"So, cousin, would you mind telling us why you called Rin and me here?" Zinc asked after calming down, just as the head of the security squad that transported Rin to the Warden entered the room.
"I'll tell you in a minute, but first, let's hear what Jeremy has to say," Gen smiled as he glanced at Jeremy and gave him a nod to speak.
"Apologies for the interruption, sir, but your assistant insisted that I deliver this to you," he said as he stepped forward and handed the Warden a sealed envelope. "Also… given everything that has occurred today, I don't believe I can maintain the same level of professionalism and discipline I have shown in the past, sir—not after the mistake I made earlier. So, with your permission, I'd like the honor of serving as a referee for today's match before I resign and return to a quieter life with my family."
Jeremy said as he got on his knees and bowed before the Warden, Rin, and Zinc.
Unaware of the fact that his team was trying to hold their tongue and keep their thoughts to themselves while waiting outside the lounge for him to return.
"Hmm… are you certain about this, Jeremy? For if this is truly your decision, then understand this: everything you have earned and accomplished during your tenure with Obsidian Vault will have to be returned immediately." Gen said coldly before continuing, "However, with that, while unexpected, I think I can make some calls and make you the referee for Rin and Zinc's match."
"Yes, sir, I'm positive, and thank you for the opportunity and everything you've done for my family and me."
"Well, then you're dismissed, and I hope to see you later," Gen said as Jeremy bowed once again before getting up and leaving the lounge.
Click. Thud.
"Now then, where were we?" Gen smiled as he faced Rin and Zinc.
"I think you were about to tell us why you called us here, cousin," Zinc said as he rolled his eyes before sizing up Rin and licking his lips in anticipation of their match.
'Ohh, I just can't wait until your ass is tooted up in the air while you beg me to stop as you scream my name in front of your family and the world. Rin... Rin... Rin... just why couldn't you arrive sooner, my prince charming? Truly, this is a day to remember,' Zinc smiled happily as he envisioned everything he would do to Rin after he lost with glee.
'Hey, Artemis… when the match starts, should I kill Zinc immediately? Or should I let me believe he has a chance of winning, before crushing his hope and allowing him to realize that his fate was sealed the moment he saw me?'
[... but Master aren't I on time out currently?]
'Sigh, Artemis, just answer the question, alright, and don't ask any questions.'
[I see... well, since you insist, I would have to say option two, sir.]
'Thank you, Artemis.'
[You're welcome!]
"Oh. Um, I believe I was going to inform you guys of the rules and the time of the match. But unfortunately, I can't seem to remember those fine details, currently," Gen said with a straight face, even though internally he was beyond embarrassed.
Yet, before Rin and Zinc could even comment on this incident, the envelope Jeremy gave him from his assistant caught on fire. Revealing a folded piece of paper that contained the details of not only their match, but also the contracts Zinc and Rin needed to sign for their match to take place without any outside force intervening at the last moment to stop it. Along with a few other clauses that worked in the benefit of the organization and even the winner somewhat.
'Thank you, Erica, you really are the best assistant a man could ask for,' thought Gen with a smile as he began to recite the contents of the paper to Rin and Zinc.
Sometime later...
"So, do you guys have any questions before you both sign these contracts?"
"Nope," replied Pharaoh nonchalantly as he knew in the end, he'd be taking the win home. Plus, while the match was relevant, it still wasn't as important or as crucial as Artemis securing that cyberchip.
[... 60%... 62%... 64%... 66%... 68%... 70%...]
'Hey, Artemis, how much longer do you think it's going to take you to retrieve that cyperchip?' asked Pharaoh as their time in here was soon going to come to an end.
[Two minutes, sir.]
'Hmm, is it possible to take that time down to 30 seconds?' asked Pharaoh as time was of the essence, since they only had a few hours before his and Zinc's match started.
[Yes, but I'd soon have to enter a brief period of inactivity for 10 minutes.]
'I see... well, considering, I don't know when we'll come across another opportunity like this, Artemis. I'd advise you to do anything in your power to secure that cyberchip.'
[... sigh, will do, sir.]
'Thanks for your understanding, soldier, and I'll see you once you wake up.'
[!@#$%^&*()]
[!@#$%^&*()]
[!@#$%^&*()]
[!@#$%^&*() retrived and secured.]
[Initiating Assimilation!]
[0%... 1%... 2%... 3%... 4%... 5%...]