Sanatorium Hospital, Metropolis

12:23 p.m.+

Aiffel and Grate were walking through the hospital's hallway.

"Remember what we talked about earlier? ...Be nice to him. Don't mess this up.", Aiffel said with concern.

"I'm not sure about this, bro.", said Grate.

"Well, you kicked his ass. You got what you wanted. A little apology won't hurt your ego. We're doing this for Cindy, you know? We will enter, apologize, and then exit. It's not that hard. We will keep it simple.", said Aiffel.

"For Cindy, huh?"

"Yes!"

"Does she know?"

"Not yet."

"Then why should we tell her? By telling her, I believe we'll instead hurt her. It's such a *beep* move!"

"*breathes* Calm down, Grate. Cindy doesn't know, but his boyfriend will immediately recognize us. So, before he tells her, why don't we just tell her we did it? She would get hurt regardless, but his telling her first would be worse. Why don't you understand that it's a smart move?"

"Alright! For once... Just for you and Cindy. I'm going to apologize to someone I don't know and don't care about. I'm telling you, bro. This is not being a Que at all."

"I know, I know. Ques don't apologize. But Cindy's our friend. For the sake of her-"

"Okay, I get it. You don't have to convince me any further."

Then they approached room number 505.

"Okay. 505. This must be the room.", said Aiffel.

"Alright. Let's get in.", said Grate. Both Aiffel and Grate got in the room and uttered together, "I'm sor-", almost saying the full sentence, but stopped after seeing something.

Vector (Cindy's boyfriend) was lying upside down on the bed. He had bandages all over his body and a big bag of ice on his behind. He was moaning in pain. Both Aiffel and Grate were dumbfounded. Cindy was sitting by the bed and looked at Aiffel and Grate with teary eyes.

"Aiffel... Grate... You came.", Cindy sobbed as she ran and hugged them.

"Cindy, it's alright. He's gonna be just fine.", Aiffel consoled her and wiped her tears. Cindy smiled and went back to Vector to tell him, "Vector... I told you about Aiffel and Grate, na? They came to see you."

"Your friends from Astorion?", Vector asked. He couldn't turn around and see them lying upside down.

"How are you now, Vector?", Aiffel asked.

"The pain... It's unbearable. The doctor told me to rest like this for a minimum of 15 days.", said Vector.

"15 days like this!?", Aiffel got startled. "You mean upside down?"

"Yes.", Vector replied.

"Ah... Look at his conditions. How can a human being beat up another human being like this?", said Grate while Aiffel annoyingly looked at him. "What?", Grate whispered to Aiffel.

"Rascal, you beat him up like this and now you came here to console him. How can you act all innocent?", Aiffel whispered.

"This is truly unexpected. I never thought his conditions would be this bad.", Grate whispered.

"I won't leave anyone of them. I'll track them down and give them a beating 10 times as painful as this one. *Grate chuckled* I won't spare any of them. I promise in my life... And I know very well who did this to me.", an irate Vector groused. Grate was sweating bullets from hearing that. "It was... The 3D! I'm certain of it.", said Vector while Grate sighed with big relief.

"3D?", Aiffel asked curiously.

"Dominion Demolition Dungeon. They are a faction of the Imperial College and rival to Knuckle Fist Gang. Though me and my buddies are not in Knuckle Fist Gang, we are friends with them. And 3D doesn't like people who hang out with Knuckle Fist Gang. So, I'm certain they are the ones who beat us up because they found the chance. I promise I'll make them suffer!", Vector added.

"Hey... Go and apologize.", Aiffel whispered to Grate.

"*startled* *whispered* Are you kidding me!? Don't you hear what he just said? Do you want me to die, man? Let him believe that someone else beat him up like this. Besides, I can't apologize to him when he's not facing me.", Grate replied.

"He's not gonna do that. He's just angry for some time. Besides, I'm here with you, na?"

"Yeah. To take me to the cemetery."

"What are you guys whispering about?", Cindy asked.

"Actually-", Aiffel was about to say something, but Grate interjected, "We were saying that it's time for us to go. We have studies to do, you know. Assignment, class tests, and all...", said Grate with a grinning face with sweat.

"Alright. Come again.", said Cindy.

"Yes. Stay safe on the way.", said Vector.

