"Of course, Master Von Ritcher. Please, come in," Dylan's words carried a formality that was unusual between friends, and Greg couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the unexpected shift. 'I guess Dylan is still mad with me... Well, I can't blame him for that," Greg thought before stepping into Dylan’s room.+++ As Greg already found a comfortable spot in the room, he noticed Dylan approaching him with a tray filled with assorted drinks and snacks.The air hung with a palpable tension, and Greg felt a mix of discomfort with Dylan’s formal attitude, and how he extended the tray toward him as if… they’re just a mere colleague.“Dylan,” Greg paused, his gaze meeting Dylan's as he continued, “You don’t really have to go through all this trouble. Let’s just sit and talk like usual.”Dylan's gaze held Greg's for a moment, and then, with a subtle nod, he replied, "Very well."As Dylan settled into a seat across from Greg, the tension remained palpable, filling the room with an unease that G
"To Behav!!!" "Cheerss!!!" CLANG!The executive dining room echoed with the clinking of glasses as the group raised their drinks in a toast. Greg found himself surrounded by his colleagues, each wearing smiles that concealed their own motives and agendas. The camaraderie of the moment was tainted by the underlying currents of corporate politics.Amid the laughter and the sound of the clinking glasses, Mr. Anderson’s booming voice cut through the air, drawing everyone's attention. "Hey you youngsterr!!!! You all must try to drink more!! You know you all lose to my daughter she’s just seventeen but she can already drink—"Greg couldn't help but roll his eyes internally. It was a familiar scene – Mr. Anderson's drunken boasts about his daughter's drinking prowess. Glancing at his watch, Greg noted the time: 10.05. 'A new record,' he thought wryly before looking back at Mr. Anderson amusedly.. Mr. Anderson had managed to get himself drunk within just five minutes of starting his drin
The sudden crash and the man's aggressive shout reverberated through the executive dining room, shattering the jovial atmosphere. The clinking of glasses and the laughter came to an abrupt halt, replaced by a tense silence. The executives around the table exchanged alarmed glances, their expressions mirroring a mix of surprise and confusion.Alan, who was still standing and raising his glass, froze in mid motion. He turned his head towards the source of the commission with his eyes full of astonishment. “What the…What’s going on right now? What’s that sound?”Dr. Lou, who was seated next to Alan, leaned slightly forward, his brows furrowed. “I’m not entirely sure about it, but one thing that I know is someone causing a disturbance.”Then the man’s voice grew louder as he continued his tirade, it was evident that his words were a blend of anger and frustration. The executives, minus Mr. Anderson, who was drunk, tried to listen carefully, and picked up on phrases like "Catch one of yo
The chaotic scene in the restaurant was a whirlwind of emotions and tension. The shabby old man's accusation echoed through the air, blending with the gasp of the onlookers.The tapering jawed man’s face was now mixed with full bewilderment, embarrassment, and fear as he found himself being pinned to the ground under the unrelenting grip of the old man.Amidst the gathered crowd, a group of executives slowly maneuvered their way through the throng, determined to get a better look at the scene. The group was none other than Greg and his companions – Karel, Alan, Sarah, and Dr. Lou.As they finally reached a vantage point where they could see more clearly, a hint of recognition began to flash across their faces as they saw the tapered jaw man’s face.“Hey,” Karel's voice broke through the murmurs of the crowd. "Isn't that… Garfield?"Alan nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the scene. “Yeah, that’s definitely Garfield. No one had a jaw like that…But, what’s he doing here u
As the decision settled, the group began to walk away from the commotion, their steps heavy with the weight of their actions. Amidst them, Greg stood still, his mind a swirl of thoughts as he contemplated the decision they had collectively made.Silent contemplation surrounded him as the bustling noises of the restaurant faded into the background. Greg's eyes were fixed on a distant point, his expression a canvas of conflicting emotions. The memory of their choice echoed in his mind, each word spoken during the deliberation etched into his thoughts.He understood the practicality of leaving Garfield to his predicament. The potential consequences of involving themselves in a scene that could tarnish Behav's reputation were daunting, especially considering that Greg also had an identity and mission that he must protect. But at the same time, his humanity tugged at him, reminding him of the individual beneath the turmoil – a colleague, a person in need.Greg's gaze shifted downward, hi
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Greg's words hung in the air, a palpable challenge to the old man's dominance. Garfield's heart raced, his eyes shifting between Greg and the shabby old man, his shock and disbelief mingling with a newfound hope. The old man’s face contorted with anger, his nostrils flaring as he glared at Greg. “You think you can just waltz in here and threaten me, boy? I have seen my fair share of troublemakers and you’re no different!” Greg’s gaze remained steady, his expression unyielding as he looked at the shabby old man. “Hey, I’m not here to trade threats with you. I’m here to offer you a choice. Do the right thing by releasing him, or face the consequences.” Greg said, and after the words left his mouth, a loud laughter erupted from the shabby old man, a bitter sound that reverberated through the air. “Consequences?” the shabby old man asked as he wiped his imagination tears. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with, boy! Listen, even though this o
