{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£HowÔÇÖs everyone, Pearl?ÔÇØ I ask, putting an arm around her."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Still a little shaken up. CanÔÇÖt blame them,ÔÇØ she answers and hugs me from the side, shaking. She asks in a whisper, ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖd the ministers want?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Conveniently, she doesnÔÇÖt have to fake something to close the distance between us. I whisper, ÔÇ£They wanna know why the Xog hate us. We help them in exchange for exclusive information from the Inteiru Expota and more.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Did you agree? After General NeroÔÇÖs ordersÔǪ We wonÔÇÖt have an excuse if he catches us again.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Of course. Technically, we donÔÇÖt have to give them anything, but theyÔÇÖll give us their side of the bargain. We only have to give them an impression of┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"trying"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬áto find stuff. I didnÔÇÖt mention our┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"side┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"project.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That doesnÔÇÖt seem right after they saved usÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£One of the dumbest ways to get caught would be to walk right into their handsÔǪclaws, rather. I know itÔÇÖs not right, but self-preservationÔÇÖs more important. And our main goalÔǪwhich we have no leads on.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£At least weÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖre you┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"lovebirds┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"over there whispering about?ÔÇØ Jetia asks with a smirk."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Nothing important,ÔÇØ I respond. ÔÇ£Just waiting for your slow asses to get dressed so that we can escort the ministers back to the Windmill Inn.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs funny coming from you, showing up whenever you feel like it. WhatÔÇÖd General Nero want?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£New orders. WeÔÇÖre to stay at the Windmill Inn and leave under no circumstance until the Inteiru Expota tomorrow.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Was that before or after those monsters showed up? Captain Albius surely contacted him before, right?.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Stop talking and shut up. ThatÔÇÖs what I want to tell him, but I canÔÇÖt. He only speaks up to screw with me. To make me lose my credibility. Him, the goons, and the other people out of the loop know nothing of our main priority. For all they know, we left to find Captain Albius to update him that the ministers wanted to explore a bit."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Should I lie about finding Captain Albius and fabricate something he supposedly said? Either scenario is a loss because Jetia wonÔÇÖt stop poking around. HeÔÇÖs going to try to verify what I tell him and if something doesnÔÇÖt match up, heÔÇÖs going to confront me later and make my life difficult. The least he could do is at least keep it private. But heÔÇÖs bringing this up in front of everyone. It forces me to act accordingly."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I should be straight with them. At least partially. ItÔÇÖs the safest because the ministers might ask about that too. ÔÇ£It was after. We didnÔÇÖt find Captain Albius, so we tried to get back to the group, but couldnÔÇÖt find you guys.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, you were on a leisure date with yer girlfriend while weÔÇÖre doing our jobs. And you dared to walk up to us and say to hurry our asses. Can you give us at least a few minutes of slack, especially after an encounter with those monsters?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"DonÔÇÖt get angry. ThatÔÇÖs what heÔÇÖs trying to do, for me to lose my shit and blow up. He knows exactly how to do it. ItÔÇÖs frustrating because if he could put that effort into training, he might be stronger, but instead, here we are. I canÔÇÖt wait too long to answer and risk someone else butting in like Hina. ItÔÇÖll reflect badly on me as the leader. I donÔÇÖt want to look bad in front of HinaÔÇÖs platoon either. IÔÇÖll have to phrase my answer as if IÔÇÖm talking to the goons."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre right. IÔÇÖm sorry for being insensitive. If it makes you feel any better, those guys scared me too. Take a few more minutes if you need to. As much as I wanna relax here a while longer, we were ordered to return to the inn. WeÔÇÖll have the remaining part of the day to rest. Join us when youÔÇÖre ready,ÔÇØ I say and then turn around. Hina and I return to the ministers, Marin, and Ruby."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs the holdup?ÔÇØ one of the ministers asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£TheyÔÇÖre resting for a few more minutes. They were a bit shaken up from the encounter with the Xog,ÔÇØ I inform."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs understandable. They did good defending us. TheyÔÇÖre good men.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Defending?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yes. Those Xog were targeting everyone, and they happened upon us. When it was our turn to comply with their orders, Sergeant HinaÔÇÖs and your men volunteered themselves instead.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I guess IÔÇÖll have to give Jetia some credit. He and the goons were useful for once."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"One of them turns to Marin and says, ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs when we asked this young lady to contact the authorities. You saved us. WhatÔÇÖs your name?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Corporal Marin, sir,ÔÇØ she replies."