*Thoughts*
~Sound effects~
+”Whispers”+
+++++
Chapter 39: Neuron PoV
The night before wasn`t as long as the rest and so Neuron woke up with the sun “Yaaaawn, guess I will have breakfast.”
While he ate Neuron thought about what he could do today. Stealing was of course out of option, and he said to Merinda that that he will come in the afternoon.
*Guess I will just train my arrow creation a bit, and while I`m at it I can also think about a new arrow to add* and after he thought that he closed the door to his room. Seating himself on his bed he brought out all of his normal arrows and some iron ingots and began to near his goal of 300 arrows for each. While he diligently worked
K +”neuron we got Problems!”+
N +”huh, What, why, how”+ Neuron answered confused
K +”Have you been sleeping till now?”+
N +”No, you just startled me”+ he answered rather annoyed
K +”Back to topic, Deltaio appointed me with a new mission. I have to catch the smiling Chinese, meaning you!”+
N+”What’s the problem then?”+
K +”I get a whole squad under me so I can`t just pretend that I’m hunting you! I have to do a good job. He is even going so far as to tell that to the public!”+
N +”Ah, hmm”+
K +”And what do we do now?!”+
N +”Let me think for a bit! I will whisper you when I got an idea, anyway I heard you get your own squad?”+
K +”Yes and?”+
N +” can you request some people?”+
K +”I guess so, why?”+
N +”Kuahaha, this is great!”+
N +”Ask Deltaio to place Michael in your squad”+ he said and then he began laughing maniacally
K +”Neuron you are great! Like this I can keep an eye on him!”+
* I thought about you bossing him around and advising him menial tasks, but o well this is Kyle* he thought with a shrug
N +”Happy you like the idea, anyway I am going to think of something, are you free today?”+
K +”Yes I will spend the whole day inside the library”+
N +”Poor you this will be very annoying,”+
K +”I think I will manage, so later”+ Kyle said before he closed the whisper
*Now back to making more arrows* after a while he finally reached three hundred each but the level only rose once, and so he couldn`t add a new arrow.
*Everything above three hundred arrows is too much, maybe I can sell some of them? I bet the healing ones will make good money* Neuron thought while he rose up and left the inn, this time trough the door, but he still barricaded the door with mana threads, because after three nights of stealing the room looked like a antique dealers exhibition.
Because it where too many items Neuron stacked them within the two edges of the room who where opposite to his bet, those two piles managed to reach towards his shoulders.
Outside Neuron went to the first NPC he came across and asked:”Scuse me, do you know where I can sell arrows?”
“Sell arrows!?” he said dumbfounded
“Yes, got a problem with that?” Neuron hissed
“No, no it is just that a few days ago a merchant arrived and sold us a year’s worth of them, nobody needs them anymore.” He explained while defending himself.
“Just tell me where it is possible, my arrows are special” and after this explanation the NPC looked like he wanted to retort but the look in Neurons eyes who noticed his intention shut the NPC up.
“hrm, just go to Rodban he is the richest man in this city, if he doesn`t want to buy them no one will.”
“Alright, and where can I find him?”
“Do you have a map, then I will mark his house for you”
“Yes thank you!” and after the NPC marked the house and went on Neuron looked at the marked place on the map *What he lives in the Noble part of the town! Well kind of expected since he is the richest, damn I don`t want to go there*
But Neuron had no other options than to make his way there, this time he used the streets as a safety measure, but soon he missed the roof way because he constantly had to evade other walkers and carriages. Even two thieves dared to try to rob him, but since he fastened his money bag to his belt with a mana thread they weren`t able to take it from him. On the contrary; the first who tried got his wrist broken and the second received a kick into his balls.
Then Neuron passed a crowd of people which were apparently staring at something, Neuron decided to pass them silently but then one of the onlookers said:”What scary eyes!”
This made neuron turn around and staring at what the crowd was staring at, as soon as he caught a glimpse of a wanted poster he activated his Hawkeyes to see more clearly and what he saw made him cover his eyes instantly while his face became completely pale.
*Shit this is me!* he thought while he hurried to leave the place
Now neuron stood before the entrance to the rich quarters in his normal attire and a guard was holding him in an arm lock.
While Neuron hurried away from the wanted poster of him he noticed that many more where plastered on the walls of the houses and so he sped up and then he met a fist which sent him to the ground and immediately after a man jumped on his back and grabbed both of his arms while raising him up.
“What do you want!” shouted the other guard while threatening him with his sword.
*Shit shit shit* where the only thoughts Neuron was capable of at the moment.
“I repeat, What is your business?!” the guard said again while looking angrier with each word.
And finally Neuron regained his senses and so he used his momentary panic for his excuse:”Someone assaulted me! I just managed to escape but he followed me. I just kept running, till I found myself on the ground!” ~pant~ ~pant~ Neuron hurried to say.
The guard who shouted at him didn`t believe his explanation but the other more understanding one asked:”Do you remember any special traits?”
“Yes, his eyes, those where the eyes of a demon” Neuron imitated the tone of voice of his many victims.
“How did the look like?” the other guard asked while becoming interested in the case.
“They were of a yellow orange color and they looked like those a demon would possess!”
“Then you where assaulted by the smiling Chinese! Tell me where was it!” asked the guard after he released him.
“I, I don`t remember after he threatened me I just tried my utmost to escape, I don`t remember anymore where it was, I was just on my way here, and took a shortcut….. More I don´t remember, sorry!”