"Umm... Take care, Vector. Take your medications properly. Bye, Cindy. Please take care of him.", said Aiffel as they left the room.

Afterward, Aiffel and Grate took a train back to Roseholics City. They were conversing on the train. And as they were doing it, a woman was quarreling on the phone.

"I can't believe you whipped his *beep* so hard! Damn, man. I feel bad for him... What did I tell you to do and what did you do instead?", an irate Aiffel said to him.

"What the hell, man? You want to throw your friend to the wolves? Come on, bro. That topic's over. Let's move on. So where are you going for the date?", Grate asked.

"I don't know, man. Sarah is supposed to text me and tell me where...", Aiffel stated.

"Yeah. But remember that Rich's parents are coming to the house this afternoon. So, you better return before their arrival. And don't forget that Richard wants to reward us tonight at Ophelia Pond for beating up an Imperial-ian.", Grate reminded him as he remembered Richard telling the noobs about it before Masquerade made their leave for Astorion while the noobs left for Sanatorium Hospital.

"Yeah, I got it. I'll get back in time.", Aiffel assured him and then asked, "Are you still upset over Arumi's action?"

"No. I'm over it. I got my revenge, although I messed up with the wrong man. But I feel chilled.", said Grate.

"That sounded so wrong.", said Aiffel. Then he got a notification on his phone. "Meet me at the Royal Club in Roseholic City at 2 o'clock sharp.", Sarah texted.

"Is it Sarah?", Grate asked.

"Yeah... She wants us to meet at a place called Royal Club.", said Aiffel.

"That's it, bro. Congratulations, B-boi!", Grate cheered and felt happy for him as they did their signature combination. "Just make the proper moves, but don't go too far because it's your first date."

"Yeah, I got it.", Aiffel answered.

Suddenly, they got the attention of the woman quarreling on the phone as she drew closer to them. People on the train felt irritated by her shouting.

Grate approached her while Aiffel's expression looked like he foresaw something trouble. Grate said to the woman, "Hey, if you're arguing loudly on your phone in public, please put it on speaker. I need to hear both sides of the story to know whose side I'm on."

The people on the train had a burst of great laughter from hearing that. The woman got furious even more and started arguing with Grate.

In the meantime, a man in a hoodie who was sitting behind Aiffel whispered to him. "Hey, Mechanic... Mechanic?" Aiffel got his attention but didn't answer to him. "...don't stay silent. I know it is you." Aiffel got intimidated but didn't turn back to see who the person was.

"...who is it?", Aiffel asked.

"You don't know me. Consider me a big fan of yours. But I know you are sharp. You might have already assumed where I come from. You may be known as the Iron Kid all over Roseholic City, but you know where you are known as the Mechanic. I know you can't forget that.", the man laughed.

"...what do you want?", Aiffel asked in a serious tone.

"A favor on behalf of my boss... To break what you built back there.", said the man as Aiffel looked both angry and calm at the same time. "I know that you only know money, only worked for those who paid you the most. You even sided with your enemy for a bigger offer to take down the ones that paid you before. My Boss will pay you 5 times more than what they paid you. He will and forever be your Money Boss from now on.", the man continued.

"...why me?", Aiffel asked.

The man laughed for a while before answering. "You are still being remembered there at Sixxity (Sick City). You don't come around, but people there are still looking for you. They want to hire you... Just to take down the Yakuza... You know, using a thorn to remove a thorn... So, what do you say? Are you interested?"

"...Just for the sake of this fair conversation... No... And the Mechanic died the moment I left Sixxity. I expect you not to call me by that name ever again. I will forever be known as the Iron Kid... I also expect you to never come back to me with this offer again. This is goodbye.", Aiffel stated.

The man stayed silent for some time before laughing and saying, "I thought you'd say that. I knew it wasn't easy to get you back there... People still talk about you. They talk highly of you... But they don't know what you really are now. There's a rumor about you. A rumor that not many people are aware of. A rumor that I'm certainly aware of... They say that after your mentor Shady Roseholic died, Rest in Peace, you've become soft, humble, weakened, and picked apart... Now that I finally got to have a conversation with you. I finally understand something...that it isn't a rumor...but a fact!"

