Chapter 705 The Party (4)
Erik's gaze met David Miller's as he emerged onto the balcony. David, exuding a rugged aura, stood tall, his stature commanding attention. His piercing blue eyes, intense and unwavering, conveyed a silent challenge. The lines in his grizzled beard hinted at a life of experience, suggesting he was in his late 40s.
David's attire, much like his well-known reputation, was a blend of faded elegance and wear. The suit, though once pristine, now bore signs of wear and age, the fabric slightly frayed at the edges, telling its own story of a past filled with both triumphs and hardships.
Erik couldn't ignore the fact that David's disruptive actions were causing the atmosphere to become strained. The young man's mere presence had a commanding effect on the space, as his movements and demeanor disrupted the once serene ambiance of the balcony.
As the onlookers discreetly shifted their attention towards the unfolding scene, the air around them felt charged and heavy with unspoken tension.
"Enough of this nonsense, Miller," Erik said. If looks could kill, at that moment, David Miller would be a dead man.
David turned to face him, a sarcastic grin stretching across his face. "Ah, the man of the hour. Erik Kay, how delightful," he said. The cutting scorn in his voice pierced through the stillness of the night, accompanied by a faint odor of alcohol escaping his mouth.
"If you continue to behave like this, you'll be escorted out," Erik's tone was serious. He warned the man, but he knew that would not be enough to deter him.
"My apologies," David said. His voice was dripping with insincerity. "I wouldn't want to ruin your special night."
David's eyes narrowed, and the man changed the subject. "You must be quite pleased with yourself, given your guild's successes and all. I bet you also did that on purpose just to piss me off."
Erik's eyes, hidden behind his mask, remained inscrutable. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't play coy with me, Kay," David said. "You've been aiming to replace the Border Wolves since you set foot in this city."
Erik felt a surge of annoyance but kept his composure. "I'm not in competition with anyone. I'm here to do what's best for my guild and the people who rely on me."
David chuckled darkly. "Ah, the altruistic leader act. How charming."
"I don't have to explain myself to you, Miller," Erik's voice was now tinged with a growing impatience. "And I'm quickly losing my patience with this conversation."
David's eyes narrowed, sensing the tension. "Your cocky attitude says it all. Mayor Bonner really wants to hand over the task of protecting the city's border to your guild."
Erik's eyes, hidden behind his mask, flickered with a mixture of surprise and realization.
<So, this was what Mayor Bonner wanted to talk about, uh? >
"I know nothing about that," Erik said. "But it seems you're more informed about my affairs than I am."
David smirked, a look of self-satisfaction crossing his face. "Just keeping an ear to the ground, Kay. It's how I've survived this long."
"If you're done spreading rumors, I suggest you leave. You're not contributing anything positive to this event."
David looked at Erik for a long moment, as if measuring him up. "Fine." The man's voice was tinged with hostility. "But don't think this is the end, Kay. You may have won the crowd, but you haven't won the war."
As David Miller discarded his wine, the liquid cascaded onto the floor, splattering in a careless display of disregard.
He then pivoted to leave, his departure marked by an unsteady gait. The effects of the alcohol were clear in his uneven steps, yet he attempted to maintain a semblance of composure.
His demeanor exuded a forced air of superiority, as if trying to project an image of being above everyone else present despite his clear inebriation.
Erik observed as Miller made his way through the bustling crowd. As Miller took each step, the onlookers couldn't help but have their eyes fixed on him, their expressions revealing a blend of curiosity and disapproval.
Guests exchanged glances and subtle nods, their whispers fluttering through the air as they discussed the altercation.
The atmosphere, previously light and convivial, had shifted noticeably. The balcony, once filled with the pleasant hum of conversation and laughter, now resonated with an indistinct murmur of speculation and intrigue, all centered on the scene that had just unfolded.
The balcony had attracted the attention of a select few guests, who, driven by their own curiosity, had gathered there, their eyes wide with inquisitiveness and their faces mirroring varying degrees of concern and fascination.
The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Erik could feel the weight of their collective gaze, even though his own eyes were hidden behind his mask.
Murmurs rippled through the small crowd. "Did you hear what Miller said? Something about the city's border," one woman said to her companion, her eyes still fixed on Erik.
"Yeah, and what's this about Mayor Bonner wanting to give that task to Kay's guild? Is that even possible?" a man in a tailored suit asked, skepticism lining his voice.
"I don't know, but if it's true, it's a big deal. The Border Wolves have been in charge of defending the city for years."
With amusement shining in her wide eyes, a younger woman leaned in closer to her group. "Do you think there's going to be a guild war or something? Miller looked furious."
It was during that specific moment that Erik had a complete realization and understanding that the individuals surrounding him were, in fact, sharks.
Despite his reservations about the party attendees and his lack of prior acquaintance with them, he entertained the possibility that his initial judgment could have been flawed.
However, the things that these individuals were saying, their body language and the amusement clear on their faces as they witnessed the short-lived altercation, all showed that their true intention was to claim a portion of Erik's achievements.
On the balcony, Erik stood tall, his eyes veiled by the mask, yet his stance exuded an undeniable sense of power. Erik, feeling irritated by the foolish behavior of the other individuals, released a substantial amount of mana into the atmosphere, resulting in massive ripples that frightened the onlookers, causing them to withdraw to the safety of indoors.
While Noah approached him, their telepathic link continued to be active, providing a silent channel of communication that allowed them to converse without the intrusion of the surrounding crowd.
<Do you want to deal with David Miller? > Noah's voice echoed in Erik's mind.
Erik paused for a moment, contemplating his options. <Not today, > he telepathically said, <but I have another idea. Our guild is already taking over the most important and lucrative jobs from the Border Wolves. Maybe it's time to speed up the process. Miller used to be a good man, but power, money, and sex have corrupted him. We can use that against him, spread some rumors, tarnish his already faltering reputation. >
Noah absorbed Erik's words, his mind already racing with potential plans. <Do you want to take care of this now? > he asked.
<Yes, > Erik said, <but there's something else. I'm planning to leave the city for a while, to train in isolation. I need you to handle this Miller situation and take care of the guild in my absence. >
<Understood. I'll make sure everything runs smoothly while you're away. > Noah tried to sound as professional as he could while saying that. Erik's relying on him made him feel proud.
When Erik glanced at Noah, it was clear his masked face did not reveal any emotions. However, if his eyes were visible, they would have displayed a combination of gratitude and trust. <I know you will. You're the only one I can entrust with this. >
While departing from the balcony, Erik was struck by the overwhelming weight of the difficulties that loomed in his future.
The guild's ongoing rivalry with Miller, coupled with the unexpected proposition from Mayor Bonner, created a complex and intricate situation, resembling a tangled web of opportunities and threats.
Despite this, his attention was now fixed on the immediate future, particularly on the seclusion that he would soon face and the training that would undeniably bolster his capabilities.
As he turned to leave, he had the comforting assurance that he was entrusting his guild, his dreams, and his challenges into capable hands.
Noah observed Erik vanishing into the crowd, his presence both merging with and distinguishing itself from the surroundings, an enigmatic contradiction that perfectly represented his multifaceted character - a leader, a warrior, a visionary.
As the clone turned his gaze towards the gathered crowd, thoughts of strategy and preparation filled his mind, and a strong sense of determination took shape.
The groundwork was already laid by Erik, and now it was his responsibility to continue building on it. The guild would prosper, Miller would be dealt with, and when Erik returned, he would come back to a legacy in the making.
Visit freewe𝑏nove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺 for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience