Log 3: Not So Friendly After All

[Key]

"Talking"

'Thinking'

*Noises*

{Higher Deities or Telepathy}

(Interruptions or 2nd POV thoughts)

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Log 3: Not So Friendly After All

Name: James Hallworth

Location: Tristania, Aititara Mountain, ???

Current Status: Amused, Renewed

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I managed to find a caravan on the way to the town.

...It took some convincing, but now I'm a 'Backup Guard' until we arrive to... huh...

"Hey, what was the town's name again?" I asked the coachman

He sighed, "Its name is Hirane, named after the Crow Tengu who created the settlement. It became one of the best cities in Melidion. It comes really close to the capital where the Order lives."

He shook his head, "The only bad thing about having a Crow Tengu for a Baroness is that the Order doesn't have the best... opinion of us. I'm just a Merchant after all." He finished.

"Ah, thanks man." I nodded, before focusing on the forest.

Hirane is a town that could be considered neutral in the Order and Demon Queen war. They don't care if you're Monster, Man, or an Order Knight.

As long as you could pay, you're welcome to stay.

Most of the more business-savvy goblins gather here, peddling their wares as merchants.

Ah! Another thing, the guy I'm riding with isn't a fan of silence, so he's been telling me about who he is and his life story...

Apparently, his name is Doe J. Maeni, who is married to a goblin that helped him raise his store from the ground up.

They've been married for twenty-two years.

Good for him!

...I guess.

.

.

.

"We're here buddy!" Doe hollered from the front of the carriage.

I lifted my hood off my face, before grabbing my bag off the carriage seat next to me.

I hopped off the carriage, walking up to him, "So this is Hirane huh? looks impressive."

"Yep! Lived here with Madeline for ten years!" Doe replied.

Neat.

"Well, I'll see you later! and If you want to find me Y/N, my shop's name is 'Teacoon'!" He waved me goodbye, before driving his carriage through the gate.

...

...What kind of name is 'Teacoon'? Does... does he sell tea?

"Hey, you! Halt!" a city guard was standing by the gate before calling me out of the line.

I turned to look at him, "Yes?"

"What's your name and what is your purpose for coming to Hirane city?" He asked.

"Well-"

.

.

.

"-And that's how I ended up in the drinking contest." I explained to my passed-out drinking partner.

"But I *Yawn* -I need to get going, so *Hic*, see ya'" I patted the guard on the back.

I stumbled out of the bar, trying my best to keep a stoic, calm face.

I made my through the streets and alleyways, trying to find my way back to my inn, the 'Shining Moon'.

I stopped in my tracks when I heard a commotion up ahead, a struggle.

Now, I may be a Mercenary that kills for cash, but I still have my moral compass. I can stomach those kills because they were just jobs, and weren't personal.

But... I can't ignore something like this. Even if it makes me sound like some kind of white knight, It'll leave a bad taste in my mouth if I ignore it.

I peeked around the corner, spotting four people lit by a small lantern on a nearby wooden crate.

Three of them looked like they were a combination of the most generic thugs in any fantasy drawing, piercings, receding hair, shitty haircuts, and bulky as all fuck.

"Well little lady," The Biggest one (Who I'm assuming is the boss) said, a leery smile on his incredibly punchable face

"It seems you've run out of time. We need that payment, but... You could pay in other ways... hehee!"

The other two joined in a chorus, "Yeah Boss!" "That'll work!" they said, their eyes gleaming with lust.

"Stop it! I already paid your toll, where is your chivalry!" She screamed in fear. The person they were harassing was wearing a black leather jacket and skirt combo, leaving a window for her Mountainous Peaks.

Although, her head was being held in her arms... a head.

She was a Dullahan, one going through tough times.

Hehehe *hic* let's kick some thug ass!

"Hey! What the *Hic* are you doing to that girl?!" I yelled to the three targets.

"What girl!" One of the lackeys yelled, "All I see is an Undead Bitch!"

Wow.

Way to be an asshole buddy.

"Alright, you're getting lead between the eyes." I said, in a calm and cold manner, completely contrasting my drunk-red face.

"What the hell are you on abou-" He was cut short by my trigger finger.

*BANG!*

The lackey falls dead, a 2.27-inch hole where his forehead once was.

""HOLY SHIT!"" they both yelled in fright.

The Big guy looked back at me, "You're gonna pay for that! That was my best mate!"

I sniggered, "Well, now he's your dead mate! Hah!"

He went red in the face, and I could see some bulging veins on his bald and shiny head, "FUCKIN' DIE YOU BASTARD!"

He ran at me full tilt.

I relaxed my stance, lifting my hands near my face*.

As soon as his fist was close enough, I smacked his brachialis***, sending the blow to my left.

He was confused, Disoriented.

Opportunity!

I sent a Hook Punch** to his liver, he was down for the count.

"Who's the *hic*- who's the bastard now, ey?" I let out a small chuckle.

he could only groan on the ground, writhing in pain from the sudden stun.

"*Hic*- 's called Krav Maga... bitch."

I turned to look at the short and stout man, "Why're you still here? Go fuck a prostitute for all I care."

He withdrew into himself, letting out a girlish shriek, running out of the alleyway.

I forced my stance to relax, before turning to the girl.

"Hey, you alright? I was too busy dealing with these chucklefucks, so what's your name? Mines *hic*... mine's James Hallworth."

It was hard to tell in the unlit alleyway, but my booze-addled mind was convinced she was blushing up a storm.

"It's... It's Ellise, nice to meet you..." Her breathe hitched,

"M-Master..." That was a full-on seductive tone what-

I could swear I heard a record scratch for a second there.

"I'm sorry, I'm your fucking wha-"

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*: A standard pose for defense against straight punches in Krav Maga

**: Hook punch, exactly as it says on the tin, optimum position for a liver punch

***: A muscle located beneath the tricep on the upper arm