Alfie scowled, ready to push the boy aside, but before he could move, Farrah slapped the back of his head.
"Hey!" Alfie was surprised as he rubbed the spot.
Farrah glared at him. "He must be hungry or something. Don't you feel sorry for the kid?"
Alfie frowned but didn't argue. He wanted to say something at first, but his hands dropped to his sides.
The boy, thin and ragged, looked up at them with wide eyes. His blue hair was messy, his cheeks hollow, and his clothes smelled faintly of sweat and dust. Yet there was a spark of determination in his gaze.
"Please," he said, voice trembling but firm. "Hire me. I can be your guide… or help you with errands. Just one C‑Grade Core for the whole day."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Hire you?"
He didn't expect that the boy would offer his services.
The boy nodded quickly. "Yes. My name is Xian. I know the streets, the shops, and the shortcuts. I can show you where to find things. One C‑Grade Core is enough. I won't ask for more."
