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Chapter 76. Lines drawn and silent ultimatums.

  Jack's disgust fueled fury had climbed to heights long unseen, with bodies bent and broken now littering the impromptu arena as the healers were scrambling to stabilize the most critically wounded ones as his attention turned towards the charging Grimka who had slowed down ever so slightly, the brutal efficiency of the human a bit much even for someone as old and experienced as the grizzled bear beastman. Jack's mind, while still sharp and ready for other sneak attacks, was mainly occupied with digging up all the ways he could inflict the greatest and most excruciating pain, searching for ways to ensure the soul of this particular reprobate would not survive the ordeal that was Jack.

  Sadly for a certain scum of the highest order, the full understanding of Jack's abilities could not have been tested by the younger challengers, as a result not providing Grimka with the necessary information that would have sent him scrambling and running for his dear life. Not that it would have saved him, truth be told, Jack's course already set, but the aged bear beastman might have had enough time to do the only sensible thing in such dire straits and perform a quick suicide, saving his petty soul from Jack's grip.

  The warhammer in Grimkas hands quickly found purchase, though one again not in a way said bear beastman would have liked. Instead of the expected sound of shattering bones and wails of pain leaving the humans lips, his hands had caught the vertical downward strike, stopping it dead in its tracks, only for the same warhammer to then be pushed aside with speed that made following up with a response simply impossible for Grimka. As a result, the kick Jack performed a moment later- his heel connecting with Grimkas knee from the outer side- was devastatingly, shattering the point of impact and creating a lifelong injury and deformity, unless of course some high level healers did not get involved immediately. Unfortunately for the victim, there was a fat chance of that ever happening, especially not with a clearly out for blood Jack being right next to him, even less so when one kept watching.

  Despite the howl of pain that escaped Grimkas mouth, Jack moved with purpose as though entirely unaffected by the world around him, his brutal efficiency sending shivers down not only spectators but even those who were right now healed and stabilized and had enough mental clarity to witness the brutal torture session and execution of one of the more infamous bear beastmen in the city. Grinka the Wicked was a name that all knew, not only for his extra high cruelty against the slaves, enemies and anyone in general who got in his way, but also for his deviant tendencies and love to have his way with the slaves before he would eat them. A wicked individual of the highest degree indeed.

  The second kneecap soon followed, shattered in a rather similar manner to the first, with more and more screams escaping the slowly voice loosing bear beastman. Not that Jack planned on letting it all end so simply. Sure, he might not get to have the proper torture session with Grimka that he wanted, the place being wrong and lacking all the correct tools he needed, Jack was not going to let this particular sight to leave the nightmares of those watching anytime soon.

  An eerie blue flame came to life on Jack's hand, a second later connecting with Grimka's back, shattering the armour the bear beastman wore and scorching away the fur and skin on contact. The smell of burnt flesh, some foreign element within it, quickly permeated the entire street, invading the nostrils of the spectators. Spectral chains that send more chills down the backs of those witnessing the scene suddenly exploded from the seared palm print of Grimkas back, coiling around his body like some living and hungry snakes, each contact with the bear beastman's skin eliciting fear inducing cries.

  Jack used the moment he now had to turn towards the warhammer that Grimka had dropped, quickly grabbing it and flinging it away towards a certain direction, like some tank shooting a heavy tank shell towards a new hostile appearing in his sight. Jack was aware of the duo observing him ever since the moment they arrived, only deciding to force the two out of their hiding spot after the appearance of Grimka. If nothing else, aside from the message that he and his are too damn hot a commodity and not worth the trouble to get on the bad side of, he wanted to make sure the leaders of this city knew what kind of filth must be excised from the city, lest Jack himself takes on that task, leaving behind not only a trail of bodies of said filth, but also all those that had done nothing and allowed for the same atrocities to continue.

  With such clear and some would say forceful and somewhat rude invitation, neither Zunke the Mighty of the bear beastmen clan, nor Nurmalak the Swift of the rabbit beastmen clan, could stay back and continue watching, both forced to land in the open field- recently arena and now an execution block- to face off, or at least bring to an end the current events. And while both knew they had to act, after the latest of happenings down here, neither of the leaders actually wanted to be here, immensely regretting their decision to be here. Who made their curiosity get the better of them and come over so soon after the informant had brought the news over.

  "You are not my match." the human spoke calmly, his eyes seemingly staring through them, almost as if gazing at their very souls, though if the sight behind the human was any indication, there was a very high probability that it was indeed a possibility.

  Grimka's screams had died out by now, though the body still twitched from time to time as the ethereal chain-snakes seemed to have drilled into the bear beastman's body, apparently searching for something as they rummaged through. The sight was both bone chilling and nauseating in equal measure, with more than a fair share of the spectators already having made a run for it or bent over retching or discarding their latest meals entirely.

