Morning sunlight slipped through the small gaps in the curtains of Aki's room, painting the wooden floor with soft golden rays. The peaceful atmosphere of the morning was a sharp contrast to the chaos he had experienced only days ago. Outside, Justia was already coming alive.
The distant voices of merchants opening their shops echoed through the streets. The sound of footsteps from citizens beginning their daily routines mixed with the occasional clatter of adventurers preparing their equipment before heading out for quests.
For most people, it was just another normal day. But for Aki... Every day in this world was still something completely new.
Aki sat on the edge of his bed, rubbing his tired eyes before stretching. [Aki yawning]:"Today's the day I finally assign these stat points..." He opened his system menu.
A blue screen appeared in front of him, displaying his current status.
The remaining 75 stat points he had been saving were waiting. Aki stared at the numbers carefully. Unlike before, he wasn't just randomly throwing points around anymore. He had learned his lesson. Every decision mattered. [Aki thinking]:"I need to think carefully this time."
He crossed his arms. [Aki]:"What type of build should I go with?" His eyes moved between the different stats. [Aki]:"I need to be fast enough to dodge attacks, but if I do get hit, I need to survive it." He tapped his chin. [Aki]:"But all of that won't matter if I can't fight back." A small smile appeared on his face. [Aki]:"Yeah... I should focus on becoming stronger overall."
He started assigning his points.
Aki Toshiba's Stats
[ Strength: 50 Agility: 48
Durability: 43 Vitality: 32
Magic: 27 . Stat points: 0]
Aki nodded proudly. [Aki]:"There we go. Balanced enough." He turned his attention toward Cynth. [Aki]:"How does that look?" A few seconds passed before Cynth responded. [Cynth]:"I see... quite impressive."
Aki smiled. [Cynth]:"You chose a build that focuses more on your physical combat ability rather than maximizing one of your magic abilities." Aki looked at his stats again. [Cynth]:"Considering your fighting style with the Axium Blade, that was probably the correct choice." Aki grinned. [Aki]:"Finally, a good decision from me." [Cynth]:"Don't get too proud. You still make plenty of questionable decisions."
Aki ignored that comment.
[Aki]:"Anyway, do I get any new skills this time around?" A blue notification appeared.
You have received new skills:
Spatial awareness. Allows the user to see a map of the area in a 80 metre radius with people as dots.
Air jumps. Allows the user to make three additional jumps while in the air.
Fire manipulation. Allows the user to have fire based abilities:
Fire ball. Sends out a small ball of fire.
Flame cannon. Sends out a bigger stronger more destructive ball of fire.
Heat resistance. Makes the user immune to hot and cold temperatures.
Aki's eyes widened as he read through everything. He quickly moved through each skill, studying what they could do. [Aki excited]:"For starter skills, these are actually pretty impressive." He looked at Fire Manipulation. [Aki]:"Having fire abilities will definitely be useful." Then he looked at Spatial Awareness. [Aki]:"And this one is basically like having a mini radar."
He leaned back. [Aki]:"Not bad." Cynth floated beside him. [Cynth]:"Remember, skills are only as useful as the person using them." Aki nodded. [Aki]:"Yeah, yeah. I know." He closed the menu and stood up. He opened his inventory selected his adventurer clothes and equipped them. The black cloak and white details immediately replaced his normal clothes, giving him the appearance of someone ready to explore a fantasy world. Aki looked at himself. [Aki]:"Still can't believe this is my life now."
For a brief moment, he remembered his old room. The games. The isolation. The endless days spent staring at a screen. Then he shook his head. There was no point looking back. He had something waiting for him now. A new adventure. A new world. And new people. Aki slowly headed toward the door. [Aki smiling]:"Oh well... no time to waste." He opened the door. [Aki]:"I gotta meet up with Soe."
And with that, Aki stepped outside, ready for another day in Justia.
The morning streets of Justia were already alive before Aki even reached the café. The kingdom had a different feeling compared to the quiet streets he had walked through when he first arrived. Back then, everything felt unfamiliar — every building, every person, every strange rule of this world reminding him that he was far away from everything he knew.