But his explanation made the one who grabbed him just more suspicious and so he asked while the other looked depressed about the missed chance:”You said you where on the way here, then you can surely tell us why?”
“Of course, I make arrows and I just wanted to sell my arrows to Rodban because someone said that if he doesn`t buy them no one would”
“Sell arrows, hah, you are a little late for that just recently…..” But Neuron interrupted him.
“I know, I already heard it but I believe my arrows will change his mind”
“Sure sure, if you are so sure you can show it to us too right?” the one who didn`t trust him from the start taunted
“Why yes of course” was the only answer from Neuron while he brought out a arrow from his quiver, then he gave it to the other guard and said:”here just shoot it at this other guy and you will know what this arrow is worth.”
“Do you think he is a fool!?”
“No, of course not, I would gladly let him shoot me with it, but then you both won`t believe what the arrow does” Neuron said in the town of a well versed merchant.
“Then just explain it” said the other guard while looking at the arrow.
*Guess he hasn`t the identify skill, and since he reacted like this the other one either*
“I could show you the description of this arrow but I believe you won`t believe me. So even if I say the truth about this healing arrow……” he just talked his mouth off and then he was interrupted by the one who was holding the arrow
“Healing arrow, good joke, there is no way a arrow that can heal exists, it is just against his very nature”
“See I told you that you won`t believe it” said Neuron in a relaxed tone, placing his hands in his pockets.”
Then the other one said confused about his casual behavior asked in a distrusting tone:”Let’s assume it is true how can you prove it?”
“Like I told you before, just shoot someone with that arrow and then ask him! I would volunteer but you won`t believe what I tell you….”
“Okay then you shoot it!” the guard neuron gave the arrow said.
“Roger” neuron said while taking another arrow out from his quiver and aiming it at a harmless passerby. The other guard voiced some complaints when he saw that but Neuron paid him no mind
Then Neuron let the arrow lose and replied:”If what I said isn`t true you can bring me to the officials”
“Sounds good” the guard with the arrow in his hand replied before the other guard could even open his mouth to give a retort. Then he hurried towards the hit person and began questioning him. After a while he returned completely pale while muttering something that sounded like:”This ain`t possible, it is not possible…..”
“Did he tell the truth?” asked the guard who was suspicious of Neuron with a stunned expression even though he already knew the answer from his colleague’s reaction.
“Of course I did” answered neuron instead while sounding offended. Afterwards a huge discussion broke loose about who will accompany Neuron to Rodban. They argued about it because they reasoned that whoever would bring him to Rodban would get a big reward because both realized that those arrows were priceless.
With them in possession a mage wouldn`t be needed to go on adventure. This was really valuable because many healers know of their importance and so they request a hefty price. But with those arrows an archer could take the role of the healer.
So naturally Neuron tried to break their discussion with:”Just mark his house at my map here, I will find my way alone” but he was rejected by both shouting
“NO!”
“Sigh, then just toss a coin if you can`t decide” Neuron gave in.
After everything was cleared Neuron and the guard who trusted him went their way in, the other stayed guard while grumbling.
The guard advanced steadily with Neuron in tow. Finally he halted before a splendid house but Neuron only asked himself *Why does it stand near the park when it has its own?* : he didn`t waste a thought about the splendid exterior the house showed nor that it was actually the biggest in the whole city, minus the castle of course.
Then the guard who showed Neuron the way went to the entrance where apparently more guards were stationed to talk with them Apparently they didn`t want to comply and so a loud discussion formed itself, while Neuron checked the house out.
He didn`t do so with his alias the smiling Chinese because he thought that this house was just too big and it never had a single window open. From Now on this matter was of course different, since he would see its interior
Then finally the guard motioned Neuron to follow while the others opened the giant gate. This gate was spiked and all in all didn`t gave off a very good first impression.
When Neuron went in he could take a better look at the house. Its windows at the base could only be described with one word; giant. It appeared like they and of course the room behind them took the place of two stories and Neuron reasoned that behind there would be the ballroom.
He just stood there ogling the house when the guard who showed him the way shouted to him to get going. Then he nocked on the door, while Neuron hurried towards him.
“Yes, this house takes the breath of everyone who sees it” The guard said in a knowing tone and Neuron only nodded.
Well he couldn`t say that the real reason why he stood there watching the house was to spot possible ways to enter it during the night.
Then finally the door was opened by an old butler *Wow this house has everything, even a butler who seems to be part of the furnishings* Neuron thought while he entered and inside his breath was indeed taken away. He just wasn`t accustomed to so much splendor, well to boasting so much wealth would be more precise.
Neuron was hardened by all those houses of rich people he broke in, but no one prepared him for what he could see now. Everywhere glimmered gold and jewels, when he looked up he could even spot a candelabra that seemed to be made completely out of Diamonds. Even the frames of the pictures where made out of pure gold. Neuron could tell because he had to learn to distinguish the fake things Lucro sold from the real ones, and he was sure that nothing in this house went through the hands of Lucro. While he ogled it the thief inside him began to voice its opinion *I definitely have to break into this house*
When they entered the butler gave both of them time to overcome their stun, apparently he was accustomed to such reactions because he only stood their giving of an aura of understanding
When they finally recovered themselves he approached them and asked:”What do the both of you desire from Milord?”
