TROUBLE

After 5 minutes of running through street he came to his shack, but upon reaching home his expression turned cold immediately because infront of the shack gate stood 4 to 5 man with their weapons.

One of the man knock on the door several time, while yelling.

"Open up!"

When the door open Aella came out with frightened look.

Seeing Aella eyes of boss of the group let up he tried to catch Aella hand but stop, when he saw Alex coming from another direction.

On the other side were 4 men. One of them had a book and a pen. He crossed something out in the book.

"You guys live here?" The other man asked him. He was wearing black clothing and a golden chain that dangled out of his neck. The other man was also dressed the same way.

He nodded.

"This place is now under the protection of the Blacktiger Gang. You will have to pay monthly protection fees from now on to live here," He told him.

Alex sized the man up. There was no way he could beat the man up even if there were three of him. On top of that, there were 5 of them. The only option he had was diplomacy.

"I am willing to pay the fees. But I won't be able to pay a lot. I make 10 silver coins a day and spend all of it on food. I am a kid after all." He said.

The man sized up Alex and looked inside. He saw Aell but no one else.

"Orphans? Figured. So the rate for two people is 5 gold coins each. 10 gold coins to stay. Come up with the number or leave." The man said. He didn't care about his situation at all.

Alex scowled inwards but held it in. He smiled at the man.

"Is there any way I can pay a portion now and the rest on another day?" Alex asked.

The man laughed. "So you do have the money! How about this? Keep the money and give us the girl. We can sell her for at least a few thousand Gold coins. Maybe even more. You can live here for two years if you give her to us."

Alex wanted to punch the man but held his hand.

"You joke sir. I can afford 100 silver coins now. I will try to go to Valkyr's Forest and try to find some valuable herbs." He said to the man.

The man looked down at him who was barely coming to his chest. He grabbed the coins in his hands and left.

"I'll be back in a month." He said while leaving.

Alex closed the door the minute they left. He looked at Aella.

"Sorry, you had to see that." He apologized to Aella. Meanwhile, Aella's eyes had tears threatening to fall out.

"Don't go to the forest. You could die. How would you be able to come up with 10 gold coins even if you entire month? We can try to go somewhere else." Aella didn't want him to go back into the forest.

He smiled and walked towards her. He hugged her and patted her head.

"Don't worry, silly. I'll be fine. Don't cry. I've done it many times and I can do it again." He consoled Aella. After a while, she calmed down.

"We should move away from here." She said resolutely.

He shook his head. "You just wait a month. I will sort everything by then."

Saying this he made his way in bath to take bath. After 15 minutes e came out and saw Aella was eating dinner.

After eating dinner he made his blanket to sleep, lying on blanket he glanced at left side of him where Aella was lying.

Seeing Aella peacefully sleeping he smiled. And close his to sleep, while muttering 

' Tomorrow I should go to Adventure Guild to try join, may be I can join.'