Chapter 295

At the edge of the swamp was a medium city, and standing at the gate examining visitors were guards clad in grade three artifacts. To enter the city you need eighty percent human features. Species with tails, horns, and minor skin alterations are allowed to roam the city, but not own property.

Walking through the gate without a hassle was a man in a grey hood. When in a new city the best place to find information was the tavern, and as he approached the doors a salamander was tossed out. His tail was grey with black spots, and he had black fins in place of ears.

"If your gonna leave a mess on the stool at least buy drinks!" A worker shouted from the doorway.

"I already b-bought a bunch, and it's not like I can help it." The salamander retorted while stumbling towards the market.

As the hooded man entered the tavern there were two orcs standing guard at the door. They glanced the new customer over briefly before returning their focus to the crowd of drunks. It was barely noon, but it was already a full house. Being the last spot to supply before trekking through the swamp business was always steady.

The man approached the bar ordering a few drinks while glancing at the crowd. He witnessed a lutra waiting tables, but glancing around she was the only one. She had round brown ears atop her head and a long thin tail with a shiny coat.

'I thought they couldn't own property in the city so how do they work here? They are never far from their family either, and I can't see the others letting them venture into the city alone.'

Glancing around the room only a few of the workers are humans. The lutra was passing by with a tray of drinks when a man reached over grabbing her ass firmly. The sudden touch caused her to jump, and the dishes shattered onto the floor.

"Damn it, Lindsey!" The bartender shouted.

"I'm so s-sorry." Lindsey quickly dropped down to clean it up.

"Those were already paid for." The bartender walked around the counter with an irritated look.

"I can pay for it. If she's willing to make it up to me." The man smirked.

"There's a free room at the top of the steps." The bartender stated.

Hearing this Lindsey was filled with fear, and the man was reaching for his arm when the hooded man seized it.

"She clearly doesn't want you touching her."

"Are you harassing my..."

"That should cover it right?" With a wave of his hand, a pouch of gold appeared on the bar.

While the bartender was counting the gold the drunk threw a hook. It was easily dodged, but it knocked the hood down. On the next swing, Zack seized his arm slamming the drunk into the floorboards.

The drunk on the ground may have been a nuisance to most, but the locals sitting around got up to back him up. They slowly surrounded Lindsey, and Zack while drawing adjust the grip on their weapons. Zack shuffled Lindsey behind him to have the bar at her back.

"Don't move okay?" Zack told Lindsey.

When Zack turned back he saw a man charging forward swinging his sword. He stopped the man by seizing his wrist and retaliated with a swift kick to the gut. While the man was flying back into the crowd a spear was thrust towards Zack.

Zack stopped the spearhead between his hands with an invisible force. With a twist of his hands, the man went spinning with his spear as a gust of wind sent cups flying from the tables. Several men swung their swords down, but the spear manifested blocking them all.

While pushing them away the spear twirled as blood went into the air. The bartender finished counting the gold and saw their citizens being tossed around. Seeing blood getting into his bar, and his regulars getting beat up he signaled the guards.

"Get rid of the troublemaker, but try not to make a mess." The bartender ordered.

Zack could feel them hesitating to step forward, but not from fear. They were orcs and loved a worthy opponent, but Zack stood up for Lindsey. After watching the patrons treat them like trash every day it was a relief to see someone standing up for them. Even with their personal opinions, they clutched their warhammers charging forward.

'They don't wanna work here either.'

When Zack blocked their attacks the force sent the tables nearby flying, and the floorboards shattered. After battling Uram they weren't difficult to handle, but Zack could sense forces closing in on their location. During the next exchange, Zack disappeared, and the observers looked around frantically.

"You're scum." Zack had the bartender by the throat in the air.

"Wa-wait I h...."

Zack broke the man's neck dropping him to the ground as guards stormed into the tavern. They were told about a traveler creating a ruckus, and witnessing Zack kill the bartender was all they needed. While they were advancing on Zack's position their weapons were engulfed in magic.

"Seize him, but if he tries to resist cut him down." The lieutenant ordered.

While the soldiers were walking forward a loud crack echoed in the tavern as the soldiers went flying. The lieutenant turned around seeing the orcs attacking. He was adjusting their formation when a nekomata jumped on a soldier's back clawing out his throat. Each of the workers began charging the soldiers, and with Zack's support, they cleared the tavern.

"Grab a weapon, and board the windows." Zack declared while walking for the door.

"How did you know?" The orc asked.

"I was already suspicious about the city but your hesitation made it clear," Zack replied.

"Do you know of anyone else?" Zack investigated.

"The ruler of the city is the only other owner, but the commander knows about it," Lindsey stated.

"Then they're no better than the bartender," Zack replied.

"We can help." The orc declared.

"Just hold the line here," Zack replied while pushing out the doors.

Walking out Zack saw the roofs covered in archers, and the soldiers blocking the streets. Zack walked towards the center of their formation as they quickly closed it off. At the back of the formation was a man wearing a luxurious cloak and at his side several attendees.

"You have nowhere to run so give up."