Chapter 47: Bar Fight (1)

"Exactly like you Jiao! Except that they lack insanity. But time will probably show." Elder Yan's chased him with words before turning back to Atlas and Nova, chuckling. "And they say old people have weird, illogical personalities. Welcome to the Coiling Dragon Arena, where all of the strong have colorful personality."

[Lesson learnt today. The Elites here are moody and odd.] Atlas thought, not daring enough to whisper it out.

"I'll be guiding you out the Dragon's mouth. On the way, I want to clarify some regulations and discuss some future planning." Elder Yan started blabbering about how great and amazing the Coiling Dragon Arena was, rambling about his many years here before getting into the relating key topic.

Basically, when Warriors reaches the age of 30, they will have to decide whether they'll remain or explore the outside world.

If they stay, they are obligated to maintain loyalty to the Coiling Dragon Arena till eternity! Just kidding, till they turn 55. While if one chooses to quit before 30, then they are allowed to rove the world and walk their own paths. Contacting devices will be provided, in case they want to return to meet their friends, but only as visitors, who are not applicable to access the training facilities.

Exiting the passageway, the Dragon's mouth shut behind them like when they originally entered. There were two men guarding the Dragon's mouth, not the same friendly guards, but still unfathomable.

Elder Yan pressed a button on the lift and verified himself by swiping his card on the panel. "You can actually come back whenever you want; on the day you manage to be upgraded to Sky Arena. Only then will you possess the authority."

The elevator ascended steadily as they lost sight of Elder Yan.

"Soooooo.... are you guys interested in going to the bar? I'm still shivering from the freezing aftertaste, wanna chug some alcohol to warm myself up. The food there is delicious too." Nova proposed.

"I know right! The lobster spaghetti was so heavenly!" Petal smacked her lips with enthusiasm.

All of a sudden, Atlas remembered about the young boy whom they neglected and was quiet all along the journey. "Hey there. Thanks for being a cooperative audience, I guess? Do you mind telling me your name?"

"Can I have an autograph?" The young boy

spoke with admiration, his tone full of respect, eyes sparkling with honesty.

Atlas did not expect this unordinary answer, stuttering due to insufficient preparation. "Autograph? Wah... I'm not a movie star or anything. Also, I don't think I have a professional signature..."

"Why would you need his autograph? You have a higher Tier than him. And he is not even good looking." Nova leaned on the wall, frowning. As a bystander, he had a better view of the situation. This young boy, maybe 15? Was the other Tier 3 Axonn who arrived as a recruit. What he didn't know, was that this kid was the last one to retreat from the Pool of Endurance, other than him and Atlas. So why would a genius be humble enough to ask for a petty autograph?

In reality, Nova was just thinking to complicatedly. Atlas would have said. "He's a kid! Chill!"

"That is not my intention! I can feel that, he's not only stronger than me, but also has electric Aura!" The young boy exclaimed cheerfully, his ink black pony tail swaying with the movement of his shaking head. "I would kill to have electric Aura! It's the coolest and most destructive element one can possess!"

"Wow, geez... thanks." Atlas couldn't help but to blush from all the fawning.

"You are really similar to my idol! I watched your performance, so I firmly believe you'll excel too! But of course, you'll never exceed him."

Atlas gasped sarcastically. "Woah! That's too early to make judgments. Who is h..."

Ding~ The elevator slid open. Outside were a few guards in very chic armor, observing them gravely. They were most likely back from a shift.

They kept quiet, barely maintaining an abnormal smile on their faces as they trotted far away to escape from tight security questions.

"I still haven't gotten your name. You are?"

"I'm Qin Zhen, you can call me by my other name, Tristan. I don't like pronouncing my Family name. Despite it being short, it's too flashy. I prefer simplification and tranquility."

[Qin? Qin Family? From the Capital?] Atlas's heart accelerated from hearing that word. The symbol on his pendant, the owner of that mysterious mansion, the family whom Vanellope was forced to marry...

