One week has passed since William’s surgery. Diarem was mostly thinking about revenge when he visited his dad and saw him in that state. After leaving the hospital on the way to his home Diarem saw Alex with Jasmine’s father entering the casino. Alex carried a big metal case. They were making sure if someone specifically watches them but they probably didn't spot Diarem.

Because of his curiosity, Diarem followed them. They sat by a poker table where 3 guys in red suits were waiting for more people to join. Diarem pretended that he was playing on the lottery machines not far away from them. Some people were questioning if he is old enough to be in here but no one approached him.

They started playing poker. Diarem couldn’t hear what they were talking about so he walked to the machine closest to them. When Diarem was going to sit, one of the men in red stood up. He was angry for some reason.

For the first time in his life, Diarem could feel source magic. When he turned around a few meters away from him he saw a man with a golden-brown bow with an arrow made of fire, wearing a white suit. As he slowly drew the arrow and aimed at Alex, Diarem felt that he could use some magic. He mimics like he has a bow in his hand. In his hand appeared a bow and arrow made of fire.

Diarem aimed at the man with the bow. They both fired at the same time. A man in a white suit dodged Diarem’s arrow but he was heading toward Alex. With his hand, Alex cut the arrow in half making it disappear.

A man in a white suit looked around but he only saw a kid looking at him. He thought that kid couldn’t use that complicated magic but he saw him using it. He drew the arrow but this time it was bright white and it made weird sounds.

It was an electric arrow. He tried shooting Alex again. This arrow moved faster. Alex used fire magic to stop it but his fire was scattered by an electric arrow. Elaine created a water barrier right in time and it absorbed an electric arrow.

When Diarem saw that they were safe he returned the fire. This time with an electric bow and arrow. Men dodged and saw Diarem using his magic. He was surprised that this child can use magic with the same power as with a blessed magic item.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Who are you!” Shouted Diarem.

“My name is Philip. Philip Taylor. Boss of the Grey Hounds gang.” Said the man without any hesitation. Diarem didn’t expect him to answer. He was just asking what people usually say in that kind of situation.

“Diarem? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?! Are you old enough to even enter the casino?” Said Alex confused by what he saw with his own eyes.

“In a few months, I’ll turn eighteen!” Said Diarem.

“MORE IMPORTANT! What are you doing here… Philip!” Asked Diarem.

“Red Hats gave me a job. If something went wrong with a trade I should assassinate the buyers. That’s why I attacked blondie!” Said Philip without hesitation again, making Diarem and others more confused.

“Why should I believe you?” Said Diarem.

“Because of my magic, no one can lie around me.” Said, Philip.

“Yeah? Diarem! Have you ever had a girlfriend?” Asked Alex.

“Never!” Said Diarem and put his hand on his mouth to stop talking.

“Sounds legitimate.” Said Alex.

“It’s time to go! Goodbye!” Said Philip while creating a smoke arrow and disappearing in thick black smoke. Alex walked to Diarem.

“Do you have a moment? Have you decided what you want to do?” Asked Alex.

Diarem looked around trying not to make eye contact with Alex.

“I… I don’t… I still don’t... I'm not sure...” Answered Diarem.

“You want someone else doing it for you?” Said Alex. Diarem for a second looked at Alex and then again everywhere but at him.

“You better do it yourself. I also wanted to take revenge.” Alex unwrapped his bandages and showed his burned arm.

“Someone did this to me. Before I could do anything, the police took him. Since then I still want to pay him back.”

“I… I want revenge!” Said Diarem. Alex walked to him and grabbed his shoulder.

“Alright. Come with me”

Alex took Diarem to a very calm district. Not many cars and people were around them. Near the river, there was a two-story building. On a sign was a black rose and the text “Under Balck Rose”

In the bar, few people were drinking. The one who is making drinks right now is Hans.

“Can we talk boss?” Asked Alex.