As Adrian watched, a rough-looking man from Obscura City swaggered past him and entered the restaurant. Behind him, a dozen others followed suit.

As the man passed Adrian, he barked, "What are you looking at?"

The restaurant owner halted his movements, and the waitress ceased pouring coffee and water for the patrons.

Adrian grasped the situation quickly. It appeared these thugs were there to extort money from them.

"Billy! Is the protection fee for this month ready?"

Some patrons immediatel