Bek gasped.

  “Wow!”

  His eyes glimmered as the faintly glowing stone reflected in them.

  Shin frowned. “What is this?”

  Before anyone could stop him, he snatched the stone from Pik’s hand and inspected it without care. Pik yelped and immediately tore it back, wiping it frantically as if Shin’s touch had dirtied it.

  “Hey! Watch it!” Pik snapped.

  Then he straightened, holding the mana stone up proudly.

  “Now what? I do what I say. This stone is yours.”

  “Yes! I’ll do it!” Bek answered without hesitation, his entire body trembling with excitement.

  Lin stepped forward, her expression dark.

  “Hold it, fatso. This isn’t right. This is a graveyard. At night. It’s dangerous. And this whole thing feels fishy.”

  Before Lin could finish, Pik raised a finger.

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  His men moved instantly.

  They blocked Lin and Bek, clamping hands over their mouths before either could say another word.

  “Hey! Stop it!” Shin shouted, struggling to pull them free.

  Ignoring the commotion, Pik casually placed an arm over Shin’s shoulder and turned him toward the path swallowed by darkness.

  “You see,” Pik said smoothly, his voice low and persuasive, “this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One that will change your destiny… lead you to greatness… and bring you thrilling adventures.”

  Shin stared at the stone again.

  “Wow, wow,” he scoffed. “And how exactly does this pebble lead to the greatest adventure?”

  Pik froze.

  For a moment, he seemed genuinely speechless. He clicked his tongue in irritation, then waved his hand. One of his men released Bek.

  “Oi, fatso. Explain how magical and valuable this stone is.”

  Bek crossed his arms proudly.

  “Before I answer,” he said seriously, “I need payment.”

  Pik blinked. “Payment?”

  “One roasted duck, please.”

  Smack!

  The sound echoed through the graveyard.

  “Do I look like a food stall to you?!” Pik roared.

  Bek clutched his cheek, tears forming. “O–Okay! Okay!”

  He hurried on, “My father told me this stone is used for crafting magic items! It can be exchanged for great wealth!”

  Pik leaned closer, eyes sharp. “And?”

  Bek nodded firmly. “And that wealth can buy roasted duck.”

  Silence fell.

  Then—

  “Really?! Yeah!!” Shin burst out laughing.

  He threw his arms into the air, pure joy on his face.

  Shin and Bek shouted together,

  “We’re rich! We’re rich! We’re rich!”

  Pik’s lips curled into a wide grin.

  “So… you’re in?”

  “Yes!” Shin replied instantly. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

  “Let’s go!” Bek echoed, already moving.

  Lin sighed deeply, rubbing her temples.

  “…Ugh. Unstoppable fools.”

  Still, she watched them rush ahead into the darkness, a bad feeling settling in her chest.