The next day came and I went to work as usual despite the wounds in my arms. Although they were not deep, they still stung a little that I actually had trouble sleeping because of it. That was the only thing bothering me. On the other hand, Miss Barbara was completely out of it.

Her desk was positioned just by the entrance door which made her stand out. Wearing the glum face of her really made the overall atmosphere at the office heavier, or maybe I was just imagining it?

Keen just worked like a dog and Gary slept like a log as always. The boss also did not show any traces of what happened yesterday. Despite the overwhelming silence, we went to work until it was already time to stop.

I went to my room as soon as the office hours were over in order to get some more rest. I lied down on my bed and tried to get some sleep.

If what the boss said was indeed true, then it will be a long night. I also considered the fact that it may be the boss’ plan to have me cornered but it certainly does not make sense. If he wanted to do so, he could have done it with the others last night.

But there is one thing that was bothering me. He said that he did not want to drag Keen on how he does things. Was he trying to lure me in a secluded place alone so he could do me in himself? But for what purpose?

Thinking so much had me getting up from my bed. I bit my lip as I think about his possible motives. Was he afraid to have someone who harbours one of the directional kings near him? Was he thinking that it would be troublesome if I suddenly tried to kill him?

Maybe he was afraid that they will be targeted the moment that my identity is exposed? If that happens, even their collaboration with Sir Ron might fall into ruins. Is it more plausible if he offered my head to Sir Ron? If that happens, then he might earn his favor even more!

Why the hell did I not think of that! I cannot believe I let my guard down instantly even after he tried to kill me! How should I tell him that I am not going to come with him without raising any suspicions?

Knock knock

I was deep in thought when I suddenly heard someone was by my door. I opened it and saw Miss Barbara with dark bags under her eyes. Her left hand was holding her right arm while she was clearly shaking.

“Are you-“ I quickly stopped myself from asking.

She was clearly not okay. Anyone can clearly tell with just a single look.

“You can come in,” I invited.

“N-no, I just have something to tell you.” She then looked at her surroundings to make sure nobody was around.

“What is it?”

“Jo will be going to something dangerous tonight. Will you help him out for me?”

“Sure! Leave it to me! I will certainly bring him to you in one piece!” I pointed at myself with my thumb.

“Thanks, I’ll be counting on you to look after Keen and Gary as well.” She gave a gentle yet sad smile as she tapped my shoulder.

She quickly left after saying her line, not even allowing me to ask some questions. I closed the door after and sat on my bed to further think.

I understood the thing about helping the boss out tonight, but why should I look out for Keen and Gary as well? Will there really be someone who will be attacking the office tonight? There is no way I can be at both places at a time!

What I learned from her though, was that the boss was not lying. We were really moving due to someone who was pulling the strings from the dark. But even though my suspicions were now out of the way, it did not change the fact that we might be in serious danger.

Miss Barbara already knew something bad might happen but she told me to help boss rather than stop him from going. That further supports boss’ theory that she might be being threatened.

Nevertheless, I told her that I will bring the boss alive and that is the only thing that I should focus on for now.

***

The agreed time came and I met up with the boss outside the office. We did not meet in the office’s premises because Keen might be suspicious if we left the office together.

“Right on time, are you ready?” The boss greeted as I came.

“Sure boss! So where are we going?”

“You’re quite energetic. Are you not even nervous?”

“It is purely because of times like this that I have to be full of positive energy.” I pumped my fist.

“We are going to a hotel that already stopped operating. It is said to be where a part of Gaap’s forces are currently living.” The boss started walking while I followed closely behind.

“We are charging straight to their base?”

“That’s about it. The intel said that Gaap will have a large operation against Sir Ron’s forces tonight.”

“Have you checked it with Sir Ron?”

“Yes, he said that they are also expecting for Gaap to move. But Gaap’s forces are great in number, it is not impossible that he is planning to take both of our forces in one go.”

“That seems logical.”

“I also cross checked the given location with Damien’s files that you gave me and the information is correct.”

