Chapter #03:- A Duel At The Tavern, William A Sign For The Ages

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The sun had barely crested the horizon as Haru and Seth made their way to the tavern. The town of Sebia was alive with the usual early morning hustle—vendors shouting over their wares, children chasing one another through the dusty streets, and travelers preparing for their daily journeys. Haru, with his signature calm demeanor, led the way, while Seth trailed behind, his eyes wide and distracted by the vibrant marketplace.

Seth had hoped today would be a quiet one, just some errands to run before Haru inevitably disappeared on one of his mysterious missions again. But, as always, things were never that simple.

As they stepped into the dimly lit tavern, the familiar scent of roasted meat pies and the faint aroma of old wood greeted them. Sierra, the sharp-tongued owner, was behind the counter, wiping down glasses with a rag. She glanced up as they entered, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Well, if it isn't our debt-laden wanderer and his little shadow," she called out sarcastically. Seth immediately flushed red but managed a meek wave.

Haru, as usual, didn't pay much attention to Sierra's teasing. He gave her a curt nod and walked towards their usual table (Sierra in the corner killing herself with guilt of calling Haru a "Debt Laden Wanderer", and Lord Haru he was clearly pissed by what I just said HOW CAN I!!!!?), but something caught his eye. The bounty board—usually covered with low-paying tasks no one cared to pick up—had a fresh update. A gleaming new poster had been tacked onto it, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers.

Haru's curiosity piqued. Without a word, he approached the board, Seth close behind, though he struggled to peer over the taller figures in front of them. Haru scanned the board and stopped when he saw a bounty that stood out from the rest.

"Billion Banks. Wanted Dead or Alive. Reward: 500,000 Dirhams."

"That's... quite the sum," Haru muttered, (Haru counting the number of meals they can buy, as well all the debts he ever owed, and all the equipment they needed to start their journey; it's like killing multiple birds with a single shot), while running all these scenarios in his mind, he instinctively reaches for the poster, but just as his fingers touched it, another hand grabbed it at the same time.

Haru blinked and looked to his side—right into the cold, sharp eyes of William.

William, the enigmatic swordsman who carried not one but two rusted, broken blades at his hips, was as notorious in Sebia as Haru himself. If Haru was the mysterious and stoic figure people whispered about in awe, William was the cold and ruthless warrior whose very presence sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest in town. His power over Aura was rumored to be unmatched, and while he and Haru had never ever crossed paths, they were "Heated Rivals" in the eyes of the town due to their notoriety and power.

"Looks like you've got competition, but I suggest removing your hand off this one before you lose it," William said in a low voice, his grip tightening on the bounty poster. He didn't even glance at Haru as he spoke, his eyes locked on the prize.

Haru raised an eyebrow, his calm facade slipping for a moment into mild irritation. "Seems like it, but this one's mine."

Neither man released their hold on the poster, and for a moment, the tension building up as their angry expressions were heating up the entire tavern; and everyone pausing in awe seemingly holding their breaths for what was about to unravel next. The tension between them was palpable, even though neither had drawn a weapon or made any overt move to escalate the situation. