What happened next was something Justin could scarcely have predicted.
First, he heard a voice: the System’s voice, and it seemed only he could hear it.
Lord Percival Harrington has challenged you to a Social Duel using his Rare Skill, Gentleman’s Gauntlet, and you have accepted! Lord Harrington has wagered his Platinum-Level Headpiece, the Top Hat of Mental Clarity. Please wager an item of Platinum-Level or higher.
The Top Hat of Mental Clarity, or at least a vision of it, appeared before Justin. It was a sleek, midnight-black headpiece with a lustrous sheen, perfectly tailored for a gentleman of high society.
He read the item’s description.
----------------------------------------
The Top Hat of Mental Clarity (Platinum): Grants complete immunity to Mind Control, Fear, and Intimidation Effects caused by another character’s skills or magic. +1 to Intellect and Perception.
----------------------------------------
Complete immunity to three status conditions that could utterly cripple him?
Justin wanted that hat. He needed that hat.
What item do you wish to wager?
Justin tried to wager his Dandy’s Cap, but he instantly felt the System’s rejection.
You must wager a Platinum-Level item or higher.
Of course, the only Platinum-Level item or higher Justin possessed was his Amulet of Equilibrium. And it seemed there was no way out of this challenge.
Justin had made a foolish mistake. The anger he'd felt from the shopkeeper had been misdirected at this rando, and now he might be the one paying the price.
And yet, if he won, he'd get an awesome piece of gear, one which would be perfect for his character.
So, he just had to win. He had no choice.
You have wagered: The Amulet of Equilibrium.
----------------------------------------
The Amulet of Equilibrium (Platinum): Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted.
----------------------------------------
Justin saw Percival’s eyes widen at that. “Splendid!”
Upon victory, the loser’s core-binding, if already applied, will be nullified, and bonded to the victor’s core. All cooldowns have been reset and reduced for the duration of the duel, and all cooldowns will reset upon conclusion of the duel. May the most distinguished gentleman prevail!
And just like that, the duel began. Glowing yellow boundaries flickered, creating a circle about fifty feet across, on the edge of which a thick crowd had gathered to watch.
Percival began with a flourish, strutting around Justin with exaggerated elegance. “You must forgive my surprise, Mr. Talemaker. I could not resist challenging you, for I didn’t expect to see a fellow Socialite with such... quaint taste.”
Justin smirked, activating his Dandy’s Swagger. He mirrored Percival’s strut with added flair, his movements smooth and confident. “Quaint? Says the man hiding behind an accessory, hoping no one notices he’s just an overdressed pretender. Keep clinging to that hat, Harrington—it’s doing more work than you are.”
The crowd laughed, enjoying the exchange of barbs.
Percival’s eyes narrowed, clearly annoyed. “Well played, but let’s see how you manage…this!”
He leaped into the air, performing a series of acrobatic flips before landing gracefully on one knee, his cane held high and even releasing a spout of flame from the dragon’s mouth. The crowd erupted in applause.
Justin wasn’t fazed. He focused his energy and activated his Poison Barb ability, his words laced with a biting edge. “Impressive gymnastics, Harrington. Did you learn that in a circus?”
Percival’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Tell me, Mr. Talemaker, does your tailor specialize in mediocrity, or is it a personal choice? From that garb, mayhap you don’t even have a tailor!”
Justin countered with his own Poison Barb. “That’s rich, considering your attire appears rummaged from a garbage heap in the Undermarket.”
The lord’s eyes narrowed, and Justin realized it was best to insult his style. But Percival recovered quickly, twirling his cane while performing a series of graceful, dance-like moves. He used a skill that temporarily blinded with a flash of light, before reappearing in a new, more impressive pose in another location. Justin had to admit that one would be handy to have.
But now it was time to bring out the big guns. Justin felt a surge of confidence as he activated his Dazzling Display. The surrounding air shimmered yellow as the legendary rapper Eminem entered his mind. Justin’s stance shifted, becoming more aggressive, his gaze intense. He felt the raw energy of Eminem’s charisma infusing within him, giving him a razor-sharp edge.
With a quick breath, Justin launched into a verbal diss, his words cutting through the air like a knife, even as a sick beat manifested from the Ether to lock in the rhythm:
> “You strut like you’re hot, but you’re just a façade,
>
> You’re not a real player, just a fraudulent mirage.
>
> Talkin’ up a big game with your cane and your suit,
>
> But step up to the Talemaker, and I’ll render you mute.
>
> You think you’re looking fly, but you’re dull as a butter knife,
>
> Livin’ a life of luxury but can’t handle real life.
