Chapter 88: Well earned rewards
Annie, The healer slain
4000xp awarded
My blade disappeared as I watched her head roll across the floor. I let out a long sigh and snapped my fingers. Several loud thuds rag out as the plant drops them to the ground and begins to wilt.
“AND WITH THAT WE HAVE OUR 5 WINNERS! I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY, FOLKS THIS TORNAMENT HAS BEEN ONE TOO REMEMBER! IT’S BEEN AN HONOR TO BE YOUR HOST, TONIGHT LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. SEE YOU ALL AGAIN NEXT WEEK!”
A loud cheer roared out of the crowd as they celebrated our win. I wasn’t celebrating, honestly; this whole ordeal was exhausting more than anything.
I looked at the other 4 to see what they were doing. Each was tending to the other's wounds until their eyes met mine. Instantly, I noticed a twinge of fear cross their faces as they quickly looked away.
<figures>
Suddenly, a blue aura started to shimmer around our bodies. The aura grew until. Finally, there was a bright white flash, and we were in another room. This room was much smaller than the hall we entered the first time. It was a luxurious stone-walled room covered in fancy art pieces and statues. In the centre of the room, there was a circular bar with 2 bartenders cleaning glasses and putting drinks away. A little bit away from the table was a large luxurious dark wood table decorated with fine cloths, china and silverware. They are definitely pulling out all the stops here
Suddenly, a blue screen popped into existence with the uptight lady we met at the start.
“Congratulations on your victory. Welcome to the cool-down room. Help yourself to the bar and have as many drinks as you would like on the house. Shortly, several attendants will arrive to heal your wounds and provide you with a well-earned meal. We will be with you soon to give your reward.”
The screen popped out of existence, leaving us all to our devices. I meandered towards the bar, where I ordered a single glass of water before taking my seat at the table. The other 4 did the same, occupying the other 4 seats at the table. Unfortunately for them, 2 of them had to sit next to me. And judging from their extreme uneasiness, they weren't pleased about it. I looked to the left of me instantly, and their archer looked away. I looked to the right and met the eyes of a pale-faced girl with hair that was split black and white on each side. Whilst she was uneasy like the rest, she did a way better job of hiding than her friends. I let out a sigh and leant back in my chair
“You can relax. The tournament is over. I have no plans to kill any of you unless you give me a reason to,” I said aloud. Suddenly, all their eyes fell on me. My eyes met the man across from me. He was a ginger-haired, gruff man with a scar on his face. Judging by how he looked at me, he was not happy to see my face.
“It looks like you have something on your chest,” I said, looking at him.
“Where is she? What did you do to her!”
“Do to who? You are gonna have to narrow it down. I've killed a lot of people today.
*BANG*
He slammed his tankard onto the table.
“YOU! What did you do, Juliar the priest, MY FRIEND!”
“Ahh, her. Isn't it obvious? She’s not here. I am. I'm pretty sure you can figure out what happened or do you really want me to give you the gory details.”
He shot out of his seat. Instantly, his 2 friends rushed to his side and held him down.
“YOU BITCH ILL KILL YOU. HOW CAN YOU-“
“ENOUGH, JELEN, ENOUGH!” one of his friends cried as they struggled to pin him down.
“Look, it's not worth it, okay.”
“NOT WORTH IT! HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT? SHE……SHE KILLED…… SHE SHOULD NOT BE HERE! SHE A MONSTER”
I rolled my eyes and kept on drinking my water. Is this how Diva feels when she gets that insult thrown at her? It's such an empty insult. Because I killed your friend, I'm a monster? We were all here to kill each other. You do realise that, right
“Just sit down, you fool. Or do you want me to get the plant again?” I threatened. His eyes twisted in rage whilst his companions shook their heads and forced him into his seat.
“You are angry at me for killing your friend, but we all signed up to be here. We all knew there was a chance you wouldn’t walk away tonight; Just be glad you did.” I quickly finished the glass and went back to the bar.
“What would you like to drink, ma’am.”
“Fruit juice, apple, please.”
She nodded and quickly disappeared. I sighed as she walked away. I want something stronger, but according to Diva, I'm a “Lightweight weight”, and besides, this isn't the place to be getting drunk.
“I'm surprised someone like you doesn’t drink something stronger”. I glanced behind me and was met with the black and white-haired girl from earlier. Her face portrayed someone who was trying to be friendly, but her body movements betrayed her. She was very stiff; her hands were always kept close to a blade she had on her tool belt. She reminded me of a compressed spring ready to shoot off at a moment's notice.
“What do you want.”
“Just making conversation.”
“Can you see I'm not in the mood to talk? Go away.”
“Fine, fine, but can you just answer me one question”
I glared at her, trying to shoo her away, but she didn’t budge. Let's just entertain her, and maybe she will go away.
“What the question?”
“Why did you kill her? The girl, I mean. Judging by how friendly she was to you, she must have helped you at some point.?
“Why do you want to know?”
“Morbid curiosity, let's say.”
I let out a long sigh. “The answer isn't elegant or grandiose. I hate her and her kind. I cant stand them. Just seeing them makes my blood boil to levels I can't control. There was no way any of them were gonna walk out of here alive..”
“that can't be it surely.”
“That is it. I hate pure spirits, every last one of them. I can't stand them!”
“I see.” She said with a pause. Her eyes met mine, and she shivered slightly. “
“What are you trying to achieve here exactly? Asking me these asinine questions?”
“Nothing, just hoping to open a door.” She said, looking back towards her teammates who were bickering amongst themselves.
“The writing is on the wall for us as a group. I don’t think after today we will stay as we are too much has happened. I started out as a summoner for hire before joining the rest of them. I think I might have to return to that sort of life.”
“Hmm”
“Your drink, ma’am,” The bartender said, placing it in front of me.
“Thank you.”
I picked it up and started moving back to the table.
“The name is Gwiynn, by the way,” she yelled.
“I don’t care.”
I sat down at the table and waited. As time went by, a group of people came in at one point and offered us food and healing, but I declined. I just wanted to be out of here.
“When are these organisers gonna give us this damn reward!” Gwiynn yelled, slamming her head on the table. Suddenly, a door opened on the far side of the room.
“Kusamure! The boss wants to see ya..”
“Finally” I got up and quickly went to the door where a large boulder of a man was waiting for me. I was gently gestured to follow the man down a stone corridor before finally arriving at an old wooden door.
“The boss is waiting for you in there.”
He gently pushed the door open for me as I walked through; instantly, I was hit with the smell of cigar smoke and alcohol. How much does this man smoke? I managed to push through the smell enough to close the door behind me. The room we were in was more lavish than the previous one, with loads of ornate paintings, a large stone fireplace and an ebony hardwood table with 2 chairs, one larger, more luxurious one which he was sitting on and another much smaller, not as luxurious one. I get it; you're the one in charge here.
“Ah, Kusamure, we meet again. Please sit.”
The man said as he gestured to the seat. I swiftly moved over to the seat across from the man and sat down. The man himself was familiar. In fact, we had seen each other before.
“You… were the one who stopped the fight between me and the pure spirits earlier.”
“Hahaha, yes, I did, and I'm glad I did!” The man said, raising a cigar in his mouth. The man was old, covered in wrinkles that plastered his face from his head down to his arms. His hair was a deep grey, which complimented his long moustaches and beard. His eyes had a faded yellow colour to them, and all of this was brought together with his luxurious black leather pants and exotic red and gold robe.
“Why are you glad that you did?”
“Well, because if I didn’t, we wouldn’t have gotten such a positive response from our audience. They loved the personal vendetta energy you brought to each of your fights with them.”
I grunted. Is that it really. Entertainment? I shouldn’t be surprised.
“Hahaha, but I'm getting distracted. Let me introduce myself. I’m the “orchestrator” I run, fund and maintain these events and let's say this one has been one to remember.”
“Has it..”
“Yes, Kusamure,” He said with a chuckle.
“Nature demon is a fitting name.”
“Yes, it is” So that’s what that means. Note to self; punch Andre when I see him next.
“Before we discuss your reward. Any chance you're from the Bisrin kingdom?”
“No, I'm afraid.”
“Ahh,” He said with a bit of disappointment.
“I was hoping to meet a fellow countryman anyway. Enough about that, your reward. We offer 2 rewards: a large cash prize of around 700,000 gold coins or 1 singular favour from me. Be mindful there are limitations.”
