Nothing surprises them anymore

 - Snap out of it! - Pietra slaps the drunk man's face.

- Urgh… My wife used to slap me just like that when I arrived home late - he keeps whining.

- It’s no use. He’s a lost cause - she looks down on him, disgusted.

- Give him a chance. We should get him out of here first. Clear his head - Nicholas reasons with her as he leans Jiangzui’s arm on his shoulder.

However, as they were about to leave, the owner of the place put himself in front of the group, looking at them with a frown. A middle-aged man with a robust shape and a beard of respect.

- Stop right there! That idiot owes me a lot of money. He’s not leaving without paying this time!

Pietra was about to use her sword to sever the bond between Jiangzui and the owner, making him forget the debt, but Nicholas stopped her.

- Wait, Pia. There is another way that doesn’t involve bankrupting the poor guy. Right, Kai? - he speaks, gazing at his friend seriously as he lets the drunkard back to his seat.

- We can’t do it without a third member - Kai answers with the same intensity.

- What are they talking about? - Lirika asks Pietra.

- Something stupid, I’m sure.

At the same time, Tien comes inside the bar.

- Of course, you had no luck with the other heirs-

His mocking ceases as Kai rests one hand on his shoulder. His eyes communicate how serious he is.

- Wanna help a brother in need?

- Why would he? It’s not-

Lirika's protest is interrupted by Tien’s resolve.

- Count me in.

Then, Nicholas turns to the bar owner.

- We are paying Mr. Jiangzui’s debt like real men. I hope you don’t mind.

His expression becomes somber.

- I would lose my pride as the keeper of this establishment if I didn't allow it. But be advised, I only expect the best from those who claim to be real men.

- You have them right here.

With a grip of pure conviction, Nicholas and the man shook hands. The ladies watch them in disbelief, having no idea what they are up to.

The motivated trio walks deeper within the cheerful bar, passing by people drinking and laughing. Their objective is a small, raised stage.

- Oh no… This is going to be so embarrassing… - Pietra covers her eyes.

- Really? Do you have any tools that can record it? - Lirika questions, interested.

- Absolutely - she pulls out her phone.

After arriving at the stage, they huddle up, making a quick rehearsal before their performance. Oddly enough, Tien seems to be understanding the plan. Or maybe he’s just an airhead. Then, Nicholas takes out a device. As soon as he presses it, it magically turns into a karaoke machine with three mics.

- Where did you get that? - Kai asks, surprised.

- I bought it from one of the Fagusios.

- You spent our money on that?! - Pietra screams from afar.

Both Kai and Nicholas ignore her.

- Cool.

- Oh, that is one of my inventions! Such a shame the one that could make constructive criticism in real time wasn’t as popular as this mute one - Isaac’s ghost joins in to torment Kai.

- I wonder why. Wait, this thing is alive?!

- Yes, although it can’t express emotion, it does have a conscience and feelings - he answers as if it were a normal thing to say.

- Is something wrong, buddy? - Nicholas looks at him, a bit worried.

- No, no. Just a new disturbing fact popping out in my head, the usual. Anyway, Tien, are you sure you memorized the lyrics?

- Each word is as strong as my master’s will, carved in my heart.

- I’ll take that as a yes.

When they all seem ready, Nicholas takes a step forward.

- Dear customers, please, a moment of your attention.

Everyone present immediately stops what they are doing to pay attention to him.

- Oh God, I forgot I was an introvert for a second… - Kai whispers, about to freak out any second.

- As you may know, Mr. Jiangzui is buried. Buried deep down in the feelings of a past that will never come back. We came here today to offer him a new beginning. A wish made not for him to forget, but overflowing with endless possibilities. Because, even though it's not as beautiful as yesterday, tomorrow comes.

A song starts playing, an emotional, melodic ballad.

- Fish? - Asai points at the trio as she looks at Pietra, confused.

- Save it for after the performance.

- Asai!

The vocal section of the song begins. Nicholas sings passionately while Kai and Tien provide backing vocals. The lyrics convey a message about enjoying life, even during difficult times. It expresses that no matter how alone you may feel, there will always be another day to love and be loved.

- Aren’t they out of tune? - Lirika mentions having mixed feelings of amusement and embarrassment as she watches her companions.

- It’s not about being a good singer. Look at Jiangzui - Pietra points out, recording the whole thing.

The once drunk and depressed man is now paying close attention to the song, tears falling from his emotional face.

- So it would seem…

Asai feels the music, slowly waving her arms rhythmically while trying to sing it.

All spectators watch the performance in absolute silence, hearing every word deep inside their souls. By the end of the song, Jiangzui stands up.

- I… I still miss her so much…

- And you always will. We only ask that you keep moving forward as you remember her - Nicholas states, offering him his hand.

Kai and Tien do the same.

- I… I will! - he declares, still emotional.

The audience celebrates in joy. However, everyone goes for Jiangzui, as if he were the star of the show.

- Boss! I’m so glad I can see you smile again! - one of the customers says.

- I was so sad seeing you depressed, boss! Welcome back to us! - another one hugs in.

- What is going on? - Nicholas scratches his hair in confusion.

- Since Jiangzui got depressed, his subordinates disguise themselves as civilians and stalk him all day to make sure he is fine. They can finally see him getting back on track - the barkeeper explains and thanks him, tearing up.

- Tobias did say something about him being a spymaster - he connected the dots.

- You and your friends are men of honor. The drinks are on the house.

- I appreciate it, sir.

- Nicholas, how did you guys know this ridiculous idea was going to work? - Pietra goes to him, impressed.

- We didn’t. We just did things like this was one of Giovanni’s campaigns, and it worked.

He tells her as Kai can be seen melting down on the floor in the background, taken by his social anxiety at once.

- I see… So this is really…

Before she could conclude her reasoning, Jiangzui greeted them.

- My new associates! I owe you a great debt. Before I can convince my siblings to unite the nation again, is there anything I can do for you? - he put his arms around their shoulders, flashing a big smile.

- Actually…

They explain the situation to him, leaving any unnecessary details out.

- Say no more! You are coming with me to the palace right now!

- I can’t believe things will be easy for once - Pietra sighs, relieved.

Soon after getting Kai, the party follows him outside. However, before he could take a second step outside, Jiangzui was attacked and instantly killed by a horrific figure. An undead human, hungry for his flesh, fatally bites him on the neck.

- That was on me. Sorry - Pietra apologizes about jinxing them a few seconds ago.

The entire city is in chaos. Demonic creatures are chasing innocent people, houses are on fire, and guards are desperately trying to contain the situation. Regardless of the crisis in front of them, the group remains unfazed.

- Haven’t we been inside the bar for like fifteen minutes? - Pietra questions.

- Nah, it was a bit more than that - Nicholas calmly corrects her.

- This Tobias guy sure works fast… - Lirika speaks, wondering how it is possible.