Siyu takes a seat on the black couch.

“Welcome back,” the boss says from across her desk.

Siyu didn’t say anything. He simply awaited his fate.

“You cost me quite a bit of money. How will you make it up to me?” The boss says with a smile.

“I’m sure you have something in mind,” He says with a hint of disrespect.

The boss frowns. “If you don’t want to make it up to me, that’s fine. We can do this the hard way,” the boss says with a stern voice.

“Tell me, boss. I’ll do anything,” Siyu says with a bowed head.

The boss smiles. “Sometimes life requires more than a bowed head, young Siyu,” the boss says in a teasing manner, before continuing. “There is an organization in the country of Paz that is making trouble for the Blooming Flower Cult. Our branch in the country of Paz has been harassed at every turn. We know that it’s not the Paz military, as we have an agreement with them, but someone in the dark is attacking our members and burning our warehouses. Won’t you help this damsel in distress, young Siyu?” The boss explains before continuing to tease.

“I’ll leave at once,” Siyu says before standing up to leave.

“Who said you could leave?” The boss says with a threatening tone, watching as Siyu slowly sits back down. “Stop playing so hard to get, Siyu. No one’s trying to bite you. Come, have some tobacco,” The boss says, moving a tin box towards him.

Siyu looks to the box and shakes his head. “No thanks,” He says with a wave of his hand.

“That’s alright. You can take it with you. When you’re relaxing for an after-meal smoke, think of me,” the boss says before waving her hand. “You may go. My secretary will provide you with the details,” she says, not trying to hide her smile.

Siyu takes the tin box and leave the room.

…

…

Siyu had arrived just outside the capital at an inn by the main road. He had been at this inn for several days because he wasn’t quite ready to enter the city. Currently, he was taking a break outside the inn to smoke from his pipe.

I’m pretty sure that woman will kill me, he thinks to himself before exhaling a large puff of smoke. Should I run? He thinks, half-heartedly considering the option, but before he could think further on the matter, he saw a dog in the distance, running swiftly in his direction.

Siyu raises an eyebrow. “Sunshine?” He says with surprise.

Sunshine’s excited barks could be heard as he quickly arrives next to Siyu.

“Fuck,” He couldn’t help but exclaim. “Sunshine, isn’t this a little far from home? I guess it really is a small world; you see acquaintances everywhere,” He says, still in shock.

Sunshine barks a few more times and Siyu kneels to pet Sunshine’s fur. “I’m not even going to say I’m mad. To be honest, I’m pretty sure this journey is going to be a shit show, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a friend nearby,” He says, leaning forward to hug Sunshine. “Don’t worry, you’ll have enough meat to eat,” Siyu says with a smile.

…

…

“Siyu! You’re back!” Articus says as he walks into the Turtle Shell Inn and approaches the table.

Siyu promptly takes a large gulp of beer. “Yup, I’m back,” He says, unable to bring himself to smile.

Articus pulls up a chair and sits down. “Freya, a round for everyone!” Articus says with a wave of his hand, quickly followed by a quick cheer. Articus then turns to me and asks, “Will you visit Eden while you’re here?”

“I’ll take a look,” He says with a sigh. “How’s the rehabilitation center? Is it working a little?” He asks, without holding much hope.

“Well, people are still going, if that’s what you’re asking. As for whether it’s of any assistance, I’m not entirely sure,” Articus says as he leans back in his chair. “I’m not even sure why you began that project. In my opinion, demons should just be demons. Why complicate things?” Articus says, slightly displeased with the idea.

“Just a shot in the dark,” Siyu says before drinking the rest of his beer. “I’ll come by to visit one of the classrooms tomorrow,” He says, gazing blankly into the distance while feeling strong reluctance.