(Thanks to Rendering Feather for the gift. Here's an extra update.)
Two streets away.
Uvogin tore into a huge chunk of roasted beast meat, grease running down the corners of his mouth. He casually wiped his face with his fur-trimmed sleeve.
Franklin walked beside him in silence, his stitched-up face expressionless.
"Franklin."
Uvogin swallowed the meat in his mouth and spoke unclearly.
"The boss told us to find new recruits. Got any ideas?"
Hearing Uvogin's words, Franklin paused for a few seconds before speaking.
"Let Shalnark worry about that. I'd rather find that guy from last time."
He meant Leo.
The moment those words left his mouth, Franklin instinctively touched his waist. Though the wound had long since healed, a phantom ache would surface whenever he recalled the battle at Xilirike Auction House.
It was a humiliation. Several Phantom Troupe members had been suppressed by one man, Bonolenov had died in battle, and Franklin himself had been severely wounded.
For more than half a year, that hatred had gnawed at his reason like a venomous snake.
Uvogin grinned and heavily slapped Franklin on the back, the force making nearby pedestrians turn their heads.
"Don't worry!"
He roared carelessly.
"Next time I run into that brat, I'll smash him into meat paste with one punch! I'll show him what a real Enhancement Type is!"
Franklin did not respond.
He knew Uvogin was strong, but that man named Leo... Thinking back to that night's battle, that pure strength and speed, and that final move...
"Don't underestimate him," Franklin said gravely.
"Hah! Since when did you become such a coward?"
Uvogin laughed loudly and casually tossed the gnawed-clean bone into a roadside trash can.
"Come on, let's go grab some booze!"
Franklin glanced at him without arguing. The two continued wandering down the