A very inconsiderate invitation

"...and your reward would have made it into your account, sir."

The employee at the main lobby said.

You checked your account.

Sure enough, there was $100 added to your bank account.

"Sweet."

You smirked.

At this rate, gaining $1,000 would be easier than you had thought.

"Thank you for visiting Neo Pantheon."

The employee bowed.

You headed out of the building with Juri at your side.

However, right when you stepped out of the front gates with Juri, a small crowd surrounded you in seconds.

"Hey! Back off!"

Juri instantly put you behind her and glared at the newcomers.

The fact that these Characters were also from Street Fighter Series didn't seem to bother her anymore.

On the contrary, you saw a hint of smirk at the edge of Juri's snarl, as if she secretly hoped for another brawl—this time, in the actual Street Fight format.

Luckily for you, the apparent leader of the group stepped up with her hands raised next to her chests, signaling they meant no harm.

"Sorry, we didn't mean to agitate anyone."

Chun-Li said cautiously, then turned to face you.

"Sir, our master wants to congratulate you on your victory over one of his other Characters."

"You mean Cammy?"

Chun-Li nodded.

Truthfully, you weren't convinced at all.

Cammy was injured pretty badly by the end of the match.

If you saw Juri be injured to that degree, you wouldn't be so fond to the owner of the Character who beat her to a pulp.

Besides, you guessed that, whoever this "Master" was, if he owned this many Characters, then he must at least be an millionaire.

You wouldn't trust some rich guy for your life.

"Tell your master that I'm not interested."

You waved your hand and was about to walk on your way... but Chun-Li stepped into your path.

"I understand that you may be skeptical about our master’s proposal..."

Chun-Li handed you a small remote with a single red button in the middle.

You frowned, but took the remote.

"And this is supposed to...?"

"If you press the button, the chocker around my neck will explode, killing me instantly."

You nearly dropped the remote in shock.

"Whoa."

Even Juri's mouth hung open in shock.

Saying that was one thing, but the way how Chun-Li was so nonchalant about it was something on an another level.

Before you could wrap your head around what she just said, Chun-Li went further beyond.

"If you don't trust that the button will work, you may use it on me now.

If so, Seth will take you to our master."

Seth waved her fingers with a small smile.

You noticed a similar choker around her neck as well.

'Whoever their master is, that guy is fucking insane...or have too much money.'

Whichever the case was, you weren't thrilled to meet him at all.

But on the other hand, you could tell that his Characters weren't going to let you go so easily.

"Daddy, I can beat them all into a pulp if you want!"

Juri said.

Some of the Characters frowned or smirked, either offended or amused by Juri's attitude.

"Yeah, I'm sure you can."

You muttered, but you pocketed the remote.

Juri was an excellently skilled fighter, sure.

But you weren't hopeful for her odds when she was going up against multiple skilled opponents.

Besides, at this rate, you suspected that beating up his Characters won't stop this mysterious crazy guy either.

"Alright then, let's go see who your master is."

"Thank you, sir."

Chun-Li bowed.

The small crowd of Characters walked you and Juri to the backalley of the Coliseum where a black limousine was parked.

Once the door was closed, you couldn't look outside.

"...this is weird."

Juri commented.

"If something bad happens, you need to get out without caring for me, Daddy."

"Yeah, I'll keep it in mind."

You muttered.

Although, you weren't sure if you could follow through if the situation arose.

The limousine stopped after what felt like an hour or two.

You stepped out as soon as the door swung open from the outside.

"...huh?"

To your shock, you were standing in the middle of a giant garden.

Dozens of people were tending to the garden.

Judging from the fact that they were all half-naked, you assumed they were all Characters.

"Welcome to my master’s place, sir."

Chun-Li stepped out of the driver seat and made her way next to you.

Seth switched from the shotgun seat to take her place and drove the limousine away, practically stranding you and Juri in this gigantic garden.

"As you can see, our Master’s garden is quite large.

We also have extra security measures on standby, so if you try to escape on your own, it won't end well for both of us."

"Is that a threat?"

Juri snarled.

Chun-Li shook her head and pointed at her choker.

"No, it's a warning. I still have my life in your master’s hand, don't I?

Please, if you will, follow me.

Our master is waiting."

Chun-Li walked towards the castle ahead.

"That girl is nuts..."

Juri grumbled.

For once, you agreed with her.

"Come on, let's see who kindly invited us here."