“I see, so all we have to do is come there, snoop around a bit then come out in one piece? Piece of cake!” I announced.

The boss just smiled as he raised his hand to call a cab. A car then stopped and the two of us went in.

“Take us there.” The boss showed his phone to the driver.

The driver looked at his device and nodded after seeing it. He then took the wheels then the car started moving.

“Why did we not use your car instead, boss?” I asked.

“I am afraid it might suffer like Sir Ron’s car.” The boss replied while looking at the window.

I just replied with an awkward laugh. It is not completely my fault! Stop rubbing it in!

After a while, we finally reached our destination. The boss paid for the fare then we got off the car. I looked around the surroundings but I was not able to find any structure that resembles a hotel.

“Is it not here yet?” I asked.

“We’ll walk the rest ourselves.” The boss uttered as he started strolling.

“I see, careful as always!” I uttered as I followed suit.

“How about you? Are you not being suspicious of people just like always?” The boss looked at me with a smirk.

“You wound me!” I emoted. “I cannot exactly deny that I did though.”

“Did? Past tense?”

“Well, Miss Barbara came to talk to me earlier.”

“And?”

“She asked me to help you out. If she did not ask me to, I might be ready to run from you any moment now.”

“I better thank her later then.” The boss laughed.

“I heard that! You got to really make sure that you thank her properly!” I pointed at him.

“Sure, I’ll give a bonus to her next salary.”

“No! Not that kind of thanks!” I raised my voice. “How about giving her some flowers or maybe a gift? A kiss will even give a critical hit!”

“I already told you my side last night,” he sighed.

“Come on! Just this once! Treat it as both thanks for tonight and as an apology for last night! Do it for me too!” I insisted.

“I’ll think about it.” The boss sighed.

“Seriously? That is fantastic!” I cheered.

“We’re here.” The boss stopped walking.

A huge building met my eyes. It really looked like a hotel and did not seem abandoned at all yet there was a sign saying “Sorry, we’re closed” at the front.  If it really serves as Gaap’s base, then the hotel’s state does make sense.

“Hey boss!” I called as I saw him walking towards the front entrance. “Are we really going that way?”

“It’s not strange to use the front door when you’re invited,” The boss responded as he continued walking.

I thought that it would be better if we find another way in that can get them by surprise. But at the same time, he was right. If they were already expecting us then doing such a thing will be but a waste of time.

Despite my hesitance, I still decided to follow him. He opened the door with ease, it was not even locked. We entered and the lights were on, clearly telling us that someone is here.

I carefully entered the premises with the boss. I was looking all around me to make sure we will not be caught off guard. On the other hand, the boss was walking calmly as if we were not on the enemy’s territory.

The reception area was huge. There were a number of chandeliers hanging by the roof. There were also paintings, stone statues, and furniture carved with designs.  The place might be a little dusty but it did not look like it was closed at all.

We walked further inside until we saw a blonde man sitting on one of the sofas. He was looking at us with a smirk.

He was wearing an unbuttoned red jacket with no shirt beneath it. Golden chains were hanging by his neck while his demon mark was visible in the right side of his chest. It was as if he deliberately wanted others to see it.



He confidently stared at us with his crimson eyes as we walked closer. His chin was resting on the back of his hand as he sat like he owned the whole place. He certainly gave off a dangerous vibe.

“Welcome! I’m glad you bastards were able to make it!”  The guy greeted in a haughty tone.

“It is our pleasure to be here. Thank you very much for your invitation.” I faked a smile.

“Nice place, maybe I should add some decorations too.” The boss seriously uttered as he inspected the area.

I was not able to tell if he was just going with the flow or he was actually considering of doing it. Even if I already spent quite a while with him, I still find it hard to read him.

“Feel free to look around! I’m sure you might pick some inspiration to perk up your rundown office!”

“That’s fantastic! We’ll be sure to take some notes!” I responded.

“So? State your business.” The boss asked with a straight face.

“Revenge, of course.” The guy gave an evil smile.