People started gathering in groups here and there and from afar, since they were afraid to get involved with that escorted person, whispered to one another.
"Wow! Could that boy be a robot?"
"Is that really a human?"
"You all know nothing, it's definitely a staged show."
"I think that guy is screwed."
Lowo, however, didn't move; he was waiting for the reaction of the other guards, who also stood still, as if awaiting a higher order.
"Hey, young man, could you come over here for a moment, please?"
It was a calm and measured voice coming from the middle of the escort, yet the person couldn't be seen due to the number of guards surrounding them.
Sorriso was the first to respond, "Do you think we're idiots? If you want to talk to us, it's better if you show yourself, or are you too scared to reveal your face?"
"Disperse the people, please," ordered the calm voice, while five of the guards strode firmly towards the crowd that had formed.
In less than a minute, there was no one left in the hall except the two young men, who stood firm in their place.
"Now, could the young man who knocked out my rebellious guard come here so we can talk in private?"
"I already said no, you have to come here," Sorriso shouted, while Lowo remained alert, worried about the number of guards staring at him without blinking.
He felt strong, but still, he wouldn't be strong enough to face them all. In fact, not even two of them if they teamed up for a real fight.
"I wasn't talking to you, young man from Lunária."
Sorriso fell silent, his legs trembling so much that it was almost impossible to stand.
"Forgive me, sir, I had no idea..."
"Just stay quiet, young man. I have no quarrel with you."
Lowo was intrigued. Who was this person who, with just one sentence, instilled fear in his brave friend?
Without a second thought, he went to meet the voice and was surprised to find someone in a wheelchair, being pushed by a giant, imposing figure.
"That guy must be well over two meters tall," Lowo thought.
"What do you want with me?" Lowo asked, addressing the person in the wheelchair.
"Just to meet you and perhaps offer you better opportunities."
"And who are you? Since you have the authority to intimidate my friend, you must be someone important. But let me tell you, I don't care about that, and I don't care about who you are."
"You seem to have a bit more courage than the people I usually deal with, so I won't tell you who I am, because I like people with courage. Now, if I reveal myself, how much of your courage will remain?"
"You seem a bit arrogant for someone in your situation. It must be because of this crowd of men protecting you, otherwise, I wouldn't even bother looking at you."
"Hahaha! I definitely like you. Now, I want even more to get to know you better. I'll be around; if you ever want to talk and get to know me, I think we could make a good friendship."
"Are you crazy? Do you think I'd make friends with someone who intimidated my best friend?"
"Hey, young man, come here."
And Sorriso, still trembling, walked slowly until he reached the wheelchair, without looking into the eyes of its occupant.
"Forgive me for my attitude. I didn't mean to intimidate you. As a sign of my goodwill, take my special business card, which can be used throughout the city. Eat and drink on me, and when I leave the city, I'll take it back."
Taking Sorriso's hand, he placed a silver-colored card in it and warned, "Just do me a favor, don't lose it."
"I won't lose it, sir," Sorriso replied, stammering and trembling as he held the shimmering card.
"And as for you, what's your name?"
"And why should I tell you my name when you haven't even introduced yourself?"
"Ah! You're right, my friend, just call me Mindini. That's all you need to know."
"I'm Lowo, and I'm still not convinced why I should be friends with you."
"We can exchange secrets, young Lowo, and I guarantee mine will be as interesting as yours."
"I think you're delusional, man. What secrets would I have to tell you?"
"You could tell me a bit about your daily life in Dhaubania."
Lowo suddenly began coughing, choking so badly that Sorriso had to help him.
"I think this concludes our conversation for now. Until next time, Lowo N'air. We'll meet again tomorrow."
"If you think what you know about me intimidates me, you better get more bodyguards because these won't be enough for long," Lowo threatened.
"I only need one, Lowo, and next to him, your strength is nothing."
As he said this, the giant pushing Mindini's wheelchair stepped aside, and the difference was striking.
On one side, a giant standing at 2.20 meters, and on the other, the brave boy who barely reached 1.70 meters.
Before anyone could say anything, Lowo threw a punch with all the strength he could muster, but the figure in front of him barely shook and remained firm in place.
"You see, Lowo? Didn't I tell you one was more than enough to contain you? I'm really excited to get to know you. I can't wait for our next meeting."
And leaving slowly while the giant pushed his wheelchair, Lowo was left baffled, wondering how a human being could take such a powerful blow and suffer no consequences.
The mass of bodyguards passed by him as Mindini once again became the center of attention, hidden by the sheer number of guards accompanying him, moving forward.
Both of them, mouths agape, looked at each other, but Lowo took the initiative, "Let's go, young man from Lunária!"
"Yes, let's go, resident of Dhaubania!"
They looked at each other for a moment, shared a nervous laugh, and from then on, decided not to talk about the secrets surrounding them, at least until they were ready for it.