Christopher walked out of the store, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky. Beasts of all shapes and sizes soared through the air, their Tamers guiding them to various destinations.
"I suppose it's time I acquired a Beast of my own," he murmured. He raised a hand, examining his knuckles. "But is my life force strong enough to withstand even the lowest of stages? And I don't want just any Beast. I need three... Exceptional. Beasts that can withstand the experiments."
He lowered his hand, a determined glint in his eyes, with on last look around, he walked to his car.
[Northern part of the Capital.]
Christopher drove out of the capital, past the sprawling suburbs, and into the Exurb— A lawless district known for its sprawling black market. The area was a chaotic mix of dilapidated buildings and bustling crowds.
He parked in front of a stark white building, an anomaly in the otherwise run-down neighborhood. Two heavily armed guards eyed his Bugatti with suspicion.
They watched as Christopher emerged from the car, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, and walked towards them.
"What's Christopher Valhalla doing here?" one guard muttered, a sneer twisting his lips.
To their surprise, Christopher ignored them, striding past and disappearing into a narrow alleyway beside the building.
The guards exchanged bewildered glances. "What was that about?"
"Where the hell is he going?!"
They cautiously followed him, peering into the alley. Christopher stood before an unmarked wall at the alley's end.
He raised his hand and knocked twice, paused, then knocked thrice. After a five-second wait, he delivered a single knock.
The guards were stunned. 'That's the VIP access code!' One thought, his eyes widening in disbelief. 'How does he know it?'
With a soft click, the wall slid open, revealing a hidden doorway. Christopher stepped through without hesitation.
"This! Quick, go and get the Boss! She needs to see this!!"
[Five minutes Later.]
The guard waited, his confusion growing, until a striking middle-aged woman with long blue hair and piercing blue eyes emerged from the building, followed by five burly bodyguards, and the guard who went to inform her.
"Where is Christopher Valhalla?" she demanded, her gaze sweeping over the scene.
The guard pointed to the now-closed wall. "He went in there, Madam."
Murphy frowned. "Do you realize what's behind that wall?" She asked.
"And you just let him through? Christopher Valhalla, that pampered, useless heir? He couldn't possibly know the VIP code. I'm the only one who distributes it!"
"We... We're sorry, Madam... That's why we called you." one guard stammered.
"Maybe someone gave it to him." The second added.
"Impossible," Murphy scoffed. "That code is reserved for powerful figures, legendary Tamers, Supreme Tamers. Even his father don't have access... Yet."
She scoffed again, and strode towards the wall, her five bodyguards right behind her.
The two guards watched as she performed the same sequence of knocks Christopher had used. The wall slid open, and with a final, pointed glare at the guards, Murphy disappeared inside.
[Back to Christopher.]
Christopher surveyed the opulent hall. Men and women, dressed in finery, mingled and chatted, their voices creating a low hum... A smooth music playing in the background.
He approached the bar and took a seat.
"What can I get for you, sir?" the bartender, a young woman with a round face and wide blue eyes, asked with a polite smile.
"I'm looking for Murphy," Christopher replied.
The bartender's smile faltered. No one dared address the club owner by her first name, let alone so casually.
"And you are...?" she asked cautiously.
'He called her by her name.' She thought, a flicker of unease in her eyes.
'He must be someone important. A Master Tamer, perhaps?'
"Christopher." he said.
"Of course, sir. We know."
All eyes turned to the entrance as Murphy and her bodyguards entered the hall with long strides. Murphy's gaze immediately found Christopher at the bar.
"It's the Madam!" someone whispered.
"What's she doing here? She hasn't been down here in months."
"Probably here because of him."
"Isn't that Christopher Valhalla, the eldest son?!"
"The "useless" son? How did "he" get in?"
"I don't know, but this should be interesting."
"Yes, It seems the madam is angry."
A buzz of speculation filled the hall as the VIPs got ready to enjoy the show.
Christopher, aware of the attention, casually swirled the wine glass he took from a lady. Murphy approached, her expression unreadable.
"Christopher." she called, her voice cool. "This is my establishment. And everyone here are my VIPs, so if I may ask, How did you get the access code?"
"Is that any way to greet an old friend, Murphy?" Christopher asked, finally turning to face her. He picked up a nearby bottle of wine and filled the glass in his hand, his gaze on her.
"Old friend?" Murphy's eyes narrowed. "I don't have time for games. Boys, escort him out."
Before the bodyguards could move, Christopher spoke again. "Come on, Murph. Don't tell me you don't recognize your childhood playmate." He smiled at her.
Murphy froze, her eyes widening slightly. She raised a hand, stopping her bodyguards.
"Stop." She said, while they looked at her, confused.
Murphy walked over to Christopher, her steps measured and purposeful. She sat down beside him, the woman whose wine he'd taken quickly vacating the seat.
"What did you call me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, gaze intensely fixed on Christopher sitting beside her.
The guards looked at one another in confusion, this is a new side of the boss... But, why is she suddenly curious about this guy?
"We can't talk here." Christopher said moving his gaze on everyone present, and settled it on Murphy:
"Let's go to your office. I need some things, and I'm sure you have questions."
Murphy considered his words, then nodded. She stood up.
She turned and walked towards the exit, her bodyguards trailing behind. Christopher finished his wine, rose, and followed.