Chapter 170: Encounter (1) (2/2)
Unbeknownst to her, Fargo was still observing her from over his shoulder as they all walked. When she noticed his gaze the man simply nodded, as if to say ”good job”. Before he looked forward and continued their conversation.
All around the trio people were going about their daily lives. Some resembled street urchins, others looked like hobos and yet still adventurers mingled within. The scent of the streets was less than appealing and a strange funk which Rena's keen senses picked up on seemed to linger about the air.
*I'd never be caught dead in a place like this.* Rena thought, her nose quivering as they passed a particularly smelly alleyway. Just walking through the streets of Grenvale was causing her to miss home. The air was quite brisk, despite how bright the sun shone-- a gentle reminder that fall was upon them.
Occasionally Rena would have her attention drawn by her companions, they both seemed to have many questions and after a while she began to feel more at ease around them.
”So how are you dealing with the damper?” Glint asked as they rounded a corner and began walking down the main street of Sprim Row.
”Damper?” Rena asked, momentary confusion lingering over her.
”Yea. That's what we call it. This..'mark' doesn't just restrict us, it also debilitates.” Rena noticed that Fargo chose his words very carefully as he spoke.
”I see you're a rank one. But right now you're probably at about half your strength. It's even worse for those of us who have higher ranks.” Fargo said.
”What? I never even noticed.” Rena said, an annoyed grimace covering her face. She subconsciously looked down at the spot on her chest where a skull and dagger symbol shone faintly with purple energy. She moved her hand towards it, as if to wipe it away -- only to be shocked.
”Methods to keep us in line. To prevent a revolt.” Glint added to the commentary.
”Try not to touch it too much. Otherwise...well..you see what happens.” Fargo offered as they finally reached the large archway which led into central Grenvale. Rena glanced around, as if she'd just been introduced to a whole new world. To date she'd only seen Sprim Row, the poorest and dirtiest location within the city of Grenvale. She was now faced with proper adventurers, normals going about their everyday lives and a bustling square filled with various folks.
For a few moments she allowed the splendor of Grenvale at work to wash over her, she soaked up the sights and sounds, even the scent which was vastly better than Sprim Row. Then a shout, followed by the clang of metal drew her focus.
”Watch out!” The man named Glint shouted as he leapt into action, one of a pair of daggers at the ready. He intercepted a blow meant to cleave Fargo's bald head from his shoulders. The impact from the weapon's clashing rang out through the square, but scarcely anyone lifted their gaze to notice. A moment later Rena realized that they were under attack, and though she felt no allegiance to the persons she traveled with, she called forth her shuko. The metallic glove fit her hand perfectly causing long metallic claws to gleam as she began to step forth, her eyes locked on the person who dared to swing on them.
Fargo held up his hand , signaling Rena to stay where she was as he clenched his jaw, a strange grin forming across his lips. Fargo's eyes were locked with the individual, Glint had managed to stop the blade of a halberd just centimeters from his throat. With a heaving shove, Glint forced back the halberd, pushing the woman several steps backwards in the process.
Rena recoiled upon focusing on the woman's face, she could feel palpable waves of ill intent wafting outwards. It was enough to make her reconsider approaching -- as if she had any intention.
*Pink Eyes.* It was the first thing Rena noticed, in the shadows of a nearby building the woman's features were hidden, but it was her eyes that shone through, piercing all that she set them upon.
”Dying once wasn't enough it seems.” The woman's words held a certain weight to them, as if each syllable commanded Rena's compliance. She slowly averted her gaze, folding under the pressure of the red haired Succubus standing before them.