But today felt different. Today, he was starting to understand this place. The streets were filled with merchants preparing their stalls, adventurers carrying weapons across their backs, and citizens moving through their daily routines. The sounds of footsteps, conversations, and distant laughter blended together into a peaceful rhythm. Above them, banners decorated with the colors of Justia waved proudly in the wind. White. Yellow. Blue. The symbol of a kingdom that represented order and hope.
Aki pushed open the wooden door of the Midnight Café, instantly being welcomed by the familiar warmth inside. The smell hit him first. Freshly brewed coffee. Warm bread. Sweet pastries. It was strangely comforting. Out of all the places he had visited since arriving in this world, this café was the first place that actually felt familiar.
Aki looked around and noticed the café was much busier than yesterday. Adventurers sat in groups discussing quests, merchants talked about business, and normal citizens enjoyed their morning meals. Then his eyes found the person he was looking for. Soe was sitting near the window, casually drinking a cup of coffee. Unlike yesterday, when they had been fighting for their lives against the skeleton warrior, he looked completely relaxed. His dark brown hair was slightly messy, and his adventurer clothing showed signs that he had traveled and fought many battles before. But there was something calm about him.
Aki walked over and sat across from him. [Soe smiled]:"You're finally here. I was starting to think you got lost again." Aki raised an eyebrow. [Aki jokingly]:"I only got lost once." [Soe laughed]:"And that one time somehow led you into a desert full of monsters." Aki looked away. [Aki embarrassed]:"Okay... maybe I should not defend myself on that one." The two laughed lightly.
After a few moments, Soe reached into his pocket and pulled out something. Aki immediately recognized it. His adventurer license. He placed it on the table and slid it toward him. Aki reached out and picked it up. The copper-colored card felt exactly the same as when Amy first gave it to him. His name, level, rank, and information were still written on it.
Then Soe placed something else beside it. A small pouch. It was simple, but the moment it landed on the table, Aki heard the faint sound of coins moving inside. Aki looked at the pouch. He already knew what it was. The reward. Part of the payment for defeating the skeleton warrior. He picked it up, feeling the weight. It was not extremely heavy.
He carefully placed both the license and the pouch away. The two continued talking casually, discussing small things about the previous mission.
The conversation flowed awkwardly for Aki but naturally for Soe. But after a while, Soe became quiet. He stared at Aki. Not suspiciously. More like he was trying to solve a puzzle. Aki noticed. [Soe tilted his head]:"You're not from around here, are you?" Before he could answer, Soe chuckled. [Soe smiling]:"Don't worry. You don't have to explain if you don't want to." Aki looked back at him. [Soe continued]:"But I have an idea." He stood up and stretched.
[Soe]:"How about I give you a tour of the kingdom?" Aki blinked [Aki]:"A tour?"
[Soe nodded]:"You clearly know almost nothing about Justia. And since today is a special day, you're actually lucky." Aki became curious.
Soe smiled. [Soe excited]:"Because the hero is returning." Those words immediately caught Aki's attention.
The hero. Even before coming here, stories always had one. The chosen warrior. The legendary person who appeared when the world needed them most. Aki stood up. [Aki curious]:"The hero?" [Soe nodded]:"Yeah. Come on. I'll explain while we walk." The two left the café and entered the streets of Justia.
The city was brighter than before.
More decorations covered the buildings. More people gathered outside. Children ran through the streets holding small flags. Everyone looked excited. As they walked, Soe began to explain.
[Soe explaining calmly]:"Every few centuries, a Demon King rises." Aki listened carefully. [Soe continued]:"A being powerful enough to threaten humanity itself. Kingdoms fall to ashes as his army passes them, monsters become stronger, and people lose all hope of survival." The story sounded like something from a fantasy game. But the seriousness in Soe's voice made it different. This time it wasn't a game but real. [Soe]:"And every time... A hero appears with enhanced power surpassing any normal human."
Aki looked at him. [Soe]:"The hero faces and defeats the Demon King and saves humanity from extinction."
