Tranquility’s Abode
Sasha dropped his luggage in the corner of the room, checking around every corner of the room that he could get his hand to. “No bugs. We’re clear, boss.”
Kreuger looked around the room, scanning the interior. Their so-called ‘safehouse’ is just a bit larger than the shitty living room of a Socialist’s apartment. Adequate for an adventurer looking for a place to stop over, but certainly no place to stay for even a week. They gotta get used to it. At least there is a window with a good view of the street, he let out a sigh of relief.
He continued to scan the room. A flower jar on the table, a small bunk bed and a… chest beneath?
Kreuger crouched down, pulling the wooden chest out from underneath. The thing looked no different from any other storage chest around here, except for the locking mechanism which is clearly not from around here, utilizing a number lock instead of a key.
Noticing a small note slightly sticking out from its bottom, he pulled it up and read it: ‘Gift from Advanced Military Research Agency (AMRA).’
He flipped the note around, finding another line of text written on it: ‘211126’
“What is it, boss?” Livna crouched down along with Sasha, inspecting the wooden chest with curiosity.
“Let’s find out.” Kreuger pressed the code written on the note on the tiny number pad.
Beep.
He opened the chest, letting out a whistle. “Phew… Wouldn’t ya look at that.”
The crude, medieval-like exterior of the chest betrayed what’s contained inside: A compound crossbow, guns, electronics, cassette tapes, grenades, and… magical gems? Nothing fancy, as was expected, but still impressive how they managed to get this thing inside the city. What’s most peculiar to Kreuger was the magical gems, which were contained inside metallic containers.
“The hell is this?” Livna picked up the can containing the purple-ish magical gem, reading the warning label with an AMRA logo imprinted on it.
UNITED FEDERATION OF ELYSIA
ADVANCED MILITARY RESEARCH AGENCY
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE.
HANDLE WITH CARE. DO NOT CONSUME.
The content within this container is highly volatile in nature, capable of amplifying the power of other gems by many times should they interact with each other.
Magical Gem Type: Energy.
Storage: This type must be stored away from any other gems, and always contained inside the casing unit until use. If an accidental breach of the containment unit occurred, immediately dispose of the content and any other exposed magical gem in close proximity and find safety behind solid cover.
Note from the Director of AMRA: Don’t fucking let this thing mix in with any of the other six magical gem elements, especially Flame or Frost gem. Use with discretion. Blow some shit up with this if you have to. Bring me some souvenirs when you’re done with the op.
“Damn.” Livna comments at the purple gem, handing over the Director’s note to Kreuger. “Here you go, boss. The lab puke’s note.”
“Yeah…” Kreuger accepted the note, putting it in his luggage bag. “I’ll probably grab more gems for him.”
Sasha picked up the crossbow, inspecting the ballistic computer built into the sighting device. “Now this is my jam.” He looked around, picking up the stack of arrows.
Due to the restriction on the use of firearms during the operation, they couldn’t just shoot his way out of problems like before. A crossbow is nowhere near as competitive as an automatic weapon when it comes to taking down targets, but Sasha couldn’t deny its usefulness in a place like this. Almost every adventurer uses arrows, which means ammunition is plentiful, and they could procure more from the equipment shops for Adventurers.
“Where do we hit first, boss?” He asked.
“We'll pass by the Adventurers’ Guild first, see what Nerysa had for us.” Kreuger said, picking up a compact computer inside the chest and checking his watch. “Ready up, we move out in ten mikes.”
“Got it boss.” Sasha and Livna retreated to their own activities, preparing their own respective equipment.
Kreuger opened the compact computer, inserting a battery pack inside as he waited for the briefcase-size computer to power up. Derived from a civilian design and modified specifically for military use, the Malachi Defense’s CPU-1 Field Computer was made to be as versatile for as many applications as possible.
The small built-in CRT screen flickered up as it came to life, displaying a small menu in orange-colored texts.
/– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –\
DATE: 6/7/1427 8:17 AM
BATTERY: [][][][][][][][][][]
LAST SERVICING: 0Y 0M 9D 14H
AIR QUALITY: NORMAL
SYSTEM INTERFERENCE: NONE
VOLTAGE: NORMAL
PARTNER DEVICE: MALACHI?ELECTRONICS? PRC-121
CPU TEMPERATURE: 62°C
OS MODE: NORMAL
|– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –|
SYSTEM STATUS
MAIN DRIVE:
- TOTAL FILE: 21
- TOTAL BYTE: 7,200,521
SECONDARY DRIVES:
- CD-R700MB: NONE
- CD-R700MB: NONE
|– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –|
STORAGE
[EXTERNAL SLOT A: CD-R700MB]
[EXTERNAL SLOT B: CD-R700MB]
[EXTERNAL SLOT C: NONE]
|– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –|
INSTALLED COMMAND / PROGRAMS
[CALCULATOR]
[COMMUNICATION]
[DATALINK - UNAVAILABLE]
[MESSAGING - UNAVAILABLE]
[WEAPON CONTROL - UNAVAILABLE]
[SYSTEM CONTROL - UNAVAILABLE]
[PRC-121] ? [SELECT]
- [RADIO SCAN]
- [SELECT FREQUENCY]
|– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –|
\– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –/
Kreuger selected the PRC-121 Radio Unit, tuning into the frequency menu as he looked for a way to contact headquarters. “If I’m not not mistaken then…” He mumbles.
/– – – – – – – – – –\
SELECT FREQUENCY: [] MHz.
\– – – – – – – – – –/
He typed in 84.7MHz, which was the designated frequency shared by several other teams on the mission in Lior as well. The computer flashed a green light, indicating a secured connection.
Kreuger plugged his headset into the computer, his finger tapped the space bar button continuously as he sent out a Morse code to the other teams.
-... .-.. ..- . / - . .- -- / --- -. .-.. .. -. . .-.-.- (Blue team online)
He patiently waited for the response, which should come in no time. A few beeps came in quick succession from the frequency, which confirmed Kreuger’s guesswork.
-.-. --- .--. -.-- .-.-.- / -... .-.. .- -.-. -.- / - . .- -- / --- -. .-.. .. -. . .-.-.- (Copy. Black team online)
.-. . -.. / - . .- -- / .-. . .- -.. -.-- .-.-.- / --. --- --- -.. / - --- / .... . .- .-. / -.-- --- ..- / --. ..- -.-- ... .-.-.- (Red team ready. Good to hear you guys.)
As Kreuger focused on exchanging information gathered by the other groups of the 101st within the Principality, Livna and Sasha finished up with their equipment preparation and defensive setups.
Sasha set up a sensor on the window and other areas, just in case their safehouse is compromised. They’re in a different world, every precaution must be taken. The fact that magic exists, and that magical users can blow a gaping hole in a wall or summon a projectile using nothing but their fingertips and thoughts, that puts the operational threat level in Lior almost as high as infiltrating Yarik - the United Federation’s old rival, itself.
The only thing keeping the threat level in Lior lower than Socialist Yarik was the fact that firearms do not exist here, at least not to a significant degree. Almost everybody is still using medieval weapons: short blades, swords, spear, halberts and other melee weapons. At least their presence wasn’t expected, so that puts Sasha at ease somewhat.
“Hey boss,” Sasha called out, putting the crossbow on his waist. “We’re done here.”
“Alright. Let’s move.” Kreuger closed the computer, handing it over to Sasha for safekeeping.
He grabs the Azurian-styled sabre inside the chest, putting it in the sheath and slinging it on his waist. “How do I look?” He spread out his arm, showing off his leather armor and the sabre.
“Barely fitting you, boss.” Sasha said. “Put a bottle of ale next to the sword and you’ll fit right in.”
“It’s an improvement compared to your last attempt at Zhihao’s palace. Pfff.” Livna replied, barely hiding her smile behind her hand.
Kreuger puts down his arm, checking his watch. “Bruh. Well thank you for your compliments, then. Let’s head out, time for some quest running.”