Then the guard answered:”We want to talk about business with him”
“I am sorry, but the master is currently occupied, if you would like to wait I can bring you something to drink, and may I ask what the both of you want to talk to Milord about, so that I may brief him?” he asked in a really polite voice.
After hearing this the guard looked at Neuron and so he procured a arrow from his quiver and gave it to the butler:”I want to sell some of those arrows to your master, I believe he will be pleased by them.”
*Wow he is really good, didn`t even move a muscle when I showed him an arrow* Neuron thought while he closely observed his facial expression.
“Alright then please follow me” the butler said while he turned around and headed towards a giant door on which a battle scene was engraved. And all the while he was holding the arrow like it was as precious as his life.
“So please accommodate yourself” he said while he pointed to some really comfortable looking arm chairs:”And if you like help yourself with the drinks” he added while he opened a little juice stand which was placed within a cupboard.
“Yes thank you very much” the guard who accompanied neuron said while he placed himself in one of those chairs.
“I will take my leave now” The butler said while deeply bowing.
*Show off* Neuron thought and after the butler closed the doors behind him Neuron went to examine the showcases. Neuron could clearly recognize those items as being for really high leveled players; many even looked like rare items.
*I definitely have to pay this house a visit!* Neuron strengthened his thoughts.
While he looked at those showcases his right hand went inside his pockets where he placed his Glass cutter and before he realized it he had it already in his hands *Stop, later, yeah later* he thought while grinning to himself and then he was startled.
“Yes I was left speechless by that entire splendor too” said the guard because he saw Neuron ogling a showcase.
This startled Neuron so much, that he tossed the Class cutter into the air and he had to grab at it many times before he was finally able to catch it.
*Whew, this was to close* neuron thought while he wiped away the sweat from his forehead in his mind before he answered:”Yes he truly is a show off, hrm I want to say yes I was stunned to.”
“Hehe true” the guard said while he was sipping something that looked like a whiskey.
And because there was nothing else to do neuron also grabbed himself a glass and poured some of that golden liquid in it. And now he was happily sipping it while he placed his but in one of those armchairs which satisfied his expectations even more.
When the butler came after 10 minutes he was so immersed in them that he didn`t want to stand up, but sadly he had to. His hope was that within the office of that Rodban guy there would be placed some more like those. Sadly he was disappointed.
“If the guests would be so kind to follow me” the butler said as soon as Neuron finally stood up. After they both agreed the butler turned around and climbed the stairs, then he turned into a hallway. Of course their way to the office was plastered with riches which made Neuron drool.
Finally when they arrived before the door which probably led to Rodbans office, the Butler nocked at the double door and then he waited till:”Come in!”
*Wait haven`t I heard that voice before?*
And then when the butler opened the door Neuron saw a fat guy sitting behind an oaken working desk who mirrored his exact reaction: Eyes wide open out of shock, while the lower jaw obeyed gravity.
Then the fat guy found his composure first and shouted:”You commoner, you dare to walk in my house!”
But this time neuron was unfazed by his words because he didn`t even hear them since he thought: *Yes! this house belongs to him, now I have even more reasons to break into it, no, no, don`t show a smile Neuron control yourself*
But luckily the guard who accompanied Neuron explained that Neuron was here to sell the healing arrows they gave a sample of to the butler.
After hearing this Rodbans whole demeanor changed, now he was the complete business man. and so he said:”Ah, if that’s so please accommodate yourselves” while pointing towards two normal chairs which were placed in front of his working desk on which the arrow they gave to the butler was placed.
Then Rodban folded his hands and said while looking at neuron:”Since you want to sell them to me I want you to propose a prize”
*Okay, since he is surely prepared to haggle I should voice a prize that is over the top*
“I thought about selling them to you for 50gold each”
“10” was the answer Neuron received for his proposal while the guard just looked at both of them with big eyes
*He doesn`t look shocked at all so i won`t lower the price anymore than this*
“No no, production is really difficult so 40 Gold and not lower”
“20 Gold, to make at least a little profit I have to sell them for at least 25Gold in the shops, any higher and everyone wouldn’t want to buy them”
“You know, a good health potion comes for far more than 20Gold”
“22 Gold, my last offer” proposed Rodban while sweating a little
*heh I got him* “You know” said Neuron casually:”Those arrows not only give the one who is shot 250Hp they also increase the Health Point regeneration by 5% for five minutes”
“As much as I’d like to buy them, 24 Gold is the highest I can go”
But Neuron only retorted:”You know they also cure poison, ANY poison” Neuron said while emphasizing any
“Alright I`ll buy them for 40 Gold each, but I want to at least receive 1.000 of them!” he said while smiling because Rodban thought of requesting such a big amount would count as a small victory for him, since he reasoned that the production process of them would be a real pain
But Neuron only said:”Okay, here you have 298 plus the one I gave you as a sample” while he placed all of his healing arrows at the floor.
“Would you mind showing me how you make them?” Rodban asked while rubbing his hands
*Heh guess he wants to see how I do it to copy the process, sorry to disappoint the water I use is unique and maybe the skill too* Neuron thought before he said while grinning:”Of course not, please look as much as you like”
Then he placed the pouch with the sacred water on the desk while he placed 40 normal arrows near it, then he said “Healing arrow x 40” and afterwards he gave those forty arrows to Rodban while grinning.
