Outworld: Awakening

"What?! Is this some kind of joke?" Wallace blurted as he rose to his feet.

Adam, on the other hand, said nothing. He turned his head towards Wallace, wondering why he was so agitated.

A few hours earlier, he and Hendrix left Varidan territory with different goals in mind. Hendrix wanted to buy materials to prepare for his first mission, while Adam wanted to search for Erik Gilmore.

Barely five minutes after they left Varidan territory, they encountered a group of beggars. A common sight within the streets of Dratol. While overwhelmed by the appearance of the beggars, Adam received a message from one beggar that he would receive information on Erik Gilmore in Bricteva's tavern in the southern region of Dratol.

Before Adam could identify the beggar, the group dispersed. Leaving Adam and Hendrix puzzled, albeit for different reasons.

While Hendrix flirted with random girls on the street, Adam mingled with the people in the crowded streets. Although he had no idea if what the beggar said was true, he had to at least confirm it.

Wasting no time, he made his way to the southern region of Dratol. Asking random passerby for directions to Bricteva's tavern.

Although he had no great expectations, it surprised him when he couldn't see anyone within the tavern. While he pondered on what to expect, Wallace of all people made his way into the tavern. To a certain extent, Wallace's arrival calmed Adam's nerves.

Not that he trusted him or anything, but he couldn't imagine Wallace colluding to harm him. Adam was well aware of how much his presence terrified Wallace.

"Wallace, watch your words. The only reason you haven't been kicked out is because of Adam. You don't have the right to speak in this meeting," Igor said.

His current disposition differed from the usually jovial Igor, Wallace knew.

"Igor? Is this—"

Before Wallace could finish his statement, he felt a tug on his robe. Tilting his head to the side, his gaze fell on Adam who hinted at him to take his seat.

Although he had a lot more to say, Wallace obey the command.

"It seems there is a history between you three. As fascinating as I am sure it would be, I don't have time for this. You can settle your business once I leave," Adam said.

His fingers slowly drummed on the surface of the wooden table, while his eyes lingered on Bricteva and Igor like a hawk observing its prey.

"Adam, before we can speak further, we need to see the insignia," Bricteva said.

Her previous accent had disappeared. Her sweet voice contrasted with her elderly physique.

Saying nothing, Adam retrieved a blue-black crystal from his pocket, before tossing it to Bricteva. He donned a smile as he watched her and Igor inspect the crystal.

'That thing looks expensive. How do they know each other? I can't believe these bastards are Erik Gilmore. At least, I won't have to go into hiding. Once their meeting is over, I guess I'd be free from this monster,' Wallace thought as he saw Bricteva and Igor nod at each other.

"Thank you for crystal, Adam. We appreciate your kind intentions. Although we know you're not a fake, we really cannot say anything without the insignia," Igor said.

"Oh? I guess you guys are the real deal. I won't apologize for testing you. I can't be too careful around Isaiah's associates."

Just as Adam finished his declaration, he threw a white pendant towards Igor.

"Adam, is this really necessary? Who is this Isaiah you speak of? Thank you again for the gift. Like you said earlier, do you really have time for this?" Igor said.

Adam's smile brightened as he chuckled. Wallace did not understand what was happening, but he silently continued to observe the developing scene.

Without saying a word, Wallace watched as Adam retrieved another item from his pocket. This time, it was a badge made from silver which had an undescribable pattern on its surface.

'How many of these things does he have?' Wallace thought.

Like before, Adam threw the badge towards Igor. For the first time, Adam saw a smile blossom on the lips of the duo as they observed the item.

"Are you satisfied now?" Adam asked.

"Thank you for obliging with our request. Once again, we are sorry for not approaching you when you arrived in Dratol. We hope you will forgive us. Adam, before we continue, are you sure you want him here?" Bricteva said as she pointed to Wallace.

Wallace flinched as he stared at Bricteva, her eyes gleamed with an icy coldness from a nightmarish experience. It reminded him of Adam's eyes when he killed the bandits in Biamal's outskirts.

'They will kill me. I have to get away from...'

A firm grip interrupted Wallace's train of thoughts.

"Wallace? He's okay. Although I don't trust him, I don't have the time to search for another underling. He can wait outside while we discuss. It shouldn't be too much for you watch over him, since your people are handling the spy Varidan sent to watch me," Adam said.

For a moment, Bricteva and Igor's eyes quivered. Their mouths opened, however, they said nothing. While Adam's words overwhelmed the duo, he turned his attention to Wallace.

"Wait for me outside. Don't worry, nobody will kill you. That's if you don't do something stupid."

Adam released his grip on Wallace's shoulder, before diverting his attention back to Bricteva and Igor who had recovered from their previous surprise.

