A chilling sensation spread around, plunging the temperature of the pedestrians by a few margins.
CRACK!
The world around me began to shatter, followed by a loud gasp.
"KYAAA!"
CRUNG!
As the world dispersed, I found myself in the same spot, with only the succumbs screaming and stepping away with teary eyes.
She was alone, while the others who lined the area were busy gathering and pleasing customers who were sucking on them.
A few of them nearby turned around acting nonchalant as if they didn't know what happened.
"Tsk! I thought you would use some good seducing illusion, yet all this was nothing but a cheap trick to hoard some money," I clicked my tongue in frustration.
'Wait! I'm not frustrated. I'm not a pervert.'
With just a glance, I knew what was going on.
Using illusions, they created scenes to terrify people, hoard their money, or spend a blissful night sucking their essence.
A good way to enjoy life and get rich.
"Ahhh! I'm sorry... I apologize," the succubus said, bowing her head, her two large, simple assets swaying as teary eyes stared up at me. "Please forgive me."
"As an apology, I can spend a night with you. You can do anything, from back to to—"
"Stop!" I shrieked, holding my forehead.
"No need to do all that. Just tell me where Perxion Bar is."
"Perxion Bar of Paragon Tavern, the one under the Blood Fang gang?" she asked, her expression palling.
"That… Are you a member of their group?"
Instead of answering, I smiled and gave her a déjà vu.
Her whole body trembled as she asked, "What do you want?"
"I'm from another town and new here, so…"
Soon enough, she started to fork out everything.
.....
Following her directions, I reached the place. Even from afar, I could smell the rusty scent of booze, the trailing smoke left behind by cigar butts, and the accumulation of trash all around.
The Paragon Tavern seemed alive with raucous voices and heavy-weight demons.
Sensing some strong auras, I avoided the front and searched for another entrance at the back.
I entered through a side door, evading the line of sight of the bouncers stationed out front, using shadow steps to sneak around.
My mission was to cause chaos. Drew attention and infiltrated the Blood Fangs gang, who had been sowing unrest in my town.
Tonight, Vargas, their leader, was rumored to be here, and I wouldn't waste the opportunity. Vargas was the key to my plan, without whom things might go wrong.
Yes, it might go wrong, leading to death.
The path ahead was dangerous, but for the gain, I needed to take risks, even if I didn't want to.
For the future of the world and for additional paw.... no, additional people were crucial.
Slipping through the narrow kitchen, I moved quietly, my steps light, blending into the dim surroundings.
The thick, smoky shadow clung to me as I used shadow steps to maneuver between the cooks and waitstaff, who were too busy to notice my passing. The scent of roasting meat masked any sound my boots might have made on the well-worn floor.
Just as I neared the bar, a small voice caught my attention, a young girl pleading, her voice shaking with fear. My senses sharpened as I took in the scene.
Two gang members sneered down at her, mocking her desperate request for help.
"No one is going to help you get lost."
"No, let my mother go…No…"
One thug shoved her toward the door. "Get lost!" he growled.
Before he could push her again, I stepped forward silently.
A shadow flashed behind her.
With a swift, estimated movement, I drew my dagger, its edge gleaming in the low light. I slashed across the thug's forearm just enough to break the skin and make my point. The man stumbled back, clutching his arm and glaring at me with a mixture of shock and fury.
The second thug raised his fists, but my cold, unblinking gaze froze him in place. With a quick, fluid motion, I disarmed him, sending the knife in his hand clattering to the ground.
"Back off," I said softly, my tone leaving no room for argument.
As the two thugs backed away, muttering under their breath, the young girl offered me a grateful glance before hurrying out the door.
"Listen, girl, I don't know about what you are here for but it's dangerous."
"I…They have taken my mother."
My brows furrowed, pondering for a moment, I handed her a small knife.
"I will be pulling an aggro. The guys who ran away would come back with people. Use that chance to sneak in and take her out."
The girl's eyes widened and she bowed her hand with a sincere gesture," Thank you!"
Satisfied that she was safe, I continued deeper into the tavern, my eyes scanning the room for Vargas.
The petty thugs finally noticed a commotion and withdrew from serving people to head to the back.
....
Inside the VIP room of Paragon Tavern reserved for specialty guests.
The heavy, smoky air added a layer of tension to a clandestine meeting between two men. They lounged on worn leather seats near the back, hidden from prying eyes, as the low hum of conversation and faint sounds of revelry filled the room.
A group of women with flat to bed belly swayed their hips singing mindful hymns while blinking seductively.
One of them, a tall man with a thick scar running down his cheek, leaned forward and gestured toward a dancer with a knowing smirk. "Today, I've arranged everything to match your tastes, Captain Vargas. You'd better enjoy yourself," he said with a sly grin.
Vargas, grinned, barely tearing his gaze from the dancer. "Ah, I'm grateful, Syro. Once you deal with that Crestfallen pest, I'll speak to my father to increase your support. Let's teach those who hold power in these parts."
Syro chuckled. "Consider it done. I've already sent a team to handle them. By morning, the Crestfallen will be history."
Vargas laughed, but their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a man clad in dark clothes, who leaned down to whisper in Syro's ear.
Syro's smile faded as he listened. "The team that was stationed near the inheritance land hasn't reported back yet?" he asked, his voice sharp. "They were supposed to send word after every few days."
The people shifted uneasily. "They've sent nothing, sir. And it gets worse. Our docks warehouse was set ablaze, and our men controlling the streets around Red Wing Casino got into a brawl. No one's managing the chaos."
Syro scowled. "Who's stirring this up? Might be a Red Viper, or maybe White Phoenix trying to muscle in."
The atmosphere shifted as Vargas listened to the underlying problems.
Just then, a younger man burst into the room, panting heavily. "Boss, we've got trouble!"