"New friend, what information do you must?", he smiled. "I hope you're not wasting my time."

The intimidation crawls right through my bones. Narrow wasn't like this back on the bus, or was he? And I just took it for granted. Can't I use persuasion to escape this scenario?

The book then opened in my hands to answer my inquiry. "Persuasion is persuasion and it is merely based on feasible chance."

Then... shit. I can't risk making an enemy out of Narrow or the Pioneers Gang. After all, Addu is a part of it. I can't Addu's name to escape this situation, can I?

"I don't really have anything to tell to you.", I scratched my head. "Addu just wanted to say his regards."

"Bullshit.", he crossed his arms and leaned back. "Addu doesn't do regards. In fact, he is the most non-sociable captain. The only thing we know about him is that his roommate died and he's got a new roommate now. We don't know who that is for sure."

Wait... They don't know who Addu's roommate is?! How did Addu suppress such something? Addu really is something else based on how none knows about me being his roommate. This gang really do has a chokehold on Barter's information trade.

"Haha.", I just laughed awkwardly. Why did I even come here in the first place?

I settled down in the crowded Junior High School cafeteria, surrounded by Narrow and his formidable group of lackeys, I couldn't help but feel a slight unease in the air. The atmosphere seemed charged with an intensity that spoke of serious business. The clatter of trays and hushed conversations provided a backdrop to our meeting, amplifying the gravity of the situation.

"By the time the clock hits three, we can rampage like salvage beasts.", a man behind Narrow spoke. "Don't waste Narrow's time."

"No, no, Lee.", said Narrow. "This guy saved my cat once.", he looked dead at me. "I'll let him be this time as long as he has the right payment for his inquiry.", he then asked again. "What or who do you seek?"

I panicked. "Miss Luna."

Narrow, together with the two guys behind him went silent. "Oh.", he smiled. "Then there's nothing I really have to offer...", he smiled further. "I'll pretend for this transaction to be null. Usually, once someone approaches me, it's already a trade inquiry. But, since I have no answer to what you have said. This is null!"

I would really have appreciated an answer though despite it risking my safety, but this will do.

"Ah, you don't have anything about her?"

"Oh, I have something, but I can't risk being shot dead, right?", he chuckled while pushing his lackeys away. "Meet me when the rose is withered. Leave us for now. We shall chat as friends."

"Yes, sir.", replied the two men behind him and left.

"So, Juju. You like some chicken soup?", he asked. "It's my treat."

Haha, yes. I have not eaten this day. I would really fucking appreciate it. "Sure, thank you!"

"Oh, Lee!", he yelled. "Bring us some chicken soup, will you?"

"Sure, sir!", they replied.

"Okay, now.", Narrow looked back at me. "Aside from what you have said earlier, what brings you here? No senior would come here only for a simple transaction unless you're pulling an 'I'm new here' card, then it's not happening. No new shit would ask for Miss Luna's existence unless she did something to you."

Narrow, with his piercing gaze and stern expression, exuded an authority that commanded respect from his subordinates. His demeanor made it clear that this encounter was not a casual gathering but a transaction of sorts. His lackeys, a formidable group of individuals, carried themselves with a palpable air of danger, their presence underscoring the serious nature of our interaction.

Though my initial objective had been to tap into Narrow's aura, to glean insights and understanding, it appeared that Narrow expected me to come here to transact something. I didn't anticipate for him to assume this to be my innate intention.

As I sat across from Narrow, my gaze instinctively fixated on the space between his eyes. What I saw there surprised me—a faint pink hue shimmering within the depths of his gaze. It was as if the aura of the second level, the aura of existence, was at its pinnacle, radiating a vibrant energy that set him apart from the majority of individuals.

The intensity of the pink hue caught my attention, as it indicated that Narrow possessed a heightened level of relevance and importance among his peers. He had solidified his place within the hierarchy of the school, commanding respect and influence through his actions and demeanor.

And, oh!

"Hey, I'm still asking.", he waved his hands at me. "Did Miss Luna do something to you?"