>
> You flash that dragon cane like it’s something profound,
>
> But I’m the true Talemaker, and I’m taking you down.
>
> Your cane might spit fire, but it fails to inspire,
>
> A circus act on a wire, destined to crash in the mire.
>
> Your attire’s like trash, and your style’s a joke,
>
> With a grace about as subtle as a sledgehammer’s stroke.
>
> Your legacy is empty, as short as a sneeze,
>
> And your fashion is forgettable, like a fart in the breeze.
>
> I’ll leave you in ashes, cause your wit’s slow as molasses,
>
> If you ever outclass me, then it’ll be as the King of the Asses.
>
> Cause I’m the King of the Ring, the lyrical beast
>
> And you’re just another pretender, soon to be deceased.
>
> At the hands of my rhymes, was there ever any doubt?
>
> Lord Harrington, your time’s up—cause I’m knocking you out!”
>
>
As Justin’s Dazzling Display ended, the crowd gasped and then roared with approval, captivated by the unexpected display of lyrical prowess. Justin, with amusement, realized he just might have invented rap in this world.
But much to Justin’s surprise, Lord Harrington gave a smug smile, spreading his arms wide while giving his cane a stylish twirl. The yellowish aura surrounding him told Justin that he was using the same skill, or something similar. His voice came out stuffy, dripping with superiority.
> “Hark! It’s Harrington, I’m the original Socialite,
>
> But for a fool like you, it’s time for me to ignite.
>
> I don’t know why I’m wasting time on a dungeon dweller,
>
> While you rot in the dark, I’m the high society feller.
>
> I can smell your stink from here, no money, no fame,
>
> No women to your name—oh my, what a dreadful shame!
>
> Now if you’ll excuse me, let’s switch up the game,
>
> Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
>
> My rhymes are so tight, even in a different frame.
>
> If you can’t roll like me, you won’t get no baddie,
>
> I’ve got a new lady every night, they all call me Daddy.
>
> You’ve never had a lady, it’s a painful joke,
>
> Cause I’m about to faint from that foul reek you evoke.
>
> You’re just a sweaty rube with no real friends,
>
> Unless you count the relief that you get from your hands.
>
> You’re a faker, a loser, a joke on repeat,
>
> Too busy with games to stand on your own two feet.
>
> You’re as fat as a bat, gorging on lard,
>
> And your style’s so wack, even your lady’s on guard.
>
> If you don’t know how to treat her, simply send her to me,
>
> I’ll take her to paradise, show her my Cane of Destiny.”
>
>
As Lord Harrington’s words echoed through the air, he raised his fire-breathing cane high, sending out a spout of flame. The crowd fell into a stunned silence, absorbing the venom of his verbal assault. Then, like a wave crashing against the shore, the crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers and jeers, divided between admiration for Harrington’s cutting wit and sympathy for Justin.
Justin gave a placid smile, but he was a storm inside. Harrington’s disses had hit very close to the mark. Maybe like him, Poison Barb gave him insight into what would hurt him the most. As Justin had attacked the lord's style and image, Harrington in turn had attacked his insecurities with women.
But he recovered, with such poise as he could, and stepped up the duel with a series of stylized, choreographed attacks with his cane. His moves were precise, highlighting the elegance of his Cane of Valoria. Lord Harrington responded, his moves quick and bold, the dragon’s head periodically spouting plumes of flame.
Justin dodged gracefully and countered with a mix of Westside Story-inspired dance fighting, cane twirls, and finger snaps, once again activating his Dandy Swagger. He even landed a few light hits. The crowd watched in awe as the two Socialites danced and fought with finesse.
Lord Harrington attempted to finish the duel with a grand finale, combining his Dandy’s Swagger and another light-blinding move. He aimed to outshine Justin with a flurry of cane strikes and pirouettes.
Justin, feeling the surge of confidence from his own Dandy’s Swagger, used his Poison Barb for a final, cutting insult.
> “They say money can’t buy class—thanks for proving it true.
>
> All that wealth you flaunt just highlights what’s missing in you.”
Justin performed a moonwalk and the crowd’s reaction was electric.
Lord Harrington gave a superior smile as he puffed out his chest.
> “Mock my money, but it has you beat.
>
> While I dine in palaces, you’re stuck in the street.”
There was a scattering of applause, but the words didn’t fare well with the local population, who knew the weight of hard-earned coin and the sting of struggle. The crowd’s initial enthusiasm dimmed, their cheers for Harrington’s retort less spirited.