“What are the limitations.”
“Well, we won't kill or assassinate any high-ranking military or government officials and world leaders. We will not help you with any magical research we used to do that, but it got…. Messy, and finally, we won't take part in the distribution, selling and maintenance of any legal or non-legal goods you may or may not possess. However, before you consider. I have a request to ask of you.”
“What is it?”
“your performance tonight was incredible, and honestly, I don’t think we will ever get a contestant who was so dominant because of that. Is it possible that I ask you never to attend one of these tournaments again?”
“What….. that doesn’t make sense. Surely you and, most importantly, your audience would love someone as dominant as me….”
His chair croaked as he leaned back.
“what they want and what they need are two different things. What the audience needs is entertaining fights. It's not entertaining to have the same person win all the time.”
“How do you know I will win all the time? Maybe someone strong will come and cut me down one day?”
“Maybe, but how long will I have to wait for that to happen, huh? I can’t guarantee a good fight if you are here, kusamure. So… what do you say.”
“And if I say no…..” I asked him. The man leant forward and sighed.
“Then it would be a shame. However, people who go against me tend to have nasty, unexplained accidents. “
Ahh, so they will try to kill me. Just as I suspected. I leaned back in my chair and met his eyes. “ fine, I accept. However, I want to be compensated for this.”
“Naturally, so how much of the prize money do you-“
“Keep the prize money the same. For compensation, I want the favour.”
“You want both prizes… Interesting. Tell me What the favour is, and I.”
“Are you familiar with an assassin who goes by the nickname “King”
“Hmm, king…king….. I have heard that name in a few circles, but he’s not one of mine, I'm afraid.”
“That’s not what I'm asking. Recently, he and his group were hired to kill me.”
“Really. The plot thickens; who would want you dead?”
“Not your concern. What I need you to do for me is-“
“ gather information on who hired them to kill you?” he interrupted
I nodded. His face twisted as he thought about it. Finding out my would-be killers is important. I fear it won't be long until those people make an attempt on my life again.
“Fine. It's doable I'll set my best people on it. However, if we turn up nothing-“
“I won't hold it against you. You don’t have to worry about that”
“Good.” He stood and gave me his hand to shake it. I gladly shook it.
“Pleasure dealing with you, kusamure.” The man let go of my hand and snapped his fingers. Suddenly, blue light shimmered brightly next to him before fading and revealing the lady who appeared on the screens. She was busy flicking through a clipboard she held.
“Kusamure, I take it.” She said, not looking away from the document in front of her.
“Yes. You are the lady who-“
*Snap*
A blue aura suddenly appeared next to my feet. I looked down just in time to catch a glimpse of a dark black suitcase shimmering into existence. As quick as it came, the aura disappeared.
“My time is important. There is your prize money. We will contact you when we have enough of the information you require.”
“How will you-“
“We’ll find you.” She cut in. Before I could respond, she teleported away again. The man chuckled. “She always like that. Very efficient hates to waste words and time.”
I opened the briefcase, and my eyes were drenched in a sea of gold coins. So many coins stacked so neatly that I could tell them apart from each other.
“This is incredible…. How can I ever spend this much.”
“Hahaha, most people can't, but some find a way.”He said as I closed the case.
The door swung open to reveal the boulder from Earlier.
“Boris here will lead you to the exit.” He gestured towards the door. I walked towards the door, and like before, I was led through a bunch of stone corridors to the entrance where I had arrived.
“Through there….”
I nodded and pushed the doors open and back out into the world. The sun was just starting to rise; just how long was I in there? I looked around and noticed the guards weren't there anymore. I guess once the main event is over, they all disappear.
I took a few steps when suddenly the sound of a horse hit my ears. I looked to the left just in time to see it stop just in front of me.
I headed towards the carriage when suddenly the door opened, revealing Andre.
“Hahaha, well done. WELL DONE! I had no doubts in you; come, we have a lot to discuss.”
I rolled my eyes, entered the carriage and took a seat
“Well, apollinaris, you really outdid-“
“Before you continue.”
I quickly leaned over and jabbed him in the stomach, causing him to keel over.
“That’s for the name and all the other shit you’ve pulled…”
Andre coughed and spluttered. “Ha..haha… I guess I deserve that one. Good lord, did you get stronger or something? You never hit that hard before.”
