Chapter 14

Genji and Ripper found themselves inside what appeared to be a bustling bar, its interior alive with activity. The air hummed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the vibrant energy of people engaged in various pursuits. Patrons stood or sat around, enjoying their drinks, while others played games or engaged in lively conversations. Gin, was behind the counter, engrossed in conversation with a group of men.

Ripper leaned closer to Genji and spoke over the lively din, "This place is called The Den. It's a haven of sorts in the midst of the slums." Genji nodded, taking in the bustling atmosphere. As Gin attended to her tasks, Ripper gestured toward an empty table. "Let's find a seat over there while she gathers the people who can help us," he suggested. They made their way to the table and settled in, aware of the curious gazes directed their way.

Genji felt the weight of those curious gazes upon him and couldn't help but wonder why he drew such attention in this unfamiliar environment. Sensing his unease, Ripper decided to divert their attention. He locked eyes with the onlookers, causing them to quickly avert their gazes. Genji, still perplexed by the scrutiny, leaned toward Ripper and asked in a hushed voice, "Why are they staring at me?"

Ripper, with a mischievous smirk, replied, "Let's just say you have an exotic appeal, mate." Genji's confusion deepened as he pressed for an explanation, "Exotic appeal? What do you mean?" Ripper, choosing to forgo subtlety, raised his hand to beckon a passing bar staff member. With a knowing grin, he bluntly stated, "They want to have their way with you." As he awaited the bartender's arrival, Ripper seemed nonchalant, as if such attention were a common occurrence.

Genji's eyes widened in disbelief at Ripper's frank response. He couldn't fathom why anyone would harbor such intentions. He quickly glanced around, now observing the other patrons with newfound wariness. The vibrant atmosphere of the bar became tinged with a hint of unease.

In a strange twist, Genji found a sliver of unexpected solace in the realization. As someone who had struggled with self-esteem and didn't consider himself conventionally good-looking, the fact that he garnered attention, even if for unconventional reasons, brought a hint of validation. It was a bittersweet realization, but in that moment, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of happiness amidst the confusion.

Amidst the bustling activity, Genji also couldn't help but notice the peculiar contrast between the patrons' cheerful demeanor and the harsh realities of the slums. Despite their dilapidated surroundings, they appeared to be in relatively good spirits. Their laughter and animated conversations filled the air, creating a momentary respite from the gloom that awaited outside. It was as if, within the confines of The Den, they could momentarily forget the struggles of their daily lives and find solace in this small haven.

However, Genji's initial discomfort still lingered, amplified by Ripper's candid remark. The thought of someone approaching him with ill intentions sent shivers down his spine. *I just hope no one jumps me,* he thought, his apprehension blending with a sense of vulnerability. He hoped that the friendly facade of the bar wouldn't mask darker intentions, and that he could navigate this unfamiliar territory without any unwanted encounters.

A waitress approached their table, carrying a tankard filled with a frothy liquid that Genji assumed to be alcohol. His wariness toward substances lingered, as he was tempted by them sometimes, causing him to keep his distance. Ripper, on the other hand, rummaged through his jacket and retrieved some metallic coins adorned with a symbol of a gear. "Here's a bit of a tip, love," Ripper said with a grin, extending the coins toward the waitress. However, her expression remained unimpressed as she accepted the coins and walked away, leaving Ripper looking somewhat dejected.

Genji, intrigued by the coins that Ripper had given to the waitress, couldn't help but be curious. He asked, "What did you give her?" Ripper, taking a swig of his drink, looked at Genji with a hint of surprise. "Huh, you don't know what Iron Crowns are?" he replied. "Didn't you warn me about Jessika and her crew coming to collect them?"

Genji's heart skipped a beat as he realized his mistake. He didn't want to reveal the fact that he came from another world just yet. Thinking quickly, he responded, "I'm just not completely used to the currency of this country yet." Ripper raised an eyebrow at his explanation and took another sip of his drink. "Ironhelm is a city, mate, not a country," he clarified. "We may be independent, but still, it's just a city."

Ripper, amused by Genji's reaction, let out a hearty laugh. "Don't worry, mate, I don't care about your origins," he reassured him. Finishing off his drink, he leaned in closer and spoke in a hushed tone. "So, you somehow managed to get into the city without going through inspection, huh?" Genji nodded, grateful for his stroke of luck. "Yes, that's right. I arrived here without going through the usual process, so I only have a limited knowledge of the local currency."

Gin suddenly grabbed them both by their shoulders and asked in her cheery tone, "What were you two talking about?" Genji, feeling his heart racing due to Ripper's earlier comment, struggled to compose himself. Ripper quickly interjected, "Nothing important, Gin. But did you manage to find some people to help us?"

Gin took a seat with them. She replied, "Yep, they'll be ready by tomorrow." Genji, intrigued, asked, "Why tomorrow?" Meanwhile, Ripper stood up and made his way to the stairs. Gin explained, "If what you said about killing Jessika and the others is true, Copperhand will be on high alert. It's safer to wait until things settle down a bit." Just as she finished speaking, Ripper yelled from upstairs, "Come on up here, mate! We could both use a rest!"

Genji didn't grasp the logic behind waiting for just a day. *How could that make a difference?* he pondered before posing the question to Gin, "Then is waiting just a day enough?" Gin's smile widened as she responded, "Copperhand rules the slums through fear, projecting his strength. But if he keeps his men too close to him for an extended period, it would make him appear weak. And as you know, the weak don't last long in this place." Genji couldn't help but sympathize with Copperhand's plight, thinking to himself, *If the 'ruler' of the slums faces such difficulties, it's no wonder the rest of the people struggle so much.*

Genji made his way up the stairs and found himself in a hallway with several doors leading to different rooms. *This place must serve as an inn too,* he thought to himself. Ripper stood near one of the doors and gestured towards it. "This is your room, mate," he said. Genji, still concerned about his safety, asked, "And where will you be staying?" Ripper flashed a reassuring smile and replied, "Don't worry, mate. I'll be in the room right next to yours. We'll be close by if anything happens."

Unbeknownst to either of them, Gin, intrigued by Genji's secret origin, allowed her mind to wander into dark possibilities. *You are one interesting boy, Genji. I wonder what Copperhand will do when he finds out,* she thought, her predatory smile widening as she relished the potential chaos that Genji's presence could bring.