Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Mischievous

The more I watched the Gilder races the more I found myself thinking about my days playing football. The nostalgia was almost painful; I leaned over to Umara.

“I used to do something similar to this.”

“Hm? You mean Glider racing?”

“Well, not really. I used to play a sport called football. Each team had 11 players and our goal was to get a ball from one end of the field to another. The opposing team had to stop us before getting their own turn and forcing us to stop them.”

“I see. But, wouldn’t the team with the highest Authority player win by default?”

“Well, that was the thing. Everyone who played was completely ordinary, so it all came down to skill, team coordination, and the strength of each person’s body.”

I smiled, thinking back to those times when I would get laid out by someone 60 pounds heavier than me.

“The people who played were all a bunch of genetic freaks with strength I could never imagine having. I had to fight tooth and nail to be on the team, but after my first year I had enough strength and speed to keep my place. Then we won two national championships.”

“National… championships?”

“Mm. Over 100 teams across the nation fighting for a single champion title. My team won that twice while I played. Those victories were hard fought, and our audiences looked just like this. Tens of thousands of people, support split between two teams, all wondering which team would come out on top. Every play, every run, every throw and they would go crazy, like their lives hinged on their team winning.”

“And you were one of the players. You must’ve been amazing.”

“Well, not that amazing. There was still a whole other level above me that I couldn’t hope to reach. I was nothing like those guys, just a bit more athletic than the average Joe and willing to work hard enough to get me where I needed to go.”

I slumped back into my seat. There was a time when I had hopes of making it to the National Football League, despite the internal recognition that my body probably wasn’t up to the task. But I didn't even get to find out. I was taken away right after my last year at college ended.

That fateful day, when school was finally over. I had my degree, and I was ready to move on to bigger and better things. I managed to get a tryout on one of those national teams, having made enough of a name for myself to get the chance. It was the opportunity of a lifetime.

But, on my way there, I was killed instead and sent to this world. I couldn’t help but feel like I was a bit robbed.

That was the past though. It was quite the disconnect comparing my past world with this current one, where I had to struggle just to survive each day in an unfamiliar hostile environment. It hadn’t even been a year since my transfer and fighting had thoroughly dominated my life.

My mind was strong enough to vividly remember my past memories, but it felt like I was looking into the mind of another person. My time here had changed me so much I could hardly imagine going back to or being the person I once was.

Umara’s hand slipped into mine as I ran through my thoughts, her fingers subtly intertwining between my own.

“Don’t go putting yourself down. I can’t imagine that anything you fought that hard for was a minor accomplishment. Tell me, how did it feel being on that field and fighting for that championship?”

“Honestly, it was the most stressful thing I’ve ever done in my life. I didn’t think it was actually possible and yet my team and I were able to push that far. It almost felt like it shouldn’t have happened, but we did it anyway.”

My Spark not only helped me better remember the actual happenings of my memories but the associated feelings as well. However, I had an instinctual feeling that the chill running through my body would’ve been just as vivid even as a mundane person. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said it was the most stressful thing I’ve ever experienced.

My participation was the culmination of years of work and dedication. Every play felt like a battle to the death by itself, and there was only a miniscule margin of error.

The stakes had never been higher, and there was actually a chance that we could take the title. And I was proud to say, we not just accepted, but seized, that chance, and it paid off.

Nothing, not even the things I’d done here in this new world, had yet come close to matching that level of stress. Not even actual battles for my life.

Maybe it was because I was fighting for others, not just myself. Or maybe it was my own biased perception.

Even Umara seemed surprised. After all, we recently had that battle against the Cyclops Scout. We were running for our lives; how could a mere game be more stressful than that?

But even if she didn’t understand, she accepted. It was obvious that, back then, those games had held incredible importance to me. That was all that mattered to her.

She squeezed my hand a bit.

“You took the victory against all odds. Among all the ordinary people, you were definitely near the top.”

“Well, looking at the entire populace of hundreds of millions, I would indeed be above almost everyone. Those above me at that time might only be in the thousands.”

“Yes, so stop insulting my boyfriend. I won’t stand for anyone degrading his abilities or accomplishments, not even himself.”

