Not My Book!!!

This book belongs to Maria V. Snyder!!!

I have no rights to this book I just think that it is a great book and it was not on this app so i decided to share it on here for all of you amazing people to read and enjoy.

I am not sure if i will share the other books or not it all depends on how well this book does.

But honestly this is one of the best book series that i have ever read and i hope that you guys enjoy it.

"Are you done getting dressed up in there!?" A Nurse called out from outside Maria's room. As she tightened the ribbon that was around her sweater.

The clothing the Hospital has given her weren't Adventurer clothing but Maria would take what she would get. She was wearing a yellow ribbon tie v-neck sweater with red and black accents along with a matching skirt and red beret. 

"I'm finished, can you please tell me what room he's located in?" Maria asked for the 100th time. The Nurse sighed as she handed a bag that had Maria's name written on it.

"Room 205." The nurse then walked out of Maria's room. 

—-

"Spriggan!" Maria called out from outside Edgar's hospital room. Even though the blonde was out of breath she didn't stop calling out to him. Once the door open Maria was greeted by the Spriggan who had a scowl on his face. For some reason he had the clothing he had on before.

"Maria-" Edgar quickly covered his mouth. It seems like he had asked about her wellbeing too. Maria blushed when he had said her name. She didn't know why but it made her feel happy that Edgar was worried. "I- I- Why the hell are you yelling kid?" Edgar asked trying to go back to his scary persona.

Maria noticed that he was playing with some of the strands of his hair. 'Is he flustered?' She wondered looking at him. She then smiled teasingly.

"Fufu, I don't recall telling you my name, Spriggan~" Maria giggled softly. She sat down on the side of his bed with a smug look. Edgar looked away from the young girl.

"You dropped your ID card, kid." He explained drily whipping out a small Adventurers Card. Maria blushed brightly at her idiocy.

"Ah-! I- I wasn't- Hmph! Give me that!" Maria then tried to grab the card out of Edgar's hand but he lifted it up out of Maria's reach. 

"You weren't what?" Edgar asked with a smug tone. His face didn't show it but he enjoyed seeing Maria flustered. "Thought I asked about you?" He asked causing Maria to flinch. He had guessed it on his first try. Maria didn't know what to say back. She then had tears in her eyes.

"*Hic* *Hic* I didn't- I wasn't-" She began to sob causing Edgar to freeze in his tracks.

'Shit I made her cry... I don't what to say...' Edgar then slowly handed Maria her ID. 

"Don't...cry. I'll buy you some... ice cream..." Edgar offered sheepishly. Maria to stop crying since she had never tried ice cream before.

"Really?? I heard that those were recently made so I never got to try it" Maria smiled with red cheeks. It was quite too easy to get her to listen. 

'She really is a kid.' Edgar then began to walk out the room. 'How old is she really? I didn't get to look at her age on her ID...'  

Maria was cleared to be leave the Hospital but one of the Doctors had asked to speak with Edgar privately. Maria stood afar wanting to know what was happening. 

"I want ice cream" Maria pouted as she stood just watching the adults talk. She then shook her head. 'No-! I'm an adult! I'm not some kid! Jeez, I graduated the academy!' The blonde scolded herself for acting so childishly. 

"Are you done?" Edgar asked confused at Maria's actions. The young girl flinched surprised when she saw Edgar.

"I- I should be asking you that!" Maria replied becoming flustered. Her cheeks turned red becoming hot. 

"Oh is Maria your partner Mr. Romero?" The Doctor asked as he handed a yellow package to Edgar. "She was asking about you the moment she woke up. Haha, take care of her as well as yourself. Maria is pretty young." The Doctor waved then left to treat other patients.

Edgar look at Maria who's face was covered in red. She instantly began to walk towards the exit not wanting to explain herself. 

"You better not say anything." She stated not looking at Edgar.

Maria Yerim is a newly graduated adventurer who has a beginning degree in Traditional Holy Magicks. She may be young but she hasn’t experienced the real world until now.

When she gets saved by a man of the Spriggan race, she decides to partner with him so that they can beat the evil Demon King that causes monsters called 'Lamia' to appear.

But to do that Maria needs to get stronger. And this world isn't so peaceful like the stories Maria has heard as a child.

'Today has been a long day ...' Adrian thought as he looked at the front of a store that looked quite ordinary. After manipulating Nick Fury, Adrian used his webs and came swinging from building to building to the place where the abandoned SHIELD base was located.
 
He was being accompanied by the five agents who have Symbiotes in their bodies, Natasha and Jessica also accompanied him.
 
Adrian was surprised for a moment to find Maria Hill in front of the abandoned base. She was waiting with several agents beside her.
 
After Adrian thought about it, he believed it was his mother who ordered Maria Hill to show up here. Of course, she must have used Adrian's new pawn named Nick Fury for Maria Hill to accept her orders.
 
"Is this the location?"
 
"Yes." Maria Hill, who was next to Adrian, replied.
 
Maria was suspicious, she doesn't know what happened, but suddenly Nick Fury and Adrian became best friends ... She finds this sudden friendship very strange...
 
How can two enemies who have sworn to death each other become friends so suddenly?
 
"Hmm, this is just an ordinary store." Jessica Jones commented, she was still wearing Adrian's outfit.
 
"SHIELD has several underground bases around New York, they disguise their bases by building ordinary stores on the surface," Natasha explained. As a former SHIELD agent, she knew very well how they operate.
 
 
Natasha was also wearing a costume similar to Adrian.
 
Adrian looked at the SHIELD agents who were being hosted by the Symbiotes.
 
Adrian looked at the black Symbiote named Riot with a cold smile. From the moment Adrian saw the Symbiotes, Adrian wanted these Symbiotes for himself; after all, he knew0 the benefits of having a Symbiote by his side.
 
Adrian deemed he can give these symbiotes to his family; with that, they would be protected from any danger.
 
Adrian is not afraid that the Symbiotes may harm his family instinctively. He knows that if these Symbiotes become his followers, they will follow any order from him.
 
That was the privilege of an Alpha.
 
'Well, if they don't obey me, I just have to make them obey me.'
 
Adrian took his attention away from Riot and looked at Maria. "Is there anyone else besides Symbiote and Natasha's sister on this base?" He asked, pretending ignorance. He knows very well that this sudden 'friendship' he had with Nick Fury will raise suspicion of Maria. Because of that, he decided to pretend he doesn't know anything.
 
Adrian doesn't want to control Maria Hill like he did with Nick Fury. He wanted Maria Hill to willingly become his subordinate.
 
Adrian regarded Nick Fury as an enemy and a threat. He will go to great lengths to eliminate or use it to his advantage. But so far, Maria Hill is just an agent who follows Nick Fury's orders.
 
A sudden thought crossed his mind. 'Stopping to think, if Nick Fury is under my control, then is Maria Hill my subordinate too?'
 
"No, only V-001 and ex-Red Room agent Yelena Belova are on that basis." Maria Hill denied it. "The V-001 host is also on that base, but we don't know his status."
 
"V-001?" Adrian asked he hadn't heard that classification from Nick Fury.
 
"This is the name we give the first Symbiote to have a host."
 
Adrian used his brain and can soon find out where they got that name from. 'Oh, they used Venom's' V, 'Since he was the first Symbiote after Venom, they rated it' 1 ', so the name V-001.'
 
"Let me guess, is my name rated V-000?" Adrian asked, smiling.
 
Adrian gave his Symbiote a mental command, and soon he was covered in a black suit.
 
"Yes." Maria Hill responded with a stoic expression. "How do you know that?" She asked in a neutral tone of voice.
 
Adrian huffed: "It's pretty obvious, I can say that you used me as a basis for experimenting on these symbiotes. They must have been named in order of host or importance." He looked at Riot and pointed with his finger:
 
"He has the presence of a leader, so his codename must be V-002." Adrian pointed to the yellow Symbiote. "She has a slightly lower presence than V-002, but I can easily see her pride, her code name is V-003."
 
"The rest must be codenamed V-004, V-005, and V-006, right?"
 
The agent groups will be surprised at Adrian's deduction. Maria Hill was surprised too, but that surprise didn't show on her face.
 
