In a minimalist office, with white walls and contemporary furniture, Klaus sat at a desk with a mountain of papers on it. His hand was holding the remote and his eyes were glued on the 32-inch television.
On the screen, showing Justin holding a press conference in front of a building. He was wearing an elegant suit, and his ash-black hair was slicked back. A flash of white light from a camera lens shined on him.
"My name is Justin Law. As you know, a few months ago I often appeared on television as an advertisement star, movie performer, or concert goer. Now I've decided to step back from the entertainment industry."
The click of cameras echoed and the noise of reporters rang through the air. Justin was seen taking a breath, then he continued his speech.
"A few months ago I experienced an awakening. I was gifted with incredible strength. Honestly, at first I thought this was a cool thing. But every time I looked at the news on the internet or television, I saw New Yorkers suffering under the terror of monsters. Then I realized, with this great power I have a great responsibility."
Justin took a deep breath.
"From now on, I, Justin Eder Law, together with my new guild, Rays of Hope, will protect New York City from the threat of monsters!"
Instantly, the admiration of the reporters reverbed in the air and dozens of white lights shot out of Justin for the umpteenth time. They started asking all sorts of questions, and at the same time, the television screen went black.
Beep.
Klaus leaned back in his chair as he placed the remote on the table.
"The inauguration of the guild was a success. From now on I will be even busier."
After Klaus obtained the guild license, he had two jobs at the same time. Klaus worked in the office from 8am to 3pm, as the Chief of the Product Development Department.
The first few weeks were like a nightmare. Klaus had a lot on his plate. He had to direct teams of designers and research teams, going through the proposals they submitted in piles of paper.
Klaus also devised the company's long-term strategy and ensured that the product development projects ran according to the predetermined schedule and budget. Not to mention, he had to coordinate with the Marketing and Sales Department.
Over time, Klaus was able to adapt. Of course, he had a mentor to do the job. Steve provided Klaus with several experienced staff to assist him as department chief.
Once he was done with company business, he had to help Justin manage the guild. Although the guild master had staff helping him, Klaus needed to supervise him directly. Especially during the recruitment period of guild members.
The guild only had 5 million dollars from the investment money of his mother's friends. So, Klaus couldn't recruit awakeners with big salaries. At least, an F-Class was paid 90,000 to 120,000 dollars per year.
"I need to make some progress this year."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Klaus told the person who knocked to come in, and Sheila in a white blouse and short black skirt faced him.
"Boss, I got word that the woman has returned to the bar."
"Really?"
For the past few weeks, Klaus had ordered Sheila to look for the red-head woman with a talent for manipulating time, Sylvia.
Earlier, Klaus tried to meet her at the bar where she worked, but he couldn't find her. According to the bar owner, Sylvia took a few weeks off, and no one knew where she was going.
"Hmm, it seems like that woman is keeping a secret. She has talent but is wasting it." Klaus pursed his lips. "Tell Justin, I'm not going to the guild today. And you have a driving license, right?"
Sheila furrowed her brow. "Yes."
"You're working overtime today."
After nodding, Sheila left the office. Klaus quickly picked up the files and started working on the pile of papers on the desk, finishing his work as quickly as possible, because tonight was going to be a long night.
…
A black sedan was parked on the side of a dark and deserted street, with only streetlights and dim shops to provide light. Klaus, in the passenger seat, observed a bar across the street. The atmosphere in the car was quiet, though Sheila in the driver's seat was eager to break the silence.
They had been in the car for about an hour, only to wait for Sylvia to return from work.
"How long do we keep an eye on her?" Sheila couldn't stand sitting, so she finally opened her mouth. "Wouldn't you rather go up to her? And talk to her directly."
"Believe me, I've done it before. She's not interested in me," Klaus replied. His eyes were glued to the bar.
Sheila pursed her lips, and her fingers repeatedly tapped the steering wheel. "Sorry, boss. Not that I'm trying to lecture you, but if you want to hook her, you better approach her, flirt a little or bring her something. Sometimes women like men who make a little effort."
"What?" Klaus stared at Sheila through the reflection of the rearview mirror. "You think I want to sleep with her? I want to recruit her to work for me. And I'm not going to look for a bar girl or a street girl if I want to find a girlfriend."
Sheila formed her lips into an O. "I'm sorry. I thought you—"
"Enough," Klaus snapped, and the secretary immediately shut her mouth.
The room was silent again.
Suddenly, a black-box car flashed and stopped in front of the bar. And a group of men wore black clothes with ski masks covering their faces, got out of the car and stormed the bar.
Before long, screams echoed and dozens of customers ran out of the bar. What followed was pandemonium, tables flying out of the windows and the sound of breaking glass echoing.
"Boss! What should we do!?" Sheila sounded panicked as she said it.
"Nothing," Klaus replied.
"What if it's a robbery?"
"It's not a robbery. They wouldn't let the customers run away if they intended to do so."
Klaus knew that the men in black were after Sylvia. There was no reason for a group of criminals to rob a small bar in this deserted and remote place. Besides, Klaus could feel the mana from them.
He wanted to see how Sylvia utilized her talents in battle. He was sure, with powers like time manipulation, the red-head woman should be able to defeat them easily.
"Come on, show me what you've got," Klaus murmured.
However, Sylvia flew through the air and slammed into a box car.
She writhed and whimpered in pain on the ground. She tried to get up, but a man slammed her head into the car, and she fainted instantly, and then they carried her to the box car.
Klaus couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment.
"I thought she was a badass chick," he muttered.
"Boss! They're getting away!"
Klaus sighed. "Chase that car."
Sheila stepped on the gas pedal, and the black sedan sped through the silence of the night. The car drove at high speed, chasing the box car that was already far in sight.
Suddenly, the box car made a sudden turn and entered a small alley. Sheila stepped on the brake pedal and slammed the steering wheel, the car drifted and darted into the alley.
They were racing at speed.
"Boss! Looks like they know we're chasing?" Sheila shouted as she controlled the steering wheel.
"Keep driving. Chase that car."
Sighing, Sheila stepped on the gas pedal.
She carefully avoided the obstacles on the road and turned the steering wheel to continue chasing the box car that was already getting farther away. Sheila was sure that if they managed to enter the highway, it would be difficult for her to catch up with them.
Sheila opened her eyes wide as she saw an opportunity. As the box car was about to turn, the black sedan hit the back of it.
Bam!
The box car spun around and then hit a power pole. Sheila quickly stepped on the brake pedal, and the sedan stopped instantly.
She was panting, sweat pouring down her body. Her hands trembled as she held the steering wheel.
"Shit. What have I done?" she muttered.
"Good job. Turns out you're reliable."
Klaus patted Sheila on the shoulder before he got out of the car, while she was still in shock.
Eight men in black got out of the box car. They looked fine though their vehicle was badly damaged, and there were no signs of injuries on their bodies.
Casually, Klaus walked over to them.
"Boss! What are you doing!" Sheila worriedly shouted from inside the car.
Klaus' arrival made them react. They pulled out weapons, some started manipulating the elements. A crackling fire emerged and the wind blew more and more. The dust above shook and the asphalt cracked, woody plants creeping out of it.
Their gazes sharpened as Klaus got closer.
"Well, well, you guys are pretty tough." A wicked grin bloomed on his face.
