Eddie effortlessly catches the attempted punch, his grin teasing, "My friend, I appreciate the sentiment, but a hug would suit the occasion better! The beauties inside the Happy Forest are waiting for us; why delay any longer? Let's move!" His lighthearted taunt almost sends the bright-eyed thief over the edge, struggling to escape Eddie's firm grasp.
Just as the thief is about to kick back, Eddie swiftly pulls him along, both heading towards the dazzling entrance of the Happy Forest. Their path is halted by an elegant guard, a second-tier hero, who respectfully informs them of the establishment's dress code.
Eddie responds with feigned offense, "As a distinguished and sought-after guest, I must critique your lack of vision. Our attire is impeccable. "
"We grace your establishment, expecting the renowned Happy Forest experience, yet we're met with less than insightful reception. Where is the customary charm and welcome of this famed venue?"
"Understand the art of role-playing, my good man. A celebrity of my repute can hardly afford to reveal my identity amidst fervent admirers. I sought subtlety today, and yet here we stand, confronted by your misjudgment. My friend, let's not linger where appreciation lacks. The world offers far greater pleasures!"
His articulate and flamboyant chastisement draws the immediate attention of the guard captain, who swiftly leaves his post and descends from his elevated position, delivering a stern reprimand to the guard before turning to Eddie with a respectful bow.
"Gentlemen, we sincerely apologize for our oversight. Please don't take offense at such folly. Allow us the honor of welcoming you properly into Happy Forest."
The original guard, now pale with fear, kneels quickly, begging forgiveness for his error. Eddie's commanding rebuke and theatrical flair make for a memorable entrance, likely marking him as one of the most memorable guests to ever challenge the norms at Happy Forest's gates.
In White-Stone City, the sight of nobility masquerading as the downtrodden is rare, yet in the capital Shangjing, it's a common pastime for the young elite. They delight in donning the garb of students or beggars, roaming the streets to mock those who judge by outward appearances.
Similarly, many skilled warriors and officials relish disguising themselves as lowly mercenaries or thieves, teasing the beauties in Happy Forest for their amusement. The more influential and powerful they are, the more they enjoy these playful deceits, even the Emperor himself partakes in incognito excursions.
The guard captain, himself a third-tier hero, has encountered plenty of such disguised aristocrats in Shangjing. Convinced by Eddie's articulate and self-assured manner, he believes Eddie to be a noble young master of significant learning and pedigree.
Suddenly, the peace is disrupted as another figure descends from the Happy Forest's balcony, accusing the bright-eyed thief of a past assault. The newcomer, slim and imposing in his lavish brocade, eyes the thief with a menacing sharpness.
The thief, unimpressed, nudges Eddie, "You take off; I've got some unfinished business to attend to."
Eddie, thrilled at the prospect of a skirmish, eagerly responds, "A fight? I'm in!"
The thief, inwardly bewildered by Eddie's unexpected show of solidarity, braces himself for the confrontation. He had half expected Eddie to excuse himself, perhaps for a late-night snack, yet here Eddie stands, ready to dive into the fray.
As the confrontation heats up, a crowd gathers, drawn by the promise of a street spectacle. Mercenaries, locals, and even patrons from the Happy Forest itself jostle for a view from windows and balconies, the air thick with anticipation as all eyes turn to the unfolding drama between the accused thief and the imposing newcomer.
The guard captain intervenes with a cough, addressing the gaunt man, "Mr. Shadowclaw, there might be a slight misunderstanding here. How about we pause the hostilities and clarify the truth first? All present at the Happy Forest today are esteemed guests. Surely, it's better to avoid conflict."
Shadowclaw, the gaunt man, is unyielding, "This young rogue is responsible for the death of my master's favorite, and his orders were explicit. This matter isn't within the Happy Forest's jurisdiction!"
"Besides, they haven't officially entered the establishment, thus hardly qualifying as guests. I'll settle this right here and make reparations to the Golden Blade Tower later."
Seeing a secret signal from Shadowclaw, the guard captain's complexion changes, realizing the gravity of the situation, and he discreetly steps aside, understanding his role is merely to observe now.
"Get out of here!" the bright-eyed thief urges Eddie, pushing him away from the looming threat of Shadowclaw.
Eddie, however, bristles with bravado. "That guy? He's as thin as a reed; I'm not scared. I'll handle him alone. You just watch and cheer me on!" He's keen to demonstrate his prowess, especially in the face of danger.
The thief is visibly frustrated, "You don't get it, do you? That's Shadowclaw, a high-ranking third-tier hero. He's way out of your league! Just leave, or at least stay behind me and don't stray more than three meters away!"
"Ah, a formidable opponent, you say?" Eddie's interest is piqued, sensing an opportunity for an unexpected twist, perhaps even a heroic rescue. The stage is set, and the players are ready, as the crowd gathers around the impending showdown at the grand entrance of Happy Forest.
The bright-eyed thief reluctantly acknowledges the reality of their situation, "I hate to admit it, but he really is a strong opponent."
Eddie remains unfazed, confidently asserting, "No problem, strong opponents are there to be defeated."
Shadowclaw, the tall and gaunt man, sneers with contempt. "Try stepping on me, you insignificant ant," he challenges. With a swift movement, he pulls out a black crystal, murmuring incantations under his breath.
A sinister dark glow envelops the area, and a six-meter-tall stone golem materializes, casting a formidable shadow over everyone present.
The surrounding crowd, composed mostly of mercenaries, gasps in unison at the sight of the golem. This level four stone golem is a rarity, typically seen on battlefields rather than urban settings.
These massive, nearly indestructible war machines are known for their ability to decimate armies, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Only the mightiest of war beasts can challenge them; others are simply crushed under their immense weight.
Stone golems are tightly regulated war machines, forbidden from private ownership and typically reserved for military use or specially sanctioned mercenary groups. Now, Eddie and the thief face this colossal and nearly invincible opponent.
The task ahead seems daunting. How will they confront such a powerhouse? In a city where reality often masks as illusion, their response to this challenge may very well defy expectations.