Chapter 25: Back to hell
Isaac and his group finally emerged from the portal, greeted by the cold Parisian night air. The stars twinkled timidly above them, as if nothing of their epic battle had taken place just a few meters away, behind the opaque screen of the now-closed portal.
The head of the Raven's Guild, Kraig, was waiting for them, leaning against a black car parked nearby, nonchalantly puffing on a cigar. He raised his head as they approached, his cold eyes detailing their pitiful state.
- So, still alive?" he said with a touch of sarcastic surprise.
Erik, exhausted but dignified, stepped forward, giving him a dark look.
- Yes, and with the boss defeated. We're waiting for our reward.
Kraig squinted, clearly annoyed, but nodded without adding anything. He glanced quickly at his smartphone, noting down some information before whistling briefly to an assistant stationed near a van.
- Take care of them.
The assistant, a jaded-looking young man, came over and handed them a thick envelope. Erik took it without a word, opening it quickly to check the contents.
- How much?" asked Jonah, worried.
- Two thousand credits," replied Erik after counting. After the guild's share, we're left with that. Let's split it four ways.
Isaac nodded silently, aware that 70% of their earnings had just been deducted. But it didn't matter. Today, he had gained something far more precious than money: a new strength, a power capable of making a real difference.