That specific word revolves around him! Or does he revolve around that confusing character?

"Bro. We're here!" Nova snapped his fingers briskly, waking Atlas from his world.

{Atlas. Ask his bloodline. Until the specification to whether he's in the collateral branch or linear consanguinity. Only then will you be able to thoroughly investigate your ancestry, maybe even find out who your parents are!}

The long silenced Nam decided to come out from his shell and finally speak. His tone was seemingly rushed and desirous. It did not sound like the usual him.

[You all right Nam? You sound strangely possessed.] Atlas communicated in his mind, trying not to get distracted by the glamorous gleams of gold of the lavish bar.

{I'm fine. Let's continue to conversation later on. Have fun first, it's not he right time.} Nam's voice faded.

"Sir, welcome to Golden Empire. What would you like me to serve?" A sweet, friendly voice said. Atlas has walked up to the bar counter, where there were classy shelves of vintage liquor deposited according to price and brand.

Atlas grimaced at the lowest price. On second thought, maybe money is still pretty essential.

"I'll take the Svedka 100 proof. I enjoy the clean and crisp of that vodka. Incredibly truest. Also, blend it with a hint of grapefruit jalapeño. Leaning towards a spicer incense today. How bout you Atlas?"

As if emphasizing his nobility, Nova intentionally adopted a faint British accent, spilling out a bunch of fancy phrasing like he's an actual spirit expert of some sort. He even mastered the technique of eye contact, enhancing his field of speciality by tucking his shirt up and producing an indigenous atmosphere of wisdom.

"I'll have hot chocolate with alota marshmallows." Atlas paused to think of a richer taste. "Maybe add extra milk."

Tristan also made a reasonable childish selection— Mango and pineapple iced milkshake.

"Tequila for me. Specifically the Highland Añejo, Chinaco. Knife-edged balance between lovely oaky richness and wild agave funk. Would have preferred to easy and cheap Red Star erguotou, but I assume it's not in stock. Anyway, that'll do the job for now." Petal ordered her liquor as well with he same etiquette as Nova.

It did not feel comfy to be sandwiched between two undercover spirit professionals while he was immaturely sipping hot coca.

Thus, Atlas nudged a seat away from Nova and Petal's copious conversation about alcohol.

[Ew! Alcohol reeks. Why do people even like it?] Atlas snorted, bubbling his boiling chocolate drink.

Suddenly, five men with thick, bloody presence barged in the Golden Empire bar.

The figurehead who has a three large scars on his face said to the female waitress at the counter. "Sweet cheeks! Serve us five bottles of Highland añejo like the usual."

The waitress displayed a very troubled expression. "I'm so sorry sir, but there are currently only 4 available."

"No worries, roll them all up for us." The man said, motioning her to quicken up.

"But sir, this lady over here has also ordered a bottle." She said with a frightened tone. Their menacing atmosphere and metallic pungent smell was very unpleasant.

"Huh?" The man turned right, spotting Petal engaged in conversation. His eyes sparkled with impure lust.

Petal glared at them for a second, returning back to the conversation while chugging the tequila bottle.

"Look at her boys. We've got a hot spicy chick here." They trudged forward. "Girl, you may not know who we are. We're the Azure Electro Team. I'm pretty sure everyone here knows us."

He cupped his hand over his ear, enjoying the chattering of shock and gossiping of their tale.

"My team and I agreed on a solution." He modulated his voice. "One. You come over here like a good little girl, and gently pass us that bottle of tequila. I bet none of us would reject your saliva." He fist bumped a man beside him.

"Two. You come over here like an obedient good girl, and happily become our snack. We'll consider to be your guardians. Our Team name ain't just for show. Hahahaha!"

The five men laughed wickedly, conveying no denial to their squadron leader's proposal.

A chair was pushed away, screeching abruptly.

"Oh? So fast to make decisions."

He looked back to the counter.

Bang~!

Utterly unexpectedly, a tequila bottle shattered explosively on the man's forehead.