Hearing that, Aiffel started to boil. The man continued, "But, you will return one day. I certainly believe it. They say death is less painful than losing something or someone you love. And I'll do just that if it makes your return! *sinister grin*"

Aiffel couldn't hold back anymore. He was provoked. So he turned back to punch him, but there was no one in the backseat of him.

Grate came back after finishing arguing. It seemed as if he returned after winning a war. Then he looked at Aiffel who was sweating and looked dazed. So Grate asked him, "Hey, bro, you alright?"

"Umm... Yeah. I'm good.", said Aiffel.

Afterward, they reached Roseholics City. Grate wished him luck and he was going back to college while Aiffel was on his way to his date. Later, Aiffel got a cab to reach the Royal Club.

1:27 p.m.

He stood outside the club and waited for Sarah to show up. He also looked around and the people who were wearing fabulous clothes.

"Man... I should have worn something extraordinary for this. This place looks like the rich boys club. But, I'm glad I had a talk with Mona about this matter.", Aiffel thought as he remembered talking to Mona on the phone last evening. "Hey... So, I'm going on this date with Sarah...probably tomorrow.", Aiffel said to Mona.

"Wow, that's unexpected. The Iron Kid's balls are made up of Iron as well, I see. So, what's up?", Mona asked.

"Yeah...um...about that... Can you give me some tips about what I should wear for the date?", Aiffel asked nervously.

"Ah... I almost forgot you told me you have never been on a date before. Every boy's nightmare about their first date... But just relax. Dress casual. Don't overdo it. And that should be alright.", said Mona.

"Uhh... Thanks, Mona.", Aiffel thanked her.

"Best of luck. And yeah... If you break her heart, I'm gonna break your neck. Got it?", said Mona in a serious tone.

Aiffel laughed and said, "Don't worry about that."

Back to the present. Aiffel checked himself in the window reflection. "I guess this isn't bad either. A white shirt for a date. Hmm.", Aiffel thought.

"Hey, Aiffel!", someone called him from behind and as he turned around, he was stunned to see what was in front of him. It was Sarah and she was wearing a crop top with a skirt. Aiffel wasn't prepared to see her like that. He just dazed upon her and thought to himself, "Wow!"

"...hey!", said Aiffel before they hugged.

"...how do I look?", Sarah asked.

"...out of this world.", Aiffel complimented.

"Aw, thank you...", said Sarah as she blushed a little and then asked, "I didn't want to spoil the surprise of our plans... You get it, right?"

"Yeah... But don't you think it's the wrong timing?", Aiffel asked.

"Hah?", Sarah seemed to be puzzled by his response.

"Well, dancing suits better at night, right?", Aiffel asked. Sarah chuckled after listening to that. "Why are you laughing? Am I wrong?", Aiffel asked confusingly.

"No, silly. We won't be dancing... We're going to play pool.", said Sarah.

"Oh.", said Aiffel as he felt embarrassed.

"You know how to play right?", Sarah asked.

"Well, it's been a while. But, yeah. I know.", said Aiffel nervously.

"...you alright? If you can't play, we can do something else.", said Sarah.

"No. No. No. It's not that.", Aiffel quavered. "You know about that dance thing I said, it was stupid and I was joking. So, please forget about it." Sarah giggled at first and then laughed with joy. Aiffel noticed for the first time up this close that Sarah looked like a cat when she laughed. He admired that.

"Let's get in.", said Sarah.

"After you...", Aiffel told her to lead the way.

Then they entered the club. Aiffel looked around while Sarah approached the receptionist. Many couples were hanging out and all of them looked very rich. Aiffel tried to stay cool although he was feeling uncomfortable in his mind.

"Hi! The name's Sarah. I've reserved a table for two people.", Sarah informed the receptionist.

"Wait a second, dear...Sarah... Found you! You're on table number seven. Enjoy!", said the receptionist. Then they approached their table.

"Do you want to break first?", Sarah asked.

"I hope I can still properly execute a break. I've always found it to be quite challenging.", said Aiffel.

"Okay, I'll demonstrate how it's done. No strict rules, just for fun.", said Sarah before doing the break. It was smooth. 1 solid and 2 stripe balls were potted. Then she gave up her turn to Aiffel and said, "You do it now."

Aiffel was having a hard time trying to take a shot, so Sarah helped him by showing him up close how to hold the cue properly and take aim. Everybody in the club was looking at them. Aiffel was feeling both uneasy and special at the same time. Aiffel took a shot and he potted a stripe.

