章節 41: Getting to the Main event

~Tap Tap, Tap~

The rhythmic sound of footsteps reverberates through the dimly lit streets. A cascade of streetlights bathes the road, and the moon's soft glow casts a gentle ray upon the pavement.

In the quietude, only a handful of pedestrians meandered, while sporadic vehicles cruised by.

~Huff~

Gideon, sprinting at full tilt, gasps for breath, each inhalation strained.

*Damn, I think I forgot to secure my door properly. Well, it's not as if anyone's going to break in, especially given my lack of valuables. Plus, the security is top-notch,* Gideon contemplates as he dashes through the street.

********

Curious about my destination? I'm heading to an acquaintance's store. His establishment masquerades as a bustling bar, but there's a concealed basement accessible only to a select few.

Beyond the backdoor lies a subterranean realm where he peddles an array of weapons and boasts a training space. All sorts of weaponry and gadgets are on offer, provided you agree to his terms and conditions.

Every Saturday, he hosts a competition in his expansive basement—a space resembling half a football field—where versatile weapon users vie for supremacy.

Throngs gather to place bets on contestants, competing in challenges to determine the ultimate victor.

His bar, seemingly ordinary to outsiders, hides the secret weaponry emporium known only to a privileged few. Additionally, he provides a specialized training ground for honing skills with an assortment of weapons.

Wondering how I met him?

A mere twist of fate. I frequented his bar, seeking solace in alcohol when plagued by depression (Yes, it's illegal, but I believe I'm an adult). His consoling and encouraging words drew me in.

You might be wondering why I'm invested in the competition. Well, we struck a deal—I assist him as a business partner, and in return, I enjoy unrestricted access to weapons training.

Due to our arrangement, one of us manages the bar above, while the other orchestrates affairs below. Today, though, marks a departure from my usual role. I'm not just going to be a commentator this time; I'm a participant. Despite being an underdog in the bets, I'm confident in clinching the twenty million prize.

Today's event draws influential figures, and I can't afford to be tardy and waste their precious time.

I stand as the lone non-champion amid former victors, the competition reserved for yearly champions. After much pleading and persuasion, I secured a spot in the challenge.

Facing five champions from the past five years in weapons mastery is a formidable task, but...

~Boom!~

An explosion shakes the surroundings, halting me in my tracks. I turn toward the blast, witnessing a plume of smoke rising eight kilometers away.

*Huh? An accident? Hope there are survivors. Well, that's not really my concern,* I remark nonchalantly, taking a few more steps until I reach a bar named "Good Buzz."

~Tring~

The doorbell chimes as I swing the door open.

"Look who's finally here."