“Are you even capable?”

  Even though Count Emil had emptied half of the wine-bottle, looking slightly drunk, his words were still sharp.

  But Jin didn’t flinch. He set the crystal glass on the desk and asked, “Why do you even need to ask me that? Your daughter trusts me. And you told me your family’s history and all.”

  “Because, despite what my daughter says, I have no reason to believe you are capable,” he said, his tone flat with cynicism. “Vincent is in a den of wolves. By sending you, a newly awakened Player, a Support Class no less, that is nothing more than a suicide mission. Worse, you’ll hinder him. Us.”

  Jin let out a slow, measured breath. He had anticipated that response. To get the information he needed, he would have to prove that he was capable to the Lowenhald patriarch.

  “Tell me, Count Emil,” Jin said, a faint smile appearing on his face as he took the seat across the desk. “Is it true you are a Level 120 Emerald III-ranked Mage?”

  Through Tome, Jin knew that wasn’t the truth. Count Emil was Level 147, but also, a few interesting bits of his status came to life. And he could use that to his advantage.

  “What are you trying–”

  “Move your hands. Both.”

  “Hmph? Why? What are you–what?! W-Why are my hands not moving? Threads?”

  Count Emil tried to yank with his arms, but Cattleya’s thread was a stubborn foe. With a flick of his wrist, Jin ensured the Count’s arms stopped moving, too.

  “Still incapable? Even after I immobilised you without you ever realising it?”

  “Cheap party trick. I was taken by surprise, that is all.”

  Jin laughed. “Alright. You win. Now, I’ll let both of your hands go. But, this time, I want you to touch the left side of your neck.”

  Though annoyed, the Count was more curious about his guest’s choice of words. At his rank, level, and skills, very few people in Neo-Tokyo could have challenged him head-on. What more, someone who had only recently awakened to his power in adulthood?

  He touched the left side of his neck and, to his surprise, found it wet. That surprise turned into horror.

  “Blood? Since when did you–hey! Where are you?!”

  “Here,” Jin said, appearing at the count’s blindside on the left.

  He clamped a hand on the host’s back. With a simple push, he could have planted Count Emil’s face into the mahogany table. Yet, he didn’t. Jin wanted to make a point stronger than a simple show of strength.

  “Your C7 and T1 through T3 are out of alignment. Most likely, you were struck here by a blunt weapon some time ago. You had it treated, but because you are still an active Player, you have yet to let it heal properly.”

  “H-How did you know?” the count said. “Only my doctor and I knew–”

  “And your condition is worsening,” Jin interrupted. “Especially your nerves. Because of that, you have trouble on your left side. Hence, all that tapping on the desk when you’re agitated. And guess where I am right now, Count Emil?”

  The count didn’t finish his words; he only shook his head and heaved a deep sigh. “You made your point, Frank. And I was being so careful about it, too. Please don’t tell Emilia, or else she’d be worried sick about me.”

  “Rest,” Jin said as he moved from the count’s blindside back to where he sat moments ago.

  His speed left the Count startled, though the man appeared too proud to speak. From his look, Jin knew there were questions burning in the host's mind – questions he had no intention of answering with the truth. He watched the silent realisation sink in for the patriarch; a Level 147 peak-levelled Player had been dismantled by a man their own system called 'Support'. A ‘newly-awakened’ one at that.

  Of course, Jin would never disclose the truth about Cattleya and Fenrir’s combat abilities, or how Tome read the Count like an open book.

  “Are you sure you are not an Assassin type?” the host finally said. “You are a very dangerous man indeed.”

  Jin brushed the words away. “Me? Assassin? Nah. I’m an Herbalist. I identify plants. That’s it.” He leaned forward, steepling his fingers as he whispered his next words. “But I am capable of taking care of myself. And my enemies. That, Count Emil, is something I am very sure of.”

  The host wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. “And are your lips sealed tight?”

  Jin nodded. “I’ll keep your secret. The last thing we want is to worry our children, right?”

  That was the line he gambled on. Despite him showing the host what he could do, he could never pry another family’s secret if they weren’t willing to tell him. Turned out that Count Emil was not only an amiable host, but also an even better father.

  “Which parent does not worry about his children?” he said. “None of the days go by when I am not worried about my two fools. Emilia, who thinks the family’s burden is on her shoulders, and my son, who has to take over as the patriarch.”

  “Never easy,” Jin added. “My own daughter is currently in a company that I do not agree with. It worries me to no end. However, there were some circumstances between us, so I had to go about it the long way. But what I’m doing right now is for her, and I’m sure you feel the same.”

