The Ranch

Treasure Trial (3)

It takes the group around half an hour to meet at Lake Phil. They came from the mountain regain so they're standing at the north-east side of the lake.

"Do we need to walk around the border to find it?" Basile asks Victor while chewing on a candied apple.

"It's in the center." Abel suddenly says.

Everyone turns to look at him. Victor's group seems more used to his random statements as they quickly turn to the next problem.

Theodore scratches his head," So how are we supposed to get to the center? Should we swim?"

Sherlock and Kai wonder why they aren't questioning the man's words. It should be said, the lake is so big, that you wouldn't be able to see a person standing on the other side, not even a speck.

Victor notices their stare," Trust us this once, yes? If we're wrong, I'll take the blame."

Victor automatically takes accountability for his member's words. One needs to remember, everyone in this group has only known each other for five months.

Victor's sincerity pulls through and the two decide to trust Abel. They go through possible options.

"I think we can-"

Theodore is cut off by Victor," We're not swimming."

"There's no pathways to the center..."

"The water's pretty deep too."

"Do we know what kind of animals live in there?"

Kai answers," Well it depends on the biome, temperature, humidity, area, and other factors.

"There's no materials to build anything around here."

"Well we could always-"

"Theo." Victors cold stare penetrates into Theodore's soul.

After listening their conversation for a while and not hearing anyone state the obvious capitalistic answer, Pierre pipes up with a weird expression," We have the time, let's just rent jet skis."

Everyone," ..."

Theodore recalls," But there's no rental shops on the island and the only way to get things like boats is to custom order it which would take too long."

Pierre makes an exaggerated eye roll," Then we can just rent it from someone who already has one." He turns to the only newcomer that would be able to make such powerful connection in a mere few months," Boss, you're friends with Phillip, right?"

...

After getting Phillip on a video call, Pierre sticks his freckled face right next to Tih's and plasters on a large smile," Hello Mister Phillip?"

"...Yes?" Phillip looks at the face he's never seen before, stuck right next to his Tih. He inspects the boy while Pierre continues.

"We seem to be in a small bind and need to get to the center of Lake Phil as fast as possible. I've heard-"

"You want my help?" Phillip raises an eyebrow. He wants to test the kid's confidence under pressure.

"Yes Sir, of course not for fre-"

"Done." The boy remained steady even after he put twenty percent of his pressure on him. He has some talent.

"Eh?" Pierre looks at the screen in slight befuddlement.

"A friend is in need of my assistance. Why wouldn't I help. Of course It'd be different if the request crossed the line." This is directed towards Pierre for future situations like this. Phillip knows Tih wasn't the one to call him. If it was, why would he never have called him on his own violation before. Not once

"Thank you! We'll make sure to repay you in kind." A hint of happiness started coming out his voice but Pierre quickly calmed his emotions.

"No need-" Phillip is cut off. Most people don't like being cut off, including him. This friend better have a good explanation-

"Sir, it's this businessman's honor not to owe any debts." Pierre explains with grinning eyes that say he won't back off.

...Not bad. "What can a group of newbies give me? Just take it, I won't take no for an answer kid." Phillip sends Pierre a similar smile, but his years of experience cause him to overpower Pierre.

"...I see. Then, I'll thank you in advance." Pierre awkwardly bows and moves off screen defeatedly.

After waiting a few moments, Phillip looks at Tih," He one of your teammates? He's got potential, keep him around."

Tih blinks. Pierre, who stayed on the side to listen in, fist pumped the air. This was one of the things he was hoping to accomplish when offering this solution.

Any connection is a good connection, even a friend of a friend, as long as it's positive, and that's just what he got. The student of one of the largest business owners in the island.

"Then I'll send the motorboat to you, no need to come to me. As a thank you, let's get lunch together tomorrow. I saw a new sweater that would look adorable on you." Phillip closes the video with a self-satisfied smile looming on his lips.

Pierre wished he left when he had the chance. He looks at his "boss" before putting Phillip's words to the back of his mind. Businessmen need to know what information to keep and to bring with him to the grave.