Leveling up the World

Chapter 142: Barroom Blitz

No single incident started the brawl. One moment everyone was on edge, watching the two furies exchange blows faster than even the average awakened could see. Then, a second later, everyone joined in the brawl. It was just like the song that Dallions father constantly listened to: it was like lightning, and everybody was frightening. Each could probably take out Dallion without a second thought, and thats precisely why no one bothered to.

Under normal circumstances five people would have little chance against thirty. However, a gorgon changed the math drastically. She was, after all, the greatest threat capable of petrifying the entire tavern with as little as a glance. As a solution, half a dozen people rushed her direction, aiming to overpower her. All avoided looking her way while doing so.

With a single action, Euryale shoved Dallion forward out of danger, as kicks, punches, and sweets rained down upon her. Each series of attacks was precise to a fault, although here was when the lack of teamwork started to show. While each of the awakened were skilled in their own right, they rarely had to fight together, especially against someone that could handle their attacks. What the gorgon didnt evade, she redirected, causing several of the attackers to hit their friends in their attempt to take her down. This only tended to infuriate them by making further mistakes, which were quickly taken advantage of.

An attack was briskly grabbed by the arm and shoulder, then spun around like a weapon and slammed on the wooden floor. The sound was thundering, but because of his improved body, the man only let out a groan as the fighting continued above him.

Meanwhile, Spike and Grunt had also joined into the fray. Spike was the first to do so, naturally. The scrawny human not only looked like the caricature of a last century punk rocker but also fought in similar fashion. There could be no doubt he had been through this a lot and took pleasure in it. Unlike the gorgon, he received as many hits as he let out, although still managing to keep on his feet. A few steps away, Grunt stood like an unmovable wall, slowly pushing into the gathering group of people who continued with their futile attempts to stop him. Their kicks and punches practically bounced off the body of the giant while he swatted them like flies.

This was the first time that Dallion had witnessed Grunt fight. The large man was much faster than his speed suggested. His opponents werent slackers either, avoiding the blows or getting back up into the fight if they werent.

The sight was mesmerizing. Part of Dallion wanted just to remain here and watch the scene. However, that wasnt the plan. While their skills were vastly superior to Dallions, most of the awakened in the tavern were small frythieves, pickpockets, and the occasional bruiser. Even with their numbers, it would be difficult for them to do any serious harm. There were six, seven people at most, who were seriously strong. Jiroh had speculated that none of the strong ones would join in the fight with one exceptionthe fury. In truth, the name of the species wasnt only for show. So far Dallions only contact to the species had been Jiroh and the generals servants. Looking at the fierce exchange of attacks, he could only be thankful he hadnt caught one on her bad side. The entire incident of this morning might well have been because he had pissed her off. Quite likely it hadnt even been because of the money, but rather about his refusal to hand it over.

Stick to the plan! Dallion said to himself. It wasnt his place to analyze the situation. All he had to do was take advantage of the first dozen seconds of chaos and reclaim his sword and shield. Later he was going to move towards Spike and Grunt, who would clear a path to the outside, while Euryale protected everyones back.

Using his guard skills, Dallion made his way to the spot where the fury had been sitting. The harpsisword was still there, as was the shield. The moment he took hold of the weapon, though, he felt someones gaze upon him.

Youre lucky, kid, the tattooed man said, as he poured what smelled like bourbon. Two hunters started all this just so you could get back your trash.

Dallion paused for a moment. In his mind, he was picturing how a fight against the man at the bar would go. Should he attack, or just grab his gear and run?

Try it and youre dead, the man said with such determination that Dallion felt shivers down his spine. Take your scrap and go. And pray that we don't cross paths again.

There was no malice in his words, just a matter-of-fact statement. Dallion could tell the man was strong, possibly stronger than anyone here. If he wanted, he could have killed Dallion where he stood, and still he was letting him go?

As the saying went, never look a gift horse in the mouth. Grabbing the shield and harpsisword, Dallion then rushed towards the main exit. Barely had he taken a few steps away, when Spike leapt over the bar, aiming to kick the bald man in the head.

The attack was lightning fast, and yet it was deflected with such ease that one would say that Spike had been standing still.

What the heck are you doing? Dallion felt his heart hump into his throat as he watched in terror as the two exchanged blows.

You sound like a big shot, the scrawny man laughed as he swirled, doing a series of lower and upper sweeps.

With just as little effort as before, the other used his left hand to block the attacks, still holding his glass of alcohol. Not a single drop was spilled. Before Spike could start his next attack, the tattooed man gulped down what was left of the drink, then effortlessly split the glass in two perfect halves.

Third gate? the man asked, somewhat impressed. And still not of the five.

Using the glass parts as knives, the man slashed at Spike. The Icepicker instantly twisted, bending backwards so as to evade the arc of attack, though that didnt save him. One of the edges manages to graze his left biceps, leaving a red line behind. The wound didnt seem deep, but the fact that it was there at all made Spike jump back up and to the other side of the bar counter where he kicked up a chair from the floor and smashed it to bits with a single strike. Thenwhile the two pieces were still in the airhe grabbed a leg with each hand.