With none of the trio paying him any mind, Wallace cautiously walked towards the tavern's exit. Although Adam had guaranteed his life, Wallace didn't have that level of trust with him. Their relationship, after all, was one built on a foundation of fear.

The moment Wallace opened the door, two individuals accosted him before his shrieks of surprise could echo.

Neither Adam nor Erik Gilmore paid attention to the scene. Instead, they wordlessly stared at each other.

"I'm tired of this nonsense. Tell me, why did Vicar ask me to see you?" Adam demanded.

"Unfortunately, we are just two lowly underlings of our Master. We can't even dare to claim to work for him," Igor explained.

Adam's brows creased, "You don't work for Vicar?"

Bricteva and Igor affirmed with a nod.

"Then, who do you work for?"

"We are just two underlings fortunate to serve Master Adelaide," Bricteva said.

'Adelaide? I didn't see that coming,' Adam thought as his left eyebrow shot up.

"What about your associates in Varidan Academy? Do they work for Adelaide, too?"

Igor and Bricteva stared at each other, unable to mask their confusion. Neither of them knew how to answer the question.

Their reaction further distorted Adam's countenance.

"Unfortunately, Adam. We have no idea about what you speak of. Master only instructed us to facilitate your admission into Varidan Academy and make sure you're comfortable during your active days in Dratol. Apart from those in our organization, we can't accurately speak of, or identify other underlings serving Master Adelaide," Igor explained.

"What organization does Miss. Adelaide work for?" Adam asked.

He had always wondered which organization Vicar and Adelaide worked for, ever since he met them.

"I'm sorry, Adam. We don't know. We are just mere and disposable underlings serving Master Adelaide. We are not privy to such an information. Even if we knew, we wouldn't say."

Adam slowly nodded as he mulled on Bricteva's words.

"Which organization do you run in Dratol? Why was I supposed to meet you, and what prevented you from coming to see when I arrived?" Adam asked in quick succession.

"Our organization is called Thieves of the Night. We own and finance several guilds in Dratol. Some highbrow shops close to Varidan Academy and The Labyrinth of the Nameless belong to our people. We also own several taverns, inns, and brothels in Dratol. The beggar association in Dratol also work for us. Our organization is also growing in the information market. We weren't able to welcome you as planned because we were threatened not to do so. I'm sorry, but I can't divulge the identity of the person, or why we were given such an instruction, we don't even know ourselves," Igor explained.

'Vicar is definitely involved in this. What is that sadist planning?'

Despite Igor divulging the activities of his organization, Adam thought nothing of it. To him, what they did was literally none of his business as long as it didn't interfere with him or his plans.

He only asked to know if he could find anything to form a connection Vicar and Adelaide's mysterious organization.

"You haven't said the most important part. Why am I supposed to meet you?" Adam said.

"Unfortunately, we don't know. We—"

"What do you mean by you don't know?" Adam interjected. He was slowly growing irritated.

'Is this some kind of elaborate joke Vicar and Adelaide cooked up?' Adam thought.

"Although we don't know Master's intentions, she asked us to pass this to your care once you arrive."

Bricteva retrieved a sealed envelope from the bosom region of dress, before passing it to Adam.

Holding the blue envelope, a peachy fragrance filled Adam's nose. Before his thoughts could wander, he unsealed the envelope. Revealing the letter inside.

At that moment, Bricteva and Igor slowly retreated to a point it was physically impossible for them to read the contents of the letter.

'Adam, if you reading this, it means you haven't died yet. I guess that's an achievement on your part. I won't waste words on travesties. As a student of Varidan Academy, you know that you would have to complete missions to have any hope of graduating. In the same vein, to become a fully fledged member of our organization, you would also have to complete a series of missions. Unfortunately, you don't have any choice in the matter. To avoid suspicion, the heads of the small organization in Dratol will handle the sale of the loot you retrieve from the missions. Prepare yourself, death is a real possibility during these missions. Erik Gilmore will contact you when it's time for your first mission. You can use their organization anyhow you see fit. Lastly, I hope you have conquered the second half of your soul. I believe you will need its powers to face Korgrath when the time comes. I will contact you when I deem it necessary. This letter will explode when the paper turns red.'

As fate would have it, the letter turned red the moment Adam finished reading its contents. Tossing it to the side, it disintegrated into dust while accompanied by a muffled explosion.

'Who the hell said anything about joining that bastard's organization? Any mission from Vicar is bound to threaten my life in more ways than one. Damn it. What am I supposed to do now?'

While deep in thought, Bricteva and Igor slowly returned. With only a few meters separating them from Adam, they simultaneously lowered their heads, "We have acknowledged Master Adelaide's orders. From this moment onwards, we acknowledge you as the leader of our organization. What are your orders?"

