The individual who snatched Evan's phone and attempted to flee collided with something, fell, and was about to yell when he realized he had bumped into the game parlor's owner.
"What is causing this disturbance? My customers are leaving because of you. Would anyone care to explain what transpired here before I have to eject you all with force?" he demanded in a commanding tone. The owner, intimidating in appearance, stood around six feet tall with a physique resembling a bodybuilder. His face bore the stern look of a seasoned soldier who had weathered many battles unscathed, like a tyrant.
"Hey brother, I'll fill you in on the entire story," offered the man who had intervened to stop the thief, as he and his friend approached, increasing the thief's anxiety.
"Oh, James and Rey too? You're here and didn't come to see me first; that's not cool, bro. I wanted to discuss something with you," the owner remarked. Despite his menacing appearance, he was actually quite amiable, but his features often gave others the wrong impression.
"I was present when the issue arose and witnessed everything. Let's address this matter, and then we can move on to other topics," James proposed, stepping forward to recount the events.
"Firstly, my apologies for the inconvenience, everyone. Please return to your previous activities," the owner announced, prompting the onlookers to disperse and resume their games or whatever they were engaged in.
"Tell me what happened now, and be truthful, or be prepared to face the consequences," he said, flexing his muscles and throwing a punch to intimidate them.
James recounted the incident, stating that as he and Rey were ascending the stairs to play games, they encountered an individual who appeared lost. Initially, they intended to disregard him and proceed, but then they observed Levi, who was agitated after a game loss and seeking to assign blame. Levi, with his friend's assistance, accused the stranger of distracting him during his game and demanded compensation. When the stranger revealed he had no money, Levi forcibly took his phone and attempted to flee.
"So, that's what happened. Didn't I make it clear that betting is not allowed? Yet, someone still did it, and secretly at that. You'll have to face the penalty. And wait, aren't you the same person who's already deep in debt at our shop and still playing without paying?" the owner said as he grabbed Levi, recognizing him upon seeing his face.
"No, owner, I wasn't doing any of that. This kid is lying. I didn't snatch his phone; I only took it until he pays back the money, he owes me from..." Levi, attempting to defend himself, suddenly realized he had inadvertently confessed.
"So, you're admitting you were playing the betting match that's forbidden here," the owner said as he lifted him like a child.
"No, I was explaining that he caused me to lose five hundred points in the past, not in a betting match. I've known him for some time, and when I confronted him, he started spouting lies about being new here. I took his phone as collateral. Don't you think it's unlikely for a kid without his parents to afford such an expensive phone?" he argued, trying to weave a lie to save himself as he showed the phone.
"Indeed, I believe its market value is quite high at the moment, and I doubt a kid like him could afford it unless he's from a wealthy family," the owner mused, growing suspicious of the story and wondering if Levi was telling the truth or fabricating another lie.
"No, sir, I don't know him. I only met him today. He took my phone claiming I lost it in a bet on a game," Evan interjected, worried that if he didn't speak up, he would be wrongly accused.
"So tell me, why do you have this phone if you're an orphan?" the owner asked directly, preferring not to beat around the bush to avoid hurting anyone's feelings, as he was a straightforward person who liked to speak plainly.
"Sir, this gentleman has already informed you that I am an orphan. My caretakers gave me this phone in case I got lost, as I am new here and unfamiliar with the locals. They provided me with their son's spare phone to use," Evan explained, aligning himself with James.
"If you're telling the truth, then may I speak to them? I need to know if you're being honest or just making up a story to escape," he said, eyeing him with suspicion.
"Ah... okay, you can call, but please don't mention what happened; it will only worry them," Evan consented after some thought, allowing the call.
"Alright, open it up and let me call them," he instructed, handing the phone back to Evan, who unlocked it for him.
The owner began searching for the contact.
"What's the name of your caretaker?" he inquired, unable to find anyone listed as 'caretaker.'
