Avery stepped out and got dressed. He threw his dirty clothes in the trash and went straight to the open kitchen where he saw Ridley cooking eggs on the stove.

  “Scrambled?” Avery asked.

  “You bet. It’s the only thing I can do.”

  Ridley was a terrible cook. He could only make packaged noodles, soup, and the occasional scrambled eggs.

  The kitchen was also sparkling clean, with not a single dish in the sink. Multiple countertops and cabinets filled to the brim, six electric stoves, a few microwaves, and a couple of air fryers were present. Three fridges and freezers bigger than Avery himself were also present.

  The kitchen was open to the public. Anyone could walk in and make something, though during normal hours, staff members and security on duty in case of an emergency.

  “Alright kid, I’m done. Here ya go.”

  Ridley slid the scrambled egg onto the plate and handed it to Avery. He sat down and converted 2A into a fork. The egg was fluffy and presented well. Too bad it was over-seasoned. Avery didn’t want to say anything negative, so he gave a quick thumbs–up to Ridley. Ridley smiled and shook his fist by his face.

  “Ridley, can you take me to Archon afterward?”

  He looked astounded by the sudden request. “Ya, of course. Why, though?”

  “I want to discuss something with him in private.”

  “I can take you, but I won’t be able to stay with you. You’re gonna be all on your own.”

  Avery responded with food in his mouth. “That’s fine.”

  The easiest way to get to Archon was through Ridley. After all, Ridley was Archon’s second hand. Both worked hand in hand with leader SCAR and Ionia, though Archon received more credit since he was the bigger name.

  After Avery finished, he washed his dish in the sink and thanked Ridley for the meal, even though it wasn’t so great.

  Ridley smiled broadly, which made Avery feel good.

  “Alright, let’s go see Archon.”

  “You’re not going to contact him in advance?” Avery asked.

  “Pfffh, no. I usually just walk into his lair. He doesn’t care as long as it’s important.”

  They left the kitchen and went upstairs. The government building was still closed, but there were still employees doing their jobs to the absolute best. An elderly janitor was there mopping the floors, and Ridley went over to thank him for his work. The elderly janitor smiled and thanked Ridley for the kind words.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Ridley always did this. He loved working with other people, and he cared for everything like family. It was one of the few reasons why he was extremely likable.

  Avery took a peek outside. “Looks like it’s still raining, though it’s not as bad as when I was out.”

  “Doesn’t matter. SCAR’s headquarters isn’t too far from here. I can get someone to drive us if you really want.”

  Avery didn’t care, so he left the choice to Ridley, who decided to get some fresh air and go on a walk. 2A morphed into an umbrella big enough for both Avery and Ridley to comfortably fit.

  The rain was on the light–to–medium side. It wasn't pouring, and it also wasn’t drizzling. It was the type of rain someone could walk in without having to worry, even though puddles formed at a semi-rapid pace.

  The two talked along the way. They spoke about recent stuff going on in Ionia, like the upcoming Outsider event taking place later in the day. Avery forgot about that and questioned Ridley about the event.

  Every year, the community throws an Outsider event to celebrate the life and history of the outsiders. It usually takes place in the afternoon and ends around when the sun goes down. The event was filled with performances, food, people cosplaying as outsiders, and a bunch of pro–outsiders wanting peace with them.

  SCAR and the government of Ionia have nothing to do with it. It’s the people of Ionia who created this event, so it was not officially known.

  Archon didn’t like the events, but he never put in the effort to stop it. He cared, but there were other things more important. He used to complain to Tim all the time about the event. But in recent years, his interest diminished. Tim wasn’t sure if Archon accepted that the Outsider event was an annual occurrence, or that he simply gave up on caring.

  “Ridley.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Do you like the Outsider event?”

  He groaned and stretched his arm to the side. “I have mixed feelings.” He didn’t elaborate any further, and Avery didn’t bother asking again.

  They climbed the handful of steps to get to the door, where Ridley swiped his card to enter through the first door. They were in a little room where more verification was needed. Ridley lifted his eyelid which was scanned by a green laser. A holographic keyboard popped up, where Ridley put in more personal information while mumbling under his breath.

  A green check mark popped above the second door before opening. They finally got through the security.

  The layout was similar to the government building. In fact, they were identical. The only difference was that there were no stairs leading to the basement. Instead, it was replaced with an elevator.

  There was not a single soul in sight. It was a little too quiet. Avery got eerie vibes from the air. Was it because of the atmosphere, or because he was about to confront Archon? Either way, he pulled his shirt away from his neck. His sweaty chest didn’t help the uneasy feeling.

  Ridley pressed the elevator button. It didn’t take long since the place had four floors: basement, ground, first, and second.

  A ding emitted from the elevator once it arrived.

  “Good luck with Archon,” Ridley said.

  “You’re not coming with me?”

  “Hell no. I’m going back to my office to take a nap. Have fun.”

  “W—Wait. I think you should come. Just for a bit. I need to settle down, y’know.”

  Ridley put both hands on Avery’s shoulders. “You’ll be fine. He can’t do anything to you since you are Kajo’s son.”

  Avery mumbled: “He did something to my mother…”

  “Huh?” Ridley didn’t catch what Avery said, and when asked to repeat, Avery refused.

  Avery stepped into the small elevator. He rehearsed a potential conversation in his head. This had to go smoothly. He needed answers that only Archon had.

  This has to go well.

  It has to.

  “Oh,” Ridley said, holding the door open. “Take this.” He handed Avery a card. “Tap the card on the black slab right there. That’s the only way the basement button will work.”

  Avery smiled and thanked Ridley before doing what he was told.