Aki frowned slightly. [Aki questioned]:"So people just wait for someone else to solve everything?"
Soe shrugged. [Soe]:"Maybe. But that is how legends work. No normal human can ever dream of taking down the demon king." The answer made Aki think. Legends always sounded simple.
A hero appears. A villain falls. Everyone celebrates. But real life was never that simple. Aki looked around at the people celebrating.
For them, the hero was not just a story. He was hope.
[Soe spoke proudly]:"His name is Damien King." Aki turned back. [Soe]:"He is nineteen years old."
Aki raised his eyebrows. Nineteen?
That was younger than he expected.
[Soe continued]:"He is currently level sixty-eight." Aki's eyes widened. Level 68. The difference between him and the hero was massive.
[Soe]:"And he is the wielder of the legendary blade..." Soe paused dramatically. [Soe nodded]:"One of the greatest weapons in existence. A blade said to be forged in heaven."
Aki immediately thought about his own weapon. The Axium Blade. But Soe did not know the truth about it.
[Soe]:"Only someone worthy can use this blade... Excalibur." Aki looked toward the crowds. For the first time, he became genuinely curious about this hero. Who was Damien King?
And what kind of person could hold a weapon like that? Or was he just another pretty boy self hero. The only way to find out was to see him with his own two eyes.
The streets of Justia were louder than usual. People walked around with excited expressions, children ran through the streets holding small flags, and merchants decorated their stalls to welcome the event.
Aki looked around curiously.
Soe noticed his expression and smiled. [Soe]:"Still surprised?You'll get used to it." They continued walking until a massive building came into view. The structure was impossible to miss.
It was made from thick stone walls reinforced with metal, with large banners displaying the symbol of adventurers hanging from the entrance. Adventurers constantly entered and exited, some carrying weapons covered in monster blood, others discussing quests.The Guild Hall.
They approached the entrance. [Aki confused]:"Why are we here? I already know about the guild." Soe looked at him. [Soe]:"You know what the guild does. But you don't know the story behind it." Aki became interested. [Soe explained]:"The guild you see now isn't the original guild." Aki raised an eyebrow [Soe]:"A long time ago, there was a former adventurer guild. It was completely independent. It didn't answer to the kingdom, didn't receive funding, and operated by its own rules." They entered the building. The inside was filled with adventurers as usual. Some were accepting quests. Some were celebrating victories. Others were preparing for dangerous missions.
[Soe continued]:"Because of that, the kingdom saw them as unnecessary. They were planning to remove the guild completely." Aki looked surprised. [Aki]:"They wanted to destroy it?" [Soe nodded]:"Until someone changed everything." They stopped near the quest boards.[Soe]:"About twenty to thirty years ago, a new founder took over the guild." Aki listened carefully.
[Soe]:"He created connections between the guild and the kingdom. He gave them a reason to exist, showed them how useful adventurers could be, and because of that, the kingdom allowed the guild to remain."
Aki looked around. The place that was once almost removed had become one of the most important organizations in the kingdom. [Aki]:"So the current guild exists because of him?" Before Aki could ask more, a familiar voice interrupted. Aki turned. Amy was standing behind her receptionist counter. She looked at him with a small smile. Amy looked him over.
Then her expression became serious.
[Amy serious]:"The remaining members of black scorpion might not take it well. Losing their licenses and being humiliated by someone they considered a beginner could make them angry." Aki shrugged. [Aki confident]:"I think I'll be okay."
Amy sighed. [Amy]:"You really don't worry enough." Before she could continue, Soe spoke. [Soe calm]:"Don't worry. If something happens, I'll help him." Amy looked at Soe. Then she smiled slightly.
[Amy]:"I guess I'll leave your safety to this jackass." They left the guild and continued their tour.
The next place they reached was completely different. The moment Aki saw it, he stopped. A massive building stood before them. Unlike the Guild Hall, which felt energetic and adventurous, this place felt peaceful. Sacred. The Justia Church.
