The Barrier

Rael let out a sigh.

"Well, aren't you a sly bitch?"

"..."

The woman's eyes widened.

"Huh?"

"You heard me." Rael scoffed. "I literally have a bag of chips to my name, and you want me to share? Are you serious? Do you want me to hand out one chip each to all of you, eh? Fucking idiots..."

His little outburst caused the entire Jade Palace to fall silent.

The hall was wide, with tall jade pillars and a smooth stone floor. A few lanterns hung overhead, casting a faint green light. At the far end stood a single throne. Storage rooms lined the sides, their doors tightly shut.

That silence was soon broken by the man who sat on the throne.

"Pfft... hahaha..." The man let out a laugh. "Say, do I know you?"

"I doubt it," Rael replied. "...Do I know you?"