already 18 years old, the last 4 years filled with 8 broken interview, each potential partner withdrew when they saw her hair color personally. It¡¯s kind of unsettling that in modern days like this people still believe in superstition. But who was he to judge? Society followed it¡¯s own rules and even he alone could not swim across the river without drowned if he decided to refuses the rules. Coughing awkwardly, Yang decided to play it safe. ¡°You are a beautiful girl Ms. Hanna, with high intelligence to support that. I wish you would find the right path for yourself.¡± ¡°Thank you Mr. Yang.¡± She smiled. ¡°About my potential partner¡­¡± Again, Yang sighed. Her potential partner had even more troubles than she was. ¡°Yes, like i said before, the situation is not favorable. While yours and his mana compatibility rate exceeded 90%, Mr Leon, 16 years old, is a bastard child. He came from the cocoa plantation village to the south west.¡± He coughed again, his heart sank as he continued Leon¡¯s personal information. ¡°Because of that, he is a bit difficult on financial aspect. Also he has Hunter examination last year, which his final score barely passed for becoming a Hunter.¡± The cold rain outside became the only sound between them. As an officer, Yang saw hundreds of soul pairs every year. Everyone in this city who had compability rate above 75% had their ¡°the interview¡± going. A few, like a case in front of them, excel with above 90% rate. But he had never seen a pair which consisted a cursed child and a bastard child, even more so when one was so talented while the other was below average. He could not help but to felt worried in his heart. Unlike other young Hunter or Witch from normal background, a bastard did not have support from their family, something that will make huge difference in this world, both financially and privileges they desperately need. ¡°Speaking of which, he has just arrived and would be here shortly.¡± Yang said after he saw a message on his tablet. Hana felt her hand became colder when she heard it. She had mixed feeling about this interview. This was her last chance to be a pairing, someone who give support toward a hunter, her very own hunter. The other path was set if they failed to be a pairing. She would be sent by her family to be married off to a well establish hunter as a concubine if she lucky, or even worse, to be a mistress that held no status. A hard knock interrupted her train of thought. The door opened and a boy came in without waiting. ¡°I¡¯m sorry i''m late.¡± a voice which could be described as teenager ambiguous voice greet them. Hana turned her head when she heard the voices. Her eyes analyze the boy with careful stare. He has medium to tall height for boys, just a few centimeter higher than her. His auburn colored hair was long, tied on the back with simple rubber hair. The big grey eyes stared back at her, sending a chill on her back. Something was bothering her when she looked at him, but she could not understand what make it of it. Maybe his because his face looked dirty and sweaty, or maybe his black jacket and jeans already worn out. No, something else troubled her. ¡°Please sit down. Don¡¯t make the lady wait any longer.¡± Said Yang with a smile. The boy nodded. ¡°Einstein come here!¡± He said while holding the door. A cat suddenly came to the room with a short meow. Black colored fur with long tail and golden bell on it¡¯s neck. Hana¡¯s eyes widen in surprised when the cat suddenly jump into her lap, purring lightly, before closed it¡¯s eyes to take a nap. Hana blinked several times in confusion, looking to the cat owner for an explanation.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Ah, i¡¯m sorry, Einstein had a thing with beautiful girl.¡± said the boy with a grin. Yang scratched his bald head at the boy cringe attempt to flirt with the girl. Maybe it worked because Hana get a blush on her face right now. Following the flow, he decided to push it a little further on. ¡°I think we can started the interview right away.¡± He said while stand up. ¡°I will come back in two hours. Please enjoy the time together and i wish the best for both of you.¡± When the door closed hana felt both panic and flutter in her heart. No other her interviews before reached this stage. Usually her partner would came with their guardian, asked several question, then withdrawn with polite excuse. And now, she was left behind with a boy which she had to known him in two hour before deciding what to do with their future. ¡°Sorry about Einstein. He is being impolite like any other cat.¡± He said while sat down on opposite of her. ¡°Ugh, can i eat this? I¡¯m so hungry!¡± He said while pointing at the cookies. Hana startled by the question. ¡°Uhm, it¡¯s on the house i think.¡± She watched in awe as the boy took the plate and ate all the cookies like he was not eaten anything in three days. Seeing the behaviour in front of her she felt a tinge feeling of relieved. Hunter usually came from high class society, with much annoying etiquette and hard to follow demanding behaviour. This boy however, was down to earth attitude. Probably because he was a bastard child? Not knowing what it has to do with his attitude, Hana just shrugged off her own thought. ¡°Slow down please, no one going to take the cookies away.¡± said Hana with smile. The boy gulped the cookies, then drink the tea in front of him before pointing Hana¡¯s tea cup with a gesture wanted to drink it. And before she could answer, he casually took the cup and drink it. Hana failed to process the whole things. She just stared blankly toward the boy. ¡°Name is Leon. Nice to meet you beautiful.¡± He with a carefree smile. Snapped from her thought, Hana put a wry smile to answer him. ¡°My name is Hana. Funny to meet a boy like you Leon.¡± ¡°Man, no boy.¡± He snorted. ¡°Any man, gentleman, would give his lady a sweet introduction, not indulges himself in gluttony world and give her a disturbing sight.¡± Replied Hana in flat tone. Leon gave a confused looks before the girl pointing at her empty cup. ¡°You did not ask and just left the lady thirsty. What a man you are.¡± The boy¡¯s lips cramped when he looked at Hana¡¯s face. ¡°S-Sorry.¡± And after a few second he added. ¡°Please don''t smile like that. You are scary.¡± ¡°Oh you learn your lesson fast. Never upset a beautiful girl, they tend to take it personally.¡± Said Hana, still with devilish smile on her face. Einstein woke up at the right timing. Stretching his paw and yawning, then jumped to the table to find the cookies has long gone. Staring at his owner with accusing looks, he decided to sat on the table and start to lick his paw. ¡°What an adorable cat!¡± Said the tall girl while get up. ¡°Not like his owner though.¡± She added ¡°He just following me around and causing trouble. He is a rude cat y¡¯know.¡± replied Leon while yawning. Hanna shrugged. ¡°Well, i guess he is his master¡¯s cat after all.¡± Then without saying anything else she went to the back of the room. Leon rolling his eyes in disbelief. He admit that he was being ridiculously stupid at giving first impression. Now that he had time to think, what should they do in this room? How the interview going? He knew nothing at all. He just knew that a match for his pair has shown up and they were scheduled to met here at this time. His heart skip a beat when he read her profile on the email. She was tall and beautiful girl, attending top high school and already finished her pair training. Hana popped from the back room. She wore an apron and carrying a spatula on her left hand. ¡°They have a full apartment set in here, including kitchen with few ingredient. I will cook something so you can function like a decent human being.¡± She said in cold tone. Now it¡¯s Leon turn to stare blankly toward the girl, no, the goddess in front of him. ¡°You don¡¯t want my cooking?¡± asked the girl with eyebrow knitted. ¡°NO! I want it! Please dear Goddess Hana! Please let me have a chance to taste your cooking!¡± said Leon while kneeling in front of her. Hana snorted. ¡°Yes, yes, stop with those puppy eyes.¡± She held a meaningful smile while turned to the kitchen. ¡°While you wait, go take a bath, you smell like chicken.¡± Leon snapped and started to sniff his jacket, before grimace in disgust. ¡°And leave your clothing behind, i will laundry them. They have this washing machine that could dry the cloth really fast.¡± said the girl from the kitchen. On the living room, Leon, 16 years old, felt his heart beating so hard that he afraid the will pop out. No girl had ever pampers him like this before. ¡­ Hana crunched on the kitchen, with her hand knocking her head in stressed manner. She felt her face was hot and her heart beat so fast. What¡¯s with cooking him and laundry his clothing? Is she his wife or something?!! What should she do next? Asking how many children should she bear for him? AAAHHGHHH!!!! ¡°Oh god, this is embarrassing.¡± She murmured. Her mind playing the self loathing song for a few moment when suddenly a croaked voice came from the bathroom. ¡°And he sing in the shower with that ugly voice? Really?¡± Fighting the urge to slammed her head to the table she woke up and continued her cooking. There was just enough ingredients to make a simple dishes for two, aside from the cookies for snack. A few minutes later Leon showed up from the bathroom. Using a bathrobe he stood aside the dinner table with a proud smile like a puppy that has done a excellent task from his master. Now his face already cleaned, he looks even younger than before. Hana chuckled. ¡°Get us something to drink please. Then sit like a good boy okay?¡± Like a good boy he is, Leon carrying Hana¡¯s order without objection. He watched her back while she was working. Her healthy looking hips behind that skirt, her back figure that resembling hourglass, and her long hair that sway around when she moves. Leon couldn¡¯t help but to gulping hard. She was beautiful, and she was potential pair for him. Is it true she would want to become his? Why would anyone did not wanted a girl like her? If it was him, he would snatched the girl at the first sight. For sure his little brother below agreed with him. Responded to his thought, his little brother decided to stood up when he catched a glimpse of back of her neck. Gulp Leon frantically hide his boner when Hana came to dinner table with a big bowl of spaghetti and a plate of vegetables mix. ¡°What?¡± She asked when saw Leon has strange looks on his face. ¡°N-Nothing. Just a bit unused just wearing bathrobe while eating. This looks so good by the way.¡± Ignoring the stupid answer, Hana took off her apron and sat down. Her eyebrow twitched when Leon already take his plate with fork to dig in the dishes. ¡°Stop! Sit properly and say thank you before you started. Manner on the table please!¡± Leon shuddered at Hana¡¯s scolding. It was something new for him who grew up freely, both in good and bad way. ¡°T-Thank you for the food.¡± He said awkwardly. Hana smiled. ¡°That¡¯s more like it. I¡¯ll take a bit and you can have the rest.¡± Again, the boy felt his heart beat a bit faster than usual and his chest felt warm. Rain was still pouring in mild manner outside, dyeing the city with lazy atmosphere. Hana stared at the pair wannabe who eat her cooking like it was the most delicious food in the world. Half her heart wanted to scold him again for rude manner he shown, but the other half enjoying the sight of some boy who purely enjoying something and not caring anything else. He really is still a boy doesn¡¯t he? Secretly chuckled in her mind, she ate her portion in her own pace. The initial embarrassment and question about what she was doing still remained in her heart. She tried to remember the lesson she had on her training day. Why she cared so much about him? Why he being hungry bothered her? A few seconds later something came in her memory and made her eyebrow twitched in discomfort. Maybe because of that huh? She muttered alone in her heart. Her hand pour a glass of water and put it in front of him. ¡°Calm down. You will choke if you eat too fast you know.¡± Leon took his glass and drink it in one gulp to finished his meal. ¡°Oh my god, i¡¯m stuffed!¡± He said while burped. Without thinking he raised his leg into the chair near him and reached his small shoulder bag to reach a cigarette. Only on the last second from lit his cigarette he felt something was wrong. On the other side off the table, Hana already stood up with her arms on her hips while held a cold and dark smile toward him. ¡°W-What? What did i do wrong?¡± When the smile turned even colder, it was that moment he knew, he fucked up. Ten minutes later Leon felt his head already hurt from too many bow toward the girl. Hana has been chew him out about manner like a mother scolded her son. ¡°The worst of all! You tried to smoke in this place?! This is public place! You will be fined if the found out!¡± That got Leon¡¯s attention above all else. His face paled when realize he has just dodge a bullet. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t know that! Oh goddess Hana you have just safe me!¡± He said earnestly, only to be met with Hana¡¯s death glare. ¡°Oh is that so? I preached that long and you thank me just for that?¡± Leon¡¯s lips felt cramped when he realize he just got another extra 10 minutes of scolding time. When the storm passed, Hana found herself loathing for her behaviour earlier. She went from a girlfriend mode then escalated quickly into wifey attitude before suddenly take turn into mother be-like in one go. She watched her potential pair doing the dishes for his punishment. Whats with this boy anyway? He had no manner, barely passed his test, rude, showing up late with smelly clothes. Why i care so much? Because this is ¡°the interview¡±? Finishing the dishes, Leon sat down in front of Hana awkwardly. Even he could felt the air was getting heavier, and the worst of it is that he barely understand what he is doing in here. For a moment both of them drown in their own thought. Finally Hana decided to break the ice. ¡°What are we doing here really?¡± Her question hang in the air. Leon felt the air getting even heavier as second passed by. He knew its time to get serious about this whole interview. ¡°H-How this interview supposed to be going anyway?¡± He asked. Frowning her lips, Hana answered. ¡°Odd question. Almost as if you did not know anything about this.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that i did not know.¡± He muttered. ¡°But i never formally received a hunter training so¡­¡± The answer caught Hana off guard. ¡°You never- but how?¡± Pondering a bit, Leon made a uncomfortable gesture. ¡°I¡¯m an unwanted child, mother is a mistress. When father did not want me we just lost everything. No right, no money, nothing. We desperately hang our hope to a mother old friend for living. From him i received training to be a hunter. But it¡¯s just some basic knowledge and skills.¡± Hana felt a sting in her heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. Must be hard for you.¡± ¡°Life is life, nothing good would come out if you just wait with open plate and silver spoon on your hand. You have to go out there and earn your own share.¡± He said with a shrugged. Those words got attention from Hana. ¡°What share are you looking for? Wealth?¡± She said carefully, clearly baiting him to bring something out from his heart. Crossing his hand on his chest, he made a confident grin. ¡°To make my own family name. I¡¯m unwanted child, i have no family name.¡± He shrugged his shoulder. ¡°So i thought i should make it my own. And in this town, the only way is to be the best Hunter.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± That was way above the the clouds dream. Hana felt it was impossible dream, but another sting was felt on her heart when she heard it. ¡°But to be a Hunter, i need a pair. And that¡¯s why i¡¯m here.¡± He added, still with grin on his face. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± She groaned. The confident grin from Leon made her uncomfortable. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why we have interview. We see the partner, we asked question, we answer, then we decided.¡± ¡°Oh i decided it already.¡± He answered quickly. ¡° Please tell me, what should i do to make you my pair?¡± That statement was like a big hammer destroying all Hana initial facade. Her lips were half open, clearly surprised beyond belief . Feeling her face getting hotter out of control she closed her mouth with her hand and decided to take tactical retreat. ¡°I-I think your clothing already dry. I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Without another words she escape to the bathroom and locked the door. ¡°Oh my god!¡± Mixed feeling sank in her heart. Between her screaming in silent and unspoken cursed words, Hana could felt unbelievable happiness creeping in the back of her mind. She was so close to achieve her dream. To be a pair, to support her own Hunter. All she needs to do was say yes. Hana slumped on the floor. Hugging her knees, her mind wandered toward the buzzing washing machine. His clothes were already done for some time ago, yet she felt reluctant to take it out. No, i cannot make decision based on my own feeling. That¡¯s not how i do things in my life. Huffed hard, she woke up and start doing what she need to do. Now with much more better determination and clear head. In the dining table Leon felt his heart throbbed with confusion, anxiety, and a bit of guilt. Did i mess up somewhere? Why she just run away like that? Not understand what the women wants, Leon ruffling his long hair in frustration, which only made his slightly wet hair tangled. When Hana came out from the bathroom, their eyes meet each other only to find awkwardness has spreading between them. Hana coughed. ¡°Sorry about that. Your clothes already dry. Go change and then we can¡­ talk.¡± She smiled wryly. ¡°Yes, we need a lot of talk.¡± Leon who knew no other way just nod and make his way toward the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, the silver haired girl looking around the dining table. She never noticed it before. How boys were naturally untidy and just clumsy in the kitchen. The chair that just left as they were after used. The bag and it¡¯s content which spread on the table. And the how wet around the sink because the water just scatter around when he washed the dishes earlier. It¡¯s annoying and cute at the same time, she thought. Suddenly her mind distracted by Einstein''s meow under her feet. His golden eyes glowing with plead looks. ¡°You are hungry are you not?¡± She said while petting him. His soft fur trigger some happy feeling on her. Hana made two cups of coffee and fed Einstein with some left over meat. Watching the small creature eating with such vigor reminds her of his owner. ¡°Uh, please slow down little one. No one going to steal your meal you know.¡± And just like his owner, the black cat just ignored Hana with a snort and continued to eat greedily. Hana let out a sigh with wry smile. ¡°What a cat you are¡­¡± The two of them sat down with a cup of coffee in their hand. Leon put a decent result on ironing his cloth, a bit untidy but Hana said nothing. Or rather, she felt a bit of guilt not to iron it herself. ¡°Thank you for taking care of me.¡± He said while took a sip on his coffee. The taste a bit to acid for him, but it still better than his usual cup of drink. Hana waved her hand. ¡°It¡¯s may not what you think.¡± She took her cup with both hands, enjoying the warm heat from it. ¡°Let¡¯s talk before decide¡­ our future.¡± ¡°The interview is a special event that held by the guild for someone who qualified as Hunter or witch, to meet with their pair. Should they agreed each other, they shall proceed with the soul pairing process. From then on, they are going to be an inseparable pair, both for dungeon diving or ordinary life in this city.¡± Exchanging meaningful glance, both agreed that they really need to sit down and talk about it properly. Prologue 2 Ari held her coffee mug tightly, embracing it¡¯s warm feeling into her hands. Her deep blue eyes stick on the computer monitor in front of her, reading every words on it with so much concentration someone could muster with half brain already thinking her fluffy bed on her home. Her lips twitched in annoyance after she failed to understand the whole paragraph and have to re read it again. ¡°Glen, did you check on news a few minutes ago?¡± she asked her coworker besides her. ¡°What of it?