Its white walls reflected the sunlight, while golden and blue decorations surrounded the building, matching the colors of the kingdom.
The design was beautiful. Tall towers reached toward the sky, and the entrance was decorated with symbols representing the gods. Nuns walked through the area wearing elegant uniforms with white, yellow, and blue colors. The entire place felt calm. [Aki quietly]:"It's beautiful." Soe nodded. [Soe]:"This is where people come to pray and learn about the gods."
They entered. The atmosphere immediately changed. The sounds of the city disappeared. Only silence remained. [Aki]:" So can you tell me more about these gods you mentioned." Soe nodded. [Soe explained]:"There are ten gods. Seven of them created the seven kingdoms." Aki thought for a moment.
[Aki confused]:"Wait. There are seven kingdoms, but ten gods. What happened to the other three?" Soe's expression changed. The cheerful tone disappeared.
[Soe lowered his voice]:"The other three are known as the Evil Gods. The Gods of darkness chaos and death." Aki became more serious.
[Soe continued]:"They didn't create kingdoms for humans to live in. Instead, they created a continent where only the strongest survive. They're filled with demons and powerful monsters." Aki listened. [Soe]:"The Dark Territory." The name alone sounded dangerous. [Soe explained]:"It is the largest continent in the world." He raised three fingers. [Soe]:"It is divided into three parts."
"The Valley of Death."
"The Dark Plains."
"And..."
He paused. For a moment, his expression changed. Pain and torment written all over his face. Aki noticed immediately. [Soe quietly]:"The Chaotic Forest." Aki stared at him. Something about that name affected him. But before he could ask, a loud sound interrupted them.
BOOM!
Fireworks exploded above the city. The streets erupted with cheers. People shouted excitedly. Aki and Soe looked outside. [Soe surprised]:"He's here." [Aki]:"The hero?" Soe smiled. [Soe]:"The hero has returned."
The two rushed through the streets. The entire kingdom had gathered. People stood on both sides of the road, leaving a clear path in the middle. Aki and Soe raced up a nearby building to get a better view.
Aki jumped effortlessly. One. Two. Three. Using his triple jump skill, he reached the rooftop instantly.
Soe arrived moments later, breathing heavily. [Soe annoyed]:"You cheated." Aki looked at him. [Aki]:"You never said skills weren't allowed." Soe stared. Then sighed.
[Soe]:"You're annoying." Aki smiled. Then both looked toward the street. The hero appeared. The entire kingdom became silent. A young man walked forward. He looked around nineteen years old. His hair was pure white, shining under the sunlight. He wore magnificent golden armor that covered his entire body.
His eyes were striking. Blue irises.
And golden pupils shaped like crosses. At his waist rested a golden sword inside a white sheath. Aki stared.
[Aki thinking]:"That sword..." Something about it felt familiar. It gave off the same feeling as The axium blade. The system appeared to Aki alone [Aki thinking]:"Could he be from my world?" A brief silence followed. Aki looked surprised [Cynth]:"This world was created for you alone. I doubt he would bring anyone else here without informing me." Aki looked back at Damien. [Aki]:"So there is no one else?" [Cynth]:"Not from your world. However... other worlds exist. Someone capable of travelling between dimensions entering this world is possible."
Aki's eyes widened slightly. [Aki thinking]:"Dimension travel..." Then he looked at the hero again. [Aki]:"Is he really a good person?" [Cynth]:"Excalibur answers that."
Aki looked at the sword. [Cynth]:"That blade can only be wielded by someone with a pure heart. Anyone who tries to use it with evil intentions loses their ability to move for more than a week no matter how strong you are." Aki relaxed. [Aki thinking]:"So he's actually the real deal. I'm glad I don't have to add beating the hero to my list."
Then suddenly— [Cynth]:"Someone nearby is in danger." Aki's expression changed. He activated Spatial Awareness. His vision expanded. And he saw it. A little girl. Two men approaching her. Aki disappeared. Flash Step activated as he appeared and disappeared from building to building.But as he appeared on the building next to them... Someone appeared. Damien.
