Harrowing Surprises

"Hey... I think the bedframe might be hollowed out!"

"Let me see!"

Joey knocked on the wood and listened closely.

"Sure enough... It's hollow."

Without waiting, he clad his fist in Qi, grabbed the wooden ends of the frame and ripped them apart like a slice of cheese.

"No way!"

Everybody was full of surprise.

"Bone Marrowing Pill! Four Spiritual Crystals! Pouch filled with gold coins!"

"Impossible... where did he get these treasures from."

Bilo was shocked to the bone. If he was that rich, why had he never shared with his subordinates?

Milo pleated his brows in realization and muttered:

"Was it the last mission...?"

Joey overheard the mumble and glanced at Milo expectantly. The sly-looking man immediately gave voice to his assumption:

"It was about 4 days ago when Celas came back from the last mission... They robbed a merchant's caravan and there was a very strange thing about it...

"...Celas was the only one to come back alive."

"The only one?" Joey and Spark showed complicated expressions.

It was Spark who ventured further and entertained the thought which was on everyone's mind:

"He silenced them, so they won't spill the beans?"

Milo nodded slightly, his face turning dark with hatred.

How unutterably lucky he and his brother were, to be considered too weak to take part in that specific robbery.

They shuddered at the thought of having dodged death by a hair's width.

"How did he fail to reach the Qi Realm with that many resources at hand?" Bilo blurted out.

Joey answered the stray thought seriously:

"He had prepared for a perfect breakthrough..."

"...And at last missed only the method, which could not be attained through slaughter and plunder."

Spark felt weak at the thought of the Mad Dog attaining the Qi Realm.

Who knows what horror he would have grown into?

Undoubtedly, the world turned a bit brighter, a bit more righteous, now that Celas failed to metamorphose into a true nightmare.

Spark was enlightened about something.

"His carelessness makes sense now. It seemed to me as more than just obsession."

The four lingered in silence, when Spark suddenly changed topics.

"By the way... what's the Bone Marrowing Pill for?"

Joey, Milo and even Bilo stared at him in incredulity. Joey began to explain with a sigh.

"It's a wondrous pill made by an Alchemist."

"An Alchemist?"

"Yes... A weird bunch of Elementals producing pills for a living. Each Pill serves a designated purpose."

Irritation rolled through his words.

"Renowned Alchemists will let you wait for months before even considering to take your order."

"These a****les are all arrogant without exception!"

An annoyed whisper followed the rant:

"And wealthy as well... damn it."

Spark was stumped.

Pills with effects? Like Vitamin nourishments?

"So what effect does this one have?"

Let me give you an Encyclopedia later. Read it in your leisure time." Joey said with a smile and continued to explain.

"Anyways, the Bone Marrow Pill improves the constitution of a body. In other words... It improves the compatibility with Spiritual Energy."

Spark was visibly startled. If this was true, then this Pill had immense value!

Just who did he rob? It couldn't have been one of those rare Alchemists, right?

"If it's this miraculous then everbody must want to have it."

"Absolutely! But sadly the Alchemists who know how to concoct it are far and few between.

"The recipe is ancient and for the most part unknown!"

Joey couldn't hide his own shock any further.

"Perhaps only the affluent families or those illustrious Sects have the means to produce it. Not only in Monsoon City, but in the entire Zoenig Empire!"

Spark ruminated in silence.

'That means he must have robbed quite the caravan!'

'How did he do it with just the strength of the Peak Body Foundation? Were others involved? But if someone stronger than him helped out in the robbery, how was he able to retain the Pill? Wouldn't it be taken away?'

Spark shuddered involuntarily when he imagined the Mad Dog slaughtering a whole caravan and his subordinates, solely for his own selfish gains.

By now, every single corner of the room has been accurately scrutinized.

The stone floor was littered with wooden bits and pieces of disassembled shelves and cupboards.

Shards of vases were dispersed along the room and it truly looked like the aftermath of a robbery.

"I think we found everything?"

Summing up their gains, the four were stunned.

"Truly the generous pay of a plunderer." Joey blurted out.

