"Took you long enough."

It was only five minutes... how long do you even poop on average?

I cautiously lowered myself onto the chair, my eyes fixed on Narrow. The room was draped in an aura of intrigue, the air heavy with anticipation. As I settled across him and into the seat, the wood beneath me seemed to creak with unease, mirroring the restlessness within my own being. Narrow's piercing gaze met mine, his eyes like deep pools of mystery.

"Ah, I was overthinking while nature was calling.", I replied. "You called?"

"You're technically my property.", Narrow made a relaxed composure. "Though, I might have to let go of that owner-slave thingy.", he added. "I'll treat you as an equal, but promise me one thing."

One thing? "I'm listening..."

"Pay me tenfold, not in money, but in gratitude.", he grabbed a bottle of water and drank it. A debt of gratitude?

"It's an honor to pay you, Narrow.", I hesitated. "Or should I call you sir?"

"No, no.", he replied. "Narrow will be fine. You see, Lee and Christian here called me sir because I saved their delinquent asses from the death grip of the Right Hands.", he chuckled. "Good times..."

"Oh, okay."

"Lee," Narrow's voice boomed, echoing against the worn walls of the hideout, "announce to our esteemed brothers and sisters that a new addition has arrived."

Lee stepped forward, his burly frame exuding strength and authority. His voice, like a thunderclap, reverberated through the room, reaching the ears of every member present. "Yes, sir."

"You see, Juju.", Narrow leaned forward. "Everyone here is your brother and sister."

The hour's hand struck two in the afternoon. It's that late already?

"Brothers and sisters!" Lee's voice boomed, carrying the weight of tradition and honor. "Gather your attention, for today we celebrate the arrival of a new brother!"

The room erupted with cheers, the resounding applause echoing in harmony with the pounding of hearts. Each member turned their gaze towards our tale, anticipation etched upon their faces.

At that moment, the heavy doors swung open, revealing figures at every threshold and corner.

With a voice that carried the weight of authority, Narrow spoke, introducing the newcomer to the fold. "Behold, brothers and sisters, a new dawn has arrived with our newest member. Let us welcome them with open arms and embrace the strength they bring to our ranks."

A wave of applause and cheers erupted once more, the room vibrating with a sense of unity and acceptance. The new brother, their features now visible to all, stood tall and proud, their eyes shimmering with determination and the promise of loyalty.

However, the gloom remained. The cafeteria became a whirlwind of activity, filled with the clamor of cutlery, the clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of conversations that blended into an indistinct murmur. As I sat there being greeted by almost everybody around us, the realization that these whispers held a weight I couldn't ignore.

Amidst the bustling ambiance, snippets of conversation reached my ears, carrying with them words that pierced through my defenses. The murmurs seemed to surround me, growing louder with each passing moment. They spoke of my perceived weaknesses, my limitations, and doubts cast upon my strength.

"Does he really belong here?" "A Magnifico slave? Here?" "He's a joke, right?" "Let's test him."

Ah, shit. I don't feel good about this.

"Say, Narrow.", I bit my fingers. "Does any captain know about my arrival? Isn't my acceptance way too abrupt?"

Narrow, the usually composed and enigmatic figure, released his tense posture, his body convulsing with laughter. "Bahahaa!", the echoes of his unrestrained mirth filled the open area. His laughter was infectious, an unstoppable force that defied the gravity of the world around him. It erupted from the depths of his being, a mixture of joy, amusement, and perhaps a touch of madness. The lines etched upon his face crinkled as his lips stretched into a wide grin, revealing a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Lee, beside him, also released a slight chuckle. "Hmphaha."

"You really are new here...", Narrow took a deep breath and resumed speaking. "If you don't mind, my full name is Alexander Narrow Grande.", he smiled.

"Oh...", I really have no clue what to do with his full name, so I just smiled. "Cool. My full name is Juju Phage."

Lee and Narrow exchanged mischievous glances, their eyes twinkling with shared amusement. The echoes of their laughter had barely subsided when, as if on cue, they erupted into another fit of uproarious mirth.

Their laughter intertwined, intertwining like ribbons of sound, blending harmoniously in the air. It cascaded through the room, filling every nook and cranny with a joyous melody that defied all reason. Their shared amusement became contagious, infecting those around them with an irresistible urge to join in.

Lee's laughter was like a symphony of high-pitched notes, a cascade of giggles that bubbled up from deep within her. His delicate frame shook with unrestrained glee, the laughter ringing out like silver bells. Narrow's laughter, in contrast, rumbled like thunder, a deep and resonant sound that shook the very foundations of the room.

"Lee, you explain it to him.", Narrow tore up, quite amused.

Lee took a deep breath, his laughter gradually subsiding, and regained his composure. With a composed demeanor, he brushed off the dust from his shirt, straightening his posture. His eyes met the curious gazes of the gang members, who had been caught up in the contagious laughter just moments ago.

Clearing his throat, Lee's voice rang out with authority, commanding attention. "Let me set the record straight," he began, his tone firm and resolute. "Sir Narrow, about him... He is the younger brother of our esteemed Pioneer gang boss."

Lee's words carried weight, emphasizing the importance of Narrow. What... What the what?

Lee continued. "Despite being untitled. He is as respectable as any captain of our gang."

Well, I'll be damned.

As I was struck with what I had just learned, a hush fell over me as a tall figure emerged from the distance, striding purposefully toward us. My eyes squinted, trying to discern the identity of this unexpected visitor. Who is this... Huh?

"Juju?", the man from afar walked towards us and noticed me.

"Hi, Addu...", I smiled.

"You know him?", Narrow faced Addu. "Addu?"

Addu took a step forward, his gaze steady. "He and I are roommates, bound by the same walls.", he revealed, his voice holding a tinge of wariness.

"Oh...", Narrow's eyes widened. "Well, that's a mystery solved.", he sighed. "Well then...", he looked at Lee. "You may leave us be."

"Yes, sir.", Lee left the scene.

Addu's eyes narrowed as he studied the current situation."What is this?" Addu questioned, his voice tinged with both confusion and intrigue. "I'd greatly appreciate it, Alexander, if you'd explain it well.", he then sat next to me.

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As Addu sat by my side, my attention focused on both of them as the atmosphere in the room grew tense. The table between us held only a single water bottle. This feels like two predators fighting for something, but in this context, they fighting over explanations.

The murmurs of conversation from the surrounding gang members filled the air, their curious gazes fixated on our trio. Their presence created an unwelcome backdrop of intrusion, amplifying the pressure of the moment.

Behind me, Lee's figure remained visible, his presence a silent observer of the unfolding scene. Though his expression was unreadable, I could sense his watchful eyes, ever vigilant in his loyalty to his dearest master, Narrow.

Narrow's gaze shifted from Addu to me, then back to Addu, his eyes narrowing with determination. "I bought him.", he declared, his voice cutting through the ambient noise. "Any elaboration needed?"

"Now, why is that?", reciprocated Addu.

"For fun.", teased Narrow. "Just kidding...", he laughed it off. "Senior Addu, don't you admit that this person is right here.", he pointed at me. "Is quite something?"

I'm quite something? Flatter me not. I'm just a normal province boy... with a cultic grimoire, I guess...

"Did this person ask you about Miss Luna?", Addu swiftly spoke.

"Yes.", the tension grew.

"And you thought that was something special about him?", and grew.

"He met her.", and grew.

"And that's enough data to analyze his potential?", and grew.

"You would have bought him, don't you?", provoked Narrow. "You're just sour."

"You were just swayed by his persuasion skills." Persuasion? Have they caught on? Or was that merely a sleight of their speech?

"And isn't that enough proof that he's skilled?"

"...", Addu lost enough words to add to their quick volley of tense statements. As the room buzzed with the weight of unspoken tensions, Addu leaned in closer to me, his voice low yet filled with an undeniable seriousness. His gaze locked with mine, conveying a message of caution and concern. "Listen to me," he whispered, his tone commanding my undivided attention. "Don't mess with the boss' younger brother. He's bad news."

"I heard that, you damned zesty hippie!", said Narrow.

"I know.", volleyed Addu.

As Addu's words lingered in the air, I met his gaze with a mixture of determination and a hint of intrigue. "I appreciate your concern, Addu," I began, my voice steady. "But this isn't the first time I've interacted with a younger brother of a gang."

Curiosity danced in both Narrow's and Addu's eyes, prompting me to share a fragment of my own story.

"Who might that be?", both Narrow and Addu asked.

"I don't quite remember his name, but I had a bruise from Magnifico's-", I wasn't able to finish my statement when Narrow cut through it and spoke the name of the person I was referring to.

"Reginald.", he chuckled. "That stupid immature junior ass."

Suddenly... Tick! A single click on the cafeteria's clock instantly rubbished all the pre-existing atmosphere giving birth to a dystopian feeling. It's three.

Addu's cell phone alarm popped off. Everyone was looking at each other with a mixture of tension, fear, and wariness in their eyes. The environment of chatter suddenly changed. The whole place trembled.

"The rose has withered!", everyone simultaneously yelled. Even those who do not belong to Pioneers also mentioned a variation of that quote. The rose has withered... which means the peace pact has been lifted soon after the clock hits three... I wonder what happens now.

As the hour hand struck, a palpable tension filled the air, casting a shadow of unease over the once peaceful cafeteria. Conversations that had been lighthearted and carefree came to an abrupt halt, replaced by a sense of alertness and vigilance. In the span of a few seconds, the atmosphere transformed, and the tranquility was shattered.

Eyes darted from person to person, assessing their surroundings with a newfound intensity. The innocent chatter had given way to a collective wariness as if an invisible threat lurked just beyond the periphery of their vision. The clatter of cutlery against plates was replaced by the tightening grip of hands around makeshift weapons, each individual poised for whatever may come.

Amidst the heightened state of alertness, Addu's voice rang out, commanding the attention of all. "The rose has withered," he announced with an air of solemnity. The weight of his words hung in the air, stirring a mix of curiosity, concern, and determination within the hearts of those present. "As the captain of this district," Addu continued, his voice steady and resolute, "I declare a state of heightened vigilance. Be on your guard."

The gravity of Addu's proclamation settled upon the room, anchoring each individual to the reality of the present moment. No longer were they merely patrons of a cafeteria, but members of a tight-knit community, bound together by the shared need to protect one another.

With a nod from Addu, the room erupted into a flurry of whispered conversations and strategic movements. Tables were pushed together, forming impromptu barricades, while chairs were positioned to provide makeshift fortifications. Every individual became a sentinel, their senses honed, ready to defend themselves and their comrades against any encroaching danger.

The adults, which I could see with a rose tattoos on random parts of their skin, seemed unfazed. The caterers, the janitors, and even the teachers looked like it was a part of their usual routine. They didn't care if the students were acting strange or on a higher intensity, killing each other... they seemed to walk calmly as they exited the scene. I couldn't understand what was happening...

"They're roses...", Narrow filled me up with details I couldn't have mustered myself. "An associate of the Order of Roses. They help regulate the peace pact and they're immune from harm. Harm them, and you have the entire city against you."

"Uh...", I became wary. "How do you become one?"

Narrow left me with only a chuckle...

At that moment, the cafeteria transformed into a high-risk zone, where the camaraderie of shared meals and laughter now yielded to a heightened sense of wariness and the determination to protect what was dear.

As Addu's words echoed in their minds, the room bristled with an undercurrent of resolve. The rose may have withered, but from its fading petals, a thorny fortress of resilience would rise. They were prepared to face the storm, standing shoulder to shoulder, unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding their territory, their lives, and the bond that held them together.

Addu swiftly took the lead, his figure disappearing into the chaotic maze of corridors. I found myself lagging behind, bewildered and uncertain. The flurry of activity surrounding me overwhelmed my senses, leaving me feeling like a lost soul in a turbulent storm. Panic threatened to consume me as questions raced through my mind, begging for answers that seemed elusive in the chaos. Addu really is... a captain... He's a leader...

Just as confusion threatened to overpower me, Narrow appeared by my side, his calm presence a much-needed anchor in the tempest. Sensing my bewilderment, he reached out a steadying hand, his voice cutting through the clamor of the surroundings.

"This is just seconds after the rose has withered.", Narrow said, his words laced with a reassuring tone. "This cafeteria is, has been, and will always be our base. After all, why does an information gang need so much territory for? This is enough in our district..."

"So the other gangs conquer those other places?", I inquired further.

"Precisely.", he sighed. "Count from five backward, you'll see how this escalates." Sure...

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

Amidst the frenetic atmosphere, a figure burst through the entrance, his breath ragged and his feet bruised from the urgency. In his trembling hand, he clutched a crumpled piece of paper, its corners folded and edges frayed. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards him, awaiting the imminent revelation.

With a momentary pause to catch his breath, the newcomer unfurled the crumpled paper, smoothing out its creases as best he could. His voice tinged with a mix of excitement and apprehension, filled the air as he began to announce the contents of the message.

"Listen up!" he called out, his words cutting through the hushed tension. "There are currently four bounties right now! Fifteen for the head of Lee, Fifty for the head of Alexander, and a hundred for the head of Addu."

By those words... they mean a thousand... fifteen thousand for the head of Lee?!

"Fifteen thousand for Lee.", Narrow chuckled as he looked at lee from behind us. "That's a three thousand increase from last week."

"A consistent head prince for me and Narrow!", Addu laughed in front of the crowd seemingly making light of the situation. "My goal for this week, I'll reach one hundred twenty!", he cracked a joke.

"Hah.", Narrow chuckled. "Classic."

"Who's that guy with the list of bounties..." Creepy how he's literally announcing death threats.

"He's Dmitri Grande.", he smiled, feeling a sense of pride hearing his own surname. "He's the whistleblower. Despite us having the same surname, we're not related."

"Ah..."

As the gang members exchanged knowing glances and relayed crucial information to one another, I found myself at a loss, unsure of where to lend a helping hand or how to contribute meaningfully. The sense of belonging that had briefly taken root within me wavered, overshadowed by a nagging self-doubt that threatened to consume my resolve.

Caught in the ebb and flow of the room's restless energy, I watched as pairs of eyes darted my way, assessing my presence with a mixture of curiosity and expectation. It became evident that, in this crucial moment, my role had yet to be defined, my purpose elusive and undefined.

I stood behind. I couldn't help but feel a heavy sense of desensitization that seemed to permeate the air. It was as if death had become an all-too-familiar acquaintance, lurking in the shadows, ready to claim its next victim without so much as a second thought. Death had become commonplace, reduced to a mere statistic in the chronicles of Barter's existence. The ceaseless violence and unrelenting hardships had stripped away the natural human reaction, leaving behind a numbness that dulled the senses.

"Wait, you said four!", yelled Addu. "Who's the new one to be killed?"

Dmitri took a long pause. "I don't know this one."

A palpable sense of confusion hung heavy in the air. The normally well-coordinated and disciplined group seemed to have lost their footing, their collective resolve temporarily shaken.

"What do you mean?", inquired Addu.

"The name is written.", the whistleblower tried enunciating the name clearly. "For a bounty of two hundred, surpassing you twice fold, captain.", he sighed...

"Juju Phage."

And this is a common scene?!