In an instant, the two men were defeated. They didn't even have time to react.
Damien crouched down and comforted the girl. Then he looked upward. Straight toward Aki. [Damien calmly]:"I know you're there." Aki froze. [Damien]:"I can sense that you're a good person. Please take these two to the Night Hall." He smiled. [Damien]:"I'll help her find her mother." Then he vanished. Aki stared. [Aki thinking]:"He knew I was there..." Moments later, Soe arrived.
[Soe]:"What happened?" Aki looked at him. [Aki]:"The hero just saved her from these guys." Soe looked shocked.
[Soe laughed]:"He has a habit of appearing whenever someone needs help." The two looked at the unconscious criminals. Then they tied them up. Their next destination was the Night Hall.
The Night Hall stood like a fortress carved from the heart of the kingdom.
Unlike the elegant beauty of the Guild Hall or the sacred atmosphere of the Justia Church, this place carried a different feeling. It was not built to inspire admiration.
It was built to contain danger.
Its massive stone walls stretched high into the sky, decorated with the symbols of Justia's law. Large iron gates guarded the entrance while dozens of knights patrolled the area, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.
Aki stared upward, his eyes widening slightly.This was easily the largest building he had seen since arriving in this world. [Aki thinking]:"This place looks less like a prison and more like a castle." Before he could observe any further, two guards approached them. Their silver armor reflected the sunlight, and their hands rested near their weapons. [Knight]:"Stop. Explain yourselves. Why are these two people tied up?"
Soe stepped forward calmly.
[Soe explained]:"We found them attempting to kidnap a child during the hero's parade. The hero himself knocked them unconscious, and we were instructed to bring them here."
The knights exchanged surprised looks. [Knight]:"The hero was involved?" Aki nodded. [Aki explained]:"He appeared before I could even act. He dealt with them instantly." The knight looked impressed. [Knight]:"As expected of the hero." The guards took the criminals away, dragging them through the entrance of the Night Hall. Aki watched them disappear inside before turning back toward Soe.
[Aki curious]:"So this place handles criminals?"
[Soe nodded]:"Not just criminals. Anything that threatens the kingdom. Dangerous criminals, enemy spies, people who use forbidden magic... anything that can harm civilians."
They began walking away from the Night Hall, returning to the lively streets of Justia. The sounds of the celebration were still echoing through the city. People were laughing, children were running around with small flags, and merchants were taking advantage of the excitement by selling food and souvenirs.
Aki looked around. For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt like he was seeing the kingdom as more than just a game environment. It was a real place. Real people lived here and real people feared losing everything.
[Soe]:"There are three types of knights in this kingdom." Aki looked at him. [Soe nodded]:"The first are Kingdom Knights." He pointed toward a group of soldiers patrolling the street. [Soe explained]:"They are the normal protectors of the kingdom. They handle everyday problems, protect villages, guard important locations, and keep order." Aki observed their armor. It was simple silver armor compared to the more decorated knights he had seen.
[Soe continued]:"Then there are Holy Knights." His expression became more serious. [Soe]:"They are responsible for dealing with threats connected to the Dark Territory. Monsters, corrupted beings, and anything related to the Evil Gods." Aki raised an eyebrow. Aki:"So they are the strongest knights?" [Soe shook his head]:"Not exactly. Strength is important, but becoming a Holy Knight requires more than power. You need to master the Holy Arts."
Aki:"How strong do you have to be?"
[Soe answered]:"At least level 110." Aki stopped walking. [Aki surprised]:"Level 110?" That number was far beyond anything he had personally encountered. [Soe nodded]:"The current Holy Knight Captain is level 124." Aki looked thoughtful. [Aki thought]:"This world really does have monsters walking around."
[Soe continued]:"Finally, there are the Royal Knights." [Aki]:"They protect the royal family?" [Soe smiled]:"Exactly. They are the ones trusted with the lives of the king, queen, and other members of royalty."
The two continued walking through the city. Eventually, they reached another familiar face.
