A Story of Evil

"So this is our new base huh."

The same group of thieves which Hendrickson fought found a new location for themselves to hide in. The group actually has multiple places which could be used as their base. Switching from one to the other depending on how dangerous a spot was to continue operations.

Due to this technique they have continued evading capture. With their confidence rising each and every time. Until it came to the point that they felt invincible.

"So what's the plan now boss?" One goon said, sitting on a crate as the thieves gathered for a meeting.

"What else? We'll keep on looting during the festival of course. We can't let this opportunity go to waste. Not with all of the visitors who are sure to bring items found from other domains."

"But won't it be a bit dangerous? It seems that our white rabbit has gotten herself involved int his." Another thief said, referring to Alice.

The leader didn't say anything in reply. There was nothing but silence filling up the air. With the thief that spoke finally understanding that he shouldn't have said that. Because their leader took off his hood. Revealing crimson red hair which matched well with his eyes.

"So? Are we supposed to get scared of a kid?"

"N-No Lez." The thief said.

"What was that? I can't hear you." The leader, Lez, took out his dagger and began sharpening it.

"N-No we aren't supposed to get scared." As soon as the thief said this, the sound of something cutting the wind passed through him. It was only after one second that the thief recognized what happened. The knife of their leader stuck to the wall just behind him, with the top of his ear bleeding as its skin was cut.

"I am not as benevolent as my father. If you guys want to continue your service in the league then you need to place your balls where it counts!"

"Yes sir!" the whole group responded.

"With the festival we have more chances to loot! We will not allow a child who left the league get the better of us. Understood?"

"Yes sir!" They responded again. With Lez standing up and taking back his dagger.

"Good. Now, let's show those people from the other domains how frightening the Void is."

...

...

...

As soon as the three recovered, they went to replenish themselves. Specifically, they went to a store which is located on another shady looking neighborhood. But it wasn't like it was different from teh rest of the slums which, mostly, consist of shady neighborhoods.

From a mile away, Hendrickson could already smell meat being grilled. Making him even more hungry as he demanded that they move faster. Something which the two more than happily agreed too. With the trio reaching the shop after another three minutes.

Hendrickson thought that he was in for a treat. But as he looked at the food on the grills, his facial expression completely changed. From hunger to a sort of look that said, he'd rather fast for a thousand years.

Lizards.

Mice.

Insects.

Unusual body parts of animals.

These were the things being grilled.

He wanted to back away. To pull Sol and Alice and tell them that he wasn't hungry anymore. However it was too late as, the owner of the shop finally arrived. Appearing through the door and giving a look at her three new customers.

"Oh my if it isn't the two young paladins. What can I get you?"

"Twenty grilled lizards please." Sol said.

"T-Twenty?" Hendrickson felt his knees shaking at that point.

"Oh and some hound intestines please." 

"I-Intestine?"

As soon as the owner of the food store turned, Hendrickson also began moving backwards. But the two paladins felt his steps. They slowly turned their heads, with a wide grin on both their faces. Making all the hair on Hendrickson's skin rise from fear.

"Where are you going Rick?" Sol remarked grabbing hold to Hendrickson's left arm.

"Yeah. Why are you so far away?" Alice asked, grabbing to his right.

The two began pulling their guest to the nearest dining area. With a worn down wooden crate used as a table while planks nailed together served as chairs. Hendrickson was forced to sit here. His heart thumping even faster as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

"H-Hey you're sure that those are edible right?"

"Of course I am, why else would I make you guys eat it right? In fact why don't you ask Alice how good the food are."

"What? The fried lizards? Oh it's divine. It's like eating a big chunk of chicken skin but softer. Then there's the main part of its body, that soft flesh..." Alice's mouth was already watering so she stopped at that point.

"The hound intestine is also to die for." Sol said with a wide grin on his face. Making Hendrickson laugh nervously.

"You mean figuratively right?"

Hendrickson received no response. The grin was still plastered on Solomon's face. Looking more and more evil with each passing second.

"S-Sol?"

"Anyway, there you have it, that is the best food we can offer you in the slums."

"Don't change the subject!" Hendrickson pleaded. Making both Sol and Alice laugh their hearts out.

The area where the three went was an old grilling shop within the outer walls. Of course normal food, nutritious ones, were already being given to the slum dwellers. However, the people of the outer walls still craved the old ones. Rats. Lizards. Insects. Every other food which the other domains would simply puke on. With their gut twisting just from the idea of eating these.

After all, their palettes haven't been geared to withstand the taste of these things. It is only those in the Void who are capable of this. Making them the most resilient ones among the ten domains when it comes to eating exotic food. Something which can never be equaled to. That was why Hendrickson was a bit shaken at that moment.

Hendrickson saw the old woman, placing the lizards on sticks. With a wide grin on her face. The steel user couldn't help but liken it to a witch. And in his frightened mind he even heard ear splitting laughter made in high pitch.

"Hey, don't tell me you're actually scared of food."

"W-Why would I be scared. I am a vanguard who fought in the front lines! There is no reason for me to be scared!" Hendrickson declared, with Sol and Alice still toying with their visitor.

"Yeah Sol, he'd probably be able to finish all the lizards we ordered." Alice commented.

"Ahh silly me. I almost forgot how much you could eat when we were still in the same division." Sol added.

"N-No you guys don;t have to worry about me. I'm sure the food you ordered is enough." Hendrickson said.

"Oh no. We insist." Alice pushed.

"No please. I already ate a lot along the way." Was Hendrickson's pleading words.

Sol and Alice wanted to push it even furthered. However the owner of the establishment finally came to them at that time. Bringing with her two plates. One filled with the lizards and the other filled with the intestines.

"How much is it ma'am?" Sol said, reaching for his pocket.

"Don't be silly, it's on the house." The old lady said in a kind tone.

"But ma'am..."

"I don,t want to hear another word. You two have brought a lot of hope for my grandchildren when you won the Culling. That alone is enough of a payment." The old lady said, offering a warmhearted smile to the three who couldn't help but feel fuzzy inside.

Meanwhile, Hendrickson who saw the old lady as a witch was deeply ashamed. He judged the personality of the old lady because of the food she made. Plus, he even judged the food itself. Forgetting that the old lady would've exerted effort in order to ensure that the food she sells is clean.

"Thank you for the meal!" Hendrickson said, placing her palms together in prayer and taking three lizards right away.

Sol and Alice got surprised by the sudden change of heart. With Hendrickson following up by eating the intestines before commenting:

"IT'S DELICIOUS!"

"Hey weren't you complaining a while ago?" Alice said.

"Don't be silly! How can such a pure hearted lady make anything that I won't like! I will finish all of these and have seconds!"

"Look at this guy." Alice said, liking both Hendrickson's words and the actions he did.

"Ma'am I'm sorry. Looks like you're gonna be busy while we're here." Sol furthered, ordering everything in the menu.

"Oh I don't mind. I'll get back to cooking then." The old lady said as their short stop turned into an exotic buffet.

The three indulged themselves in the food served by the old woman. They took as much as they could and the old lady was more than happy to continue cooking for them. Of course they paid for the next batches. Even adding a few more coins which the old lady didn't notice.

"We're heading out now."

"Take care children. I hope you visit my shop again soon."

"Of course we will ma'am!" Hendrickson announced, getting a lighthearted chuckle from the old lady.

"I'll be counting on that."