Music began to swirl from the walls of the grand hall like a dream. Faust sat up, looking around. There were no musicians or instrunts. Just a soft lody surrounding everyone in the hall.
This is Baroque, but I can’t rember which one... Mozart?
"Oh, I like this," Faust said, humming along to the music.
"I just know this is soone’s schema," Nirvana added. She was still soft and cool. No sign of anger in her deanor. She grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and gave him one.
"Co on drink," Nirvana said jovially. She draped a hand around his shoulders and stared into his eyes. "We have ten hours before we have to jump back into hell."
Diego approached him after talking to so people. Nirvana barely spared him a glance, leaning against Faust. Old Dog rustled his hair affectionately.
"You’re quite the golden goose," Diego grunted. "You keep shitting out golden eggs."
Faust glanced at the cup in his hand. "This manner of talking... Who are you and what have you done with Diego."
"Oh co off it, Faust. You did good. Despite everyone being against you. All our victories we owe it to you."
The praise was disconcerting. Where was his jealousy? His fear of Usurpers? Diego went on about how the Stream showed the entire Infiltration. Novice Village #1’s stream was currently the most watched.
"Then you have the system talking about its patrons being impressed," Diego said with a breath of disbelief. "Those are aliens, Faust. Things of fiction in the flesh. There’s a lot of speculation on what they are."
"Gods, or a type three civilization," Nirvana shrugged. "They really could be anything. But we’ll have first contact in a few minutes."
Oh, that’s right. It’s been a while since we left the gate.
"We’re going to keep the party going even after," Diego reassured. "We have Sergio fighting for his life in the kitchens—By the way, he said I should congratulate you, Faust. We also have Omar making alcohol. His Schema... is quite the wonder."
Nirvana grabbed another round of drinks for them. Confusion rippled through Faust. Sothing was wrong with her. Was she just using the drinks to drown it out?
He grabbed her hand before she could throw down another glass. "Take it easy."
"I’ll be fine," she reassured. "Just not used to social events. Drink with , I bet you get drunk before ."
Faust raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge? What will you wager?"
"I’ll tell you a secret about us," Nirvana whispered so Diego wouldn’t hear. "But if I win, you’ll do anything I want."
It was a bit of a risky bet, but he bet he could win. He had replicated Blood Regeneration like her. It would protect him against drunkenness.
Diego leaned in closer once their whispering was done. "Do you mind helping with sothing while you guys play your ga?"
Nirvana blushed and turned away.
Faust glanced from him to Jason and his far flung table. "You want to help talk to Jason? You should deal with him yourself. His type only respects force."
"Yes," Diego agreed. "But he still worries about you. You scare him for so reason. At least that’s what I noticed."
Nirvana chuckled. "I don’t bla him."
Eventually Faust was convinced to follow him. He picked up his chair and promised Nirvana he would be back.
Jason and all his followers grew quiet, watching Diego and Faust with almost predatory glares. Gone were the smiles and whispered jokes. A storm was coming.
Diego went around cordially to shake hands and hear their nas. Faust just sat down beside three familiar people. Their hands were healed, but the fear in their eyes was the sa.
The three thugs that tried to assault Alia only a few hours ago. It’s funny how fast things change in this Origin Trials. This is a place for wolves after all. They had gone from scavengers to the top of the food chain just by picking the right leader.
Jason, or Gabreaker as he was known by many, was visited by various people throughout the party. So were just there to congratulate and curry favor. Others were more direct and desired a place in Jason’s cohort.
Faust and many others with high Spirit in the area heard them loud and clear.
They aren’t used to how good everyone’s hearing is yet. Choosing where you speak will beco important in the future.
Many people that t with Jason expressed dissatisfaction with Diego. Others changed their positions to fit Gabreaker’s opinions.
Even now, the mont Diego and Faust got up almost a thousand eyes followed them. The hall wasn’t big enough to host everyone, but the people inside were the best Players. All at least top 1000.
Faust was glad Diego chose a more exclusive space to host this party. It gave a sense of specialness to anyone in here. And a hunger to grow stronger to those outside.
Humans always seek rarity.
And Jason knew that. If he sat with Diego, Faust and the others, he would blend in with them. But if he created his own special club here? People would be tripping over themselves to kiss his ass.
Faust focused on his three friendly thugs, but they wouldn’t look at him. He sighed. "You’re hurting my feelings. I ca to greet so friends and you ignore "
"Fuck off, Faust. Don’t bully my boys," Jason said across the table as he shook Diego. It was a light jab, not really aggressive. But it was a command so Faust ignored him.
He neared one of the thugs and poked his hand. The man jerked back. "Who healed you? They did a good job."
They still refused to talk. Faust guessed what Jason had told them before he ca: Ignore Faust’s jabs, don’t give him attention.
What can I do to get a reaction?
Sotis acting off instinct wasn’t bad. And Faust’s instincts plead for violence.
Faust grabbed one hand before the thug could react. He squeezed lightly. Just enough to tell the man he could break it.
"What’s your na, friend?"
"H-haymaker."
"Nickna?" Faust chuckled. "I suppose most of you have one." He surveyed the tense group. His eyes landed on Two. "You look familiar."
"I might’ve been with your mom once," Two shot back, drawing laughs from his n.
I was going to use Alia as justification; didn’t expect him to be so rash.
Faust put on a cold expression. "My mom’s dead."
The laughter stopped. Faust rose to his feet and Jason’s n followed. The party people grew silent. Yet the music continued from the walls eerily.
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