¡± Glen answered in lazy tone. He was busy doing his work. Ignoring the reluctant in his tone, Ari just ask in monotonous tone. ¡°Did you see any terrorist attack destroying my university?¡± Glen stopped his work. He tilted his gaze toward the girl. ¡°No.¡± His brow furrowed. ¡°Did your homework make your brain lit on fire again?¡± ¡°You sure? How about plane crashed?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°Gas leak? Cult attack? Anything?¡± ¡°For God sake Ari! There is nothing happen! Just do your homework please and stop bothering me!¡± The blonde girl slumped on her chair. ¡°You are no fun Glen!¡± Glen rolled his eyes in disbelief and try to get back at his own jon. But not before reminded the cheeky girl that she had deadline for a cooking writing corner this afternoon. After hearing her cute scream of frustration, he back at his own work and start doing it with a smile. The Harmonica magazine was a small family oriented magazine that had been existed from the early 60ish. Located on small city Erin, Ontario, Canada, the company boasted to be the dream job for anyone that wishes live quietly far from big city, at least that was they said during the interview. Ariana Valentine, a young woman in her early 20, was a high school graduate when she becoming employee at this magazine. Pursuing her passion in writing world, she was stuck on the family related stuff. She always wanted to be a reporter, to report real stuff, real things that make the world turn around. ¡°Get a degree they said. It would be fun they said.¡± Ari mumbled in annoyance once again. She stuck in this company. No larger magazine or newspaper answered her application and the fact that her cv only consist of family oriented writing did not help at all. Last year her boyfriend gave her idea about getting a degree, which in a sense should make her cv a bit more attractive. She regret her decision right away after the first day. Not to mention her college debt, she was not the smartest girl during high school years. In short term, her life was stuck. ¡°Ari! Why are you still here?¡± Ari stretched her neck to see who called her. ¡°Jerry! What are you talking about?¡± Her gaze fixed on his new haircut. It¡¯s low cut with green and bright yellow combination like a fucking pineapple. ¡°Oh, nice hair by the way.¡± she said with a smirk. Hearing those compliment Jerry shone brighter with a glittering eyes and dazzling smile. He made a pose which make everyone could see his new haircut. Ari already regret her compliment earlier. ¡°And? Why are you here?¡± She asked while put down her mug. Jerry stop his ridiculous pose and quickly skipping his steps to get closer. His steps stopped when he saw her outfit. ¡°What a lovely new jeans you got there Ms. Ari. It really make your ass stood out.¡± ¡°Why thank you. Now please tell me what do you need for me?¡± ¡°Ashame your boyfriend not here to see it huh?¡± He said with a smirk. Ari¡¯s temple started to twitched in annoyance. ¡°Thanks for the reminder. Now what do you want? That¡¯s my third question jerry! Don¡¯t push me now!¡± ¡°Oh right!¡± Jerry snapped at her words. ¡°Ray Edmund is on the emma¡¯s show right now!¡± He said with much enthusiasm. Ari pondered for a moment. ¡°Ray Edmund?¡± ¡°My god this short memory girl! Ray Edmund! Godly abs! Devilish charm! Tight sexy ass!¡± Jerry half shouted to the blonde girl. Not knowing what the short man excited about, Ari just sat there while raised an eyebrow. Rolling his eyes in disbelief, Jerry put his hand on his hips. ¡°George Clooney with the body of Chris Evans? Did that got your attention now silly girl? ¡°OH!!¡± was all Ari could muster. Her eyes opened wide. ¡°Yes girl, good going brain bird for remembering a hot man like that.¡± ¡°Why did you not tell me sooner!!¡± now she practically screaming. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± she said while leaving the pineapple guy. Jerry slumped his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s it? You going to leave me just like that?¡± he said while mumbling in annoyance. Ari couldn¡¯t believe herself. How could she forgot about the show? The freakin show! Ray Edmund was the first Guild spokesman that not boring and rigid when talking to the public or press. The Guild has long known for their tight lips and closed society when the rest of the world asking question. People were hungry about information regarding how is life in the dungeon city of Vanskoria. They wanted to know how dungeon diving felt like, how the monster inside looked and how they fought it. And the charismatic guy even took it to another step up. Ray decided to stay in Los Angeles and works on several project that would promote the Guild. One of those steps were being a guest star on one of the most famous talk show, the Emma¡¯s Show. Ari turned her steps into the entertainment room where her old crew already waiting. ¡°Ari! Where the hell are you! We already waiting for ten minutes!¡± Said a tall dark brunette with slight british accent. Sheila has been her best friend since they came together on this company two years ago. ¡°Sorry hon, i¡¯m drowning on my homework.¡± Said Ari while sighed hard, trying hard to looks miserable. ¡°Come and sit here! But don¡¯t touch the meatballs, those are mine!¡± Another girl, with chubby cheek and swollen tummy, said after gulping down a rice cracker. ¡°For god sake Nina, I¡¯m not so petty to steal food from a pregnant lady.¡± said Ari with cheeky smile. Nina snorted. ¡°Said someone who stole my black forest last week!¡± ¡°You already ate a whole cake for yourself before that!¡± Said Ari in disbelief. ¡°Well me and my baby need extra nutritions you know!¡± Ari rolled her eyes. ¡°And please reminds me again what the nutrition you get from a cake? A damn ton of sugar?¡± Sheila laughing hard from the two banter before she realizing something. ¡°Hey where is Jerry?¡± Just after she asked, the door opened wide, with a pineapple came in. That pineapple brought a tray full of snack and diet coke. ¡°Thanks for waiting my lady. As always, it was me Jerry the butler that saving these young ladies for the danger of hunger.¡± All the woman in that room shouting in unison when they saw the food. Ari and Nina started their food fight immediately while Sheila helping Jerry put down the tray and let the small man sat beside her. ¡°Oh shut up now! It¡¯s gonna start!¡± said Jerry half shouting. Everyone turned into the 40 inch TV in front of them. The show started with a brief introduction about the Guild and the dungeon, but it¡¯s more like a teaser rather than information giving actually. After a another short opening by the show owner, their main guest finally make an entrance. A mix of loud applause and booing welcomed him as soon as he entered the stage. But Ray Edmund just walk in full confidence and perfect smile. He had good physique, staggering at 190 cm with compact muscle on chest without looking too much. When approaching mid 40ish a man usually started to look wither, but not for this man. He looked so fresh and full energy despite his hair started to dip in white color. On the contrary, it was part of his charm beside his half crooked smile. His green eyes shone with cool confident as he shook hand with Emma, the show owner. ¡°Dear god, he is so hot! Did you see his smile? I think i¡¯m going to melt!¡± Sheila sad with a sly grin. They started with the usual small talk about few things in life, about how he had to life outside Vanskoria, and how his family are doing. It was a standard set up that Ari had seen hundreds of times before. But there was something bothering her this time. Unlike her friends that kept cheering how handsome Ray is, she was fixed on something completely different. ¡°And after a short break we will back with more questions that everyone eager to get the answer. How is it life in the dungeon city of Vanskoria? Stay tune just after this!¡± Ari woke off from the couch and said she would get some hot tea. Sheila was tagging along and just ignored several plea of her friends that begging her to bring them some more snack. She found her best friend in the pantry, pouring a hot water into a mug. ¡°Hon, you okay?¡± Ari tilted her head in confusion. ¡°Sure i¡¯m okay. Why i wouldn¡¯t?¡± ¡°I saw how you reacted when you saw Ray on TV.¡± Sheila took a mug for herself. ¡°It¡¯s not that everyday we saw a Magus in our world. Did you found what are you looking for?¡± The blonde girl shaking her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think i understand what are you talking about.¡± ¡°You know you are not good at lying right? I know how you felt about Magus, i also know how one of them save you during your high school year.¡± Ari stopped her hand that just about put tea bag on her mug, her eyes opened wide as she stare the tall brunette with surprised looks. ¡°You told me by yourself.¡± She chuckled. ¡°About a year ago when your relationship fell apart, we had a drink and you started to sing about the greatness of magus and how ordinary men are trash.¡± ¡°I-It¡¯s just drunk talk.¡± Ari said awkwardly. Sheila just sighed hard and smiled wryly. ¡°If you said so. I¡¯m your bestfriend and not your mother. Just talk to me if you got any problem okay?¡± With that sentence Sheila took off from the pantry, leaving the confused girl alone. Ari felt miserable. It¡¯s not that she did not wanted to tell her best friend, but it¡¯s more like she did not know what she looking for. It¡¯s true that she put Magnus person in special place in her heart after she met one during holidays 5 years ago. She was 16 years old at that time, a fragile little girl with identity crisis like any other teenagers. Her childhood were filled with reading books, being a lone wolf, and uncaring for her personal looks. It was not until the puberty hit her hard that she started to looked at the mirror. She hated herself and decide to change during her junior year at high school. She went out more, catch on fashion, gossiping, and fishing for boys with her friends. But even after all changes she made, her inner self would still came and knocking on inside her heart. She wanted to be away from all the buzzing sound of daily life. So she did what her foolish heart said. On a day during mid summer holiday, she left her home for a small trips to recharges her mental strength.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. It was a start of her bitter sweet memories. Ari was a late bloomer. Her body developed much later than girl at her age. So when she was 16 years old her appearance were not that much different with 13ish old girl. Childish look, almost flat chest, underdeveloped hips, and a deadly innocence smile. While during her schooldays she could cover it up with uniform and light make up or hairstyle, during it¡¯s adventure she decided to be her true self once again. With a big glasses, loose t-shirt and baggy jeans she was set to her journey. It was a simple plan actually. There was a small woods just 150 km from her hometown and she was planning to get there by bus or ask someone to ride. Near the woods there was a tourist village, with inns and beautiful landscape as the background. She intended to spent a few days in one of those inns, just read books all day while enjoying a quiet atmosphere and a mixture of woods air. Long story short, a nice man took her with his car, they had nice chat along the road, even had lunch together. Next time she knew, she was tied on some sort of unused cabin on the woods. She never felt so much fear on her life after she realize what would happened to her when she saw the man across the room, already half naked with a disgusting smile. He was using an eerie pig mask, something that triggered her trauma later on every time she saw pig head. Fortune for her, somehow the chastity goddess still smiled upon her. With the last strength she could muster, she was able to escape from that cabin before he was able to do anything to her. Her luck ran out pretty quickly though. With bare feet and difficult terrain she was out of stamina and outpaced from the pig. Her scream were ignored as the man put several fist into her body and slaps on her face. Desperately struggle, the girl resist so hard until a big blow landed on her stomach, silencing her scream and struggle at once. This was the moment when all things got blurry and foggy on her memories. Between her faded consciousness, she barely remember that the pig pick her up on his shoulder. But not long after that came another man. With his fist he knocked the pig into a pulp. Their fight was intense but short lived with the pig got screwed so hard. She could even swear she hear something broken between his pathetic scream. Just before she fell asleep, she cursed the pig, hoping he can just die and tortured in hell. Few hours later she woke up on a sofa inside the cabin. Her clothes were gone, replaced by a clean big t-shirt that she couldn¡¯t recognize. Several bandages were wrapped on her body, foot, hands and head. She could smell both disinfectant and herb from them. A thick blanket also wrapped her body nicely. She wiched when she tried to move her body. Her body full of bruises and few scratches. Gave up the idea to move around, she lay back on the sofa and tried to be as comfort as possible. When a man suddenly showed up she almost screaming in terror, only to realize that this was the man who saved her. He put a bowl of chicken porridge and hot tea on the table before left without saying anything. In fact, the only voice he said during that night was she needs no worries about the pig and he would bring her to nearby hospital tomorrow morning. Strangely, she could believed those words and started to crying from the relieved feeling that suddenly filling her heart. The night passed slowly. Ari still laid on sofa beside the fireplace, unable to closed her eyes. Her gaze were fixed on her savior back who sat on the carpet across the room. Those back looked so strong and dependable. Half her heart screaming like a little girl because she saw her prince in shining armor. But her other half, the woman¡¯s part, were looking at him with concern. That back looked so lonely and wounded, inviting her to go there and hug him, just to held it together and make sure it was not broken into pieces. Ari snapped from her flashback. Sighed heavily while realizing that she put the tea bag too long and make her tea too thick for her taste. She made another cup of hot tea, this time she had to make sure not to mess up like last time. Now that i think about it, i still haven¡¯t found the tea from that time. She was always a tea lover. Even more so after she was saved back there. But after all this year, after hundreds of tea she drank, she would never coming back to the special taste of tea that she felt that night. She still remembered that rich raw taste of tea leaves that leave tasty after taste. She also remembered the smell and the color. But one thing she could not remembered at all is her benefactor face. No matter how hard she recalled that night, she could not remember his face. Only his back that stuck on her mind. That dependable yet fragile big back of his. Get a grip girl, no use think about it too much. Frowned, her thought back at her tea. When she got what she wanted, she went back to the entertainment room. Five years had passed since that accident. Now that she take a look at herself in the mirror, Ari could not find trace of that young girl from that time. Her petite body already grown so much that her friends from middle school barely recognize her anymore. Her shoulder length blonde hair was always had a natural curl, but in the hand of her hair stylish, it had a nice pattern and a touch of brownish color on the tip make it stood out even more. Her face and body proportion were developed so much and leave no childish look at all. Her breast grown to a decent size and shape, she had a curvy body line which, with a proper lingerie, drawn sexyness to the fullest. Her boyfriend put would gave her a huge perverted grin if she asked him on this matter. The second stich of Emma show were more interested than the first. While the topic was everyday life in Vanskoria city, everyone knew that the most exciting was about the social life on the city that has been rumored since forever, yet almost no one could deny nor giving affirmation about it. ¡°Now you know that i have to asked you this Ray.¡± Emma smiling playfully. ¡°But is it true that having more than one lover or partner is a common practice in Vanskoria?¡± Everyone shown different reaction toward the question. Ray put his best smile he could muster. He knew the question was coming. ¡°You have to ask it do you?¡± Emma, still with her playful smile, just shrugged her shoulder. ¡°Yes it is true. Multiple partner were common practice in Vanskoria.¡± His answered swallowed by the reaction from the audience. ¡°But! Let me explain it to you something¡­¡± ¡°In Vanskoria, we have different social structure from the world. We held old style system from the beginning of Vanskoria city and¡­ Emma, please don¡¯t put those scary smile okay.¡± Ray skilfully lowering the judgemental stare from the crowd and asked them to hear him first. ¡°Let me explain to you how the Vanskoria city works¡± Ray said still with his big smile on his face. The dungeon city pulse of life centered on the dungeon dive activity. Not all had the capabilities to dive into the dungeon. Those who had the capabilities were called Hunter and Witches. Male had tendencies to be a hunter who relies its ability to strengthening their physical power. On the opposite, female tends to be a witch, who had superior mana manipulation both in precision and concentration. ¡°So you are a hunter?¡± Emma asked Ray nodded. ¡°Yes, i¡¯m hunter with defence speciality. I carry huge shield at front of my party.¡± Audience gasped hearing that. Emma let out a sly grin. ¡°Now we talking. That sounds so hot big guy.¡± Ray just shrugged, still smiling. ¡°We do have your photo in your armor. Let us look right now.¡± Emma said while looked at giant big screen behind them. The screen shown up a full body of a young man with half torn armor and cracked shield. He wore a dangerous expression while his eyes glittering with sharp gaze. Overall, it¡¯s looked so manly and already make woman in the room smiling devilishly. They clapped their hands and some even started to calling his name. ¡°Yeah, thats me when i was younger. I was 20 at that time.¡± said Ray. Emma did not let this chance go away. ¡°What¡¯s the story about this photo? Why are your armor was only half?¡± she chuckled. ¡°Not that the girls here have any complain though.¡± With the cheers from the audience, Ray put his hands in the air. ¡°Alright, it was a request to hunt Arphadillos, a giant half lizard- half crocodile with size of 5 meter.¡± Ray took a moment to let his words sinking in. ¡°It was supposed to be an easy ride. They were not that dangerous. My party already set everything and we had this big arph in the middle of the swamp, not moving like it was sleeping.¡± ¡°So we approach him from behind the wind, slow and steady with harpoon in hand.¡± Ray nodding repeatedly as his memory bringing the scene in front of him. ¡°Then suddenly, out of nowhere, they just came out. There were lot of them, like 5 or 6, jumping at my party in the same time.¡± He gulped. Those scene were not easy for him, even after 20 years. ¡°It was an ambush. Even today i still kicking myself for our stupidity at that point. It was¡­ it was total disaster. Forget about the witches, beside me as the main tanker, the hunter just had light armor and not equipped with their main weapon.¡± Ray pointed at his broken armor. ¡°This was caused by that big aph that lay in the middle. He literally jumped at me and bit me on the shoulder. If not because of my armor, i¡¯ll be dead for sure. The fight were long and taxing on us. I still remembered how i desperately swinging that shield around just to distract them while my party get on their feet.¡± The nodding continues as Ray¡¯s gaze swept the entire audience. ¡°Somehow we made it alive. Yes we have scars, we have broken bone and ripped flesh, but we alive. And it¡¯s daily life for us. Everytime we dive into that dungeon, we always had to deal with the fear of death.¡± He smiled wryly. ¡°And i¡¯m here to tell the world about this tale. Thousand tale and sacrifice we make everyday just to keep the dungeon stay calm and peaceful.¡± Ari let his story sinking in her head. Sheila and Jerry had an argument about whether the story was make sense or not. Nina ignored them, eating her meatballs in peaceful manner. Ari agreed with Nina and took a sip of her tea, only realized that her tea no longer warm. With those words the audience started to clasp their hands. Even Emma seems troubled to find words. ¡°Ray, i have to tell you. That was¡­ Wow, i¡¯m sorry that was beyond what i thought.