A secret stash of gold, more than a dozen Lesser-Rank Spiritual Herbs, including two Normal-ranks and lastly, four Spiritual Crystals and the Bone Marrowing Pill.

Everyone present was temporarily struck speechless, digesting the opulent resources Celas had possessed.

It was enough to make a mouth water!

Milo and Bilo stared with unwilling and drooping eyes.

They knew perfectly well that this time around, they wouldn't have a piece of this juicy cake, no matter how deeply their desires went.

"Now to behind the steel door..."

The Bartender pleated his brows before venturing effervescedly:

"There wouldn't be more treasures... would there?"

"Only one way to find out," Spark said in a low voice that was unable to obscure his expectations.

The key slid easily inside the locking mechanism and opened it with a twist. Heavy metal opened with a shrill creak, revealing the lightless entrance of a corridor.

It was as dark as the night and without any moonlight stones decorating the walls, nothing could be discerned.

Only the rattling of metal and hush noises echoed.

When their eyes adapted, the four to made out the interior, and with it, the mystery of the locked room.

Prison chambers.

Many of them.

The group sucked in cold gasps.

At least ten metallic cages were positioned alongside a narrow path. A cruel realization slowly dawned upon the four. Everything wasn't as simple as it had seemed.

A foul stench of dirt and neglection hit the nose of Spark. Ventilation was horrible, so the air was stagnant and putrid. It was unfit for survival.

Also there were chains of metal clanking and Spark made out groans and shivers as soon as the door opened.

Spark's face distorted to a terrifying scowl.

He knew that this kind of scum existed– even back on Earth it wasn't any different– but seeing it with his own eyes made his blood boil to fervid levels.

He screamed in a shaken, furious voice:

"SLAVE TRADING? IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE DOING?"

However, their expressions of shock and disbelief didn't escape him. Milo and Bilo stared at him with widened eyes before jolting awake.

"NONONO YOU MISUNDERSTOOD. WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THIS EITHER CALM DOWN. NOBODY EVER TOLD US!"

The idea of their gang being involved in such heartless, and dark operations, was a revolting realization to make.

"Damn it, and how the fuck can we believe you?"

Spark cursed in anger, utterly disappointed and cold.

"Please believe us... would we have lead you to this place so nonchalantly if we knew what was in here?"

Milo tried to reason logically, hoping the two would understand their hopeless situation.

Of course he also understood how bad all of this must have looked in their eyes.

Joey was right next to Spark, and he too, had veins bulging from his temples, threatening to burst with each pulsation.

But instead of screaming out, a cold, composed and cruel voice left his lips, making Bilo and Milo feel an involuntary shudder deep inside their bones.

"You better hope I do not find out that you are lying."

"Go, let's free them all."

The imprisoned people didn't miss the altercation, and how could they.

Chains rustled and cries of help resounded in the dark corridor, which then only started to escalade into a louder urging of the chained slaves.

"Don't worry. You are safe now!

Spark assured in a calm voice, but couldn't stop his hands from trembling.

Gazing into the first chamber, he was met with a couple of lifeless eyes staring at him with scrutiny.

A young woman of about 17 years, clad in turbid rags and neglected without proper care shivered in the corner.

Spark mustered the softest voice he could.

"Hello, Miss. Stand back for a bit. It'll just take one second."

He nodded at Joey, who then stepped forward.

"You... will get me out?"

Her voice could break hearts ans a shimmer ignited in her eyes, to gradually shine brighter and brighter.

"Is it true?"

She gripped the metal bars and stammered weak pleads of desperation, before breaking apart in an overwhelmed cry.

"Please... I beg you... Save everyone else, too... I-I beg..."

"Of course we will, just hold tight."

"Break it!"

Spark uttered urgently. Joey nodded.

"Step back... Miss, you better step back, too."

Joey glanced at the lock, and a deep glimmer shone in his eyes.

Deep scarlet membranes of hot Qi washed over his fist before it battered the metal with full force and a deafening crack broke the iron lock apart.

Solemnly, he turned to the youth who was in the midst of opening the next cell with the silver key in his hand.

