Chapter 167: The special request
"Lass, who is this boy who doesn’t know how to greet his elders?"
Hex turned and saw one elderly person whose head and face were overgrown with bushy white hair, scowl at him while talking to Bella.
Bella looked chuckled uncomfortably at the man. "Senior Lorenz, he is..."
"I am Mike," Hex interjected Bella, standing before the elderly figure. "And I know to greet, I just don’t care to."
His words didn’t please Lorenz or the others watching from the side. They worked longer for the Union, relishing the attention and respect the position brought. They expected a newcomer to at least act as if he looked up to them.
’None seem capable enough to rival me in the numbers of crystals I can refine. Even if I show them respect, they will be upset once I surpass them. So, there is no need to bother even.’
The good thing about having a fake persona was it could be abandoned at will. As such, Hex didn’t bother with stepping on the toes of others.
"Ow?" Lorenz snorted. "I guess we need to show you the consequences of ruining the team spirit we have fostered. Don’t worry. As an elder, once you repent, I will request you to be given a spot among us."
The others nodded with a sneer. Hex didn’t know they disliked him because of a simple reason. All newcomers were put through an initiation, requiring them to offer their goodwill toward them by giving the others a share in their earnings.
If they ignored Hex’s behavior, their suffering would be for naught. Also, it would create a precedent for others to follow, reducing their income.
"Please don’t mind them," Bella whispered nervously. "They are very loyal to the Union and have worked with us for years. If you could mingle with them..."