  And if the previous sights did not tip them over, seeing someones soul- visible only thanks to the chains Jack had utilized- dragged out of their fleshly body, seemingly kicking and screaming with terror etched in its face the likes of which none had ever seen or even imagined possible, did the trick, with several of those still watching fainting on the spot or soiling themselves. That, was a true nightmare fuel, no doubt prompting more than a few individuals to risk it all and escaping the town as soon as possible, too terrified to remain anywhere near someone as potentially scary as the human before them.

  "You are welcome to try me if you so wish." Jack's words continued, settling down with weight that defied reason, as if his voice alone increased the gravitation pressure around him. Worse yet was that as many other older beastmen, both leaders could understand and speak english, registering Jack's words for what they were.

  "I might even get to go all out. So, what's it gonna be?" The weapon in Jack's hand changed as he spoke, the new blade ticking off all the self preservation skills and warnings both leaders had, all while blocking their attempts to appraise the new weapon. No matter what it was, neither felt any sort of a desire to test it, too well aware the danger their clans would be in should they die or even get seriously injured. There was no second awakening healer within the city after all.

  It dawned on both beastmen leader then what this was all about, a sort of comprehension settling on them. Despite the later brutality of the encounter, the human had gone easy, likely intending to use said encounter as a warning of sorts, establishing a reputation and ensuring that no fools risk touching what's his if he took on some jobs and left his slaves within the city, only for it all to change with Grimka's arrival. As a human, it was only reasonable he would go berserk becoming aware of the nature and deeds of Grimka the Wicked.

  Some loss was inevitable, especially so the unshaken belief that beastmen ruled uncontested, with rumors of Jack's display of might and dominance no doubt about to spread like wildfire, perhaps even igniting some sort of flame within the slave population of the town. Not that there was anything that could come of it, save perhaps for a slightly increased mortality rate among the slaves as they get put down to their place after a scant few attempts to rise, their low levels, slave marks and collars ensuring so. And yet, there was no other option but to step back and swallowing the slap to their faces.

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  What followed was not a grand speech meant to bolster the morale of the beastmen, nor condemnation of what Jack had done- only an acknowledgement of a foolish and arrogant lapdog of someone provoking another mighty figure, touching his property without permission and receiving just punishment. Even beastmen had to follow the laws of the city, guaranteed to face consequences should they not. Of course, it all hanged on the premise that Jack was indeed the offended party, though that was easily solved, with Sindu and the other five girls quickly confirmed as Jack's property. As annoyed offended party as Jack seemed to be, he at least had made an effort to pay some respects towards the local laws- something more than a fair share of second awakening beastmen might have tried to ignore.

  And so, the crowd dispersed as quickly as they had assembled, with only some wet spots remaining of the level of fear and terror the ordinary spectators had been subjected to just recently. Zermanar had watched it all quietly, more and more sure of the decision he had made, quickly deciding to do a sweep of his own clan as well, quietly getting rid of any possible liabilities with similar tastes to what Grimka had. That was not a shitstorm he was willing see fall upon his house and clan.

  With the momentary entertainment finished and under Jack's orders, Sindu once again lead the group- though mostly Jack- through the city, their next destination a decent inn to rest for the night, perhaps longer if Jack decided so. It seemed that rumors were already spreading like wildfire, with more than a fair share of eyes warily glancing their way, keeping more than just a little distance, too scared to somehow offend the insanely powerful human male. And yet, despite the number of fearful gazes, plenty more beastmen glared in their direction as they continued with their own tasks, clearly feeling superior as part of the ruling beastmen races, as well as at the very least slightly disgusted with the fact that a human who had not yet been made a slave was roaming free within their city. Luckily for the latter ones, the glares were the most they spared, leaving Jack and his group otherwise on their own.

  Eventually, the group reached a rather large sized two story building, seemingly made by fusing together multiple smaller buildings that had been in its place initially. Aside from a small flower garden and a rather simple sign hung over the door that said 'Minge's Inn', the building did not have other extra flair inducing features, giving it a sort of a grounded feeling. It was this simplicity that pleased Jack, earning a near imperceptible nod of approval from him.

  Taking a lead, Jack stepped forward, his hand pushing the door open, his senses immediately assaulted by a somewhat unfamiliar mix of scents. The smell of ale, both fresh and slightly stale, accompanied by a mix of roasted and well spiced meats, tinged Jack's sense of smell, emphasized by a cacophony of laughter, blurred and mixed conversations and an occasional cheer or a yell, calling the barmaids to bring another round of drinks or snacks over. If Jack had to guess, this was what a proper fantasy tavern should feel like, his own life in the divine realm and his trial through the abyss before that having provided an entirely different experiences. Though there was something missing in the whole setting, Jack quickly realized, his mind darting momentarily towards the kids who were still waiting for his return. Yes, the lack of proper companions did lessen the experience a bit, though not nearly enough for Jack's mood to sour all that much. He had pushed through hardship and suffering on his own for long enough to not necessarily need such a thing at all times, but he could also appreciate it more now that he had had it and lost, even if only temporarily.