“What you tricked me! It is really easy to make them!” he complained
“Nono, it ain`t easy at all, it is just that I have two special ingredients to make those arrows, if you want I am able to make different ones to”
And so the haggling continued. The guard which followed Neuron soon realized that this matter would take long and so he excused himself to go back to his post.
At the end of some heated discussions Neuron received 50 Silver for the Bodkin, and 80 for the Barbed arrows. While they were discussing Neuron showed him the process to make them then Rodban asked Neuron:”So how much Mana does the making of those arrows cost you?”
*What, why is he asking that?* but since Neuron couldn`t really find a reason for that he decided to give a honest answer:”Bodkin 50, Barbed 70 and Healing 100”
“I see” Rodban said, and then he sounded a bell and soon afterwards the butler opened the door and said
*Wait is he going to say how can I be of service? Like I saw them saying in the old movies*
“You have summoned me” the butler said while bowing
*Bummer*
“Yes I want you to procure all of the best mana potions I have in store!”
“Understood” he said while bowing again and leaving the room.
“So I take it, that you want a discount if I were to use those potions” neuron guessed
“hmm, you are indeed clever, I didn´t think about it when you bought the tailor shop, so tell me has she given you permission?” he asked with a dirty grin
*Neuron endure* he thought while he forced a smile on his face and said:”Don`t talk about that matter again, or I will search another one to sell those arrows to”
“Sadly you won`t find anyone” Rodban said while a twisted grin appeared on his face which even rivaled those Neurons showed.
*SO he has a monopole within Saramas, damn this city is screwed. First an Underground mafia boss, then a overpowered merchant, what’s next a stupid king?*
“Okay, so what do you want as compensation if I use those potions?” asked Neuron
“Nothing much really, I just want you to pay me the expenses of those you used”
“Hmm, but I am sure those you will be offering to me are the best ones money can buy right?” he asked while a knowing grin appeared on his face.
“Of course!” Rodban replied.
“Deal Neuron said, and since we are doing that could you also bring me your strongest poison?”
“Why?” Rodban asked
“When my skill levels up enough I will be able to make a new arrow and this time I want to make a poisoned one.”
“I see and I think you also will sell some of those to me, am I right?”
“Why of course!, and the price depends on their effect so no point in haggling now” Neuron answered, but I see it is midday soon and I have something to do outside of here.
“I see, so take this with you” Rodban said while he gave Neuron something like a badge.
“ähm, what is that” Neuron asked while he turned it over
“This badge will give you free access to this part of the town, just show it to the guards and they will let you pass, since I want you to make those arrows in my house. I can`t let you 6take them, you will surely try to sell them to get some money back”
“Thank you very much” Neuron said with great joy after receiving the badge, although the reason was different:”So then I will take my leave, I will arrive tomorrow to begin making more arrows”
“Till tomorrow, my butler will accompany you outside” Rodban said while he sounded the bell.
Outside of Rodbans ground neuron thought *Now back to my shop, I have to tell Merinda that I won`t train tailoring today* and the he gave himself a face palm while shouting aloud:”And there is the matter with Kyle too!” At this outburst everyone around looked at him and so Neuron hurried outside of the rich part of the city.
Finally outside he thought about what he had to do, while making his way to his Tailor shop.
*Ok so I have to make this fatso some arrows, this will be a menial task and….. I know what to do now!* Neuron thought while again a grin appeared on his face and so he sent Kyle a whisper:
N+”Hey Kyle, I know what to do now!”+
K+”Hnn, what?”+
N+”I won`t break in anymore, or at least I will do it sporadically and without going on big hauls”+
K+”And what about my mission to capture you?”+
N+”I will just give you some other bandits to hunt”+
K+”And how will you do that?”+
N+”Let’s just say that I will be using the fame of the smiling bandit to my advantage”+
K+”I see”+
N+”So you go hunting for bandits within the slum”+
K+”And what shall I say to Deltaio?”+
N+”I am sure you will think of something. Anyway see you later”+ And with that Neuron closed the whisper because he stood before his tailor shop.
“Welcome, oh early this time aren`t you neuron” welcomed him Merinda
“Hello”
“Ready to learn tailoring?”
“Ähm, sorry but I only came by to say that I won`t train it today, and for the future I will only come sporadically”
After hearing this she looked sad but when she replied Merinda put a smile on her face:”Do what you have to, I will be here anyway. Come when you like, you know the opening hours of this shop anyway”
“I will do that” Neuron said and then he waved his goodbyes.
As soon a neuron exited his shop he searched himself an empty valley jumped on the roof of a house and from there he made his way into the slum.
*I guess a meeting with Lucro is in order* but before he could do that his stomach made a sound *Okay first I am going to eat, damn don`t know where a restaurant is located here* and after thinking that he jumped down into the narrow streets of the slum he already reached while thinking. Then he approached the first person he came across:”Hello, ähm could you tell me where I can have a bite to eat?”
After Neuron arrived in the alley the passerby pointed him towards he looked at the houses of the street he entered. Not one looked like a restaurant but then he noticed a sign hanging from one of them. The sign was terribly painted and its paint was already halfway faded. Only after reading the name which stood over the entrance door Neuron could make out what it depicted.
*Headless Dragon, not a very appealing name for a restaurant. Well hunger is the best cook after all and I won`t get food poisoning in here since it’s a game* and with that thought in mind neuron entered the restaurant. *huh, why is no one here?*
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Inside it didn`t look any better than the old sign implied, the ground was a the ground which countless feet stomped into a hard substance. The tables and chairs all looked different, some seemed new while others where dirty from age. But what all of them had in common was that they where crudely made.
