Loreia walked down the street, making her way to the local fried chicken joint that was quite famous around here.


    She had just received her salary, so for today, she wanted to eat a little bit more delicious food to cheer up Lucius.


    As she stepped inside the restaurant, she could smell the scent of the crispy, golden-brown fried chickens.


    The place was also lively, with customers chatting, enjoying their meals, and workers calling out orders.


    Loreia then walked the counter, scanning the menu overhead. A cheerful-looking cashier greeted her with a bright smile.


    "Welcome to Pluckin'' Good Fried Beast! What can I get for you today?"


    Loreia hummed, glancing at the options. "I''ll take a box of original fried Pluckins and another spicy one. Oh, and throw in some fries too."


    "Great choice!" The cashier tapped on the screen. "Do you want the regular meal set or just the chicken?"


    Loreia thought for a moment before shrugging. "Might as well get the set. Comes with a drink, right?"


    The cashier nodded as he showed her the choices. "Yep! We''ve got berry fizz, thunder lemon, or just plain spring water."


    Loreia sighed. "Give me the berry fizz. Need something sweet after work."


    The cashier chuckled. "Rough day?"


    Loreia only shook her head as she muttered, "You have no idea."


    The cashier laughed as they finished entering the orders. "Alright! That''ll be 12 credits. Paying with card or scan?"


    Loreia pulled out her ID bracelet, tapping it against the payment terminal. A soft beep confirmed the transaction.


    The cashier bowed down. "Thanks! Your order will be ready in a few minutes!"


    Loreia nodded, stepping to the side to wait. She glanced around the restaurant, casually observing the people eating and chatting.


    Pluckins were actually a type of chicken beast. They were incredibly easy to raise.


    They grew plumper the more they were fed and unlike most beasts, they weren''t aggressive or particularly active.


    They were already drunk, so they were not thinking straight. They weren''t going to take no for an answer.


    Grinning like predators, they moved toward a quiet, empty alleyway. They were waiting for her to pass through.


    Unfortunately for them, Loreia had already spotted them lingering near the alley.


    Their disgusting grins had made her know their clear intentions. Without hesitation, she turned around and ran.


    There was no way in hell she walked into their trap. She immediately went and took another route to go back home.


    But unfortunately for her, Deon and Galwin had already predicted that and chased her the moment she turned around.


    Loreia''s heart pounded. She didn''t even think. She just ran as she was afraid.


    But fear clouded her mind, and in her panic, she didn''t pay attention to where she was going.


    Before she knew it, she had taken a wrong turn, one that led her into a more isolated, quiet area. The worst place to be.


    By the time she realized her mistake, it was too late. Deon and Galwin had already cut her off and blocked her.


    Deon sneered as he glanced at her. "You really think you can run?"


    Galwin also chuckled as he cracked his knuckles. "Yeah, it''s cute that you tried."


    Then, without another word, Deon summoned his beast, which was a Paracrab.


    It was a big crab beast with jagged pincers and a venomous stinger on its back. Its ability was just like its name. It''s paralysis.


    Deon smirked, gesturing toward Loreia. "Paracrab, get her and paralyze her."


    The beast moved before Loreia could react. It used its stinger to inject its paralyzing poison.


    She had no time to dodge and she was stung by it. A chilling numbness soon spread through her body.


    Her limbs froze and her throat tightened. She couldn''t move or even scream. She was completely helpless.


    Deon and Galwin grinned as they walked slowly toward her. "Don''t worry... We''ll take real good care of you and you''ll learn to behave soon enough."