Chapter 283 (1/2)

Chapter 283

Chapter 283: A Mutually Beneficial Partnershi+p

“This is why you need the expensive stuff!” the drunkard elass hit the bar table with a ‘thud’ “Corizzled olddown the sides of his

mouth and into his beard and wondered how I ended up in this situation

After the drunkard, who’d introduced himself as Alaric, interrupted me in the library and asked what continent I had coed him outside for some answers

Alaric had refused to say anyin return Lo and behold, the alcoholic wanted…alcohol

He’d then led ly upscale for ashoes We had been here ever since, sitting in the dark corner of the bar table away frohout the bar

Letting out a sharp breath, I lifted ulped down the rum

A smooth burn washed over my mouth and throat, followed by a sweet and oaky wave of flavor that lingered on ed as the drunkard waved his hand at the bartender for a refill

“I’d be happier if you order the entire bottle,” the old e

“How about this?” I took the refilled glass in front of hi the rum into the sink on the other side

“No!” Alaric drawled as he pulled at my arm, which made me spill even more of the rulass back in front of the man who quickly snatched it away from my reach

“What kind of sick bastard throws out good ruet the er in the mood to humor him

“You see…” Alaric whispered mysteriously as he leaned in close “I have a crest that tells me you’re not from here”

I stared deadpan at the old ”

My annoyance turned to anger I should’ve known that this alcoholic was justwith ain

“I don’t need ic to tell me that” He rolled his eyes dramatically “Anyone with half a brain would be able to tell if they spent soback down

“Only because you stick out like a sore thumb You carry yourself like a seasoned warrior, but your build and flawless skin suggests that you’re either a noble, caster, student or all three” Alaric finished off the rue enough, you look and act like a tourist visiting from a faraway outpost”

He waved his hand up and down as he exa bundle of inconsistencies Now if you were in a more military or politically inclined dominion like Vechor or the Central Do cuffed in less than a day”

I let out a scoff “So why haven’t I drawn suspicion until now then?”

“Oh you probably have,” he mused “Suspicion, curiosity, interest, all of the above It’s just that Etril has always been a hub of diverse travellers that the worse they’d do is wonder and judge silently”

After surveying the establishment ere inwhat you said was correct, what is your reason foryourself known?” I lowered ht of the possibility that I’d just get rid of you?”

“In this place, where there are witnesses?” he asked, batting his eyes “Trust me, kid If I wanted to turn you in, I would’ve done so from a safe distance, but what does that do for me?”

“Excuseout of turning you in” Alaric paused, leaning in closer for dramatic effect “If I were to, let’s say, help you instead, I’m sure we could co my head “I think you’ve had one too many drinks Besides, I don’t have reed “But I can recognize a golden ticket when it’s fluttering ina bit uncomfortable, afraid that people would overhear Alaric must’ve noticed because he waved his hand in dis the sound around us so no one has heard a thing we’ve said”

Is that why Alaric had been gesturing for a refill instead of asking for one?

Disappointed into notice and frustrated at howthat even though you think—”

“Know,” he corrected

“Think, that I’m not from here,” I stressed “You’d rather try and strike a deal with me rather than turn me in?”

He cast a sleepy eye at e?”

“It’s just that the people fron,” I said

“What doesout a refugee?” he quipped

“Fine,” I acquiesced “Let’s assume that your suspicions are true What can you provide me and what exactly would you want in return?”

“You’re an ascender, or at least you’re trying to pass yourself off as one, right?” he questioned

“How did you know?”

“The inn you’re staying at caterssince there’s an ascension chamber in this city,” he answered dismissively “Now Onto your first line of questions I’ll help you blend in so you don’t stick out like an ar in city square, no questions asked”

“No questions asked?” I echoed, interested

“Frankly, I don’t give two shi+ts about who you are,” he answered, swirling the carah I’ll also help train you for ascents”

I stared at the inebriated man, whose entire face was flushed and eyes barely able to focus on one thing forto need to be a successful ascender in order to ht?” He let out a scoff “Good alcohol doesn’t coued by his offer The strange gazes I attracted had been growing more frequent over the past few days And Aramoor City was even considered one of theto a book I had read

“So all you want is money?” I confirmed “How much of it, exactly?”

“Sixty percent of all of your earnings in the Relictos you earn while you’re on the surface as well,” he answered as if he had the figure set before we’d even sat down

I gaped “Sixty percent?”

“Hey! I’ with you while offering e”

“You have a hoh “The city is my home”

I rolled my eyes “So no home”

“Don’t be so whiny, kid Besides, Storraduates’ profits they get fro accolades or other precious material found only in the Relicto And that percentage is even higher in Vechor, Sehz-Clar and the Central Do me an innocent expression “But since you’re froht?”

I actually didn’t know Much like the rest of the information about Alacrya that I did know, it consisted of tidbits I had picked up here and there by eavesdropping on conversation or asking questions like I had in Maerin

“Forty percent,” I countered after a brief pause

“Deal,” he replied irabbed es five percent while even the e twenty percent,” he said, shooting ardless of his deceit, it highlighted how much I needed help outside the Relictombs if I didn’t want to draw attention

“Will you be co with me on my ascents?” I inquired

“Are you crazy? Of course not!” Alaric sputtered “Does this look like a body fit for that Godsforsaken place?”