Shinra sat in a dimly lit room the next morning, the events of the previous night replaying in his mind. He remembered the determined look in Azel's eyes as they discussed their next move. Azel had insisted he had a plan, and that plan had led them to this temporary lab.
---
**Flashback**
Azel and Shinra had stood outside a rundown building, the neon lights flickering erratically above them. Azel's voice was steady and assured, "We need a place to work, somewhere off the radar."
They had rented the space, paying extra for discretion. Inside, Azel had set to work immediately, his movements precise and deliberate. Shinra watched, a mix of curiosity and concern in his eyes.
"What are you making?" Shinra had asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
"A potion," Azel had replied, his focus never wavering. "Something that will give us an edge."
---
The flashback faded as the door to the lab opened, and Azel walked in with a wide smile on his face. "It's done," he announced, holding up a vial of shimmering blue liquid.
Shinra's eyes widened. "What is it?"
"A potion," Azel said, his grin widening. "This will give us leverage in the underground world."
"And what exactly are the effects of this potion?" Shinra asked.
Azel's expression turned serious. "This potion sends signals to the brain, amplifying euphoria and sending a wave of mana from the core to the entire body. It's not just a simple high; it replicates the feeling of a breakthrough or an influx of power."
Shinra still looked puzzled. "I don't get it. How is it different from other high drugs?"
Azel shook his head. "Most high drugs barely work. This potion creates an intoxicating feeling of being on top of the world. It's highly addictive because it makes the user feel significantly stronger. After just three doses, it becomes almost impossible to survive without it."
Shinra frowned, recognizing the danger. "Are you sure about this? Even father and uncle refuse to get involved in this kind of thing."
Azel scoffed. "The only reason they don't do it is they haven't found the perfect drug. Remember, Shinra, we are mafia, thugs. Don't let that fancy clan fool you. This is what we do. This is how we reign supreme."
"Alright got it, and you? What will you be doing?" Shinra asked.
"I need to say a little thank you to a certain someone, and do a little digging of my own."
Azel said while picking up his jacket and going out the door.
"Will meet by late eve, see ya."
He said and closed the door making his way out of the lab.
"Savior? I wonder who it is."
Shinra said to no one.
---
Later that day, Azel walked through the bustling streets, heading towards a modest inn. He entered quietly, unnoticed by the patrons. In his hand, he carried a small, ornate box.
He approached a room at the end of the hallway, slipped the box under the door, and left without a sound. Moments later, the door opened slightly, and a maid's hand reached out to retrieve the box.
.
.
.
.
[Refer to chapter 18 to know who they are.]
"Arghh am bored." A voice cried out dejectedly.
"...."
"Come on how long do we have to stay here, I mean aren't you bored."
The voice cried out to the other person in the room.
Taking a deep sigh, the other person closed the book, she was paying attention to.
She focused her gaze in the demi-human lying on the sofa.
The demi-human is a woman with deep black hair and bright golden red feline eyes, the demi woman in question was quite pretty even with the scar on her face.
"For the umpteenth time, Aniké, we can't leave and we have to wait for you know what."
"Bleaurgh, how annoying."
She replied with a bit of accent in her voice.
The other woman in question smiled,not minding her attitude.
"You know...mm?"
She turned her head towards the door sharply, causing her headgear to fall exposing her, her lustrous dark purple and pristine face and her reptilian eyes came to sight.
"Get the door, something is there."
She said not minding the fact her face is out in the open.
"Eep?! Isn't your face supposed to be covered?"
Aniké question in panic.
"It okay, it just us women here," she addressed Aniké, "get the door."
"Yes, my lady."
A maid came out of the shadow and made her way towards the door.
The maid opened the door and picked up the ornate box on the floor.
She stared at the box with caution and gently checked using her mana sense to check for any oddities.
Seeing that the box was clean and without any dangers she closed the door and made her way back to her young lady.
She crossed the room and handed the box to her young lady.
'Mmmmm.'
The young purple haired lady held the box wondering who it could be.
"Who sent it." Aniké beaming with curiosity.
The purple haired lady gave her a shrug.
She untied the ribbon and opened the box.
In the box was a paper folded neatly and a piece of well crafted Ruby hairpin.
She unfolded the paper and read words on it in an undertone.
//I won't beat around the Bush, neither will I ho around, thanks for the cleanup and isolation it really helped.
Though I don't know who you are but I wish to meet you one day and express my gratitude in person.
P.S I know you can protect yourself, but it gonna be a bit unsafe tonight so stay safe.
Peace, see you someday stalker.//
She read the message with a smile on her face, her entire aura was radiating happiness.
She kept the letter and picked up the hairpin.
She held it like it was the most precious thing in the universe.
'It's not stalker..it's Aminat.'
"So who was it?" Anike asked.
"None of your business." Aminat replied.
---
Shinra, meanwhile, was busy making connections in the underworld, determined to find the black markets and establish their foothold. He knew the road ahead was fraught with danger, but he trusted Azel's vision.
As the sun set, casting long shadows over the city, both men were acutely aware that they were stepping into a world of darkness and deception. But they were ready, their resolve unshakable, and their eyes set on the path ahead.
The pieces were in place, the game was in motion, and the shadows of the town awaited their next move.
_____________
A little info for the road.
* Time here is divided to
Dusk.5-7
Morning.7-12
Noon.12-2
High noon.2-4
Late noon.4-6
And eve.6-.....
I'll be speeding up the plot progression abit, I feel like am wasting everyone's time.
Anyways peace, until next time.