「In the tavern.」
Relaxing music and dim lighting created a comfortable atmosphere.
"Boss, a Bloody Mary."
Looking at Jiang Chen, the tavern owner smiled. "Ah, it's you!"
"Boss, thank you for the sword. I don't need it anymore, so I came specifically to return it to you."
"Oh, you've got new gear so quickly. Seems like you're doing quite well for yourself."
"It's all thanks to chance."
Jiang Chen looked at the bustling crowd. "The tavern's business is booming."
"Ever since the Underworld Altar appeared in town, many Heroes have come. They all came looking for the Underworld Altar, but none expected it to be cleared by now."
The tavern owner mixed the drink, placed it on Jiang Chen's table, and asked, "Haven't seen your old flame Murong Yi?"
Jiang Chen blushed and chuckled awkwardly. "She's not my lover."
"Haha..."
What's so funny? If she's not, she's not. Why is he laughing?
The tavern owner smiled. "I didn't realize you were such a shy young man. Shall I prepare a special concoction for you?"
"What kind of special concoction?"
"One that... invigorates a man."
What in the world?
Just sell your alcohol. What's with the special concoction? Are you trying to run a side business? Careful, or I'll report you. Besides, women only slow down my sword-drawing speed.
"A Bloody Mary."
Jiang Chen turned to see Murong Yi approaching, bow slung over her back. Seeing him, she said, "You're here too."
"Sister Murong, you just got back?"
"Yeah."
The owner, having mixed her drink, placed it before Murong Yi. "I was just selling something to your little lover here, and then you showed up."
Murong Yi glared at him. "Is nonsense all you can spout? He's still a minor."
"He's already graduated. How is he still a minor?"
"Anyway, what are you selling?"
"A man's favorite."
Murong Yi paused. What on earth is he talking about?
Murong Yi wanted to ask for clarification, but a Hero at the bar hailed the owner, shouting, "Boss, a Bloody Mary!"
Murong Yi looked at Jiang Chen. "What was he trying to sell you?"
"Alcohol."
"You should drink less in the future, or you'll become an alcoholic."
Murong Yi raised her glass, downed the drink in one gulp, and let out a long sigh, as if releasing pent-up emotions.
Jiang Chen couldn't help but steal another glance.
"What are you looking at?"
"Nothing."
Am I looking at you? No way!
Murong Yi leaned close to Jiang Chen's ear. He caught a faint, pleasant fragrance from her, a scent that seemed to seep into his heart, noticeable with every breath. She whispered, "Someone like me isn't right for you."
Damn it...
Watching Jiang Chen's shy expression, Murong Yi burst into laughter.
Damn it, what's so funny?!
Murong Yi laughed. "With the way you are, I wonder how many girls you'll deceive in the future. I genuinely worry for them."
"You're just talking nonsense with a straight face. I'm not like that."
Murong Yi chuckled. "It's precisely your type—the shy young man—that people find endearing. Turn around; many women are looking at you."
Jiang Chen looked back and indeed felt several gazes on him.
Speechless, Jiang Chen turned to the owner. "Boss, another Bloody Mary."
A Bloody Mary cost fifty coins a glass. Heroes in battle were constantly on edge, always at risk of injury or death, making it difficult to relax. A Bloody Mary could soothe the nerves and allow one to vent emotions. Imagine being on edge for hours, then suddenly relaxing and downing a fiery shot—what a feeling. It was like stepping from an icy chamber into a hot bath—an instant release. That's why this drink was loved by so many, not to mention it was cheap.
"Didn't I tell you to drink less? If you drink too much, you'll end up like them." Murong Yi glanced across the room.
Jiang Chen followed her gaze and saw people at two tables arguing, though it was unclear what about. Regardless, the two groups were quarreling, even drawing their broad blades.
"What are you lookin' at?"
"I'm lookin' at you! What're you gonna do about it?"
"Believe it or not, I'll cut you down!"
"Go ahead if you dare!"
"Want to take this outside? Whoever chickens out is a bastard!"
"Afraid of you? You wish, you damn punk!"
Countless Heroes around them watched, not only refraining from intervening but actively cheering and raising their glasses.
"Go on, waste him!"
"Don't be a wimp! Only wimps chicken out!"
The two men stalked out of the tavern.
Murong Yi smiled. "See what I mean? I told you to drink less. You're still young; drinking too much isn't good for you, especially at a time like this."
"You saw that, right? One of those two is definitely going to die out there."
Jiang Chen nodded. This was quite normal; cases like this happened even on Blue Star. Alcohol made people braver, as if they feared neither heaven nor earth. This was especially true in this different world. Once they had power, no one would yield to another. In other words, they regarded life and death with indifference and would fight at the slightest provocation.
Killing was prohibited in town. If you wanted to kill, you had to do it outside. If someone died out there, no one would care. Their bodies wouldn't even be collected, just left for the Demons to devour. This was the world of Heroes—a cruel and realistic world.
Soon, a burly man strode in, laughing heartily. "That kid earlier dared to look at me! I lopped off his head with one swing. Just some Level 20 scrub with whiteboard gear. Utter trash!"
"Boss, a Bloody Mary."
"Coming right up."
The tavern returned to its usual buzz. For the Heroes inside, such scenes were commonplace. This was life.
Murong Yi smiled faintly. "Is this different from what you imagined?"
"A little, but not much."
"What do you mean?"
"Actually, I quite like this kind of life."
Murong Yi was completely taken aback by Jiang Chen's statement. This kid is different.
Jiang Chen slowly took out a pack of cigarettes.
"Want one?"
"Well now, I didn't expect that from you, kid. You're quite something, aren't you!" Murong Yi took a cigarette and lit it, inhaling slowly.
Jiang Chen smoked. This is indeed different from what I imagined. Killing is so easy in this damn world...
「In the hotel room.」
Jiang Chen lay on the bed, contemplating where to go tomorrow to level up.
As for the Underworld Altar, Jiang Chen wouldn't speak of it, nor would he sell the information. Though penniless, he knew revealing it would attract trouble and make him a target. Especially the Rune. If he died, the Rune would definitely be looted.
He had originally considered telling Wang Gang, that damned fatso, but then decided against it. If I reveal it, who knows if we'll be targeted? Besides, the monsters inside the Underworld Altar were very strong. That fatso would likely die if he went in.
The discovery of the Underworld Altar was only a matter of time, but it didn't concern Jiang Chen one bit. After all, the Rune was in his possession, and no one else knew.
How could I let others know my secret!
「The next morning.」
On the first day, Jiang Chen had gained eight Levels. On the second, after a full day and night of effort, he gained another seventeen Levels. He rested on the third day.
It was now the fourth day.
At Level 17, Tattens Hills was no longer suitable for Jiang Chen to level up. The nearest suitable location was coded 014: the world of Naga Fissure, a grinding spot for those Level 20 and above.
His current Underworld Set would suffice until he reached Level 30. Unless he found another Set at Level 20. Jiang Chen had no interest in searching for one; this Set was enough.
「Naga Fissure, northwest of Tattens Hills.」