"Hey, I've potted a stripe. That means I'm gonna have to pot stripes for the rest of the game, right?", Aiffel asked.

"Umm... Though I've potted 2 stripes before.", Sarah mumbled.

"What's that?", Aiffel asked.

"Uh, yeah. I'm taking solids.", said Sarah.

Then they kept playing. Sarah was a pro at first, but then she was going easy on him which helped Aiffel score several times. But, in the end, she won the game.

"Wow, you are really good!", Aiffel complimented her.

"You as well. We'll return here more regularly to play. You will have more opportunities to study and practice. Would you like to play one more round?", Sarah asked.

"Let's do it. This time I'm gonna win.", said Aiffel with pride. Sarah laughed at that.

Then as Sarah took the break shot, one ball went flying off the table and hit Aiffel's eye.

"Oh My God!", Sarah was startled and immediately called for help. Aiffel got hurt on his left eye and it got sore. She ended up kissing the sore eye. Aiffel's heart stopped right there for a moment as it seemed. It was very unexpected for him.

"What was that for?", Aiffel asked in surprise.

"You know... Like Moms do. My mom used to kiss me where I'd get hurt.", said Sarah.

"Why is that?"

"So the pain goes away, silly!"

"*realized* Yes, you are right. *relieved*"

"It's not all that strange, right?"

"Uh... I don't know."

"Your mom never did that?"

"If she hadn't passed away after I was born, I'm certain she would have, I guess."

"...*guilty expression* How could I forget?"

"My sensei, on the other hand, used to kiss me a lot! You know, on the cheek and all that... *gulped* I mean...not all that...just the cheek."

"*chuckled* Hahaha!"

"(Grate's foolishness is affecting me... That idiot! Don't ruin my date!)"

"I'm glad to hear that your sensei took good care of you."

Doctors arrived and they started treating Aiffel's sore eye. They bandaged the sore eye and then left. "How are you now?", Sarah asked with concern.

"Yeah, I'm all good.", said Aiffel.

"I'm extremely sorry, Aiffel.", Sarah apologized.

"Don't be. I turned okay the moment you did that...thing.", said Aiffel. Both blushed.

"Let's not play anymore. Let's go and eat.", said Sarah.

"Sure.", Aiffel agreed. Then they went into a restaurant nearby. They took a table. Aiffel pulled the chair for Sarah. Sarah was impressed by that. Aiffel sat down as well.

"Do you play pool very often?", Aiffel asked.

"Occasionally, I enjoy mixing up my workout routine by alternating between swimming, running, weightlifting, and yoga...", Sarah replied and asked, "You practice martial arts, right?"

"Although I haven't attended a formal class, I enjoy practicing on my own. I also love running and exercising outdoors."

"It seems you have a strong inclination towards learning on your own, whether through physical exercise or music."

"I haven't had any other options to choose from, to be honest." The food arrived and they started to eat. "It's good."

"I agree, that is... Tell me something now. What's your aim in life?"

"If I had the opportunity, I would buy my aunt a house for us. I would purchase a kitchen for her and help with installation. Place wallpapers. Place new carpet or install new wooden floorboards or both. This is to show her how much I have learned from her. The thought of seeing her smile at the end result brings me joy."

"That is very kind. But, I asked what do you want to do for yourself?"

"I just said it. Doing that would bring me great joy as well."

"*smiles* That's very unselfish. But, what do you want to do after Astorion and all?"

"I believe I'll protect the people of this nation like my sensei did, and I'll follow in his footsteps. Even though I am aware that death is inevitable, I want them to pass away naturally, peacefully, and with their loved ones by their side as opposed to being killed by a murderous act all alone and in fear. I want to restore this rotten world just like it was when he was around. Peaceful, civilized, and free from crime."

"That's a tough route for you to choose and you're bound to get disappointed because you can't make everyone happy."

"I don't know about that. I just want to make this world a better place and I want to die knowing that I tried my best."

"*silenced for a while* Tell me a little more about yourself. I have the impression that I don't have a complete image of you."

"Tell me what you want to know."

"What are your typical date activities?"

"I've never gone out on a date."

"*startled* What!? Seriously?"

"There was something else, but I don't think it's appropriate to discuss on a first date."