"Somewhere in that intensity, yes.", I replied after zoning out.

"So, she must see something in you...", he chuckled. "I'm always confused about whether I should befriend you or kill you."

"Haha.", I took that as a joke.

"I'm buying you from Magnifico.", he leaned forward, his hands on the table.

"B- Buy?", I stuttered. "I have a price?" I'm on the market?!

"Oh, yes.", he smiled. "That's why some members are so eager in hunting down newcomers because they get to dominate you and recruit you. When you're skilled enough, some gangs would appreciate your talents and would buy you. One time, we caught a son of an MMA fighter, and those Magnifico meatheads bought him.", he paused. "I can see your potential and the simple fact that Miss Luna has met with you... I think your price will go higher if I don't buy you now."

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

What... Is this why Addu mentioned 'I should have recruited you' when he found out I have been enslaved by Magnifico?

"Uh...", I paused. "I don't think..."

"Oh, you have no say in this.", Narrow chuckled. "I need to buy you before the rose withers."

"Rose withers?" What's that?

"Here we go again.", he looked away looking for any Pioneer lackey he might call upon. "It's a term when the clock goes past three in the afternoon, it's when the shit gets real.", his eyes locked on the guy he calls 'Lee', "Lee! Tell Magnifico... who enslaved you again?"

"Daniel.", I recalled. "He calls himself Daniel."

"Daniel enslaved you?", he smiled. "Then you're gonna be hella cheap!", he looked back at Lee. "Tell Lazy Lace from Magnifico we're buying Juju from Daniel!"

"Yes, sir!", he walked back towards us with a tray filled with chicken soup and four cups of rice. "Here's your soup sir...", he added. "Christian said he's gonna deal the matters with Lazy Lace before the rose withers."

Christian... I assume he's the other guy behind Narrow.

"Thanks, Lee.", he leaned back and let Lee place the plates on our table. "In your opinion, how much does this guy here worth? Based only on what you know. One, he's sold by Daniel, and two, he's from the province, and three, he's got the potential in being an espionage."

"Hmm.", Lee paused for a moment. For some reason, people in Pioneer are not that quite aggressive... unlike Magnifico. I'm happy I am being bought- for some reason that sounds so pathetic of me to say that. "The third point, Magnifico doesn't know about that. As for the first and second points... He'd weigh around ten thousand pesos."

T-ten thousand pesos?! That's like my father's monthly income! They're dealing money here of that caliber?!

"Fair price.", added Narrow.

A fair price?!

Lee meticulously arranged bowls of steaming chicken soup and plates of fragrant rice on the table, each dish carefully positioned with a sense of purpose. With a satisfied nod, he settled himself at a nearby table, inviting me to join him.

It was then that Narrow, his voice filled with warmth, declared, "Now, we eat."

The hunger that had gnawed at my stomach since the morning unleashed an insatiable appetite within me. Without reservation, I dove into the meal, devouring spoonfuls of soup and mouthfuls of rice with primal intensity. The flavors mingled on my tongue, offering nourishment and a sense of comfort that spread through my being.

This is life. My tongue and mouth are satisfied.

Lee, ever attentive, watched our feast unfold with a knowing smile. As I savored each bite, he remained vigilant, prepared to whisk away empty plates and bowls. Ugh... yummy...

Once our appetites were sated, he collected the remnants of our satisfying meal, his movements swift and efficient. "I'll be taking these.", he said as he cleaned the table.

"Thank you.", I said.

"Now, we wait.", Narrow added after burping.

Then a towering figure entered the room- Christian, his commanding presence drawing the attention of all who beheld him. He led a brawny companion, whose muscular frame seemed to ripple with an underlying strength. As they approached our table, the brawny man's expression shifted, adopting an air of forced respect that hinted at a rougher, untamed personality beneath.

Oh, so Narrow really did want to push this through?

With purposeful strides, the brawny man closed the distance, his gaze fixed upon us. He spoke with a gruff voice, the words tumbling forth, "Lazy Lace here. You said you wanted to buy him?"