“Hm. Well, your boyfriend thanks you.”

I turned as she leaned against me a bit, planting a kiss on the side of her head.

We turned our attention back to the races, placing an order for some drinks with a pair of butlers.

It wasn’t even noon and people were already drinking. I decided I wouldn’t be left out. Because of my lighter breakfast, it didn’t take long for me to feel the alcohol in my head.

“Here comes the happy juice.”

I smiled while grabbing my next drink off the butler’s tray, my words causing Umara to break out in a chuckle as she did the same.

I took a sip of some kind of margarita. It tasted great, making it quite the dangerous drink.

Then, to my side, Umara lifted her arm and exposed her Aerial, reading a new message.

Her Aura then reached out to mine as she smiled. I completed the telepathic link and let her speak.

(My sister wants me to explore the Bowl with her. Do you mind if I leave?)

(Come on, you don’t have to ask me. Go have fun. I’ll probably explore some too in a bit.)

(Alright. Keep the link active though. Just in case I want to hear your voice.)

She stood with those words, squeezing my hand one more time before strolling over to Feay.

She stood happily, the two sisters walking out of the suite and into the stadium.

I waited a bit, continuing to watch as I finished the rest of my drink.

Once empty, the butler came back and retrieved the empty glass. I lingered for a bit more before preparing to leave, but then, someone came and sat down next to me.

I looked over curiously, seeing a girl around my age looking at me with quite a bit of interest.

She was only a couple inches shorter than I was, and yet being a knight, she was infinitely stronger. I saw a pair of blades on her back and snow white hair, indicative of her status as a child of the Raven Family.

I tilted my head.

“Hello?”

“Hi. You were able to sense the Chief’s Aura?”

“I suppose. Who are you?”

“I’m his granddaughter. Shadowbane. Pleasure to meet you.”

I felt a bit odd as she stretched out her hand, but I just rolled with it. It wasn’t just her sudden approach; the Raven Family also had some rather odd naming conventions.

“John Cooper. Likewise.”

“How old are you, John?”

“22, almost 23.”

“Oh, amazing. For you to have such a keen Aura means you’re incredibly talented. Are you a warlock?”

“Summoner.”

“Oh.”

She practically cringed in surprise, her blue eyes widening.

“I didn’t expect that.”

“Disappointing?”

I grinned a bit knowingly. Summoners were weak, especially for knights. Considering how highly she thought of my Aura and the fact that I was with the Talerria Family, she no doubt had much higher expectations.

But surprisingly, she shook her head.

“Not disappointed. Accomplishments with Aura are irrelevant to the type of Magus. Still, it’s rare to see summoners in this city at all, let alone with a noble guest. I do feel a bit of pity though. With your talent, you could’ve gone much farther as a knight or warlock.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. I quite like the cards I’ve been dealt. My lethality is rather high.”

“Really? Are your summons special?”

“I would say so, although it may just be my own narcissism.”

“Can I see?”

“I guess.”

I shrugged. This girl was really curious.

With a wave, I summoned my pistol, showing it off in my hands.

“It’s called a gun, and it shoots projectiles like a bow. Except far, far faster than mere arrows.”

“How much faster is far faster?”

“Well, I suppose that depends on the bow as well as the weapon I choose. But on average I would say around 10 times faster.”

“That’s… very fast.”

“That’s just based on the bows I know though. I don’t have precise numbers, less to say of Magus-enhanced weaponry, so I can’t say for sure. But I have no doubt that any one of my guns could fire a projectile faster than any bow.”

“I see.”

Her eyes flashed as she rubbed her chin.

“If that’s the case, then I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What’s that?”

“When we all go back to the estate later today after the theater, I would like to have a small spar with you. You see, I’m a knight specializing in speed. I’ve been training my reactions gradually and can dodge most arrows. I’d like to test it against your weapons.”

“Hm, maybe. What’s your Authority?”

“In my 24 years of life I’ve achieved Authority 7.”

“Oh. Sure then.”

I easily agreed with that knowledge. I wasn’t even sure a fully empowered shot could pierce her muscles, let alone an unempowered one. I had nothing to worry about.

