Give Me a Reason to Strike

Inside Star Prison Pavilion,

a boy dressed in shabby clothes knelt before a table,

his body trembling as if he were terrified.

“State your business.”

Behind an ancient wooden desk, a boy in black spoke calmly.

“I want you to rescue my sister.”

“Your price.” The boy in black replied without a trace of emotion, as cold as ice in the heavens.

“I only have one copper coin. I can offer my life...”

“Worthless things... Never mind. Give me another condition. Find me a reason to deal with them.”

The boy in black relaxed against the back of his chair, his tone slightly languid.

The boy in rough clothes froze. He hadn't expected that answer. After a pause, he said, “They often rob the villagers of their money, and they kidnap women...”

“Not a good enough reason,” the boy in black interrupted.

The boy in rough clothes panicked. If their crimes didn't count as a reason, what would?

“Looks like I can turn in early today,” the boy in black murmured. He leaned back in his chair, about to stand...

“They have money!” the boy in rough clothes blurted out. His pupils darted about. This was his last hope.

The boy in black stopped. His eyes narrowed, and a cold glint flashed in his night-dark gaze.

“That reason... is good enough.”