"I do not agree with that statement at all. In my opinion, it is not a bad idea to discuss the past on a first date, especially if the two individuals are interested in each other and looking for a serious relationship. Being open and honest about one's experiences, including the difficult or challenging ones, can help build trust and a great bond. In fact, if something significant might affect the relationship, it is better to address it early rather than wait for it to become an issue later."

Aiffel sat a little shaken before confiding to her, "I have a story about a girl I met during my high school days. It started when I got detention for fighting with some boys, and I ended up being stuck there for two whole months. That's where I met Medusa, who was also in detention for smoking during class. We bonded over being outcasts and quickly became friends. Medusa had a rugged appearance - dirty clothes, messy hair, and a self-pierced nose. During our detention, we talked a lot and I listened to her stories. I don't want to go into too much detail, but that's how our friendship began."

"It's no problem. Just tell me how it ended.", said Sarah.

Aiffel continued, "Things were great until I discovered a significant lie she told me. It shattered my heart and left me feeling hurt and irritated. Although she apologized and I forgave her, we never spoke again. It's been four years, and that's the end of the story."

"Wow... Finding out you've never been in a relationship is shocking. You are a handsome person, after all.", Sarah commented at which Aiffel blushed a little.

"Umm... What about you? What are some typical date activities?", Aiffel asked.

"Let me know one thing... How well do you...mix with Richard?"

"Not much, but we've been talking more and more lately.."

"How is he according to your perspective?"

"I believe he is a decent man. He appears to have a deep concern for all of the Ques. He is significantly less impulsive than a person like Jack."

"Is that so..."

"Why? How familiar are you with him?"

"...I've known Richard since elementary school. Our fathers were childhood friends and our families used to hang out occasionally, so I've seen him many times. Despite him being three years older than me, I feel a little embarrassed to admit that he was the guy I went out on a date with."

"*stunned, but calmed* Wow. You learn something every day. How serious was it?"

"It was just a date, but his friends joined us and he paid them more attention. You know how guys are?"

"I get it. He feared showing his true self to his buddies."

"That, I believe, was it. Around them, he changed into someone else. I have so kind of vowed never to date again. I don't trust men like him because of this. The fact that you are one among them really surprises me so much."

"I'm just one of them, not like them. *drinks*"

"And the only reason I could come to the date with you is because Mona approved it."

"*surprised* Mona approved it?"

"Yeah, she isn't someone who would do that. I was surprised when I realized that she liked you."

Then she remembered Mona telling her before coming to the date, "Sarah, he saved your life twice in the past, but that was a while ago. People can change over time. Your goal for the first date with him should be to observe him closely and determine whether or not a second date is appropriate. Although I believe he is a good choice, ultimately the decision is yours, Sarah. Your safety and best interests should always be your top priority."

"What did you do to make Mona agree to this?", Sarah asked him.

"Well, she is already letting me call her by the name 'Mona'. You don't find me likable, do you?", Aiffel joked.

"*laughs* Haha, I do! But it's very big that she told me to give you a chance. What can I say? It makes me more comfortable around you... My experience with dating is limited, and I feel uncomfortable with unspoken rules."

"Unspoken rules?"

"I was referring to guidelines for intimacy and other related matters."

"I doubt that I am acquainted with these guidelines."

"On the first date, they advise you to kiss, and on the third date, they advise you to... *nervous* Well, I hope you get it."

"Make love?"

"Yeah, that. But I'm feeling a bit uncertain about the whole thing..."

"I think we should take it slowly... That is, of course, assuming there is a second date."

"Haha! *laughs* Hopefully so. Let's discuss something else. Tell me about your relatives.", said Sarah.

"I don't have none.", Aiffel replied.

"Pets?", Sarah asked.

"No.", Aiffel answered. "Although I have always desired a dog."

"I adore dogs, aww! Although several of my family's acquaintances did, I never had one. I used to be able to pet them and stroll them.", Sarah stated.

"And your family?", Aiffel asked. Sarah looked uncomfortable when he asked that.

"Well, it's me, my younger brother, my mother, and my father are the only people there... While I was still a little child, my older sister passed away.", Sarah answered.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I wasn't aware of it."

"I don't talk about her much. I have memories and moments that give me strength. I feel inspired and driven these days when I think about her."

