Eternal Thief

There was a famous tavern in the outer circle of Myriad Hollow, a place of shadows and smoke, where the scent of strong, abyss-tainted alcohol clung to the air like a second skin.

Voices of abyssal beings rose and fell in chaotic harmony. Some laughed, some argued, and others whispered in corners about secrets and hidden trades.

Behind the bar, rows of bottles glowed faintly with abyssal runes, each one filled with a different liquor that could melt bones, stir madness, or grant fleeting bursts of courage. Here, drunken brawls could erupt with the same ease as drinking water.

At the far corner of the tavern, a tall figure sat alone, wrapped in a heavy black cloak. His hood was drawn low, hiding most of his masked face, and his presence was almost nonexistent, seeming to vanish in the rowdier patrons' chattering.

At this moment, a beautiful devil waitress, with pale skin traced by faint crimson runes and small spiraled horns, approached cautiously. In her hands, she carried a bottle of abyssal glass and a single cup of black-crystal. She set them down on his table with a graceful bow.

Her lips curved into a polite smile as she introduced the drink, "This, honored guest, is Nightmare's Fang. As the mister requested, this is the strongest and most expensive alcohol of our tavern and is famous throughout the outer circle. Distilled from abyss lotus nectar and venomous ghost-fire, its taste is said to devour the spirit before exalting it. Even the most hardened Abyssal Grandmasters rarely finish more than a cup. So, please be cautious, or our tavern won't be accountable for anything!"

Despite the waitress's kind warning, the cloaked figure didn't lift his hood, nor speak. He simply gave a slow nod, reached into his sleeve, and placed ten gleaming tier-5 abyssal gems on the table—more than enough for the bottle—and an extra for the waitress.

Her curiosity flickered in her crimson eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. In this city, and especially in this tavern, every cloaked stranger might be a predator, a prince, or both. She dared not pry.

"Enjoy your drink, mister," She said softly, gathering the gems. "If you need anything else, please call for me."

With that, she bowed again and retreated into the smoky crowd, leaving the cloaked figure alone.

The figure rested one hand on the bottle, slowly removing the obsidian stopper. Immediately, a wave of intoxicating fragrance flooded the corner, heavy and sharp, carrying with it a strange undercurrent that clawed at the senses.

The cloaked man inhaled, and his eyes flashed faintly behind his mask, anticipation sparking like lightning in a storm.

'This is really strong, and unique…' He thought before he poured a measure of the black liquor into the crystal cup.

Then, with a faint, silent ripple of Qi, the mask across his face vanished, revealing sharp lips and a pale white jawline as he raised the drink to his mouth.

The first sip burned like molten iron, but unfolded into a flavor rich with unique, toxic sweetness and then coldness. His throat tightened, then eased. His expression relaxed ever so slightly, as though savoring a long-remembered indulgence.

At this moment, the tavern's noise dimmed momentarily as the door creaked open, and a group of five cloaked figures entered—four tall, broad-shouldered figures, and a smaller one, twisted and hunched like a shadow given form.

Their steps were unhurried but purposeful, each carrying an aura of aggression thinly veiled as if warning others.

They crossed the room and settled themselves at the table directly opposite the drinking figure, the wood creaking under their combined weight. None of them removed their hoods.

"What a strong and intoxicating scent…" One of the tall figures muttered as he looked towards the cloaked figure's table.

A moment of silence stretched—before one of the tall figures raised a hand and snapped coldly at the waitress as he pointed towards the cloaked figure, "Whatever he's having. Bring it."

The command carried an edge of provocation, and several patrons nearby shifted uneasily. The waitress stiffened but nodded, quickly scurrying to fetch another bottle of Nightmare's Fang.

The cloaked drinker, however, merely poured himself another cup, his movements unhurried, as though oblivious or simply unconcerned with the dangerous company now seated across from him.

These five were none other than the Scamp Gang as they had come out for 'business!'

At this moment, Scamp tapped his long black nails against the wooden table with a grin that seemed stitched across his face.

"Just as I told you," He whispered, his words oily yet persuasive, "A tavern is perfect. Here, drink clouds their senses, guards loosen their vigilance, and the wealthy flaunt their gems like pigs ready for slaughter. All we need to do… is pluck them clean."

The four demon brothers chuckled lowly, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The eldest brother, burly with dark red eyes, nodded firmly. "We'll be your wall, Brother Scamp. If anything goes wrong, we'll make noise enough to cover your escape."

Scamp's grin widened further, jagged teeth flashing. "Then tonight, this tavern shall unknowingly sponsor our wealth."

Just then, the devil waitress entered, carrying a bottle of Nightmare's Fang, and approached with five cups.

She placed them on the table and said carefully, her voice calm yet distant, "This is Nightmare's Fang, our specialty that you requested. That will be… nine Tier-5 Abyss Gems, sir."

The frivolous fourth brother nearly leapt from his chair when he heard the last part, his voice echoing loudly. "Nine tier-5 Abyss Gems?! Are you ripping us off, wench?! That's robbery!"

The waitress stiffened. Fear flickered in her eyes, but she didn't shrink back. The tavern carried weight in this outer circle—enough that even Abyssal Guardians tread carefully.

She met his glare and replied evenly, "Sir, this is the most expensive drink you ordered yourself. If the minister prefers, I can bring something more… affordable."

Her tone was patient, but her choice of words left the fourth brother bristling. His fists tightened as his pride flared. "Affordable? Are you mocking us? Do you take us for beggars..."

Before he could finish, the eldest brother's hand shot out, smacking the back of his head hard enough to echo, "Shut your mouth!" He hissed coldly. "Don't lose my face in public!"

The fourth brother shrank under his elder's glare, grumbling but silent.

The eldest brother quickly turned back to the waitress, fishing out the nine abyssal gems with a calm, practiced motion.

He placed them in her hand. "No trouble. Take it."

The waitress accepted them with a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes before bowing stiffly and leaving them alone.

The eldest brother's gaze darkened as he leaned toward his sibling, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you a fool? We're supposed to blend in, not make noise. The last thing we need is unnecessary eyes on us."

Then, with a sideways glance toward Scamp, he softened and inclined his head. "Brother Scamp, don't mind him. His brain was dropped on the rocks when he was young."

Scamp chuckled, waving it off. But the eldest's lips curled into a sly smile. "Still… I have to admit, this place is full of fish. Fat, slow, and unsuspecting. With your hands, Brother Scamp, we can catch as many as we want… and none of them will even know what happened."

Excitement flickered in the eyes of the other brothers as they leaned in, hungry for action. All four demons watched with eager anticipation, waiting to see Scamp's handiwork.

But none of them noticed the figure seated at a table away. He sat alone, hooded, seemingly focused on the drink before him. His hand absently traced the rim of his cup, as if savoring the alcohol.

He didn't move, didn't react, and to anyone else, he appeared like another weary traveler seeking to drown himself in strong liquor.

Yet his stillness was deceptive. His posture was just a shade too relaxed, his attention just a degree too controlled, and unbeknownst to the Scamp Gang, every single word they had spoken had already reached his ears!

A hint of intrigue followed a bizarre light flashed past his eyes, 'Are they planning to rob everyone here?'