Steel Eyed Faker

Chapter 8: Save the Twisted Part 1

Beta read by Shigiya and Paragon of Awesomeness.

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--The Capital-

The city was abuzz with activity, with people from all walks of life bustling about. Peddlers and merchants shouted their wares at bargain prices, while entertainers in revealing attire advertised their establishments. Groups of guards in heavy protective armor patrolled the streets with vigilant eyes. It was a stark contrast to the small port town where a certain member of the Empire's naval force had grown up.

In the middle of the street, he walked with confidence, a fairly muscular young man of above-average height with short, dark blue hair and eyes. Wearing a blue leather jacket and red scarf — Wave could hardly contain the excitement in his heart.

"Whoa, this place looks so enchanting. Is it really okay for girls to wear such revealing clothing without any trouble? And these prices are outrageous!" His reactions came one after the other as he couldn't help but gaze from one store to the next, taking in the variety of products on display.

The man's cheeks flushed slightly as some girls in strange bunny suits walked past him, greeting him with seductive smiles and passing out flyers, which he absentmindedly took before walking away. Truth be told, he was starting to feel overwhelmed by the overly stimulating atmosphere and wanted to find a quiet, isolated place to compose himself.

"Fifth Avenue, Fifth Avenue, where could it be? This isn't it, this is Fourth… Oh wait, this is Fourth, so Fifth should be close by, right?" he muttered to himself as he checked a piece of paper with the meeting place address. Wave continued his walk deeper into the capital, slowly approaching the center. The people around him began whispering amongst themselves as they looked at him. Most of them were now nobles or people of high rank, all of whom went out of their way to avoid him, unlike the treatment he had received previously.

"That's definitely a country bumpkin," he overheard someone remark.

"Just look at those clothes. Definitely a peasant."

"Ew, he smells like fish!"

“Of course, he smells like fish, look at his bag! It's filled to the brim with sea creatures!”

Wave could hear all these people's hushed whispers, some mocking his origin and others treating him as if he were an entirely different species. "Better to ignore them. I promised my village to do my best, and I have finally arrived at the capital to make a name for myself!" Despite all this, the man remained optimistic, his head held high. A few days ago, he had received an official letter from the higher-ups, ordering him to leave for the Capital immediately without discussion and join a special force put together by something high up on the ladder — a General.

"It will only be a matter of time before I am recognized for my talents and granted the post of captain or even a general in the future!" He couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face. And so, while whistling his favorite tune, he continued his march, even as more people grew weirded out by his behavior, some even considering calling the guards.

It did not take long for Wave to finally find the area where the meeting would take place—a large building located near the main barracks. The building was so massive that he was certain his entire village could fit inside multiple times over, and its imposing presence seemed to cast an invisible weight upon his shoulders. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open with confidence and straightened back.

A grand entrance!

"Good afternoon, people! My name is Wave, and I have come to fulfill… my… duty… uuuh…" His voice trailed off as he was met with a sight that left him speechless and disturbed.