In a hidden cave, voices of people screaming in pain echoed.
They were slaves, all locked in cages.
There were three categories.
The weak slaves, in bad health, were saved as food for the animals.
The good slaves were used for work. Lastly, some were kept for the enjoyment of others.
In one cage, a frightened woman moved backward and said,
"Please… don't do that."
Beside her was another cage filled with hungry wild animals. A man stood near her cage. He lowered his head, looked at her with a malicious smile, and grabbed the cage bars.
"Are you terrified of me… or of them?"
His eyes opened wider and his smile grew. Suddenly, he opened her cage and let the animals in. The animals slowly walked toward her.
"Don't eat me! Ahh!"
She screamed in pain… and then died.
A young boy watched the scene coldly. He had no expression, as if he were already dead inside.
Meanwhile, Joel and Stephane arrived at an abandoned building. There were kids there who looked at them like prey. They observed Stephane carefully.
So these kids want my money… or food… whatever.
Suddenly, Stephane curved his lips into a frightening smile, as if he were about to kill them.
The kids immediately ran away.
"What just happened?" Joel whispered.
Stephane lowered his head and smiled slightly.
"Nothing important."
They were looking for the precise location of where the terrorists were hiding.
They entered the building. The door was broken.
Is there even someone here?
Suddenly, Joel froze for a moment. He could sense that someone dangerous was there. Then they heard a voice.
"Sit down, my customers."
The place became darker. Immediately they saw someone sitting on a chair with his hands resting on a table.
"What do you wish to know?"
Stephane slowly swallowed his saliva.
So the rumors about him were true… I almost thought it was a scam.
The man had no eyes, and strange skulls and other objects were placed beside him.
They sat down.
Stephane leaned forward with a serious face and said,
"I'm here for two things. First, will I win big this time? Second… where are these terrorists?"
He showed the mission document.
"I can only answer one question," the man said. His voice echoed in the room.
"Do you have enough money to pay for my services?"
Stephane nodded and placed money on the table.
The man smiled maliciously.
Joel could see something normal people couldn't: a demon standing beside the man. The demon leaned toward him and whispered in his ear.
"They are in a cage four kilometers from here."
Stephane stood up. His heart was beating faster—not from fear.
"So that's everything you can say?"
The man nodded.
I spent my money… This guy is a complete scammer.
Stephane twisted his face and grabbed the man.
"You're a fucking scammer!"
"Pay more… to know more," the man replied calmly.
Suddenly, a wave of force pushed Stephane back. He fell to the ground. When he looked again, the man had disappeared along with his items and the money.
Joel was confused about what had just happened. He walked toward Stephane.
Stephane slowly looked at him coldly.
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
He stood up and picked up a document from the ground. Then he smiled.
He wasn't what I thought he was. If this information is true…
"So, let's go."