Harrington's superior smile faltered, realizing too late that while his wealth might command attention, it couldn’t command respect.
There was a moment’s pause, the tension thick in the air, as both duelists awaited the final verdict.
Social duel: ended. The winner is…
Before the System could finish, the crowd erupted in a thunderous roar, their voices blending into a cacophony of shouts and cheers. Cries of “Talemaker!” and “Harrington!” echoed around the circle. Justin realized the winner would be based off crowd reaction.
Finally, the System’s voice cut through the noise, deciding the winner..
…Justin Talemaker.
The crowd’s cheers surged to a fever pitch as Justin felt a surge of triumph. To Lord Percival’s credit, he managed a smile and a respectful bow as his enchanted, Platinum-Tier top hat floated toward Justin. Justin took it in hand, returning Percival’s bow with a flourish.
Congratulations! As the victory of the Social Duel, the Top Hat of Mental Clarity has been bound to your core.
Justin donned it immediately, removing his Dandy’s Cap. The head piece’s enchantment instantly became one with him. He would lose the Charisma bonus of the Dandy’s Cap, but in turn, he would receive complete immunity to Mind Control, Fear, and Intimidation attempts, and he now had a piece of gear that likely wouldn’t be out-classed for a long, long time, if ever. Given the enchantments, it would remain useful throughout his entire journey, depending on the enemies he might face. The +1 to Intellect and Perception was just icing on the cake.
“Better luck next time, Lord Harrington,” Justin said, his tone edged with satisfaction, as he tipped his new hat.
As Lila joined him, Percival straightened, his demeanor stiff. “Well played, Mr. Talemaker. I underestimated you—something I rarely do. It’s a pity to lose the chance to win that mighty Amulet.”
Justin forced a smile, but he realized the Amulet might be more of a liability than an asset. Given the circumstances, selling it might be the smarter choice. He wondered how Lord Harrington even knew he had it—until it hit him: Harrington probably hadn't known. When Harrington used his Gentleman's Gauntlet skill, he wouldn't have been able to stake his Platinum-Level head piece unless Justin had a Platinum-Level item of his own. Of course, being a wealthy snob, Harrington could afford to risk losing something so valuable more easily than Justin could.
It had been foolish to accept the duel in retrospect, but luckily, Justin’s skills and Charisma had been enough to carry him to victory, though he had a feeling that it had been close.
Lord Harrington’s lady friend stepped forward, her smile enchanting. Even though Lila was standing right there beside him, there was something beguiling about her that went beyond her beauty, to the point where Justin wondered if some sort of skill was being used on him. “My, that was quite the spectacle! Enough to set a lady’s heart aflutter.” She gave her brilliant green eyes a calculated batting.
“Mr. Talemaker,” Lord Harrington said, “allow me to introduce my consort of the evening, the lovely Lady Catarina. Like us, she is also a Socialite.”
“Clearly, you are a gentleman of great renown, Mr. Talemaker,” she said, her voice dripping with flirtation. “What was that spoken poetry you did? It was so…evocative.”
“It’s called rapping, my lady.” He indicated Lila. “This is my own consort of the evening, Lila Fairwind.”
Lord Harrington’s gaze flicked over to Lila, his eyes twinkling with interest. He offered a charming smile. “Miss Fairwind, is it? A name as lovely as the breeze that carries it. I must say, Mr. Talemaker, you have an eye for fine company. Tell me, Miss Fairwind, do you often find yourself swept into such intriguing spectacles? If not, might I suggest you make a habit of it? Your presence would undoubtedly elevate any gathering.”
“Why?” she asked. “So, you can make me your lady of the night?”
Lord Harrington chuckled. “Well, no man in Windfall would complain about that!” The glint in his eye made it clear he was enjoying the game. Lila, for her part, met his gaze with a raised brow, her expression showing she was not easily swayed.
Justin was ready to leave, but he was too curious about how Harrington had picked up rapping on the fly. Some part of him wondered, as he had before, if there were other “players” from Earth in this world. If someone could rap, it might be a good clue that he wasn’t alone here.
“It’s pretty impressive you were able to rap without ever having heard it before,” Justin ventured. “I was definitely feeling the heat of your rhymes.”
“Likewise, my good man. I’m quite adroit at social situations, to be sure, but I must admit I had the benefit of a rare skill, called Social Mimicry. It allows me to copy a social or rhetorical technique and then add it to my repertoire. Beyond useful for a Socialite like me.”
“I’m sure,” Justin said, a bit disappointed. Of course it would be some skill.