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Thank you, Corporal Marin. YouÔÇÖre in our debt.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No problem,ÔÇØ she responds and looks away."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£And then you arrived.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£RightÔǪÔÇØ I interject. ThatÔÇÖs when Ruby wanted to blow them up. Marin mustÔÇÖve told her not to do anything rash. Explains why she wanted to act after I arrived asking about monsters."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"On the one hand, RubyÔÇÖs stubbornness is just like┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"hers┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"in the past. Not yielding to Bazaleon despite his ferocity to protect me. Otherwise, thereÔÇÖs something fundamentally different about her. She talks differently, but thereÔÇÖs something more than that. It reminds me of the time after the tournament, where she killed that bandit without a second thought. I shouldnÔÇÖt have passed it off as nothing at the time and pryed further. ItÔÇÖs too late for that now."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"SheÔÇÖs standing there next to Marin, smiling. Not knowing that what she wanted to do wouldÔÇÖve created a catastrophe. But, sheÔÇÖs not completely crazy contrary to what everyone thinks. She still listens to my orders and things that I say, so that leaves room for hope. Maybe I can fix her and bring Luna back. All that talk with Hina about good monsters and those that can make decisions."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"What if the only thing thatÔÇÖs changed with her is how she makes her choices? SheÔÇÖs confused, thatÔÇÖs all. I could teach her what choices to make in a bunch of scenarios, rewiring her brain closer to how she used to be ÔÇö reassembling her brain, basically. Putting the pieces back into their relative positions and then she might be able to fix herself. IÔÇÖll worry about how to do that after this mission."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The others rejoin us soon enough, and then we head back to the Windmill Inn."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The ministers retire in their rooms. IÔÇÖm hoping they stay there for the rest of the night. WeÔÇÖre in the Human district, so this place should have food available unlike the Icy Tavern. IÔÇÖm not sure how AishaÔÇÖs team are dealing with their situation. The two novices of their platoon could be tasked with feeding the ministers."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Now, the only other problem is somehow ditching the ones not involved in the mission. Since Hina filled in her entire team, it would only be giving Jetia and the goons in my platoon the slip. I mean, we donÔÇÖt need all sixteen of us standing in the hallway outside the ministerÔÇÖs room."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Luke suggests that everyone goes down to get some grub. More specifically, the novices. I follow his lead and encourage Jetia and the goons to do the same, praising the good work that he did earlier much to his surprise. He gives me a suspicious look but joins everyone downstairs. ThereÔÇÖs no reason for him to refuse considering that he probably hasnÔÇÖt eaten anything since arriving."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We move a bit away from the rooms in which the ministers are staying. WouldnÔÇÖt want them to overhear us talking. Hina and I fill in everyone on what they missed out on, leaving out the part where Pem bared her chest. Would send the wrong message to a few people here. I also mention the last bit the ministers want us to uncover about the Xog."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Luke gives us a summary of their side of things. Two things stuck out to them. The first is that they felt like the Elves were staring down them at all times at the Elven district specifically. None of them were cooperative with any conversations with the ministers when confronted. With my experience with the Dwarves in mind, this behavior doesnÔÇÖt set off any alarms in my head. It seems like thereÔÇÖs a general dislike toward Humans from all the races. I have doubts about how this coexistence thing is going to play out."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The second thing they heard was something of an auction here and there that starts tomorrow. It canÔÇÖt be a coincidence with the Inteiru Expota beginning the same day. There were plenty of people talking about it but no one knew anything about it when the ministers asked the same people. They think itÔÇÖs a black market type of auction. Given our experiences, we deduce that itÔÇÖs going to take place in the underground city. Add that to our laundry list of things to do. WeÔÇÖre relying on Floyd to give us some answers."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, Kai and Hina should go ahead of us to meet AishaÔÇÖs team at the Icy Tavern while the rest of us get passes from the Dwarven district,ÔÇØ Luke says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Hold on,ÔÇØ I say. A part of me doesnÔÇÖt want Marin or Ruby to get involved. The process is painful, and we donÔÇÖt need so many people there. ÔÇ£Maybe a few of us should stay here. We donÔÇÖt wanna leave our defenses here too lax. My men will get too suspicious. They arenÔÇÖt gonna be on board with what weÔÇÖre doing.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That sounds like a┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"you┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"problem. We told everyone in our platoon, and the novices were understanding. They wonÔÇÖt do anything to blow our cover.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I sigh. I have no idea how IÔÇÖll ever convince Jetia to go along with our shenanigans. No, I do. Paying for more seminars for him and the goons. Thanks to the last promise I made to him, weÔÇÖre completely broke. We wonÔÇÖt be able to fund ourselves any new lessons for a while after a new deal. I answer, ÔÇ£Fine. IÔÇÖll talk to them. It might be easier to convince them if we leave Marin and Ruby behind to leave this place with some form of defense.