¡± The tall guy put his charming smile back. ¡°Oh cmon now, let¡¯s back to your question shall we?¡± Emma pouted. ¡°You just couldn¡¯t wait to brag about your women eh? Fine, go on and tell us.¡± With a laugh, he continued his explanation. ¡°There is a barrier that make any normal human could not stay long in Vanskoria.¡± Vanskoria was a city which entirely covered in low mana density, around 2% and could climb to 3% during summer. This circumstances alone made normal human without mana resistance could only be inside the city for 3 to 5 days before the mana began disturbing internal organ function. And by the 10th day, any ordinary human would be died from heart attack. ¡°Because these circumstances, like i said before, we have different social structure. We could say that we are a closed society.¡± Ray explaining further. The Guild held the most important role in the city. From governing the city to dungeon related management, down to as cheesy as marriage interview. Below the guild, stands 5 main family of Vanskoria. This family held by Hunter or witches descendens. They had half power to determined course of the guild. The third class would be the minor family who support the main Family. They were consist of craftsman, merchant, teacher, basically anyone that had the qualification and skill to support the main family. the final class would be anyone who did not held any special skill but had mana resistance to stay in the city. ¡°Apart from this class diversion, there are other classification that held degree of importance in Vanskoria.¡± The mana core density was something that would make difference in someone destiny in Vanskoria. To be a Hunter or witches someone required to have core density more than 70%, which called Alpha Core. To be supporter would need Beta Core which possed minimum 30% core density. Below that someone were not allowed to do dungeon diving. While Beta Core could not dive too deep, they still had enough resistance to dive lower floor. This was very suitable for any works related dungeon like mining, hunting, and researching. ¡°The problem is, these core density was gift from birth and not something that could be trained or adjusted. And it¡¯s not stopped at that, another problem that should be considered are Hunter and Witches have lower probability to have children due to high mana exposure that they had during dungeon diving. Added the fact that probability a children had Alpha Core were only 3%. And that also required that one of their parents is hunter or witches.¡± Several audience started to whispering. Emma herself frowning uncomfortably. ¡°So based on this circumstances, the guild decide to give privilege toward hunter and witches to have several partner for them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a bit hard to swallow.¡± Emma said. ¡°But how you choose your partner? And who decided how many partner you can have in your marriage?¡± ¡°Well, for sure it¡¯s hard to believe i know.¡± Ray shifted his hand to his chin. ¡°The marriage partner were decided by the family. It can be said that it was political marriage instead of mutual love.¡± ¡°Wow, it¡¯s indeed getting hard in here. I mean in this day? Arranged marriage? Get out of here please!¡± Emma said with exaggerated gesture to fan out the audience. ¡°One thing that i had to stressed you before anything else. I love my wives and never do i felt any regret on marrying them. I missed nothing. Arranged married at first, Love them later on as a husband. What else a man can give?¡± Another exaggerated gesture from Emma that saying she understand nothing, it¡¯s not stopping the audience to have split opinions. ¡°Tell you what, let¡¯s just take easy way. We shall asked your wife directly okay?¡± Emma stood. ¡°Please welcome Tina Edmund!¡± From behind came out a beautiful woman, tall at 170-ish cm, with slim built and dark brown skin. Her khaki dress fit perfectly to her body, complimenting her curly dark brown hair that let loose on her shoulder. With perfect full lips smile and glittering dark eyes, Tina waving her hand in confident to the audience. And the audience indeed love her at the first sight. ¡°I¡¯ve told you Emma.¡± Ray smirked. ¡°I regret nothing.¡± He added playfully. ¡°Alright¡­ Alright, you got me there.¡± Emma nodded, then turned her attention to Tina. ¡°Welcome Tina, your husband here can¡¯t wait to brag about his women. And i understand after seeing you here girl.¡± Tina smiled. ¡°Yea Ray can be a little clingy you know. He loves his women so much.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, i have to asked you this. But how on earth did you agreed that he¡­ you know, had more than one wife! This past 10 minutes had been a roller coaster ride for my heart. Please tell us from your point of view, what is it like that your husband have other woman.¡± Emma asked, this time without overreacted. Tina looked at Ray and held his hand. She looked so confident and comfortable. ¡°It¡¯s like having a sister. More or less like that.¡± The short answer confused Emma. ¡°Sister? I love my sister y¡¯know. But i¡¯m not sure i could comparing that with another wife.¡± Tina raised her eyebrow. ¡°You love your sister? That¡¯s before or after she used your expensive make up then eat your favourite pudding in the fridge?¡± ¡°Well thats¡­¡± Emma had a laugh. ¡°Damn, i think i know what you''re saying girl. I¡¯ll kill that sister of mine if she did that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my point.¡± Tina added. ¡°We have our share of jealousy, hate, envy, but in front of this man over here, we share our love together, no matter how sweet or bitter that is.¡± ¡°You really comfortable with your position as the first wife don¡¯t you?¡± Emma raised her eyebrow. ¡°Well, I was born with Beta core from the minor family. That¡¯s means i have obligation to be a supporter for the Hunter. And because i have the highest potential, i was trained to be a first wife.¡± ¡°Hold on. Trained to be a first wife?¡± Emma asked in disbelief. Tina had wry smile. ¡°I know that sounds weird, but yeah to be a first wife you have to finish your training from the guild.¡± Not every girl have the chance to be a first wife. Basically they were the alpha-female and have to deal with internal family problem during husband active duty as a hunter. They must have broad view, calm decision making process, loving others, also have quality to be a great wife and mother. In Vanskoria, to be a first wife held it¡¯s own prestige. Especially if they have children with alpha core, they would have their own class in society. The circumstances for Witches was a bit different. Because the purpose of have several partner was to boost the chance to have alpha core descendant, the witches held more freedom to choose how many partner they should held. Many would choose just one husband, but have two or three lover. These husband were also need to passed the training first. ¡°Yea, the more you say the more headache i got.¡± Emma raised her hands. ¡°So let¡¯s ask something more private, like how both of you meet? Is it those boring arranged marriage?¡± The couple stare at each other and Tina blushed a little. ¡°I know you would ask that. It¡¯s kind of embarrassing to tell you know.¡± ¡°It¡¯s actually had to do with that photo you shown earlier. That armor actually made by Tina¡¯s grandfather. I thought that i should at least give a visit to person that save my life y¡¯know.¡± Ray said. Tina smiled meekly. ¡°When he came to our family house, i was 22 at that time. Like my father, i learn about armor making since i was a kid. And i was never a practical person, more like pen and paper person you know. So it was kind of rare to see me that day on our workshop. Worst decision in my life!¡± ¡°So i was like doing a project for my college degree. I¡¯m sweating, i wore this rug shirt with outdated jeans, my hair was a mess with ash everywhere. You know where this is going do you?¡± Emma and the audience had a giggle. ¡°Go on girl.¡± she urged Tina to continued. ¡°At that worst moment my grandpa introduced me to one of the most handsome man i¡¯ve ever seen. I was literally stunned when he grasp my hand and introduced his name. Then, out of nowhere, my stupid grandpa said that this man was looking a wife.¡± ¡°At that moment i was feeling the world collapse. I don''t even realize that my hand was all dirty! I don¡¯t know, i just wanted to bury myself and not coming out for a year or something.¡± Tina take a breath. ¡°Emma, you laughing way too hard you know.¡± Like several other audience, Emma had a time of her life. ¡°I¡¯m sorry i could not helped it. What¡¯s with this cheesy romance development? I thought we are talking about the depression of arranged marriage?!¡± ¡°Wait don¡¯t answer that. Carry on with your story, that''s more amusing right now.¡± She added. Tina chuckled. ¡°First, He won¡¯t let go of my hand.¡± The audience reacted meekly. ¡°Second, he kiss my hand! My awfully dirty hand!¡± They gasped. ¡°And as if that was not enough torture, he said it was lovely to met a beautiful woman like me.¡± Not able to contain anymore, the audience roared and clasped their hand. ¡°At that moment i know i¡¯m in love with him. Period, i could not think other man as husband than him. He just so sweet!¡± The audience clasped for a few moment before finally died down. Emma just had small smile on her lips. ¡°Well then casanova, you did have your way with women eh?¡± She asked Tina once again. ¡°So after that you got married?¡± ¡°Well, actually no. We married around 2 years after that. Ray still have obligation as Hunter and so we decided to delay the marriage for a while.¡± The gank looking at the television in weird atmosphere. ¡°It¡¯s felt weird isn¡¯t?¡± Jerry asked. ¡°Sounds fake?¡± Sheila muttered. ¡°No, that ain¡¯t fake.¡± Nina said between her food. ¡°That Tina is really in love with him. As a wife i can guarantee that.¡± Ari raised her eyebrow, amused. Not so much convincing remembering your love for food were larger girl. Jerry and Sheila exchanged glances, then they stare at Ari at the same time. ¡°What do you think Ari?¡± The blonde girl snorted. ¡°It could work. I mean if it¡¯s the world we know. I still could not understand her feeling though.¡± ¡°I mean.¡± She tilted her head.¡±Can you imagine it¡¯s your usual morning routine and then your husband just say good bye like Honey i¡¯m off to work, going to slay some crocodile today. Then you say be carefull and can you pick up kids on the way home?¡± Three of her friend stared at her blankly. ¡°Certainly that¡¯s a bit¡­¡± Sheila mumbled. Suddenly Ari¡¯s phone blinking. She paled when read the message. ¡°Crap! My boss is looking for my! I have task for this afternoon!!¡± She take off from the entertainment room without another beat, only to came back a second later. ¡°Are we still on schedule tomorrow? BBQ party on Sheila¡¯s?¡± She asked. ¡°Of course! I¡¯ve been dieting for that event you know.¡± Nina said proudly. Rolling her eyes Sheila answered. ¡°Yea, we still on it. Only if your boss did not give you extra task because you slacking off today.¡± Ari smiled. ¡°Can¡¯t wait for tomorrow! Thanks guys! Love you all!¡± The three of them just shrugged it off. It¡¯s not unusual for their friend to be disorganized like that. She was like a wind. Sometimes blow so hard like a hurricane, sometimes just lazily strolling in life. But still, they love her so much. That¡¯s what friend were for! Prologue 3 ¡°So let me get this straight. I thought you are being modest when you say your score were below average.¡± Hana shifted her gaze toward the red haired boy. ¡°But this score are sit at the bottom of the ocean.¡± ¡°Yep. That¡¯s me.¡± Leon cracking his stiff neck, then lay his back at the sofa. ¡°So your school is like flooded with hot girls or something?¡± Swiping her phone in cautions manner, Hana tried hard to find a little light of hope on Leon¡¯s examination report. ¡°Nope. He¡¯s completely idiot.¡± She mumbled. ¡°I heard that!¡± ¡°Good. Your ears are working. Finally i can write something positive about you.¡± said the silver haired girl in flat tone. The rain was still pouring on the outside. Einstein, the black cat stood by the window, watching the water fell from the sky. Maybe he was thinking about the world problem and how to solve it. Or maybe he was just find the two hooman inside this room are amusingly idiot and he himself had to gaze toward the rain for a little salvation for his heart. Don¡¯t know which one it is, he was just a cat afterall. The pair already back to the living room after felt that the dining room was too formal for them. So they settled in sofas, with hot coffee and a bowl of biscuit, talking about themselves in carefree manner. It was more fit to them, more natural and more relaxing. In fact, both of them fell into comfort zone and started to opened up each other, telling each other story of the past. Hana Hazerman, born from high class minor family that famous for producing high quality soul-pairing. Her mother died when she gave birth to her and her father were picked up by a retired witch as a lover. Her unlucky fate sealed when she was trapped in internal struggle of family conflict. As legitimate successor, her mother held the right to be the next family head. Her aunt, the current head, was pushing her daughter to be the next head. She suffered from superstition about silver hair which resulted in isolation from her family member except her bedridden grandmother. Her dream was to be put a revenge toward her family by being a damn good soul pair and raised her own status so she could looking down at her family. Leon, an unwanted child. Life with his mother since he could remember in the outskirt of cocoa plantation, 70 km from Vanskoria city. Trained by his mother friend whom he called uncle some basic mana manipulation and body strengthening. While his birth certificate stated that he had a chance to held Alpha core, it was never shown during his obligatory core examination on his 10th, 12th, and 14th birthday. Lost his mother just when he was 13 due to drugs overdose. Using debt, he ran a core examination after his 15th birthday and finally had his alpha core legalize. After months of examination, finally he arrived at Guild headquarter to choose her soul-pairing. His dream was to be a respected Hunter so he could living a plentiful life. Both had different reaction when they learnt how their pair was so fucked up. Hana worried that even if they became pair it would not working out. Without family backup from both pair, it would be against fate itself. Leon on the other hand just shrugged it off. He used to be an underdog, beaten and drowned in insult for his whole life. But he was here today, ready to be a hunter. Everything will came together he said. Hana put her hand on her chin, thinking something. ¡°Your question is rather odd. In the first place Vanskoria is a place where a multiple race were mixed together like a big giant frying pan. In the past almost every big countries tried to make this island as their own right? So beauty standard in his city is rather vague.¡± ¡°I have a good eyes y¡¯know. Please write it down as one of my positive thing i got.¡± Leon threw a piece of biscuit into his mouth. ¡°Pretty is subjective, ugly is absolute. Is it that hard? Maybe your sense is rather weird?¡± She threw the sofa pillow toward him. ¡°Yes, i¡¯m a weirdo wasting my time tried to make reason to pair with you while a skirt chaser like yourself just babbling of nonsense like an idiot.¡± She put her hand on his mouth. ¡°Oh, I beg you pardon. You are not like an idiot.¡± Hana smiled. ¡°You ARE 100% Idiot. It¡¯s not subjective, it¡¯s absolute.¡± Leon had a sweat on his forehead. It was a weird feeling he had since they met. He felt a sense of obligation to not oppose her. It¡¯s his gut said that being on the bad side of her will bring further bad things toward him. Tried to laugh it off, he teased her. ¡°But it was you who fed me. You must be care a lot about this idiot.¡± He said with a grin. The half baked attempt ease her mood were completely had the opposite effect. Hana furrowed her eyebrow and put down her phone. ¡°I told you before that this may be not what you think.¡± She started, but then realized that the boy in front of her was an ignorant fool. ¡°Look, do you know how the soul pairing works?¡± She already felt her temple pulsing even before hearing his answer. ¡°They match each other perfectly? Like really really fit together both mentally and physically?¡± He answered, still try to fishing some mood from the girl. ¡°Correct, but not quite.¡± She calming herself. ¡°It happened because our mana resonance each other. Pairing who had high mana affinity would have huge resonance. And each resonance bring certain bit of information which we called the Will.¡± ¡°Me as your soul pair were trained to manage that flow of information. That¡¯s why the soul pair as myself were also called a ferro, which means someone who carry the will.¡± Leon eye¡¯s flickered from this explanation. His initial playful manner vanished in instant, now she had all of his attention. ¡°As you probably know, in this matter dungeon is doing the opposite way. Instead resonance in sync, they were radiate noise that threw our mana frequency off balance, resulting mental fatigue, disorientated, confused, and other mental illness that by the end of the rope, it may caused the hunter death in dungeon or mental breakdown.¡± The silver haired girl snorted. ¡°You did not know any of this do you?¡± Leon had a bit of history lesson from tale and never on formal education. So this whole information was new to him. ¡°But what do soul pair, a ferro, actually do then?¡± He asked, avoiding the question. Satisfied that her explanation got through his thick skull, Hana smiled. ¡°We mend the mana frequency, strengthening it and reduce its defect factor. I said before that mana contain information right? That including your emotions. In fact, the biggest factor of mana fluctuation came from unstable emotions. Before diving, we took this unnecessary emotion and control it, so hunter will have clear mind when they dive, and stay clear during diving.¡± ¡°In the past, this technique were not yet invented. Resulting high rate of death toward someone who dive, even when they could come back to surface safely. Some ended lose their mind, some became suicidal, other suffer devastating trauma.¡± ¡°Did you get that or i should repeat it again?¡± She asked with playful manner. Leon shook his head. ¡°I get the point. Now what about what you said being this may not what i think?¡± She smirked, clearly enjoying his curiosity. ¡°Well, have you realize that we felt a lot closer than it was supposed to? Look at us, we just met and somehow we felt already knew each other for years. We became comfortable toward each other, even if we were just doing nothing.¡± She tilted her head, still smiling. ¡°Or at least i do feel that way.¡± Somehow he started to realize what she said was all true. It was some sort weird familiarity that he felt when he met her. It was uncommon to be felt like that toward someone who he has just met for an hour or two. ¡°I see¡­¡± He nodded several time. ¡°That¡¯s also happened to me. But i did say before that i want you to be my pair.¡± ¡°Regret it already?¡± He shook his head. ¡°Not a bit. I had a chance to win a rare silver haired girl with outstanding brain and body. I¡¯ll be dumb not to seize it.¡± The utter flat and without hesitating tone surprised her. Her smile blooming sweetly. But it was not enough, she need open him more. ¡°You know, this room was prepared to held soul pair interview.¡± she smiled wryly. ¡°I¡¯m not quite understand how but when a pair candidate inside this room, they will emulate the same bond that a real soul pair would had.¡± His gray eyes glued toward the silver haired girl. He had trouble to responding to this information. ¡°So, this all affection between us right now is fabricated? We could felt comfortable each other just because we are inside this room?¡± That was his best respond. ¡°It¡¯s all depend on us whether this was just fabrication or not.¡± A tinge of red blushes on her cheek. ¡°The basic way it works, the pairing thingy i mean, is that me as a ferro will always responded toward your will, your emotions. On the other hand, you as the main pair, will have to looked after me, kept me by your side because i carry your will.