NOVEL NEXT Chapter 429: Chaos in Chaos City
Shaking his head slightly, Orion placed the payment onto the table while generously adding a few more High-Grade Mana Crystals as a tip.
He calmly stood up from his seat and nodded towards the waiter, "Thanks anyways. I'll just take my time exploring the city on my own."
Leaving the tavern behind, Orion leisurely stepped onto the bustling streets of Chaos City, inhaling deeply as he enjoyed the vibrancy surrounding him.
People from countless races walked side by side, conversing and interacting naturally as though their differences were nothing at all.
The variety of cultures blending together so seamlessly made Orion genuinely appreciate this city even more.
'This really is a nice city," Orion thought warmly, allowing a subtle smile to form on his lips. 'Especially how peacef—'
Before he could even finish the thought, a figure suddenly hurtled through the air, crashing violently onto the street right in front of him.
Orion paused, looking down at the lying figure, a Rabbitkin with sleek white fur, dressed in leather armor, clutching a storage protectively to his chest. A look of embarrassment and panic filled their eyes.
Immediately afterward, an angry shout thundered from behind, echoing through the street, "Stop right there, thief!"
Glancing over his shoulder, Orion saw several angry Dwarves racing forward, their faces flushed red with anger, weapons raised threateningly.
Orion's lips twitched slightly, an amused look replacing his previously peaceful expression. Without hesitation, he calmly stepped to the side, ignoring the commotion entirely.
Inside Orion's mind, Lumi's playful voice echoed teasingly,
[Yes, Master, how peaceful this city is. No wonder it's named Peaceful City and not Chaos City.]
Orion couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at Lumi's sarcastic remark, slightly embarrassed by his own oversight.
He had momentarily forgotten the city's rather telling name, and indeed, Chaos City truly lived up to its reputation.
Looking around again, he could now clearly notice small scuffles, haggling merchants shouting over each other, and various adventurers and mercenaries loudly recounting exaggerated exploits.
Feeling more spirited now, Orion responded to Lumi, amusement evident in his tone, 'I suppose I was overly optimistic. Well, since I'm already out here, I'll stay for about three days. Might as well explore this chaotic place thoroughly, see if I can find a way back home, and… maybe stir a bit of trouble myself.'
A mischievous giggle sounded from Lumi, clearly delighted by Orion's playful declaration,
[Hehe, these people are not prepared for the arrival of a mischievous dragon! Let's give them something memorable!]
Orion shook his head, amused by Lumi's eagerness, and strolled further into the city streets, walking slowly to absorb every detail around him.
As he passed through the marketplace, he took special notice of the various merchant stalls, each offering rare ingredients that couldn't be easily found in human cities, and even intricate artifacts, and mysterious trinkets that were either their spoils of battle or stolen goods.
Beastkin vendors energetically promoted goods native to their lands, while a group of Dwarven blacksmiths proudly showcased weapons and armor that gleamed magnificently under the afternoon sun.
Pixies fluttered gracefully, carrying small elixirs and potions, offering enthusiastic demonstrations of their effects to curious onlookers.
Orion felt an undeniable thrill coursing through him. Each step into the city amplified his anticipation. With a faint smirk, he mused inwardly, 'Seems like there won't be any shortage of opportunities to have fun here.'
Eventually, Orion found himself near the heart of the city's main plaza, an open space filled with energy and noise.
Performers juggled flaming daggers; musicians enchanted passersby with captivating melodies; and warriors publicly sparred to cheers from surrounding spectators. Orion watched it all with intrigue, absorbing the atmosphere fully.
Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a commotion in the corner of the plaza. Two groups, one bearing the Thunder Eagle Chamber of Commerce emblem and the other marked with the distinctive silver horns representing the Silver Horn Association, faced off aggressively, their voices growing heated.
"I told you, this part of the plaza is under Silver Horn's jurisdiction! You Thunder Eagle bastards better clear out!" shouted a burly Bullkin with bronze-like muscles threateningly.
Across from him, a refined-looking elven woman wearing Thunder Eagle robes sneered dismissively, her voice cutting like a blade, "Jurisdiction? Your association has been overreaching far too often. Are you really confident enough to push your luck today?"
Orion smiled quietly, intrigued by the rapidly escalating confrontation. He observed the rising tension, noting how bystanders quickly stepped back, whispering excitedly about a potential conflict.
No matter what world it was, the one thing everyone enjoyed watching was the misfortune of others.
His eyes sparkled as he felt excitement bubble within, even though he had dismissed it before, now that he had decided to stir up trouble, he had already found the best target. 'Interesting. Perhaps I've found the first piece of entertainment here.'
Lumi giggled delightedly inside his mind, clearly sensing his intentions.
[Oh? Are we going to jump into this chaos already, Master?]
Orion's smile broadened subtly as he calmly approached the escalating dispute, 'Of course, what kind of Young Master would I be if I don't help a beauty? And moreover, the highest fighting force of these Chambers of Commerce is only at Tier 7. Haha, they better pray that they can entertain me enough.'
With leisurely steps, he moved closer, eyes glowing with expectation, eager to embrace whatever chaos and amusement this vibrant city had to offer him over the next few days.
***
Three days passed swiftly, and within Chaos City, a notorious legend was quickly born.
Word spread throughout taverns, markets, and merchant guilds about an infamous Draconian youth whose presence was both a blessing and a calamity.
They whispered in hushed tones about his unpredictable temperament, how he would casually rescue struggling Chambers of Commerce from their various predicaments, effortlessly resolving their problems and earning their eternal gratitude.
Even ordinary citizens found themselves recipients of unexpected kindness from the enigmatic young master, forever remembering him with fond admiration.
Yet, others weren't so fortunate. Those who dared offend this fiendish Draconian quickly learned the price of disrespect.
Their wealth vanished overnight, and by dawn, their pitiful figures hung from the city walls for public humiliation.
Their backings and powerful connections proved useless; one arrogant house had attempted to retaliate, only to find his family stripped entirely of every asset overnight. Such tales left the entire city wary and fascinated in equal measure.
Of all who faced misfortune, the Silver Horn Association suffered most bitterly. Orion, true to his playful nature, made sure they experienced the full force of his amusement.
In just one night, he had robbed the entirety of their treasury, leaving nothing behind, not even a single low-grade crystal. Unable to recover from the humiliation and loss, the Silver Horn Association disbanded the following day.
By the time anyone realized the young master's whims had run their course, Orion had already vanished, leaving behind only stories, legends that would echo throughout Chaos City for generations.
Yet, Orion cared nothing for the legacy he had casually created. He departed without a backward glance, his heart set firmly on returning home. Leaving the city behind, he began his journey towards the Thunderpeak Kingdom.
However, reality proved harsher than he anticipated. Orion, after traveling for half a day, found himself trekking slowly through dense, unfamiliar forests.