The news was disconcerting for the duo. They were supposed to be under the orders of people they didn't even know? Even Den, who had met these people earlier, was bewildered.
"Wait a minute, that's not what was written in the contract. Den and I, when we were in the Barley Forest, passed Chief Minh Vu's trial. We were heading to the guild" Alfie shouted at them, forcefully stepping in their direction.
"That's right, she was supposed to take us to HQ, but she ditched us in the middle of nowhere. I still can't explain that. However, even though I'm grateful for your hospitality last night, we don't buy your story" Den retorted, stepping forward to stand beside his brother.
The tension in the room was rising, and the gazes were becoming increasingly threatening. Every second felt like an eternity for both sides.
Marie walked towards the duo, putting her hand in her pocket to take out an object. Reaching them, she presented a badge.
"Look at this, you two. This is proof that I am a member of the guild, and you.. blockheads are now my slaves." She said with a maniacal laugh.
The badge displayed the guild's coat of arms. The symbol represented the rulers' scepter.
The two brothers still didn't agree with this statement when suddenly,
*bam*
Everyone stopped. They were frozen in place, unable to move. A menacing aura had filled the room. One simple movement and they would be dead. They were in a completely new space; death was practically dancing with them.
Then the old man moved towards the two immobilized youths. He no longer looked human; he was slowly transforming into a deformed monster, his feet replaced by tentacles, his face melting on the spot.
Alfie and Den couldn't escape; they were petrified in place. The creature approached them, its tentacles groping their entire bodies. It was preparing to devour them, its maw getting closer and closer.
*bam*
The room was back to normal. The menacing aura was gone, the monster had disappeared, and the old man was perfectly normal; he hadn't even moved from his position.
"Now that everyone is calm, we can discuss this peacefully, and here is the proof that justifies our words" said the old man in a calm voice, still smiling.
Immediately, the sound of footsteps could be heard. Someone was approaching...