She smiled.

“Thanks. Also, I’d like to pick your mind about Aura, the original reason I came here.”

“I mean, I don’t mind, but stuff about Aura is hard to teach. The best I could give you is a vague idea of what I’ve found.”

“I’ll take it. Anyone who can sense the Chief’s Aura at such a young age has valuable experience. And I’ll be sure to prepare a reward, regardless of the depth of knowledge you decide to impart.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t mind helping. Let’s do it during our spar. Just come find me when you’re ready.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

I smiled as she stood, the two of us shaking hands again before she walked off.

Not long after, I decided to get up myself to go explore the stadium. I was getting more than a little cooped up with the luxury of the executive suite and wanted to see every inch I could. This was basically the closest I would get to seeing something like the Roman Colosseum in its prime.

Not to mention the fact that I was moving into my happy phase of drinking. I wanted to find some like minded individuals and perhaps make these races a bit more fun.

In fact, there was one person who would have exactly the information I was looking for.

It was all about knowing who to ask. So I stepped up to the bar before leaving, smiling at the bartender.

“What can I get you, sir?”

“Some information on where I can make a bit of coin.”

“Oh?”

He looked up at me, not completely surprised. After all, there were undoubtedly plenty of nobles and noble children who liked the thrill of gambling.

What better place to do it than at these races?

He smiled.

“Go find the bar to the west of the finish line, marked Tankard 2. Ask for a race tab. You’ll be able to place your bets with it.”

“Thank you for the information.”

I flicked a coin at him, which he caught with a bow.

After that I left the suite, making my way down the stadium stairs and into its internal hallways.

The ceilings were high and the walls were decorated with more art, including some famous warriors and Glider champions of years past. This was definitely a popular sport.

There were dozens of food stands as well, filling the halls with mouth watering aromas. I wandered for a while in the general direction of the bar, taking out a cigar and taking a puff.

These cigars helped my body process the alcohol, so not only would it keep me from getting a hangover, but it would keep me from getting drunk and allow me to drink more. If I balanced it right, I could ride a buzz for a long time.

I finally found Tankard 2 after inquiring from some stall owners. It was a half enclosed area that resembled a restaurant. In front, there was a large screen above the bar itself showing the races in full detail, as well as some nearby windows that looked out to the ground of the track.

I walked up to one of the small two-person tables, seating myself on a tall stool and waiting while watching the screen.

Not long after, a waitress came over with a menu.

“What’ll it be for drinks, sir?”

“Eh, get me a margarita mix for now. Also, I’d like a race tab.”

“Of course sir. Forewarning, our entry level bets are working at 5% commission today.”

“No problem.”

“Then I’ll be right back.”

I gave her a smile as she turned. I wasn’t planning on spending much at all, so I really didn’t care.

Don’t bet what you can’t lose. I was really only doing this to get away from all the bigwigs and find a little excitement. Better than sitting around for hours letting my buzz go to waste.

Soon enough, the lady came back with a drink and a card. On the card was a list of races, competitors, and their bet ratios. I could easily pay for my bets with my own bank card, making it really easy to spend money without a thought.

“Ahh!”

“Dammit!”

“What an idiot!”

Several people around me yelled in anger as the next race finished.

I chuckled and looked through some of the lists. I didn’t know about any of these people, only their numbers and the ratios.

So I placed a few bets amounting to no more than a few thousand coin. After that I simply sat back and watched the show, occasionally munching on a piece of bread the lady had brought for snacking.

Even better, since I was betting, they gave me my drinks for free. It was a common tactic to keep people happy and spending money, not that it would stop me from indulging.

Like that, an hour flew by as my buzz grew, making me laugh as more people gathered for the betting and yelled at their losses.

At some point though, I heard a voice in my head.

(Where are you?)

“Hm?”

I jolted a bit, forgetting that I was maintaining telepathy with Umara.

I responded after composing myself.

(I’m at Tankard 2, one of the public bars west of the finish line.)

(Oh. Well I’m coming over there with Feay. Stay there.)

(I’m not going anywhere.)

I let out another chuckle and waited.

Soon, Umara entered with her sister, the two of them taking up spots around my small table.