Adrian turned and walked towards the store.
 
Natasha, who was smiling through the mask, quickly followed. Jessica looked at Maria Hill with disgust and followed Adrian too.
 
Jessica was disgusted, misunderstood Maria Hill, and Adrian's conversation. She thinks Adrian is a mutant, and he was captured and experimented by this organization. Because of that, these agents have powers similar to Adrian.
 
"What is the plan?" Jessica asked.
 
"The plan is simple," Adrian replied.
 
"Currently, I am stronger than all of you, I will get the attention of the aggressive Symbiote, and I will fight him."
 
Upon noticing that Natasha would deny the plan by saying it was too risky. Adrian added: "The five Symbiotes will help me eliminate the aggressive Symbiote in the meantime. Natasha and Jessica will rescue the survivor."
 
"Okay." Jessica agreed.
 
Adrian looked at Natasha and said in a kind voice. "Go save your sister, she needs you."
 
Natasha nodded with a gentle smile under the mask.
 
Adrian turned and walked to the back of the store, he investigated the place a little. He found a strange opening in the wall, he pushed the wall a little, and a secret passage was opened.
 
The secret passage was an elevator...
 
Adrian looked at the agents and Maria Hill, who were entering the store and spoke. "Maria Hill, I want you to wait here, I don't want to protect you during the battle."
 
Maria Hill narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "Are you calling me worthless?"
 
"Yes," Adrian replied without mercy. "In a fight with beings who can do that."
 
Adrian lightly attacks the wall behind him.
 
* Booom! *
 
"Ordinary humans are just dead weight."
 
Maria Hill calmly looked at the destroyed wall. She can see that Adrian did not try to destroy that wall. He just shook his arm, and that happened. She broke into a cold sweat when she imagined this result on a human body.
 
"Okay, I'll wait here."
 
"Good." Adrian smiled through the mask. "These five agents and I are going to fight the aggressive Symbiote."
 
Adrian turned and was about to enter the elevator. He heard the black Symbiote speaking in a hoarse Symbiote voice.
 
"Wait."


......
Edited By: WS Blvckrvse
Advanced Chapters: Pa treon.com/VictorWeAreVenom

Patreon.com/VictorWeAreVenom

Adrian Weismann is a lazy and normal boy with a weird family, there’s also a chuuni one-eyed bald pirate. Adrian's life seems normal but his mother aunt and that bald pirate aren’t. What is Adrian gonna do when he gets trained by the best spy and gets symbiote as his partner? For that you’ll have to read this to find out.

The bids grew higher and Li Du wanted to continue bidding. Just as he raised his hand to do so, the house-pickers looked at him. They had a feeling that he would do something drastic.
Li Du did not disappoint them. He said, "400,000!"
The faces of those heavy-weight house-pickers who had been interested in the manor darkened.
Compared to the value of the manor, Li Du felt that 400,000 was not considered a high bid at all, and neither would have 500,000. The estimated value of the manor was quite a few million. It was one of the most expensive estates in Santa Monica.
According to the unspoken guidelines of the property auction trade, the more highly valued a house was, the riskier it was to bid for it. 
The risk one might have to bear with foreclosure houses was nothing more than a damaged electrical circuit or a former homeowner who refused to leave the house. For high-value houses, those risks were easily resolved.
The higher was the value of a house, the lower was the ratio of its value to the value of the electrical circuits. For example, a bungalow priced at 100,000 dollars would require a few tens of thousands for the electrical circuits to be fixed. The ratio would be, therefore, ten percent. To repair the electrical circuits of a million-dollar villa would cost perhaps 20,000 to 30,000 dollars, two to three percent of the price.
As for the risk that a former tenant would refuse to leave, it was easier to resolve. One just had to keep watch for a couple of days to see if anyone was living in the house. As long as someone stayed outside to observe for two days, it would be easy enough to confirm.
Lu Guan and Li Du had studied a manor like this before. It could be purchased for 800,000. After refurbishing, the manor could be sold for at least 900,000. A profit margin of 100,000 was high.
However, the strangest thing happened. When Li Du bid 400,000, there were some heavy-weights who shook their heads and backed out from the bidding war.
That astounded him. Could these people have thought that they would really be able to get a big manor of around 20,000 square feet for less than 400,000 dollars? How could that be possible?
Some people backed out, while some persisted. The price continued to rise.
Li Du was too lazy to spend more time there and hence, he immediately called for a bid of 500,000.
Compared to the actual value of the manor, that price was nothing. There was still room for some competitive bidding to go on. Li Du had almost wanted to go directly to bidding 700,000 previously.
Something strange happened, however. At 500,000, all the house-pickers backed off.
They were all analyzing Li Du and wore a similar expression on their faces – a look of mockery. They acted as though they were there to watch a show. Many had their arms folded across their chests, while others were smiling coldly. It was as though spending 500,000 on that house was considered a certain loss.
Li Du could not understand. He sensed the strangeness of the scene but could not fathom the reason for it.
The auctioneer was the only one who still acted normal. He shouted loudly, "500,000, it's 500,000! My buddies, this is a serious bid. However, it's definitely worth it. So, is there anyone willing to bid higher? 510,000, anyone?"
"Alright, seems like this price is already at the threshold. So 500,000 once, 500,000 twice… is there anyone who wishes to interfere? Nobody? Then it's 500,000 twice, 500,000 twice, very well, 500,000! Deal!"
The sparse applause rang out, accompanied by some laughter. Many people looked at Li Du with mischievous and meaningful expressions.
Lu Guan walked towards him and said softly, "Boss, something doesn't look right."
Li Du rolled his eyes and said, "I'm not blind. Of course, I know that something is not right. Go check out what happened."
After the deal of the manor, the auction ended. The property agents had entered the place and were promoting their services, stuffing their business cards into people's hands, looking to represent others.
Before Lu Guan had found out what happened, someone walked up to them. It was Marcos, who had greeted Li Du previously. He said, "Buddy, this is your first time attending a property auction, right?"
Li Du nodded. "That's right, please kindly advise us."
Marcos smiled and said, "I noticed that you never once looked at your phone the entire time. Don't you have a partner? Or didn't your partner go to the location of the house?"
Li Du said, "Is there a need for that?"
Marcos nodded. "Yes, absolutely. You will learn very soon that it is necessary!"
He did not say what exactly was going on, but only dropped a few ambiguous sentences before leaving.
Later, more house-pickers walked over. They smiled and said, "You're really well-to-do, buddy. However, the more money you have, the more losses you suffer. Rich but silly, how pitiful."
"Hope that you won't cry too much, haha."
"That's 400,000 you've put in. If this money comes from a bank loan, then you better get ready to run away or jump off a building."
There had to be some issue with the house, that was obvious. However, Li Du did not know what the problem was.
Similarly, it was obvious that none of those house-pickers had any intention to tell him. They were all here to mock him. In their eyes, Li Du was the enemy.
Li Du found a very experienced and respectable property agent. He was Snyder Tilav, a black man who looked down-to-earth.
The procedure for the transaction was complex. The paperwork was also complicated. It was more appropriate for a professional to handle those. Although he would have to spend some money on that, he would hopefully be able to avoid trouble.
Li Du engaged Snyder and then asked him about the situation at the beach manor.
After hearing Li Du out, Snyder looked clueless and said, "There's no issue with the paperwork for the manor. I've looked at it beforehand. Sorry, pal, I'm not sure where exactly there's a problem."
Not long later, Lu Guan returned and said, "Boss, I know what happened. We've run into trouble."
Li Du said, "Tell me."
"The name of the beach manor is Sunshine Jazz, but it is also known as Dark Villain because its current owner is a well-known gangster in Santa Monica."
"This gangster leader has been put into jail by the federal police. That's because he has been avoiding paying the property tax, and also because he had been unable to pay the government fines for crimes. That's why Sunshine Jazz was confiscated by the government."
"But although the bastard was sent to prison, he still has a lot of men outside. At the beginning of the auction, some of his people had gone down to the manor, warning the house-pickers who were there that they would torture to death whoever bought the house."
"That means to say, this house is trouble?" Li Du frowned.
Lu Guan nodded helplessly.
It was no wonder that those house-pickers told him that he should leave his partner to hang around the house while he participated in the bidding. It turned out that during the auction, the original homeowner had appeared and issued a warning.
Li Du realized that he had fallen for the plot. The house-pickers had not even intended to fork out 200,000 for the house. They did not want to provoke the local gangsters. They had only placed bids so that it would cost Li Du more.
They stopped bidding at 400,000 because they were afraid that Li Du would quit if the price went higher. Then, the house would land in their hands. After all, they were not sure what Li Du's budget threshold was.
Of course, that was only his conjecture. It could also be that the heavy-weight house-pickers felt that at 400,000, it was not worth getting in trouble for the house. If the price was lower than that, perhaps there would be some value in taking the risk.
Regardless, he was sure that the house was a hot potato and the house-pickers believed it would burn his hands.


