Mystery Man

Zack was struggling hard with his throat in my grasp, but my fingers didn't budge . .

"Cough… ghrr…".

Finally seeing fear welling up in the man's eyes, I slightly loosened my grip . .

 .

"What do I gotta do…".

"Right… I'm going to need a room, can you get me that?".

"N-not right away . I'll need a month . ".

I looked into his eyes as he spoke . He didn't seem to be lying . .

"I see . Well whatever . Actually, suddenly getting myself a room will make me stand out . I just need a roof over my head is all . I'll sleep in the hallways I guess . ".

 .

"Sure thing . I'll get you a spot…".

"Also, I'll need meals, well balanced meals . If you can't get that, I'm afraid I won't need you . ".

"Y-you won't need me…?".

"Nope, not at all . ".

I tighten my grip momentarily . .

 .

"Oh, Ok, ok ok! I can do meals, three meals a day, no problemo!".

"Thanks a bunch . Next… info yeah, I'll need that . This place looks like it'll be fun . Lots of intrigue . ".

 .

"… I'll answer anything I know . ".

"Then, let's talk about our relationship . You said you're with the Doem Camp, yes? I don't want to pick a side just yet . I'll be Trash . ".

 .

"… Then I suggest you don't talk to me in public . How am I getting you the food?".

"I'll have it in this room . I can come in without anyone noticing, so it's not an issue . ".

"… Sure . ".

Zack had on an extremely bitter expression . .

 .

"Yeah, that's enough for now . I'll find you when I need something again . ".

"Yeah, you do that . ".

 .

I let go of his neck . He sat down and looked up at me while ma.s.saging his throat . .

"Who the h.e.l.l are you? How come you're this strong when we're not supposed to have mana…".

"Who can say…".

"You're no student . A spy… no, someone from the underworld…".

"Perhaps, but would I really reveal that?" I said, putting some strength in my gaze . .

"…Tsk" Zack tsked and looked away . .

 .

"f.u.c.king politics… whatever, I ain't involved, just do whatever you gotta do . ".

"That I will, Mr . Zack . That I will . ".

"… Yeah, sure . ".

 .

I turn my back to the dejected Zack and grab the door handle . .

"Ah, right . I don't think I need to tell you, but do keep this on the hush hush . ".

"… I know . ".

"Just a friendly warning . You see, I honestly don't care if I have to kill you and everyone else in your little Doem Camp—" I said, momentarily releasing a strong helping of mana and bloodl.u.s.t . .

 .

"—Wha!? But your mana's supposed to be…".

"As if this trinket can seal me…" I said finally, opening the door and exiting the room . .

 .

"… f.u.c.k me with a sledgehammer . I just had to pick up a freakin' monster…".

 .

Listening in to Zack's muttering from the other side, I did another mental fist pump . .