Standing a short distance away was Mia, holding a shopping basket filled with different items. Her black hair was tied behind her head as usual, and her purple eyes looked surprised seeing the two of them together. She quickly walked over.
[Mia smiling]:"I didn't expect to see the two of you here today. I didn't know you were close." Aki glanced at Soe. Soe immediately raised his hands defensively. [Soe]:"We're not that close. I just met up with Aki and saw he wasn't familiar with our kingdom, so I offered to give him a tour."
[Aki nodding]:"Yeah... that pretty much sums it up."
Mia looked between the two of them before smiling. [Mia]:"Well, I'm glad I met you two." Her expression became more serious. She placed the shopping basket down and slightly bowed her head. [Mia]:"I wanted to thank you again for saving me and my brother yesterday. I'm truly grateful to both of you." Aki immediately became uncomfortable. He wasn't used to someone showing him that much gratitude. Back in his old life, people barely noticed him. Now someone was genuinely thanking him for saving them. His cheeks became slightly red. [Aki slightly embarrassed]:"It's... not that big of a deal. I'm just glad I was able to help." Soe crossed his arms and smiled. [Soe]:"Yeah, it's fine. Lift your head up. You don't have to thank us every time you see us."
Mia slowly raised her head, and after seeing Aki's awkward expression, she giggled. Aki looked away. [Soe laughing]:"You're really not used to compliments, huh?" [Aki]:"Can you blame me?" That made both Mia and Soe laugh. For a moment, the three of them simply stood there enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Then Soe's expression changed. He looked at the two of them with a confident smile. [Soe]:"Hey... how about we form a party together?" Aki blinked. [Aki confused]:"You mean an adventurer party?" Mia tilted her head. [Mia]:"Why bring that up now?" Soe looked toward the busy streets ahead.
[Soe]:"Because after yesterday, I thought about it." His expression became more serious. [Soe]:"We worked surprisingly well together. Aki's combat ability, your magic support, and my fighting skills... we cover each other's weaknesses."
He looked back at them. [Soe]:"We literally went through a situation where we could have died, and we survived because we trusted each other." Aki and Mia looked at him.
The words were simple, but they carried weight. Soe wasn't just talking about becoming stronger.
He was talking about relying on each other. Aki slowly smiled. Mia nodded.
[Mia]:"I have no objections. I feel like I can put my trust in both of you." Aki looked between them. He never expected his first few days in this world to turn out like this. Friends. A team. People he could actually trust. Something he never really had before. [Aki smiling]:"I'm in."
He then looked at Soe. [Aki]:"So Soe, are you the leader of—" Before he could finish, Soe immediately laughed. [Soe laughing]:"Oh hell nah." Aki froze. [Soe]:"I'm not the leader type of guy." He pointed at Aki. [Soe]:"But you? I feel like you'd make a decent leader." Aki stared at him. [Aki surprised]:"Wait... what? Me? The leader? You're joking, right?" Mia smiled slightly. [Mia]:"Actually, I agree with Soe." Aki looked at her.
[Mia]:"During the skeleton battle, you were the one thinking ahead. You noticed something was wrong before anyone else. You made the plan and acted when everyone needed it."
She smiled. [Mia]:"I think you'd make a good leader." Aki didn't know how to respond. He wasn't used to people trusting him.
[Soe]:"So it's decided. Aki's our leader." Aki stared forward.
[Aki thinking]:"Don't I get a say in this?" Cynth's voice suddenly echoed in his mind. [Cynth]:"Congratulations. You somehow became a leader without trying." [Aki thinking]:"Thanks for the support."
Soe stretched his arms.
Soe:"Let's meet up tomorrow at the guild. We'll officially register our party and then take on our first quest together." Aki sighed but smiled. [Aki]:"Fine by me." Mia picked up her shopping basket. [Mia]:"Same here. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back home before my brother starts wondering where I am." She waved at them. [Mia]:"See you tomorrow." They watched as Mia disappeared into the crowd. After a few seconds, Soe turned back toward Aki. He looked around. [Soe smiling]:"Let's finish this tour before the day ends." Aki nodded. [Aki]:"Yeah. Lead the way."