They love gold, and they love silver. Even more so, they love gems that dazzle, like stars across the skies. 
Firearms, jewelleries, and precious metals; A collector’s world will not be complete without antiques.  
Storage auctions, old goods trade, re-estate sales and gold-digging. But the truth is, if one wants to make money, then the supreme way is through searching for the legendary treasures. 
Holding the fort, there’s an ocelot, a wolf, and an Andes condor. At the side, there’s a loyal hound, an irascible ape, and an African honey badger. Who said that you can only rely on humans when treasure hunting?! 

- 6:30pm-

" The Lab said that the surgeon they borrow had finish their job already. They should be returning tomorrow or the day after" Nick casually said as he use his right hand to steer the car wheel. The Black BMW drove hurriedly along a main highway towards the north region of the city.


# You sure they already been let off. Strange. Barry haven't given me a call yet.# Peter voice rang out from the phone at Nick ears.


" I can't do much about that anyway. Try calling him tomorrow. Maybe they are tired. Base on the extra pay they got from the lab they must have done alot of work. Anyway, have you heard about Lorena Lab closing down?" Nick said as he recall the scene when he reach the lab.

Several trucks and trailer being filled with cardboard box. The lab was being emptied out and most of the equipment have already been remove from the lobby. Nick didn't even see a receptionist to greet him when he enter and a guard at the door had to report his visit.


After recounting his experience with Peter he heard silence on the phone for a few second before .

# Hmm Maybe they succeed in what they think researching?# Peter said but he sound unsure about his guess.

" They succeeded in curing cancer. I'm pretty sure Lorena Lab was a government lab dedicated to the research of several incurable disease. One of those is cancer. I doubt that it was done though" Nick said as he stare off on the road. He look at the time and hiss his teeth at how late he was.


# Hmm, Let ask Barry and the other then. See you tomorrow, take care# Peter said before ending the call.

Nick simply place the phone in the door pocket at his right side before he step on the gas pedal. The car speed increase causing him to pass out several car in a moment. After 15 minutes of driving he made it off the highway and reach the downtown region of Lorena City.

Driving through several avenues he stop at a tall building with more than a hundred glass window at one side. The building was to his left. Parking at the front entrance of the building he conveniently ignore the no parking sign and blow the car horn.

Maria who was already at the door immediately recognized the car and walk over quickly. She had a dark black hair and wore a black pencil skirt with a white dress long sleeve shirt. 


Entering the passenger seat Maria gave Nick a angry glare as she been waiting for a hour outside. 

Seeing this Nick gave a wryly smile as he promise he would make Peter pay.

" Sorry for being late. " Nick said straightforwardly.

" Nick. Just drive and tell on the way why you make me wait outside for a hour" Maria said as she place on her seat belt.

Hearing this he knew he would be receiving some scolding and sigh. After checking his rear and side mirror he drove off once again.

============================




Looking in the mirror Orleen smile at the beautiful dress she was in. Bright blue short sleeve dress with a  round collar. 

" Maybe I should give you this for your birthday. Yeah this would be perfect" Lisa said as she stare grudgingly at the dress Orleen wore.

" Oh come one you look good too" Orleen said as she looked at Lisa purple color dress. 

"Don't mock me. I know I look good but I starve myself to maintain my figure. What do you do. You gorge your self with fast food almost everyday" Lisa said which earn her a smack in the head.

" What does you want to say. Im a glutton? Eh" Orleen said with squinted eyes but Lisa snorted.
" Your the one who said it" Lisa said before grabbing Orleen hand.

" I feel like I'm you mom. Jess the party will be starting in a hour time. We can't be late girl" Lisa continue dragging Orleen out the front door of her house.

Orleen show a hesitated face as she was being pulled.

" Are you sure that a party during the week is right. Plus holiday would be coming soon so why can't it wait" Orleen said.

" What are you saying?" Lisa said as she open her car door. The car was a dark blue Honda.

" You little goodie to shoe. Your so innocent it make me sick sometimes. You have to live freely. Who care if we soon getting holiday or that it a school day. There is a party and we are free. Plus dont you want to talk to Tony?" Lisa tempted as she turn on the engine and drove off.


Thirty minute later Lisa car could been driving up to a house. Stopping under a street light Orleen glance outside and smile wryly at the number of car park along the streets. 

" We Late?" Orleen asked but the boisterous music sound from the house two block away was proof.

Stepping out of the car Lisa sigh at this scene and look at the dark night sky.
" I guess but the party would be going on all night." Lisa before closing the car door.


" Lisa. You know I need to reach my house by 10. Who knows when my parents might come home. Even though they say 11 I can't be too sure" Orleen said with a frown as she close her side door.

" Yeah Yeah Yeah. I will get you back before 10 don't worry. Let just have fun" Lisa said with a smile as the walked toward a house two blocked away. 


The loud music was clearer now and the countless shadow could be outline from the windows. 

Pushing open the front door the smile of alcohol and cigarette waft out the door causing Orleen brows to cease even more.


" You sure this the party?" Orleen said but was drag inside with out she could hear an answer.


Several teenage could be seen dancing, drinking, smoking and the more daring one were making out.

Many girls wore skimpy clothes while the boys were tight jeans and t-shirts . Lisa rock her head along with the music beat as she made her way through the crowds of teenager.



Reaching over to the kitchen she took up two glass on the counter and after washing them out in the sink pour out a bottle of drinks.

Passing a cup to Orleen she ignore her friend frown and dump the content the down her throat.

With the cup still in her hand Orleen frown before pouring it in Lisa cup and her eyes began to roam around the area. The house was extremely pack with people and it was uncomfortable staying within such a place for long. 

She didn't see the boy she came here for and with how things were going she felt it was a good idea.

" You really need to let back and go wild" Lisa said as she pour the content of the cup into her mouth once again.

Orleen ignore her as she began to think how long it would take to get home.
' Wait. Lisa drinking? Shit I'm going to have to drive home.' Orleen thought before she sigh and lean against the counter.

" No drinks for me" Orleen mutter sadly before she found a spot near the window to sit. The entire room was filled with smoke and she needed some air. She could see Lisa drinking perfectly at the spot she was at so she relax and sigh. The dark pitch black night sky came into her view before she suddenly frown. 

Time had quickly pass and 10 had slowly come but this wasn't the reason she frown. The vast arora lights was the reason. Glancing at the night sky she was amaze at this vast beautiful sky and she wasn't the only one to notice the change of the sky.

Sadly she was already late and needed to reach home.

Standing up she looked around and quicker spotted Lisa dancing provocative with a young man almost two years older than her.

Sighing she walk over and instantly smell the cigarette off the two. 
" Sorry we are late for home" Orleen said before she pulled Lisa from the boy and drag her away. Lisa, half conscious mumbled several words before saying.
" Call me?!"

" Shut it" Orleen said hearing her friend silly tone.


Back at the restaurant Orleen and Karlen was also seeing this wonderful and mysterious scene and so have half or more of Lorena City but no one was aware this was something that would change their life forever.

===================================

Next Day
- 6:45am-

The sound of whistling echo through the the kitchen as Karlen move swiftly across the stove. Two pots could be seen on the stove. One with sizzling frying eggs and bacon while the other boiling water.

After a few minutes pass a delectable plate of eggs, bacon and toast could be seen followed by a cup of cocoa.

