"Fight! Run away!"
The sudden commotion caused the restaurant patrons to evacuate. As the crowd dispersed, the true identities of those remaining became clear: me, Klang, and a group of mysterious men.
"It seems Gracie has made her move," I said, smiling wryly as I gazed at the men.
Over twenty men stood up, drawing their swords, their eyes fixed on me.
"See? I told you they're after you," I said.
"I knew it already," Klang replied.
"Ha! Do you need my help? You seem overwhelmed."
"Those are just small fries. They're nothing but small fries."
Klang's words were laced with concern and sarcasm. His interest wasn't in me but in avoiding complications if I were to die.
"Let's just watch for now. If things get dangerous, I'll intervene."
Klang sat back, seemingly relaxed.
The men's attention shifted to him, and one of them sneered.
"You're quite bold for an old man. Why don't you leave?"
"Ha! I'm not afraid. It's been a while since I've seen something entertaining."
The leader of the group, seemingly a member of the Zatma Mercenaries, approached Klang but quickly knelt down.
"Respected senior! We didn't know you were here. Please forgive us!"
The other mercenaries followed suit, bowing and apologizing.
I was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
The mercenaries had come to capture me, but they were now focused on Klang.
"Mercenaries? You call yourselves mercenaries?"
"Yes, sir. We are the Zatma Mercenaries."
Klang's voice turned serious.
"When did mercenaries start taking assassination jobs? You're not mercenaries; you're just thugs."
The mercenaries explained that they had taken the job due to financial difficulties.
"That's no excuse. Mercenaries should have principles and honor."
The mercenaries apologized, acknowledging Klang's words.
"Will you still complete the mission?"
"Yes...?"
"Once you accept a job, you should see it through. That's the way of a mercenary."
Klang's tone was firm.
The mercenaries looked at each other uncertainly.
"Anyway, you've accepted the job, so you'll have to see it through."
The leader glanced at Klang, who seemed uninterested.
The situation was unexpected, and I found myself amused by Klang's strong sense of justice.
Just then, the Kinzer brothers appeared, surrounding me.
"Lord!"
The mercenaries' eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you the Kinzer brothers? You're quite famous in Neca."
The brothers confirmed their identity, stating that they were my protectors.
The mercenaries realized they were outmatched and looked at Klang for guidance.
Klang's eyes were keen.
The Kinzer brothers were at least 4-circle mages, while the mercenaries were barely 2-circle.
The odds were against them.
"I find your energy interesting," Klang said, referring to my unique mana.
The mercenaries retreated, acknowledging their inferiority.
I opened my mana, revealing my true strength.
[Using magic, 'Total Incineration']
A golden current and sparks erupted, revealing my red eyes.
The mercenaries were stunned.
"Is that... the power of the artifact? An Arahan with an artifact?"
Klang was equally surprised, having never seen such power before.
Confrontation
The Kinzer brothers moved to subdue the mercenaries, but I intervened.
"Wait. How did you know I was here?"
"We received a request through beggars. We didn't know you had followers."
I realized that Gracie must have been behind the request.
The mercenaries refused to reveal their client, citing the code of mercenaries.
I threatened to force them to talk, but Klang intervened.
"Those under hypnotic magic can't speak even if tortured."
Klang offered to help me in exchange for a duel.
"If you win, I'll grant you a wish. But if you lose, you'll have to accept my terms."
I agreed, eager to test Klang's skills.
Klang's proposal was intriguing, and I decided to accept the challenge.
We vanished from the restaurant, using a teleportation spell that only high-level mages could perform.
I found myself in a vast open area on the outskirts of the city.
Klang chuckled, enjoying my surprise.
"Teleportation is a 7-circle spell, isn't it? Are you a 7-circle mage?"
Klang laughed, dismissing the idea that circle levels were important.
"In real combat, it's not about the level but how you apply your skills."
I recalled my battles with stronger opponents who had higher circle levels.
Despite their advantages, they lost because they lacked practical experience.
"Circle levels only measure mana power, not true strength."
I realized that Klang shared my perspective on combat.
"Agreed. I've learned that from my own battles."
Klang smiled, pleased with my understanding.
"I'll show you that my words aren't empty."
I prepared for the duel, eager to prove my skills.