"Clang!"
The long sword collided with the short dagger, producing a sharp, ringing sound.
"Young lady! I'm a Level 56 warrior, after all!"
"Ambushing me like this—aren't you underestimating me too much?"
The battle ignited in an instant.
Jack, gripping his long sword, glared at the cold-faced Dark Elf girl opposite him and shouted angrily.
His body surged with battle energy, a powerful force driving his sword forward. A sudden impact sent Clare flying.
Clare flipped several times mid-air, landing gracefully on her feet. Notably, she carefully avoided the tavern's cluttered tables and decorations during her movements.
Clare tightly gripped her dagger, her gaze fixed on the arrogant blond man before her.
For years, Jack had bullied the streets—he wasn't without skill. Otherwise, he would've been dead long ago!
"Hey there, beauty! You're the owner here, right?"
"As the proprietor, how dare you attack a customer! Aren't you worried about ruining your reputation?"
"If word gets out, let's see if your business survives!"
It was clear that Jack was here to cause trouble!
He brandished his sword in one hand while pointing a finger at Clare with the other, speaking in a mockingly sleazy tone.
"Jack is shameless!"
"I think he's just here to stir up trouble and extort money because the place is doing well!"
"Sigh, better to pay up and avoid disaster. Master Ethan is such a good person—dealing with these thugs isn't worth it!"
"Girl, better back off! He's got a gang with him—don't get yourself hurt!"
...
The surrounding diners murmured among themselves, sympathizing with Ethan and Clare but offering no help.
After all, they were just ordinary folk, powerless to do anything. It's human nature to avoid trouble, and no one wanted to provoke these scoundrels.
Clare bit her lip hard, uncertain about what to do.
She wasn't afraid of fighting!
But this was Ethan's tavern. If the fight damaged the place or caused unnecessary trouble, it would be hard to recover.
What a dilemma!
Her concern clouded her judgment—she had never dealt with a situation like this before!
"If the food's bad and unsanitary, just admit it, sister!"
Jack leered at Clare, laughing as he spoke.
He relished moments like this the most.
"Trash!"
Clare tightened her grip on the dagger, glaring daggers at him.
She was too weak!
Looking at the despicable man in front of her, Clare felt a deep-seated hatred for her own powerlessness.
She wanted to gouge out his eyes!
She wanted to cut him into pieces!
But… she could do nothing.
That night with Ethan was etched in her memory, never forgotten.
But now… she couldn't even handle a petty thug.
How could she ever talk about helping him?
Her face flushed with frustration.
"Ha!"
Jack laughed, reaching out to touch Clare's face.
Her delicate features, angry expression—so beautiful!
But then…
In an instant, a figure moved faster than anyone could react.
Before they knew it, a figure in a black robe stood before Jack, leaving behind a broad back that shielded Clare and the diners.
"What did you say, sir?"
A gentle male voice sounded. The handsome man smiled, gently gripping Jack's finger that had been rudely pointed at Clare.
"Ethan!"
The familiar voice echoed in her ears.
Clare froze, her icy demeanor melting away as a radiant smile spread across her face.
All her worries vanished in an instant!
Because Ethan was back—her rock, her anchor!
To Clare, only he had the power to make everyone feel safe!
"You! Let go of me! Who are you?!"
While Clare was filled with joy, Jack's situation was the complete opposite.
Although the handsome man smiled warmly, giving the diners and Clare a feeling of being bathed in spring sunshine, Jack felt a chilling fear deep in his soul.
Danger!
Danger!
A terrifying presence weighed on him like an ant facing a dragon!
It felt like the man could crush him with mere pressure alone.
Jack trembled uncontrollably, shouting at Ethan, who held his finger in an iron grip.
"Kid, you need to be brave, you know?"
Ethan ignored Jack, turning to Clare with a teacher-like tone.
"Ugh…"
"You!!!"
Before the Dark Elf girl could respond, Jack's eyes widened as he tried to pull his finger from Ethan's grasp. At the same time, he swung his sword toward Ethan's neck.
"Ah!!!"
But then, a sharp scream echoed.
"Crack!"
With a crisp sound, Jack's finger was twisted at an unnatural angle. Simultaneously, his sword was effortlessly caught by Ethan, unable to move.
"Rude customers must face some punishment, don't you think?"
Ethan smiled, holding Jack's broken finger.
That warm smile sent chills down Jack's spine, more terrifying than death!
"You!"
Seeing their boss being handled, the thugs surrounding them drew their swords and axes, glaring at Ethan.
"Shh!"
"Guests, weapons aren't allowed in my establishment!"
Ethan smiled, raising a finger to his lips, speaking softly.
Though his voice was quiet, it thundered in their ears.
In the next moment, a shadow flashed before their eyes.
Pain surged through their bodies, and their consciousness began to fade…