"WHAT? Just tell me that the key works!"

Joey furiously cursed, and received a forced chuckle in reply.

"I wasn't sure if it worked."

"Thank you so, so much," the girl cried out as she took a step beyond the cold cell.

Her legs buckled and she fell to her knees weakly, whining into her palms, "T-thank you so, so much..."

Joey proceeded to pat her head gently to calm her, and his nose turned sour with emotion.

"It's alright... you're safe now."

Spark continued to open every cell one after another, and over a dozen youths were freed in succession, each having similar reactions to the girl.

"Just how many did they..."

Spark sighed in disgust.

"This must be the last one."

He inserted the silver key into the lock and twisted it open, but... nobody stepped out.

"Huh, I'm sure there was... you can come out now. Your nightmare is over... It's safe now," he spoke into the dark cellar, just for a quiet echo to whisper him back

There was nothing but obscuring darkness, until a pair of sharp yellow eyes suddenly flashed up, reflecting the dim blue light from the backroom.

And as the final person started stepping out with wary eyes and a vigilant pose, it became clear very quickly, that it was not a human that was jailed in that cell at all!

Golden hirsute arms and a hairy face of the same color, humanoid features, which were slightly off, and a swaying tail on the back...

The last slave turned out to be a golden-furred Ape.

His hair was spotted brownish-golden, and his stature was more emaciated, than slim and lithe.

The Ape was not taller than 1,20 meters.

Seemingly a wild beast, Spark was surprised to detect considerable intelligence from his actions.

The Ape stood cautiously on his rear legs and moved slow, yet calmly near the young man in front of him. Vigilant, the pair of golden eyes never dared to wander around.

As shocked as Spark was at the sight of this clearly intelligent being, he was no mute and striked conversation.

"It seems that the bandits got to you, too!... But no need to worry. They are taken care of. You are free!"

"You ... let me free?" the golden monkey vibrated the air in front of him and questioned in a rough human accent, not dropping his guard in the slightest.

Spark twitched when hearing the sudden use of human language, but luckily didn't let it alter his gentle expression.

"Why, you don't want to go?" he jested to lighten the mood.

However, doing that produced the opposite effect. The Ape gave him a stern and cautious look, taking a step back.

Unsurpringly, really...

This fellow had been captured and imprisoned in this turbid cellar for god knows how long and therefore must have lost trust in the human species, which naturally wouldn't be restored in a heartbeat.

"I'm just joking. Of course you are free to go. You have been captured against your will after all! Joey over there and I, Spark, don't stand for such immoral acts. But... follow me out of this uncomfortable cellar first."

The golden Ape didn't say another word, and carefully accompanied Spark and the captives out of the basement.

Just... from a safe distance behind.

...

More than a dozen people were rescued from being sold away as slaves, abused, fettered, sullied and possibly slaughtered.

What incredible luck that Spark thought of plundering the Mad Dog's assets and consequently found the underground prison. If he didn't then... then their future was terrifying to think about.

Paradoxically, the future of the captives now that were rescued, wasn't necessarily any more rosy and secure...

Not by any means.

They were from the slums, from the Outskirts. Here, the people either lived tolerably– considering the circumstances– or in pure exasperation. Their hopes and dreams would only amount to the next meal on the plate.

'It seems to me, that even the childhood in my last life wasn't as rough as some kids have it here... My wealth wasn't handed to me, but atleast I didn't need to fight for survival in the slums.'

'I've been here for only two days and there's already so much to think about...'

Spark shook his head with a sigh and reminded himself of how he wanted to life this second life.

'Do what you want, fulfill your desires, and absolutely no regrets!'

Spark smiled brightly without context, making Joey next to him shoot a suspicious glance.

'I am no saint. But I am not heartless either. It just so happens that I am fated with these kids, and to care for them is congruent with my desires at the moment, so... I will do what I think is right, yes!'

By now the group has arrived outside the dilapidated building, at the edge of the slums. Joey and Spark were in the lead, Milo and Bilo followed just steps behind.

"Why are you grinning so mischievously?" Joey couldn't help but ask.