Then Neuron looked around, on the walls many stuffed animals where hanging and a stuffed orc was placed in one of its edges.
*Lovely* was his sarcastic response. Then he looked at the counter, there a man stood whipping a class with a dust cloth. All in all this was the only normal thing inside but Neuron revised his thought when he looked closer. Apparently that dust cloth was dirty beyond recognition.
*His whipping only makes the glass more dirty*
“Welcome” he said while putting the glass away “What do you want?”
“Something to eat would be nice”
“Anything to drink” the barman asked,
But that only reminded Neuron of the glass and so he said:”No thank you”
“Good then choose yourself a table” the barman said while he went to the chimney where over a burning fire a pot was hanging., he then opened the lid and poured its contents on a plate that looked like it hasn`t been washed in ages.
*I take back what I thought about hunger being the best cook* Neuron thought while he tried not to empty his stomach when he saw the unrecognizable mass that was on the plate the barman gave him. Then finally something struck him *No wonder that there is no guest. Wait, I was tricked!*
Then he seated himself on an empty table which existed in abundance and then he reluctantly began to eat because he already paid for the meal and he was too lazy to find himself a new place to eat. While he forced the mass down his throat an idea began forming itself in his mind.
Between each bite he looked around while trying not to hurl and then he saw a bunch of kittens which where playing on the ground. This looked so adorable that he pulled out one of his Mana thread balls and tossed it towards them. Then he looked at those kittens playing with their new toy while he ate the rest. Now it didn`t taste so horrible anymore because he was distracted by the kittens which looked like they were born just recently
Then their mother decided to play to. She kicked the wool ball really hard with her front paw and it flew right into the flames, one of the little kittens tried to jump after it but Neuron managed to grab it before it could get severely burned.
“Ouch ouch, pay attention you rascal” he said to the kitten he rescued and then he looked at the ball made from Mana thread *Guess I can discard this, huh what the heck?* he then thought when he noticed that it didn`t burn at all and so he used one of his arrows to take it out from the fire. When he took it in his hands it wasn`t even warm at all.
*What the heck is that thread anyway, it is apparently unbreakable and now it also is fireproof! I have to ask some mages about it later.*
With this thought he exited the headless dragon, now that he knew its name he could make out a dragons head painted on the sign, but it didn´t matter anymore.
Now neuron headed towards the shop those men accompanied him when he first asked about Lucro because this was the only lead he had, only difference was that this time he was prepared.
Before Neuron entered the square he rested on a roof where he put on his disguise and up there he also thought about what Character the smiling Chinese should have.
He decided, since its name was like that, that he should go with a happy go lucky kind of character who is a really scary madman when cornered. Luckily he knew many of those Characters from Animes and Mangas and so he thought that it wouldn`t be so hard.
This time neuron looked at the name painted right over the entrance:”Little Princess”
*Whoever named this shop, your naming sucks!* Neuron voiced his complaint
Finally inside the shop he looked around but Lucro could be seen nowhere and so he approached one of the waitresses while putting up a smile, well the smile couldn`t be seen under the scarf but what mattered to him was the execution of the act and so he did it nonetheless.
“Hello there, could you tell me where I can find Lucro, Dear?” he said in a happy voice.
“Ähm no sorry customer, but wouldn`t you like to spend some time with me?” she asked in a really seductive voice while arching her back so that he could see here cleavage
*Huh, why isn´t she scared about my attire, ah; now that I think about it there are many people here in the slum that conceal themselves, but wow those are really big. No neuron you are the smiling Chinese* he thought while he concentrated himself as not to get red, well no one would really see it anyway but he deemed it necessary for his act.
“I asked you where I can find Lucro” said Neuron now said in a demanding voice while he activated his Hawkeyes for a split second.
She didn´t notice them but nonetheless a shiver run down her spine when she heard his tone of voice.
“ähm may I ask who you are” she asked now cautious of him.
“What you haven`t heard of me? I am the one who is known as the smiling Chinese” neuron said while posing.
“Yeah right and where are your eyes?” she asked in a really annoyed voice while completely discarding her seductive act: “Do you know how many Smiling Chinese wannabees I already saw since he began robbing those rich farts?”
“Well I am sure you never saw the real one” Neuron responded while he activated his Hawkeyes.
“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa” she screamed after she saw those eyes which seemed like those of a demon, after hearing her scream some really muscular guys broke into the room and then they halted after they saw neuron and his eyes.
After those guys rushed in everyone in the shop drew a weapon even the hostesses drew some short knifes.
“Oi oi, what great welcome this is.” Neuron said in a happy voice and then he continued his voice growing darker with each word:”tell me where I can find Lucro then I promise nobody will get hurt”
After hearing this everybody took a step back from this person, no creature, which appeared in their shop threatening them despite having so many weapons pointed at himself.
“Now where can I find him? If I have to ask again someone will die” and this last part finally made them snap. Those Three men who charged into the shop rushed at him simultaneously, but Neuron only jumped upwards and touched the ceiling connecting himself to it as to not fall down while looking like a spider which was ogling its prey.
*Damn fighting in close quarter is hard with the Hawkeyes.* Neuron wasn`t accustomed to use them while fighting because he only used them when he got angry and even then he didn´t activate them for long and only to threaten someone or too look into the distance, but he didn`t show his troubles to his enemies.
