Music began to swirl from the walls of the grand hall like a dream. Faust sat up, looking around. There were no musicians or instruments. Just a soft melody surrounding everyone in the hall.

This is Baroque, but I can’t remember which one... Mozart?

"Oh, I like this," Faust said, humming along to the music.

"I just know this is someone’s schema," Nirvana added. She was still soft and cool. No sign of anger in her demeanor. She grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and gave him one.

"Come on drink," Nirvana said jovially. She draped a hand around his shoulders and stared into his eyes. "We have ten hours before we have to jump back into hell."

Diego approached him after talking to some people. Nirvana barely spared him a glance, leaning against Faust. Old Dog rustled his hair affectionately.

"You’re quite the golden goose," Diego grunted. "You keep shitting out golden eggs."

Faust glanced at the cup in his hand. "This manner of talking... Who are you and what have you done with Diego."

"Oh come off it, Faust. You did good. Despite everyone being against you. All our victories we owe it to you."

The praise was disconcerting. Where was his jealousy? His fear of Usurpers? Diego went on about how the Stream showed the entire Infiltration. Novice Village #1’s stream was currently the most watched.

"Then you have the system talking about its patrons being impressed," Diego said with a breath of disbelief. "Those are aliens, Faust. Things of fiction in the flesh. There’s a lot of speculation on what they are."

"Gods, or a type three civilization," Nirvana shrugged. "They really could be anything. But we’ll have first contact in a few minutes."

Oh, that’s right. It’s been a while since we left the gate. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"We’re going to keep the party going even after," Diego reassured. "We have Sergio fighting for his life in the kitchens—By the way, he said I should congratulate you, Faust. We also have Omar making alcohol. His Schema... is quite the wonder."

Nirvana grabbed another round of drinks for them. Confusion rippled through Faust. Something was wrong with her. Was she just using the drinks to drown it out?

He grabbed her hand before she could throw down another glass. "Take it easy."

"I’ll be fine," she reassured. "Just not used to social events. Drink with me, I bet you get drunk before me."

Faust raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge? What will you wager?"

"I’ll tell you a secret about us," Nirvana whispered so Diego wouldn’t hear. "But if I win, you’ll do anything I want."

It was a bit of a risky bet, but he bet he could win. He had replicated Blood Regeneration like her. It would protect him against drunkenness.

Diego leaned in closer once their whispering was done. "Do you mind helping me with something while you guys play your game?"

Nirvana blushed and turned away.

Faust glanced from him to Jason and his far flung table. "You want me to help talk to Jason? You should deal with him yourself. His type only respects force."

"Yes," Diego agreed. "But he still worries about you. You scare him for some reason. At least that’s what I noticed."

Nirvana chuckled. "I don’t blame him."

Eventually Faust was convinced to follow him. He picked up his chair and promised Nirvana he would be back.

Jason and all his followers grew quiet, watching Diego and Faust with almost predatory glares. Gone were the smiles and whispered jokes. A storm was coming.

Diego went around cordially to shake hands and hear their names. Faust just sat down beside three familiar people. Their hands were healed, but the fear in their eyes was the same.

The three thugs that tried to assault Amelia only a few hours ago. It’s funny how fast things change in this Origin Trials. This is a place for wolves after all. They had gone from scavengers to the top of the food chain just by picking the right leader.

Jason, or Gamebreaker as he was known by many, was visited by various people throughout the party. Some were just there to congratulate and curry favor. Others were more direct and desired a place in Jason’s cohort.

Faust and many others with high Spirit in the area heard them loud and clear.

They aren’t used to how good everyone’s hearing is yet. Choosing where you speak will become important in the future.

Many people that met with Jason expressed dissatisfaction with Diego. Others changed their positions to fit Gamebreaker’s opinions.

Even now, the moment Diego and Faust got up almost a thousand eyes followed them. The hall wasn’t big enough to host everyone, but the people inside were the best Players. All at least top 1000.

Faust was glad Diego chose a more exclusive space to host this party. It gave a sense of specialness to anyone in here. And a hunger to grow stronger to those outside.

Humans always seek rarity.

And Jason knew that. If he sat with Diego, Faust and the others, he would blend in with them. But if he created his own special club here? People would be tripping over themselves to kiss his ass.

Faust focused on his three friendly thugs, but they wouldn’t look at him. He sighed. "You’re hurting my feelings. I came to greet some friends and you ignore me"

"Fuck off, Faust. Don’t bully my boys," Jason said across the table as he shook Diego. It was a light jab, not really aggressive. But it was a command so Faust ignored him.

He neared one of the thugs and poked his hand. The man jerked back. "Who healed you? They did a good job."

They still refused to talk. Faust guessed what Jason had told them before he came: Ignore Faust’s jabs, don’t give him attention.

What can I do to get a reaction?

Sometimes acting off instinct wasn’t bad. And Faust’s instincts plead for violence.

Faust grabbed one hand before the thug could react. He squeezed lightly. Just enough to tell the man he could break it.

"What’s your name, friend?"

"H-haymaker."

"Nickname?" Faust chuckled. "I suppose most of you have one." He surveyed the tense group. His eyes landed on Two. "You look familiar."

"I might’ve been with your mom once," Two shot back, drawing laughs from his men.

I was going to use Amelia as justification; didn’t expect him to be so rash.

Faust put on a cold expression. "My mom’s dead."

The laughter stopped. Faust rose to his feet and Jason’s men followed. The party people grew silent. Yet the music continued from the walls eerily.