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, I wanna come too!ÔÇØ Ruby exclaims with a pout. ÔÇ£Marin too, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YeahÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We donÔÇÖt need thirteen of us down there. ThatÔÇÖs overkill,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fine, ya stay with us too.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, I need to be down there. Floyd knows me.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£He knows Hina too. Leave ÔÇÿer ta do it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£And I need to be with her. It might be dangerous.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Aw, Darling! IÔÇÖm glad youÔÇÖre worried about me,ÔÇØ Hina says and then hugs me, bringing her head closer to the side of mine. She whispers, ÔÇ£Kai, shut up.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Luke glares at me as she lets me go. The meaning of HinaÔÇÖs words hits me. If I were worried about HinaÔÇÖs safety, I would be suggesting to leave her behind. Not Ruby and Marin. I screwed up."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£They should come along with us,ÔÇØ Luke says before I can come up with an excuse. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre going to need all the help we can get for the auction tomorrow.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ThatÔÇÖs assuming the auction is really in the underground city. I canÔÇÖt risk saying anything more, though. It would bring too much suspicion that I prioritize RubyÔÇÖs safety over HinaÔÇÖs. IÔÇÖll leave it alone. I say, ÔÇ£Yeah, youÔÇÖre right. I wasnÔÇÖt thinking about that. Just be on your best behavior, Ruby.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I wonÔÇÖt let ya down.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Let me talk to Jetia, and we can leave,ÔÇØ I say and walk toward the stairs down."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That wonÔÇÖt be necessary,ÔÇØ Jetia says and steps into view from the stairs. ÔÇ£I knew you were planning something, as usual. The answerÔÇÖs no. I know how this all ends.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Come on, donÔÇÖt be like that,ÔÇØ I reply, unsure of how much he heard from our discussion. ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs go for a walk.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I donÔÇÖt want the others to hear me bribing my own men to comply with my orders. He follows me quietly outside. A little bit off to the side as to not get in anyoneÔÇÖs way if they wanted to go inside the building."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Alright. So what do you want?ÔÇØ I ask, having a good guess. ÔÇ£Pooling our funds into providing more magic training for you guys should be good, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖll need to do better than that,ÔÇØ he says with a smirk. ÔÇ£I know all about yer little relationship with Marin.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ugh. He brings that up now? I was wondering why he hasnÔÇÖt already."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll make you do that for us even without agreeing to yer reckless plan. Or else IÔÇÖll spill the beans to everyone. WhatÔÇÖll everyone think of you when they find out yer two-timing Marin and Hina.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"If he really wants to screw me over, he wouldÔÇÖve told everyone already. Instead, heÔÇÖs bringing it up now. WhatÔÇÖs his game? It seems he doesnÔÇÖt know the full truth about Hina and me. I ask, ÔÇ£So, what do you want?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want anything. Continue with yer plan, and IÔÇÖll rat you out to Captain Albius and General Nero. ItÔÇÖll exclude us from the harsh punishment youÔÇÖll receive, and IÔÇÖll tell everyone about Marin. If you donÔÇÖt fund our training, IÔÇÖll tell everyone too.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Tch. He canÔÇÖt be serious. I donÔÇÖt know what heÔÇÖs planning, but this has to be a bluff. WhatÔÇÖs he trying to gain? If he truly didnÔÇÖt want anything, he wouldnÔÇÖt go through this trouble of threatening me. HeÔÇÖs always trying to do things for those useless goons. If he keeps pushing like this, heÔÇÖll end up with nothing. HeÔÇÖs annoying, but heÔÇÖs never gone through with directly screwing me over. Just always trying to make me look bad."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I thought I would be rid of JetiaÔÇÖs face forever after the Ragnar incident. I was sure that he would leave the platoon, especially because Kama and Vicki left. He couldÔÇÖve easily been reassigned somewhere else or went back to The Reserve. Instead, he chose to stay with us."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Wait...it all makes sense with one assumption. His behavior. Jetia thinks heÔÇÖs won with his smile and arms crossed, waiting for me to agree to his demands. Reflecting back, he usually cooperates when something involves everyoneÔÇÖs safety. IÔÇÖve always thought it was because of the other novices, but maybe I was wrong."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I should be more aware of these things, considering what happened with SitosÔǪ I canÔÇÖt believe it took me all this time to realize what JetiaÔÇÖs intentions are. ThatÔÇÖs why he didnÔÇÖt say anything about Marin and me. He doesnÔÇÖt want to hurt her. And the situation now. I suppose that staying cramped up in this inn is the safest, which could be his way of ensuring her safety. A part of me is glad that heÔÇÖs looking out for her, but I donÔÇÖt need him to do that. IÔÇÖve got that covered."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Nah,ÔÇØ I interject. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm gonna continue with the plan regardless of what you do. If you screw us over in any way, I wonÔÇÖt fund those seminars for you guys.