"I f*cking hate you"
Hope hissed through gritted teeth.
"Oh yeah, then what's that liquid staining you're thighs?"
I scoffed while pointing at her black thighs as I did Hope subconsciously checked herself with her hand as she did her face became red as tomato.
"Just be honest already you get off by being treated rough and that's precisely why you like me"
I said while smirking as I wrapped my hand around the now 205 centimeters tall Hope from the added height of her high heels paramilitary boots and pulled her towards me.
I could hear Hope curse me with all kinds of profanities only to rest her head on my armored shoulder in the end.
"Im really gonna kill you one day"
Hope threatened In a pouting voice.
"Yeah good luck with that"
I scoffed because unless It was a nuke, nothing could possibly kill me at least In the past as we finally reached the place.
The mercenary guild stood as a bastion of rough, weathered strength amidst the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world.
The building, a rugged fortress of concrete and metal, had somehow managed to retain its structural integrity, a testament to its durability against the harsh environment.
The entrance was marked by a holographic sign, flickering occasionally, but the bold words 'Mercenary Guild' remained clearly visible, attracting an assortment of battle-hardened mercenaries from all corners of the desolate landscape.
As we approached, the sight that unfolded before us was a cacophony of activity.
The courtyard buzzed with the sound of rowdy banter and clinking glasses.
Mercenaries, each with their unique armaments and battle scars, congregated in small groups, some engaging in arm-wrestling contests, others loudly boasting about their daring exploits in the wild, while a few haggled over the prices of futuristic weaponry and salvaged goods.
The air was heavy with the scent of sweat, gunpowder, and the smoky aroma of cooked meat from a makeshift grill in the corner.
Crude tents and shelters surrounded the area, indicating that some mercenaries had taken up temporary residence, perhaps waiting for their next lucrative contract.
Beneath the holographic sign, a burly mercenary, adorned in battle-worn armor with a cybernetic arm, roared with laughter, raising a metal tankard in a toast.
Nearby, a group of sharpshooters cleaned their sniper rifles while sharing war stories, their eyes constantly scanning the horizon for potential threats.
Amidst the chaos, a holographic display showcased available contracts, detailing missions ranging from escorting vital convoys through dangerous territories to clearing out infested zones teeming with mutated creatures.
The whole scene spoke volumes about the resilience and adaptability of these mercenaries, surviving in a world where strength and skill were the ultimate currency.
The guild served as a haven for the unbreakable spirits who thrived in the lawless wilderness, embracing the unpredictability and danger as if it were a way of life.
It was a place where survival, camaraderie, and the pursuit of profit intertwined, attracting those willing to brave the dangers in exchange for a chance at survival and perhaps a glimmer of fortune amidst the ruins of civilization.
...
The three drunk men, Old Lu, and his two buddies, sat in the mercenary guild, their voices filled with frustration as they discussed their depleted funds.
"F*ck were dirt poor again!"
Old Lu complained loudly as he took a swig from his irradiated beer bottle only for the other two men to sigh loudly In agreement.
All three of them had spent all of their money on booze and women In a week, once they had no money they thought about suggesting for Dracula to go fight again In the arena.
But no matter how they prostrated before Dracula's room and begged they received no response so here they were drinking their sorrows of bad life choices away.
Waiting for an opportunity to make a quick buck, and It seemed like their prayers were about to be answered.
One of the men suddenly pointed at Dracula and Hope, recognizing them among the crowd of mercs.
"Are my eyes deceiving me or Is that the big lad and his girl in the flesh?!"
One of the men cried out as he stood up while rubbing his eyes prompting the other two men to crank their necks.
"Well unless we're hallucinating at the same time..."
Old Lu said as the three of them exchanged glances only to throw away their beers and beeline straight to Dracula and Hope.
MC POV
"Senior brother reaper long time no see!"
Old Lu flanked by his two buddies said after sprinting towards me like their lives depended on It as they bowed In my direction causing me to raise my white eyebrow.
"Spill It what do you three want"
I barked as I stuck a cigarette between my lips but before I could Ignite It with my own zip lighter old Lu shamelessly Ignited It for me with his own lighter.
"Senior brother you see were quite in a pitch so we were hoping that you might be Interested In making a killing In the arena again?"
Old Lu with an overgrown beard said with the best smile on his face as he and the other two rubbed their rough hands together.
"No..."
I started saying as I puffed out a cloud of smoke causing the 40-year-old looking men's expressions to plummet.
"... but If you want, I got a job for you, the payment will be the bonebanes head I think the three of you can come up with a way to make a killing out of It don't you?"
I asked while looking at the three men who Immediately started discussing It amongst themselves.
As for the reason why I didn't agree to fight In the coliseum again well first of all money wasn't my current objective and second of all I doubt the owners would even let me participate after all I made a killing last time which seriously affected their profits.
"It's a deal so what's the job senior brother?"
Old Lu declared soon after.
"Well for starters get me a gunship with pilots"
I said as I dusted off my cigarette.
"Say no more senior brother, we got you covered!"
Old Lu declared triumphantly.
"Yin and Yang get youre fat asses over here, we got a job for you two hags!"
Old Lu's bellow echoed through the room, catching the attention of two tall women who appeared to be in their twenties but considering that after the gene resequencing became a thing 60 year olds could look as young as 20 there was no telling the women's exact ages.
Both bore an uncanny resemblance to each other, their identical facial features framed by matching black and white bob-cut hairstyles.
Dressed in full of patches bomber jackets that bore the barely noticeable at this point Insignia of HDDs navy.
They exuded an air of nonchalance as they strolled over to the commotion while taking a swing from their beer bottles.
These women sported cargo pants and combat boots, their attire exuding a rugged and military-like appearance.
Around their necks hung rusted and weathered dog tags, clinking gently with each step.
Their presence seemed poised yet relaxed, a blend of strength and ease as they navigated the room with an air of practiced authority.
"What do you want you old c*nt?!''
Yin hissed at old Lu not hiding her dislike for the man one bit causing the man's temples to almost pop.
"Stinky brat I'm almost double youre age, show some respect!"
Old Lu barked only to receive a pull of Yin's eye bag and a sticking-out tongue as she gave the man the middle finger.
"F*ck If I don't teach you a lesson today you stinky brat then my name isn't Lu!"