"The names are 'Aunt Rosy' and 'Uncle Jason,'" he informed the owner, who searched and found both names, surprised. Usually, children without parents resent their guardians, but not this one—or perhaps his phone was checked regularly, which explained his actions.
He stepped back and began questioning his aunt, verifying if she was the one who found the phone and where it was left, gathering information like a detective.
Levi, observing from a distance, grew anxious. Ensuring no one was watching, he seized the opportunity to slip away and dashed downstairs to escape.
"Thank you for the information, ma'am. I hope I haven't wasted your time," he said, ending the call after hearing something.
He returned the phone to Evan and turned to look for Levi, only to discover that Levi and his friends had already left.
"Where did he go?" he inquired, met with shrugs of confusion from the trio.
"He ran away, huh? Well, next time I see him, I'll make sure he regrets it," he muttered, rubbing his forehead.
"Hey, is the issue resolved, or is the boy still in your care?" James inquired, clapping a hand on Evan's shoulder like an old friend.
"He's clear and free to go now, but stay alert, kid. The city is full of such characters," the owner advised before descending to check if anyone saw Levi escaping.
"Thanks for saving me, and I apologize for the trouble," Evan said, stepping back to free himself from the grip.
"Don't worry, dude. But how did you fall for such a simple trick? As a gamer, you should be aware of these things," he chided, scolding him for his naivety.
"No, I'm really new here; I'll arrive in this city tomorrow. In my whole life, I haven't played a single game. I was just roaming the area when I remembered to come here, following my orphanage friends' suggestion," Evan explained what happened.
"Okay, by the way, my name is James Zephyr, and this friend of mine is Rey Dragonstorm. Quite a cool surname, right? He used to be a noble, but now he's just a regular guy like us," he said as he introduced himself and Rey.
"Do you have to tell him everything?" Rey, standing beside him, interjected, nudging James in the side.
"Sorry, I was just explaining," James replied, rubbing his rib area.
"Oh, don't worry, I don't mind. I'm Evan Windstone. I have my surname, but my family is still unknown to me," Evan said as he and James shook hands in a gesture of thanks.
"I think that's enough trouble for today. Why don't you come and play with us?" Rey suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yes, come join us, Evan. I'll help you learn how to play," James offered with a bright smile.
"Oh no, I can't, sorry. I'm a complete novice at this, and I've never played before. The main reason is I don't have money to spend on games; my funds are reserved for essential day-to-day items," Evan declined, but James wasn't one to give up easily.
"Don't worry, I'm here, so no fear. I can cover your expenses; I have enough money to let fifteen guys play here for months," James insisted, explaining the game and trying to persuade him.
"Thanks for the offer, but I can't accept this help. Besides, why are you helping me? I don't have money or anything special to offer," Evan responded, still declining.
"I don't want anything from you; I just think we're cut from the same cloth," James declared, oblivious to the weight of his words.
"Whoa, hold up, I'm not on board with that kind of thing," Evan replied, misinterpreting the statement and retreating in alarm.
"What's the matter? Why the retreat? Did my words come out wrong?" James inquired, puzzled by the reaction.
"You clueless tycoon, can't you grasp the gravity of your own words?" Rey teased, standing nearby.
"What did I... Oh! My bad, I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying you seem like friend material, and I'm not chasing that either," James exclaimed, finally catching on to his blunder, prompting a burst of laughter from all three.
"No worries, but why friends when we've just met here?" Evan asked, suspecting something was amiss, even Rey was surprised that James was trying to befriend him for no reason.
"Oh, because when you were observing this area like a fan seeing his idol, I thought we could be best buddies who play games and become professional players. This friend of mine isn't that interested in it," he explained, pointing at Rey.
"Oh, that's why. Now I understand," Evan said as he processed the information while James told Rey to get PCs for their gaming.
"So, what's your answer now? Will you be our friend and play with us?" James asked, extending his hand for a handshake.
"I..."