Narrow, composed, and unwavering, met his gaze and nodded in affirmation. "Yes," he replied, his tone steady and resolute. "How much will you give me for it?"

Lazy Lace wondered for a moment and leaned on the table we were once eating from. He looked at me with aggressive stares. His rough hands were on my ears, checking for something. His hands were all over my face when he replied. "I'll give you fifteen thousand for him."

"Ten thousand.", said Narrow.

"Thirteen thousand."

"Ten thousand.", Narrow then stared at Lazy Lace. "Ten thousand and a positive remark from me here in Pioneer."

"Ugh.", he rasped before concluding. "Sold."

In the air, an unspoken tension lingered, as if a hidden negotiation played out beneath the surface. The brawny man's demeanor, though respectful in his interaction, carried an undercurrent of rawness that hinted at a life shaped by grit and perseverance. His rugged exterior belied a complex spirit, one that had weathered the storms of existence, carving a path through the harsh realities of life.

As their exchange continued, the tall man and the brawny companion stood side by side, a juxtaposition of physical stature and inner disposition. The towering figure exuded an aura of authority and silent power, while the brawny man's presence resonated with a potent blend of strength and untamed energy.

"Christian, take him away and give him eleven thousand.", Narrow smiled. "A kind tip from me."

As Christian escorted the brawny man away from our midst, a sudden emptiness settled upon the space they left behind. The atmosphere seemed to shift, leaving only myself, Lee, and Narrow gathered around the table. Silence enveloped us momentarily, yet in that hushed moment, a sense of quiet agreement filled the air.

Lee, with his ever-watchful eyes, cast a comforting gaze in my direction, acknowledging the shift in dynamics with a subtle nod. It was as if his presence, solid and steadfast, conveyed a silent stiffness that had made me wary of my possible actions.

Narrow, his voice tempered, broke the stillness with words that carried a weight of wisdom. "We move forward.", he stated, his voice a steady anchor amidst the ebb and flow of change. "No need to fear Magnifico. You're sold to me."

I'm sold...

Suddenly, the invisible book at the palms of my hands opened- it sparkled and glowed. "Hidden conditions have been met, some secrets are being revealed to you.", mirage fonts appeared. I was caught off guard.

No, no! Wait! A sudden migraine struck my head as if a gigabyte of memories entered my mind without permission. My eyebrows were reaching eat other. My hands are on my head.

"Are you okay?", asked Narrow. "Hello?", he leaned forward.

"Memories now playing.", said the book. The memories were the tale of two soul sisters.

In a town draped in the veil of poverty's plight,

Two soul sisters found solace, their hearts alight.

Inka and Peppa, not bound by blood's decree,

Yet their bond ran deeper, a connection pure and free.

Hand in hand, they faced life's tempestuous tide,

Their spirits intertwined, side by side.

In the depths of scarcity, they found their strength,

A kinship forged by love, steadfast at any length.

But Inka, with eyes that yearned for more,

Caught a flicker of hope, a distant shore.

Higher education whispered in her dreams,

A path to liberation, or so it seemed.

In a moment of heart-wrenching choice,

Inka sold Peppa, her beloved voice.

The sacrifice made with a heavy heart,

Believing it would grant her life's finest art.

With dreams ablaze, Inka ventured forth,

Leaving behind her humble hearth.

To a foreign state, she bid her home adieu,

In pursuit of knowledge, her spirit grew.

Years unfurled like petals, time's relentless flow,

Inka embraced the lessons, her mind aglow.

As a brilliant engineer, she rose with grace,

A testament to her spirit, her striving pace.

But the call of home echoed in her soul,

A yearning to revisit the place she once called whole.

Back to her hometown, she returned at last,

A phoenix reborn from the shadows of her past.

In the streets that knew her, her steps retraced,

She sought out Peppa, a reunion embraced.

But tears had her heart in shred,

For Peppa was already brain-dead.

It spoke of the tale of two sisters. One sold the other and prospered, migrated. When she came back, she found out her sister went insane. Locked up in an asylum, better off... dead.

What significance does this hold to me?!