"That's great to hear, I say."

"I do have a decent number of relatives, but we're not really close, so they aren't really family to me. It's just done, in my opinion, for show."

"Show? Is that something your family values?"

"Well, given who we are, there are eyes on us."

"Who you are... It makes me very eager to know. How is your family? I want to know. Who are you?", Aiffel asked curiously.

"Wait, what? You don't know?", Sarah was startled and asked.

"No. But it makes me curious.", Aiffel answered.

"You've got to be kidding me. He doesn't know or is he just pretending?", Sarah asked herself while she was trying to read Aiffel's innocent expression. "Surely this can't be true! Although he doesn't look like someone who would lie..."

"What are you thinking?", Aiffel asked.

"It's nothing.", Sarah answered.

"So, are you going to start telling me about your family?"

"Umm... Can I tell you some other time?"

"Why not now? I thought you said one has to be honest and open to the other on their first date."

"Where do I begin...? All the guys who came up to me didn't seem real. Because of my family, it's difficult to know what they have in mind. But you are different."

"Different?"

"Yes. Aiffel, can we continue in this manner with all due respect?"

"If that's what you want, I can do that. But I doubt I'd treat you differently if I knew your identity or whatsoever."

"Thank you so much, Aiffel. I had a great time on our first one. It was a pleasure to get to know you and be open with you."

"Yeah. I feel the same. Sarah, thank you for this lovely date."

"*checks the clock* Look at the time... Perhaps it's time to leave. My piano lesson is coming up."

"Yeah, sure. Time flies so fast."

"Umm..." Then Sarah kissed Aiffel's cheek before leaving. Aiffel's face went red and his head burst.

"What a great date that was. We bonded pretty well. I'm still in shock that I got to date my crush. Not everyone is fortunate like that. Her family, however, intrigues me a little. I wonder how they are. They are wealthy. Probably well-known... However, it makes no difference. It isn't the reason I want to date her... The entire date felt really mature.", Aiffel thought.

Suddenly Aiffel received a text from Grate that said, "Are you done yet? Where are you? Rich's parents are on the way."

"*beep*!", Aiffel reacted before looking at the clock. It was 3:37 p.m. "I should get going.", he said to himself before leaving.

At around 4:15 p.m., Aiffel got to the Ques' house. Richard opened the door for him and asked, "Where were you, man?"

"I'm sorry. I was out for some time.", said Aiffel as the Ques and Grate were introducing themselves to Rich's parents in the back. "Am I too late?", Aiffel asked anxiously.

"No. They just arrived.", said Rich. "Come on, let's meet my parents." Then Rich took Aiffel to his parents and said, "Mom and Dad. This is one of our pledgers this year with Grate. This is Aiffel. *to Aiffel* This is my mother, Martha. And my father, Angelo."

"Nice to meet you, sir and ma'am.", Aiffel greeted them.

"Wait a minute. Roseholic? You mean you are that little kid from Iron Club?", Angelo was surprised.

"Yes, sir.", said Aiffel.

"This boy has grown so much.", said Martha as she played with Aiffel's hair for some time. Aiffel's cheek went red.

"Well, then I don't have anything to worry about now that you are here, son.", Angelo said to Aiffel. "You'll be a great influence on my son and the rest of the gang. They can learn something from you, I can tell."

"Well, sir. I don't think I have to teach them anything. Rich is a great leader and we're grateful to have someone like him as a superior. In fact, I'm learning a lot about leadership from him. I believe it will be a great help in the future." Aiffel praised Richard. Richard with a smile of gratitude toward Aiffel.

"Wow, is he?", Angelo asked with amazement.

"I'm doing my best, Dad.", said Richard.

Martha gave a soft caress on his son's head as she said, "I'm proud of you, my son." Richard smiled.

Jack approached them and said, "Sorry to interrupt, Rich. But they are here to replace the windows."

"Oh, yeah. Let's do this.", said Richard.

The damaged windows were then taken out and fresh ones were put in each room where Muscleverse had crashed. They arrived across the house's library, which was a disorganized mess with books all around. The room was a mess. Aiffel looked around, checking out the books that were strewn about, and also an empty keg of beer.

"This place is a total wreck. Looks like they partied a lot here but didn't bother to clean up.", Aiffel thought before approaching Richard and asking, "Can I have a few words with you?"