'Oh? It seems Miss. Adelaide gave them a separate order. What should I do with these guys?'

Saying nothing, Adam slowly drummed his fingers on the b.a.r.e table.

With each second the silence lasted, Bricteva and Igor grew anxious. But they didn't lift their heads. Five minutes later, Adam's voice reached them again, "I have no interest in running your organization. Do whatever you want. I will reach out if I need you. Admit Wallace into the organization, I prefer to relate with him. If any message arrive for me, send him to notify me at Varidan Academy. You two can leave now. Bring Wallace back, I'd like to talk with him."

Without saying a word, Bricteva and Igor exited the tavern through the backdoor. A few seconds later, Wallace entered the tavern looking dazed and confused.

"Wallace, what are you standing around for? Come take a seat."

Wallace snapped back into reality as he heard Adam's voice. Instead of obeying the order, he pinched Adam's cheeks as if confirming Adam was indeed the person before him.

"Boss, it's really you?"

"What nonsense are you saying? Of course it's me. Take a damn seat," Adam retorted.

He didn't know what Erik Gilmore's men had done to Wallace to make him wonder if he was dreaming.

Scratching the back of his head, Wallace meekly sat down. Guilt-ridden, Wallace's eyes roamed the entire tavern but escaped contacting Adam's.

"So, Wallace, you chose to run away, after all. You remember what I said the last time, right?"

Wallace's body trembled as he fell on his knees, "Boss... Boss, I'm really sorry. Please don't kill me. I'm a simple guy from a simple background. Giving me so much gold was bound to tempt me—"

"Oh? You're saying it's my fault?" Adam glared at that Wallace.

"Yes.. No. No! Definitely not! Boss, I didn't even spend the gold. Some pickpockets took the whole thing away from me. Boss, please give me another chance. I'm a resourceful guy. You said so yourself..."

While Wallace pleaded, Adam continued to glare at him.

'I was only guessing, but it seems he actually planned to flee. Well, I can't blame him. I kidnapped him after all,' Adam thought.

"Boss, please... I don't want to die. I will do anything to make up for it, please! I will do—"

"Why should I trust you? People tend to make many promises when their lives are on the line. How is this any different? You're not loyal, you're just scared out of your mind. Do you think I can't see that?" Adam interjected.

Wallace's mouth opened several times, yet he couldn't say anything. Adam's words had hit the nail on the head.

"I will give you two choices, Captain. One, work for me and I will pay you handsomely; or two, walkaway now and I'll forget about everything that has happened. Think carefully before you make your decision, if you choose the first option, and then betray me, you won't have an unpleasant end. Make your decision."

In silence, Adam placed his head on his left hand which rested on the table.

Meanwhile, Wallace's mind was in turmoil. Despite Adam giving him a way out of his predicament, thousands of thoughts flooded his mind.

'Is this a trap? If I choose the second option, won't he just kill me? Is he trying to tempt me with the first option by saying he would pay me handsomely? What if he only said that because he wants to find an excuse to kill me?' Wallace thought.

"I don't have all day, Captain. Make your decision," Adam said.

Wallace snapped out of his pensive state as he unenthusiastically met Adam's gaze.

"Boss... I will work for you. I won't disappoint you a second time," Wallace declared.

'If death will come with either decision, I should at least make amends for my previous actions.' Wallace had already prepared himself for whatever outcome that arose from his decision.

"Are you certain?" James asked.

"Yes, Boss," Wallace said and reaffirmed with a nod.

"All right. Erik Gilmore will tell you what to do. Until next time, take care of yourself, Captain."

Under Wallace's apprehensive gaze, Adam rose to his feet, before walking towards the tavern's exit.

'That's it? Won't he punish me for trying to abscond with the gold? Or, does he want to kill me when I least expect it?'

Wallace's gaze followed Adam all the way until he reached the door. The moment Adam touched the knob of the door, he turned to face Wallace, "Captain, don't forget my words. There won't be a next time."

Despite Adam donning a smile, Wallace felt chill all over his body.

Within seconds, Wallace watched as Adam's figure disappeared behind the closing door. Before he could react, his vision turned hazy and he could hear a buzzing echo.

A spilt second later, the familiar furniture of the tavern had returned, and the regulars sat in their usual seats, eating and drinking. A joyous atmosphere filled the room, with the aroma of freshly cooked food pervading the air.

'Eh? What's going on? Where did all of them come from?' Wallace thought.

"Oi! Wallace, what are you doing on the floor? Are those tears in your eyes, laddie? Did Igor steal your drink again? Come, come, I'll give ya another bottle on the house. You look pitiful ya fat bastard."

Wallace flinched as he heard Bricteva's cackle.

'F.u.c.k me. I should have taken the second offer. I've entered the den of the weirdos,' Wallace grimaced.