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Hana felt her heart beating a bit too hard. She had been exposed to his will ever since he step inside this room for the first time. Yes she had her training mentioning something about how exposed toward his emotion would gave her certain degree of happiness. But she never expect that when she let her guard down his whirlpool of emotions would push her brain into ¡®happy¡¯ frenzy like this. Maybe their affinity that exceed 90% has anything to do with it. Or maybe i¡¯m just damn horny¡­ Mentally rolled her eyes, she kept getting more emotions flowing from him. Admiration were a sweet candy for her heart. Lust was even more stronger punch, sending a strong pulse toward her heart and southern area of her body. But the most intense feeling that she felt was he said he wanted her to be his. That one thing was the trigger that made her lose her coolness. And now they come to this, she decided to roll the dice and see where the turn of event will unfold. Fixed his sitting position, he started to noticed how the girl in front of him slightly changed. Her upper button shirt were opened, revealing her white skin and enchanting collar bone. The most noticeable difference were her reddish cheek and her eyes. Those blue marble were moist, bringing out an undeniable sexiness. ¡°What¡­ are you okay?¡± He asked, uncertain. Tilted her head, Hana were confused, before a small smile came out from her lips. ¡°I¡¯m just enjoying myself.¡± she chuckled. ¡°You have been admiring me since while ago.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve told you right? Your feeling flew into me. While i¡¯m a bit hesitated, i decided to just go with it. And it turn out felt really good. Please be gentle, it¡¯s my first time feeling like this.¡± The girl in front of him let out a girly giggles which had huge effect on his bottom half. Trying hard to held his head right, he coughing awkwardly for several time. The hint were too big for him to miss. But he didn¡¯t want to rush thing out. ¡°So, w-what will happen now? I¡¯m not backing up, still wants you to be my pair.¡± he muttered, trying to fish a reaction or approval from her. Hana felt her head lighter as the feeling of lust and strong possession flooding into her heart. ¡°You know.¡± Somehow she able to opened her mouth. ¡°This room was designed like an apartment for a reason. Because they know there is a chance that pairs with high affinity will somehow end their interview with a seal of deal, in the bedroom, if you know what i meant.¡± An intentional paused, she clearly enjoying this. ¡°Now, like i said before. I¡¯m a ferro which responded toward my hunter¡¯s will.¡± Another pause, another giggle. ¡°So... what is my hunter¡¯s will?¡± Even Leon could feel his face reddened by those seductive words and open invitation. A real man could only answer those words with one thing. Whatever, she wants it! The dice had been rolled, the odd numbers has been came out. He, trying hard to let his perverted grin in check, came at her with numbing excitement in his heart. She, felt the flood of lust were too much to handle, lost to herself as her body reacting crazily toward the stimulation. She knew he could do whatever he wanted to her, even if she refused. If she could refused that is¡­ The kisses came first, placed in golden plate and silver spoon, it was smooth and tender at first, before changed into a greedy and violent deep kiss. Their stare leaping each other when their lips separated. The desire to own each other peaking as his hand already hugging her hard. The soft moan from her were enchanting, bringing his desire to eat her more. The tease, the kiss, the moan were like a paragraph in love novel, written someone drunk in love, or maybe drunk just from a glass of white wine. Because after a short wonderful time they had, the room¡¯s intercom blinking several time, before a low tone of Mr. Yang sounded on it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry disturbing both of you. I just wanted to inform that the time is almost up.¡± Both of them freeze when they heard the voice, before Hana shut her mouth with her hands to held her giggle came out. Leon, amusing when looking at the silver haired girl in his arm, answered with playful manner. ¡°Thanks Mr. Yang. You came at a wonderful time, not disturbing us at all. Is it possible to extend the time?¡± He chuckled when Hana let out even louder giggle. ¡°What are you thinking? This is not a karaoke room!¡± She whisper while holding her giggle. Mr Yang, felt that his timing was wrong, coughing awkwardly before answered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but i believe that is not possible. Mr. Leon already have another interview schedule after this.¡± There was a deafening silent after Mr. Yang dropped it. Leon sweating hard when he saw her eyes turned sharp in instant, sending message toward the boy in her embrace to shut his mouth. ¡°Mr. Yang, how many girls that have appointment with Mr. Leon?¡± Her tone were freezing cold. The bald man scratching his head in uncomfortable manner. Even from his office he could felt that he has just doing something nasty for the young lad. Sending an apology from his heart, he took his tablet before answering. ¡°Well, he have 5 candidates, but only 3 answered so he will get 2 more interview today.¡± ¡°I see, thank you Mr. Yang. We has just finished the interview so we will get out in a moment.¡± The sound of connection being cut was all they can heard in the room. Einstein who felt that his master in trouble tilted his head toward the two hooman in the room while having a big grin on his face. The black cat really knew how to enjoy the situation. ¡°So, two more girl eh? When are you going to tell me? If you have a plan to tell me that is.¡± Hana voice was poisonous. Leon gulped. ¡°I-I haven¡¯t read my email about other candidates.¡± Their body swapped, with Leon on the bottom and Hana¡¯s tight pressed his bare stomach. Desperately trying to ignore the soft and warm feeling that felt heavenly, Leon was too late to realize that Hana already had his phone on her hand. ¡°W-Wait, that¡¯s invading personal property y¡¯know!¡± His plea met a wall as Hana casually swiping his phone before her eyebrow raised a little. ¡°Well well lookey here. An email already opened, clearly stated you had 3 interview today.¡± ¡°A-About that¡­¡± He desperately thinking of some excuse. ¡°Oh wow, she is so pretty.¡± She held his phone so he can saw the screen. ¡°She was younger, from a family, and bigger bust than mine.¡± Leon almost screaming when he saw how scary her face. Then really screaming when she threw his phone away. But he dare not to woke up, not in front this female who had predator looks on her face. ¡°Leon the boy had lie toward me. Leon have to be punished.¡± She said while leaning forward toward him. Again, he almost scream. The warm from her tight already put his brain fried, now he was exposed by two mountain that so soft like a marshmallow. Her smell tickled his nose and her warm breath bringing him to the edge with every beat. His hand moved by himself toward her butt. ¡°Stop, stay.¡± Those two words made him stop. He felt weird once again because he really wanted it, his hand dying to squish her bottom. But with just her word, his hand stopped because he felt he should stopped. ¡°The lesson continued my dear hunter.¡± She giggled while moving her body slowly, creating wave of pleasure for him. ¡°While you can have your will to me and i felt obligated to take care of your will, it was also the same for a hunter toward his pair. He will felt obligated to listen and do as a ferro said.¡± She took a deep breath, her lips turned into a sly grin. ¡°Because deep in your consciousness you know that your pair would never betray or harm you. You are her everything, your half soul pair.¡± His grey eyes widen a little as Leon took her words, especially her last words. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, i should¡¯ve told you before. I¡¯ve hurt you.¡± He whispered slowly. Those word clearly had an impact to her as she could felt his regret was real. Biting her lips, she took several breath to calmed her down. She need to true to her heart and not let his words sway her resolution. ¡°Good, i felt that you are really regretting this Leon.¡± For a second she smiled sweetly, before changed into a devilish a second later. ¡°But this is a final lesson for you today.¡± ¡°Remember that i can alter your emotion from our connection? I will try it to you now.¡± ¡°W-What-¡± His words cut with a kiss from her. It was a deep and passionate kiss as she use all her body to squeeze him. All the warmth, the soft feeling that he felt before was already made him on the edge. And now her kiss was like a final push on his button. His desire and lust peaked as his hand finally broke free and found her bottom was indeed so squishy. He could felt he was about to come just from this intense feeling he felt. But it never came. Slowly, his desire died down. All the initial feel was vanished one by one. When her lips parted from his, he could feel his head was clear from all lust and desire. No, he was familiar with this feeling. He was content from any sexual desire. ¡°W-What? But i didn¡¯t¡­¡± His eyes met her and she let out another giggle, a devilish one this time. ¡°This what i meant by altering your emotions. For the rest of the day i¡¯m sure that you will no longer have any urge to humping some helpless girl that you lied to. I¡¯m a good girl right? I have just tamed a hungry wolf.¡± Hana¡¯s lips kissed his cheek and she whispered into his ear. ¡°A bad bad wolf.¡± Still giggling, she enjoying his expression to the fullest. A mix of confusion and regret flooded into her. While she felt a bit guilty, this was necessary to teach him a lesson. She went into the bathroom, feeling happy about her things she has done. A hunter would had many women, she knew and she accepted it. Hell, in their situation it was needed to lessen the burden of not having any families as backup. But she would not tolerated if another women wanted to be his pair. Huh? Now that she think about it, is he still wanted to be her pair? And why she was so persistent to be his? And that kiss? that hot kiss that make her melt? As her cool head came back to her she could feel that her action were really embarrassing. She baited him to take her and she had to admit she enjoyed his touch. W-what have i done???!!! ¡­ Mr. Yang tighten his necktie just to make a small delay. He already anticipated that both of them would displeased by his interference earlier. ¡°Oh well let''s get on with it.¡± He found the young lad sat on sofa with completely confused look. ¡°You okay Mr. Leon?¡± Leon nodded slowly. His eyes suddenly focused. ¡°Say Mr. Yang, can i consult you for a moment?¡± The bald man raised his eyebrow as he listened his story. He kind of surprised by the girl acted, but not in bad way. ¡°I think you just owe Ms. Hana a favor.¡± he said with reassuring smile. ¡°Sealing the deal in the first interview was a clear sign that a pair have high compatibility and it indeed encouraged to be a pair as soon as possible.¡± ¡°But in your case you already have another appointment. If you set your pair on Ms. Hana right now, not only you will be fined for breaching the invitations that already sent for the other candidates, but politically you need to send some gift to compensate the other candidates that already agreed to do the interview.¡± Leon paled. He clearly has just dodged a bullet. ¡°Thanks god! i will be completely broke if i have to pay for that.¡± Yang chuckled. ¡°Be careful with social etiquette in magus society Mr. Leon. Ignore it then it will come back at yourself with interest.¡± Not long after Hana shown up. Already back to her previous cool attitude as if nothing happen. ¡°As a guild representative, thank you for coming and agreed to do the interview. further agreement should be decided by both party and i hope the best for you.¡± said Mr. Yang with wide smile. Leon sent a glance to the silver haired girl but she just ignore him completely. He could only sighed hard for that. Mr. Yang clapped his hands. ¡°Ah, one last thing.¡± He stood in front of the door. ¡°There is a tradition in this room. If the interview went fine and the pair felt they match each other, they will held their hand as they passed this door together.¡± ¡°You know, when both of you passed this door, all the spell that make both of you like a real pair will be canceled. Because of that you may felt a lot of discomfort for a while, more so with the ferro as she was the one who carries his will.¡± ¡°So holding hand together really helpful.¡± He bow a little. ¡°Good day madam and sire.¡± They watched the bald man opened the door and leave them alone. Leon took a deep breath, clearing his mind from unnecessary thought. ¡°I¡¯m going to hold your hand, and we are going to pass that door. Whatever happen we are together.¡± Without asking he took her hand and held it properly. Hana felt another jolt of electricity crawling under her skin. It was his determination that she felt, all warm and comforting. ¡°Now that i think about it, your question earlier was really make sense aren¡¯t they?¡± ¡°What if all of this were fabricated?¡± The boy laughed. ¡°Are we going to be like this all the time? You worried then i just say let¡¯s go for it?¡± Hana chukled. ¡°Idiot as always. Boys first?¡± She let him lead her. Her heart beating harder as she step through the door. At first, it was nothing. Then suddenly, a huge emptiness fell down on her, suffocating her with nothing like she ever felt before. The only thing that kept her stand was the warmth on her hand. ¡°It was painful¡­¡± she whispered. Leon nodded. ¡°Felt like woke up from a dream. Like losing someone dear to me.¡± For a moment they fell in silent. Einstein took the moment to snuggling toward Hana¡¯s leg, meowing to gain attention. ¡°You know, that was my first kiss.¡± She muttered, her eyes locked toward the him. Then she smiled sweetly. ¡°Please take responsibility okay?!¡± Between the rain, the black cat, and the flowery smile from her, Leon felt their hand were already felt comfortable together and reluctant to let it go. Prologue 4 There were always something nice about small city. The calm and friendly atmosphere were things that can''t be brought in big city. It was relaxing, knowing that you can walk slowly and enjoying the peaceful night without afraid. But for a certain blonde girl, this night has been nothing but series of annoying event. First, she was stuck in the office, with her boss glued her back with his eyes, waiting her task to be done. Finally left the office, her electric bike was broken down in the middle of the park, a shortcut she used if she wanted to go home faster. And because it¡¯s in the middle of the park, she has to drag the useless bike to the nearest bike shop by herself, only to be told the the core engine melted and need a week to order the parts. After a long walk home, just after she opened her fridge that she remembered that she was supposed to do some shop before home. Fighting the urge to slam her head to the wall, she decide to take a bath. A clean starving lady is way better than a filthy starving lady! She nodded to her resolved spirit but betrayed when she only got cold water from her shower. Her old water heater has choose this moment to brokendown! Dejected, the starving lady now also freezing cold from her unfortunate shower accident. Shivering heavily under her blanket, her brain worked hard to find a solution for her situation. Called her boyfriend? They were under LDR (long distance relationship) status. And today is his free day¡­ damn it. After a short discussion with her brain, she decided to call him. She just wanted to say hello and nothing more. But to no surprised that her boyfriend did not responded well. After nagging for several minutes and failed, she gave up and just hung up the phone. Ari felt bitter inside her heart. It¡¯s one of many rule they place together when they agreed to do LDR. Free day means he was free from his duty as boyfriend and could not be disturbed. Why the fuck i agreed to that rule? Sneezing, her brain came back to her problem in front of her. She was starving, cold and dead tired. Oh crap, my homework! She also still have to do her homework tonight. Scratching her hair in frustration, she finally give up and called an emergency number. ¡°Hello, is this jerryman? The nice guy from the neighbourhood that will help a lady in distress?¡± There was a silent answer, before he cut the phone. He hung up!! She called him again. ¡°Pineapple man! Please help me!¡± Sighed hard, Jerry gave up and spoke. ¡°If you need help, please do it with proper manner. For god sake Ari it¡¯s past 10 pm!¡± Ignoring his objection, Ari blurted all the thing that happened this night. She added a few fake tears and weird shivering noise to make it more dramatic. The result was staggering. ¡°Why you did not say it earlier! Okay i¡¯ll bring you something to eat. Go buried yourself on the blanket and stay warm!¡± Ari raised half her eyebrow when her phone was cut. It went better than she thought! Waiting in the sofa with hot tea and a blanket, Ari realized that this was the first time she felt so lonely since Sheila left this house to life with her boyfriend couple month back. They had been together as a housemate since started working at Harmonica magazine two years ago. The house were medium sized, packed with two bedroom, a kitchen, living room, and a garage. It was supposed to be a house for small family, but the owner moved away to the big city and rented their house to Ari and Sheila. Now that she think about it, Sheila still left several of her items in here and there. Do i have to moved out when the rent ended next year? Paying this house alone was kind of taxing for her. But she already felt that this house was her home and reluctant to moved out. Struggling to fight the empty stomach and heavy head, she found herself thinking something less important. Maybe i should do my homework. Her gaze fell on her laptop across the living room. She sighed hard. Nope¡­ maybe later¡­ or next year... Around 15 minutes later Jerry came with a emergency ransom for her stomach. A hot chicken soup with extra potato and garlic, a hot ginger tea, and a melon slice were presented on the table. ¡°Eat all of them! After that drink this medicine.¡± Without another beat Ari ate all the dish he brought. As her stomach filled, she could feel her body got warmer and her head get lighter. After finishing her last melon slice, she slumped on the sofa and burped. ¡°Thanks Jerry! You are the best!¡± ¡°Yeah yeah. Please don¡¯t burping like an old man like that. You are a fine young lady y¡¯know!¡± Ari just smirked. ¡°Sorry for the trouble, but i still have a homework after this. You really save my ass Jerry.¡± He blinked twice. ¡°Then go do your homework. If i go now i know you are going to sleep don¡¯t you? I will stay with you and make sure you do it.¡± Smiled wryly, she felt that Jerry sometimes behave like the older brother of the groups. He was always be there for them when any of them need anything. While her devil side whispering the lullaby song, she still needs to do her homework. Pumping her spirit, she got her laptop and started to do her homework while share small chat with the pineapple guy. ¡°This is not working. I tried to write about cooking and it just don¡¯t make any sense despite my amazing cooking skill.¡± ¡°What do you mean cooking skill? You even make the stove blew up the last time you boiled some eggs.¡± He said with flat tone. ¡°How about writing something you like?¡± He asked. ¡°A man in swimming trunk-¡± ¡°Rejected.¡± ¡°A rich young man who took girls into his playro-¡± ¡°No way!¡± ¡°A dazzling vampire?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a fiction!¡± Ari held her head tight. ¡°So what should i wriiiiteeeee.¡± Jerry slumped in his sofa, staring at the blonde directly. ¡°Magus and Vanskoria.¡± For a moment their eyes met each other, with Ari seems diverted her stare awkwardly. ¡°Did you see the news? After Emma¡¯s show Ray was blocked by protest from feminist and religious people outside the TV buildings.¡± Ari surprised. ¡°What? Really? I get it feminist, but religious people?¡± ¡°Some say magus carried the demon seed inside them. That¡¯s why they could use magic.¡± He said with half smile before continued. ¡°But that¡¯s not the point. Your homework is to write about clashing opinion, and this weird circumstances is a fresh example how people can be¡­¡± His words trailed for a bit, looking the right wording. ¡°...retarded.