The carriage skidded off as Andre tried to compose himself.
“Well, apollinaris, minus the punch, you did very well. Was it too difficult?”
“Hmmm, it had its moments. But I hate to say this, but your training helped a lot.”
“Hahah, that’s good to hear. I'm proud of you truly. You were outstanding.”
A wave of warmth washed out from me a little bit. Dammit, apollinaris, don’t be swayed by him.
“So, what did you win?” I asked, changing the subject.
“What did I win?” he said, feigning ignorance. Nice try, but I know you too well.
“Don’t play dumb, Andre. I know you bet on me or hell, even against me; I would put it past you.”
“hahahaha well…..”
Andre raised his hand, and a puddle of water formed beneath it. Suddenly, 2 large briefcases, much larger than my own, fell onto the ground.
“I am now officially 2 million gold coins richer.”
“Are you now…..I want my cut.”
“Cut?! I trained you! Why would you need-“
I glared at him and raised my fist again. No way am I not getting my share. Andre looked between the cases and my fist before giving a disappointed sigh. He pointed to one of the briefcases.
“Half of the winnings are in there. You’ve earned it. And besides the money was the side prize, the real prizes was the information and favours I earned.”
“Information on what.”
“Stuff apollinaris… stuff.”
I rolled my eyes. “I must make it clear what would happen if you betray me and diva.”
“Perish the thought! I need you two more than ever.”
“And why is that?” I asked. This man always has some ulterior motive. I looked towards him and noticed the usual up-to-something smile he had disappeared.
“I can't speak now. But I'll need you in the future.”
“That doesn’t cut it andre.”
“I know. But doesn’t the mystery make it more interesting? Wait. I'll reveal everything to you in good time. ”
“Hmm”
I sat back in the carriage and sighed. “Whatever Andre. I'm tired. Can this thing hurry up and take me home.
He chuckled; “Of course” He banged on the roof, and suddenly, the carriage jerked forward.
“You'll be home in no time….”
Some time later…..
The carriage screeched to a stop at the front of my door.
“Thank you for the ride.”
“No, thank you. See you soon.” He said, giving me a wave. I grabbed my 2 suitcases and left. The sun had fully risen over our mansion, and it was hard to believe that it had been rebuilt. Those contractors are something else. I turned around just in time to see Andre's carriage disappear down the street.
<Little one, are you there…>
<Yes, big sis.>
<Thank you today you were very helpful.>
<You don’t need to thank me. Mother said to help you in any way I can>
I pushed open the large double doors. Immediately, several nurses appeared out of nowhere and pounced on me.
<Big sis. You are filthy! Please let us clean. We can't have you in this state.>
< Your hair is a mess, and your armour is damaged. We can't be having this at all!>
< How did this happen to you? Mother will be disappointed if we leave you like this!>
I quickly pushed past them. <Thank you for your concern! But it can wait.>
<But>
<I know, I know, but I am very tired. Wake me up in a few hours, and then you can do all that, okay?! Just not now.>
They all exchanged glances with each other before finally nodding and disappearing back to housework. I let out a sigh. I can't blame them. They are restless because they don’t have much to do. There are only so many times you can polish the floors. I turned around and walked up the grand staircase and towards the room.
<Little one, you can go get some rest. You’ve worked well and hard today.>
<Yes, big sis.> He quickly flew away, leaving me alone as I opened the door. <So glad to be back at->
I stopped dead in my tracks as the door closed, and my eyes landed on her. Diva was laid across the bed with a bouquet of roses propped up against her chest
<finally, my strong warrior has returned…. Took you long enough... >
[mc] is a secretary for a big company. They are good at their job, very good at their job. It is so good that they get pulled to one another by the leader of a [destitute faction] using her skills as a secretary plus some magic and a little bit of questionable moral activities. they will conquer the world of [PLACEHOLDER] and maybe beyond
what to expect, kingdom building, geopolitics, espionage, Evil protagonist. wars,
Like i said this is just one of many ideas i have. No, seriously, I have a folder with 15+ first chapters for different stories. answer in the poll or leave some feedback or ideas you may have for a story like this.
![Harry Potter with Technology System[Completed]](/api/novels/cover/nv-cfkodar-cover.jpg)
