"Come on, everyone. Grab your drinks," Captain Ajaz said as he sat on a seat by the black bartender.
The bartender showed a jovial smile after noticing the professional suits they were wearing.
While doing his magical work with his hands and glasses, the man asked Ajaz:
"Sir, are you perhaps one of the Beyonders?"
Max smiled. "Why? Do you want to provide some discounts if that's the case?"
The bartender let out a sly smile. "Unfortunately not, sir. But there are indeed some special drinks that can help you gain a few decimals of Cosmic Force. Not to forget, they can make even the hardest of men drunk in one sip."
"Speaking of which, you're not an ordinary bartender, are you?" Captain Ajaz asked. "The previous guy is also missing. I am kind of missing his boring chatter."
As Neo and the others took a separate table, the bartender continued,
"Sir, you're right. I was recently hired, and I'm also a Beyonder, though I don't have the kind of talent to explore space like you all. As for the previous guy, he was killed in a recent clash between rival mafia gangs. That's why they hired a Beyonder like me, so that at least I won't be dead anytime soon."
He finished with a bitter chuckle.
"Amitabha!" The monk seemed disheartened. "Such a crushing news. Mortal lives have become less and less important in recent days. Only the great one can guide us sinners."
"Which two gangs are you talking about, bartender?" Vice Captain Deus inquired, after taking a sip from an expensive bottle, making Ajaz's heart bleed.
As the bartender mixed expensive cocktails for Max to get the desired effect, he revealed:
"The West King Gang, and the Red Serpents."
The moment those names were spoken, the atmosphere changed.
Neo's fingers stiffened around his glass.
West Kings.
Recalling the name, a cold light flashed deep within his eyes.
"They've been clashing for control over the lower districts. Smuggling routes, protection zones, illegal trades… the usual. But recently, things have escalated. Even Beyonders are getting involved now."
Max leaned back in his chair,
"Tch. Sounds like a mess. Why hasn't the Federation stepped in yet?"
The bartender let out a dry laugh,
"Because some of the Federation officials are already on their payroll."
That answer spoke more than enough.
Angelica clicked her tongue, "Disgusting."
Flameboy smirked. "Heh. That's just how the world works."
Meanwhile, Neo's thoughts churned.
West Kings Gang…
The same group that had dragged his mother to the ground. The same group that had slapped Nina without hesitation.
"Crack!"
His blood boiled and the pressure cracked the glass he was holding.
Moon, sitting beside him, noticed.
Her silver eyes glanced at him with confusion.
Why does he look angry when he heard the West Kings gang?
The question rang inside her mouth.
Captain Ajaz took a slow sip of his drink before speaking:
"Stay out of it, bartender. We work for private organisations. Until we receive orders, this is none of our concern."
His tone might sound heartless, but it's the fact. The Apex Nebula didn't like when their members go out and cause trouble using their name.
Max raised his glass. "Well, works for me. Less trouble, more drinks."
Afterward, a comfortable silence settled between the Hydra crew.
The loud music of the bar, however, didn't give them time to stay idle.
Max was the first to extend his hand.
"Hey, Angie. Let's have a dance that you will never forget."
Angelica scoffed. "As if I would accept—"
"Oh, come on."
Before she could finish, he was already pulling her along.
"Don't be so shy."
"I'm not shy, you moron. I don't like you at all," she replied while struggling to get free.
"There will be a day you will," Max said, laughing.
Flameboy pumped his fist, then followed behind them, his eyes already fixed on a radiant woman.
Following that, Captain Ajaz reached for Agnes' hand.
"Shall we dance, Agnes? Maybe this could be our last dance among the stars?"
She nodded and accepted his hand with a graceful step.
The couple soon joined in a romantic dance on the dance floor.
Neo had never imagined the handsome and domineering Captain Ajaz could dance so well. He was able to match Lady Agnes' steps with ease.
Neo felt a little jealous.
His gaze turned to Moon, who sat expressionlessly, just watching, just like the moon observing from above.
'Should I ask her out?' The question appeared in his mind for a fleeting second. But very quickly, he shook his head.
'What am I thinking? We just met. Why would she agree to dance with me? Besides, I don't know how to dance.'
The fear and inferiority complex before her beauty and grace were real.
He was not a playboy like Max to be a little forceful about it.
Mr. Deus then spoke, "Now, why are you two sitting still for? Go and enjoy. You will not find this kind of opportunity once we set out for our assignment. And maybe we won't even come out alive. Treat every day as your last."
After hearing that, both Neo and Moon glanced at each other, while the monk flinched visibly.
"Amitabha! You're scaring this little monk, Vice Captain."
"Why would I want to scare you? It's the truth. We have gone on so many interstellar assignments, more than you three have lived your lives combined. Maybe even more than that.
What's crucial is that every exploration, from launch, arriving in orbit, journeying through the empty void, figuring out the precise location, then executing our task to completion, was filled with dangers you cannot imagine.
All of my former colleagues died tragically. It's only a miracle that I survived."
"Maybe it's not a miracle, Senior. Maybe it's your experience and intelligence that guided you back home safely," Neo added solemnly.
"And that's precisely the experience and guidance we need from you to survive. And most of us know that."
Hearing Neo's words, the old man smiled.
"You're quite an interesting brat, you know that. Now go. Don't worry about us old guys," Mr. Deus said gently.
It was Moon who took the lead first. She stepped forward with the elegance of a queen.
Neo followed her, unsure of what to do, when she subtly reached for his hand.
Feeling her touch, Neo was stunned.