The elderly man made an exit. Only the butler and Eli were in the room. Eli pondered whether accepting a complete stranger's offer was the right choice.

  "Especially when he was wearing that stupid hat", Eli blurted out.

  "Pardon?" the butler inquired.

  "No, nothing… So, um. Your name is Thomas?"

  "Yes"

  “…”

  "Do you work for that elder?"

  "Yes"

  Eli thought to himself about how nonchalant and stoic the butler was; Thomases expression didn't change at all.

  But all those thoughts swept over.

  "Damn. How long have I been out?" Eli gasped.

  "It's been 2 days", Thomas responded in kind.

  Before Eli could rush out. "If you are worried about the children you've been protecting, don't worry. Sir Gremory took the liberty of providing them with some food and water already."

  "He did that? Why?"

  "It is not my place to say what Sir Gremory's intentions are; however, if I may be so impudent, it might be because he doesn't want you to be worried about anything other than fulfilling your contract."

  "I see; he's thorough with everything.

  "Well, I'll be off now. I have to check on them with my own eyes to feel relieved, and I have to prepare for this 'Deadman contract' or whatever."

  "Yes"

  "You really don't like talking except for the important stuff", Eli sighed.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  "…" Thomas stayed silent with a poker face.

  ~~

  The light of the city permeated Eli's skin, penetrating his pores. It felt like it had been long since Eli rested or took in the scenery.

  "Damn, the grime of the roads never changes, but at least I have an opportunity now".

  Eli walked through the alleyways, a maze-like labyrinth where one may get confused at the slightest turn. Still, Eli knew it well as the back of his hand, for this is where he was abandoned and destined to die.

  The same scenario appeared in that same alleyway. The luminous, warm light vibrating amongst the walls seeped into the tiniest corners of the pathway towards that door.

  He hesitated. What if that same scene in his nightmare appeared. What if his world went black and choked the light out of him. Just what if it was too late…

  Faint whispers of crying echoed out of the door in front of him. Without notice, Eli ran towards the door and opened it with his might.

  "WHAT HAPPENED?" he screamed.

  "WAAAAHHHH" a child cried, "Brother ELI, Madoka says she won't let me play."

  "ELI" gasped a girl, holding her mouth as tears rushed down her eyes.

  The girl hurried over frantically, tightly hugging Eli.

  "I'm glad you're ok! You know how scared I was that something bad had happened to you."

  "I'm sorry for worrying you, Madoka." Eli comfortingly responded.

  "Waaaah," the other kids started to cry as well. They came to Eli and hugged his leg.

  "Tim, Levi, Sarina, Nova, and Orion, I'm sorry for worrying you guys too. I won't do it again." Eli comforted the little kids and the girl the same age as him, Madoka.

  ~~

  After all the emotional hugging and crying, the kids went to play together. Eli and Madoka sat together at the edge of the room, leaning against the walls, as they were too poor to afford any furniture.

  "Something's happened, hasn't it, Eli?" spoke Madoka.

  "Yeah…"

  "Is it to do with the money we borrowed from the Bracos for the sick children?"

  "Yeah"

  "Those good-for-nothing scum; I knew this would happen! It's not like we had a choice either; if we didn't acquire the medicine, the children would have died," Madoka said in a woeful and angry voice.

  "I know. They are scumbags, but I didn't think they would be this bad. It makes you really wonder what a horrible place we live in…"

  "Eli… Should we all run away together?"

  "Run away? Where?"

  "I don't know, but somewhere where we won't be tortured for a spec of food."

  "You know that's not an option; that might work for me and you, but the little ones won't make it; no matter where we go, we will run into scum like them unless we escape from our current state."

  "Escape from our current state? How?" Madoka questioned.

  "I've entered the Battle Emporium."

  Madokas's eyes widened with shock, her hands covering her mouth.

  "ELI! How could you do something reckless?"

  "This was the only way."

  "But…" words unable to follow through, her voice cracks and shatters as tears stream down her sullen face. She whispers, "But you'll die…"

  "I know it's risky," Eli calmly said while gently calming Madoka with his hand, tapping her back.

  "You really aren't going to change your mind?"

  "It's too late for that."

  "Then promise me! Promise me you'll be fine! Promise me that you'll survive and return to us!"

  Eli knew this was an impossible order, primarily as he intended to uphold the promise, he had made to Sir Gremory. Still, nevertheless, he made a fool's pledge.

  "I promise".

  ~~

  It was D-day, and Eli had prepared to enter the battle Emporium Arena. He had hardened his heart and stood outside the great hall.