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He lets out a brief laugh and then asks, ÔÇ£DidnÔÇÖt you hear what I said? IÔÇÖll tell Captain Albius andÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah, whatever. And IÔÇÖll tell Marin that youÔÇÖre trying to put everything in jeopardy because you like her.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"His smile quickly disappears from his face, and he turns pale, his eyes widening. That confirms everything. I smirk, finally finding his weakness. He wonÔÇÖt screw with me again or his secretÔÇÖs out. I should be careful, though. If I push him too far, IÔÇÖll lose my only leverage over him if he self destructs. IÔÇÖll give him an offer he canÔÇÖt refuse."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Look. IÔÇÖll continue to fund your guysÔÇÖ magic education and stay quiet about your secret, but only if you help cover for us while weÔÇÖre gone. Figure out what youÔÇÖre gonna say to Captain Albius or General Nero if they come sniffing around.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fine. IÔÇÖll help you, even though you have more to lose than me. This doesnÔÇÖt make you any less of a hypocrite, either. You care about MarinÔÇÖs and RubyÔÇÖs safety, but yer the one putting them in the most danger every time. ItÔÇÖs on you if anything happens to them.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I know that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Do you, really?ÔÇØ he asks and then walks back inside."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Of course, I know. TheyÔÇÖve agreed to go along with my plans. When I think about it, they donÔÇÖt┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"really┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"need my protection. RubyÔÇÖs Fire magic is powerful. And we, well. Marin went to the Academy with me. Ruby graduated from the Academy a year ahead of us too. We know how to protect ourselves."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I go back inside, too, regrouping with the others upstairs. I tell them that itÔÇÖs all good with my platoon, so we can proceed with the plan."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We depart in two separate groups, as discussed before. Hina and I depart for the Icy Tavern."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"They give us an understandably annoyed welcome back. We kept them waiting again, but not quite as long as the first time. Once again, we give them the latest update while waiting for the others for their passes."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Eventually, the others arrive, and then we lead the group to the underground city. We go through the dark steps down. Ada illuminates the way with Light magic."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Apparently, one other thing the others learned about the ÔÇÿpassÔÇÖ is that youÔÇÖre supposed to reveal it in front of the door. Explains our hostile welcome the first time around. Though, I donÔÇÖt know how they see us through these solid walls. Another magic item, perhaps?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The doors open. The few Dwarves ahead verify that we have the passes before letting us through without much of a fuss."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Despite that weÔÇÖre here for the Casino, we decide to split up into different groups."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Me, Hina, Marin, Ruby, Aisha, and Ada will be the ones to go to the Casino while the others will explore the surrounding area for any other information."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We ask around for the location of the Casino. The first two Dwarves we ask donÔÇÖt want anything to do with us. A third Dwarf points us in the right direction."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We go inside what should be the Casino."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Humans, welcome!ÔÇØ a receptionist exclaims behind the short counter the second we walk in. This is the first time IÔÇÖve seen a Dwarf so welcoming. ItÔÇÖs a little suspicious. Security is heavier here with six armed Dwarves scattered around this small room. They donÔÇÖt look as friendly. ÔÇ£WhaÔÇÖ dae ye have ter wager?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"IÔÇÖm not sure what he means by that. Might be faster to get to the point. It seems unlikely that heÔÇÖll know about Floyd unless they require names from everyone that visits here. Since heÔÇÖs one of the few Humans IÔÇÖve seen around, he might be recognizable. I inform, ÔÇÿWeÔÇÖre here to see Floyd. Do you know him?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Oh, so ye be haur te see de boss. WhaÔÇÖ business dae ye have wiff him?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"HeÔÇÖs the bossÔǪ? ThatÔÇÖs a little weird. Surprising because I thought they wouldnÔÇÖt like being under a HumanÔÇÖs authority of all people. ÔÇ£He told us to find him here.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Did he nigh? WhaÔÇÖ be yer name?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Kai.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He bends down out of our view and whispers something inaudible. Several seconds later, he stands up and says, ÔÇ£He shouÔÇÖ be art haur soon.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He mustÔÇÖve used that long-distance communication tool. Nothing else would make sense. He might be nice enough to tell us whatÔÇÖs that about. I should ask. ÔÇ£HowÔÇÖd you talk to Floyd from there?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£OiÔÇÖm afraid Ay canna tell ya dat.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Whatever. At least he confirmed that itÔÇÖs a communication device. He didnÔÇÖt deny speaking into something. We can always ask Floyd for clarification. IÔÇÖm sure he can answer all of our questions now that we know heÔÇÖs somewhat of an important figure down here. Like he said, itÔÇÖs rare to see Humans in this place. HeÔÇÖll share what he knows. He informed us about the Achilles Sundance Circuit and a bit of Abjuration magic. Did he graduate from the Academy? I didnÔÇÖt get any vibes that he was a fighter of any kind the first time we met."