>>5342090The Second Floor of <span class="mu-s">Red, Hot & Rio</span> is a bar only for Flame Users, only known to those who attended the Flame assembly at the Stadium. It’s a safe zone, the players are prohibited to fight inside. As far as everyone knows, the owner’s ability will trigger if they have the imminent intention of causing trouble, giving those who transgressed the rule an immobilizing headache. The place is cramped, it’s not supposed to be an actual bar but more like an apartment living room. There’s karaoke in the corner and a barstool right by the door.
“You know, you don’t have to make the service down there downright shitty to deter normal customers from coming…” Borja doesn’t think it’s much better on the second floor either, but he’s not going to say it.
“We only attend to regulars; the vermin can eat outside until they know their place.” Ms. Pantera has no qualms about her lack of hospitality.
“Best beer in the entire country is locked in here. We’re so lucky!” Wauro raises his can with a smile on his face.
“I’m flattered.” Bonet is dripping with sarcasm. “How can I help you, boys? You’re back ‘cause the game’s landscape has reshaped once again, I imagine.”
Wauro points at the bartender like she knows the deal. “Ammirati is out, how did that happen?”
“The word on the street is that an invisible man did him in.” Ms. Pantera tries to gauge the reaction of both guys.
“An invisible man, really?” Wauro doesn’t like the news.
“Feeling unsafe, boys?” Ms. Pantera smirks.
“Yeah – how can we be sure he didn’t sneak in?” Borja looks back. “You push the toy to make your shit work, right?”
“Calm your ass. There’s <span class="mu-i">no</span> invisible man, but one did him in.” Ms. Pantera puts her cigarette in her mouth, she’s annoyed by the questions. “Man thought one existed, got paranoid – and stopped seeing what was in front of him.”
“An inside job?” Borja makes his guess.
“Dude, of course it was. Did you watch the news or not? He showed who took his stone of power on national TV.” Wauro puts his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “<span class="mu-s">Vivienne Neuville</span>. She’s a former cultist. That’s why I asked <span class="mu-i">how’d</span> it happen, not <span class="mu-i">who</span> did it.”
“Implicated or not. You’re going down the <span class="mu-i">wrong</span> trail, big man.” Pantera cackles.
