“So does Rig like you?” Floria asked suddenly as we walked down the street, entering into what could be considered the nicer part of these slums. “Or am I doing all the talking?”

I just shrugged at her as I walked on one side of her, while Domitor walked on her other side. “I don’t know how he feels about me, but I dislike the guy. You do all the talking.”

She gave me a thumbs up and a charming smile, “you got it, dude!”

“I’ve been thinking about this guy and his Contract Thorn,” Domitor said, getting both of our attention. “Is there a way to, like, just break the contract without dying?”

“Yep!” Floria said cheerfully, “and all it takes is Rig severing the contract himself.”

“So there is no way?” I deadpanned.

“No way no how!” she laughed, doing a little spin. “Rig has never severed a contract.”

“Great,” I mumbled, clenching my hand around the sheath of my katana. I had hoped there was a way out of this mess I’ve put myself in. I wonder if leaving Eris will be enough to get away? Can his little contract enforcer thing follow me across dimensions?

New Quest! ‘Rank S+: Severe Contract with Rig!’

… are you fucking kidding me? A Rank S+ rating for this shit?! Fucking hell that’s just my luck.

“Oooo, that’s not good,” Rosemary said from up ahead as she laid on a lamp post. “Rank S+ quests are considered impossible usually.”

All I could do was sigh as we walked under her lamppost. I just ignored her for now, focusing on the walk ahead of us.

“Okay, so just don’t act weird and this’ll go great,” Floria said as she walked ahead of us, heading for the one building that stood out amongst all the others.

Most of the buildings in the area were pretty bland and boring, this one was covered in gold and jewels. The words ‘King’ were written across the front of the building.

This guy just likes to show off.

The three of us entered the building, passing by all of the guards who stared at us with mixed emotions. Most seemed bored, while a few just seemed straight up pissed off. Nice group of people.

Floria waved at a few of them, who just ignored her in return.

I frowned as I looked around us, taking note of just how many goons he had. While I’m pretty sure I could take all of them at once, I don't think I have it in me right now to test that.

Once we walked down a fairly long hallway we came to a door that screamed ‘I’m the boss’, what with all the jewels and decorations on it.

Floria stepped forward first and threw it open, walking in with a massive smile on her face.

“Heyo, Rig! Guess what we got?” she announced happily, giving herself a little twirl as she walked forward.

“As I’ve heard,” he said from behind his desk, a pleased smirk on his face.

We walked forward and stopped right before his desk. Floria stepped forward and held out her hand as the prototype weapon appeared on his desk, causing him to stand up and clap his hands together.

“Excellent work, my little flower!” he exclaimed as he began to run a hand over the device. It then disappeared as he pulled it into his own Vacuole. “I will say that I am impressed with you three.”

Quest Complete! 3 skill points awarded!
You have 21 unspent points!

“Thanks, Rig,” Floria said proudly as she shoved her hands into her pockets and leaned back coolly.

“Which is good,” he said as he walked around the desk to stand before us. “I have another job for you three.”

A frown found its way onto my face as I gave my head a hard shake, “I can’t. I have somewhere to be here soon.”

“Too bad,” he said simply, glaring at me. “When I say jump, you do it. No back talk… take that stupid mask off when you’re in my presence.”

I growled as I reluctantly removed my mask, suddenly feeling very vulnerable without it.

“Good,” he said, standing up straight again as he put his hands behind his back. “Now tell me, what were these plans of yours?” When I didn’t answer he just sighed, “would you kindly tell me what your plans were?”

“I’m going to the tournament on Ephermeris Island,” I said against my will, causing my body to shake in pure rage and shame.

“Ah yes, the infamous tournament being held by the Zmeu’s Galben, with the promised prize being a favor from the great being himself,” Rig said, rubbing his chin with a large smile. “You will not be going to this tournament. I have my own man attending it, so I don’t need you up there.”

“I’m going for myself, not you,” I said sharply, causing him to laugh.

“It matters not,” he replied as he waved me off and walked back around his desk. “This topic is now closed and will not be brought up again. You are not to go to the tourna-”

“If I may interrupt, Boss,” someone said behind us, causing me to turn around and see a large Halwen in green armor walk in. I stared at him in confusion for a moment, feeling like I knew him.

“Yes, Talio?” Rig asked with a large sigh.

