Bad Deal

As they left the administration building, Alexandre checked his phone and saw a notification for a wire transfer of $200,000. That was exactly what he'd expected: His original bet, plus an additional $100,000 of winnings.

However, it was nowhere near what he should've received based on the original agreement. Annoyed, Alexandre said to Omega, "Why'd you give him $100,000 of my money? He's just a pathetic human being! A broken arm and he'd have given me the clothes off his back while begging for his life!"

Omega replied, "You absolute fool. He might be human, but the underground mafia aren't. They learn to fuck before they learn to walk! You're far stupider than I thought if you think you can get away with ripping them off."

Alexandre growled, "He agreed to let me take part under a false name. He even asked me to bet on William Walton, and when the amount I bet didn't suit him, he broke our deal! I should've smashed that cigar-smoking piece of shit's jaw!"

Omega replied, "Violence isn't always the best solution. You must understand that even though many Hunters think they are invincible, and even think they're the masters of the world, even the strongest man alive can die."

Alexandre burst out laughing. "I'd never have imagined a sadist like you saying something like that!"

Omega gave a wry smile. "I don't want you to burn out right away, my young friend. Tell me the truth: You didn't notice that cloaked Hunter watching our conversation, did you?

Alexandre froze in shock. "What are you talking about?"

"If you'd been more powerful, you'd have noticed him standing there. Given the difference in strength… Well, you're free to do whatever you want to the director, but don't say I didn't warn you."

But Alexandre was still thinking hard about the conversation, trying desperately to remember if he'd caught any sign of an eavesdropper. "I didn't see a thing. I didn't know there are Hunters who can turn fully invisible like that."

Omega shook his head. "Invisible? No. Just an advanced form of camouflage, and it doesn't work against Hunters with very high levels of Perception."

At last, Alexandre nodded. "Alright. Thank you; I can admit when I was wrong. I owe you one."

"It's nothing, so forget it. Just remember to be available this weekend. I've got an offer for you… but in private, not in a public place like this." Omega then produced his phone and showed Alexandre his phone number. "I've got to head out. Save my information."

In the end, Alexandre felt pretty happy. He hadn't gotten everything that he deserved, but $100,000 of winnings in one evening wasn't bad at all. Now it was time for him to go back to his new apartment and get some much-needed and well-deserved sleep.

All that was left was to figure out how exactly he was going to explain to William how he'd had a cataclysmic arena debut in his sleep…