¡± ¡°The protest for the magnus was short lived as both parties seems to be more interested in clashing each other. Ray literally walked leisurely leaving the battlefield.¡± ¡°That was¡­¡± Ari furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°...completely retarded.¡± He took her laptop and browse something, before gave it back. ¡°This is a good example how your homework should be done.¡± In her screen there was an article that clashing whether it was a good thing or not if Vanskoria decided to opened up their shell. It was written 4 years ago under the Global Post, a well known post media in the country. But the most shocking thing it was the name of the writer.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Jerry¡­ this is your article! You were working for Global post before?¡± Ari has disbelief expression on her face. ¡°It was long time ago when i was young and still have dream to make the world into better place.¡± Jerry said with sad face. ¡°What? Wait, this is a big news. I don¡¯t think any of us know about your past was this amazing.¡± Ari had questioned look on her face. ¡°But why are you doing here? I mean you have dream works over there.¡± There was a small pause as the short guy took a sip of his tea. ¡°It was a shitty place. Not worth to fight for.¡± His short and blunt answer threw her off. ¡°How can you said something like that. It¡¯s my dream to work in big media like that you know! You insulted me Jerry!¡± ¡°Look here Ari. I¡¯m not insulting your dream.¡± He had serious tone. ¡°But for me it was not the place i wanted.¡± They stared each other for a few second. Ari clearly demanded more explanation. ¡°Fine i will tell you.¡± He gave up, the girl in front of him has tendencies to be stubborn at the weirdest thing. It was investigation toward a sensitive political issues. Jerry was not in the team but a friend asked him for a favor to do a small research. What was started to be ¡°just another digging¡± turned out to be a deep well of juicy information. And when the article finished, she just hog all the praise for herself. If all that is take then Jerry can somewhat just go on with it. It turn out the article inviting dangerous attention from powerful figure in the country even before it¡¯s release. The company crumbling under the pressure and need a scapegoat. ¡°No way¡­¡± Ari opened her mouth. Jerry shrugged. ¡°Yes, it was another dirty trick pulled by her. Somehow convince the director it was me that dig too deep. That i forced her to push it on the article so her career destroyed.¡± Under heavy pressure, Jerry was sent into the possibility of lawsuit and his career trashed. Everyone else on the office just turned the blind eyes and left him alone. It was a dark and long six month, but finally he turned the table around. ¡°The disturbing thing about politic is the fact that there is always a chance to negotiate things around. So i did it, i negotiate things.¡± Jerry touched his chin, remembering those days were not quite pleasant for him. ¡°On my research i found about a gap that could be used to elevate their political power during the next year election. I sell my information to buy my way out.¡± ¡°What about that bitch?¡± Ari seems enraged. He chuckled. ¡°The lawsuit dropped, i resigned and the company was forced to pay me some consolidation fee for falsely accused me. And the bitch¡­¡± Now he had small laugh. ¡°She was kicked out and her name was named on blacklist for all major media in the world. There is no way her career would bounce back, no matter how big her tits is.¡± Ari laughed, clearly satisfied with the ending. She hug him and pat his back. ¡°Thanks for telling me this Jerry! It¡¯s mean a lot! And thank you for being my friend.¡± ¡°Yeah, i did not meant to hide it though. The older employee know this story but not from my own mouth.¡± He smiled. She nodded. ¡°Reminds me not to get on your bad side okay?¡± They had another small chat, mainly discussing about tomorrow BBQ party at Sheila¡¯s house. Ari also suggested that Jerry told his story to others. ¡°I really wanted to punch that bitch.¡± Ari grunted in annoyance. Jerry was a good guy, how dare she used him like that? She tighten her jacket for a bit. There was a bitter aftertaste when she repeated her own thought. ¡°Hey, did we used you too? I mean look at me, i¡¯ve been spoiled by you since, like what? Forever?¡± He snorted. ¡°I love taking care of my friends. A truly friend that is. No shit motive and all. Just pure enjoyment to each other companies.¡± ¡°Beside, i¡¯m kind of felt a bit responsible to you girls since i¡¯m the oldest.¡± he added with a older brother smile. ¡°Wait, weren¡¯t you like just two years older than me? The way you said it¡¯s like my uncle.¡± Jerry had disbelief look on his face. ¡°Hon, i¡¯m already 31! What? You did not know this?¡± Ari¡¯s eyes widen in surprise, before she explode into a laughter. ¡°Oh my god i did not know this!¡± She whip her tears from her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m totally calling you uncle Jerry from now on!¡± Jerry did retort to his new nickname, but his smile clearly shown that he kind of like it. After the laughter died down, Uncle Jerry told Ari to get back on her homework. While nagging like crazy she was forced to do her homework. And after reading his article she finally understand what a clashing opinions should have. The article was barely 8 paragraph long, but packed with information both objective and subjective from people. Something that making Ari understand why Jerry became their main reporter is that how he sew those piece of information and how he use words to evoke readers curiosity to read it to the end. ¡°The most important thing about all this is balance. You should let the readers decide and not you dictate them to fall into one side. That is not journalism, that¡¯s a shitty article.¡± His harsh tone shown how much he think highly of journalism etiquette. Ari smiled as she realised how much she had to respect Jerry as a work colleague. With new vigor she dive into her homework. Vanskoria is a city on an island that emerge mysteriously 300 years ago. The rumour about an island full with monster and treasure was came from pirates in that lurking on the pacific ocean. Located on the southern east of japan, the island itself were surrounded by a weird weather all year long. From heavy tornado or extreme heat, to blizzard and calming spring wind. Further investigation report stated that around the island is a no flight zone because when a plane got into the zone they just suddenly lost their engine and fell down. ¡°Rejected!¡± Ari almost cried when Jerry blatantly refuse her first paragraph. ¡°You said that your reader are everyday people. How on earth this information would attract them? You are about to make opinion and not some scientific article. You need to attract your reader on the first paragraph!¡± With sobbing fake tears she redid her paragraph. An hour later, finally the pineapple man gave her a thumb up. ¡°This is what i¡¯m talking about. You started with Ray¡¯s appearance and confirmation about their multiple partner way of life. Then you dig into different people reaction on the net and make them into general opinion. You stay on the line to let the readers gave their final thought. Great stuff.¡± The blonde girl put her fist in the air and let out a victory roar. The clock already close to 12pm and both of them clearly tired. ¡°You should stay for the night. Sheila¡¯s room is available y¡¯know. I kept it clean just in case she drop by.¡± ¡°Mmkay¡­¡± he mumbled, sipping his tea while slumped in the sofa. ¡°Thanks uncle Jerry for tonight. You really help me this time.¡± Ari said while also slumped in the sofa. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s just this time?¡± Ari laughed. ¡°Everytime!¡± The two of them enjoying a bit of comfortable silent. Ari closed her eyes, she felt her shoulder was stiff and really need some sleep now. ¡°What about your own thought? Do you agreed with the way of life in Vanskoria?¡± Jerry asked. For a moment she stay silent. ¡°I just feel that we know too little to judge. I¡¯m sure there is a lot of things going on in that city that we know nothing of.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t matter isn¡¯t? It¡¯s opinion after all.¡± He persisted. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I grew up reading all those adventure and fantasy like story. You know, some kind of you were suddenly woke up in a magic and sword world, or you have to defeat the demon lord to save the world. The story about magus was somewhere between that. Exploring the dungeon, then come home to your family. A simple story yet rather romantic don¡¯t you think?¡± She shrugged. ¡°When you grow up you suddenly realised that those story may closer than you think. Magus are real, they do real dungeon diving, to deal with real dangerous things. Of course as an adult we have different point of view about how life should have. But in the end, i still think the same.¡± Ari smiled wryly. ¡°I think it¡¯s rather romantic in it¡¯s own way.¡± Jerry frowned, then messing up her hair in playful manner. ¡°You should write your own novel girl. Sweet words, but i got nothing at all. Are you agreed or not? Simple question, simple answer please.¡± There was a painting of snowy mountain on the wall, something that has been there when the girls move in. It¡¯s bring cool feeling to the room, so they agreed to let it stayed on the wall. Now, staring at those mountain bring certain memories about her savior. Sat in silent, under the lit of fireplace, His broad back that looked so fragile that she just wanted to held it together. It was something that she decided long ago. ¡°I just wanted to believe¡­ i think.¡± She lowered her gaze. ¡°That somewhere in this world there is someone that protecting us from something that we don¡¯t know and don¡¯t understand.¡± This time she had sad smile on her face. ¡°And i wanted to support them. To say thanks even when they couldn¡¯t hear it.¡± The way she said it leaving Jerry breathless. He was already 30 years old, his experience was more than enough to felt there is something broken on the heart of blonde girl in front of him. That¡¯s made him worried. Worried that if he peek further he would hurt her, or if he let her alone she would broken beyond salvation by herself. ¡°I¡­ we was just worried about you girl.¡± He said it slowly, searching any sign of rejection in her face. ¡°I don¡¯t know, sometimes you seems so distant. Some other time we were surprised by your choice. It makes us worried.¡± Ari frowned. ¡°What? How the talk about Vanskoria suddenly take a turn into i¡¯m being weird?¡± Both of them chuckled, but Jerry continued. ¡°Cmon girl, we know about your addiction toward Vanskoria. Toward Magus and all their doing, you have it on your head. Your paragraph earlier, the one that i rejected, you write it without any source. You had it all in your memory. And that¡¯s unusual.¡± ¡°I watched your reaction when we watch the Emma show earlier today. You had this lonely and longing face, desperate for some answer.¡± He coughed once just to take a breath. ¡°And your relationship with your boyfriend. We were bewildered when suddenly you came to us weeks ago, announcing that your boyfriend move out and you started an open relationship with him, despite long distance you guys already had.¡± ¡°Again, i don¡¯t know what you are looking for. But giving your beloved a free pass to embrace another girl is not normal. Honestly, you make us worried. I¡¯m worried that your heart would break from all of this.¡± The girl, a blonde with scar on her past. The uncle, an older brother that worried about his little sister behaviour, and the clock tolling twelve times already. It was in the middle of the night, the time was supposed to be cold, but it was a warm silent inside the room. Ari had a troubled face. Her heart had been stirred and stabbed so much by his words. No, she did not denying that he was wrong. On the contrary, he was right. Slowly, her tears fell on her cheeks. No matter how hard she endures it, those tears cannot be stop. ¡°A-Ari, I¡¯m sorry, i said too much.¡± Jerry panicked when he saw those tears. He took some tissues and passed on to her. ¡°No, No, you are right uncle. I am a weird girl. I know it but, but¡­¡± The tears just came on. Maybe it weird, but it¡¯s giving her a push to tell a story that she was never tell deliberately to anyone aside her parent. She felt that she could hang on to her friends, so she push it. She had to, she was in the verge of broken down. ¡°It¡¯s a story about me during a summer holiday 5 years ago.¡± She said slowly. From then on the words keep flew out from her mouth. Every single details that on her mind, everything that she felt on her heart at that time, she just tell him everything. By the time she finished Jerry just hug her tight while her tears fell down uncontrollably. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you have to go through that experience girl. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± he patted her back like a big brother taking care of his little sister. Jerry tighten his jaw so hard that it felt hurt. He trying hard to held his anger in check. Someone has tried to defiled his beloved friend, and to make it worse, he just pressed her to tell him about it. After a while Ari finally calmed down. ¡°Ugh¡­ i¡¯m sorry uncle i messed up¡­ i shouldn¡¯t be like this.¡± Sighed hard, Jerry bring another cup of tea for her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. I felt miserable pressing you like this. It must be unpleasant.¡± She nodded. ¡°But in the same time i felt relieved. I always wants to tell you guys but i just don''t want you to feel different toward me.¡± ¡°Oh god¡­¡± He messed her hair again. ¡°We are friends. Nothing can change that! And friend protect each other!¡± Ari smiled widely. ¡°Thank you! You are the best uncle Jerry!¡± Once again he sighed. His heart still could not believe what she just said. There was also his rage that boiling in the corner of his heart. ¡°By the way, is that fucker still alive? He is in prison right?¡± He asked in cold tone, something that really not fitting his image at all. Ari shook her head. ¡°He is missing.¡± Then added after a small pause. ¡°Police search the cabin. They found who he is, they also found that indeed that cabin is being used recently by a man. But they never found him again.¡± ¡°He just disappear without trace.¡± She ended with a sip to her tea. Jerry felt strange. ¡°He is gone? What about the magus?¡± ¡°When i opened my eyes i was already on the hospital. I was found unconscious on a bench near it. I never met him again.¡± She answered with sad tone. The short guy furrowed his eyebrow. Something has been bothering him since Ari started her story. ¡°You know, is not that i doubt you or something. But how do you know he is a magus?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Ari tilted her head in confusion. ¡°He said it when he was....¡± Now the blonde girl really confused. Did he said that he is a magus? She can¡¯t remembered. Wait¡­ he is a magus right? Right?!! Prologue 5 His tuxedo felt tight. Ray Edmund snorted in disdain as the view on the glass windows reflecting the busy afternoon of a large city. People, cars, dog, crawling in this large street between tall building and hotdog seller doing their business. Maybe, just maybe, he was not cut for any of this. Dizziness was one thing, failed to understand was another. The scene from several minutes ago replayed on his mind and toll it with unnecessary thought. He was here just to tell a tale for them, why anyone would angry toward him? His car strolled the big city in leisure pace without minding his worriness. ¡°Honey, please don¡¯t mind them, they did not know anything about you, about us.¡± a sweet voice came from his left side. Tina understand something has been weighed her husband mind. With a smile she snuggle into his arm. ¡°I know, but it still left a bad taste in my mouth.¡± He let out a long breath. ¡°Just let it go Ray, tempered it down your emotions.¡± Another woman, sat on his right side, said with almost flat tone. ¡°I will, got anything interesting on the net Rosie?¡± he tilted his head to a laptop on her laps. The woman called Rosie fixed her glasses before answering. ¡°Well, considering your appearance on Emma¡¯s show barely three hours ago, the welcoming response is still lukewarm. Give it a night to get full response. ¡± She scrolled a few times before continued. ¡°On the other hand, your email has been flooded. A third of it contains questions, another third filled with hate mail, few death threat, a few admiration, and also¡­¡± she paused then set her glance toward Tina. ¡°A few marriage proposal.¡± A brief of silent fell on the car. ¡°Only a few?¡± Ray responded vaguely. Tina frowned. ¡°Rosie dear can you not added my husband weight of thought? He already have a lot of problems you know.¡± Rosie just shrugged. ¡°He is the one who wants it.¡± Then smile devilishly. ¡±What? Little wifey got jealous her husband get some proposal?¡± The frown turned into twisted annoyance. Rosie was his husband soul pair. The petite woman was just a shy over 150cm, really contrast to her husband tall figure. She was known to be a polite and rather timid woman, always stand beside her husband as if afraid of anyone else. But she knew very well that the woman is a medusa behind the mask. Always mending their family issues in the name of dungeon issues or pairing issues. Ray didn¡¯t bother to separate both woman. His mind kind of full with his job and their little cat fight won¡¯t help him calming down. His phone rang. His eyebrow twitched when he read who is calling. ¡°Please be quiet. Grandfather calling.¡± His Grandfather was head of Elmund family, one of Main family in Vanskoria. Like other male on Elmund family, he inherit huge and strong body. On his 60th birthday last month, he is still look as fresh as teenager. Great performance. We appreciate it. Ray mentally bow his head while pondering who he meant by ¡°we¡±. ¡°Thank you Grandfather. I¡¯m still trying to adapt.¡± A short huff, then the talk continued. The whole conversation was about several things that need to be done in the next month. ¡°I understand, i will do the best for Vanskoria and for our family name.¡± Ray felt another wave of headache. He was appointed as the guild¡¯s spokesman for the world. But they way they monitor and controlled every move he takes really wearing him down. He had several thing in his mind to promote magus but meet a sturdy wall. The guild took the safest route too much. They needed to open more, and to do that they need to take it the way world wanted. He sighed hard, then decided to take a walk. He push a button to communicate with his driver. ¡°Driver, let me walk to the hotel.¡± After a short pause, he answered. ¡°As you wish sir, just after this junction.¡± Both woman beside him has been quiet since Ray taking his call. Especially Rosie who felt what''s on her pair¡¯s mind. But Tina had another piece of mind. ¡°W-why are you walking? We would be late for dinner.¡± Her nagging voice were not helpful at all. Sometimes Ray wondering whether he has been spoiled her too much. ¡°Then eat without me.¡± The short answer was all she get. It was cold tone and made Tina went silent. After the car stopped, Ray just went out and with a small gesture telling they should not following him. His heart lighten as he see the car drove away from him. The cool afternoon breeze sending a comfortable feeling to his heart. Between the tall building and buzzing sounds of people he smiled a little, enjoying a little peace in mind he had. ¡°Your coat sir. It¡¯s still a bit chilly at this time of the year.¡± Mentally rolling his eyes, he turned his body to received a long coat that matched with his tuxedo. The man who gave it stood with perfect smile. Young, maybe not more than 25 years old, with tidy black hair with a bit of mustache above his lips. He wore some grey suit with red necktie under his long coat. His dark eyes shown a polite look. Overall, he looks like some office worker that has just came out from his office. ¡°Just what i needed.¡± He said with wry smile. His hand put on the coat. ¡°And your glasses.¡± The young man added. Sighed, Ray put the grey steel glasses on, before clicking his tongue in annoyance. ¡°Have you ever heard the word privacy means?