“Aye boss.”
– –
Freyra. Principality of Lior.
The three operatives weaved through streams of people going about in the market, covering their pockets to prevent pickpocketing. Small children run about, begging for copper coins from passing adventurers and other merchants while others are more suspicious, targeting the bags of isolated individuals to steal.
Kreuger thought there would be many different things in this world, and that people would be different as, but they’re all the same to him, saved for the occasional beastmen and demi-humans walking about. Semi-veiled women lugged water, men gossips and porters held great loads on their heads. Children ran, beggars begged and servants attended to their employers. Thieves steal, entertainers joggled balls and animals cry in pain before being chopped up for meat.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
The resemblance with the many third-world shitholes that Kreuger has been deployed into was uncanny, to the point of making him feel somewhat annoyed. The only thing he hopes now is that the dozen doses of vaccines the War Department jammed into his ass worked this time, catching malaria was almost the worst thing that has happened to him in over a decade he has been operating overseas, if that fails then at least he has a number of pills in his pocket ready just in case.
The three eventually arrived at the Adventurers’ Guild’s building, clearly different from the others around with intricate artworks and large amounts of adventurers gathering within and around the building, no doubt looking for quests or guidance.
Kreuger arrived at the reception area, scanning for a familiar face. He eventually found Nerysa at one of the joints, handing out quests and rewards to a group of Elvish Adventurers.
He tapped Livna with his elbow. “Two O’clock. Your turn, Liv.”
“Got it, boss.”
Livna took off her mitznefet to reveal her face, walking over to Nerysa as she waved her hand at her. “Hiiii! We met again!”
“Oh!” The receptionist girl yelped, looking at the two men behind her. “Hi, Livna! And you two too! Thank you for what you did for me earlier this morning. I ordered my assistant to take the vehicle to a shop for repair as soon as we unload the goods already.”
“That’s good to hear.” Sasha replied. “I told him to drive more carefully already, so you needn’t to scold him.”
“Too bad, I already did.” Nerysa gave him a friendly smile, which sent quite a shiver down Sasha’s body. What a terrifying young girl, that poor driver must’ve gotten a scolding of a lifetime.
Kreuger stepped up, speaking out his mind. “So uhh… do you have any quest for us like the deal we had early this morning?”
Nerysa looked around, checking that nobody was paying attention to her reception joint before placing two request papers on the table. “Yes. I got two for you, related to the Dulbu Mine, though both are escort quests. The more lucrative quests are very hard to hide for me, so I apologize if I can’t reserve them for you.”
“It’s alright, I’m sure you did your best.” Kreuger replied as the three operatives read the two quests.
Dulbu Mine. That’s the largest iron mine belonging to and administered by the Red Dragon guild, if Kreuger’s memory served him right.
The first quest is to escort mail and cargo from Freyra today through the Torpa Valley towards the Red Dragon guild. Nothing fancy, but it’ll give them direct access to the mine itself. That’s more than good enough. If anything, it’s a good chance for the team to gather intelligence and mapping out escape routes should they need it.
The second quest is a much simpler one, revolving around providing catering services for the mine workers. Not particularly useful or helpful, but they could hang around the mine for a couple hours to gather information while lunch is being served.
After exchanging looks between his teammates, Kreuger spoke up. “We’ll take both.”
“Banditry is quite common around Torpa Valley, are you guys about this?” Nerysa raised her concern. “The Adventurers’ record showed that you’re newly registered recently. Even if you are C-Ranks, I cannot in good conscience let you guys go on a dangerous escort mission like this tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, Nerysa. We’ll manage.” Kreuger pointed at Sasha before switching to Livna. “I’ve got a cracked shot and a chef right here. The quests will be done flawlessly.”
“Well then…” Nerysa pulled up a stick of sealing wax, hovering it over a candle before putting the Adventurers’ Guild stamp of approval and writing their names on the commission papers before rolling them up, handing them to Kreuger. “You can meet the merchants at the Wyvern’s Tail, a tavern located about a five minute walk down the market. He’ll pay you guys when the commission is done.”