“Baaaaaad decision” he said while sounding like a madman, then he finally deactivated his Hawkeyes and then all hell broke loose.
Someone tried to throw a knife at him but Neuron only deactivated the thread holding him on the roof using gravity to avoid the dagger. While he fell down he completely trusted in his new skill and so he took a throwing knife into each hand and then he threw them at two girls standing near the wall which looked like they wanted to escape to alarm some of their comrades. The daggers hit the wall in front of them making them stop while shrieking.
Then Neuron was near the ground and the skill cat’s body kicked in, turning him around in midair and making him land on his hands and feet.
Due to the sudden turnaround of his body Neuron was momentarily stunned, which in turn was used by the guy who threw the dagger to come close to neuron while lifting his sword over his head to perform a mighty swing with his sword.
But Neuron got over his confusion in time and so he simply jumped forward grabbing the guy who tried to attack him by the collar. Due to the sudden acceleration of his upper body the feet of the guy Neuron grabbed lost contact with the ground and so he couldn`t stop himself from being smashed into the wall. As soon as his body made contact with the wall Neuron fastened him onto it.
Because Neuron directed his jump more upwards than forward the guy he grabbed wasn`t able to touch the ground with his legs, well he wasn`t able to sustain his own weight anyway since he lost consciousness while foam was leaving his mouth.
Like this he proceeded with everyone inside and now everyone was stuck to the walls while struggling and shouting.
Then finally reinforcement arrived because someone outside heard the shouts. After they broke the door open 10 men rushed inside while swinging all sorts of weapons but they soon stopped because what they saw could only be described as madness.
They saw everyone who was working within the little princess floating while being pressed onto the walls while a person sat in the middle of the room at a table, apparently waiting for them to arrive, then one of those men finally broke the silence which emerged.
“What, what the hell happened here!?”
One of the guys who were bound to the wall shouted:”It was him, Kill him he can`t be human!”
“Tsts this ain`t nice to say” Neuron said while tilting his head and activating his Hawkeyes.
This action made the guys which arrived tremble while they whispered:”The Smiling Chinese”
“Just look around yourself!” Neuron shouted while he spread his arms:”I came here in peace; I only wanted to speak with someone named Lucro, but what happened? Those guys didn`t want to tell his location to me so I just threatened them a tiiiiiny bit” Neuron said while raising his right hand bringing his index finger close to his thumb without touching it.
“You said you’d kill us!” a bound guy shouted because he felt secure now that the reinforcement arrived, after all they were only 5 girls, 3 bodyguards and one barman inside the shop at the time Neuron arrived.
“Shut up” Neuron hissed towards the guy who spoke while throwing a knife at him which stayed stuck into the wall only a hairs width away from his cheek:
* Sadism +1
”So where was I, ah yeah I threatened them and they attacked me so I had to defend myself, ain`t that right” he said while he tilted his head some more:”Look around yourselves, I could have made a bloodbath but I came in peace!” Neuron continued emphasizing the last word while spreading his arms. Because neuron wasn`t satisfied by the reactions of his act he activated the eyes of the judge for a split second to just give them a fright
*Huh, why aren`t there any skulls appearing?* Neuron asked himself while he looked at everyone’s head *Well I guess even the AI needs some time to judge more persons at the same time, well I hope it worked anyway* Neuron reasoned.
*Well seems like it worked anyway* Neuron thought after he saw the reactions of those he looked at. Everyone went completely pale some even dropped to their knees
Neuron added:”Show me the way, or bring him here I don`t care anymore” Neuron said while he deactivated his mana threads which were holding the staff on the walls making them drop down.
*This should suffice I guess* Neuron thought when he saw everyone inside becoming as pale as a sheet of paper.
“What are you waiting for?” Neuron asked again because no one moved for about half a minute. After he said that all of the guys who came as reinforcement rushed right outside the shop, they were indeed so eager to do what Neuron, no, the Smiling Chinese asked for that they got stuck within the door frame. With lots of swearing and cursing they finally managed to get out, of course this scene was accompanied by the laughter of Neuron.
After they where gone to do his bidding neuron looked around, the staff of the little princess placed themselves the furthest away from him as possible while looking at him with eyes as wide as a deer who is staring into the lights of a oncoming car.
To loosen the mood a bit Neuron asked:”hey, could I get a drink?” in his most friendly voice.
But since he showed some really scary changes of mood while talking to them before it didn`t work at all. The only effect it had was the bartender obeying his request as fast as possible while trembling an thus dropping the glass he filled, when he was finally done he waved one of the girls to take the glass and bring it to the Smiling Chinese, naturally no one of them wanted to do it and so Neuron tried to stand up to get it while thinking *Damn, I guess I went overboard*
As soon as the girls saw the Smiling Chinese attempting to stand up from where he was sitting they rushed to the counter to take the glass, then finally Neuron took his glass out of a small shaking hand and after turning around so that none would be able to see his face he pulled the scarf down and made a sip.
*Hmm, not bad at all*
From there on he made only little sips from the glass while the whole shop went dead silent because no one dared to speak a word. Then finally after some really long ten minutes Lucro arrived.
When Lucro arrived he had a mighty escort with him counting way over twenty people.
