Blackmail Once Again

By now, Locus was used to Genken's teleportation. The two of them stood in the dark alley next to the guild.

During the year of training, they usually slept in their actual beds. To avoid running short on money, Locus had gone on some quests with Genken watching him and adjusting the training according to Locus' actions.

Due to this circumstance, Locus had become a C-rank adventurer.

The guild was as crowded as ever when they entered it. But the Auras inside were nothing compared to their own. After entering the guild, Locus spotted a familiar looking group of five talking to a shy-looking guy.

The man was more like a boy. He seemed to be around Locus' age, had short black hair, brown eyes, and seemed to be close to tears.

The man he was face-to-face with was about one head taller and the leader of the group.

"You know, we usually take the jobs from the people who come here."

"B- But no one was helping her. I- I just thought-"

"Then stop thinking, little buddy."

"Y- Yes. Of course."

"Because of you, my friends and I are starving."

"I- I'm sorry."

The group grinned.

"Well... You could make up for it by giving us the money you have on you right now."

"B- But that's all I have!"

"Come on. Help your fellow adventurers."

"N- No! I can't!"

The leader drew a knife and came a little closer to the poor boy.

"Are you sure you can't help us out?"

A tear came rolling down the boy's face.

Suddenly, the leader's head was smashed onto the table next to him. Locus had grabbed its side and pushed it down.

To everyone else taking part in the conversation, Locus' speed looked like teleportation.

"Don't you have anything better to do than pick on some poor newbies?"

The leader tried to escape Locus, but the grip was too firm.

"You don't deserve the title of adventurer."

One of the other group members drew their sword and tried to chop Locus' head off, but the ladder just ducked down and kicked away the attacker's feet, all in the blink of an eye while still holding the leader's head. The guy fell down.

"You're all too slow."

Locus turned around to the person who had been blackmailed mere seconds earlier and smiled.

"Are you all right?"

He nodded.

Locus looked over to the counter. Catching their attention wasn't hard since all eyes were on him.

"Is it possible for you to revoke their licenses?"

One of the men behind the long table answered.

"Not by someone else's request."

Locus turned back to the group.

"So death it is."

All of them were scared for their lives.

"No! We'll quit being adventurers! Please!"

"That's what I wanted to hear."

Locus let go of the leader's head, who proceeded to immediately turn around and try to cut Locus with the knife he was holding.

Just like a year ago, Locus drew his katana, but with such speed and precision that it shattered the knife when the two of them came into contact.

The leader's eyes widened.

"You!"

"I want you to stand in line to get your licenses revoked."

Locus held the katana up to the leader's neck.

"Now!"

Locus had a look of determination in his eyes.

"Calm down! We're going!"

All five of them ran to the counter while Locus sheathed his katana.

"T- Thank you."

"No problem. Watch out for people like them."

Locus didn't want to waste much time, so he went back to Genken and stood in line with him.

"Impressive. You really have gotten stronger than me."

Locus chuckled.

"That's a low bar, but I'll take it."