As if summoned out of thin air, Phantom materialized behind Aurora, emerging from the surrounding crowd, holding a large glass of amber liquid.

“Why, I’m simply an inventor that chooses to live off of the spoils of my own inventions. Alan here will help me test out some of these new inventions, one of which I just gave him, an unusual set of enhanced power armor.”

Aurora turned around, startled. “Oh, that’s… interesting.”

“Yes it is, isn’t it. Now, I noticed, Alan, that you have been here a while, yet haven’t had anything to drink! I must insist you all try some of this fine Haxlardian whiskey. You were the one that acquired it, after all.” Out of his lab coat he pulled out four shot glasses of questionable cleanliness, pouring out a bit of liquid in each, handing them out to the four squires.

“Um, I don’t drink,” Alan said.

“Nonsense, this is an order as a Knight, drink up!” Phantom said. Kitana, Sidestep and Aurora turned to look each other, then downed the shot. Alan, still held his uncertainly, especially after Aurora started coughing, her eyes tearing up a bit.

“Alan, drink!” Phantom commanded.

Don’t do it, Eve suddenly commanded. Look around you.

Alan did so, turning his head around. The boisterous and exuberant recruits were all looking tired. A few began to sit or even lie down where they stood, falling asleep. Alan watched as the other squires eyes slowly began to dim.

Phantom forcefully grabbed Alan, and whispered into his ear, “Drink! Or else I’ll get in trouble. Please?”

Alan glanced at Phantom, then sighed. He took the shot and swallowed it as quickly as he could. It caused a distinct burning sensation as it ran down his throat. He opened his mouth to say something to Phantom, but then his eyes glazed over, and Alan collapsed onto the floor.

Phantom eyes gleamed as he looked up at Elissandra, who was calmly watching him.

“Some people really can’t handle their liquor, eh?” Phantom smilingly took a large swig out of the bottle he had poured the shots from, staring intently at Elissandra’s figure, as if there was something only he could see. Phantom winked at Alan, a hint of a gear whirling momentarily, and then Alan finally blacked out.

Chapter 18

Alan awoke in a dark cavern, surrounded by the hundred or so recruits that had been admitted to the Black Rose Guild. They had all regained consciousness at roughly the same time. Alan checked his new notifications, then examined his surroundings.