“Hey.”

“Hi. Was it too boring in the suite?”

“Mhm. Instead I find company in a rambunctious bar, and bread. The bread is actually really good. Try it.”

“Mmph.”

I lifted a large slice of bread and pushed it into her mouth, making her open and eat the entire thing.

After many second of chewing, she snatched my drink, washed it down, and shook her head with squinted eyes.

“Blegh. You’ve moved on to the heavy stuff.”

“Hehe, I forgot you don’t like this drink.”

“Let me take a puff.”

She grabbed the cigar out of my mouth next, taking a long breath with her eyes closed.

I saw her sister look at her strangely, as if questioning whether she was still her sister.

I smiled at the face she made, Umara shoving the cigar back into my mouth when she was done.

“Thanks. Alright, I need to go see a friend. Feay, how about you stay with John?”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

We both looked at Umara in surprise before looking back toward each other.

Well this was awkward. Even Umara could sense that. But she doubled down while disregarding her slight embarrassment.

“Come on, you two can hangout for a bit. Neither of you would have fun in the suite anyway, so get along for a bit. I’ll be back in an hour or so when the races start finishing up.”

“Uh, alright.”

“Good. Just listen to John, Feay. At least don’t go wandering on your own. Have him escort you around if you want.”

“Mm.”

Feay just nodded, Umara walking off with a wave.

After that, Feay took a seat beside me at the table.

Well, it was a good thing I was already right in the middle of my happy phase.

Since I was sitting my head wasn’t spinning, but I could still feel the corners of my mouth lift almost uncontrollably.

I stared at Feay for a bit as she just stared down at the table in silence. 

“Pfft.”

I barely held back some laughter, sticking out my hand and clearing my throat while trying to look as professional as possible.

“Ahem. I don’t believe we’ve personally met. John Cooper. Nice to meet you.”

“...Feay Talerria.”

She shook my hand with an odd look.

Feay was just a 14-year-old girl, so she had yet to go to the Magisterium or experience any of the battles she would face as a future Knight.

She carried the same look as Umara and her mother. Ashy gray hair, generally pale features, and a sharp look. It seemed the Talerria genes were dominant.

I suppose the only difference might show itself in her disposition. If she inherited her father’s talent, maybe she also took after his personality. Or maybe she would just be the knight version of her mother.

Well, I’d have to break her out of her shell first. Unfortunately, alcohol wasn’t allowed to be my hammer, so I’d have to do this the old fashioned way and actually appeal to her as a fun person.

At least I could still rely on ethanol to get me there.

After shaking her hand, I suddenly leaned over to her and pointed up at the screen, showing the racers for an upcoming event.

“Hey, which one do you think will win?”

“The people in the back?”

“Yea. Pick the one you have the best feeling about.”

I brought out the tab as she tilted her head and pondered.

“Maybe… Number 24?”

“24, huh? Pick a number between 1 and 10.”

“...7.”

“7…”

I mumbled while tapping the card, slotting in a 700 coin bet for racer 24.

She watched as I barely placed the bet before it closed, the race starting.

“Alright, young padawan. The ratio is 1:3. So we’re either going to lose 700 coin, or you’re going to win a bit over 2 thousand.”

“W-Wait, you’re betting on this?”

“Hell yea. This one is all on you!”

“What?!”

“Oh, here they go!”

We both watched as racer 24 stepped up to the line with 4 others, preparing for a two lap race.

Feay’s face tensed with anxiety as she stared intently at the screen.

*Bang!*

The sound rang, all the racers shooting off the line.

They quickly reached and soared around the first turn, our racer keeping pace as they drifted into the next straightaway.

Some seconds later they hit the next turn, itching the line and finishing the first lap.

But then, as they sped down the straight, our racer started falling behind!

“Come on!”

I cheered as they reached the turn, watching as the gap was widened a bit further.

But then, on the last straight, his second wind kicked in and he sped right back up to the front!

“He’s doing it!”

I started punching the air in excitement, tensely watching as they hit the final turn.

It was close! Our rider kept right in front, the pointed noses of all the gliders mere inches apart as they sailed in perfect formation just a foot above the ground.