The two continued walking through the streets of Justia.
The rest of the day passed quickly.
Soe continued showing Aki around the kingdom. They visited the Justia Library, a massive building filled with thousands of books about history, magic, monsters, and ancient civilizations. They visited Justia Park, where families relaxed beneath giant trees and children played freely. They even passed by the Justia Colosseum, where adventurers fought for fame and experience. Every place showed Aki another piece of the world. By the time the sun disappeared, the streets were illuminated by glowing lamps. They went their separate ways.
Later that night... Aki returned to his room. He collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. [Cynth]:"You seem quieter than usual." [Aki]:"Today was a lot." He closed his eyes. [Aki]:"I saw the hero. I learned about gods. I learned a little about other kingdoms. I formed my first ever party with people I actually feel comfortable around." A small smile appeared. [Aki]:"This world is bigger than I expected." A blue screen suddenly appeared in front of him.
NEW QUEST AVAILABLE
Quest: Defeat the Dark Triad
Aki immediately sat up.
[Aki confused]:"The Dark Triad?" He stared at the words. [Aki]:"Cynth... what is that?" A short silence followed. [Cynth]:"I don't know."
Aki froze. [Aki surprised]:"You don't know? You gave me the damn quest!" [Cynth]:"Although that maybe true the details of this quest seem to be hidden, I guess you have to figure it out yourself."
Aki looked at the screen again. Dark Triad. Something about them felt dangerous. [Aki thought]:"If even Cynth doesn't know... They sound like a lot of trouble, like an evil organisation or something." He slowly closed the window.
[Aki determined]:"I'll have to ask Amy more about this tomorrow. For now some well deserved shut eye."
Outside his window, the lights of Justia continued shining.
The outskirts of Justia were silent under the cover of night. Far away from the warmth of the kingdom's streets, where lanterns no longer illuminated the roads and the voices of citizens faded into nothingness, an abandoned warehouse stood forgotten. The old wooden structure creaked with every passing breeze. Broken windows allowed thin rays of moonlight to enter, cutting through the darkness and revealing the dust floating through the air. But tonight, the warehouse was no longer empty. Several figures stood inside, their faces hidden by shadows. The atmosphere was heavy, filled with tension and hostility. These were not ordinary criminals. They were members of the Black Scorpion.
A group feared by many low-ranking adventurers. A man slowly stepped forward from the crowd. The moonlight revealed him. A black scorpion tattoo crawled up the side of his neck, the mark of his organization clearly visible. His short black hair framed a sharp face, and his red eyes carried a dangerous intensity. Every movement he made showed confidence, arrogance, and a deep hunger for violence. This was Jeevan. The leader of the Black Scorpions.
He stopped in the center of the warehouse, facing a man sitting calmly on a large chair. Unlike the others, this man did not need to move to command respect.
His presence alone controlled the room. Behind him stood another figure, silent and motionless like a guard protecting a king.
Jeevan lowered his head slightly.
[Jeevan]:"I'm sorry, boss, for those failures of mine who got arrested."
His fists tightened. [Jeevan]:"But we can't let this go." His red eyes narrowed. [Jeevan]:"That newbie adventurer embarrassed us. He destroyed our reputation and made our members look weak." A cruel smile appeared on his face. [Jeevan]:"We have to teach him a lesson. No one humiliates the Black Scorpions and walks away." For a moment, silence filled the warehouse.
The man sitting on the chair slowly raised one arm. The entire room immediately went quiet. His voice finally broke through the darkness.
[Man with a deep dark voice]:"Don't worry." The man leaned forward slightly, though his face remained hidden.
[Man with a deep dark voice]:"You'll have your fun with him." A faint dangerous aura spread through the warehouse. [Man with a deep dark voice]:"No one picks a fight with us..." The shadows around him seemed to grow heavier. [Man with a deep dark voice]:"...and gets away with it." Jeevan grinned.
The excitement in his eyes was impossible to hide. The Black Scorpions had found their target. And now... They were preparing to strike.