As Greg accompanied Garfield to the bathroom, meanwhile, the other executives, Alan, Sarah, Dr. Lou, and Karel, remained in the vicinity. Silently observing the aftermath of the intense confrontation they had just witnessed. The weight of the situation and unexpected events hung in the air, leaving them in contemplative silence. As the minutes passed, Alan, known for his straightforward demeanor, was the first one to break the silence. He cleared his throat and exchanged a glance with Dr. Lou before speaking. “Well, I will be damned,” Allan muttered, a mixture of surprise and respect was visible in his voice. “That newbie, Greg, certainly knows better than anyone how to handle that kind of... situation.” Dr. Lou, who had been secretly skeptical about Greg's abilities from the beginning, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Looks like we all, senior executives, a bit underestimated him just like that stink old man did.” Sarah, on the other hand, couldn’t contain her excitement any longer
The night was cast with a shadowy ambiance as Dylan found himself atop the abandoned building, taking a drag from his cigarette. The city lights below created a tapestry of shimmering colors against the dark canvas of the sky. As the smoke mingled with the chilly air, the rooftop door creaked open. Dylan's attention shifted, and he was met with Valerie's surprised gaze. "Oh, it's you again! Tsk... Can you please not always appear like a ghost in here?" she remarked with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. Dylan chuckled, the sound low and melodious. "Can't promise that. Ghosts tend to haunt places, after all." He said, making Valerie roll her eyes as she stepped closer to him with a smirk. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?” “Guilty as charged,” Dylan replied, the corner of his lips lifting in a half smile. The two of them shared the rooftop, gazing at the sprawling cityscape. Valerie extended her hand towards Dylan, a playful glint in her eyes. "Mind if I join you?" she aske
At The Faith's Company.The imposing wooden door of Charles Faith's office had a distinct rhythm as it received three sharp knocks, echoing through the hushed corridor."Come in."The door swung open, and his impeccably dressed secretary entered with a respectful bow. She carried a folder and a map, her demeanor exuding professionalism."Good morning, Mr. Faith," she greeted. "I just wanted to inform you that the Faith Company's market is experiencing rapid growth. The score was higher than last month, and the number held a new sales record for our company, so our marketing team decided to set a higher score so that we can achieve higher success. Charles Faith, seated behind his polished mahogany desk, was engrossed in reviewing a stack of documents. He glanced up from his work, intrigued by the news."Oh really? Is that so?" he inquired, his piercing gaze focused on the secretary. Then, with a calculated curiosity, he asked, "And how is Von Ritcher doing? Have we surpassed them, and
Months had passed since the chilling night at Bluebell Inn, and the air of uncertainty still clung to Greg. The events that unfolded during the banquet remained etched in his memory, and the questions surrounding Griffin and Behav's secrets continued to haunt him. [Breaking news flashed on the screen, interrupting the usual morning routine. "In a shocking turn of events, it has been months since the youngest heir of Von Ritcher, Griffin Von Ritcher, died mysteriously of poisoning and now, another blow has struck the Von Ritcher family as one of their main subsidiary companies, Behav, has been revealed to have been hiding a significant secret. The company was linked to the water disposal incident from Bluebell years ago, a scandal that has sent shockwaves through the corporate world and---"PIP!] "Another day, and the news seems unending, huh?" Greg mused as he stared at the blank screen. CKLEK!“Hey, Greg. Sorry for bothering you, but I just want to remind you that minutes from n
Greg's thoughts swirled with uncertainty, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders. And just as he was wrestling with the question of how to navigate the unexpected presence of Griffin and Mara, a sudden knock at the door disrupted his contemplation. It was one of Bluebell Inn's servants."Good afternoon," the inn servant began, "I'm sorry for bothering you, but I wanted to remind you that the banquet is now available, and you are welcome to join if you wish."Greg nodded, acknowledging the information. "Thank you. We'll head to the banquet shortly."As the servant left, Dylan turned to Greg. "Looks like the banquet is already open. Shall we go now?" he asked, and Greg nodded."Sure. Let’s head to the banquet," he said.+++TIME SKIPAs they had arrived at the banquet, the room was already full with the executives.The room was adorned with elegant decorations, giving it the air of an official gathering rather than a simple dinner."Wow... the banquet is quite full," Dylan