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Floyd walks out from the connecting room a few minutes later. He smiles and then says, ÔÇ£Kai, Hina, IÔÇÖm glad you were able to sort out your issues. Come on in.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We follow him inside. The other room is much more spacious and has various different tables scattered across. The populated tables have at least two people there with almost no empty ones."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Business is booming right now,ÔÇØ Floyd says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs this place?ÔÇØ I ask. ItÔÇÖs hard to tell what these people are doing standing around."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs a gambling hub,ÔÇØ Floyd responds. ÔÇ£One on one battles after each side agrees on the stakes. ThereÔÇÖs at least one witness to ensure sportsmanship and fairness.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"That explains why the receptionist asked about what we had to wager. If you have no money, this place serves no purpose. I assume that they wouldnÔÇÖt be allowed entry. This place reminds me of the scams in Drymo that are designed to profit the seller. But itÔÇÖs not quite the same here. He said business is booming, but how does he benefit?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We charge a service fee from both participants depending on the wager and game for hosting third party duels.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Oh, I see. He always has an answer. It makes me hopeful that he knows what weÔÇÖre looking for."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖll be right in here,ÔÇØ he says and stands next to a distinctively different table. There isnÔÇÖt another one like this nearby. It has some sort of wooden pole protruding upward at both ends of the table. ÔÇ£I know you have questions. ThatÔÇÖs why you came, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah. You know everything,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I just know what you want to know.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That makes this easy then. First, IÔÇÖm curious. HowÔÇÖd you communicate with the Dwarf at the entrance? Some sort of magic item?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm going to stop you there. I have to make one thing clear. I didnÔÇÖt suggest you come here so that I could answer all of your questions for free.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I frown. ItÔÇÖs never straight forward."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Forget this place. WeÔÇÖve got other places,ÔÇØ Ada says. No, we donÔÇÖt. ÔÇ£This was a waste of time.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I highly doubt youÔÇÖll find the answers youÔÇÖre looking for anywhere else. I could still answer your questions at no cost to you. YouÔÇÖll only have to┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"risk┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"something of equal value.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He wants us to play one of these games with him. Us, who have no clue what that entails versus him, a veteran. Maybe even the creator. CouldnÔÇÖt hurt to find out what he wants. I ask, ÔÇ£Which is?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That depends on what you want to know. Think hard on what you want answered most. Go on.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I turn to everyone and interject, ÔÇ£Well. Should we put it to a vote?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"If we had to pick one, we donÔÇÖt need to know anything irrelevant, like how they communicate long-distance. Although, that would be helpful to have amongst ourselves."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs go over our options first,ÔÇØ Aisha suggests. ÔÇ£Is there anything more important than finding leads on the snake earring group?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, but even heÔÇÖs not gonna know anything about that,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Actually, I do know a few things about them,ÔÇØ Floyd says. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre going to have to make a bet worth at least twenty gold coins for it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Numerous of us gasp. Ada says, ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"Twenty┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"gold coins? YouÔÇÖre insane.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah, we donÔÇÖt have nearly that much anyway. Between all of us, we might have a few gold coins at best, and thatÔÇÖs being generous,ÔÇØ I inform."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖd say IÔÇÖm running a bargain at that price. ItÔÇÖs risky for me to tell you the details,ÔÇØ Floyd says and then smiles. ÔÇ£The nice thing about the Casino is that you have more than money to wager. YouÔÇÖve brought gems with you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"GemsÔǪ? Oh."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ada takes out her daggers and says, ÔÇ£How about, tell us what you know, and we donÔÇÖt kill you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Harm me, and you wonÔÇÖt get out of here alive. You know that, so why donÔÇÖt we put the knives away?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Tch,ÔÇØ Ada interjects and sheathes her weapons."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs a possibility and some not as obscene as you think. Depending on your magic potential, there would be clients willing to pay a fortune to create a baby. Otherwise, youÔÇÖre left with perverts wanting to lay their hands on some young women, especially virgins. Some even enjoy men. Kai, if youÔÇÖd like to indulge--ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Enough,ÔÇØ I say. I have no problem betting Aisha or Ada, but theyÔÇÖre not going to agree to it no matter the price. ThereÔÇÖs no way in hell IÔÇÖm going to wager the other three. After that Porters incident, IÔÇÖm not going to subject myself to that possibility either. It disturbs me thinking about it. ÔÇ£None of us are gonna agree to bet our bodies on the line. WhatÔÇÖre the other options?