  As he walked through deeper inside, his six maids staying close behind him, eyes of the patrons inevitably moved towards them, his gear still somewhat on display and warning the more foolish of the patrons. Unlike most other places in the town, there were plenty of beastmen and humans sharing tables, either drinking or feasting together, the oh so clear line between the two not nearly as clearly defined as they otherwise would be.

  An aged man, with graying hair and mustache that screamed ''Monopoly guy', manned the counter, polishing one of several mugs placed before him, seemingly entirely zoned out and in his own world, all while a couple of barmaids moved from table to table, delivering orders and taking away empty mugs, coming and going, disappearing momentarily in the back room, only to come out soon enough with new trays. The seemingly relaxed and somewhat lost expression on the bartenders face disappeared soon enough though, seemingly sensing the approach of a new possible customer.

  A gaze of silent evaluation slid over Jack's group, cold calculation of the potential threat and likelihood of said group starting something undesirable flashing through the aged mans eyes, though not a single tell appeared on the bartenders face, his form exuding professionalism and willingness to help.

  "Greetings traveler." The human gentleman behind the counter greeted Jack as soon as he was in front of the counter, the bartenders hands slowly putting away the mug he was working on just moments prior "How can our humble establishment assist you?"

  "I need rooms for me and my girls here." Jack replied, his hand gesturing backwards towards the six maids standing right behind him "A weeks worth for starters and we will see from there. Can you accommodate?"

  "One moment please." the aged man replied, stepping back a bit and turning towards a book, his finger quickly sliding over the open page "Yes, I believe we can. Two, three-bed rooms and a single one. Would that work, or are there any special needs i should be aware off? better soundproofing, double bed?" his voice was even, not guilting or implying anything, just somewhat dry, clearly seeking to accomodate to the best of their ability.

  "What you already offered fits." Jack replied, his voice of a similar tone.

  "Wonderful." the older man replied, bringing the book over and requesting details as he filled out whatever forms they had that ensured no overlap and clean bookkeeping. Then, once Jack paid for the reserved week, he received three keys along with clear and precise instructions about the rooms.

  "Anything else I could assist you with?" the older man then asked.

  "That will be all for the time being, thank you."

  As Jack and his maids slowly settled in, each busy with their own thoughts and tasks, the city around them churned with activity, Jack's arrival and demonstration of power sending ripples through all levels of society.

  ----------------

  "Are you sure?" a rather soft and alluring voice filled a luxuriously decorated room, replacing the previous sound of paper being flipped and the occasion crack of fire embers from a fireplace in the rooms corner. A faint scent of honey and expensive spices lingered in the air, exuding a thick sense of power and nobility. Whoever lived here was a person of interest, a single word of their carrying a monumental weight within the city.

  "Yes mistress. Seven of the shadows witnessed it, their reports all near identical." came a reply just a moment later, the speaker a fox beastkin in dark and concealing clothes kneeling right next to the door, his head hung low and eyes locked on the ground.

  "Impressive." the alluring voice spoke once again, the sound of her hand brushing over the papers before her filling out the moments between her sentences "To exude enough presence to still not only Nurmalak, but also Zunke, especially when both were present at the same time, is no small feat. The human must have an impressive class as well as his level past thirty. I don't believe any less would have worked." She thought for a moment, her gaze turning towards her subordinate "Your thoughts on the human Namon?"

  "He is like nothing we have seen before. His mere presence could push most to their knees, not to mention his overwhelming bloodlust and skill. He has walked through slaughter after slaughter, each and every time growing stronger as a result." the kneeling man replied, adding a moment later "And his perception is also extremely sharp. He noticed all of our trackers who tailed him, no matter the distance kept. Or so I believe."

  "Assassination is out of the question then?" the alluring voice filled the room once again, the question clear, though at the same time it was obvious the owner was already considering other options while still looking for ways that could work.

  "Yes, unless we might be willing to sacrifice most of the Nightstalkers."

  "Forget it then. It's not worth it. And besides, if you believe we would lose most of them, the probability of failure is too high. Let's consider other options." Her voice was decisive, though a clear displeasure could still be caught. No matter what, humans were greedy and arrogant bunch, always reaching for more than they should.

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 30

  Class- Awakened twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(Ex)

  Stats unassigned: +4

  Attributes:

  Strength- 34 (14+7+13(gear))

  Vitality- 28 (12+8+8(gear))

  Dexterity- 29 (15+6+8(gear))

  Intelligence-20(15+ 5(gear)

  Spirit- Spirit- 30 (20+10)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX), Origin of matter(EX), Unbound by laws of the lessers(EX), The end made manifest(EX).

  Spells- none.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. Monster debugger.The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme. Slavemaster.

  Gear: Two handed sword(t3)+ 5 str +5 vit: Armor 3str +3 vit +3 dex; Ring 1 - spatial storage, ring 2 +5int, ring 3 +5 str; amulet +5 dex.

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