As Greg continued to ponder the familiarity of the bag, Alan's voice abruptly brought him back to the present.“Hey, Greg. I’ve been searching for you everywhere," Alan said with a friendly smile. "We need to get inside the lab building. Everyone's already gathered inside since Mr. Smith has already arrived.""Alright, I'll come in," Greg said, as he followed Alan.Inside the Old Behav Lab Building...Greg stepped into the old Behav lab building and found that everyone had already gathered inside. The room buzzed with whispered conversations as the executives engaged in hushed discussions. There was a certain nostalgia in the air, a reminder that many of them had started their careers in this old abandoned lab when they were young scholars. Some of the executives were reminiscing about the past, discussing their memories of working in this very building."Everyone must be feeling nostalgic, considering it's been a long time since they set foot in here," Greg mused as he observed thei
The morning sun bathed the Bluebell Inn in warm, golden light as the executives of Behav Industries enjoyed a grand breakfast. As everyone was eating, Greg, who was sitting on the corner couldn't help but observe Jason, who was now sitting at a table, laughing heartily with Bradley. It was a stark contrast to his furious demeanor just the day before. "Hm, that was weird, how come Jason suddenly changed his mind in one day? Wasn't he still angry yesterday?" Greg mused as he silently drank his coffee."Is Bradley perhaps saying something to him? He must have said something to Jason since he was still mad yesterday. "What did Bradley say that managed to change Jason's mind in one da—” "Hoh, newbie, so you're joining our trip to the lab, huh? What did you say to Karel that made him suddenly let you? You didn't tell what Dr.Lou tells right?" Greg, who heard someone call his name, shifted his gaze and he immediately met with Alan's smiley face. Returning his smile, Greg said, "Nah
Greg now stared in disbelief at the sight before him. Under the bed, there was…“Dylan?” Greg exclaimed, his voice betraying his astonishment as he looked at his subordinate who grinned mischievously before slowly getting up from his hiding place."Hey, Greg," Dylan greeted with a smirk. "Phew, I was relieved to no longer be down there. It's pretty dirty under the bed."Greg scoffed, still bewildered by Dylan's sudden appearance. "Weren't you just out with your belongings minutes ago?"Dylan chuckled as he brushed off some dust from his clothes. “Well, about that… Let’s just say, I didn’t really go out since I was kinda curious about what you and Karel are about to discuss so I decided to eavesdrop for a while before going back to Maria and the teen room,” said Dylan, making Greg roll his eyes.“Anyway, Greg, about Karel’s question…” Dylan's grin faded, and his expression turned serious. "It was strange, don't you think? Like, why would he suddenly ask about Bradley and forgiveness? I
BRAK!The suite room's door swung open, and Karel stepped inside, his eyes scanning the spacious and luxurious surroundings. "Oh, so this is the room, huh? It's pretty big," Karel remarked as he began placing his belongings on the floor. "It's almost as big as the city's hotel suite room. Bluebell Inn should try to advertise more about this place. It'll definitely elevate their income."Greg followed Karel into the room, placing Karel's other belongings beside his own. "Well, yeah, I agree with you. Bluebell should try to advertise this place more" Greg replied, keeping his tone casual. 'Tsk, how come he and Dylan had the same thought?' Greg mused.Karel continued his assessment of the room. "And also, I think they need to fix the connection too. You know, even though this is an inn based in nature, this world is already modern, so Wi-Fi and a good connection have become primary needs, just like food and drink."“Yeah, I agree with you,” Greg briefly said.As they settled into the ro
Karel sighed as he heard what the receptionist said, his mind racing to find a solution to his predicament. "Hmm… So the only option that's available is just an extra bed, huh?" Karel said, a hint of frustration in his voice. The receptionist nodded, her eyes sympathetic.“Yes, sir, the only option available right now is the extra bed. But don’t worry, even though you'll be sleeping on an extra bed, we will give you a free breakfast as our apology for any discomfort you might experience—”As the receptionist talked about the inn's apologetic service, Karel, on the other hand, fell silent as he contemplated this option. Sharing a room with the executives wasn't his idea of a peaceful night's sleep given his personality as a picky person who had zero tolerance to someone else's habit."Hm… who should I sleep with? Alan and Mr. Anderson, or Dr. Lou?" Karel thought as pondered about the sleeping candidate. "It will be troublesome if I sleep with Alan and Mr. Anderson remembering how talka
"I know that exposing the lab and Bradley's activities will tarnish the company's reputation, but seriously, destroying Behav... Should we really just stay silent and let them do it?"***The tension in the room was palpable as Greg and Dylan exchanged thoughts about the executives' plan to expose Behav. Greg's brow furrowed as he considered Dylan's words, the weight of their conversation sinking in before saying, "Well, yeah. I guess so...?" Greg said, raising an eyebrow. "I mean...Why should we stop them? Just like what you said, by exposing the company, it will automatically tarnish its reputation. So what's the difference with letting the executives do that instead? Won't it be good since it didn't dirty our hands?"Greg asked, and Dylan nodded thoughtfully as he acknowledged the validity of Greg's points."Well, you're not wrong about that," Dylan admitted before continuing, "However, our purpose is different from theirs Greg. Our purpose in revealing Behav's illicit activities