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Floyd shrugs and then says, ÔÇ£Well, if you had equipment of higher quality, that would be on the table. Otherwise, thereÔÇÖs an entire black market for organs and body parts.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£You could bet your life.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£My life? So, youÔÇÖre gonna kill me if I do that and lose?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, that wouldnÔÇÖt be worth anything to me. For you, IÔÇÖd probably sell you as a labor slave. Perhaps harvest your organs and turn you into meat later. For the other five, it would mean being sold into sexual slavery. This would be set at a value of an excess of twenty gold coins. Unless youÔÇÖve got other questions you want to add to the list, youÔÇÖre better off with the first option I mentioned where it would be as many times as you wish.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Move onto the next option,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£How about promised future services?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I glare at him."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£There are non-sexual ones, mind you. The possibilities vary from what youÔÇÖre open to. You could enter as a contestant in the coliseum.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs that?ÔÇØ I ask. That sounds intriguing. If it means dueling other people, I wouldnÔÇÖt mind that. IÔÇÖd do it without anyone forcing me."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£A place where youÔÇÖd fight to the death with other contestants. Two fights minimum before a fighter can back out. YouÔÇÖd win rewards, but the biggest thing is that the audience makes bets on who the winners are with no limit on how much you can bet. You see where IÔÇÖm going with this. IÔÇÖd bet my money on you to win. Well, IÔÇÖm not going to do that unless IÔÇÖm confident in your abilities. IÔÇÖd give you a twenty gold coins value if youÔÇÖre interested.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Twenty gold coinsÔǪ? ThatÔÇÖs exactly how much heÔÇÖs asking for. HmmÔǪ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt do it, Darling,ÔÇØ Hina says. ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs too dangerous. ItÔÇÖs not worth it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"SheÔÇÖs right. I donÔÇÖt know who I would end up fighting against. Other people would know the risks going in, so probably only the confident ones would enter. I answer, ÔÇ£Nah.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Smart choice. YouÔÇÖd be better off betting your life. You wouldnÔÇÖt last a round.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He says that so convincingly. It makes me want to prove him wrong...but I shouldnÔÇÖt."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£How about a promise to pay you gold coins in the future?ÔÇØ Aisha asks. ÔÇ£I may not look it, but IÔÇÖm from a wealthy family in Drosera.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Interesting offer, but IÔÇÖll need my full payment by the end of the Inteiru Expota. I already know of your affiliation with the Drosera army. You wouldnÔÇÖt be able to return to Syrina easily to pay your dues.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll write a letter of introduction for you to my family in Drymo. We have an underground Aerkin arena under our mansion and sponsor most of the Achilles Sundance Circuit events.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs an interesting proposal. Are they here for the Inteiru Expota?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, I--ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Then IÔÇÖm not interested. If theyÔÇÖre not here for the biggest Achilles Sundance Circuit events only once every three years, theyÔÇÖre not that influential in the scene. No offense, but the scene down there is archaic.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Psst,ÔÇØ Hina interjects and then turns around. She signals us to huddle close together. We do. She continues in a whisper, ÔÇ£One of us should do a body wager. More if needed.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Are you crazy?ÔÇØ I whisper."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs not what you think. These are all services promised in the┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"future.┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"If we end up losinÔÇÖ, we wonÔÇÖt come back. No harm done, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs not a good idea,ÔÇØ Aisha whispers. ÔÇ£If itÔÇÖs a comparable community to the Achilles Sundance Circuit, theyÔÇÖll hunt you down.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"IÔÇÖd poke fun at Hina for breaking her moral code here, but thatÔÇÖs not appropriate with Aisha and Ada present. I recall something from the Academy. I whisper, ÔÇ£Why donÔÇÖt you, Ada, and the other girls on your team consider betting your bodies? You used them to persuade sponsors to pay you more during the tournament, didnÔÇÖt you? What happened to your charm?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ada glares at me and grunts."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Aisha knits her eyebrows and then whispers, ÔÇ£No, that might be a viable option.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Are you┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"serious,┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Aisha?ÔÇØ Ada whispers. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not doing that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yes, but itÔÇÖs something milder. What if itÔÇÖs only looking? Or first base and second base? DonÔÇÖt do anything youÔÇÖre not comfortable with. It wonÔÇÖt be worth as much, but we have numbers to make up for it. Six of us counting Marin and Ruby.