borrowing names

Yue pouted, her childish facade momentarily slipping. "Do we have to meet them? I was having fun here."

Haku chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry, we'll still have plenty of fun. Just think of this as…a new level in the game." He glanced at Alex, who was still simmering with anger. "And Alex, try to control your temper. We need to be on our best behavior." Haku was happy.

 'I didn't know he had it in him. This is a welcome surprise.'

"But Haku, that noble was awful! I wanted to punch him again!"

"I know, I know," Haku said soothingly. "But we need to be smarter than that. We need to use our brains, not our fists."

Time flew by 

From Hakus' research, he heard that the duke was not the type to let things breathe and would probably come here fast.

The day of the Duke's visit arrived with an unnerving calm. Haku had spent the past few days preparing, thinking, planning, and crafting a narrative that would suit his needs.

As the sun began to set, a grand carriage pulled up outside the Baruga Bar, flanked by a retinue of knights in shining armor. The sight drew a crowd of curious onlookers, who whispered amongst themselves, wondering what could bring such a prestigious group to their humble town.

Duke Maris, a man in his late forties with a stern face and piercing eyes, emerged from the carriage, followed by Kaelen, his stoic knight, and a visibly uncomfortable Aron. The Duke surveyed the bar with a critical eye, his gaze lingering on the shabby exterior before settling on Haku, who stood waiting on the porch, a polite smile on his face.

"So, you are the one causing such a stir," the Duke said, his voice deep and resonant. He didn't bother with pleasantries, cutting straight to the chase. "I am Duke Maris Armin, ruler of these lands. I believe we have much to discuss."

"The pleasure is all mine, Duke Maris," Haku replied, bowing slightly. "Please, come inside. I've prepared some refreshments." He gestured towards the bar, leading the Duke and his entourage inside.

The Duke's eyes scanned the interior, taking in the simple furnishings and the eclectic decorations. His gaze then landed on Yue, who was behind the bar, polishing glasses with an exaggerated flourish.

"And this…is the reason for my visit," the Duke said, his voice laced with suspicion. "Why is a cultivator of such…obvious power…working in your establishment?"

Haku sighed inwardly.

'So that's his personality. This is not exactly what I expected when I heard of a powerful duke, but he does come from a warrior family that conquered the world with the emperor a long time ago, if what the people on the street told me is true. 

He had anticipated this question, but it still made him uneasy. "Yue is a friend, Duke Maris. She is currently…experiencing the world. She has chosen to work here of her own free will."

"Experiencing the world?" the Duke repeated, his eyes narrowing. "That is a convenient explanation. But I am not a fool, Haku. I know that individuals do not simply stumble upon such power. And normal people are not aware of the existence of other worlds, such as the one the saintess comes from. That information is not easily acquired."

"Who are you really, and what brought you to my land as a duke sworn to protect his people? I will not leave before I hear your answer."

Haku resisted the urge to fidget. He knew he was being probed, his façade tested. "I assure you, Duke Maris, I mean no harm. I am simply a traveler, seeking a peaceful existence."

"A traveler who knows about other worlds?" the Duke pressed, his voice hardening. "Worlds beyond this continent? Worlds that are hidden from the common folk? Even the world map that people know only displays a single large continent. People have tried to cross the ocean, but the monsters that inhabit it are dangerous unless one has enough power. You expect me to believe that?"

Haku fell silent, letting the weight of the Duke's words hang in the air. He had to find a way to turn the Duke's suspicion into something he could control.

'Wait, if what he's saying is true, this world might be a lot larger, I can make up my place of origin even if they have people that can cross the ocean, it seems wide exploration is not in their power.... I also have to ask Alex later why he knew about cultivators, given his orphan status. I should include the possibility that Alex is the true protagonist of this world, probably a revenge story. As long as he doesn't drag me in. '

The Duke leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Tell me, Haku, what are your intentions? Why are you here? You must understand that the only reason the cultivators haven't taken over this land is because of the Supreme Swords, martial artists who reached a level of strength that even ancient cultivators must consider, and the Magicians, who, while weaker than cultivators, have spells that can overcome anyone given enough time."

Yue bristled at the Duke's words, her eyes flashing with anger. "Are you implying that you are strong enough to hold back cultivators like me?" she snapped, her voice laced with disdain.

Haku immediately stepped in, placing a hand on Yue's arm. "Have you ever heard of the Heavenly Demon, Yue?" he asked, his voice calm and measured.

Yue frowned, her anger momentarily forgotten. "The Heavenly Demon? No, I don't think so, I've read many books, but I don't remember such a name."

'I know you haven't, it is a name I heard too many times in those bloody murim stories today, I will borrow the murim as my place of origin'

Haku turned to Yue, his gaze intense. "Yue," he said, his voice low and serious, "The Heavenly Demon is not a demon at all. He is a human, a martial artist who has dedicated his life to perfecting his skills. And he is someone who would give even myself a fight. I don't know if I would survive." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Martial artists who don't cultivate immortality are often seen as weaker. But the Heavenly Demon could uproot the entire Yang Sect if he so wished. And he is just one man. And that title will be passed down to the next leader of his organization, training the next generation of mortal warriors. Don't underestimate the power of humanity, Yue. It is far greater than you can imagine."

Both Kaelen and Alexander reacted to the name of the heavenly demon 

While Alex chose to stay quiet, Kael spoke ....