Broken World - Part I - Awakening of the Beastmaster - #8CCMay24

Chapter 17 : Homeless Stray

I analyze the data and group it by data types and realize that the data density is too high.

"These files contain something other than the information that is visible at first glance." I say to myself. ''A hidden message?''

My parents had certainly sent me data that they didn't want to make public.

"I have to decipher them... But, if I use the servers in the data center, Énama will inevitably notice this abnormal activity."

After a few minutes of waiting, the waitress brings me my meal.

"Your meal is ready." The waitress said.

"Thank you. I need a good meal." I answer.

I put my terminal on the side, freeing up space on the table. The waitress puts down plates.

''Bon appétit.'' The waitress said before turning around.

"Thank you." I answer.

I take a panoramic look around the room and notice that the young woman who was sitting on the counter has disappeared as well as the one who accompanied the three men sitting at the back of the room.

While I am eating calmly, the young woman comes back and goes to sit with the three men. I notice eyes that are directed towards me while this group that was talking at the top of their lungs barely whispers since the young woman's return. A few minutes later, the group leaves the restaurant.

"Hmm." I say noticing their suspicious movements.

I finish my meal. I pick up my terminal and put it in the briefcase. I take out a few banknotes that I put on the table and I get up. The waitress rushes to me with the bill thinking I'm leaving without paying. She stops at the table when she sees the banknotes on the table. She picks up the cash and gives a big smile.

"Thank you. Have a good trip." Said the waitress before putting the bills in the front pocket of her apron and clearing the table.

I shake my head and walk out of the restaurant. I notice the previous group trying to look natural as they surround my car.

''No originality.'' I say to myself as I watch their little game.

I head for the car. I open the door. I throw the briefcase on the passenger seat and get ready to get into the car when someone puts a hand on my shoulder. I feel something hard and cold on my back.

''A gun?'' I say to myself. "They really want to rob me?"

"Friend, if you know what's good for you, give us this briefcase and go away." Said one of the men in front of me, pointing a gun at me.

The irritation rises in me and is clearly visible on my face.

''Friend? Do we know each other?'' I ask them before releasing a bloodthirsty aura that makes their blood run cold. ''If you insist, you'll lose more than a few ribs and a few teeth.''

The group hesitates for a few seconds until the young woman who was sitting near the counter speaks.

"Guys, he's just bluffing. He's just another rich kid out exploring the world." Says the young woman.

''Did you see all that money? We won't have to work anymore for at least five years." Said the other young woman.

The man behind me squeezes his hand on my shoulder and pushes his gun against my back.

"I advise you to stay quiet." He said.

"Greed got the better of their common sense." I said to myself.