[Peekaboo level has risen to level 3]

  [Danger Rating increased by 2]

  [Now 36]

  Slow and steady.

  “But back to breaking even.” Since the small amount of coins I had were either for survival or Lomber. And it wasn’t long till the 2nd letter would come in, warning me of legal action—or repossession. If only they knew what would await them.

  The back of my neck started to tingle, as my face was flushed with cold. The type of shiver that goes down to your heels.

  I shook my head and body, trying to rid myself of the feeling.

  The signature rattle of the door handle shook me out of my slump and into an immediate pose of attention. With Peek rotating slowly after me, his swivel-stick unconcerned.

  When the door opened, I was rewarded by the scene of two individuals entering. A human and an orc.

  Looking at their gear, I saw a distinct resembnce.

  “Good evening gentlemen, what brings you to my humble home?” Starting to really nail these intros.

  The pair looked at me, their metal-tipped boots scraping along my freshly cleaned floor. Just as they started moving; one to the left… one to the right.

  “We heard talks of a Safezone being used in form of a Tavern. Charging poor adventurers their hard-earned coins, just for them to be allowed to stay.”

  The tall skinny man looked at Peek, but dismissed him almost as quickly before continuing. “A lot of adventurers are up in arms over this and my partner and I.” Pointing to the orc, who had moved to the back of my couch and picking at the ruined leather.

  “… agree with them.”

  “That’s right.” The orc chimed in.

  Cool. Another shakedown.

  I started to forget about the early days. When a few would come in, be weird or friendly. Pay and then leave. Not have one thug after another come and try to flip my tables.

  I remained silent.

  “Oh… Nothing to say? Pity. Well, we’re here to give you the town’s feedback on the matter.“ Giving the orc a look before reaching for something in his back pocket.

  I looked at Peek, licking my lips like I was about to draw my non-existent pistol. You Fuckers chose the wrong day!

  Instead of a bde, a sword or some form of torture device… there was a scroll.

  The skinny man cleared his throat, unwinding the scroll to the sound of scratchy paper.

  “We, the working css of Dirkhim, are sending this letter to inform you of our outrage. Your operation within the dungeon has caused us great distress and financial frustration.”

  The man coughed again, making me check my back. To find the Orc had crossed his arms and was nodding along like a teacher during a presentation.

  “Is this some sort of joke?” I scoffed.

  “Tell’em.” The orc added.

  My head was going back and forth, unsure what to make of this event just yet.

  The skinny man renewed his scroll-reading, forehead looking slightly… shiny.

  “T-The merchants and inn-keepers would like a meeting.”

  Oh?

  “And where should this ‘meeting’ take pce?”

  I wasn’t as keen to leave my house, but calling it a Safezone was no longer accurate. And besides, how bad could the dungeon possibly be?

  “An escort to your premises has already been organised. They simply await your answer.” The skinny man replied, then handed me the scroll. “Your answer?”

  “Hmmm, what’s in it for me?” I started to monologue while walking towards the portal. “As far as I’m concerned, this seems a one-sided problem.“

  The merchants and business owners from that town didn’t like an extra competitor, that much was clear. But why should I indulge more trouble makers into my house?

  “I might not be familiar with your town, but I’d wager you didn’t come here empty handed?”

  *Ding*

  [Skill Requirement met]

  [The Skill “Handshake Bonus” has been unlocked]

  [Handshake Bonus: Secure extra items or funds through polite negotiations]

  Oh yes.

  The unspoken nguage of the public servant.

  I purchased that skill so fast, I didn’t even catch the price.

  Eh.

  The orc coughed and retrieved a small box, from god knows where and held it in front of him.

  “Your reputation as a man of greed has been noted, so we’ve come with a specific kind of—enticement.”

  I gnced over to the box, a screen showcasing its monetary value. Oh sweet mama… yes, 500 shiny enticements by the looks.

  I could feel the saliva building up in my mouth, trying my best not to start drooling.

  When I got closer, I could see why the value had been so high—gem stones.

  The two were observing me, but refused to give any more information on the meeting. Like what the meeting was about, how many were coming, how long they pnned on staying.

  500 gold might be a lot now, but not if it had strings attached.

  To a piano…

  Dangling above my head.

  “Fine, but there is a condition of my own.” Returning to the orc and taking the box out of his hands. Or attempting to anyway. The man had a vice grip, paired with eye contact that seemed to be an orc specific trait.

  “If you bring guards in here, I will take stronger measures. Also, this box is mine for taking this meeting.”

  The orc released the box and nodded softly. “It’s a deal then.”

  In the same moment I had shook both the orc’s and the skinny man’s boney hand, the door rattled once more.

  Within an instant, the door flung open and two familiar looking individuals were unceremoniously tossed into my greeting desk. The metal clunking hard as their skulls connected, followed by boots.

  “Lomber!” I yelled, feeling a huge relief, followed by confusion. My eyes flicking between him and the door, which he closed shortly after.

  “Lomber… where’s Phima?”

  The ever so friendly lizard walked over and plopped himself down on the now two disabled adventurers. Scratching his throat and seeming completely unbothered.

  “Apologies Sir Greg. These fels have been some work to track down. Once I did find them, your companion was nowhere to be seen.” Giving the two a drum-style spanking on their assess.

  “I tried to find the scent again, but these buggers have been somewhat competent in abduction.”

  “W-What does that mean?” I stammered. Rage and guilt building up like a loading screen.

  “You promised me to…” but I was cut off.

  “I can only do so much Sir Greg, but as you can see—I’m not empty handed.” He retrieved a knife from his belt. “We could get the information from them, though I’d prefer to do it the passionate way.” Giving one of them a sharp cut to the cheek.

  I leaned down, kicking one of them to face me.

  “I’m going to give you guys one chance. Or I’ll have my friend eat you.”

  Lomber looked at me in confusion.

  “Thank you? But I’m not that kind of man.

  The snake kind?

  Yes you are!

  I’ve seen it, you liar.

  “I'm not talking to you Lomber…”