Chapter 19: Sea Sand Bar[1/5]
"Man, this place has gotten sketchy over the years. How many people have gone missing now? Has the Church just stopped caring or what?"
"Today, I picked up an ancient coin from the black market. It looks like it's in good condition. I'm going to have it appraised later. If it turns out to be a Miasma item, I'll be rich! Time to treat myself with some pretty girls!"
"Hey, did you hear what old John said? He just got back and was talking about some big red light near the Relic Cave. Think it's treasure? Wanna go check it out?"
"Give it a rest, a towering red light? You actually believe the ramblings of that old drunk John? For all we know, he got plastered outside and made it all up. It's not the first or second time he's spouted nonsense."
"Here's to hoping those Callewa gangsters get what's coming to them. Cheers!"
The moment the bar's door swung open, the rowdy shouts of drunken patrons at the bar filled the air.
Some were playing drinking games in small groups, while others were boasting among friends. Of course, the majority were those who came here to vent their various frustrations about life, fueled by alcohol.
The blaring background rock music stimulated people's nerves, while the dazzling, colorful neon lights allowed those on the dance floor to let loose.
No matter the era, entertainment venues like bars will never disappear.
There are plenty of bars in Blackhole Plains' gathering place, and the Sea Sand Bar is just one of them. Renji, who had just entered, seemed a little uncomfortable with the somewhat chaotic environment of the bar. However, looking at the young girl beside him, it seemed like she felt right at home.
"Ha! Old-timer, is this your first time at a bar? Relax, this is our turf. I've got your back; no one will mess with you here."
The young girl slapped her own shoulder in a big-brotherly fashion. Given their prior experience in the sewers, Renji took Eileen's words with a grain of salt, remaining skeptical.
"Our turf?"
"Yeah. The owner of this bar used to be a well-known scavenger. After retiring, naturally, a lot of his colleagues come here to patronize the place. Over time, it's become a recognized gathering place for all of us scavengers in Blackhole Plains. We form teams here, exchange information, trade items, and accept missions. Basically, think of it as our union headquarters!"
The girl looked super proud, like she owned the place. That made Renji curious.
"So, you're pretty famous here?"
"You bet! Ask anyone, they all know Eileen. No joke, when it comes to scavenging, I'm the best there is. Why else do you think those Callewa gang wanted me as their guide?"
"I see, you're pretty good then."
Seeing the long-missing look of admiration on the young man's face, Eileen lifted her fair chin up. She felt like she had finally regained some ground, taking the upper hand between the two of them.
As Eileen led Renji through the bar, she continued to speak.
"Next, we're heading to the back door of the bar, which is usually just for staff. But don't worry, I know everyone here really well, including the owner I mentioned earlier. We're all like family, so a small favor to let us through is no big deal."
"But right now, he's probably just hanging out at the bar, chatting with customers. Look out for a guy with a big beard, scary eyes, a melon-like head, a beer belly, and a blue necklace. That's him, Brian."
Eileen was still explaining this to Renji when she noticed he had suddenly stopped walking. His gaze was fixed straight ahead.
Before she had a chance to turn her head and see what caught his attention, a flirtatious voice rang out.
"Wow! What brings such a pretty little lady to our bar today? Wanna join us for a drink?"
Yep, getting hit on at a bar. Renji was used to this kind of drama by now.
However, as Renji sized up the man who had approached them:
Beer belly—check.
Full beard—check.
Head shaped like a melon—check.
Normally, his eyes would have looked fierce, but now they were lecherously scanning Eileen.
And most importantly, he had a sapphire necklace around his neck.
'Sigh…'
Renji let out a breath.
Soon enough, several more men appeared behind the large guy, clearly his pals. They were also leering at Eileen and began to comment amongst themselves.
"Wow, look at those designer clothes. She must be some rich little missy."
"Sweetie, you're too dressed up for a place like this. Better head home!"
"Those legs are amazing, I could admire them for a year!"
"Too bad she's a bit lacking in that area, not ripe enough. I prefer more mature women."
"Hey, keep it down, guys. Be careful with your words. If you piss her off, she might call her bodyguards from outside to break your legs."
"Hahahaha~"
"Hahahahahahahaha~"
Brian, the bar owner, and his four or five drinking buddies burst into laughter.
But then, one of them took a closer look at Eileen and suddenly said:
"Hey, is it just me or does this lady look a bit like Eileen?"
Renji thought this might be a turning point.
But sadly, no.
"What? Are you drunk? I watched Eileen grow up. She's nothing like this! Even the thought of her in high heels is hilarious!"
Brian said, dramatically holding his beer belly as he laughed.
The other patrons, who looked like scavengers, joined in the laughter and even scolded the guy who made the initial comment.
"Right, you almost killed the mood saying she looks like Eileen. We finally find someone easy on the eyes, and you bring her up?"
"I'd eat a toilet if Eileen ever wore a dress, let alone heels!"
"Okay, okay, let's drop the Eileen talk. Look, you're making this young lady uncomfortable mentioning another woman's name."
"Man? You think my 'big bro' Eileen is a young lady? If she heard you, she'd have words with your entire family!"
"To be fair, I do respect Eileen's sharp tongue."
"Ha, ha, ha!"
The situation had indeed shifted, but in a weird direction. Once the topic of "Eileen in women's clothes" was opened, the scavengers and the bar owner seemed to forget about hitting on Eileen and started making jokes about her, as if this was the funniest thing ever.
Renji glanced at Eileen, who had lowered her head slightly, her long coffee-colored hair covering half her face. He couldn't see her expression, but her clenched fists spoke volumes.
Through their "contract," he could feel the gathering Miasma within her.
For a moment, Renji didn't know whether to feel sorry for Eileen or the guys who were about to get a piece of her mind.
Just then, when it seemed like things might escalate, a loud bang came from the bar's entrance. It was obviously an exaggerated kick at the door.
Everyone in the bar turned their heads, including Brian and his buddies. One even jumped a bit.
"Oh no, does she really have bodyguards?"
'Obviously not…'
Renji squinted as he saw about ten gang members, armed with sticks and guns, rush into the bar. The "Sand Rose" logo prominently displayed on their jackets said it all.
'Callewa gang'