Instead of answering, Spark just smiled and turned around to meet the gazes of the anxious captives.

They were awfully young, only spanning from 9 to 17 years. Kids who were abandoned and mistreated. Almost all of them had scrawny statures, malnourished and lackluster.

Spark's mood turned somber.

"Okay, listen up everybody," he called out loudly to receive everyone's attention.

Milo, Bilo and Joey also stared at him.

"I don't know who of you has family to return to tonight... Or who has thick pillows and cozy sheets waiting to be hugged inside a warm bed...

"Some of you might not even have an idea where to fill their stomach in the morning."

Spark sighed before casting a resolute gaze to the kids.

"That is why Joey and I want to give you an opportunity."

Spark cast Joey a meaningful glance . The bartender was stunned, but nodded his head earnestly in agreement.

He was a good man...

"If you agree, you'll stay the night in Joey's bar. We'll feed you, give you a place to sleep and discuss further in the morning."

"It won't be for free, mind you. We want you to pay with discipline, honesty and integrity..."

"Those of you who want to come with us... you're more than welcome. Those of you who still have doubts and want to leave, we won't stop you at all. You are free to go."

Just as he had imagined, there were not many people who would leave after hearing his speech, but a couple came forward.

A young and gaunt girl with messy, dirt-brown hair bowed and explained her situation.

"Thank you so much for saving me. I have a family waiting for me, and they are probably worried sick... I want to see them immediately."

A younger boy with brown hair covering his eyes also stepped forward.

"Same with me. Thank you very very much, I will definitely repay your grace."

Spark nodded.

"Good... Take this. I know it's not enough to offset your suffering, but it is something you are entitled to."

He pressed each one of the two a gold coin in their hands, which they tightly grasped with widened eyes.

"Thank you very much Big Brother, I don't know how we could ever repay you," they wimpered in sobs, completely overwhelmed by emotion.

"No need to repay me. If you really want to, come over sometime to have a talk over tea," he nonchalantly waved.

Uttering those lines made him seem like a saint, uninterested in worldly possesions, only concerned with justice and virtue.

But the truth was a little more rational than blind compassion...

They couldn't give him anything, so how could he ask?

After looting Celas' secret treasure, he was already very satisfied with the discoveries they made.

These people were treated horrendously by fate, so how could he do the same?

"Follow the group until we are near your residence," he added shortly after, before insisting, "And thank Uncle Joey, not me. He did all the hard work and scared off the bandits."

"Thank you very much Uncle!!" they rushed to give him hug and the overwhelmed Joey scratched his head in embarassment.

...

"It seems the rest of you don't know where to go? Come on then, let's get you something to eat."

Spark's smile shimmered brilliantly in the contrast to the night.

"Joey, you go ahead and tell your wife and the others that everything went just as planned... And for God's sake, change your clothes!"

Spark scoffed in embarassment.

The huge bartender knitted his brows before inspecting the patchy, charred clothing he wore, which had burned almost entirely during his earlier incineration.

Joey laughed dryly and scratched his temple.

Spark handed him the bedsheets containing all their loot.

"Take this... It's too dangerous to be with me... And maybe you could ask Jessie to prepare dinner for the kids?"

"Ohh... Haha, you're right! Here are the keys for the bar. Be quick and make yourselves at home if you arrive before me."

With that said, Joey threw the keychain of the tavern to Spark

"Thank you. Now go, they are probably worried."

Spark said while fiddling with the keys and finally grinning at Joey.

As they started moving again, Spark turned to the brothers and nonchalantly ordered:

"You two should come with me for now. Don't even think about escaping. You should know how Joey thinks of you by now, don't you?"

Joey cast a menacing glance to them, before giving voice to a cold comment and spurting off:

"Don't even think about it!... I'll hunt you down to the Mountain of the Keroks, or deep beyond the Dark-Vine Forest."

Without looking back, he thought to have heard two anxious gulps sounding behind him.

'Hmm, which direction was the pub again?'

Spark pondered silently, before shrugging it off and following the direction Joey went.

'I am sure we'll get there.'