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, no, no. Leave them out of this,ÔÇØ I whisper quickly. ThereÔÇÖs no doubt that Ruby would agree to it, but thereÔÇÖs no way that Luna would in this situation. IÔÇÖm trying to piece her back together, not scatter her."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Okay, four of us.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£FineÔǪ IÔÇÖll do it if you convince Melody and Doris.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I hold in a snort. CanÔÇÖt imagine Ada going along with this. SheÔÇÖs too hostile and unladylike. ThereÔÇÖs no way sheÔÇÖs going to exchange spit with old men and let them grope her. I canÔÇÖt believe AishaÔÇÖs willing to go through┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"that.┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"It goes to show that theyÔÇÖre quite serious about completing their goals. I shouldnÔÇÖt laugh."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Are you sure you want to go through with this?ÔÇØ Hina whispers. ÔÇ£We could ask somethinÔÇÖ that requires less money first. We donÔÇÖt know what kind of game heÔÇÖs goinÔÇÖ to have us play yet.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs true. Shall we ask about the auction first?ÔÇØ Aisha whispers. ÔÇ£Objections?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"A moment of silence. Our only other option is to ask about the Xog, but thatÔÇÖs obviously going to be set at a higher value than the auction."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We break the huddle and face Floyd."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I ask, ÔÇ£Do you know anything about an auction starting tomorrow?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I do. A bet worth two gold coins will suffice for that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Okay, give us a moment to see if we have that much between all of us,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs no need for that,ÔÇØ Aisha says. ÔÇ£There are two of us here and two other girls who would be willing to strip and entertain at the very least. IÔÇÖm willing to go as far as second base. How much would that put at value?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Aisha, arenÔÇÖt you going to confirm with Melody and Doris first?ÔÇØ Ada asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I know theyÔÇÖll play along. ItÔÇÖs not a big deal, you know weÔÇÖve messed around with the guys before. ItÔÇÖs only you who hasnÔÇÖt.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want to make things weird between us,ÔÇØ Ada says and blushes."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£My advice, donÔÇÖt wager anything you arenÔÇÖt willing to act on if it comes down to it,ÔÇØ Floyd warns. ÔÇ£Are you sure?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yes.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Very well. The exact value of what youÔÇÖre offering depends on the length of service, how far youÔÇÖre willing to go, how many clients you take on, and your bust. Remember that youÔÇÖll have to submit appropriate payment should you lose before you leave the city. How about we leave the juicy details for later? IÔÇÖm sure youÔÇÖd appreciate some privacy.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, weÔÇÖll settle that now. IÔÇÖm not comfortable letting you decide our value after the fact,ÔÇØ Aisha says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Sure. Right this way,ÔÇØ Floyd says and walks off."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Aisha and Ada follow him some distance away from us."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Can you believe her?ÔÇØ Hina asks. ÔÇ£I canÔÇÖt believe sheÔÇÖs serious about this. ThatÔÇÖs not how someone raised in the Royal District should act, doinÔÇÖ things like this on a whim. She should be more modest. Or else her parents will be troubled if people know how promiscuous sheÔÇÖs been. Then they wouldnÔÇÖt be able to marry her off for political gain.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DidnÔÇÖt you hear her earlier? It sounds like everyone except Ada has already slept with each other casually. ItÔÇÖs probably too late for her. Besides, if her parents wanted to marry her off, they wouldnÔÇÖt have agreed to let her become an adventurer or join the army.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Arranged marriage, huh. ThatÔÇÖs what happened to Sitos. I didnÔÇÖt know back then, but he was under a lot of family pressure I didnÔÇÖt know about. IÔÇÖll never understand what he went through. I think Luna was his only reason to not get engaged, and then he finally resigned to the pressure after losing our duel. I continue, ÔÇ£Or maybe, AishaÔÇÖs doing this all to have an excuse to not be married off to a stranger.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£HookinÔÇÖ up with people you know is one thing, but this is with total strangers with an exchange of goods involved. ItÔÇÖs prostitution and thereÔÇÖs a lot of bad stigma around it. She could be disowned if her family finds out.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£SheÔÇÖs not exactly selling her body in the traditional sense, though. As she said, itÔÇÖs only up to second base. If she was still a virgin, sheÔÇÖd still be one afterward.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs basically the same thing. People pay her to kiss and touch her. Could you still say a girlÔÇÖs innocent if hundreds of different guys have seen her naked, made out with her, fiddled with her breasts like a toy, and heard her moans?ÔÇØ Hina asks and then blushes. ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know if you know this, but it can be really┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"stimulatinÔÇÖ┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"when weÔÇÖre touched up thereÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I gulp, thinking back to all those times I squeezed her nubs a few weeks prior. I canÔÇÖt let myself get too excited. I try to clear my mind."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So...even without touchinÔÇÖ down there, a woman can...you know.