Chapter 60: Just a Bunch of Clowns
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"Mia, how much is it in Valis?"
Blake leaned back in his chair, his stomach full and his spirits high. The tavern was warm and lively, filled with the hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses. After a hearty meal and a few drinks, he felt content, though his companion, Hestia, was in a far less dignified state. She had indulged a bit too much and was now slumped over the table, her cheeks flushed and her breathing slow and steady.
Mia, the tavern owner, wiped down the counter with a practiced hand and smiled at Blake. "Today's on me. Just remember to come back often."
Blake nodded lightly, not one to refuse generosity. He stood, carefully lifting Hestia into his arms. She mumbled something incoherent but didn't stir.
"Well then, Syr, Mia, I'll see you next time," Blake said, adjusting his grip on Hestia.
Syr, the cheerful waitress, waved from behind the counter. "Take care, Blake! And make sure Hestia gets some rest—she's had quite the night!"
With a nod, Blake stepped out into the cool night air, the tavern's warmth giving way to the quiet stillness of the city. The streets were mostly empty, save for the occasional adventurer returning from the Dungeon or a late-night vendor closing up shop. Blake's silver hair caught the moonlight as he walked, his footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones.
Back inside the tavern, Syr sighed, her eyes lingering on the door. "He's truly an incredible person, isn't he?"
"Mmm," Ryuu, the elven girl, agreed quietly. She sat at a corner table, her green eyes thoughtful as she sipped her drink.
Mia, however, was already back to business. She turned to Ryuu, her expression serious. "Ryuu, I need you to keep an eye on Apollo's followers in the Dungeon tomorrow. They've been getting too bold lately, and I don't trust them not to try something underhanded."
Ryuu nodded, her sharp features softening slightly. "Understood. But are you sure it's wise not to protect Blake? Even if he's strong, he's still an LV.1. Apollo's Familia won't play fair."
Mia's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Don't underestimate him. That kid's strength is… unusual. He's probably closer to your level than you think."
Ryuu's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't argue. If Mia said so, it had to be true. Still, she couldn't help but wonder how an LV.1 adventurer could possibly rival her own abilities.
...
The next morning, before the sun had even risen, Blake was already awake. He dressed quickly, splashed some water on his face, and headed out the door. The city was still shrouded in darkness, the streets quiet and peaceful.
Blake made his way to the high wall on the outskirts of Orario, a secluded spot where adventurers often trained. It was the same place where Bell and Ais had sparred in the original story, and Blake had chosen it for its privacy and familiarity.
As he approached, he saw Ais standing there, her golden hair catching the first rays of sunlight. She was staring off into the distance, her expression unreadable.
"Ais," Blake called out, drawing her attention.
She turned, her golden eyes meeting his. Without a word, she unsheathed her sword, *Despair*, and took a ready stance.
Blake smiled faintly and drew his own iron sword. "Let's begin."
The two clashed in a flurry of movement, their blades ringing out in the crisp morning air. Ais was relentless, her strikes precise and powerful, but Blake held his own, parrying and countering with ease. As they fought, he subtly guided her, pointing out openings and suggesting adjustments to her technique.
Two hours passed in what felt like moments. By the end, Blake was leaning against the wall, breathing heavily but smiling. Ais, though still composed, had a faint sheen of sweat on her brow.
"You've improved," Blake said, his voice warm with approval.
Ais nodded, her golden eyes thoughtful. "Thank you. Your guidance has been… helpful."
There was a brief silence as they caught their breath. Then Ais spoke again, her tone serious. "Blake, the matter with Apollo's followers has already spread. The whole city is talking about it."
Blake raised an eyebrow. "Already? Apollo must be desperate if he's making such a fuss. Doesn't he realize how embarrassing it'll be when he loses?"
Ais frowned slightly. "Blake, do you need my help? Tiona mentioned that the rules you set might have loopholes. Someone should monitor them to ensure fairness."
Blake shook his head. "It's fine. The outcome's already decided—I'll win. Besides, I don't want to owe Loki anything. Hestia would never let me hear the end of it."
Ais tilted her head, her expression softening. "It's not about Loki. This is my personal wish."
Blake's smile widened. "Then thank you. But for now, let's focus on what's ahead. We don't have much time."
Ais nodded, and the two of them set off together, their golden and silver hair gleaming in the morning sun. To anyone watching, they might have seemed like a perfect pair, their movements in sync as they walked side by side.
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By the time they reached Babel Tower's plaza, the sun was fully up, and the area was bustling with activity. Adventurers of all levels milled about, but today, the usual flow of traffic had been disrupted. A large crowd had gathered, their attention focused on five adventurers standing at the center of the plaza.
The five wore Apollo's emblem proudly on their shoulders, their LV.2 status making them stand out among the crowd. The challenge between Hestia's and Apollo's followers had become the talk of the city, and everyone wanted to see how it would play out.
"Heh, do you think that little brat is too scared to show up? The game's supposed to start in ten minutes," one of the Apollo adventurers sneered, his voice loud enough to carry across the plaza.
His companions laughed, their voices dripping with mockery. "Hahaha! Facing us, the elite of Apollo's Familia? An LV.1 rookie's all talk!"
"If he doesn't show, it counts as a forfeit! Guess he's not as brave as he pretended to be in the tavern."
The crowd murmured, some joining in the laughter while others shook their heads in disapproval. Among them, Lili stood quietly, her cream-colored robe blending into the sea of adventurers. Her small hands were clenched into fists, her heart aching with worry.
"Master Blake, where are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Nearby, Ryuu watched from the shadows, her hood pulled low over her face. Her sharp eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of Blake. She couldn't understand why he hadn't arrived yet, but she trusted Mia's judgment. If Blake was as strong as Mia claimed, he wouldn't back down from a challenge like this.
As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the plaza grew. The Apollo adventurers grew bolder with their taunts, their confidence swelling as their opponent failed to appear.
But just as the crowd began to lose patience, a familiar figure emerged from the edge of the plaza. Blake walked calmly toward the center, his silver hair catching the sunlight and his blue eyes sharp with determination.
The crowd fell silent as he approached, the Apollo adventurers' smirks faltering for the first time.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Blake said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of steel. "Shall we begin?"
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