Alonso walked toward the bar, where three beautiful women were working behind it. The woman on the left, with silver hair, blue eyes, plump lips, and a sharp nose, had fair skin that seemed to glow in the warm tavern light. Before Alonso could speak, she greeted him with a bright smile. "Can I help you?"
But just as he was about to respond, a loud voice boomed from across the room, cutting through the noise. "Another foolish young'un comin' in 'ere! You ain't thinkin' o' becomin' an adventurer, are ya?"
Alonso turned to see a middle-aged bald man sitting at the bar, his leather jacket stretched over his broad shoulders. He wore pants that looked worn and boots scuffed from years of use. Leaning against the wall was a massive greatsword, its blade gleaming ominously. The man raised his tankard and took a hearty swig of beer, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"So what if I am lookin' to join?" Alonso replied, his tone imbued with a calm wisdom that belied his youth, as he crossed his arms defiantly.
The bald man grinned, a cunning smile creeping across his face as he stood up, chugging the last of his beer. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then picked up his greatsword with ease. "I don't have a problem with ya, but I'm tired o' seein' young lads like you chasin' fame an' fortune, only to end up meetin' a grim end on their first adventure! Ha ha ha!"
Alonso raised an eyebrow, his voice calm and deliberate. "Fear not for my fate, my friend. Those who walk with caution on uncertain paths often find wisdom as their guide."
Alonso detected an underlying tension in the atmosphere. His keen hearing picked up snippets of hushed conversations floating through the nearby crowd.
"Damn, there he goes again, picking on
anyone he sees trying to join the
guild. He must be thrilled that this one's
an oni," muttered one man, shaking his
head in disbelief
The other man scoffed, a dismissive snort escaping his lips. "He's just a D-rank adventurer—must be mad to believe he can take on an oni. Just look at that one; he can't be older than fifteen or sixteen. An oni with a massive mana reserve is a ticket to rapid job evolution, and this one? He's a walking gold mine! Rerbun thinks he can take him just because he's a kid. But let me tell you, he wouldn't dare challenge a fully grown oni! It's a recipe for disaster.
Realization struck Alonso. The bald
man wanted to kill him to absorb his
mana and evolve his job. Higher-ranked
individuals provided the
best mana. Killing thousands of
lower-ranked beasts wouldn't grant
the same benefits. This foolish bald
man thought his youth made victory
assured.
Rerbun eyed Alonso like he was a
rare jewel, an opportunity for wealth
beyond his imagination. "So why don't I
take the burden off your hands': Let me
Kill you so your mana doesn't go to
waste. Better than some random beast
killing you and it going to waste, eh?"
He erupted into laughter, and the crowd
joined in, though the three barmaids
exchanged worried glances
Alonso met the Rerbun gaze steadily, a calm calmness settling over him. He wasn't entirely sure if challenging someone to a duel was customary in this world, but he deduced that, being in a fantasy realm, such customs were likely a common way to settle disputes. As long as both parties agreed, even if it resulted in the loss of life, the victor wouldn't be held accountable.
"Very well," Alonso began, his voice steady and authoritative, "should you wish to meet your end, I accept your challenge. I would rather not be accused of murder when I bring you to your knees. Do you accept?"
The air grew thick with tension, and the entire building fell silent. Whispers erupted among the crowd, a wave of disbelief washing over them. "Is he out of his mind?" one man scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Challenging Rerbun to a duel? Now Rerbun's got the legal right to kill him!"
"Bloody hell, that kid's got guts, but he's just asking for a world of hurt! Rerbun'll wipe the floor with him!" another added, his voice tinged with worry.
Rerbun glared at Alonso, fury radiating from him as veins bulged on his forehead. "You're a cocky little brat! Ha ha! Can't wait to hear you beg for your life when I'm done with you!"
Impatience crept into Alonso's tone as he interrupted, "Enough of this chatter. Accept or not."
Murmurs rippled through the guild, onlookers exchanging incredulous glances, convinced Alonso had lost his mind. Rerbun's reputation for ruthlessness was well known, especially when it came to preying on weaker beings like Alonso. Despite being a D-rank adventurer, Rerbun's strength bordered on C-rank, his brutality sending shivers down the spines of those familiar with his past deeds.
Moreover, he was the son of a general, a privilege that allowed him to act with near impunity while the law turned a blind eye to his transgressions.
"You think you're tough, eh?" Rerbun sneered, a predatory grin spreading across his face as he brandished his sword. "You'll learn the hard way that you're just another idiot in a long line of fools!"