“Bye! I’ll see you again!” Livna gave the receptionist girl two silver coins as a tip, which Nerysa secretly took as she continued to wave her hand at the three as they exited the place.
If they wanted to continue using the Adventurers’ Guild as a legal channel to get to where they want, they have to have a useful, albeit naive ally within. Besides, it’s not like it's their money anyway. The Department of War had guaranteed the funds for this operation to be completed by any means necessary, making money a non-issue so long as they finished their job here.
“You’re terrible at making up excuses, boss. You’re lucky that she bought into it.” Livna said.
“Is that an acknowledgement of your inability to coo-” Kreuger said before shutting up, noticing a chilling cold stare by Livna. “Forget that.”
“Either way, we’ll need to find some cooks if we were to do the second quest.” Sasha spoke up, looking around the market. He spots a merchant trying to unload several crates of instant noodles and other dry rations, clearly imported from the United Federation judging by the logos imprinted on them. “Maybe we can cheap out on it? They’re mining workers afterall, probably aren't too picky on the food choice.”
Sasha threw up his hand in defeat. “Maybe. I’ll see what I can do.”
– –
Freyra, Principality of Lior.
The Wyvern’s Tail.
Kreuger peered through the tavern’s glass window, confirming the location. “This is it.”
“Looks like a pub.” Livna inspects the wooden sign hanging by the door, reading the menu.
“That’s exactly what it is.” Sasha replied. “Hope they got some Chacha’s in here, haven’t had those in a while.”
“Don’t.” Kreuger raised a finger up in disapproval. “You can’t help yourself every time a bottle of Chacha comes up.” He turns around, patting Sasha’s back. “How the fuck do you Rostislavians even drink that shit? It’s like ninety percent alcohol.”
“Ha! You could say that we’re built differently.” Sasha walked up to the door, pushing it in. “Don’t worry, boss. I won’t drink on the job.”
A bell jingled as they opened the wooden door, revealing a homey scene within. The tavern is dimly lit by the sunlight passing through the two small windows and a large stone hearth crackling at the far end of the room. Thick wooden beams cross the low ceiling, stained dark from many years of smoke and ale. The air’s heavy with mingling scents of roasted meat and spiced cider.
Long oak tables run the length of the room, some empty, while others are crowded with adventurers boasting with each other about their accomplishments. A particularly prideful-looking adventurer drank an entire mug of beer in one fell swoop as the others around him cheered on, with the exception of an elvish woman who lounges with practiced grace, idly turning a dagger between her fingers as she rolled her eyes at the drinking.
Not a bad atmosphere for a small tavern, Kreuger thought. If anything, this place would probably be even more rowdy during lunch time in a short moment.
Near the hearth, a pair of well-dressed merchants huddled closely together, exchanging ideas over a map spread across the wooden long table. One of the merchants wore a purple sash, fitting the description of the commissioner written on the escort quest’s paper. The man stared attentively at the map, no doubt plotting alternative paths should he fail to attract any adventurers to escort him.
“Looks like we found the man.” Sasha pointed the merchant out.
Kreuger stepped up, adjusting his Azurian-styled outfit. “I’ll talk to him. You two keep watch.”
“Copy that, boss.” Livna responded, walking to the bar as she took off her mitznefet and placed it on the table before taking a seat on the tall stool.
Sasha took a seat next to the door and talked to one of the waitresses, ordering a cup of ale and a small lunch for himself as he kept watch of the activities within the tavern. Looks like that line about not drinking on the job was bullshit, it seems.
Kreuger approached the group of merchants, focusing on the man with a purple sash. He let out a slight cough, attracting his attention. “Ahem. Are you sir Vaughan?”
The middle aged man turned over, giving Kreuger a confused expression. “That’s correct. Who are you?”
Kreuger pulled the paper out from one of his pouches, offering it to the man. “We’re here for your commission. You may call me Kreuger.”
“Oh my, I thought nobody would’ve taken up that request!” Vaughan's doubtful expression turned joyful as he took the commission paper, along with the other merchants on the table.