“You, Mr. Talemaker, are more than a curiosity,” Lord Harrington went on. “You are clearly a man with remarkably interesting stories. I would be remiss not to invite you—and your lovely companion, of course—to our little Fall Celebration at the Harrington House.”
Lady Catarina leaned in toward him, her voice laced with meaning. “Do consider joining us, Mr. Talemaker.”
Lila shot her a death glare as Justin responded. “We’ll consider it.”
“Splendid,” Lady Catarina said. “Us Socialites must really stick together. Our class is so unfairly maligned! Simply follow this street to the end, and you’ll find the Harrington House. I hope to see you there. There will be stimulating conversation and other delights for those who have a mind and taste for them.” She gave an alluring smile.
“You’ll be needing this, my good man,” Lord Harrington said, proffering a piece of gilded paper. A quick scan revealed it to be an invitation. “Simply hand it to my footman tomorrow morning upon arrival. Good night!”
As the lord and lady walked away, a System notification appeared before him.
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Event: The Harringtons’ Fall Extravaganza
You’ve been invited to the social event of the season at Lord Harrington’s estate. Rub elbows with the rich and ridiculous, eavesdrop on scandalous gossip, and survive the whimsical plots of the upper crust. Dress like your life depends on it and brace yourself for a day full of surprises and delights! Starts at 9 a.m. sharp and carries on until the last champagne flute is empty.
Rewards:
—Experience: Scaled to level and participation (and ability to dodge scandal).
—Loot: Sweet-talk your way to exclusive treasures and rare finds. Only the clever leave with more than memories!
----------------------------------------
“Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Justin asked.
“Yes,” Lila said, with trepidation. “The answer is no. We're leaving tomorrow morning, remember?"
At Justin’s silence, she just arched her eyebrows.
“Seriously? I’m being the responsible one for once? What happened to keeping a low profile? There were at least two hundred people watching you here on the street, preening like peacock!”
Justin knew she had a point. “All right, fine. Let’s head back to the inn.”
“Smart move.”
Justin followed Lila into the underground market, still bustling despite the late hour. In fact, it seemed even busier. They turned down a side alley, one of the few they had to take to reach the inn. It was strangely quiet and empty compared to the street.
Suddenly, Justin spun around, raising his cane in defense. A throwing knife clattered to the ground.
Gentleman’s Rebuff has shielded this attack!
Standing in the alley was a shadowed figure, a wiry man with a hooded cloak and a sinister grin. He had another knife ready. Beside him materialized another thug, this one burly with a bald head wielding a crossbow.
Lila’s reaction was instant. Her new Echoing Daggers whistled through the air, striking true with impressive speed. Justin’s eyes widened as three of the knives embedded themselves in their targets before they dislodged and flew again, striking new spots on the assailants’ bodies or even hitting the other thug. The Resonant Echo enchantment was already paying dividends.
But Justin could hardly watch, for on the other side of the alley, two more toughs appeared. One was lean, with a wicked scar across his cheek, bearing a quarterstaff. The other was a hulking brute with a sword and shield, his muscles bulging under his leather armor. Justin gave his cane a practiced twirl as he quickly lobbed a Poison Barb at the attacker with the staff.
“Still clinging to that pole? The mentor who gifted it gave up on you. Maybe you should, too.”
The wielder of the staff froze in his tracks, eyes wide with shock.
Justin wasted no time in engaging the fighter with the sword and shield. He parried his first strike, taking care to maintain his distance.
Poison Barb refreshed.
Though his Poison Barb skill had gone off cooldown, the quarterstaff wielder was still stunned.
As such, Justin decided to hurl an insult at the swordsman. “Come on, big guy. Swing that sword like you’re trying to impress the girl you could never get.”
The man wasn’t stunned, but he did stumble a bit. Justin took the opportunity to give him a swift upward jab, knocking his shield aside. Justin noticed a yellow flash of light at the point of impact, the move hitting far harder than expected, an effect of his new skill, Add Injury to Insult. With a spinning sweep of his cane, he took the man’s legs from beneath him. Justin finished him with a precise strike to the temple, blade extended.
The staff-wielding street tough recovered, but by then, Lila had retrieved her knives thanks to her Amulet of Everblade. She unleashed them once more, and the knives danced through the air, finishing the final attacker with deadly precision.
Lila’s face was pale as she retrieved her Echoing Daggers. “Come on. We need to find Eldrin.”
As they ran back to the inn, Justin could only wonder how Gareth’s men had found them so soon. Whatever the case, it looked like they were on the run again.