Tales of Undeath: The Von Virtus Chronicles

XXVII. Old Habits

The following day, Rel and Virno make their way to the arena to search for Cabdan. Much to their surprise, no one was guarding the entrance.

Rel: Well, that's unusual... It's not like Cabdan to let just anyone enter.

Virno: Maybe there are no fights today...?

Rel raises his brow. As they get closer to the building, they hear sound coming from within... The cheering of a crowd.

Rel: Something's not right here.

Virno: C'mon!

They hastily make their way through the double doors. Upon entering, they are greeted with a most unexpected sight: there was a free-for-all happening in the arena. Inside the ring, five men fought with anything and everything at their disposal to beat their opponents. Blood splattered the floor, and several fighters were already critically injured. The audience didn't seem to mind all the gore, on the contrary, they were enjoying themselves.

Rel: What the...? Where's Cabdan?! This has to stop!

After hearing Rel, one of the men in the audience turns around. Rel and Virno recognized him: he was one of the arena's security guards.

Gorila: Ah, it's you! Sorry Rel, the arena's under new management starting today!

Rel and Virno look at each other.

Virno: New management...?

Gorilla: That's right. See, Cabdan is too busy to be hanging around the slums, and since he can't be here to witness the fights, he doesn't care much for what happens in the arena. So we're basically running the show around here now! You boys interested in participating? Anyone can hop in!

Rel puts his hand up to his forehead, rubbing it.

Gorilla: I can't promise ya coin, but I can promise you a damn good fight!

Virno shakes his head.

Rel: We're fine, thanks. Why's Cabdan so busy though? Where is he?

The gorilla shrugs.

Gorilla: All I know is that he's got some new deal going, and that's gonna be keeping him pretty occupied for a while. I don't know where he's at, but chances are we won't be laying our eyes on 'im for some time now...

Rel: Damn...

Virno: C'mon. Let's head to the orphanage and ask around... Can't hurt to try.

Rel: Thanks for letting us know. And, uh... Have fun, I guess.

Gorilla: Hahaha, damn right we will! Take care you two, oh... One more thing...

The man leans in towards them.

Gorilla: If I were you, I'd steer clear of the streets at night... Word around here is that things are about to get wild when the sun is down, but you boys didn't hear it from me...!

Virno squints, trying to make heads or tails of this information.

Rel: Got it. See you around.

They turn around and leave the building.

Virno: What the hell was that about?

Rel: I don't know, but something very strange is going on... I mean, Cabdan's not around, his goons are doing as they please with the arena, and then that guy tells us to be careful after sundown... That worries me. Cabdan usually has some of his men keeping crime in check around the slums at night. He's no lawful guy himself, but he despises the idea that there're others shitting where he does his business. But if what that man said is true and Cabdan really doesn't care anymore...