Chapter 125: Controlling The Fortress (1/2)

The bar they met at was dilapidated by time and it was obvious that it needed repainting more than once. The inside was cozy with a brightly-lit interior. The owner's taste was unique as bars usually were dim and less showy.

As Arthur walked into the bar, he recognized Ivy, Li, Zas, Reece, and Si sitting in a lounge around a table, drinking. There were three others that he had never met before, probably members of Mistletoe as well.

”Isn't it early to be drinking already?” Arthur asked with amazement as it was still bright outside, the evening a short time from descending.

”Never too early for a few shots, genius junior of mine!” Reece poured a glass before pushing it into Arthur's face. The group was already sitting and chatting before he got here, but it seemed their attention was redirected at him.

”I'm not a genius,” Arthur smiled thinly and took the glass, although he had no intention of drinking it.

”Well, your actions proved otherwise.” Si smiled and took a sip of his glass. ”To be frank, genius is an understatement.”

”He's just good with runes, a runes nerd.” Scowled one of the people Arthur hadn't met before. He was a young man in his twenties with black hair and green eyes. His features were chiseled and defined making him one of the tops in the handsome guys' department.

”Shut your trap, William.” Ivy glared at him. ”If you can do half of the things he did, you wouldn't be so useless.”

”Huh?” William frowned and glared icily at Ivy. ”I don't need to do such things because I can take him down with a flick.”

”Oh? Why don't you try?” Zas smirked sinisterly and Arthur didn't know if he was plotting against him or William. However, his provocation went unsuccessful because William simply snorted. ”Unless you're scared.” Zas's next words made William stiffen.

Before Arthur could say anything, William had already drawn out his gun. Everything happened in the blink of an eye as Arthur felt the change in mana with his perception. Instinctively, he used his new rune and appeared behind William.

His dagger was already at hand and cutting through the air. It was his survival instinct after many battles. He reacted instinctively toward the hostility he felt. William seemed to notice him a tad too late, but his gun was already pointed toward Arthur over William's shoulder.

Before the two could collide, they felt a sharp pain in their wrists. The dagger and gun flew out of their hands after being struck by something none of the two could see.

Li sheathed his weapon and sat back down. The sound of the two weapons falling rang in the bar like the bell ending a match.

”William,” Si finally opened his mouth again. However, his voice was cold and distant like it came from a stranger. ”If you ever do something like that again,” Si's eyes glowed violet carrying a pressure that descended on the group. ”I'll kill you myself.”

His words were followed by an uncomfortable silence before William nodded, sweat covering his brows. With something akin to a whisper, he apologized.

”I'm sorry.”

Arthur nodded and sat back in his chair. The silence was still there but it was soon cut by Reece.

”Woah, Si is so scary when he gets mad.” Reece held his cheek as turned his head to the sides more than once. His words were like a pin that blew the balloon of tension.

”Sorry, but you guys know I hate infighting.” Si sighed and took another sip from his glass. ”Enough of it, let's get to business.” He turned toward Arthur. ”You did well. I've already heard what happened from Ivy, but let's chat later on. For now, let's plan.” He gestured toward the remaining two.

”Other than William, you have yet to meet Idris and Hua. Idris is our company's acting executive. The best in his field. Hua is our archer, also one of the best.”

Arthur greeted the two as he examined them. Idris was a two-meters tall and bulky black man. His face was grim and serious that Arthur doubted he had ever cracked a joke in his lifetime. He had a scar running down his left cheek making him look more like a gangster. From his build, Arthur expected him to be a tanker but turned out that he was a manager.

As for Hua, she was a short woman with a seductively outlined figure. She had a dark shade of green and hazel eyes. Her eyes were sharp, almost making half a circle as she looked at Arthur with curiosity.