The tattooed man didnt let him gain the initiative, continuing with a series of attacks aimed at Spikes throat. Glass met wood and despite the generally perceived notions, glass won, shaving off wooden splinters as if the man was carving. Then it hit Dallion: the tattooed man was combing, carving and attack skills.

What is a carver doing here? Dallion wondered. Crafting awakened rarely took the front lines. This one not only had done so, but had made his way to the position of a moon aristocrat.

Dallion was a less than five steps away from the exit. Grunt was keeping the area clear, remaining the focus of most attackers.

I appreciate the rescue and all, but itll be stupid to stop here, the shield said. The charmer can take care of himself. You cant.

Music, Dallion thought. To his surprise, nothing happened. This was the first time the skill didnt have an identifiable effect.

At the same time, Spike was being pushed back. The smile remained on his face, but it was clear to everyone that he had been outclassed, even to the point that the few people remaining in their seats at the bar counter didnt bother to assist in the battle. All of them were standing observing the events with near boredom, occasionally glancing about.

Then suddenly, a large pop filled the air, as if the air pressure suddenly shifted. Instantly, the fighting stopped. Everyones attention focused on Jiroh, who was holding a knife to the other furys throat. Judging by the expressions, the fight was over and Jiroh had won.

Theres no point in going on, Jiroh said, calmly. We go our way, you go yours.

Thats not how it works, hunter, the tattooed man said, slapping both of the glass pieces together. For a moment it almost seemed as if he were holding a whole glass. Even for you.

You took of mine. Jiroh narrowed her eyes.

You broke into my house instead of asking.

Ill owe you one.

There was a moment of silence. The offer was made and how it was time for the man to respond. For a brief moment all eyes turned his way in anticipation. Even Euryale had focused half the snakes in that direction.

One of three, he said at last. And you keep what is yours.

Deal. Jiroh removed the knife from the thiefs throat, then made a sign for the rest of her group to head outside. As for you. She turned to the other fury. I dont know you and I dont care. Step foot on my territory again and Ill know. Jiroh dropped the knife on the floor and started her way out as well.

Still, I must wonder why would two hunters go through all this for a pup? the tattooed man asked as Jiroh passed by.

Thats because hunters see potential, Euryale replied in a normal tone of voice. I thought you already knew that.

I do now.

Nothing more was said. The awakened in the tavern remains still, waiting for Jiroh and her group to leave, and they did. It was only when they were outside that Dallion allowed himself to exhale. There was a moment inside in which he wasnt sure that he would survive.

Did you get everything you needed? Jiroh asked.

Yeah.

Technically Dallion hadnt reclaimed the money that was stolen, but he had no plan to go back inside to ask for it. Besides, everything considered, things had ended pretty much as perfect as one could hope for.

That was the longest minute of my life, he said after a while. Do we need to swim back again?

Thats the fastest way. But I guess we can walk a bit. Youll still need to get the rest of her clothes.

Of course they would. The fury was the only one that didnt seem affected by water. She had gone into the river fully dressed and still remained dry the moment she had gone out of it. For some reason Dallion suspected that there was more to her species than what hed read in the library scrolls.

Well be heading off to the guildhall, Spike said. If anyone was upset that the fighting hadnt lasted longer, it was him. Let me know if theres something else to help out with.

I will. Jiroh smiled. Thanks for the help, Spike.

And Dal, next time, take better care of your gear. Your gear is your family.

Gear was an awakeneds family. Such a simple concept that Dallion had missed all that time only because he didnt bother speaking with it. It was only thanks to the shield that Dallion had gotten a sense of that, and ironically also because of the shield he had neglected his other items more.

Spoke walked along the muddy path of the bank, along with Grunt.

I have something to do as well, Jiroh said. Euryll take you back to the inn. Get some sleep in the awakened realm. Its better that Hannah doesnt see you in such a state.

What state? Dallion thought, but nodded nonetheless.

Jiroh, he began. Ive a question.

The fury looked at him.

What exactly is a hunter? Youve never mentioned it before, and you never talk about your life outside the inn

Thats because Hannah doesnt want me scaring off customers. There was no telling whether she was lying or not. Dallion chose to believe that she wasnt. Hunters are what it sounds like. We go into the wilderness and kill creatures that shouldnt exist. Most of the time its boring, but every now and again something really scary appears. Like a chainling, for example.

Like a chainling Once a person had fought one, no further explanations were necessary. It was almost like people who had been part of an unspoken club. Dallions hunt had lasted a week and during that time he had set eyes on the creature for a few minutes, but he could never forget the experience. Was this why the fury had been so nice to him? Because of the unspoken bond they shared?

Thanks both of you.

You know, youre really cute when youre being serious. Euryale put her arm round his shoulders. Its all good, though. We take care of our own. Just try not to get in too much trouble next time?

Ill try not to.

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