¡± He was not talking to the man beside him. He was talking to the old man who answered his protest with a hearty laugh from his glasses. Yes, the glasses had capability like a phone. ¡°Do forgive this old bone for listening such entertainment dear sir. It¡¯s an old habit of mine and they kind of hard to dealt with.¡± ¡°How much you heard old bear?¡± Ray asked with mixed expression on it. ¡°Two cat fighting for their master''s attention. One with a nag, other with a salute.¡± He chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t dare tapping into high class conversation if that¡¯s what is in your mind.¡± Ray restrain the urge to threw the glasses away. As annoying as ever, old bear was the head of bodyguard that held his family safety. ¡°Good you still have some space to use your head. I¡¯ll take a walk for a while and i expect nothing will bothering me understand.¡± ¡°Crystal clear sir. We here to make you and your family safe. Please enjoy your work.¡± Both of them started the walk. The young man already have direction ready for them to take a 30 minutes walk. ¡°Just call me six sir.¡± He answered with a bright smile when Ray asked his name. It¡¯s one of the safety measurement to hide one¡¯s name so Ray just let it go and called him six. They took a street where on every corner there were restaurant and stall that serve hot food. ¡°Got family?¡± He asked. They stood in front of hot dog stall. Ray ordered two and gave the seller some extra tips. ¡°Two kids. Third on the way.¡± Six answered with another smile, probability from the hotdog in his hand. ¡°Well damn this is good.¡± Ray answered while took a big bite on his hotdog. ¡°This young and already three kids? I¡¯m jealous.¡± Six put a difficult face, but Ray just waved his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, say nothing.¡± He chuckled. ¡°This scene reminds me of the jasmine old road on north Vanskoria. There is this small coffee shop with relaxing ambience that i always looked forward after diving. Used to hang with the gang.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. He took a deep breath. ¡°Those were old memories. But i don¡¯t mind to be living like this y¡¯know. Have an apartment, a wife and few kids. Just regular job in the office. And took a sip of fresh coffee on that shop every now and then.¡± Again, the young man found himself in awkward situation. Aside than finishing his hot dog, he did not have other way to fill the silence. But then he remembered something. Maybe he do have something. ¡°There is this one friend that told me that you safe his older brother during your active duty sir.¡± Ray eyebrow furrowed. ¡°Really? What did i do?¡± Six tapping his head for a moment. ¡°The poisonous pollen accident? The Clousy flower from 6th floor releasing strange pollen that make the monster goes berserk.¡± They both stopped at the same time. ¡°By the gods. That was awful time. Is he okay now? I still remembered the chaotic day like it was yesterday. We literally have to drag people because the pollen weaken us.¡± ¡°Well, he is alive.¡± Six coughed once. ¡°But he loses his legs.¡± After another pause he continue. ¡°He was having a hard life after that. For years the wheelchair restraint his life and his heart. He was depressed until you save him once again sir.¡± Ray just stare him in silent, urged the young man to continued. ¡°Your effort to make the guild agreed the artificial limbs project gave him another chance to be perfect once again. The technology that you brought from outside really make an impact for us sir. I personally believe it and do trust me that many other agreed with me.¡± Ray¡¯s eyes widen for a bit as smile bloom on his face. ¡°That was¡­ encouraging. Thank you for saying those words.¡± They continued their walk. Ray felt a little better. Maybe all his hard work was not wasted? ¡°And by the way sir.¡± Six lowering his voice. ¡°A new shop opened few month back on jasmine street. A milk shop.¡± Ray raised his eyebrow. ¡°A milk¡­ shop?¡± ¡°Nothing fancy sir, it¡¯s just that the owner and her daughter¡­ they are kind of¡­¡± Six coughed. ¡°Big.¡± For a moment Ray had a blank face, before laughing when he understand what he meant. ¡°Both beautiful, both big. And the milk taste good sir.¡± Six just rambling with a smile on his face. ¡°Really, the milk taste good huh?¡± Ray had amusing smile. ¡°Well son, i only believe what i see. So invite me when we back in town okay? I have to taste that milk!¡± Boys will be always be boys they said. Nuff said. ¡­ Meanwhile on the car, both women stay silent for a long time. Both of them were a solid example about how soul pair and first wife tends to have bad blood relationship. In a sense, this bad relationship born because each of them held a degree of influence toward the same man. Two female alpha were toxic, even in a healthy family. ¡°That walk seems calmed him down.¡± Rosie mumbled in relieve. She has been tilting her head toward outside for awhile. Tina ignored her words and stay silent. She was biting her lips in annoyance as she remembered that her husband was supposed to have dinner with her. A romantic dinner! And he just shrugged it off like it was nothing! Rubbing her temple, her thought kept eating her out. Illian, his third wife, was going to come over tomorrow. A young woman in mid 20, still fresh with vigor and has been nothing but meek, nag, and trying to look sexy toward her husband. Hmph, that slut! Another bad blood she had with her sisters. She somehow could have peace with sister Jia, his second wife. She respected her because Jia was a formidable teacher and her loving nature as a mother has helped her to educated their children. Ray has three children, a boy from Tina and twins daughter from Jia. All on the same range of age. Unfortunately, none were an alpha core candidate and that¡¯s where illian came. Both Tina and Jia already too old to bear a child. Ray needed an alpha offspring to continue the family name. The brown woman slumped on her chair and sighed hard. ¡°Even without looking at you i can tell what is in your mind little wife.¡± Rosie said flatly, still looking outside the window. ¡°Good, so you could understand if i appreciate a little cup of shut the fuck up.¡± Chuckled, Rosie tilted her head in silence. She combed her brown hair, and frowning when several grey one between them. No one could be lying about their age. ¡°While it would be a pleasant thing to grant you some quiet time, i need to talk to you about something. About Ray.¡± They maybe had bad relationship, but both care about that man very much. ¡°What of it?¡± Rosie now put her stare toward the first wife. It was her usual business look and left little for personal feeling. ¡°I¡¯m getting older.¡± She paused when looking at how Tina smirked. ¡°But Ray was not. Not yet anyway.¡± The smirk was gone. Tina had a very bad feeling about this. ¡°The guild recent examination shown that he was still had all internal organ running like a 25 years old. While he shown aging sign that fit a 40 years old man, on the inside, he is younger.¡± Rosie clicked her tongue. ¡°That¡¯s means it matter of time before i could no longer function as his pair. It was already too much for me at this point.¡± Tina glares at her husband¡¯s pair with intense look. ¡°What do you want to say?¡± ¡°Ray needed another pair. A younger one.¡± Those words alone already made Tina¡¯s face into rage. But the next sentence made her want to strangle the petite woman. ¡°I already checked. There is a potential girl, not so high compatibility with him but it¡¯s enough. Her pair died in a car accident with his wife. So she was left alone with his child. I think if we took her it would make Ray happy because he can adopt another child.¡± ¡°Wait, you already checked? Why you always like this? Doing everything as you please!¡± Rosie surprised by Tina¡¯s raging tone. ¡°That¡¯s why i¡¯m talking to you right now. I haven¡¯t told Ray or sending formal request to the guild!¡± The tall girl didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Yes but you wanted to bring another woman to this family! That alone proving that you are doing as you please! And what of it with another child? He already have three child! Or you saying that my boy was not enough?¡± ¡°What?! That is not even what i¡¯m trying to say here!¡± The intense argument halted when the car making sudden acceleration. ¡°I¡¯m sorry madam, please sit straight. We have a situation here. Our agent detected that we have been followed and we shall make haste to the hotel. It safe there.¡± Said the driver in cool voice. Both women straddled by the sudden change in their situation. Rosie spoke first. ¡°What about Ray? Is he okay?¡± The car turned in a junction in higher speed. ¡°Please trust us madam. We will protect your family. Now i need a bit of concentration here if i may.¡± Between the afternoon dust of the big city, the car make a haste toward their destination. Inside, both women can only sit in silent as their worries fly toward their man. ¡­ ¡°Six, we have a situation.¡± Even before the sentence over he already raised his awareness. They walk in the side road filled with people, with traffic that not too busy but several cars was always on the road. ¡°It¡¯s too crowded here. Please confirm the situation.¡± He spoke. Ray didn¡¯t say anything. He knew it¡¯s their job and their expertise. An amature like him should do like any VIP be like. Looking worried and questioning their safety. ¡°Did something happen with my wife and Rosie?¡± ¡°Yes, but they are not in danger.¡± Old bear answered him through the glasses. A van following the car since they escaped the tv station. Also a drone has been trailing them from afar. While it¡¯s too early to draw any conclusion, the bodyguard was not taking any risk. ¡°The car has been escorted by three agent to the Hotel as we speak.¡± the old bear finished his report. ¡°If i may suggest something sir.¡± He added. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°We need a diversion. Bigger target for them so we can bait and catch them. I¡¯m interested with this people. They don¡¯t smell like soldier but has equipment like one. It would be interesting to bring one into my play room.¡± That cruel giggle at the end send a shiver to Ray¡¯s back. But he understood the situation well. ¡°Proceed, lay the traps. I trust you guys with my life as long my woman safe.¡± ¡°But of course sir. We are here to protect your family.¡± After that he calling his wife and pair, explained that everything under control and soon they will met again. ¡°Bye, i love you.¡± He ended the call. Six stood closer than before. While he looks relaxed Ray could sense how the young man keeping his eyes wide open, ready to take a defensive cover if anything threw at them. He knew it well that feeling, because that what always he do on the front line. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± With his head Six urge him to started walking. ¡°We believe that at least 4 people has been tailing us. Don¡¯t worry, aside me, there are 5 more agent keeping an eye on you sir.¡± Ray scoffed. ¡°Like some tiny bullet could bring me down.¡± That arrogant words bring amusement to Six. ¡°A alpha-defender like you sir? At least they will need a tank!¡± Both laughed at the jokes. ¡°Boss told me to bring you to empty backstreet just after that junction. We will try to make them came out.¡± Without a word Ray nodded. ¡°Like i said before, i trust you with my life.¡± Both walked in slow pace. From the people around them they were looked like a friend that had plan to raid the bar after office hour. They even look convincing when Six stopped to buy two hot butter bread with garlic sauce. ¡°What? It¡¯s famous on social media y¡¯know?¡± Ray agreed with him after the first bite. As planned, they took a ¡°shortcut¡± to back alley, and as Old bear said before it was empty with a few sun rays barely escaped the tall building between them. The alley was long, around 100 meters and 3 meters wide. The buzzing sound of air conditioner were the only entertainment during their brisk walk on that alley. Or not, a pair of lover has just entering from one of the junction. Both looked drunk as they laughing and walking funnily. There were also two big man, arguing each other as they stood in front of a door. The two of them apparently loses the keys and now they cannot went in. Six furrowed his eyebrows they passed the drunk pair, before stopped just few meter from the angry men. ¡°A pleasant display of act, if only you guys hide those murder intent a bit better.¡± Those words sent a shock toward the four person in the area. For a moment they seem confused and froze still while looking at him. Six chuckled. From his pocket he took out a small gem and crush it. A pale light disperse in the air and he absorb it. His body now emit a small pale light, a sign that his core was activated. ¡°Are we going to fight or not?¡± The provocation was short lived as the two angry man launch their attack toward him. Each equipped with a stun baton, they make way toward Ray at full speed, only to find Six¡¯s hand blocked their attack. With a quick jab and uppercut he send the men flying. At the same time the drunk pair also took out their weapon, a stun gun. Both also aimed at Ray and they shoot at the same time. Just before the teaser hit Ray, a pale light shielding him and repelling the teaser away. Knowing their attack had failed, the pair also took out a stun baton and lunging forward toward their target. Again, a pale light came but this time it hit them hard and make them flying several meters. Both landed in front of a girl with black hood. Her red colored hair were poke out from the hood. But her expression remain hiding under the shadow of the hood. ¡°Enemy neutralized.¡± She spoke slowly. Six smiled when he saw the girl. ¡°Good job Seven!¡± he threw her a thumb up. Seven awkwardly nodded before mumbling something. She vent her awkwardness by poking their enemies with her boots. ¡°Who are these guys?¡± Finally Ray spoke. He looked at the angry men closely but find nothing. ¡°Don¡¯t worry sir, number 3 will take care of them and crack them up.¡± Old bear suddenly barging in. ¡°Also.¡± He chuckled a moment. ¡°A suspicious drone just flew away from that alley. We will try to monitor where it go.¡± Ray sighed hard. ¡°It¡¯s your job so i won''t say anything. Hell, i even just stood here like an idiot while you guys kick these bastard.¡± He smiled. ¡°I need to treat you guys some ice cream.¡± Seven¡¯s expression lighten up when she heard what Ray said. Six just smiled wryly while cleaning his hand with handkerchief. ¡°Cheers to that sir. The van that following your wife already pull out and they shall arrived at the hotel in a minute or two. So take your time and try to relax.¡± With a perfect gesture Six pointed his hand toward the alley¡¯s exit. ¡°The ice cream¡¯s store is this way sir.¡± Ray stood there in silent to let his amusement feeling cooling down. A part of his heart whispering how things ran differently than his usual life in dungeon. He saw everything that happen with tighten heart. He could handle these much by himself, yet he was pampered by people that a lot younger than him. His stare fell into the timid girl with dark hood. Even without looking at her expression he could tell that she really looking forward to the ice cream. Shrugged his shoulder, he smiled toward the girl. ¡°Toward the ice cream store then. Thanks for protecting me little girl.¡± Her shy smile was the next best thing he encountered today, apart from the delicious hotdog and other worldly garlic sauce butter bread. Indeed he was getting older. Indeed he no longer stood tall in the front line. But what of it? It¡¯s just circle of life after all. Chapter 01 : a Broke Broker in Broken City (01) It was already pass 9 pm when Leon arrived at the cocoa plantation village. Seventy kilometers were not far if you have a comfortable bus and wide road with smooth asphalt. The only things that made the trips were no less than two hours was because they had to take a detour to another village first. Cocoa village were a small city size, with around seven thousand citizen cramped within the village. They had a huge cocoa plantation to take care of and more than half of the citizen were working on it. The one that couldn¡¯t work at that plantation were people who did not have Vanskoria citizen card. Yes, there were a lot of illegal immigrant lived in this place because unlike the main city Vanskoria, this place had zero mana percentage, which means a normal human could lived here with ease. But if there were illegal immigrant, it also easily known that slumps would appear by itself. Leon walked with half eyes closed from the bus stop and heading his home leisurely. The ¡°front end¡± of this village was really lively. With wide road, maintained park and many business still doing their activity until this late of night. But with just a brisk walk to the edge of village, another view would greet them with a raised eyebrow. He sighed hard watching the contrast environment just few blok apart. But his home was here, on a cheap apartment just few junction ahead. He had to dropped by few places before he hit home. For his uncle he brought a not so expensive liquor and for his aunty he brought a black pearl necklace. She was frowned when saw it first, but then smiled widely when he said it was from south africa. That was a lie of course, but keeping these two people happy would make his life a little bit peaceful. While now an old drunk, his uncle used to have influence in this neighbour as a high level beta core. Leon visibly looked more tired after he visited his uncle. Their abusive words never get old, same thing repeated like a broken recorder. About how his whore mother, how he was unwanted, how they were kind enough to accept and raised him. He already ignore their words like it was air. Few people passed him greeted him. Some hide themselves when he pass, other just ignore him. A stupid brat even dare to try pickpocketed him. A punch in the face and a threat from his dear knife was all he need to make the brat run with fear. Everyone just cheering when they saw that. It¡¯s a common occurrence in this place. Just in the final corner his steps slowed as he saw a familiar figure on the side of street. Cheap makeup, overly open dress and high heel that didn¡¯t match with her overall looks. ¡°Sister Mo!¡± The woman tilted her head and smile, or at least she tried. Leon catch her falling body with surprise. ¡°Oh god you have fever! Why are you working even if you are sick?¡± ¡°Umu, i had to pay the rent you know¡­¡± She answered awkwardly. Several times she tried to get up but failed. Her black hair also fell into huge mess. ¡°Let¡¯s just go home now sister. Don¡¯t worry i¡¯ll lend you some money to pay the rent.¡± She groaned. ¡°I already pay the baldie..¡± her voice was getting smaller before finally she collapsed. Leon sighed hard. He was just trying to help the woman but instead he had to take care of her. Sister Mo lived on the same building as him. Her apartment was just across his and she has been a good neighbour compared the other tenant on the floor. She used to be a pretty woman, so like any other woman who had no skill but pretty look she whoring herself. She used to work at a brothel, but now she way passed her glory days and had to sell herself on the street. Already on her 30th, even her big yet saggy breast only help her a little to get customers. There are other younger girls out there with more fresh body. Leon carried the poor woman on his back and headed toward a bald man with red jacket that stood in the junction with few youngsters, also in red jacket. The baldie was the one who manage this junction and his name was Grim. No, it¡¯s a street name, it was not his real name. Grim smiled bitterly when he saw Leon. ¡°I¡¯ve told her to chill the fuck out with that sick body. Wouldn¡¯t listen to me.¡± Few his fellow snicker when they saw Leon. Grim smack them to made them silent. While Leon was still young, his name already on the list of people you need to be respected. ¡°Yeah, sister Mo could be a stubborn woman. Anyway could you help me? She said she already paid? Can i get it back?¡± The baldie raised his hand. ¡°Services that already paid cannot be returned.¡± ¡°Oh cmon, it¡¯s not like you did not know me Grim.¡± Grim looked at him with annoyed face. ¡°I need the money kid.¡± ¡°Everyone needs the damn money.¡± Then remembered something. ¡°Wait¡­ is your boy sick again? I already gave you the antibiotics right?¡± Now his face looks troubled. ¡°Well yeah.... About that¡­¡± Leon¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Please tell me the boy took it all.