Past]
The man led Frank deeper into the base.
After walking for a while, they stopped in front of a large building.
The man smiled.
Man: "Hey, kid. Welcome. You're a guest of my club."
Frank looked around.
Several people were busy with their own work, yet unlike the people outside, they talked and laughed with one another.
The atmosphere felt surprisingly welcoming.
Man: "This is the Void Club."
"You are our guest."
Frank looked around once more.
There was a counter that served drinks and food, along with a lounge decorated in an old punk style. The place looked slightly dirty, but it had a warm feeling to it.
A worn-out sofa rested in one corner.
Frank turned toward the man.
Frank: "How do you know me?"
The man chuckled.
Man: "Well... your dad knew me."
"We were connected by something."
"But he never told me his real name."
He looked at Frank.
Man: "Did he ever tell you his name?"
Frank shook his head.
Frank: "No."
The man sighed.
Man: "What a strange person..."
"He didn't even tell his own son his name."
Only then did Frank notice something.
The man's ears were long and pointed.
He was an elf.
It was the first time Frank had ever seen one in person.
The elf was handsome, with a calm expression that made him seem approachable.
Frank looked at him seriously.
Frank: "Then tell me."
"What do you want?"
"You wouldn't bring me here for no reason."
The elf laughed.
Man: "It's not what I want."
"It's what your father wanted."
Frank frowned.
Frank: "What did my father want?"
"I don't understand."
Without answering immediately, the elf walked to a storage shelf.
He reached inside, took out a sheathed sword, and handed it to Frank.
Man: "Here."
"Take this."
Frank accepted it carefully.
Man: "Don't worry."
"Your father already paid twice its value."
"It's a valuable sword."
"A very valuable one."
"You'd need ten blood coins to buy something like this."
The elf smiled.
Man: "Now you understand how rich your father was."
Some of the people inside laughed.
One of them shouted,
Member: "Boss, let the kid leave already."
"Don't make him stay here."
At that moment, a young woman stepped forward.
She had black hair and wore dirty work clothes stained with oil, as if she had just come from repairing machines in a garage.
Despite her appearance, she was beautiful.
She crossed her arms.
Franico: "If you're finished, let him go."
"I can't look after another person."
The elf laughed.
Man: "Don't be so cold, Franico."
"Let the kid stay for a while."
Franico shook her head.
Franico: "No."
Frank smiled politely before turning toward the exit.
Just before leaving, he stopped.
Frank: "One more thing..."
"What is your name?"
The elf scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.
Man: "Sorry."
"I guess it was rude of me not to introduce myself."
"My name is Kermish."
[End of chapter]