Karlen fully dress in V neck long sleeve black shirt and close fitted black pants sat around the kitchen counter before he grab a fork.
After doing a small prayer he treated himself.


Sound of footstep approaching could be heard from behind. Taking a glance he spotter his mother in her usual night gown. 

" Honey? You up early today?" Maria said slightly surpise. 

" I'm Jamie told that they will be a math test today so I'm going to school." Karlen said calmly before he continue to eat. He would take a sip of some tea as his eyes stare at his phone screen. 

The sound of message coming in rang out within the Kitchen letter Maria know he was talking to some one.


" You chat group?" Maria asked curious as she enter the kitchen. Reaching the black color fridge she took out a bottle of orange juice and pour it into a glass cup.

" Yeah. I invited them over yesterday and we had a blast. Sadly Macro didn't come" Karlen said as he type on his phone.

" Oh last night. Orleen didn't mention that?" Maria said in surpise but didn't get into.


As Karlen read the last of the string of message he had just received he ponder about his friends sources.

" Mom did you see those light in the sky?" Karlen mutter.

" Yeah. I think it cover the entire city so everyone saw it. Why?" Maria said before pouring the orange into her mouth. 

" It nothing really.  Jamie said it probably have to do with a incident at Lorena Lab" Karlen said but that was all the text said.


" Incident?" Maria said surpise.

Karlen shrugged his  shoulders as he brought his empty cup and plate and began watching them in the sink.


" I don't know the detail and Jamie only know this much because his father is cop" Karlen said and continue on his way.


The dishes was quickly dealt with and Karlen grab his knapsack from the seat in the living room.

" Sure you don't want to go with your sister?" Maria asked but Karlen gave her strange look.

Shaking her head she wish her son a safe journey before began making breakfast for the rest of the family.

Karlen had a tendency to reach place well before it time and his entire family knew this. Apparently this was not inherited though as all three of his relative barely reach their destination on time.

Yawning at the door he walked down the front door steps and left the yard. His steps slightly hurried he walked toward the end if the street and cross the road to reach a bust stop.

The bus system was average with bus beginning rounds by 6 in the morning and end  at 12 in the night. Karlen was basically catching the first heading on a route passing his school. Stopping at a nearby bust stop he could easily reach school early.

Waiting on the bus he continue reading the chat group message.

Jamie# So what do you think cause the explosion.

Becky# Why you so sure it a explosion. Did anyone see an explosion or even feel it impact. 

Jamie# If not a explosion what.


Marco# Back to what may cause it, it could be a experiment went wrong.


Charlie# An experiment that could destroy half the lab. Don't the government do such experiment away from human society.

Karlen# I don't think it was supposed to do that though. From what I remember Lorena Lab deal with curing diseases doesn't it?


Becky# Yes curing diseases. How can that cause a explosion.


As he continue to text he would frequently glance to his right to see if any bus was comming his way. After a few minutes of waited and several more people joining him at the busy stop a bus came. It was the exact bus he needed also.

Entering, he headed to school.

When Qin Xiong, Ibrahim, and Van Der Vaart came together, the restless fans in the stands of the Amsterdam Arena immediately quieted down. ±

    Seeing these three people, the fans immediately decided! 
    Confidence quickly recovered and cheered the team neatly and consistently. 
    Koeman removed the entire striker combination, Ibrahim played the center, Van Der Vaart hit the right wing, Qin Xiong, instead of going to the midfield, but directly as the left winger. 
    Qin Xiong went to Litmanen and Lindegren to convey Koeman's Tactics instructions. 
    Backcourt player, do not need to be frequently inserted! 
    Make sure to defend! 
    The task of transporting the shells to the front trident fell on Litmanen and Lindegren. 
    As for the midfielder, Defenders, honestly defend, don't be defeated by NAC Breda! 
    NAC Breda will be more defensive after seeing AFC Ajax dispatching troops. 
    In the 64th minute of the game, Qin Xiong touched the ball for the first time after playing. In front of him, there was a wait-and-see for NAC Breda. The first thing he encountered was his teammate:Seedorf. 
    This is Seedorf's cousin, Stefano Seedorf, who has already received three Champions League Champion, Seedorf from AFC Ajax. 
    The 21-year-old Seedorf also played for AFC Ajax, but Loaned went to NAC Breda before the season season and did not meet Qin Xiong in the AFC Ajax team. 
    The time left for AFC Ajax is not much, three goals behind, and the scene is so bad, the opponents have a strong defensive formation, AFC Ajax must race against time, and every attack is as efficient as possible. 
    Therefore, Qin Xiong saved the temptation, not to mention that he watched the game under the court and collected a lot of useful information. 
    The Seedorf is very poorly flexible, meaning that it turns slow and strong, and Qin Xiong is enough to crush! 
    Although the speed looks good, it can't be compared with Qin Xiong! 
    Qin Xiong did not hesitate to take the ball out of the perimeter. 
    Seedorf turned and followed up. It was obviously behind half a body and it would be broken by Qin Xiong. The front right Defender Costens came forward and wanted to join Qin Xiong with Seedorf. 
    However, after seeing the opponent's partial defensive changes, Qin Xiong made a step-over dribble action after surpassing Seedorf's half position, followed by a pull-back emergency stop. 
    Stefano Seedorf was dazzled, and he stopped. When he wanted to go back to Qin Xiong, his mind and body were not synchronized. He slipped to the ground! 
    Qin Xiong was now sideways, not only completely swaying Seedorf, but also completely defeating Kostens's defense plan. 
    NAC Breda Striker Worth back, he and the midfielder Pinto to protect Qin Xiong. 
    Worth thought that his physical collision could interfere with Qin Xiong. Pinto also thought this way, but they didn't expect Qin Xiong to suddenly change direction in the cross-cut belt. At the intersection of three people, Qin Xiong accelerated the change. Thinking and Pinto almost collided together! 
    After getting rid of the opponent's chasing, Qin Xiong can see the passing between the teammate and the teammate. 
    Not at all before. 
    The frontcourt offensive space is compressed by more opponents and there are reasonable and intensive positions to block the passing line. Qin Xiong can't pass the ball. 
    Now he passed the ball to Ibrahim, who was in front of the penalty area. 
    Ibrahim is steady and stops at the local level. The rhythm is very slow. He doesn't give the feeling of running up and running immediately after the ball is controlled. It is not his style of playing. 
    The closest defender to Ibrahim is his Swedish fellow: Elmander. 
    NAC Breda is a teenager from Fayenoord Loaned. 
    Ibrahim is already outside the penalty area and is 30 yards from the goal. He has a chance to shoot, so he looks like he is going to hit the door. 
    Elmander immediately made a leg-blocking action in front of Ibrahim, but he just lost his weight and Ibrahim turned his face in front of him without expression! 
    Fake shot! 
    The change direction buckled Elmander, and immediately there was a back waist Ke Ning to block, Ibrahim re-applied, once again raised the leg to do the shooting position, Corning actually took it! 
    Once again, Ibrahim used his opponent to hand over his body and easily cross the ball. 
    NAC Breda's defense is chaotic, and it seems that people are turning over. 
    In the face of the intensive Defender line, Ibrahim did not stick the ball again and passed the ball laterally to Qin Xiong, who was in front of the running position. 
    Qin Xiong regained the ball on the left side of the penalty area, without saying anything, picking up the thighs and shooting long distances! 
    Defender Kostens simply used the sliding tackle to block Qin Xiong's shot, but to all the NAC Breda player, the accident is that Qin Xiong is also: fake shot! 
    After the leg fell, he gently put the ball horizontally with his foot and then straight into the penalty area! 
    NAC Breda's Defenders dare not rush, step back. 
    Qin Xiong raised his leg again in the position to the left of the penalty spot. In the middle of Defender, Eric handed over the center of gravity to block Qin Xiong's shot, but his eyes became extremely shocked. 
    It's over! 
    He-mother–is a fake shot! 
    Qin Xiong took the ball to the bottom line and passed Eric, but he did not have a shot angle. 
    But he doesn't care about his game data, as long as the team can win. 
    He used the same extraordinary tricks as Ibrahim: fake shot! 
    The backlash of NAC Breda has been turned upside down, and now it has become a pot of porridge. 
    When another Defender Snyder rushed toward Qin Xiong, Qin Xiong relaxed naturally and ankles, and the football rolled past Snyder. 
    At this point, Snyder regretted it. 
    Behind him, the unmarked Ibrahim kept pushing the ball directly to the lower left corner of the goal. The Hungary national gate Babs couldn't help. The shot on the small restricted area line was angled. He could only look at the ball. 
    "AFC Ajax pulls back one! Koeman's substitutions are immediate. After Qin Xiong and Ibrahim debut, they defeated NAC Breda's intensive defense through personal ability and cooperation. See if they are extraordinary, simple but practical! NAC Breda Many players have been smashed to the ground. Now, AFC Ajax has pulled back a goal. There are still more than 20 minutes in the game. Can they reverse the game? "
    Ibrahim didn't celebrate after scoring a goal, playing a small team, and no one cares about the KNVB Cup, which is not enough to release his wild passion. 
    He walked into the goal, grabbed the football from Hungary Goalkeeper, trotting to the midfield, and calmly glanced at Qin Xiong on the road. The two tacitly nodded to each other. 
    There is really nothing to be excited about. 
    But the fans in the stands are extremely uplifting! 
    There was a burst of cheers. 
    "I will say it! Ronald should have changed Qin Xiong and Ibrahim, and as long as they are there, NAC Breda won't win us! "
    "Yeah, just now, Qin Xiong and Ibrahim have passed so many people, they can beat a team!"
    NAC Breda Manager was suddenly on the sidelines, everything was going well, and even unexpected surprises came. 
    Can you already have anti-reverse NAC Breda, can't limit AFC Ajax two players? 
    Yes! 
    There's nothing to be done. 
    In a small area, Qin Xiong and Ibrahim's extraordinary breakthroughs and abilities are too strong. 
    They don't just play fast, it doesn't make sense! 
    The faster, the less likely it is to control the ball, and the opponent does not give enough space, but it is easy to cause a high turnover rate. 
    The two men broke the opponent one by one through personal ability, tearing the NAC Breda's line of defense and finally licking Huanglong! 
    NAC Breda Manager took the initiative. 
    Defense 
    Keep it! 
    Don't attack! 
    Put the goal to "I blocked, and you can't let AFC Ajax score again! 
    After adjusting by NAC Breda Manager, NAC Breda really didn't attack after re-opening! 
    Six people in the restricted area, four Defender plus double back waist, double back waist standing on the sides of the top of the arc of the restricted area, the other four players formed a layer of defensive circles on the periphery. 
    In the 40-yard area in front of the door, a fan-shaped fortress is presented in front of the AFC Ajax player. 
    Ibrahim looked frowning. 
    This ball kicks? 
    Qin Xiong exchanged with Van Der Vaart, no longer trying to play in the restricted area, but a long-range shot outside! 
    Koeman also conducted on-the-spot command on the sidelines. 
    Since the opponent didn't even play counter-attack, Koeman simply let the defense line premise, and let Defender Van Damme rush to the opponent's restricted area, when a stir bar! 
    Time passes by, AFC Ajax is on the brink, but it only blossoms. 
    NAC Breda almost guards the goal with the human wall, and Qin Xiong and Van Der Vaart, Litmanen's long-range shots are mostly blocked by the wall. 
    Qin Xiong thinks for a moment, long shot, or the main means, but there must be a shooting angle!

