Whoosh!
Running through the hallways, Jake excitedly ran toward the exit. Piercing glares surrounded him, their owners annoyed by the rambunctious young man disturbing their peace with his dash. It did not matter to him, though, for he had received exciting news.
He had gotten an invitation to the first-ever Bloodrise Cup, hosted by none other than the mysterious owner of the hall himself. He was thrilled by the prospect of receiving an invitation, yet he also grew somewhat skeptical, for he had never heard of any tournament being held for new rising stars.
Something didn't seem right to him.
Yet this all flew out the window once the prize list was brought up to him:
1st place - 1 million UD and one mystical art of your choosing.
2nd place - 500,000 UD and one thousand-year-old Dinopad Clover.
3rd place - 250,00 UD and one 50% voucher to any Adventurer store (validity confirmed).
His face beaming, Jake continued to dash, believing that it wouldn't be that bad. I mean, c'mon who would be that dumb and brave to actually do anything evil or nefarious at the capital of Earth. They would have to have enough power and influence to do so, and I don't think the Federation of Supernaturals would sit still if it did occur...
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"Dammit, what the hell is going on here! Pirate attacks every single week, and we don't know shit! This is impossible to happen every time without us knowing beforehand. It's almost like as if someone is telling them how to bypass the defense system, but how? Nobody here should be able to, since we, especially me, have conducted extensive investigations regarding the various incidents. So, how is it still happening?!"
Slamming his fists on the table, Strados, red-faced, yells at the holoscreen, angered beyond doubt. Coffee and cigar stains are seen at the edges from where they were spilled, evidence of the mounting pressure on him. Rubbing his head, Strados tries to calm down.
"Also, has anyone checked on Helena lately? That blasted woman is always either late or missing, and she doesn't seem to talk about it. What's going on exactly?" Finally realizing, he questions where Helena is again.
The voice at the monitor answers hesitantly, "Sir, we are currently too busy with the pirate attacks to handle these... types of issues. But from what we can tell, she seems to be having issues at home, and judging by her behavior, she still seems to be dealing with the problem." Rubbing his already thinning hair, Strados begrudgingly agrees with him. "Fine, I'll give her more time. But remember, no more of this behavior from now on, understand?"
With that, he turns off his holoscreen.
Tilting back in his chair, his eyes land on a bright red envelope, sealed with blue Hyborean wax. Hmm, an invitation to the first-ever Bloodrise Cup. Might as well go there for some breathing space...
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"How is the plan coming along, Seline?"
Rising slowly from her bed, a scantily clad woman sits up from her bed, brushing of another skinless husk from her side, stomach full. "No need to worry, Mr. Glas. We have managed to acquire most of what we need. Oh, and we have also managed to smuggle out most of the stash you raided from the Federation. My, my, what big guts you have!" Giggling, she hid her face behind an unfolded silk fan.
Before she could say anything else, he turned around, walking out of her suite. "Do NOT mess up now, not since we're so close to success. Oh, and also, we really need to get rid of the hounds from the Federation."
Her eyes squinting, she chuckled sensually, the fan waving across her bright pink lips. "No need to worry, I've got just the thing..."