  “You?” The Count shot a long, unblinking stare in Jin’s direction. “Have a daughter at Emilia’s age?”

  Jin smiled and nodded. If what the daughter said about her father was true, Count Emil would believe his words rather than take them as a poor joke.

  The Lowenhald patriarch let out a deep sigh and said nothing for a while. Once he had finished thinking, he walked to the bar and produced six bottles of alcohol, settling them on the table. Another six followed.

  “Beat me in drinking, then I’ll tell you everything.”

  It didn’t take long for the Count to start talking. Half a bottle in and Vincent’s whereabouts were finally revealed.

  “He told me that he was in Southeast Asia,” he said. “Where exactly, I do not know.”

  “Mind if I borrow this letter for a bit?” Jin asked.

  The count nodded, raising a mock toast with a bottle of whisky.

  “Oi, Tome. Do you think a smart-arse know-it-all bird like you can trace anything in this? Like in a detective story?”

  “Sherlock Holmes, you mean,” came the reply. “You are looking down on me, dumb human master. I’ll have this solved in minutes, if not seconds.”

  If anything could pique the interest of the Legendary Beast, the Owl of Endless Tome, it was detective stories. Using intellect to verbally dismantle an opponent was a concept the bird found fascinating. Since watching a drama series with Elise, who was a chronic binge-watcher herself, Tome was hooked. Sherlock Holmes and Detective Conan were his favourites.

  And without much choice – also not wanting to wrestle the remote from a god and a mouthy bird that’d spill out all of his secrets to anyone willing to lend an ear or two – Old Man Sid had to buy two new television sets. With Jin paying, of course.

  Once the bird fell silent to focus on the task at hand, the master finally found some peace. And hopefully, a better lead.

  “What will you do when you find him?” the Count asked.

  “Nothing.” Jin’s bluntness startled the host. He leaned back, his expression sober despite finishing two bottles himself. “Vincent is taking vengeance for the Lowenhald. Might even secure the family’s future while at it. And the last thing he needs is me or Emilia butting in.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Finally, some sense.”

  Jin smiled. “It’s nothing but common sense, Count Emil. If we interfere, we put his life and ours at risk. So, I’m going to wait and see. If he’s in trouble, only then do I step in. Like a knight saving a damsel in distress.”

  The Count let out a bark of a laugh, his shoulders finally dropping as the tension bled out of the room. He studied Jin for a long moment, his eyes searching for a hint of deception before finally softening. Jin’s explanation had landed, striking a chord within the Count’s inner self. Whatever doubts he had about Jin’s motives were gone, replaced by a wary, newfound respect.

  “But if the worst happens... can you save him?”

  “How do you think I got to you, Count Emil?” Jin asked, a thin smile playing on his lips.

  “You caught me by surprise. That’s all. If I geared up, you wouldn't even get close.”

  “True,” Jin replied. “But do you think I’d give you, or anyone else, the time to prepare? You know the difference between this room and a RIFT, right?”

  “Hahaha. Tough talk from a newbie.”

  For one reason or another, the two men hit it off. Perhaps they were simply two fathers dealing with ambitious, stubborn children. Or perhaps it was the shared silence of grief – two widowers finding solace in each other’s company. One who understood the weight of a broken home. They traded stories as the wine smoothed their throats and loosened their tongues.

  When glasses weren't enough, they shared bottles. By the time the final cork popped, the regal Lowenhald patriarch had vanished, replaced by a man singing and dancing his heart out to an audience of one.

  ***

  “What in the world did you do to Daddy, Frank?”

  “We shared a drink, I guess?” Jin said.

  Unlike the Count, Jin could hold his liquor. Even though the host tried his best to empty the bar, he remained sober. Count Emil, unfortunately, was not much to Emilia’s annoyance.

  “My baby-boo… please don’t leave daddeh…” The Count lunged, hugging his daughter and sobbing incoherent endearments.

  “Ugh! I hate it when Daddy’s drunk.”

  “Well, at least he looks happy.”

  “Happy? Does that mean he told you about Vincent?”

  Jin nodded.

  Emilia shoved her father away in an instant. The butler, having followed her into the room, was ready to catch the stumbling patriarch before his head could meet the floor. Now unburdened, she jumped at Jin instead, throwing her arms around him.

  “Oi. Oi. What are you doing?” Jin asked, trying to peel the Lowenhald princess away. “Have you no shame, doing this in front of your father?”