I am ambitious, i will not surrender I am focused, i will not hesitate step by step i work, to rule the field step by step i walk, towards the throne Football is my life, Football is my religion In the summer of 2003 a young chinese with low risk clinical depression went to Netherlands and sparked a flame with the glorious Ajax. After that the course of European Football has changed. I came, i saw, i scored!! I’m Qin Xiong

"Mr. Snyder...but that contradicts everything you told me earlier. What do you mean that you didn't hear the gunshot?" Prosecutor Dyer asked. 

"I thought I did before, but, looking back on it, I didn't." Mr. Snyder confirmed. 

He didn't hear a gunshot. From up in his room, he most likely didn't. Did he really say that he heard the gunshot before?

"This is an interesting turn of events. Defense, begin with your cross-examination." The judge announced. 

"Yes, Judge Turner." Mr. Wilson nodded his head. "Mr. Snyder, according to what you said, you didn't hear a gunshot at the night of the murder?" 

"Nope. Not a single gunshot." Mr. Snyder agreed. 

"That contradicts what Ms. Thorton has told the court." Mr. Wilson answered. "So, are you saying there was no murder?" 

"I didn't say there wasn't." Mr. Snyder answered. 

"What do you mean by that statement?" 

"When I took a walk the next morning, I saw the police surrounding the alleyway." 

"So, does this mean what Ms. Thornton had to say about the murder was a lie?" Mr. Wilson questioned. 

If that was the case, then that means I'm innocent. I glanced over at Mr. Dyer and noticed how confused he looked. Two people having two different answers. One could be telling the truth, and the other one is telling a lie. According to my statement, it seems that Mr. Snyder is telling the truth. However, in order to convince the whole jury that will be difficult. 

"My lord, this changes everything." The Judge sighed. "I commence a recess. Everyone, come back in 15 minutes. I want the prosecutor and defense to decide upon the matter. If you have another witness to come in account, please inform us. Court adjourned." 

We then began the 15 minute break. I was surrounded by police men following me to the lobby.

"Ms. Berger!" I heard Mr. Wilson call me from behind. 

I turned my head and answered. "Yes?" 

"I'm sorry about the trial. It must have been confusing for you." Mr. Wilson apologized. 

"It was alright. Don't worry about it." I reassured him. "I was just wondering why Mr. Dyer was shocked about Mr. Snyder's comment. Didn't Mr. Dyer call him up?" 

"That's true. I've been wondering the same exact thing. If I were you, I wouldn't trust Prosecutor Dyer. Rumor has spread around that he bribes the witnesses to say what he wants them to say, no matter right or wrong." 

I've never heard anything like that, but this is the first time I have met Mr. Dyer, so I think I should listen to Mr. Wilson. 

"Ms. Berger." I heard a voice calling me. 

I turned my head to the right and noticed Mr. Dyer. "Oh, Prosecutor Dyer." 

"May I speak with you alone?"

I looked over to Mr. Wilson and noticed that he looked a bit annoyed. It made me wonder if I should actually go with Mr. Dyer.

"Ms. Berger!" Mr. Dyer yelled at me.

I flinched and began following him without my free will. I became scared of him. What was he going to do to me. 

"I'm glad you were able to come with me, Ms. Berger. I wanted to ask you a few questions alone." 

"You did?" I chuckled with sarcasm. 

"Yes. Now, so that night of the murder, did you actually see Mr. Snyder in the top window?" 

"You know I'm the suspect here. Of course I will say no to protect myself, Prosecutor Dyer. Why do you even ask me?" 

"I just wanted to make sure. He happened to tell me earlier that he say you as the murderer." 

I then stopped walking. "What?" 

Mr. Dyer then turned around and looked at me sternly. "That was my same reaction when he suddenly switched his story." 

So Mr. Dyer didn't know about that. That expression he showed was real. He was really shocked. "So he changed his story? Why on earth would he do something like that?" 

"My exact questions. I wanted to know if he was actually there at the night of the murder. Did you happen to see him up in his room?" 

I tried to recall what happened that night. "I don't remember. I don't think I actually looked up that night." I answered truthfully. 

Wait. Why am I helping the person who wants to prove me guilty? 

"Hold on. Why am I helping you out? You are just trying to find a way to prove me quilty." I scowled at him. 

"I suppose you are right." Mr. Dyer sighed. 

"I believe in Miss! She didn't do it!" Lekkey yelled out at Mr. Dyer and ran across the lobby to us. 

"Lekkey, hold on!" Mr. Bianchi ran up to us also. He stopped when he reached us and gained his breath. 

"It's probably my time to go. Have fun talking with your police friend here, Ms. Berger." Mr. Dyer walked off. 

"What's wrong, Mr. Bianchi?" I asked. 