The other merchant introduced himself, wiggling his wolf-like ears. “I’m Thorcass, a fellow merchant.” He hesitated for a moment, looking around the tavern. “You looked like a capable Adventurer. We’re glad that you are here to help but… did you come alone? Only you? It’s a dangerous trek we’re gonna embark on.”
“Oh don’t worry, sir Thorcass.” Kreuger pointed at Sasha sitting at the other table, eating what looked like roasted fowl with salads.
Sasha raised his mug of beer, greeting the looking pair of merchants as he nodded his head and smiled.
“That’s my teammate, Sasha. He may not look like it, but he’s a great shot with arrows.” Kreuger shifted his hand to Livna sitting at the bar, sipping on a cup of apple cider. “And Livna over there, is great in hand-to-hand fighting despite being a negotiator at heart.”
Vaughan observed the three adventurers before him. All humans, just like him. He was hoping for a group of seasoned demi-human adventurers who specialized in fighting, but with the comparatively meager amount he offered in the commission, he’d have to contend with second-rate C-tier adventurers as escorts.
The Red Dragon’s Guild offered him handsome pay to deliver mail and supplies quickly to Dulbu Mine, which in his hubris he had gladly accepted without second thought.
Vaughan looked back at the map laid strewn on the table, scanning the paths he must take. There is really only one way to get to Dulbu Mine quickly and that’s through Torpa Valley, where banditry is common due to the extensive cave network formed by abandoned mining sites, providing ample cover for housing and hiding looted treasures. Going around the valley would’ve taken more than a week on foot, which was too late already as the contract demanded that the supplies and mail be delivered within four days, and two days of waiting have already passed already.
Should he fail to deliver the goods, he would be heavily indebted and forced to work at Dulbu, offering his labor for many years as collateral to the Red Dragon guild, that’s if he had not been killed first in the valley by bandits.
Thorcass has also made the same mistake as him, being his long time friend, taking up the commission as well in hopes of making a quick buck. Either way, there is no other choice for them. They must go early in the morning tommorow.
“Is everything alright?” Kreuger asked Vaughan, who seemed to be in deep thought.
“Yeah. It’s alright, I’m just worried about tomorrow.”
Thorcass poured a cup of ale, offering it to Kreuger. “Since you and your companions have taken on the trouble of helping us, the least I can offer you and your team are some drinks.”
“Thank you, but we can buy our own.” Kreuger sat down at their table, exchanging details on the route with the pair of merchants.
– –
Livna took a sip of the apple cider, placing it before pressing on her short range radio which she concealed within her cloak. “Anything, Sasha?”
“Not much, particularly.” Sasha walked around the tavern, whistling a tune in his mouth as he counted the increasing number of patrons entering the establishment, probably for lunch or partying. “Place’s getting crowded. Keep an eye’s out.”
“Copy.” Livna whispered at the radio, plugging an earpiece into the device before putting it back into her pouch. She continued to sip on the cider, thinking of what to have for lunch as she looked at the menu.
“Hey, sweetheart.” A voice called out behind her.
Livna turned around, taken by surprise. “Hmm?”
A bold adventurer in a red, expensive-looking set of armor spoke to her. “Hello? Are you alone? Our party is short on one member currently, if you wanna join us then you’re welcome to-.”
Livna noticed that he was the one who drank an entire mug of beer in one fell swoop earlier, with people making quite some noises as he did so. “No thanks. I-”
“Don’t worry about it!” He took a seat on the stool next to her, his hand scrolling across the menu. “How about I buy a drink for the lovely lady next to me? Would she change her mind? I’m Trystan by the way.” He gestured to the bartender, ordering two glasses of drinks.
Is she getting hit on? This wasn’t the first time, either. Plenty of people have complimented her for her looks, both with family and strangers alike. Half the time it’s like a curse, while the other half are blessings. Guess she’d have to see how this goes.