  “Why can’t I? Daddy’s drunk because he’s happy, right? So why can’t I hug you when I’m happy?”

  “Fair point,” Jin muttered.

  In his mind, however, he revolted at the idea. He would never let his own daughter, Eleana, hug another man in front of him. Drunk or not, he would hunt that bastard down. Even a future boyfriend, if she ever had one. The mere thought of the word ‘boyfriend’ sparked a sudden, sharp flash of anger in his eyes.

  Emilia misread the change in his expression. She assumed his flushed face was a sign of embarrassment at her show of affection. Grinning, she hugged him tighter and stole a kiss. Jin, his mind still preoccupied with protective fatherly rage, did not even register the contact.

  “Oi, you basteh! What’re ye doin’ with Emishia–hic! Aren’t ye as old as meh?! Ye into kiddies now?!”

  “Daddy, shush. You’re talking nonsense. Mister Koch, please take care of him.”

  “Yes, milady,” the butler replied.

  Emilia seized Jin’s hand and pulled him from the room, leaving her father to spew incoherent protests at the ceiling.

  ***

  That night, Jin called a team meeting at the old shrine. It was the site of his summons every twenty-eight days, but since the ritual wasn't due, it was the safest place to talk. Besides, Old Man Sid was adamant about keeping his house private. Between his beer stock and his 'place of zen,' he didn't want his home becoming a hangout for noisy delinquents. Especially that green-haired thug from the Wong Clan.

  “Man, this place gives me the creeps,” Ka Fei said, glancing at the shadows. “You sure it’s not haunted?”

  “Why?” Emilia asked with a gleeful smile. “You scared? Are your tiny hairless balls shrivelling in fear?”

  “For a noble princess, you’re sure vulgar, Emi-bitch.”

  “Keep calling me that, and I’ll curse you, arsehole. If nothing else, O-Hime of Ikuta might come and visit you.”

  “The O-Hime what?” Ka Fei’s face went pale, much to everyone’s amusement.

  Elise, ever the knowledgeable guide, provided the gruesome details. “It’s the shrine princess who cursed every male who visited the place. Legend says that at night, she or whatever is left of her head and entrails–”

  “Enough! Enough! I don’t want to hear it!” Ka Fei scrambled behind Ironshield. The veteran Player laughed, watching the banter between the younger members. Old Man Sid and Jin shared a knowing smile.

  “You know, I’ve been reading the news,” Emilia said as the group continued up the stairs. “For the last three months, people have noticed lights coming from this place on certain nights.”

  “What kind of light?” Jin asked, feigning ignorance.

  “Flashes, mostly. I haven’t seen them myself, though. Probably one of those scary stories to keep people away,” Emilia answered.

  “Hahaha!” Old Man Sid laughed. “Might be. Right, Frank? Scary stories and all, eh?”

  Jin smirked but said nothing.

  “So, why come here if it’s haunted?” Eustace whispered. “I don’t believe in ghosts, but seeing Ka Fei behave like a scaredy-cat is giving me the jitters.”

  “Jitters, eh?” Jin cracked a small smile, his voice cutting through the chatter. “Alright, kids. “From now on, this is our official meeting place. I’ve been here for almost twenty–I mean, two years, and it isn't haunted. Creepy, maybe, but not haunted. Besides, you’ve seen the worst the RIFT has to offer. So, why fear a ghost?”

  “Same here. I like this place,” Elise added. “The breeze at the top is refreshing, and the view is marvellous. Especially at night. Besides, it’d be perfect for a barbecue. Say, Frank, do you know who owns this place?”

  “Beats me.” Jin shrugged. “Sid, do you know anything about this place? It’s close to your house anyway.”

  “All I know is that the shine was abandoned more than fifty years ago during the Cataclysm,” Old Man Sid answered. “No one ever claimed it or cleaned it. Not until you arrived.”

  “Cool. An ownerless shrine,” Elise said. “Why don’t we make this our company’s permanent headquarters? Sid’s place is fine for a temporary address, but we need a home. I can handle the paperwork if it’s available.”

  “Great idea,” Ironshield agreed with a thumbs up. “It’s spacious. I could use a courtyard or a few for my exercises.”

  “Any place that isn’t my house, I’ll second it,” Old Man Sid added as the other two cheered the notion.

  Jin pondered the idea. While everyone liked the plan, he had the monthly summoning ritual to consider. His powers and the method he used to gain them were secrets he couldn't risk exposing to anyone yet.

