As the night went on at Klein Hub, the atmosphere was lively and filled with excitement. The group of friends enjoyed the music, laughter, and the sense of camaraderie that surrounded them. Unknown to them, however, a simmering tension was about to erupt into chaos.
In a dimly lit corner of the hub, amidst the bustling atmosphere of laughter and revelry, Cyan's group found themselves at the center of unwanted attention. The Tiger Mercenaries, accompanied by the Henley brothers, had their eyes locked on Cyan's group, their mischievous grins giving away their malicious intentions.
One of the Henley brothers whispered in the ear's of the man who seems to be in charge of their group.
Cyan's group were unaware someone was targeting them until a mocking voice pierced through the noise, drawing all attention towards Paul Henley, who stood at the forefront of the Tiger Mercenaries. His smug tone clashed with Cyan's frown, as his words dripped with condescension. "Well, well, if it isn't the slum boys showing up where they don't belong," he taunted, his eyes narrowing with a predatory glint.
Cyan's curiosity turned to concern as he noticed the calculating gazes of the Tiger Mercenaries fixed upon his group. Something in their looks spelled trouble, and it was clear they were not seeking friendly conversation.
Before Cyan's group could retort, a figure from the Tiger Mercenaries boldly strode forward, claiming a seat as if he owned the place. His imposing stature and well-toned physique exuded a silent confidence. He barely acknowledged the group's presence, his eyes fixed on Cyan, eager to provoke a reaction.
"Please, take your seat" Cyan invited sarcastically. The man didn't mind his sarcastic tone, he smiled as he stared at them Cyan group with a focus gaze trying to intimidate them.
Cyan knows today's trouble couldn't be avoided so he decided to steer the conversation "What do you guys want?Cyan's voice carried a touch of authority, honestly, Cyan is not intimidated by a practitioner at the Adept level, his only worries is his friends but he's not hopeless he can still protect them. Although Cyan training as a warrior is lacking, he still has other means to fight.
The man, seemingly undeterred by Cyan's tone, poured himself a drink, savoring the moment. Cyan's patience waned as the seconds ticked by without a response. Just as he was about to repeat the question, the man spoke, his voice laced with intrigue and curiosity.
"Are you their leader?" His eyes locked onto Cyan's, searching for any flicker of vulnerability ordinary people have when facing practitioners.
Maintaining his composure, Cyan met the man's gaze head-on. "Yes, I am. Now, what business do you have with our group?"
"I have heard a lot about you guys from the Henley brothers and from what I have heard I am impressed with your resourcefulness. Its people like you guys we the Tiger mercenary like to recruit" the guy said as he observe Cyan hoping to see a reaction unfortunately, this time he would be disappointed. The reaction he was looking for is surprise, excitement but what this people are showing is a frown and indifference.
The man couldn't maintain his amicable smile as he released his aura. Cyan frown further deepened, if this continues his teammates are going to suffer internal shock. They haven't started practicing.
Cyan quickly released his soul power as he shielded his friends from the aura onslaught.
"Interesting, you have been hiding well boy" if before the man's interest was casual now Cyan release of soul power has piqued his interest. People who practice soul power are mostly pharmacist, even amongst pharmacist strong soul power like Cyan is rare. He is able to resist his late Adept level and shield others. This shows Cyan's finesse of control over his soul power, his ability to shield and support his friends, had caught him off guard, even among the most skilled pharmacists it's rare.
Cyan group of people felt their breathing became easy, hearing what the man said it seems their boss had protected them. This made their determination to start practicing increase tenfold, they don't want to be a burden to their boss or left behind. Even though they like to call Cyan their boss he is still their friend and family. They want to walk alongside him as he walk through his path and ambition while also making something of themselves along the way.
Cyan noticed the change in his friends and this made him happy. He can't help them with their determination and will, this is something innate. Practicing is not all roses, it's a hard path that will be filled with both sweat and pain. The world they live in is a word where the strongest fist has the final word. If they don't want to be trampled on all their lives and remain in mediocrity they need to find that desire themselves.
The man's curiosity ignited, the man's eyes gleamed with newfound interest. Cyan's group had proven themselves to be more than just a bunch of "slum boys" – they possessed hidden depths and hidden potentials.
"My name is Larry I am the second in command of Tiger mercenary group" the man introduced himself with pride and confidence. "What do you think of my offer?"
In all honesty, if it was before Cyan transmigrated to Moon world and got the tower, he will be so happy that a Tier 1 mercenary showed interest in them. Now he doesn't even put Tier 1 in his eyes.
"I appreciate the offer but I respectfully decline," Cyan answered.
"Who do you think you are? Boss is condescending to recruit you guys but you dare to reject. You should all be honored the Tiger mercenary is recruiting you " a man with a scar running across his face said as he glared at Cyan with a evil glint.
"I believe a Tier 1 mercenary won't forcefully recruit us ordinary people. It's against the mercenary law, moreover, it would be bad for your reputation" Cyan said as he stare at the man.
With each person moment, the tension in the air thickened. The atmosphere shifted from one of celebration to tumultuous anticipation.
"Has the Tiger Mercenary fallen so low to the extent they now bully ordinary people" a mocking voice sounded calling everyone attention to the person.
Cyan looked at the new group of people and noticed they were all dressed in mercenary attire with the Emblem of Silver Lining.
"Darius, mind your business. River water does not interfere with well water. You have your ways we have ours" Larry said with a warning.
"You don't scare me Larry, especially you goons who give mercenaries bad reputation" Darius answered with disdain.
While the two groups were confronting each other, Cyan use the moment to leave the place with his friends but not without teaching the Henley brothers a lesson. There's a reason why pharmacist are not to be trifled with, especially one who is good at poison. He's not interested in the Henley brothers' life but he will make their life miserable for a week as they feel intense pain.
"Cyan, when is the training starting?" Law asked, his determined expression mirroring the rest.
"In a week's time, I should finalize everything with the commander".
"Good, I don't mind going through hell as long as I can gain power not to feel helpless like this again I am in". They rest also reiterated their willingness to train.
Cyan didn't comfort them, this is the resolve they need going forward. The enemies they will be facing in the future will be stronger than Tiger Mercenary.