Chapter 674
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Chapter 674
Those loyal to Nukijo were not only present in the Black Orca Tavern but existed everywhere in Charloin.
On days when the Awakener fighter betting matches, which Nukijo had been particularly attentive to lately, were held, his subordinates would temporarily cease their usual activities. They would linger around the Black Orca, vigilantly keeping watch to ensure the safety of the patrons and prepare for any unforeseen incidents.
Nukijo, intuitively certain that the success of today's fight would significantly impact his future business expansion, had instructed his men to prepare more rigorously than usual.
"Did I hear that an unprecedented number of VIPs have come today? Incredible. Are the fights of the Awakeners that entertaining? I wish I could go down and watch for myself."
"If you want to do that, first do this job properly. Don't you know that people like us, who have nothing, need to show our faces consistently for months before getting a chance to work inside? It's truly ruthless."
"Damn it. It's cold out, and I wish I could go in and have some Parka beer."
"You fool. If you see someone passing by with a bottle, just hit them and take it as tribute. Then we can drink here too."
"Oh, is that so?"
The South was much warmer than the northern regions, but that didn't mean winter was non-existent. Grumbling about the chilly weather and making crude jokes, two of Nukijo's subordinates suddenly felt a strange rumbling beneath their feet.
"Huh? Is my stomach rumbling because I'm hungry? It feels like the ground is shaking."
"No, I felt it too."
"What's going on?"
In that moment, the roof of the Black Orca Tavern exploded with a loud bang, and fiery red flames shot up into the air.
"Aaaahhh!"
Screams erupted from all around. Nukijo's men instinctively covered their heads and dropped to the ground. The flames, scattering debris and illuminating the night sky like day, eventually subsided, but the shock remained.
"What in the world...!"
"What's happened?"
Fortunately, the Black Orca Tavern was not in operation today. The main fighting arena on the first floor had been closed in rotation to focus on the Awakener fighter match in the basement. The surrounding taverns under Nukijo's influence had also closed early, sensing the need for caution.
However, the flames soared so high they were visible from anywhere in Charloin. People who felt the massive shock and saw the red glow filling the sky started to emerge, thinking there was a fire.
"What's happened at the fighting arena? What should we do?"
"First, stop anyone from entering the tavern! Don't you know why the boss left us here? It's to keep the door shut and prevent unnecessary people from entering in situations like this! Even if everyone knows what we do here, there are still things that must not be revealed, you fools! Get a grip!"
A long-time right-hand man of Nukijo shouted orders as he moved around. Following his command, Nukijo's subordinates hastily surrounded the Black Orca, preventing others from approaching.
It was a wise decision. As soon as they secured the tavern, others began to appear.
"What? You say there wasn't a fire? Really?"
"Yes, I'm telling you! Look, there's a hole, but no fire!"
"Well, that's true."
"Ah, you all know what we're doing here. It was just a minor accident, but it will be sorted out soon."
The first to appear, unsurprisingly, were members of the public safety patrol, who had been on duty nearby. Most of them were already acquainted with Nukijo's gang and had a rough idea of what was going on under the tavern. Accustomed to turning a blind eye to criminal activities in exchange for bribes, the patrol members clicked their tongues upon seeing the giant hole in the roof of the tavern but didn't force their way in.
"Tsk. Even so, this is a first, isn't it? A hole in the roof? I wish they'd keep it down. There are limits to how much we and the Lord can overlook."
"I know, I know. We'll sort this out quickly and clean it up. When have we ever let you down? Let's not make a big deal of it since we all know what's going on. If you overlook this just this once, our boss won't forget to return the favor!"
As Nukijo's men made a money-gesturing sign, the patrol soldiers' expressions softened.
"Ahem. Alright. Clean this up quickly, then, and we'll be on our way."
The hole in the roof was quite something, but since the area was mostly empty and it seemed no one was hurt and quiet below, why stir things up?
No one here wanted to do more than necessary.
Just one blind eye, and Nukijo would, as always, show the utmost sincerity.
The patrolmen coughed and smiled, even extending the kindness of waving off the crowd that had gathered with Nukijo's gang.
Despite the shouts and threats, the Cavalry member repeated the same words, seemingly impervious to any intimidation.
They were impossible to communicate with. Nukijo's men exchanged glances and muttered curses among themselves. It was Nukijo's men who finally snapped.
"If you won't leave nicely, then we have no choice!"
Just as they were about to resort to violence against the Cavalry, something happened.
"What's that?"
A cry from the onlookers, who had been watching from a distance, coincided with something soaring up through the broken roof.
"Good heavens! A man with wings!"
It sounded absurd, but it was true. There, hovering high in the sky, was a man with giant wings on his back and antlers like a deer's, gasping for breath.
Amidst the crowd's astonishment, the man inhaled deeply and then shouted loudly.
"I am an Awakener! I've just escaped from an illegal fighting ring below! Please help!"
After his desperate cry echoed, the bear-like Cavalry member slowly smiled and spoke.
"...Now we can go in, right?"
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