Suddenly Metal Gear Solid 3 type music began to play in the background.
Bob, who was just minding his own business, frowned. He was trying to read Vol. 2 of The Art of Rizz, but the fact that the liquor store owner had changed the music on the Bluetooth speakers from bossa nova to solid snake so suddenly was clearly a sign that something was up.
Indeed, Old Man Li still appeared to be browsing the Rice Wines, but Bob could tell that his Aura had changed. From the dilapidated bathrobe now emerged waves of potency…
Part of it was BO, as He definitely needed to shower.
But more importantly, he was exuding a RizzMaster's killing intent!
He exchanged a glance with liquor guy, who wrinkled his nose, but nodded. Something was up.
Thunder rumbled again, almost immediately followed by a flash of forked lightning, signaling that the storm was coming closer.
Meanwhile Rowena had whipped out her Ice blade hiding behind a stack of Jim Beam and crept forward stealthily.
The seven members of ARSES consisted of Tristen, the leader, Rowena, second in command, Lazarus (of the laidback lotus) , Clive (cold killer) , Fergus (frost master), Jemima (puppeteer) and Jon (as far as the records showed, he was just a normal guy. Or was he?).
Each was rumored to possess terrifying combat ability, being Elites in the Shadow Squad, and Anti-Rizz Indexes that would remain unmoved by even an Rizz expert at the Exceptional Eric level.
Of course, few had survived to tell the tale, hence the Association of Rizzmasters didn't have more detailed information.
The scene seemed to turn into slow motion, owing to the Rizz and Anti-Rizz experts' perception being so refined that time itself seemed to slow down.
Bob could clearly see Old Man Li, with his eyes closed, as he turned his body at a subtle angle and thrust out several MnMs in the same motion. A few moments later, in this slo-motion state, Bob saw a jar of Rice wine explode just where Li's head had been moments earlier, shards of pottery splintering with the liquid spurting everywhere like the watermelon scene from Mythbusters.
The Shadow Assassin's eyes widened as the M and Ms approached, and bent back at a crazy angle , allowing the brightly colored projectiles to fly harmlessly overhead, where they clattered against the glass of a refrigerator stocking fruit cider. Rowena went into a roll and then crouched on her knees.
At the same time, Old Man Li whipped it out.
Rowena's eyes widened as she gasped.
Old Man Li really had The whole package.
And it was huge.
With a look of calm yet quiet determination, Old Man Li had a demeanor of tranquil inner peace, as He scattered the variety bag of M and Ms into the air and the liquor store was inundated with rainbows of the chocolate treats.
The ARSES immediately went into commando rolls behind crates of VB, XXX even Great Northern, since they didn't have time to be picky, going into brace position and aiming to protect themselves from what was clearly the imminent suicide move of a desperate yet determined old man.
Old Man Li strode forward with a stylish, blazing aura, unfazed as the colourful candy assortment rained down.
Bob couldn't help but be moved. Old Man Li, despite having his Rizz at a higher level, had realized he was outnumbered and chose to make his life count, trading one life for 7.
Only liquor guy seemed unmoved, chewing his gum, although he had a look of resignation. Was he hiding his true power?
The automatic doors slid open, and Old Man Li walked out, as the M and Ms scattered into the door, where they rattled around until the excess inertia from the dramatic toss faded.
At this point, the ARSES realized they had been had.
Old Man Li quickly made a run for it, signaling to Bob that the gig was up.
They really were just ordinary M and Ms!
Bob shook his head in disbelief as they ran out into the car park.
Unfortunately, they were cut off by none other than ARSES leader Tristen, who had secured the escape routes, predicting that Old Man Li might make a run for it.
"It's over, Old Man." Tristen sneered.
They exchanged a few moves, but Master Li was clearly out of shape, and fell back gasping.
"You had everything. TVBJ premium, 30 year aged Shaoxing Wine, you should have been content with that." He spat, clearly annoyed since it had come out of their Winter Realm Taxpayers money.
"But no. You had to relive the glory days and find a disciple."
He looked scornfully at Bob.
Old Man Li remained calm.
"Bob", he said. "Don't be afraid."
"Uh, sure." Bob really wasn't afraid, everyone just looked like amateurs cosplaying in a B-grade movie.
At this point, the rest of the ARSES had caught up, with the liquor guy at the back.
He spoke up for the first time clasping his hands together like a fed up teacher looking after preschoolers: "All right guys, all well and good, but now I'm gonna have to get you all to help clean up the skittles and pay for the liquor you just destroyed."
The ARSES and Old Man Li immediately glanced at each other, and then tried to make a run for it, since although Elite, they were broke as hell.
At this point, Bob had an epiphany. What did it matter if you were strong…
If you were broke?!
His eyes widened, and his hair started blowing in the wind, since the storm was almost upon them.
Of course…
Strength wasn't everything. One needed Strength and Money, in addition to Rizz!!!!!
Tristen however being the brains of the ARSES, realized that if he didn't succeed in the mission, he would be broke in more ways than just monetarily, and so before fleeing, threw his AR coated ice blade with immaculate precision, striking Bob flawlessly in the chest.
Bob immediately spewed bread and lettuce.
Old Man Li looked on in shock but there was nothing he could do.
"No!!!!"
Bob stared into the sky, as lightning crackled down. He had become enlightened, but what was this feeling? A coldness permeated his being.
The storm had arrived.