*Shit I haven`t thought about him bringing reinforcement, I have to play it cool*
After thinking that neuron said in a mocking tone:”Wow, so many people, aren`t you exaggerating a bit?”
“I think not, since ten of my subordinates reported a demon wreaking havoc within one of my properties” Lucro answered cautiously, while hiding behind his men who rushed inside first.
“Oi oi, that ain`t nice at all” Neuron replied looking at a guy from the escort he recognized was part of the reinforcement from before. In response this guy turned as white as snow and then he turned around and escaped out of the shop while screaming:”Spare me!”
“Mighty subordinates you have there” Neuron couldn`t stop himself from saying *Great you Dug your own grave just now, no wonder Kyle always says I should think before speaking* Neuron thought
But surprisingly Lucro just frowned and said:”Indeed, so could you tell me what you did to deserve such an amount of fear?”
“Nothing much I just wanted to talk with you while maybe drinking something, but you weren`t here, so I asked nicely but no one wanted to help me out. So I tried it with a little bit of force” Neuron explained the situation casually
“Hmm, I see, so would you mind telling me who you are?” Lucro asked with interest since no one dares to speak to him like this person did just now. Meaning unconcerned of his power and status, not fearing him, it was……. Refreshing.
“Didn`t your subordinates tell it to you?” Neuron asked an then he added:”Ah, I see you want proof” Neuron said while standing up. This motion was accompanied by the sound of many swords that where being unsheathed.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Lucro, I am the person the common folk has named the Smiling Chinese” Neuron said while bowing and lifting an imaginary cap twirling his hand around while he brought it down, after wards he looked up showing off his Hawkeyes
“Oh, so you are this legendary thief, would you mind telling me how you managed to break into all those houses without a hint of it?”
“Trade secret” Neuron said while smiling and after that answer a smile also appeared on Lucros face before he asked
“I am quite intrigued about why you leave those papers in every house you break into” Lucro asked while he went towards Neuron, on his way he was halted by one of his subordinates who he brought along but one glare sufficed to make him free the way. When Lucro was before neuron Lucro pulled out one of Neurons scribbles from his own pocket
“Hoh, where did you get that?” Neuron asked after seeing it.
“Trade secret” was Lucros only answer and after hearing that Neuron couldn`t restrain himself and let out a hearty laugh.
“Hey bring us your best drinks!” Lucro shouted before he seated himself in front of neuron then he added:”So what about my prior question?”
“Hmm, it is just that I can go in and out those houses unnoticed and that is kind of annoying” Neuron tried to explain
“Yeah I know what you mean, if no one knows you exist then you can’t boast with your accomplishments”
“Yeah, that’s it, finally someone who understands!” neuron shouted out while raising the glass which just arrived to Lucro.
“Yeah back to you” Lucro said while doing the same.
*Damn I`m beginning to like this guy*
“So anyway why have you come here?” Lucro asked after placing the glass back onto the table in something that could be his business voice, sounding oily but at the same time threatening.
“Right, I wanted to warn you” Neuron began
After hearing this Lucro raised his eyebrows and said:”Warn me, there is nothing happening in this city of which I am not aware”
“So you have heard of the new squad Deltaio formed already?” neuron asked surprised.
“Yes I heard of it, everyone has by the way since it was made public, so what do you want to tell me, be warned if it appears to be a waste of my time I will extradite you to the officials, after all you are worth 5.000 Gold coins” Lucro threatened neuron
*Wow, so much!?, hrmm, now I have to tell him a good story, better tell It in little pieces.*
“If you have heard of that you must have heard about the leader of the squad to” Neuron said without showing any nervousness.
“Yes he is named Kyle, apparently he is something called a freedman with a class named Defender. He joined the army of Agakyos a few days ago and since he did that he was training under Doran in fist fighting and he also helps in training the trappers.” Lucro pattered.
“Wow I see you are really knowledgeable, but you see this Kyle guy isn`t to be underestimated, in the town I was in before he almost caught me. We had a battle and I barely managed to escape.”
“So you are afraid that he will catch you this time since this squad was surely established to catch you” Lucro said before he raised his right arm and his men understood the signal and unsheathed their weapons once again.
*Oh you are so right on that* neuron thought each word throbbing with sarcasm
“No, it is just that I have a hunch that this is just an excuse and that you will be their real target.”
“Can you explain me your reason fort thinking like that?”
*Well it is because I proposed that idea*
“Well if they really did hire Kyle to capture me why give him a whole squad and they even went so far as to make it public! I am bound to hear that too, so what is hindering me from leaving this city?”
“Thanks for telling me this” Lucro said while standing up and waving towards his men to sheathe their weapons. After they did so everyone left the shop with Lucro in the middle of them
“So what are you going to do?” neuron asked Lucro before he left completely.
“Preparing an ambush of course since if what you said is true they will head towards the slum” Lucro said with a glint in his eyes.
*Damn, well sorry Kyle I made it just worse, shall I tell him of the situation? No I better think of a way out for him, anyway I have to visit the mages guild since I want to know more about my Manathread.* Neuron thought while he also left the shop leaving a really happy staff behind.
*Where is the mages guild?* neuron thought crossing one of the bridges over the river which separates the slum from the rest of the town while looking on his map. After he crossed it Neuron decided that it wasn`t worth the trouble and so he asked a passerby for the way.