Livna looked at the party in which he belongs. A cloaked mage, four female adventurers, one of which is an Elf, and one tall knight in bright re- she paused, noticing that it was Owain from the truck incident earlier in the morning. These must be others belonging to this small party, she assumed. Owain took a sip of beer as he watched the scene unfold, while the elf lady facepalms in disappointment.
“What’s the matter, Livna?” Sasha whispered through her earpiece. “You need us to intervene-?”
Kreuger’s voice rang through the channel as he stopped Sasha, his voice full of anticipation. “Nah. Let Liv have some fun. I got snacks here, let’s just watch. Haha.”
She glanced over to her boss, who looked at her with a smile on his face while munching on some roasted beans. Damn you, boss.
Livna let out a sigh as she secretly turned the radio on, allowing both Kreuger and Sasha to hear the conversation unfold. “So… Trystan, what do you want with me?”
He leaned back a bit, still maintaining a cheerful expression. “Ah. Just like I said, I just need one more female adventurer in our group for the next commission. The pay is very good, but I need at least five women in my party.”
“Huh.” Livna gave him a blank stare. Handsome guy, she examined him carefully as she eyed him up and down. Judging by the looks, this smugass must’ve gotten a lot of women in bed before, hence the audacity and confidence being displayed before her.
“What if I refused?” She asked him.
A pair of glass drinks are placed on the bar by the bartender, their vibrant colors amplified by the small candle placed nearby.
“It’s up to you but… refusal would be a difficult prospect nowaday.” Trystan slaps two silver coins on the bar for the bartender before taking the glasses with both hands. He offered the bright blue-colored one to her, one befitting of her cerulean-colored eyes. “Work isn’t easy to come by, when so many more adventurers have taken the more lucrative commissions first. I’m here to offer you a chance.”
“Just throw his ass already.” Sasha spoke over Liv’s earpiece with a shushed tone.
“Patient. Just wait for it, Sasha.” Kreuger tuned in again, audibly giggling in amusement.
She took his offering, taking a sip of the sweet drink. “Hmmm. So… what is this commission of yours that you speak of that requires at least five women?”
“Are you interested?” Trystan asked her.
“Only if you answer first.” Livna replied.
Trystan leaned his back on the bar as he spoke up. “You see, I’m quite a well connected individual around here, which opens up a lot of opportunities for business. If you follow me, I can help you make quick money.”
“Heh?... How are you going to go about that?” Livna asked, her face rested on her hand as she looked at him with a pretended smug look on her face.
“It’s an information I’m not allowed to disclose. However,” Trystan gestured at the party he had assembled. “Those girls there, they’re in it for the money. The pay is twenty gold coins per night - enough to live comfortably for a long while.”
After an artificial silence, just enough to make him think that she’s thinking about it, Livna responds. “I’ll pass.” She placed the drink back on the bar.
Trystan approached her closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “Listen. This could change your life! Just one night, and by the next day you’d be richer than most adventurers! Come with me, I promise that you’ll be well compensated for your trouble.”
“I said… I’ll pass.” Livna put her hand on his, attempting to lift it off of her shoulder. “I’m not that kind of whore that you’re looking for.” She said dejectedly.
Trystan pressed on with insistence, grabbing both of her shoulders as he pressed on them. “I am offering you a chance!”
SLAP
Livna pushed him off after giving him a slap in the face, stunning the man. “You asshole! I. SAID. NO!”
She rushed forward, jumping on Trystan’s torso as she wrapped herself around him, forcing his body to spin to build up momentum. Livna spun him around, quickly letting go of his body as she threw him over an empty wooden table like a training doll.
Despite the fact that he’s a swordsman type - which specialized in close combat, Livna could tell that the guy was taken by surprise from her moves.
Trystan stood up, catching his breath in pain. “What the fuck?! Do you know who I am, bitch?!”
“Why should I care who you are? You are nothing but a snobby playboy who got ahold of some of his daddy’s pocket change. The so-called ‘cannot be disclosed’ information you speak off is pure bullshit. It’s just a catchphrase you used to get laid!” She pulled out a knife from a small sheath strapped on her right thigh, taking a defensive stance.