"Lekkey and I found something interesting. Remember about that tattoo you wanted to know about?" Mr. Bianchi informed me. 

"Yes? What about it?" 

"It apparently appears under non-UV ray lights." Mr. Bianchi explained. 

"What?" 

"I don't see how this may correlate to the case, but it may." 

"That's what Mr. Wilson told me. He said that it doesn't have anything to do with the case. All it shows is that he was part of a gang." 

"Do you happen to have any other evidence that can be presented in court that will prove your innocence?" 

"Well, there is one." I recalled. "The murderer's voice. I heard them talking the night of the murder. The one talking a lot had a groggy, deep sounding voice, while the one named 'Gully' had a slightly lighter voice than the first man. It also wasn't as groggy." 

"Did Mr. Snyder's voice recall any memories for you?" 

I then tried looking back on Mr. Snyder's voice and one of the two men's voices. "Not really." 

"Hmmm, then that might mean Mr. Snyder isn't one of the men. Anyone else in the court today?" 

I then shook my head. "Nope. I think I'd need to listen to their voices again."

"Miss." Lekkey interrupted. 

"Yes, Lekkey?" 

"I also talked with Ms. Kitty about the different gangs. She mentioned that most gang members have tattoos on their bodies depending which gang they are in. The Violet Cloves and the Green Gangs have it on their wrists, while the Shred Snippers and the Crusaders have it on their necks. Also, depending on which rank they are on, the gang members have different styles of tattoos. Lower ranks apparently have some part of the letter of their gang name written on their wrist or neck, while the higher ups have a different symbol." 

"How do those symbols look?" 

"For the Violet Clove's, the boss has a colored four leaf clover, while the second boss has a 3-leafed clover."

Oh, so my brother must have been the second leader of the Violet Clove. Why would they want to kill him? 

"Thank you for letting me know, Lekkey." 

Suddenly one of the policemen called in the people. "The 15 minute recess is finished. Court has continued." 

"Good luck, Ms. Berger." Mr. Bianchi patted my shoulder. 

"Thanks. I could use all the luck I could get." I sighed as I followed the policemen into the courtroom. 

Hopefully my innocence could be proven with the evidence I have...

Anastasie doesn't have a typical life. Recently, she found her brother dead in the dining room of her house. Though it appears to be a suicide, she feels that it was murder. She knows that her brother wouldn't just kill himself. 

In order to find out about her brother's death, Anastasie finds the private detective, Mateo Bianchi. With his help, will Anastasie find who killed her brother or will she find something else?

[semi-hiatus]

By the time Seol Jihu got a hold of himself, Kim Hannah and Jang Maldong were talking merrily.

—Sometimes, I even wake up at night, worrying if he's eating or wearing clothes properly.

"I understand. Participating in the rescue mission without telling you was that brat's fault, 100 percent."

—It's the same with the Banquet. He can go after he gains more experience and strength. It hasn't even been a year since he entered Paradise, yet he's always dying to go to places filled with life-threatening danger…. Am I worrying about him too much?

"Of course not. He is your contract partner. I agree with you fully. But, as someone who's instructed him for the past month, there's something I'd like to say.

—Oh?

Kim Hannah shrunk back a bit, cosplaying as a surprised, innocent girl when she was really a sly fox.

—You instructed him personally, Master Jang? Then, could you have been… at the Huge Stone Rocky Mountain?

"You knew?"

—So that's why his face was…. Ah, of course, I do! It's the home mountain of High Rankers!

"Haha, home mountain, is it? That's very flattering."

—No, no, I'm being serious.

Kim Hannah smiled modestly. Seol Jihu followed his instincts and brought a paper bag up to his mouth.

While the youth barfed quietly in the background, Jang Maldong convinced her with a calm voice. When he told her his initial plan of making him an Archer who would support the team from the back, and have him leave during Stage 2, Kim Hannah nodded her head in agreement.

"But this brat stubbornly refused to take on the role of an Archer. He said he wanted to be a Warrior no matter what."

—Oh, my, my. So you just let him be?

"I was angry at first. So I took him to the Huge Stone Rocky Mountain under two conditions."

—Conditions?

"I told him I'd kick him out of the team if he couldn't keep up with my training, and even if he passed, I said he would be banned from participating in the Banquet if he didn't meet my expectations."

Kim Hannah narrowed her eyes and glanced to the side. She saw Seol Jihu with his face shoved into a paper bag filled with vomit.

'He actually threw up? That bastard!'

Kim Hannah was just about to grit her teeth but quickly went back to managing her expression.

"I wanted to teach him a lesson, but I actually ended up taking a blow. He kept up like a madman with an unwavering spirit."

A contemplating look flashed on Kim Hannah's face. Jang Maldong cleared his throat. "This old man's talked too much. Sorry for bothering you."

He maintained a polite and courteous tone the entire time. He might be a tiger during training sessions, but he always maintained a level of respect with those he wasn't familiar with.

—N-No, not at all.

Kim Hannah didn't know what to do when an old man dozens of years older than her treated her with such respect. Seol Jihu studied Jang Maldong carefully, and it didn't seem like he was lying even a tiny bit.

Soon, Jang Maldong tapped on Seol Jihu's shoulders before walking out of the door.

—Whew.

Kim Hannah exhaled as if the meeting just now took ten years off her life. Seol Jihu stared fixedly into the crystal.

—I guess I don't have a choice. He's not someone who would say something like that without a reason…. You can go. Just be careful, okay?

She gave her consent, but when the youth continued to stare at her, her neck flushed red.

—Don't stare at me so much. He's my grandfather's age. Plus, it's not like I'm always irritated and itching for an argument.

"…Right." Seol Jihu responded with a wry smile.

—But throwing up wasn't called for.

Kim Hannah revealed a bitter smile, and then loosened the buttons around her collars.

—Anyways, thanks.

"For what?"

—Miss Seo Yuhui and now Master Jang. I got to meet two of Paradise's legends, thanks to you. You never know what new connections someone might bring, huh.

"Is that something to thank me for?"

—Of course! There's a huge difference between being complete strangers and being strangers who've talked with each other once or twice.

Since she put it that way, it did seem to be the case. Seol Jihu regained his calm and smiled.

"If you're grateful, then buy me dinner."

—Dinner?

"Lunch works too. You see, I'll be dropping by Scheherazade tomorrow."

—Why?

"I need to buy new equipment. I hear Scheherazade has the best quality goods, and they also have the biggest auction house."

—That's true, but…. Hm, wait. You said you're a Level 3 now, right?"

When Seol Jihu replied, 'Yes', Kim Hannah rolled her eyes as if she was mulling over an important matter. Soon, she murmured, "I guess it's okay", before opening her mouth.

—Fine. I benefited thanks to you, and it can also serve as a celebration. I'll be generous. Stay there and wait.

"Stay here?"

When Seol Jihu asked for a clarification, Kim Hannah winked.

—You'll find out in two days.

*

Two days later.

While Seol Jihu was busy reading a book he had borrowed from the library about the Banquet, a package arrived in Carpe Diem's office. The sender was Kim Hannah, and once Seol Jihu confirmed the contents of the package, he jumped in surprise.

He could see parts of an armor stacked on top of each other. The first thing to catch his attention was a brigandine with a golden lining. It came with a gorget to protect his neck and a cuirass to protect his chest. The design of the armor boasted an easy assembly, and he could tell from it that it was made to be comfortable.

He also saw a small chainmail to wear underneath. It was a bit longer than the one he had bought in the Neutral Zone, and the chains were made out of an unknown white metal rather than steel.

That wasn't all. There was also a high-quality ivory-colored leather jacket, reddish-brown leather pants, and brown boots with strings.

After seeing the five items, Seol Jihu dropped his jaw in astonishment. Although he wasn't knowledgeable about equipment, he could tell even at a glance that these items were worth well over dozens of silver coins.

The chainmail and the brigandine looked especially extraordinary. He guessed they must be at least several hundred silver coins.

'She didn't need to go this far….'

He might have been thinking so, but he was already putting them on with a happy smile on his face. Since he got high-quality equipment without spending a single silver coin, how could he not be ecstatic?

