A Man Like None Other

They had just walked out of the hotel when a taxi stopped them in their tracks. Jared looked up and realized it was the short man who had sent him to the hotel earlier. He was confused as to why the short man had stopped him.

“Sir, do you have time now? My name is Shorty. Can I treat you to a meal?” Shorty asked.

Jared rejected his invitation at once. “No need. It was nothing. Besides, you didn’t ask me to pay for the ride, so we called it even. You don’t have to do this.”

However, Shorty seemed stumped. Seeing that, Jared knew it wasn’t just as simple as having a meal together. “Is there something else you need?” Jared inquired.

Shorty nodded awkwardly. “Sir, my gang leader, Mr. Thompson, dispatched me here to invite you. He wants to see you.” “Your gang leader?” Jared was surprised to learn that a taxi driver had a gang leader.

Shorty noticed his surprise and explained, “We Chanaeans who run businesses here, including taxi drivers, have formed The Chanaean Brotherhood to prevent being bullied. After I went back and told him about the incident at the airport, he expressed a desire to meet with you.”

were all Chanaeans, so Jared

they knew about the ancient ruins of Ice

for decades. Shorty was overjoyed that Jared had accepted the invitation. He welcomed Jared

courtyard with a few houses within. Shorty led them into a two-story house

descended the stairs with a slow, graceful gait. His strong aura

Grandmaster, but his

aged man couldn’t help but frown when he realized he couldn’t assess

seat,” he exclaimed and gestured for them to sit down.

Gilbert a cup of coffee each. “May I know your name?” the middle-aged man asked Jared. “My name