And then, against all odds, our rider kept his wind and pulled ahead just a foot. But it was enough.

He flew across the finish line, the audience in the stands cheering as I jumped.

“He did it! Haha! You won!”

I shook Feay’s shoulder out of excitement, seeing her staring dazedly at the screen.

And then her face glowed in victory, her fist clenching as she turned to me.

There was a glint in her eye when she shot me a toothy grin.

“I picked the right one!”

“That’s right! Now do it again!”

“Okay!”

She nodded as we threw our seats together, going through the other lists of racers and picking a few out.

She even started debating about what numbers would be lucky or not, most of her arguments coming from personal experiences and biases.

I didn’t care either way. All I did was hedge some bets on racers besides hers, seeing which of us was luckier than the other. Even if neither of ours finished first, one still had to beat the other. We treated it like a competition.

And so the races continued, the two of us wholly invested like everyone around us.

I cackled as Feay started to cheer and curse the racers. She didn’t win any more after the first one, but we bounced back and forth between winning and losing against each other.

It was hilarious every time she got bent out of shape. It was also pretty easy to mess with and tease her like Umara, though instead of only getting embarrassed, she liked to fight back.

Not only that, but as we both got more comfortable with each other, she started to get bold.

As we watched another race, my Aura suddenly felt something mischievous brewing.

I leaned back, expanding my peripheral vision and seeing Feay shooting looks over at me.

And then, just as the race was about to finish, she lunged.

My mind was a bit clouded so my reactions weren’t great. I couldn’t stop her as she grabbed my glass of alcohol.

“Huh? Hey!”

“Mine!”

“You little punk!”

I hastily climbed out of my seat when she jumped out of hers, stepping off to the side and downing the entire glass.

“Cough! Agh! It actually tastes good, but my stomach…”

“Fuckin hell.”

I watched her incredulously for a few seconds. That was a half full glass of liquor! The high proof made it tasty but deadly.

Shaking my head a bit, I snatched my glass back before reaching out.

My knuckle went straight for her head, digging and twisting it into her hair, ruffling it up a bit.

“Ahh!”

“What a brat! Do you drink like this with your friends or something? What’s got you so bold?”

“I just wanted to try! My friends have tried it but I haven’t!”

“Bunch of delinquents. Alright, sit down and start chowing.”

“Hm?”

“Eat the bread!”

I pushed her back onto her chair and shoved a slice of bread into her face.

“That drink is gonna have your head spinning in a bit, but bread can make sure it won’t hit you like a truck. Eat a few slices, quick.”

I pushed the tray of bread in front of her before suddenly taking out my Aerial, tapping it a few times and catching her attention.

She lowered her head in worry.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m getting my camera ready. This is gonna be hilarious in about 10 minutes. Because if your sister is any indicator, not to mention your age, you’ll be drooling like a drunkard. No way I’m missing that.”

I laughed evilly as she sulked and turned back to watch the races.

After that, I just watched and waited, neither of us making any more bets.

And soon enough, she started leaning.

“Uh oh, here it comes.”

“Shut up.”

I cackled as she tried to straighten herself out on the seat, only to stumble a bit and lose balance.

And after the 10 minute mark hit, she was bobbing her head around, probably feeling like her brain was swimming.

I couldn’t stop laughing, and she didn’t even have the mind to care. That girl ascended to an entire other plane of existence and I got it all on camera.

Even the drool. That shit had me rolling around in my seat.

But as hard as it came on, it faded just as fast. After about 15 minutes of drifting through the astral realm, she finally came back down to what seemed like a functional buzz.

“John! Place another bet! I think I’ve figured out who’s gonna win.”

“Oh god. Hey, come back to me. Drink some water.”

I tapped her cheeks a few times before pushing a drink of water into her hands. She drank it deftly enough, at least until she started laughing her ass off.

I kept trying to grab her attention but it was all for naught. It took a few more minutes for her to finally collect herself enough to care about anything.

Just as she had finally started to calm herself down a little, I suddenly felt a gaze land on me. It felt familiar.

I looked over and saw Umara walking toward us in the distance.