  However, owning the place would take time. By then, he could move the ritual elsewhere. He’d discuss the matter with Bahamut sometime later.

  “We still have a year or so,” Jin decided. “Let’s take it one step at a time. Who knows, we might find a better spot. For now, we use it as it is. If we still love it later, we’ll make it ours.”

  With the location settled, Jin turned to the most important matter. He finally knew Vincent’s exact location, thanks to Tome’s newfound hobby as a detective. To maintain absolute secrecy, he didn't disclose the specifics, only that he would be away for a time before dividing the party’s tasks.

  “Ironshield’s rating is maxed at 5,000,” Jin said, as the group huddled over a campfire.

  Elise prepared the kebabs while Old Man Sid brought out a few cans of beer, offering them around.

  “That’s 25,000 left for the rest of us. As the founder, I have around 200, which means I alone need another 9,800 SeC-Rate besides reaching Gold-I rank. The rest of you have less than fifty. With less than a year to go, we need to work our arses off. I reckon our field leader has an idea how?”

  “I have a few,” Ironshield replied. “The fastest way is to complete RIFTs ranked a tier or two above us. D-Rank is safe for our current teamwork, but with Frank around, we could push for C. Or at a stretch, B-Rank.”

  “Sorry, guys,” Jin said. “But this time, I have to step away. Like I said, we need more firepower, and Emilia’s brother is our best bet. And I am going–“

  “What do you mean ‘I’?” Emilia interrupted. “It’s ‘we’. Me and you.”

  Jin’s worst fear and his biggest problem came true. But there was no way he could have refused her. Not when Count Emil himself gave the blessing. Drunk or not, his words carried weight.

  “Alright. Emilia and I are going to find and recruit him. If he joins, then the path ahead becomes a lot easier.”

  “Hehehe.” Emilia, looking far too pleased with herself, produced a platinum bank card from her pocket, “Don’t worry. Daddy has sponsored the trip. Do whatever you need, Frank.”

  “Hopefully you don’t waste your time, bossman,” Ka Fei chimed in. “It’d be hilarious if you came back empty-handed without a single point to show for it.”

  “Don’t you dare jinx us, bastard,” Emilia snapped. “It’s my brother we’re talking about! When he joins, you’ll finally see what proper DPS looks like. And Jin will get 10k SeC-Rate and Gold-I in the blink of an eye, too.” The red-haired girl snapped her fingers. “Just like that. You’ll see.”

  “Shut up, witch. He’s abnormal. Like our bossman here.”

  The two descended into their usual banter while the others finalised the logistics.

  “When do you leave?” Ironshield asked.

  “The day after tomorrow. We need time to prepare.”

  “Prepare?” Emilia turned back mid-spat with Ka Fei. “I’ve been prepared since yesterday!”

  The Lowenhald princess was in a rare mood. Usually, her verbal exchange with Ka Fei would leave them both fuming, but tonight she was jovial. She even played the summer’s fairy godmother.

  Old Man Sid had found two cartons of beer delivered to his doorstep before they set out, while Elise had a new La’ Aeterna make-up set. Ironshield had already donned his gift – a new tank top with ‘Best in Tank’ emblazoned across the chest in bold letters. Even Eustace and Ka Fei had received personalised motivational keychains.

  For Jin, she had brought a dozen premium cinnamon rolls, betting on the rumours about his sweet tooth. She wasn’t wrong, though. It had become a local legend among the SeComm café staff; the baristas often shared stories of a man resembling Jin who would arrive at lunch and clear their entire daily stock.

  “Hehehe. Finally, a date with you for as long as I want.”

  “Hmm? You say something, Emilia?”

  She blushed and turned away. “Nothing! We start early the day after tomorrow, right? If that’s everything, we should head back.”

  Since there was nothing else, Jin adjourned the meeting. Ironshield was more than capable of handling the team without constant supervision. Jin needed the rest as the coming days would be hectic. While his initial motive for finding Vincent was practical – securing a powerhouse for his company, Elysium – his promise to Count Emil weighed on him.

  As a single father, the Lowenhald patriarch’s request had become personal. He needed to ensure that Vincent was successful in his mission and returned him to the family in one piece. At best, Emilia and he would watch from the sideline. At worst, Jin would need to get his hands dirty.

  It was a gamble that Jin risked himself for. Hoping that, in due time, they would be the ones to help him find his own way home. His way back to his family.

  But for now, his new ‘home’ had been set.

  Kuala Lumpur.