Chapter 28 - Mass Looters Shot to Death for Raiding Florida Man's Wedding Ceremony and Attempting to Loot His Wife
According to the schedule, there was a knighthood ceremony planned for the town square in the morning, followed by Felix and Jane's wedding ceremony at noon. Then, they would let the newly wedded couple enjoy their first night at their new home. The next day, Robert would introduce Felix's new store to the public, and Felix would demonstrate his products.
Luckily, Robert had briefed Felix on his responsibilities for the day and had assigned Sam to assist him with preparations.
Felix woke up earlier than usual. At 5.30 AM, Sam accompanied him to explore the prepared store, and they began by visiting the shopping district, which housed various large establishments and buildings.
The designated building stood as a three-story wooden structure, exuding a charming yet mysterious aura. Its white wood emitted a soothing herbal scent that enticed Felix's nose. A blank sign hung on the front door, awaiting Felix's touch to inscribe the name of his store.
Facing the store was a pedestrian sidewalk, three meters wide, fashioned from red bricks and dirt. Dust stirred and bricks shifted under Felix's footsteps, indicating their worn condition and making walking difficult.
The building spanned a width of about 10 yards, suitable for a modest business. However, the front door posed a challenge, being a standard wooden door instead of a wider or glass one.
Upon looking up, Felix noticed two wooden-framed windows and two small balconies filled with potted plants. The freshness of the flowers suggested recent decoration, likely handled by Robert's servants a few days prior.
The third floor appeared narrower than those below, characterized by a steeply sloped roof and a solitary dormer window, marking it as an attic suitable for storage or even as a bedroom.
In summary, the building appeared decent yet cozy. Felix's reaction was neither impressed nor disappointed.
Sam handed Felix the house key and led him inside. Stepping in, Felix encountered a lengthy blank wooden counter blocking further access. Thankfully, a flip-up countertop allowed Felix and Sam to open a path beyond it.
The house's depth was impressively long, with Felix estimating it to be around 15-16 yards. The counter was in the middle, providing enough room for Felix to decorate the space.
Sam looked at Felix and relayed Robert's instructions.
"We hope to see a completed store, or at least a passable storefront, by tomorrow. Do you think you could decorate and prepare your merchandise by morning?"
"Robert really isn't a good organizer, is he?" Felix complained, noting that such a grand event usually required several days of preparation. Felix had about three hours of free time until the knighthood ceremony, which seemed too short for renovating and decorating.
Sam grinned. "He trusts you, that's why."
"More like he's testing me," Felix replied.
"That too. What do you think, sire? Are you confident?"
"Meh, fine. Don't be surprised when I show you everything."
"We'll be looking forward to being your first customers," Sam said, excusing himself and leaving Felix to explore the house alone.
…
Felix sighed deeply and cursed Robert inwardly as he opened the system shop.
A week of idle life in the mansion had allowed Felix to complete many daily quests and accumulate mana by smoking. He had used 1,000 cigarettes from his inventory, including the rewards from the previous day's quest.
.
Name: Felix Ariel
Age: 18/734
Bloodline: [Unknown]
Element Affinity: Fire, Metal, Void
Authorized Level: Super Democracy Pass (F)
Level: 9
Energy: 5,579/5,579
Mana: 5,579
Innate Talent: Flame Lungs
.
At level 9, the only change was another inventory expansion. However, as Felix obtained more mana, his max energy rose, allowing him to create ammunition and guns, though the choices were limited.
With 5,500 mana to spend, Felix wasn't afraid to use some for furniture and renovation tools. Spending 2,500 mana, he bought three glass showcase counters, firearm racks, solar cell kits, a battery for home electrics, and a power generator.
Leaving the electric items for later, Felix replaced the wooden furniture with the glass showcase counters and installed the racks behind the counters, facing the entrance door. He then took the electric tools and generator to the attic.
With insufficient time to install the solar cells on the roof, Felix left the tools there and returned to the second floor, which he decided to use as a love nest. He spent an additional 500 mana on two closets, a king-sized bed frame with a wooden headboard and footboard, a matching mattress, bed sheets, and fluffy pillows.
Satisfied with the solid furniture in the bedroom, Felix stopped working and prepared for the ceremony.
…
At 8:50 AM, Felix waited for Robert and his people at the town square fountain, located in the middle of the outer district, where the residences of wealthy merchants were concentrated. The event had been announced on the public bulletin board a week ago, so some townspeople and small merchants had gathered to enjoy the festive mood.
Robert, Roland, and their militia soldiers arrived on time. Roland stood on a podium and began talking about the city's origin, the safety of its people, and their love for the city.
Felix stood among the crowd, quietly ignoring the speech and yawning, waiting for his cue.
DING
While standing absentmindedly, Jessica sent a sound alert.
"Hmm?!"
Felix was startled and checked the system map, widening his eyes.
Over a hundred red dots mingled with the green-dot crowd!
They had already surrounded the plaza fountain, and two were standing right next to him!
Felix gritted his teeth and pulled out a pistol from his inventory.
But he was too late. A dozen men in black clothes emerged on the rooftops of nearby buildings, nocking arrows in their bows and releasing them.
A hail of arrows rained down, piercing the soldiers around Robert and Roland. One arrow pierced through Roland's chest, and another hit Robert's neck.
Both noblemen collapsed on the spot!
Arrows also struck townspeople, and the two men next to Felix drew their knives and charged at the injured soldiers, shouting, "KILL EVERYBODY AND CAPTURE THE CITADEL!!"
Screams of women, confused yells, and panicked shouts filled the air as people started running, some trampling each other. Children were separated from their parents and pushed aside. Some of the black-clothed raiders turned their weapons on the townspeople, slicing the necks of elderly men and women alike.
Roland and Robert's soldiers pulled their swords from their sheaths and fought back, the clash of metal adding to the chaos.
Meanwhile, Felix had his own concerns. He stood still, searching for Jane among Robert's soldiers. Spotting a black-clothed man slicing the chest of a fat man, Felix pointed his gun and pulled the trigger.
BANG
The gunshot echoed, concealing Felix's cracked voice.
"What the hell is going on here, Jessica?!"
"Trojan what?!"
"…"
"Tsk."
Holding his pistol, Felix rushed toward the battlefield to rescue his employers, hoping they would still be alive.