¡± He realized it when Grim¡¯s face changed. ¡°Oh God¡­¡± ¡°H-He looks fine! S-So i thought¡­ maybe he don''t need all of them.¡± ¡°You stupid bald! It¡¯s antibiotics! They have certain dose for a fucking reason!¡± Leon couldn¡¯t held his voices. ¡°So? How is he now? Why you didn¡¯t call me?¡± Grim now looked like a student that being lectured by his teacher. ¡°Doctor give him a higher dose, but it¡¯s hard. It¡¯s expensive. I-I barely had the money.¡± Grim looked really desperate. On the outside he may like some badass gangster with tattoo and muscle. But inside he has a soft heart for his wife and child. Something that Leon saw and he always tried to keep the baldie from crossing the line too much. ¡°That even more reason for calling me. I already gave you half the price for the last medicine right?¡± Grim scratching his head. ¡°Well, the big boss said that you are busy¡­¡± Leon snorted, clearly annoyed by his statement. He also started to felt the weight of older woman on his back. ¡°Are you stupid? It¡¯s your son we are talking about. I already considering him like my little brother y¡¯know. Send me the medicine recipe and let me take a look.¡± ¡°R-Really? I meant you are being busy and all¡­¡± ¡°Oh just shut it. Just give me sister Mo¡¯s money back, okay?¡± Leon paused for a second. ¡°Also, go to Big joe tomorrow. I think he had few toys that your boy could play with. Just say i sent you.¡± It was a weird spectacles when a grown up man with manly appearance crying like hell, even more so when he hug a boy who carrying a unconscious woman on his back. Leon just stood there withstand the painful stare for around them. Before everything got even weirder, Leon parted with Grim and continued his walk toward his apartment. Located after the junction, the building was deteriorated from age and weather. Four floor with 6 apartment on each floor, the building were moderately cheap and relatively safe from any crime. After a short trip to 2nd floor, he dropped to sister Mo¡¯s apartment and put her on the bed. Her fridge was empty so Leon feed her with bread and milk that he bought on the mini market down on the first floor.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Finally at 10.30 pm he entered his own apartment. ¡°I¡¯m home.¡± He said tiredly. A brief smell of bamboo greet him, bringing a sense of relaxation and security from a small apartment he called home. It was not big, just 1 bedroom, a living room and kitchen in one room, plus another smaller room for storage. The interior was designed to be japanese style with tatami and low table as furniture. But even with all of this he need another confirmation that he was really already home. The other person that was supposed to be lived with him was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Alice? You here?¡± His voice felt a bit hoarse when he mentioned her name, like he did not want to bother her with his question. Soon he found her sleeping peacefully on the bedroom. ¡°Geez, can you at least sleep with more clothes on? You and your bad habit.¡± He mumbled as he take a blanket from the drawer. Alice¡¯s small lips let out a small moan as if disagree with the boy. The petite girl squirming in delight when Leon put a blanket over her body. She was almost naked, with only a t-shirt and panties on her body. No, she not even bothered to wore a bra for her small breast. Her shoulder length platinum blonde hair was in a mess, not that they reduce the beautiful face she had. For a while Leon just sat beside her, stroking her hair in silent, enjoying the soft feeling in his hand. He and Alice had a long and twisted relationship. They grew up as childhood friend. Even on his earliest memory he remembered Alice already with him. Her parents, workers on cocoa plantation was on raising carrier when their doom arrived from the back of their hand. They were dragged down by false corruption accusation from their envious coworker. While they could avoid prison, the prize to pay for it was too great. They were left with no money and house, with four children to fed on. From that point the story was a lame plot that overly used by life to make someone desperate. The debt, the never ending quarrel, and the broken home. All those things dragged the family to do the unthinkable. They decide to sell their oldest daughter to the brothel. Alice was never the same after her father said those words to her face two years ago. Her blue eyes lost their bright color as twisted agony raise from the depth of her heart. She has been trying to be a good child for them, to be a respected daughter they could proud of. But those words just torn her heart to pieces. The other family members just stood there and looked at her with a pity, no one had raised their hands to help her. No one but him. Leon still remembered clearly how Alice¡¯s expression when they heard that he would buy Alice. A 13 years old boy wanted to buy 15 years old girl was a difficult tale to believe. But he stood his ground, not caring how her parents laughing at him. He put his knife to the neck of her father and stuffed the money to his mouth before dragged Alice out of that cursed family. She never say no to him, she never deny him nor she will ever betray him. From the moment her foot left that house, she was his. Her broken heart craved those words to whatever left inside of her. Something that stubbornly enforced to him even after he told her he wanted their old relationship. It never could, her heart has been shattered too much. He was her salvation, her only reason to see the sun after the night ends. Leon¡¯s hand tracing the soft and tender cheek, then slowly down to her neck. There was a black choker with a heart shape - silver colored pendant on it. Another thing that she refused to budge off. He has been worried since she buy and wore it by herself, and proudly said that the choker was prove she was his. It¡¯s already almost 11 when he snapped out from his flashback. Stroking her hair was always bring that effect to him. A bit of reminder how far they have come to this moment, also a little push to keep moving forward, to challenge the future even if everything seems lost. He took a quick shower, then a quick meal while looking blankly at the television show. Not that it was interesting, but the noise keep his mind from wandering away too far. Finally he rested his tired body on the bed and hug the girl slowly. Alice responded by snuggling at his chest out of habit. Before long, Leon fell into deep sleep. ¡­ He know he was dreaming. How? A fucking cow has just passed him, and it was flying with it¡¯s wings spread wide. Moo-ing in mocking tone to him and fly away with that. Damn fucking cow! It was a weird scenery. His neighborhood was colored in fall season. Every green was replaced with dusk colored leaves, the wind was cold and the dust was high in the air. It was weird because on this part of the island fall never came. Sun was shining all year, with random rain pouring every now and then. Yes, it was weird. Alice playing a guitar in a chair on the streetwalk. With several familiar face, including the baldie Grim surround her and nodding to the music. Sister Mo even humming slowly, being a background tune that make the music even merrier. Suddenly someone grap his hand. A silver haired girl dragged him and started to make a clumsy attempt to dance with him. He just looked at her with a smile. Why she is here? From then on the people around just started dancing to the music. Someone put another guitar, others bring trumpet and harmonica. It was a festival all of a sudden with everyone just trying to enjoying themselves. Leon felt happiness as he dance around with the silver haired girl. It¡¯s been a long time since he felt this free happiness like this. He laugh, he dance, he jumped around like a child enjoying festival for the first time. The happiness kept pouring him, slowly those feeling turned into a wave of pleasure. And as fast as his dream come, it finished in few heartbeat. Slowly his consciousness faded as the dream ended. Hmm? But why he still could feel the pleasure feeling? Slowly he opened his eyes, with sunrays welcomed him from the window. Bustling sound of busy street bringing his sense back to the ground, or should he say, to the bottom part of his body. ¡°Lewonwniw owhawwyow~¡± His body jerked when an intense pleasure ran into his body. Something warm warping his little brother like it was the most delicious thing in the world. ¡°A-Alice! W-Wait-Wha-What Ar-¡± Leon swear he heard a soft giggle before her small mouth started to worked diligently. The movement of warm flesh sent pulse of pleasure that bring him closer and closer to come. The last push came when their eyes met each other. Her blue eyes looked wet and so inviting, which make her looked so cute and goddamn sexy. With that final thought he came in her mouth. A few second passed in silent as Leon struggle to catching his breath and Alice cleaning up whatever remain on her face and mouth. ¡°Alice, what are you doing on the first thing in the morning?¡± Tilted her head, she answered. ¡°I¡¯m waking you up y¡¯know.¡± She smiled. ¡°But it was your little brother that wake up, so i play with him for awhile.¡± She said while sticking out her tongue. The cute behaviour were so tempting. He could feel new vigor lit up on his lower region. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s wake up again!¡± Those were her last words before Leon embrace her for another morning love session. ¡­ An hour later they already sat on the dining room. Leon slumped his head into the desk while Alice eating with sparkling face. ¡°Gosh, what are we doing really? My back hurt.¡± Alice took a slice chicken meat and put it on his plate. ¡°It¡¯s already noon y¡¯know. Leon nii must be too tired last night.¡± (AN: nii is japanese term for older brother.) Leon groaned, then decide his stomach need a fill after intense work out just now. He stared at the food on his plate, remembering something, then sighed hard. ¡°Well, thanks for the food.¡± He mumbled awkwardly. Those words sent Alice to paralyze state. Her blue eyes widen as she couldn¡¯t believe what she was just heard. ¡°D-Did Leon nii j-just now..?¡± She questioned with broken words. ¡°W-What of it? Is it that weird? ¡°OF COURSE IT IS!¡± She shouted. ¡°Usually Leon-Nii just eat without care y¡¯know!¡± ¡°L-Leave me alone okay! I just feel like it!¡± Suddenly her instinct kicked in. She rushed to his side and took his hand to her chest. ¡°It must be a girl isn¡¯t? It must be, right?¡± Leon sweated on his back. How the hell this girl know it? ¡°Ah¡­¡± Suddenly her eyes loses color. ¡°It really is a girl!¡± She mumbled in annoyance. ¡°Nee, who is the girl? Who is the girl that spoil my Leon nii. Please tell me.¡± she asked in smile, an eerie vacant smile. The boy now felt his life were depend on the sentence came out from his mouth. He started to talk about his encounter with three pair candidate. As the story progress, her light starting to get back to her blue eyes and their conversation turned into the usual atmosphere. ¡°So yesterday Leon nii meet up with a sly silver fox girl, a useless meat idiot girl, and an annoying chopping board girl?¡± Her vacant smile was back. ¡°Which one is the one that spoiling my Leon nii?¡± Or not. She still held her grudge. ¡°I have to choose one of them to be my pair you know? Can you be more serious on this?¡± Alice snuggle into his embrace in silent. There was still hole in her heart about welcoming another girl to be his. She understand that being a Alpha-hunter her Leon would be surrounded with lots of women. She also knew that with her gamma core being the lowest of all, she did not have the right to stand beside him as a wife. Maybe just a lover that he kept around for a session of night love or two. She groaned. Her thought about being used for her hole alone made her shiver with anticipation. ¡°Alice, focus!¡± His stern voice bring her back to reality. ¡°S-Sorry Leon nii¡­¡± Leon sighed. From the beginning he did not expect Alice to be serious or anything. It was he alone tha need to make the decision. And truthfully, he already made one. The silver haired fox¡­ He smiled. Somehow it fit her well. Leon patted Alice head when she was still pouting after his scolding before. ¡°By the way, sister Mo was sick last night.¡± He said. ¡°She drop by this morning to say thanks. She was still sick but it was better. I also gave her some breakfast. We ate here you know.¡± For awhile he continued the patting session. Like last night when he stroke her hair, somehow there was this melancholy feeling that fell into his mind every time he playing with her hair. The dusty air and loud buzzing of city noise on the background were came down on him slowly. He never like this city, or village, or whatever they called it. He wanted to get out of here, ran away from all the shackle held him down on this city. His debt for buying Alice and running mana core test were on the 6 digit number. It was supposed to be enough to buy a house and started a family. But this city had a weird way to make the life even harder. For the last two years he worked like crazy breaking his bone to pay the debt. He already planned it all. He will pay his debt, and he will escape this cursed place. Just a little more¡­ His hand suddenly stopped, he remembered something. It was something she said. ¡°Alice, can you cut my hair? It¡¯s time to get rid this long hair. It¡¯s getting hot and annoyed. I want to be a little neat.¡± Alice furrowed her eyebrow, annoyed. ¡°It was that fox again right? It was her right Leon nii?¡± Leon chuckled, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. ¡°Get used to it. She will be with us for a long time.¡± The petite girl let out another pout. She just hug her beloved tightly but say nothing. Leon nii is mine, and i am his. It will always be like that forever! Chapter 01 : a Broke Broker in Broken City (02) Chapter 01 - 02 Alice swing her body in front of small mirror on the bedroom. Her uniform, a mix of green colored long skirt and a yellow apron looked really pretty. Her platinum hair was tied into a ponytail and with light makeup she really like a fresh young girl. As an accessory, she put a cat ear on her head. Smiled sweetly, she was ready to go to her part time job. It¡¯s a bread store near the apartment and the owner really adore her a lot. ¡°Leon nii, i¡¯ll see you in the evening.¡± She kissed his cheek and calling Einstein to come with her. Both of them storming out of apartment in tow. Leon rolling his body from the bed. It was two pm and he was really reluctant to get his things done. But he didn¡¯t have any other choice, he needed to report his work on 3 pm. He stood up and the mirror greeted him with his new haircut. His reddish hair were short, neat, and tidy, which make him looked cleaner and refiner. After changing his clothes, he also get out of the apartment. He saw sister Mo downstair, still a bit pale but smiled sweetly when their eyes met each other. A stern warning from him to not being stupid like last night were replied with big hug and laughter from her. Or more likely, it was a boobs hug as those melons tried a bit too hard to squeeze his face. He left after gave her some money to pay the rent and another for food. This slump were known for a lot of shit that happen in this city. But the biggest shit was a syndicate that control every bad thing happen. From security, drugs, weapon, brothel, smuggling, and any other worst thing that could be mustered by human. And like any other people who did not get job from the plantation, Leon was involved with that syndicate. Grim greeted him with hopeful eyes. ¡°I¡¯m still a bit annoyed you did not contact me first.¡± A bit of word play. Not that he actually care. ¡°A-Ah, i¡¯m sorry.¡± Putting someone else in a certain situation to make it more favorable toward the way he wants is a must in negotiations. Leon told him that he already got someone that willing to sell at 25% discount or even more if Grim willing to do a certain work. ¡°Just a small work, bodyguard or maybe being debt collector. This friend of mine is a pure brain type, so he really need someone with muscle like you. And do me a favor not to upset him, he is a bit weirdo but an important connection of mine.¡± Another word play, another way to make things in his way he like. He already sold this work to his connection, not much but enough to be considered as a broker fee. ¡°I¡¯ll send you details later on after he contact me again.¡± The weird scene replied once again as a strong looking bald man hugging a boy while crying. Leon winced when several stare start to whisper and avoid them. Before long he escaped from the still happily crying baldie. Leon was a broker. Or to be precise he was an information broker. He connect people who had needs to people who had supply. It¡¯s simple and effective way to earn money. But his credibility was relied on his ability to judge people and play with words. After all, if these two kind of people met and any of them screw up, he will be blamed regardless who make the mistake. ¡°Huh?¡± Leon suddenly remembered something. I haven¡¯t smoked since morning. Usually he smoked in the morning. After a sexy session or two with Alice he would smoke. Or after meal, or when he lost in thought. But no, he hasn''t smoked since this morning. I¡¯ll be damned. That fox is really sly doesn¡¯t she? She had more impact on him more than he thought. He smiled as he remembered her cold stare and her preaching. Actually, it was not that bad to have someone taking care of you. Nodding several time while grinning, he took a cigarette in his mouth and lit it. A deep breath of those grey smoke send a bit of relieved feeling in his heart. Just a bit more. Everything will be alright. ¡­ Alice tilted her head while smiling. Not the bright smile she put on when she was with her beloved Leon-nii. It was a polite smile, but that¡¯s all there is. ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Her eyes followed the little girl and a young woman until they got out of the store. No, she was not jealous to the little girl. On the other hand, she pray that the little girl would be blessed with warmth of a family and then find a man she loves for the rest of her life. ¡°Alice-chan, go get the refill for the banana choco bread from the back.¡± ¡°Okay oba-san!¡± Oba-san was the store owner. She was a japanese and ran the store since her youth. Now her age was almost 70, she no longer had the energy to open the store since morning. She had several worker help her running the store, and with the help of her grand daughter, she updated the story into a much modern theme and cute theme, trying to grasped younger buyer rather than old customer. So far that strategy worked out just fine and able to keep the store running. The old woman sighed when her stare looked at the back of Alice. The little girl have really helped her a lot. As a worker she was attractive and diligent, came on time and went home when her work hour already end, sometimes even stay a bit longer to help the other worker in the kitchen. But her true value was her ¡°older brother¡±, someone that being respected in this neighbourhood. Since his little sister work here, there were never any disturbing accident or some crazy people came to look for trouble. She remembered when Leon brought Alice to her, saying several issues that make the little girl a bit handful. ¡°Oba-san, the baker said they need more chocolate cream.¡± Alice came from the kitchen with a tray of choco banana bread. ¡°Ah, those stupid kids, i¡¯ve told them to not use the cream before we can get some more. Alice-chan please take care the store for a moment.¡± ¡°Um!