My eyes went wide, as I realized this was that strange guy who tried to offer me his help earlier. I should have known he worked for this asshole.

“I believe we should send Mr. Beltosh here in Uptee’s place,” Talio said as he walked in and stood next to the three of us, looking both intimidating and goofy at once. It was a strange combo to bear witness too.

Rig just shook his head at the large Halwen, “Uptee’s already ready to go. I will not be changing my plans.”

Talio’s masked face turned to me, giving me chills as the emotionless mask seemed to stare into my soul.

“Terribly sorry to say this, Boss, but Uptee died,” he said in a monotone voice.

This news caused Rig’s eye to twitch as he stared the Halwen down, “you should have opened with this information.”

Talio just gave a bow in response, a little cupcake appearing in his hand as he came back up and placed it on the desk. “For you, Boss.”

Growling angrily, Rig took the cupcake and took a bite out of it. “How’d he die? He was supposed to be on his way to the Island.”

“Slip and fell, broke his neck,” Talio replied simply.

With another heavy sigh, Rig leaned back in his chair, staring at all of us. “Fine then. Mr. Beltosh, you are to go to the tournament in Uptee’s place and win Galben’s favor. You are then to have this favor transferred to me. Is this understood?”

I just stared at him, clearly not okay with this plan. “But I need it,” I said simply.

“And you work for me,” he said coldly as the dark shadow rose up behind him, a wide smile on its face. “If you deviate from what I’ve just told you, then that will be considered breaking your contract. And we wouldn’t want that, would we?”

My eyes drifted up to the large shadow as it rubbed its hands together sinisterly.

“Fine,” I grumbled, crossing my arms. This threw a wrench in my plans, since I now had to give away this favor when I won. But I wasn’t going to give up hope, as I’m sure I can figure something else out once I’m up there and I win. I might be able to sweet talk this Galben guy into giving me two favors if I explain this bullshit to him… Does that count as breaking the contract? Shit, maybe.

Screw it, I’ll figure it out when I get there.

“Excellent,” he said as he clapped his hands and looked at the other two. “Now you two, I have-”

“Sorry to interrupt again, Boss,” Talio said as he pulled out a large cake and sat it on the table. “For you, by the by.” Rig just frowned as the Halwen stood up straight again. “I suggest these two go with Mr. Beltosh. They work well together.”

“Why are you so interested in these three?” Rig asked with a raised eyebrow, but Talio just pulled out yet another dish of treats and put them before the well dressed Kejtdra. “Uh-huh. Well then, you two are off the hook for now.”

I stared at the strange Halwen, very confused by him and his actions. There’s something about this guy that’s super weird, but I just can’t put a claw on it. His interest in me is disturbing though, that’s for sure.

Rig grabbed another of the treats and waved us off. “You have your task, now get to it.”

Floria, looking a bit worried, threw her hand up and gave him a thumbs up as she began to bounce out of the room. “You got it!”

Domitor and I followed after her, both of us sharing a look of discomfort. Luckily we left the office without any further words from Rig or the Halwen. We walked down the hallway, with Floria being her usual energetic self and me and Domitor just dragging along.

I put my mask back on, feeling a wave of relief wash over me now that my face was hidden again.

We didn’t speak till we exited the building and walked a bit down the street, and the moment we were far enough away, Floria deflated.

“I’m so sorry, Shane,” she said in a completely remorseful voice. “Rig is a prick and is always screwing stuff up.”

“I’ll be fine,” I grunted, adjusting my mask a bit. “I’ll figure something out. He’ll get his stupid favor and I’ll get my answers.”

This brought a crooked smile to her face, “I like you, Shane. Life slaps you down and you just get up and figure something else out.”

“That's how I roll,” I said with a forced chuckle. Then I went silent as I pulled ahead of them, making it clear I was not in the mood to talk further.

“Asshole,” I heard Domitor say from behind me, but I ignored him as I kept up my fast pace.

My mind was elsewhere, as I really did not like how much attention was just cast on me back there. Not just from Rig, but from this Talio guy, who I know is my stalker at this point. He’s got some kinda goal, and apparently it involves me.

I shuddered a bit, just wanting everyone to ignore me right now.

We walked for a while as the other two talked to each other, mostly talking about Domitor’s home life.

All I could do as I listened to him talk was roll my eyes, as I had a feeling he was just exaggerating some of this shit. Like, I know Lorenzo is a monster, but breaking his son's leg just because he beat me? Yeah, no, that’s made up.