Of course, he didn't forget to call her to say thanks.

*

Four days before the spawn of the Banquet's entrances, Kazuki visited the office.

"I'm terribly sorry."

There was only one reason Kazuki would be apologizing. He had to have failed in recruiting a Priest.

The existence of a Priest was a life-or-death factor in an expedition. Since the Banquet was especially volatile and unpredictable, having a healing Priest was an absolute must.

The fact that they hadn't been able to find a Priest meant that they needed to reconsider participating in the Banquet.

"Looks like Tsuji Yuki is serious about this."

Jang Maldong mumbled. Kazuki neither denied nor confirmed the statement, but his stiff face was laced with cold rage.

"I hit up my contacts in Haramark as well as other cities, but…."

Kazuki was angry to the point that he couldn't even finish his sentence. Unsurprisingly, an Archer of Kazuki's caliber had many connections. It didn't make any sense for him to not know a Priest or two.

If he couldn't find anyone despite this….

"Other cities too?"

"Yes. Almost as if they matched words beforehand, all of them told me that they were joining another team."

Then it only made sense to believe that the Japan Business Federation had obstructed them.

"Haa."

Jang Maldong shook his head with a sigh. It was unfortunate, but it was the unwritten rule of Paradise to not interfere in internal feuds. The Japan Business Federation was likely unhappy with Carpe Diem for forming a team with Kazuki.

In any case, they were left with two choices - to give up on the Banquet or to have Carpe Diem find a Priest.

The Japan Business Federation had no justification to interfere in Carpe Diem's activities. But the problem was that neither Hugo nor Chohong had any connections with a Priest.

Jang Maldong had retired from Paradise in the past, so he didn't want to involve himself in outside problems. Of course, he could find someone if he really wanted to, but he wasn't sure what the other party would request from him.

In the end, everyone's gaze fell on one person.

"Seol." Hugo carefully opened his mouth. "Can you ask Maria?"

"Maria Yeriel?"

When Kazuki asked back, Hugo nodded his head.

"Seol recruited her personally for the mission in Ramman Village."

"I'm fine if it's her. She's kind and skilled." Jang Maldong nodded his head in agreement.

Kazuki's eyes also gleamed. "Seol, please, I'm ready to clutch at straws."

'Maria is… kind?' Seol Jihu tilted his head before making a troubled expression.

"It's not hard to ask her, but…." He blurred the end of his sentence and then shook his head. "I doubt she'll agree."

In the previous mission, she had gone through life-threatening danger and lost her precious artifact. The image of Maria crying and declaring she would never follow him again was still vivid in his mind.

Kazuki continued as if that didn't matter.

"I'm not suggesting that you're our only hope. I have something I could try out, but I'd still like you to try just in case."

Just trying wasn't difficult. He was merely hesitant because he knew how Maria would react. Of course, he knew he wasn't in a position to just sit back and do nothing, so he reluctantly agreed.

"What's your other plan?"

Hearing Chohong's question, Kazuki looked out the window.

"I'll go see her."

"Who? …Ah."

Chohong immediately thought of someone.

"Well, since she raised you, she at least won't ignore you."

"It was only for a short time, but she helped me greatly."

Kazuki looked unwilling but in an anxious kind of way.

"I'll explain our circumstance to her and ask for help. It might be shameless of me to do so, but we're in no position to be picky."

Kazuki took out a crystal ball from his pocket.

"Tell me how it goes with Maria, Seol."

"Yes, I'll let you know right away."

Seol Jihu got up from his seat and took the crystal.

*

Same time, different place.

"Achoo!"

Maria sneezed loudly in her temple room.

"Fucking hell…. Why is it so cold?"

She sniffled as she held her body close at the sudden chilliness.

*

Seol Jihu went to the temple of Luxuria and visited Maria.

"I refuse."

Meeting her wasn't hard, but neither was her answer.

"Because I, Maria, care more about my life than money. What's money worth if you die and can't use it? Right?"

She put her hands on her hips and declared commandingly. Seol Jihu reined in his desire to poke her baby fat puffed cheeks and opened his mouth.

"Miss Maria."

"Shut up. Leave before I call someone. Shoo!"

Maria shooed him away as if she wanted nothing more to do with him. Of course, Seol Jihu didn't come without a plan. He had brought the crucifix artifact he'd gotten from the royal family's storage to use as bait. However, an unexpected problem came up.

The same crucifix artifact was hanging on Maria's neck. It seemed that she somehow found an identical one.

Seeing that Seol Jihu had no plans to leave, Maria dropped her head.

"…Well, I acknowledge that your team is very strong. Since two of the best teams in Haramark joined hands, it really can't be anything but strong."

"Then why?"

"Do you even need to ask? The Japan Business Federation. The Triads. I hate getting involved in complicated relationships. I'm more than happy to watch a fire burn from the other side of the river, but I would never jump in myself."

Seol Jihu didn't know what to say since she was being so adamant.

'I guess I don't have any other choice.'

In the end, he decided to give up on persuading her. The Maria he knew was a Priest who moved solely based on profit. It seemed he needed to change his strategy.

Seol Jihu put his hand into his pocket.

"Anyways, that's enough from you."

Clang! The sound of clashing metallic objects rang out. Maria paused and glanced up. When she saw Seol Jihu placing a pouch on the table, she smirked.

"Wow~ You're funny…. Fine, I'll take a look since you insist."

She opened the pouch slightly, and one corner of her mouth twisted up.

"Ten silver coins? You're kidding, right?"

She tilted her head up and crossed her arms and legs.

"I followed you to Ramman Village for 15 silver coins, though I ended up getting tricked. Anyways, this is not even close to getting me to follow you to the—"

Clang! Before she could even finish her speech, a second pouch was placed on the table. Maria narrowed her eyes.

"20…. Haa, just leave while I'm still being nice."

Clang!

"You know…. Here's some vodka. Drink this and get your mind working straight. I'm not trying to bargain with you. I really don't want to—"

Clang!

40 silver coins. Maria bit her cherry-like lips.

Clang!

Another attack came in. Maria lifted her butt half-way before quickly putting it back down. She pressed down on her temples and groaned.

"Keuk. If only I didn't blow all my money to get this artifact…. Ah, n-no, don't be tempted!"

She took several breaths before resolving herself with firm determination.

"It's obvious how this will play out. I'm going to end up rolling in the mud again. I'd be a fool if I got tricked a second time!"

Seeing Maria's eyes tremble, Seol Jihu snorted and threw another pouch.

Clang!

Maria screamed in shock, "S-Stop! What are you doing!?"

"…."

"Are you crazy!? How can you spend dozens of silver coins to hire a Priest who's not even a High Ranker!!?"

Clang!

"Y-You devil! You're a devil!"

"…."

"Do what you want! You think I'll give in with just this?"

Clang!

"AH!"

Maria yelped before shooting up with an angry look. Then….

"Oppa~!"

She scurried up close and grabbed all eight pouches before holding them close in her embrace.

"How can you throw money like this? Poor babies!"

From an unwelcome guest to a devil, then from a devil to an oppa, all it took was 80 silver coins.

"I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Hmph! I hate you, Oppa!"

She even began to talk with a nasal voice. Seol Jihu happily watched the crazed Maria rubbing her cheeks on the pouches.

'Money is nice, huh.'

Although he had to use 80 silver coins, he hardly considered it a loss. He had well over 900 'silver' coins and even had many priceless items like a piece of gold and the Proof of Castitas. Plus, he ended up saving the crucifix.

After successfully recruiting Maria, Seol Jihu left the temple and took out the communication crystal he got from Kazuki.

—Seol?

"Mister Kazuki."

As soon as he picked up, Seol Jihu drew a V-sign with his hands.

"I recruited her."

—I recruited someone.

The youth and the man both wore dazed expressions.

"The son of god Gula has returned.”

I was lost in the world of gambling.

I turned my back on my family and even betrayed my lover.

I wasted every day of my life.
It was the life of trash.

The reality told me thus - that I would amount to nothing no matter what I did.

In order to change my pathetic life, I chose fantasy, instead.

Even then, it was the same story. 
I wondered if salvation would come at the end of the long road.