“Just don’t kill him, Liv.” Kreuger spoke over her earpiece. “Would be really inconvenient for the op if you do.”
Trystan took off his armor, dropping the pieces on the floor as he pulled up his sleeves, itching for a fight. “If you think I’m not willing to hurt you just because you’re a woman, then you’re dead wrong.”
A small crowd had gathered up, intrigued by the commotion within the tavern. Murmurs of discussions filled the crowding tavern, aiding to attract more eyes at the fight. Some cheered on with their drinks raised, while others clapped.
Trystan crackled his joints. “I’ll give you a good time. See if you’re gonna change your mind-”
“That’s enough.” A sword suddenly rose in front of Trystan. Owain was standing there, taking his stance on the sudden sprawl. “You’re going too far, Trystan.”
“Shut up! That bitch threw me!” He pulled out his sword, pushing Owain out of the way as he rushed forward, taking a swing at Livna. “AHHH!”
She ducked, quickly using a wooden pillar as cover as the sword rammed into it. Seeing that his sword was stuck on the pillar, Livna quickly turned around, giving Trystan a front kick in the jaw to stun him which had the intended effects. He let go of his sword, having it stuck on the wooden pillar.
She ducked down, using her smaller form to strike both of his knees, forcing him to kneel before edging his neck with her knife. “Call it quits, NOW!”
Trystan stared at her blade before noticing the chest rig, previously hidden by the long coat. A strange contraption is strapped on her hip, its metallic form completely alien to him. Despite not knowing what the object is, he knew that it was Elysian’s.
“Tsk. Surrendering to a woman... Who do you think I am?!” He pushed the knife away from his throat, but it was for naught.
Livna spun around to pick up momentum, giving Trystan’s face another side kick with her boot, knocking him back on the floor. She hopped on his chest, repeatedly punching on his face with force. “YOU! MOTHER! FUCK! KER!”
She stood up, lifting Trystan’s torso as she grabbed onto his shirt before jabbing her knee into his face, knocking him out cold on the floor. Livna breathes heavily from beating the guy’s up as she readjusted her hair, which has been made a mess from the fight.
Suddenly, cheers erupted across the two floors of the tavern, with splashes of alcohol flying everywhere from their mugs. Adventurers and bystanders clapped alike, having thoroughly enjoyed the brawl.
– –
“Most impressive, my doubts have all but disappeared!” Vaughan clapped his hands.
Kreugher took a small puff of cigarette. “Mmhmm. Told ya she was pretty good at it.”
“Early tomorrow morning, we’ll head out with the cart. We’ll be seeing you three then.” Thorcass said.
“Wait, you say ‘cart’?” Kreuger asked him. “With the route being this dangerous, shouldn’t you get a truck to move the goods quickly?”
“We’re already in debt, and it’s not like we can afford one of those things in the first place…” Vaughan explained, getting sadder the longer he spoke.
Kreuger leaned back on the seat. “Maybe we can help with that. Your contract didn’t say that you’d need to use a cart, correct?”
“Correct- wait, do you have a truck of your own?” Vaughan jumped up from his seat, barely containing his excitement.
“Yes, we do. We also have another commission at Dulbu as well, so using a truck would help us carry additional supplies for the commission.”
“Two birds in one strike.” Thorcass folded his arm, finding himself relieved by the unbelievable luck they had stumbled on. “I must say, you three must’ve been sent by the gods to help us both out.” He lets out a laugh, lifting a mug up. “To fortune.”
Kreuger lifted his mug as well. “To fortune.” He gulps down the beer, savoring the familiar taste. While he didn’t want to drink on the job, gaining trust was more important.
“I heard that, boss. Where the fuck are we supposed to get a truck?” Sasha spoke over Kreuger’s earpiece.
Waiting for Vaughan and Thorcass to cheerfully exchange conversation among themselves, Kreuger reached into his side, pressing on the radio button. “Contact Red Team, we’re gonna make some deals.” He whispered.