'Currently I'm weaker than a child,' Vance thought, glancing throught the window at the officer standing the stall. 'I can't report them since I don't even know many are involved in this. I should be cautious around Derrick.'
His jaw clenched. 'Now I have to waste time dealing with these bastards instead of planning how to find my debtors.'
His head throbbed at the thought. Somewhere out there, his debtors could be dying but if he wanted to collect anything, he first had to survive. Thet alone made Tooka's scheme his immediate priority.
''I'm Vance Grave. And you are?" He asked, looking around the store.
The weapons lining the walls gleamed under the lights. The armour was spotless, and the clothes displayed on racks looked expensive enough to belong to a nobles.
''I'm Roxy," she replied with a bored tone. "Now when are going to pay me?"
"How's business?" He asked, casually walking around the store.
"You can see for yourself. It not that lively"
Vance stopped in front of crimson suit hanging on display. "Are your looking for a loan?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you a registered credit provider to be making such offers?"
"Does it really matter?" He lifted the suit slightly. "Right now, you're oversupplied. You even set up a stall outside because costomers aren't entering the store."
He placed the suit back carefully.
"But maybe I'm wrong. So correct me if I am." He paused. "You probably need money for renovations or to find a better location. Whatever the reason, I can help."
She sighed. "You're partially right. But I'm not looking for a loan. I'm looking for an investor."
'I'll have to use every dime Skritch has to buy my survival,' Vance thought. "I've never been fond of investments, but I do invest when I see potential."
He smiled faintly. "How much do you need?"
She stared at him, looking at his dark eyes.
"10 thousand gold" she finally amswered.
"Deal."
The ledger that sat at the counter glowed as golden chains burst from its pages and latched onto both their hearts. Words formed in their minds, forming a contract.
-------------------
******CONTRACT: ANGEL INVESTOR ******
Owner: Vance Grave
Contractor A: Vance Grave
Contractor B: Roxy Drek
~~~~Terms & Conditions~~~~
1. Contractor A will provide 10 000 gold to Contractor B's enterprise.
2. In exchange, Contractor A is entitled to 30% of all distribution profits made by Contractor B's enterprise.
3. Contractor B agrees to distribute profits every three months to Contractor A.
4. Contractor A cannot interfene with decision made by Contractor B regarding the enterprise.
5. Contractor B agrees to prioritize profitability above all else.
~~~~Violations~~~~
* If Contractor A fails to provide 10 000 gold, the contract becomes void.
* If Contractor B fails to prioritize profitability or distribute profits, Contractor B must liquidate all business assets and compensate Contractor A.
Contract modifications require the presence of both contractors.
*****To accept, state: "I understand."***
-------------------
'Ten thousands gold is only worth 30% of the store.' Vance read through the contract, 'It seems this ability fills in unspecified details based on the interest of both parties.'
He smiled. ''I understand."
"I understand." Roxy replied.
"The girl I was with will bring the money tomorrow at afternoon," Vance said, picking up the ledge. "Give her the red suit."
"Sure."
Vance stepped outside. The sky had darkened, yet the streets glowed brighter than before. Floating bulbs illuminated the roads, and even the alleyways shimmered with pale light.
The streets calmer now, though more officers wandered through the city.
As he moved deeper into the city, he couldn't help but look further ahead where towers of light rose like artificial stairs.'I'll ask Derrick to tell me about city'
The scent of grilled steak drifted through the air.
"Grrr..." his stomach growled.
'I should get some food.' He spotted Jennifer and Skritch sitting on a bench beneath the withered tree.
They stood when he approuched. Jennifer held a lunch container in her hands.
"Here." She said, handing it to him. "There's a shop near the park that sells steak. We bought some."
"Thanks." Vance sat down and opened the container. Inside was a grilled steak, fried chips and greens on the side.
The moment he bit into the steak his mouth watered. The tender texture and rich flavor almost brought a tears to his eyes. For a brief moment, he thought back to earth.
In a strange way, this meal felt like a final goodbye to the world he once knew.
Under the dazzling stars of this velvet blue night, surrounded by iron and stone buildings from another world. Vance ate slowly, savoring every last memory of home.
Eventually, he wiped his lips and looked at Jennifer. "Did you find a place to stay?"
"Yeah,'' she replied. "Everyone has separate rooms. I also bought some clothes, yours are in your room."
Vance's eyes narrowed slighty, 'did she go on a shopping spree?'
"Ha.." He stood up with a sigh. "Let's go."
They walked through the calm streets together. Families laughed behind open windows, while distant voices echoed from stone houses.
"This is our place." Jennifer said, pointing toward a house sorrounded by blue roses along the veranda. The first floor was built from gray stone with large windows, while the second floor was wooden with a balcony overlooking the streets.
'A nice place,' Vance admitted internally as they walked across the small front yard.
"Your room is the one with the balcony." Jennifer said, placing her hand on the wooden framed glass door.
A faint silver light spreed across the surface, then the door unlocked.
"How does the door work?" Vance asked, seeing no visible lock.
"Oh," She smiled looking back at him. "It's biometric. It just scans your hand."
They stepped inside. The interior had a warm wodden design, smooth oak floor stretched across the house and a staircase stood hear the entrance. Beside it was a furnished living room with a large screen mounted on the walls.
"Want me to show you around?" Jennifer asked.
Vance stood on the stairs yawning. "No, I need sleep."
''Okay," She said. "I already used your ID to register your biometric data, so the room will open for you."
"Sure." Vance walked upstairs, 'its great she rented a furnished house'
He turned left and stopped in front of a translucent glass door. He placed his hand against it and watched the silver glow spread across it's surface before the door slid open.
"Haa..." Another yawn escaped him. He didn't even bother looking around the room
"Puff" he collapsed onto the bed and instantly shut his eyes.
**********
Across the street from Vance's house, an ogre wearing a dark uniform turned toward the orc beside him.
"Go tell commander Tooka," The ogre said. "They bought a house."
The orc nodded before disappearing into the night.