But I was forced to kneel down in defeat in front of a powerful entity.

The tower I built up with my own hands crumbled into nothingness.

Just for once, I dearly wished to know the truth about myself.

– Come closer, my child…

I will not hold back this time.

Hank: So, care to explain what happend?

Hank was looking at, Roger and Maria, who is sitting on their knee's.

Roger: I think there is a good explanation for all of this....

Maria: How dare you youngster treat an old lady like this, have you no respect for the eldery!

Hank ignored, Maria's shouting and was looking at, Roger.

Hank: Oh, then tell me father, what happend?

Roger: Well, i don't know, i only said there have to be an explaination to this.

While Hank was talking to Roger and Maria, Alisha was playing with Gin and was more happy for som reason.

Alisha: Oh, Gin, you look so cute right now.

BabyGin: Uhh! {Thank you mom!}

Alisha looked at Gin and almost started to cry while hugging him.

Hank: Honey, are you okay?

Alisha: "Sniff" Ah, Im sorry, im fine just that....

Everyone was looking at Alisha and wondering what's going on.

Alisha: Im sorry everyone, it just that.... i havn't seen anyone of my family in a long time and when Gin turned out like this, the first thing i felt is happines and familiarity.

Hank: ..... We will find them someday, i promise!

Alisha: Thank you, oh and Maria i have an request.

Maria: Hmm and what is that?

Alisha: I kinda want you to be Gin's teacher, not in just learning about the world but also at fighting.

Everyone was looking at Alisha with surprise, even Gin was looking at his mother with shocked expression.

Maria: Me, im not sure that's a good idea!

Alisha: We all know that you were a former Huntress/Huntsmen like Roger here, but more experienced, so why not you?

Roger: It's true.

Maria: Roger!?

Roger: I was thinking of asking you when, Gin got older, but Alisha beat me to it.

Maria: But, i can't-

Alisha: Please, not for our sake but for my baby.

Everyone was looking at, Maria and waited for her answer.

Maria: Fine, FINE, just stop looking at me like that!

Alisha: Oh thank you.

Roger: Oohh, so you do have a heart sometimes. (Smirks)

Maria: Don't get used to it.

Hank: Im glad that we all are happy and all, but it seems that we are forgetting something...

Roger/Maria: Oh and what is that?

Hank: How Gin turned into a FAUNUS!!

Roger/Maria: Oh yeah, that...

Alisha: (Giggles) {It never change around here.}

BabyGin: {It's good to get along.}

???: K...i.....l....l.....

BabyGin: {Hmm, im sure that i heard a voice this time, but where is it coming from?}

—————————————

[In the Darklands]

Salem's lackey's started to prepare for their mission.

Arthur: Hmm....

???: Well, well, What's on your mind, Arthur hmm?

???: Oh, Tyrian, it's nothing, it just what, Salem said bothers me.

Tyrian: Who know's what our Queen thinks, but it does sound intresting.

???1: You talking about the experimented Grimm?

Arthur and Tyrian was looking at the person who talked and saw a young women and she wears lipstick and violet eyeshadow. She wears a dark-red, off-the-shoulders, v-neck mini dress with yellow designs. There is a blue feather-like accessory on her right hip, at the top of an open portion of her dress. The dress ends in an upside-down triangular tail in the back, ending just above the knees.

Arthur: Well, Cinder, what a surprise that you would take an interest in all this.

Cinder: How could i not, A Grimm who has a conscience, let alone a will, It does sound like an intresting topic, don't you?!

Tyrian: Hahahaha! Yes, A Grimm, who is a being of darkness and has a will of it's own, it's a dance of CHAOS i tell you, Hahahahaha!!!

Arthur: It's truly is remarkable, but the problem is that, there hasn't been like that Grimm sense, i wonder why....

Cinder: Well, maybe it's a good thing it's gone.

Arthur: Huh? What do y-

???: It's time to departure!

Cinder: Well then, i see you guys after the mission is complete.

Tyrian: Hahaha, we will see after the mission, sense the new meat got the mission to find it.

Arthur: Indeed, hope they will get some useful results.

Author: here is "Chapter 4: A Grimm With A Will!"

The Mc dies in his world, but are given a chance to be reborn in another world. A fictional world that he know very well. Follow his adventure in the world of Remnant and see what destiny has in store for him, and why he was sent in the first place.

(I don´t own the series RWBY or the picture on it, RWBY is owned by Roosterteeth and Monty Oum.)

(This is a re:write of RWBY: A Man With a System.)

(Tags): System, School life, Harem (It´s gonna take awhile) and Fantasy World.

I’m not the best guy, who can use grammar flawlessly, I kinda suck at it, my story might be a bit awkward sometimes, but will try my best and I hope you stick around while I evolve to be better, I learn as I go. :)

"Halt," The security people said as they saw seven kids without an adult walk up to them without waiting in line.

"The end of the line is over there. You need to wait over there to queue up in line." A security person said as he pointed towards the endless line that would probably take a decade before one was in.

Since they were kids, he didn't take it to a fault in any way. He just thought they were lost, so he merely told them where to go. He was already sweating from all the glares he was receiving from people waiting in line.

"Wait a minute," Maria said as she was digging through her purse for something. After a couple of seconds after digging into her purse did she find what she was looking for.

"Here you go." She said as she presented a card made from plastic to the security.

"What is this flimsy card going to do? Are you trying to bribe me or something? You aren't getting in because of this." The security man said as he didn't even bother checking the card. He was already sweating so much from the glares behind him that he just wanted them to hurry up and go away.

"Hurry up and shoo." He said as he gave Maria her plastic card back.

"Wait!" An older security man said as he left the small building as he ran up to Maria.

"Can you show me that card in your hand miss?" He asked Maria.

"Yeah," Maria said as she handed him the plastic card.

"V-VIP? You're a VIP?" The old man said as he scanned the card with his eyes. There was even an emblem on the card.

"Yes, I am. Now may I and my friends go in? These two also have VIP cards too." Maria said as she pointed towards Sylvie and Lance.

"Yes yes, please go in. The seven of you right?" The old man said as he returned Maria's card back to her.

"Bye-bye," Sylvie said as she waved him goodbye before entering the Amusement Park with everyone else.

"What those kids were VIPS?" The security man that had refused the seven of them earlier said.

"Do your job correctly next time. Otherwise, you're fired, we have many that want to replace you right now. It doesn't matter what age they are, a VIP is a VIP in any place." The old man warned him before he left and entered the small building again.

"Yes…" The security man said as he felt like he was going to cry.

'Who knew kids would be in possession of a VIP Card ah?! How would I know!? I was being pressured alright!? Don't you see all these people glaring at me ah?!' The thought internally as he returned to doing his job normally.

…

"Ha…" Sam sighed as he walked to the front of the line with his VIP card in hand.

Of course, he got the same treatment as the others did. Excluding a certain Sylvie who just broke the rules of being too cute.

This time the security man did his job as he reluctantly took the VIP card out of the fat kid's greasy hand. He looked at it carefully before handing it to Sam and letting him enter.

----------

Author : 6 minutes before due time >:D

*poof*

Vol 2 is where stuff will get serious.

Vol 2 = 2020

Vol 1 is just a bit of pre-writing for fun due to being in school. Recommended you skip Vol 1 when Vol 2 comes out if you don't want to injure your eyesight and brain.
_______________________________________

This is a light-hearted comedy novel about a NEET shut-in girl from the modern world who dies and reincarnates into a fantasy world.

There she will be able to accomplish her dreams like building the floof floof kingdom and finding a nice husband.

There is also a goddess who attempts to help her by going to the human world in another body.

To her demise, she forgets to give herself good stats and now has to live with others until she can find the protagonist to gain her abilities back.

Join her on her way to her dream of becoming the best magician in the world as she makes connections with others, as well as the goddess who struggles to find the protagonist.

___________________________________________

Website @

rianovelcollection.home.blog

Twitch @

twitch.tv/fuyumiria

Discord @

https://discord.gg/XcjsZ5Z

Patreon @ 

https://www.patreon.com/Rianolinon

Kofi @

Ko-fi.com/rianolinon

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