We Aren't Friends

SCREECH!!

The spider shrieked, a high-pitched, enraged sound, and lunged at Christopher.

Christopher scrambled back, stumbling through the doorway and falling into the hallway.

He rolled over, his heart pounding, and saw the spider poised at the doorway, its eight eyes gleaming menacingly at him.

Christopher slowly rose to his feet, his gaze fixed on the spider.

"Oh? Katherine told you not to leave the room?" He chuckled, a nervous edge to his voice. "Smart girl. A magically bound Beast rarely disobeys its master, no matter how ridiculous the order is."

He gave the spider a wry smile. "We'll have our fun later. I've got places to be."

He closed the door, the click echoing in the sudden silence, and walked down the hallway, idly spinning his car keys on his finger.

'That spider was tougher than I thought.' He mused inwardly, walking down the stairs.

'I need to find a better way to deal with those things.'

____

"Greetings, Young Master Christopher." the two guards at the door greeted respectfully.

"Greetings." Christopher replied, a small smile playing on his lips. He glanced around the sprawling estate, a low whistle escaping him.

The grounds were impeccably maintained, white paving stones gleaming in the sunlight. A large koi pond shimmered near the main villa, and a dozen luxury vehicles, including his own sleek Bugatti Centodieci, were parked in the shade of a sprawling oak tree.

'Wow, the Valhalla family surely knows how to live life.'

Christopher thought, pressing the key fob, and the Bugatti's lights flashed. He slid into the driver's seat, started the engine, and smoothly drove out of the shaded area.

The gatekeeper quickly opened the electronic gates and bowed as Christopher's car glided onto the street.

The four bodyguards assigned to Christopher exchanged puzzled glances. "Why did he leave without us?" One of them asked, turning to the other three, his face filled with confusion.

__________

[Grand Herbs Enterprises.]

Grand Herbs Enterprises, renowned throughout the capital for its rare and potent ingredients, was packed with customers. Tamers and non-Tamers alike thronged the aisles, eager for a glimpse of Adrian Vanir, the youngest Elite Tamer from the Academy.

"I want to see Master Adrian!"

"No, I saw him first!"

"Me!"

"Move!!"

The crowd surged forward, but four bodyguards in black suits held them back, protecting Adrian as he browsed the herbs.

"Master Adrian, what can I get for you today?" the store owner asked, rubbing his hands together, a smile on his face.

"We're offering a special 30% discount for our esteemed customers." He added.

"Thank you." Adrian said, smiling graciously, "But I couldn't possibly. Your business provides a valuable service to the community."

Adrian tapped a ring on his finger, and a Verdant Fox, its fur a blend of green leaves and earthy brown, materialized beside him.

'Wow! A Perfect-stage Beast.' The store owner thought, impressed.

'And a plant bloodline. That's a rare combination.'

The Verdant Fox sniffed at the herbs, and Adrian picked up any item its paw rested on, seemingly oblivious to the price.

'I wish all my customers were this easygoing.' The store owner thought, getting even more excited.

Before the Verdant Fox could select another item, a hand reached out and grabbed a Blood Mushroom.

Adrian, his bodyguards, the store owner, and the crowd turned to see who it was.

"Christopher?" Adrian asked, surprised.

"What brings you here?" He asked.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, seeing Christopher:

"Isn't that…?"

"The Valhalla's heir?"

"I heard he's afraid of Beasts."

"Me too, and he also has a very low lifeforce."

"There is no way he could be a Tamer."

"Be a Tamer? He can't even lift a stone!"

"But... Why is he here? Even taking what Master Adrian set his eyes on."

Adrian frowned. "Those rumors aren't true." He said, his voice carrying through the store.

"Christopher is a friend of mine." He added with a smile.

All eyes turned to Christopher, who sighed.

"We're acquaintances at best, Adrian." he said dryly. "And if you're so desperate for friends, feel free to mingle with your admirers."

Adrian's smile faltered, a frown settling in. One of his loyal bodyguards stepped forward, a scowl on his face, planning to teach Christopher a lesson, but Adrian stopped him with a raised hand.

"Who is this Christopher? Don't he know Adrian is the only son of the Vanirs family, and the future hair?"

A man in the crowd whispered.

"That's Christopher Valhalla, the eldest son. His family's influence dwarfs even the Vanirs, You don't want to cross him." Another quicky reprimand the man.

The man's face paled, and started trembling... He quickly took some steps backwards, disappearing from the crowd.

"Don't mind them, Christopher," Adrian said, recovering his composure. "Where are your guards? I never see you without them."

"Trying something new," Christopher replied. He turned to the store owner. "How much for these?" He placed five Sunlight Flowers and five Blood Mushrooms on the counter.

Adrian chuckled seeing the ingredients Christopher's bought. "What are you doing with those? Trying to poison your Beast?"

"Mind your own business, Adrian," Christopher said, his voice laced with disdain.

Adrian rolled his eyes, and listened to the store owner.

"Master Christopher," the store owner said smoothly, "that will be $10,000. We offer a 20% discount for our valued customers."

"Thank you."

Christopher said, without a bit hesitation, he placed $8,000 on the counter.

"You're a lifesaver." He picked up his purchases and walked towards the exit, ignoring the stares of the stunned crowd.

The store owner sighed. 'I was hoping he'd be as free-spending as Master Adrian.' he thought.

"Arrange my purchases," Adrian said to the store owner. "And do you have any more Sunlight Flowers?"

"I'm afraid not, Master Adrian," the owner replied. "The shipment is delayed. Perhaps this evening—"

"No matter," Adrian interrupted. He tapped his ring, and the Verdant Fox dissolved into a swirl of green light, vanishing into the ring's interior.

'Something's definitely off about Christopher.' Adrian thought, his gaze fixed on the exit. 'I need to figure out what it is.'