At least, I really hope it is.

Glancing back at the smiling stallion, a conflicted feeling rolled through me. Which just pissed me off as I came to a stop and turned to face them..

They both came to a stop and looked at me in confusion.

“Yeah?” Domitor asked as he noticed I was staring right at him.

“Will you shut the fuck up and stop whining about your daddy and how he treated you?” I asked with a growl. “It’s annoying as fuck to hear this shit constantly.”

His reaction was instant as he stomped a hoof against the ground, “I do not talk about this constantly! It’s the opposite! I NEVER talk about my shitty home life, especially to you!”

“Wah wah, cry me a river,” I mocked as I tilted my head, a massive unseen smirk on my face.

He took a step towards me, but Floria jumped between us.

“What the hell guys?! We’ve been doing so good till now!” she yelled, holding her hands up as she looked between us.

“She’s starting shit, as usual,” Domitor growled, his nostrils flaring in anger.

I raised my mask just long enough so he could see me stick my tongue out at him as I flipped him off, “not my fault you’re a dumb little bitch who has daddy issues.”

With a roar he jumped for me, but Floria caught him and held him back.

“Shane, stop it!” she yelled, fighting to keep him from reaching me.

But I knew I was winning here, so I threw my arms out wide, “let ‘em go! We’re long overdue for a rematch! Just the two of us! Little shit needs to be put in his place!”

“STOP!” she roared as she threw him back. “Domitor, you stop as well. She’s just baiting you.” Then she turned to me and pointed a claw at me, “and you! Stop this! This is out of nowhere and unneeded!”

I just laughed a bit as I crossed my arms.

Domitor however let out a sigh and relaxed his body, turning his head away from me.

“That’s a good boy, Dommy,” I mocked. “Do what you do best and listen to others.”

“You’re a bully,” he growled, shaking a bit.

“And you’re a pussy with parents who wish you’d’ve never been born,” I said, causing Rosemary to appear in front of me, gawking.

“Shayla!” she snapped.

Domitor didn’t respond as he flung his tentacle thing onto my chest and pulled himself towards me, crashing his forehead right into mine.

I stumbled and fell on my ass, trying to fix my mask as he did the same trick again, hitting me even harder this time. But before I could retaliate, a loud boom was heard, startling both of us.

“Stop you idiots!” Floria screamed, her gun smoking as she pointed it straight up into the air. “We’re trying to be friends! Not damn enemies!”

Growling I pushed myself up and got chest to chest with Domitor as he stood on his hindlegs, neither of us trying to attack the other now.

“Being friends with this little asshole is impossible,” I said as I bumped my chest against his.

“If you grew up with her, Floria, you’d know exactly what I’ve had to deal with my whole life,” Domitor said, causing me to roll my eyes.

“Dramatic little drama queen,” I mocked as he bumped against my chest, looking ready to fight for real.

“If you two start fighting again, then I’m leaving and never coming back!” Floria yelled, her voice a bit shaky, causing me to close my eyes and exhale.

“Fine, since you both want to be so dramatic about this shit. I’m done,” I said, taking a step back and crossing my arms. “I’ll play nice for now.”

Domitor glared at me as he went back to all fours and shook his head. “Grow up, Shane.”

I just flipped him off and turned my back on them, walking ahead as I heard Floria let out a little cry before she suddenly laughed loudly and shifted back into her normally bubbly mood.

This caused me to shake my head. She was clearly bipolar or some shit, or faking all these moods. Honestly it doesn’t matter to me.

Rosemary appeared before me again as I walked forward, looking very disappointed. “That was too far, Shayla,” she said, using my real name. Which just pissed me off even more. “I saw the reason you did that, it’s-”

“Shut up!” I screamed out loud, punching the air where she resided. “Screw off right now, Rosemary! I don’t want to fucking hear it!”

She gave me a look as she faded away, complying with my outburst.

Looking behind me I saw the other two were looking at me with both shocked and worried looks. “What?!”

They didn’t say anything as they looked everywhere but me. Pricks. I was starting to regret letting them tag along.

After this stupid tournament was over, I’m ditching them for good. I don’t care if Rig wants me to work with them, I’m done.

Next Chapter: The cycle of hate Estimated time remaining: 14 Hours, 46 Minutes