"Sure, go ahead.", said Richard.

"Who's room is this?"

"It was one of our brothers' rooms who left Masquerade a year ago. No one's using it as of now."

"(So, an ex-que's room. That's gotta be Hunter that Adam told me about.) May I request something?"

"Yeah?"

"When I- ...I mean IF I become a Que, can I use this room to stay?"

"What? Just look around... It's a *beef* library. It's repulsive. Nobody ever enters this place unless the restroom is being used."

"Well, I can fix it. You can leave that to me."

"...if that's what you want, I have no say to that. Consider it as a favor back for what you told my parents earlier. *wink*"

"Thanks! *joyfully shaken hands with Richard*"

Then, all of the windows in the rooms were installed. Afterward, they sat down for dinner in the Ques' dining room. While eating, Angelo told a funny story from back in the day, which is as follows:

"Aiffel...", said Angelo.

"Yes, sir?", Aiffel asked.

"Seeing you after a long time brought back a humorous memory of a conversation I once had with Shady... Shady and I met every once in a while. So, Iron Club was the hottest thing in the country at that time. And Aiffel, you were just a little apprentice in the club. I think you remember this story. This occurred just a few days before Shady's bout with Yazinosuke at Clover Park Stadium in Times New Square to defend the Locria Fighting Championship, which drew close to 90,000 people. As far as I can remember, Shady was also the World Fighting Champion at that time. The story is that I and my family went on a camping trip and met Iron Club there. *to Richard* You were there as well.", said Angelo.

"Does that mean we met long before all this?", Aiffel asked Richard.

"Sounds like it.", Richard replied.

Angelo continued, "It was the reunion of me and Shady after ages. So, after a good meal, we lay down for the night, drank, gossiped for hours, and then went to sleep. Some hours later, Shady woke up and nudged me. I woke up, a little bothered. He goes, 'Angelo, look up and tell me what you see.' So I said, in a drunken manner, 'I see a fantastic panorama of countless stars.' Again he goes, 'And what does that tell you?' So, I pondered for a moment and told him, 'Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow, Shady.' ...and Shady... He just literally dazed upon me like I said something horrible that upset him and ruined his life. *everyone laughed* So I asked him, 'Why? - What does it tell you, Shady?' And he was silent for a moment...then spoke: 'My god, Angelo... Someone has stolen our *beep* tent.' *everyone burst into laughter*"

Everyone started to praise Angelo for sharing a story with having a great sense of humor. "That was really a good one, sir.", Aiffel complimented him.

Suddenly Duncan's girlfriend Havana barged into the dining room and insisted Duncan., "Duncan, let's go. Have dinner with me."

"Havana!? What are you doing here?", Duncan trembled with great shock.

"I just got into Astorion and I want to have my first dinner here with you. So, come with me."

"Havana... We got guests here tonight. You can see that, right? You could just text me or even call me."

"So, what? You have dinner with them every single night. Can't you make an exception for tonight only?" Angelo and Martha were just staring at them, dumbfounded. Bumcan was pissed to see her. Jack sighed and minding his own business, continuing to eat. Richard was feeling embarrassed by their argument in front of his parents. Aiffel was feeling anxious for Duncan before looking at Grate who gulped.

"Havana, please try to understand...", Duncan tried to convince her.

Suddenly Richard stood up, thrusting the table, and shouted at them, "DUNCAN! *calmed down a little bit* ...take it outside and go have dinner with your girlfriend or whatever. But, just get out for now. We'll have a few words later on."

Duncan left the house in grief with Havana as Richard apologized to his parents. Angelo stared at Richard for a moment, didn't say anything, and continued to have his dinner silently. The room just got awkwardly silent.

"...This is a *beep* mess.", Aiffel thought, frightened.

Meanwhile. At Imperial College. Charlie and Dirk went to meet Knuckle Fist Gang. Charlie explained the incident about what happened at the festival and that someone knocked Dirk out with one punch. Dirk had a swollen cheek. Captain Bazooka, leader of Knuckle Fist Gang, approached and looked at him up close. Bazooka had a broken arm, it was bandaged. Aiffel broke his arm as revenge for kidnapping Grate prior to the Blood Games.

"One single punch, huh? *grinned* ...there's only one man capable of doing it...", Bazooka stated.

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