¡± She answered with a big nod. Afternoon was the time when people finished their work or school and came home. It was usually at this time that the store would be crowded. But before that the store usually calm and quiet. Even Einstein found that the atmosphere were inviting to take a nap. The black cat took a wooden basket on the corner of the room, his usual place to sleep. Alice took out a notebook and started to write down their sales for the day. She work while humming the soundtrack of a famous anime ¡°Space cat Nyan Nyan¡±. It has been a hit for about three month but she still like the song and it¡¯s kind of stick in her small head. The japanese culture grew well in this part of the island, maybe because japan was just few hundreds kilometers away from here. There was no world wide internet connection in this whole island. There was a local internet connection, so people can still access the net but the content were very limited. So when japanese culture arrived in form of goods it was exploded and creating a unique market. Alice was one of those people that loved the culture, maybe a little bit too much. Two years ago when Leon brought her, she was so broken that she locked herself in the apartment. Fear of people, deep humiliation that hanging on her head were shackles that bind her feet on the apartment. After failed attempt to make her came out, Leon changed the strategies and started to gave her books and later on, some manga. The boy often bring stories that centered on self confidence, where the main character building his/her courage and power to get stronger with sheer determination. Once in awhile he also bought some romance to feed her young woman heart. The little effort ran wild, snowballing into a deep obsession of her. She kept demanding more and more, nagging and angry when Leon did not provide her with more material. The situation dragged on until finally Leon lost his cool out and explode out of frustration. The blonde girl slammed back to reality after Leon outburst. She opened her eyes to herself and her surrounding for the first time after months locked in her own world. Although she still lost about things she should do, she did not want Leon angry at her again. It was at the time then she have an idea to get some inspiration from the novel and manga she read before. How to make a man happy? How to make him looked at her? How to be a perfect woman for him? The things get really edgy from then on. Alice started with a simple things like conquering him from his stomach, making their apartment homey, and always look clean and pretty in front of him. That was a typical things that shoujo genre told on their manga/novel. It did the tricks, Leon became more comfortable at home and started to treat her tenderly like before. After she composed herself, Leon kind of let her go again with her hobby but this time he no longer the one that buy the stuff. He let Alice to did it by herself because he was busy with his work. This freedom made the girl¡¯s curiosity peak up and suddenly her search for inspiration went on to a weird turn, sex. For the longest time she was wondering why Leon not touching her. She was a girl afterall and this condition kind of disturbing her pride. But in the same time she was confused about how their relationship should went on. In a sense he did buy her, but then what? How he sees her? Like any other teenage girl, the question fried her heart in confusion. The normal route for a little girl to find her eternal love and marry him in happily ever after life felt kind of lame after all things she went through. Like a drunken maiden she need a stronger punch to make her heart trembling in love. ¡°Do you have extra snow white bread? I need like 2 or three more?¡± Alice tilted her head with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but we are out those bread. How about vanilla spring? The one with white chocolate? It¡¯s also delicious you know.¡± The customer blinked several times after saw her smile before he coughing awkwardly. ¡°Guess i¡¯ll try it. Can i have 5 of those please?¡± Her smile widen. ¡°Of course.¡± Alice¡¯s eyes following the customer until he went out of the store. Several times the customer turned his head toward her and mumbling something. But in the end, nothing happen.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before Alice-chan, you should smile more sincerely. That boy really confused with your smile earlier.¡± The store owner came out from the kitchen while scratching her head. ¡°Why should i? He is not Leon nii.¡± She¡¯s back to the counter, writing down sales on the note like before. Because you are scary, that¡¯s why. The unspoken words made the old lady winched. It must be her old age that started to wary her heart down. ¡°Because your brother put you in here so you can learn to smile again.¡± She answered in tired voice. ¡°Is it not?¡± There was a blank moment from the girl. She stared oba-san in vacant look and dull eyes. ¡°I-I will do my best. S-So please¡­¡± her voice loses the vigor. Oba-san sighed hard. ¡°I¡¯m not going to report it to your brother. It¡¯s just a reminder of your purpose.¡± Without sound, alice bow her head down then leave with a small mumbling voice, leaving the old lady in even more tired state. ¡°I¡¯m getting old. Watching this pitiful girl really put a lot in my heart.¡± Cursing her fate because she kind of stuck with the girl, the old lady came to counter to continued the sales count. It was the same story that repeat itself from time to time. She get upset, she cry in the changing room, she came back with a bright smile. After a few days her batteries ran out of power and her smile faded. Just for how long i can endure this? The old lady sighed hard once again. ¡­ The pleasure district, almost 3 pm. If there was a little bit of pride that the slum area proud of, it was their pleasure district. It was big, with much variety that should make the other city red district crying in shame. From regular brothel, gentlemen club, to the kinkiest thing you interested trying you can get it here. It was this kind place that Leon needs to take care his work. He smile playfully when several hooker called him, and almost scream like a girl when a vulgar man with mustache winking at him. It was still afternoon but for this area it was the perfect moment to fishing the customers because it almost time for plantation work to ends. The boy stopped at a small bar called the golden rose. The two stories building looked old and out of place between the more modern architecture building around it. For normal people it¡¯s not attractive enough to make them stopped their feet and drop by. But for someone who had business to deal with the syndicate, this place was their doorstep. He walked leisurely, greeted the bouncer with a nod as they let him in. A melodic jazzhop song came to his ears when his feet came inside the bar. Several people who sat on a round dining table turned their head to him before going back to whatever their doing. Behind bar table, a blonde waitress smiled tiredly and nodded, her hand gesturing him to proceed to the back room. HIs steps halted by a skinny man in black long coat that guarding a door. He was just about to argue when a voice interrupted them. ¡°Let the boy in dumbass. The big boss summon him.¡± A high pitched voice man shown up from restroom. The striking bright blonde hair were the first thing anyone would notice, then his deep violet suit with black skull pattern came by. The face itself, hidden behind a glasses with love shape, was really contrast from all his appearance. Small cunning eyes with blocky jaw and slight brown skin. ¡°Mister Jeremy.¡± Leon nodded politely. The tall man snorted, his eyes glueing the boy. ¡°That haircut was perfect 5/7, but your shirt was a disaster. Totally garbage!¡± He frowned in disgust. ¡°Be more adult and maybe i can invite you to my shop for a little fashion trip.¡± Leon just laughing awkwardly. Jeremy the fast hand was a mix of strange personalities. On one side he held the firearms market, but he still couldn¡¯t let go his former sense as a tailor, or in his own term of magnificent, a fashion stylish. So yeah, everyone just had to deal with his twisting personalities. Behind the door there was a short corridor that absorb all the noise from outside. Leon felt like he was walking into another dimension each time he walk through it. A slight chill wind from air conditioning tickle his neck, sending an uncomfortable shiver through his body. A big door awaited them at the end of corridor. It was made by old oak wood that glow a faint trace of brownish color. Not literally glowing, but the ambience was perfect for a door that would lead them to another world. He stare at Jeremy, a little uncertain whether he should be the one to open or he should be polite and let the arms dealer be the first through the door. The eccentric man smacked Leon¡¯s head and opened the door. The first thing that Leon notice was a sharp smell of rose that greeted his nose. Then a slow blues that faintly decorated the big room in meek ambience. A long bar table in the center, with several sofa circling the bar, each already filled with several person. ¡°Look who is coming.¡± a mocking voice came from the sofa on the middle. A fat man with dandy appearance and gold in each part of his body laughing his ass off and make his belly dancing around disgustingly. ¡°Boss invited him Jack. Be nice if you can.¡± said Jeremy short, clearly just said it with mockery. He took the nearest sofa and a bunny girl approach him, offering him a cigarette and a glass of water. ¡°Good day Mister Jackie.¡± Leon greeted the fat man with polite bow. Jackie the wombat was a nickname for the drugs dealer and smuggling maestro. Short man with a rat like face and half bald head. He already past his 50 and started to looked like a dying candle. But he was here, on the top of the chain, swimming in money and richness. ¡°How is your sister? My offer still available. Let me teach her what real man really like in bed for a night. I can compensate you kindly you know.¡± He said while laughing out loud. Leon expression darkened for a split second, but changed to a polite smile in instant. ¡°Mister Jackie likes to joking around. My sister is unworthy of your kindness.¡± The wombat stopped his laugh. ¡°Bah, you dare to refuse me?¡± He raised his voice. Even the bunny girl that serve the fat man took a small step backward. Jackie was well known for his sadistic nature. Leon felt his head throbbing with anger. It was a disgusting request and he was not going to let Alice fell into the rat¡¯s hand. He would rather stabbed the wombat in the eyes and died bearing the consequence rather than saw his beloved girl raped by any man. ¡°Please behave yourself jack. Boss will arrived in a moment. Stop this stupidness immediately.¡± A sultry and charming voice came from the sofa¡¯s on the far end. A woman on her 40¡¯s sat elegantly while folding her fan. She wore a black long gown with open shoulder design. Her pale skin looked beautiful under the dim light, bringing her face to higher degree of prettiness. While her age was already started to catch her, she was still an alluring woman nonetheless. Jackie turned his head at the woman, clearly annoyed from her intervention. But then he started to laugh again. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Diana, i¡¯m just fooling around. I rather have your girls than that little girl of his.¡± Leon took a few deep breath to cooled his head. He turned his head to the lady called diana. ¡°Lady Diana, it¡¯s a pleasant to meet such a refined lady in this place.¡± The woman smiled, clearly pleasant with the way Leon make his greeting. She touched her black hair while looked back at him. ¡°It¡¯s a surprise to meet a boy who know how to behave. Please pardon this unethical man. He was just trying to make things a bit softer.¡± Leon bow once again but did not answered. He just stood there while wore a masked expression. The room filled with chatter once again. Jeremy had a small talk with the brunette bunny girl that serve him. Jackie gave the redhead bunny girl beside him a hard time as his hand groping every inch of her body. Only lady Diana who sat silently while occasionally had a small chat with a woman that stood beside her. Leon eyebrow twitched when he saw the woman. She was a beautiful, nothing can describe her more than that. She stood straight, arching her back in solid state that make her breast and hips stood out for attention. She wore a black chinese dress with a high slit on the bottom, revealing a long smooth white tight. Her black hair was cut into short bob style which her oval face radiate a cool beauty. But all those features were lacking compared to her breast. A fucking perfect breast for his taste. Big enough, perky enough, stood out proudly to defying the weight that pulling down, and the most importantly, Leon was betting she is not wearing bra under those chinese dress. The tip of her breast was pointy, enough proof to make that conclusion. Leon sighed. Lady Diana and her attendance were not to be taken lightly. She was the madam of this pleasure district, and from that alone it was more that enough to conclude that she was stronger than she looked. The ambience took over as Leon relaxed his body. The music was enough to drag him to a chill mood. All he needed right now was a cigarette, a beer, and a woman. Laughing in his head, he remembered his ¡°sister¡±. Leon was lost at what should he do to her. Couple of times he tried to talk to her, only to hit a sturdy wall. She was his, a piece of soft meat with a hole to be played, nothing more. She needed nothing more, or so she said. But she still jealous when i met another girl. Rubbing his shoulder, Leon let out another sigh. Just why and when her thought becoming like that was a mystery for him. On the last resort, he did bring her to a psychiatrist. Their season ended shortly as Alice refuse to cooperate, and the psychiatrist could only suggested that she needs to interact with other people aside of him. Leon did arranged the part time job for her, but each time she goes he couldn¡¯t help but felt worried in his heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to make all of you waited.¡± A deep voice came from behind the bar, but that voice alone was enough to make the room¡¯s relaxed ambience gone in instant. The bunny girl hurriedly leaving the room and the guest put aside their playful attitude. An old man in his early 60ish came inside the bar. He wore a formal suit before taking of the suit and roll up his sleeve. His gray hair was cut short and tidy. A cold grey eyes staring at each of them in silent, before he gestured them to sat on the bar stool. He was tall, almost 190 cm and still had a muscular body that defying his age. There were also various scar on his brown arm and neck, clearly an evidence that he is a veteran. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, may i humbly ask what would you like to drink for this joyous occasion?¡± ¡°Gin please, with ice.¡± Said Jeremy short. ¡°A glass of vodka, also with ice.¡± Jackie said, almost stuttering in the middle of his sentence. ¡°Wine please.¡± Lady Diana said in husky voice. The old man nodded, then his eyes fell on Leon. ¡°You also sit here today boy. Come, pick your drink.¡± Leon froze from a moment. He was called here to report of a job he finished. But to sit beside three big name in the syndicate was like sitting in hot boiled chair. For a moment he hesitated as he could feel eyes prying on him, and he knew it was not a kind eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeated what i said. Come and sit, pick your drink.¡± The voice carries unwavering authorities, making Leon sweating on his back. He nodded awkwardly and sat to the nearest bar stool. It was a mistake apparently as Jeremy who sit beside him glares with death stare. A small fry like him should not be equal to them, or so he said with those stare. ¡°I-I don¡¯t drink much so i¡¯m not familiar with the choice. If you please kindly surprise me with your choice.¡± He said in hoarse voice. The old man gave him a stern stare, before nodded acknowledgedly. ¡°Very well, i shall bring your drink in a moment.¡± There was no conversation whatsoever when the old man preparing the drinks. If anyone would think that if you got guns or money or power over people you would stand above anyone else, then you are so wrong. It was not the drug lord, or the arms king, or a pleasure queen that controlling the syndicate. It was this old man, the bartender that do it behind the scene. A crafty person that control information as his main weapon, delivering blow at the right time at the right time at the right person to make things bent to his will. To make things even mysterious, no one knew his name. They just called him the bartender. In front of them a glass of drink were served as they requested. The bartender put a medium size glass in front of Leon. ¡°You are a beginner. A distilled berry juice alcohol with lime soda is better for yourself.¡± Leon nodded several times, dare not to disagree with the old man. He nodded and took the drink in single gulp. It was a fresh punch on his head as his eyes widen from all the bittersweet taste on his tongue. ¡°Y-You!!¡± Jackie growling in angry voice. Leon looks confused. ¡°W-What?¡± From the looks of it, he was just committed a grave mistake. The bartender approach him. His cold eyes looked down on him with stoic expression. ¡°There is always rule in each place Mr. Leon. In here, i am the rule.¡± He took Leon¡¯s glass and pour another shot. ¡°I serve you a drink, but i will decide when you get to drink it. Easy rule, easy to follow, hard on consequences.¡± Leon¡¯s sweating like crazy. This old man never back down on his words. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry for my ignorance.¡± That was all he could said to ease his heart. For a moment there was a perfect silent in the room, then the bartender pointed at Leon¡¯s drink. ¡°Of course, it was a mistake on my part for not telling you the rules before. So let¡¯s just forget it. Please enjoy your drink.¡± A sighed of relief let out from Leon¡¯s mouth. He took his glass and realize that his hand were shaking. Without another beat he drink all of it in a single gulp like before. A familiar feeling sting his brain and tongue, but this time it¡¯s felt much better. A lot better. ¡°Thank you. It was a pleasant experience.¡± He nodded several times, genuinely praising the bartender. ¡°Glad to be such service.¡± The old man answered short. ¡°This time it¡¯s your turn. Please entertain me with your story. I do hope that it¡¯s an interesting story.¡± Leon took a deep breath to settling his heart. This ploy was wearing him down and the shot earlier was only helpful in making his heart beating like crazy. ¡°Ah, well. I finished your task in big city.¡± He opened his story. ¡°The deal with Mr. Wickerman should proceed with smooth sailing in the future.¡± There was a gasped from the other person aside of the bartender. ¡°Wickerman you said? The cockroach guy? Are you saying you got his tail?¡± Jackie the wombat asked in disbelief, almost shouting. ¡°Boy, Wickerman is a one hell of a guy. He has been threatened, baited with money, woman, drugs, or any other way you may have thinking about. He just cannot yield at all. That¡¯s why we called him cockroach, because he was pesky as hell and we just couldn¡¯t kill it at all.¡± Jeremy said in the same disbelief tone. Leon stretching his neck to saw how Lady Diana took his words. A same disbelief face was there, worried and questioning in the same time. Oh boy, this is going to be great¡­ He couldn¡¯t control his widen grin. But when his eyes met with the bartender, his body shivering from the pressure. Clenched his hand, he told himself he cannot back down. Not now when the stage was all his. ¡°Since ladies and gentlemen here asking for an interesting story, let me play a little trick to spice things up.¡± Ignoring the glare from the other, he took his glass. He showed that the glass was indeed empty. Leon make an exaggerated gesture with his hand, covering the whole glass in a split second and when his hand moved from the glass, there is a single ring left on the bottom of the glass. A gold ring with a pink diamond attached on it. Everyone gasped in disbelief. ¡°T-That ring¡­¡± This time it was Lady Diana that reacted first. ¡°That guy would rather sold his mother than losing this ring!¡± Jackie shouted this time. Leon chuckled when he saw their reaction. He pushed the glass with the tip of his finger toward the bartender. ¡°He said sorry, and he will come here to apologize properly.¡± Leon said with a winning smile. The old man, still with a stoic expression took the glass and examine the ring inside properly. ¡°It indeed that person¡¯s ring.¡± He put down the glass, his attention fully focused on the boy in front of him. ¡°Looks like it will be an entertaining story. Please do share with me Mr. Leon.¡± He said with a small grin on his face. Everyone on the room widen their eyes. They had heard a famous rumor about the old man in front of them. If he found something pleasant, he do not smile. He will grin in anticipation of a chance to make that pleasant things to be his. Leon, with his heart already high from the shot, was find this situation incredibly thrilling, and he couldn¡¯t held his smile any longer. This will be very interesting indeed...