I took a puff from the cigar and exhaled, the rich tobacco flavour filling the room and the smoke from the cigar turning the light above us into haze. Viktor leaned back against the bar, his imposing presence commanding this space.
"Viktor" I began with a calm voice, despite being very nervous. "I've got a situation on my hands. Someone very precious to me has been abducted, and I need your help in tracking those people down."
"Okay, Tell me more." Viktor took in another puff from the cigar, giving his full undivided attention to me.
"What do you want to know?" I asked, being caught off guard by this pretty dry follow up question.
"Everything. Tell me every last detail." Viktor replied, his face being very serious. "Okay." I replied, matching his energy, and so began a graphic retelling of what happened on that fateful night, and I altered the details in a way that I didn't give away the fact that this siege happened at the Imperial Nexus
Viktor listened intently, as he alternated between sips of beer and puffs of cigar, and after he listened to the entire story in full, he blanked out into space for a bit.
"...and that is how Valeria brought me to you, and told me that you are someone that can be absolutely trusted."
He placed down his empty mug of beer, and appeared to ponder for a moment, considering everything I had said.
"So this person called Gelidra, she sounds awfully familiar, the way she used that Ice burst attack "Chillspire". Also, I find it hard to believe that she was a person who could use elemental powers tied with blood manipulation, as far as I've heard about that, and very few people like Valeria have that capability."
He then pulled out another cigar and lit it with his lighter.
"Okay, James. So from what I've heard from you combined with what Valeria told me about the other foes , they seem like a formidable, but manageable enemy."
I was taken aback at the confidence that Viktor was displaying. "You sure do seem confident in your ability to take them on, Viktor."
He let out a hearty laugh.
"Confidence, my friend, is a weapon as potent as any sword or spell," Viktor replied, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of determination and a touch of mischief. "But make no mistake, I am not underestimating our adversaries. The key to victory lies not only in strength, but in strategy and understanding."
As he spoke, Viktor's confidence seemed to infect the very air around him, infusing the room with a renewed sense of purpose. The shadows danced across his face, casting him in a mix of light and darkness, visually implanting a fire on his face that seemed to reflect his heart.
"It's not like I'm gonna bring you to someone who's incapable." Valeria interjected, sounding slightly hurt.
"Hey, I'm not sad that you brought me here." I replied, surprised by how Valeria seemed to be paying attention while I thought she really loved the food.
"So James, you want me to find the people who kidnapped this person who is precious to you right? Do you want the captors dead or alive?"
"Alive if possible, but if you can't help it, kill them." A small smile dawned on Viktor's face as these words left my mouth.
"Very well. I will make sure that no one scratches your woman."
I immediately tensed up. "S-she isn't my wife or anything, just someone who's very important to me, that is all."
Valeria chuckled a bit, and then leaned on my shoulder.
"He has someone else on mind, Viktor. Leave the man to his own devices please." She had a somewhat stern tone to that sentence, and flipped her hair in what appeared to be a pout to the side.
Viktor got very confused, and then he went "Aha! Understood~" with a sing-song voice, while shooting a wink at me.
I immediately blushed, knowing exactly what he meant. I immediately cleared my throat and continued.
"As for payment, feel free to ask whatever you want. I run one of the biggest trading companies around here, so I should be able to get my hands on pretty much anything."
Viktor squinted his eyes, lost in thought. I waited and waited, but got no response.
I glanced back to Valeria, who moved away from me and slapped Viktor. That slap resounded through the chamber, getting everyone's attention.
Hushes danced around us, as Viktor finally came to, from getting too high, a short girl who appeared to be one of the serving staff suddenly stepped up to our table.
"You apologize to boss right now!" The girl beamed at me and Valeria. "Apologize?" I snarked back.
Valeria's sigh was almost audible, a mixture of exasperation and amusement as she shook her head at my antics. "You're pushing your luck, Ed," she chided with a wry grin.
"Pushing my luck? I'm trying to tell this guy about our situation, and he passes out?" I was frustrated. If this is the level of competence in this person that Valeria want to be hiring.
Viktor, his demeanor returning to clarity, blinked a few times as if shaking off the remnants of a dream. He cleared his throat and offered an apologetic smile. "My apologies for that momentary lapse, my friend. It seems even the most seasoned of us can be caught off guard."
I released a pent-up breath, my frustration ebbing away as quickly as it had surfaced. "No worries, Viktor. We've got a lot to discuss."
Viktor nodded, his focus recentered on the matter at hand. "Indeed, we do. Now, let us delve further into the details of this situation."
Just as we were about to resume our conversation, a voice chimed in from behind, interrupting our exchange once more. "I must apologize on his behalf. He's quite prone to… unexpected interludes."
I turned to see the short girl who had intervened earlier, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Her presence radiated an air of intelligence and confidence, a curious combination that seemed at odds with her stature.
Valeria's voice held a touch of amusement. "Lyra Monyet, always managing to keep us on our toes."
"You know her?" I whispered my question to her.
"I've heard a lot about her from Viktor" Valeria shot back.
Viktor chuckled, his gaze shifting to the newcomer. "Indeed, Lyra, your timing is impeccable as always."
Despite her small frame, her presence exuded an air of confidence and intelligence that commands attention. Her striking appearance is a testament to the blending of strength and grace, as if she's a living embodiment of the delicate balance between power and finesse.
Her hair, a cascade of rich ebony, fell in loose waves that frame her face, giving her an almost ethereal aura. A few strands, rebellious and untamed, brush against her high cheekbones, adding a touch of spontaneity to her meticulously crafted image.
Lyra offered a playful salute. "Someone has to ensure our esteemed leader doesn't get lost in his thoughts for too long."
As I observed the interaction between them, it became evident that Lyra held a unique position within Viktor's circle—perhaps more than just an ordinary staff member. Her casual yet respectful demeanor hinted at a deeper connection.