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Well, I canÔÇÖt argue back now. SheÔÇÖs proved her point. I say, ÔÇ£Okay, you got me there. But, youÔÇÖre the one who suggested the whole body selling thing in the first place.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I didnÔÇÖt mean for her to take it seriously. Only as--ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£A trick?ÔÇØ I ask. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre fine with being disingenuous here but not with the ministerÔÇÖs favor?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Have you heard the words cominÔÇÖ from his mouth? HeÔÇÖs a criminal. HeÔÇÖs also the one who turned us in, remember?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs also the one who introduced you to Aerkins and the good monsters youÔÇÖre obsessed about.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Whatever,ÔÇØ she interjects and turns her head away. ÔÇ£So, Marin, Ruby, how were your experiences with gettinÔÇÖ the pass? Did it hurt?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Tsk tsk. Changing the subject when sheÔÇÖs cornered as usual."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£It wasnÔÇÖt too bad,ÔÇØ Marin responds."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£It didnÔÇÖt hurt,ÔÇØ Ruby answers."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Oh, no. Hina smiles. I already know what sheÔÇÖs thinking."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Oh, really?ÔÇØ Hina asks and wraps an arm around my neck. ÔÇ£Did you know this guy screamed when he got his pass? Bazaleon called him a yellow-belly too.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She laughs, but Marin and Ruby donÔÇÖt join. Heh, your plan backfired."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£If yer gonna be mean ta Kai, give ÔÇÿim ta me instead,ÔÇØ Ruby says with a frown."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm kiddinÔÇÖ, jeez. If you want me to be nice, wait until bedtime,ÔÇØ she says and then winks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"RubyÔÇÖs face contorts into that of anger while Marin looks uncomfortable. Ugh. Hina, why do you put me in these situations?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Hey, Ruby, donÔÇÖt take her seriously,ÔÇØ I say. This could be a good chance to condition her on how she should act. IÔÇÖm not sure whatÔÇÖs appropriate in this case. What would┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"she┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"say? The situation has never come up, and we wouldnÔÇÖt be here if she was still here..."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I know,ÔÇØ Ruby says before I can think of a follow-up. ÔÇ£Just annoys me a little when she keeps sayinÔÇÖ that when all of us know itÔÇÖs not true ÔÇÿnÔÇÖ itÔÇÖs not funny.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£SheÔÇÖs just jealous, right┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"Darling?ÔÇØ"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬áHina asks and then kisses my cheek. I frown. She just keeps pushing and doesnÔÇÖt know when to stop."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£She doesnÔÇÖt let ya do anythinÔÇÖ, right? ThatÔÇÖs not fair when yer the one helpinÔÇÖ ÔÇÿer.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Wait, you┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"want"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬áme to do┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"stuff┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"with her?ÔÇØ I ask, unable to believe what IÔÇÖm hearing. I thought Ruby would hate the idea of me touching any other girl but her."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I want ta make sure yer needs are taken care of. I know yer a guy with those kinda thoughts. YouÔÇÖve had ta put up with Hina teasinÔÇÖ ya without any outlet. Ya donÔÇÖt have any feelinÔÇÖs fer ÔÇÿer, so itÔÇÖs ÔÇÿkay with me since weÔÇÖre takinÔÇÖ a break. IÔÇÖm not gonna be selfish ÔÇÿbout that. My heart will always lie with ya.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Taking a break? Is that how she sees┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"us"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"? ThatÔÇÖs not exactly accurateÔǪ We were never together. I was only ever with Luna, whoÔÇÖs now shattered into pieces and twisted into someone else who can only be called Ruby. She has a bit of a one-sided crush on me. Or maybe sheÔÇÖs speaking as one of the pieces that could be called Luna?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"All of us are speechless. I look toward Marin for ideas, but she lightly shakes her head. Look at the mess youÔÇÖve created, Hina!"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby walks toward us and then leans her head closer to HinaÔÇÖs side. Quietly, she says, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt care if ya act, but ya better lay there ÔÇÿnÔÇÖ take it, or yer gonna have problems with me.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"First, she almost kills Hina because she thought we were together, and now this. Well, I guess she only cared because she thought we had feelings for each other. She doesnÔÇÖt care if thereÔÇÖs no love involved, only lust. She treated Hina like a piece of meat."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I canÔÇÖt tell her to calm down or anything, either. I know sheÔÇÖs not going to listen to me this time. I mean, she still only has me in her mind. Talking back to her in this situation would only make her more aggressive in corrective action. If she canÔÇÖt get me to shag Hina, she might take more desperate measures like reveal that the whole thingÔÇÖs a sham. I canÔÇÖt have that. I had the back and forth permissions between Hina and Marin for the same issue, though Hina decided against it in the end. IÔÇÖm surprised Ruby hasnÔÇÖt offered herself as a potential solution to this problem."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert