My eyes dart around the room, searching for something to use. Turning for my sword would take too much time. I'd be dead before I could even grab it. Behind the man, the two seated at the table seem to be whispering something, not even taking notice at the two of us. The man takes a step forward and throws his hood off. Spikey red hair spills out. He has electric blue eyes and a face that is perfectly sculpted. He seems TOO perfect.

He grins, "My name is Zack. What's yours?"

I remain silent. He scoffs, "Alright then. Let's get this show on the road." Suddenly, he lunges forward. I grab the closest thing to me, a chair, and swing it up, causing his sword to pierce through it. With a grunt, I try to swing the chair to my left in hopes that he will lose his grip. Zack doesn't even budge. How strong is this guy? He laughs and drops his sword. The loss of him holding the sword causes me to lose my balance, and he sends a kick to the right side of my body. I can't even react and get sent straight into the wall.

Pain shoots up my side. I think this asshole broke a rib. Zack cackles and rips his sword out of the chair. "Come on, I know you can do better than that," he says as he walks toward me. I grit my teeth. Fine. He lunges at me again, and this time I have a plan. As he thrusts, I dodge to my left and bring my right palm up, and as I feel the cold steel of the sword, I slam my left palm down, cracking the sword in half.

I feel a grin start to form as I prepare to retaliate when I feel cold steel against my neck. I freeze. In Zack's hand is the broken point of the sword pressed against my neck. No way. Somehow, he managed to grab the blade piece as it flew in the air, get a firm grip, and press it against my neck in a second. Who the fuck is this guy? He smiles, "That's more like it." He then drops the blade and steps back.

"I told you he wasn't just an ordinary person." I whip my head to the voice to find the smaller of the three standing up. The feminine voice takes off the hood to reveal a beautiful girl underneath. She has straight black hair and brown almond-shaped eyes with delicate features. She reminds me of those pictures of the people who live among the waterfalls.

Zack shrugs, "I never doubted you, but Herron made me test the guy."

The final of the three replies in a deep voice, "We can never be too careful." I look between the three, confused but tense. The man named Herron stands up, and I have to look up to see his face. Damn, he's almost as tall as Sal. "My name is Hearon," As he says this, he holds out a large hand while taking off his hood. I ignore his outstretched hand.

"Silen Stone," I say hesitantly. Unlike the other two, who seem like they were sculpted by the gods, Herron looks very rugged. Black hair that is ruffled and has a few white streaks in it. A large face with bright brown eyes and a large scruffy beard. He also wears a beaming smile.

Herron gestures to the woman, "This is Azu Mi, and the red-haired man is Zack." They both give me a nod. I remain silent and on guard. A few seconds ago, one of them was trying to kill me, and now they're acting friendly. What's their angle? He gestures to one of the open seats at the table, "Why not have a seat? We would like to offer you a deal."

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I'm not really sure how to take this. On one hand, these people attacked me out of nowhere, so why should I listen to them? On the other hand, they could probably mop the floor with me, which is a first. It's been years since I've lost to anyone in a fight. I should probably listen to what they have to say. It can't be a coincidence they found me right as I'm trying to leave the city.

"Okay, talk."

Hearon nods, "We did not get off to the best of starts, but there is a reason for that, as I am sure you are aware." I would hope so. I cross my arms and remain silent. He gestures to Azu Mi, who hands him a rolled-up parchment. He then lays it out on the table. It's a map. I stare at it. The map depicts the boundaries of humanity: the coastal region, Lariat, and the mountain region, Finsal. Between them are the flatlands, which mainly consist of farmlands and small settlements.

Something isn't right, though. Beyond the mountains is the Exlades. The Exlades is a massive plain that stretches for who knows how far. No one is allowed past the mountains due to the Exlades being made out of blades of grass, also known as the blade plains. The grass is apparently as strong and sharp as swords. A slow and painful death to those who try to traverse it. But this map shows something beyond there. End City? What is Immensus Saltus?

As I stare at the map, a memory pops into my head from several years ago. The massive library under the mountains. The book about life beyond the mountains. Was that book telling the truth? As these thoughts race through my mind, I realize the three strangers are staring at me with a surprised look. "What?" I say, slightly irritated.

Hearon shakes his head, "We are just surprised. We would have assumed someone from Titan would be in shock seeing that something lies beyond your mountain wall."

My eyes narrow, "Titan?" That's not something I thought I would hear.

Azu Mi glares at Hearon and turns to me, "Ignore that for now. As Herron said, we would like to make you a deal. You need a way out of the city. We need someone strong. Come with us. We will explain everything on the way." As she says this, my suspicion skyrockets. What do they mean by someone strong? That red-haired guy tossed me around like a rag doll. Also, How do they know I'm trying to leave the city?

"You've been following me. Haven't you?" I say, my body naturally tensing up, ready to fight or run.

Hearon holds out his hands, "Now, now. We can explain."

He goes silent for a second, and Zack sighs, "We were scouting you." Scouting me? I want to ask, but Azu Mi speaks before I can.

"We cannot tell you why. However, we can get you out of the city. That we can guarantee." I don't want to trust these people. However, can I really say no to a guaranteed escape from here?

"When?" I ask.

The three look at each other with relief on their faces. Hearon smiles, " Right now if you want." I lean back in my chair. Damn, that's tempting. But no, I can't leave yet. I still have something to do.

"Alright. But on two conditions." I say. Zack lets out an exasperated sigh and starts to lean toward me in a threatening manner, but Azu Mi puts her hand on his chest, stopping him. She looks at me and nods. "First, I need one day. I have something important to do. Second, I need all of this explained to me as soon as we get out of the city. I have no reason to trust you and refuse to act like your friend."

"Deal," Hearon says without hesitation. The three then stand up. They walk past me towards the door, but Zack stops and turns to me.

"Now that you've agreed to come with us, you won't be getting out of it. In one day's time, we leave. Even if we have to drag you with us." And just like that, they are gone. I feel my muscles relax and sag in the chair. I've either made the deal of a lifetime or fucked myself.