After Neuron got the direction he headed towards the building the NPC had pointed to while thinking: *Am I an idiot, of course it had to be one of the highest buildings, mages like to show off after all!*
While he was on his way to the tower neuron decided to tell Kyle everything and so he sent him a whisper
N+”Kyle, you free?”+
K+”Yes, what do you want to talk about?”+
N+”I talked with Lucro and….”+ but Kyle interrupted him
K+”What you talked with the underground Boss!?”+
N+”Yes and well, somehow things got out of control and so, well Lucro is now going for the kill”+
K+”Neuron tell me the whole story, don`t leave anything out”+ Kyle hissed
N+”Well I talked with Lucro about you and how you are hunting thieves and other lawless guys in this city, so he just well marked you as his prey”+
K+”And this means he has given out a prize for us?”+ Kyle said in a calm voice
N+”Wow you are surely calm about that, anyway I am going to log off before the evening, so later”+
K+”I AM NOT CALM AT ALL!”+ he shouted and then Kyle continued sounding defeated:+”It is just damn why do you always bring me in grave situations”+
N+”No point brooding over that, haven`t I busted you out of any situation I brought you in?”+
K+”Do you mean you will help me?”+
N+”No, as I said before I am going to log out to catch a bit of real sleep”+
N+”But I am just saying, If I know that someone is hunting me I`d lure him to favorite terrain so that I can defeat him, anyway good luck!”+ He said and turned off the whisper
*hope this helps, but damn requesting me to help. You said I should stay hidden! *
As soon as Neuron arrived at the aforementioned tower he headed inside and directed his steps to something that looked like a reception desk, looked like because piled on top of it where mountains of books
“Hrm, hello someone there?!” Neuron asked as soon as he stood before the pile which reached to his shoulders and so he couldn`t look over it at all. Then somehow some books began levitating and opened a viewing window. Behind this a teenage boy was sitting waving around with his hands apparently guiding those books he made float.
*Show off* Neuron thought and then the receptionist asked in a really grumpy voice :”What can I do for you?”
While rolling his eyes Neuron pulled out one mana ball from his inventory and showed it to the grumpy guy while saying:”I want this to be inspected”
“That is a wool ball, so stop wasting my time!” the receptionist answered while he attempted to close the window again.
“Hey you bastard, do you really think I am so stupid not to recognize a wool ball when I see it!?” Neuron asked short before snapping.
“I don`t have to answer that” the receptionist answered and closed the gap right before Neuron smacked his fist on it after dropping the mana ball. Of course he expected the books he hit to be scattered all over the place but only his fist began to throb with a sharp pain.
*This shitty mage must have reinforced those damn books* Neuron thought while shouting his pain out to the world and the only reply he received was:”Shut up I have to study” and this was the last drop
After hearing this Neuron jumped over the aligned books. He landed behind the receptionist and gripped his collar lifting his scrawny figure up and pushing it through the books while shouting:”You damn little bastard don`t think you are better than everyone else just because you can say some spells!” he shouted while the books where finally scattered on the ground accompanied by the shout of surprise originating from the receptionist.
“Oi oi, what happened here” the voice of an old man echoed through the entrance hall louder than it should normally be possible. While he said that a strong gust of wind pushed Neuron backwards into the wall, strangely it didn`t affect the receptionist at all.
“Master, this asshole suddenly attacked me!” the receptionist cried out.
“Don´t listen to him he is lying, I just came here to get this ball which should be lying before the desk identified and this guy there said that it is just a wool ball!” Neuron tried to shift the favor of the old guy to himself
“Hmm, not guilty till proven so but anyway it looks like a wool ball” he mumbled and then he said:”alright so could you please tell me why you want this item to be identified”
*You senile old fart, deactivate this voice skill before you mumble something no one should be hearing* neuron thought while he rose from the ground since the wind pushing him onto the wall disappeared. After he rose up he dusted himself down taking his time, just to aggravate those two, of course this was a childish act but neuron didn`t care at all.
Then finally when the old guy opened his mouth to say something Neuron interrupted him saying:”This thing you identified as a wool ball” Neuron said while emphasizing the wool ball part:”is unbreakable to boot it won`t burn at all, feel free to try it.”
“Alright, but be warned this is your only chance to repent. If this thing isn`t capable of what you say it is I will punish you” the old man said
“Just do it” Neuron said and the old man raised both of his arms and a small magical circle appeared right under the ball and a fraction of a second later blue a flames engulfed the ball which were so hot that even neuron could feel it from where he was standing, after half a minute it went out and the whole ground covered by the magic circle gleamed in a red light and in the middle of the circle the ball stood unscathed.
Of course the mage and the receptionist made big eyes but Neuron interrupted their astonishment saying:”So do you know what this is?”
“No, I have a hunch, but, it can`t be possible, I have to investigate it further, anyway what is your name and where can I find you?”
“My name is neuron and I rented a room in the inn called to the happy boar.” And after saying that Neuron attempted to leave the tower but the old guy interrupted him saying
“Alright I will send you a messenger tomorrow afternoon”
“Ähm then I won`t be there” Neuron answered
“And where will you be by that time?” the mage asked
“Within the mansion of Rodban” Neuron said before leaving two persons with open mouths behind.
*Fuck this scared me, why did he use his strongest fire spell!* Neuron thought while he was on his way to his tailor shop to train some more since he had nothing else to do.
After the shop was closed at night time Neuron headed back to his rented room
And while thinking: *good luck Kyle* he logged off
End Chapter 39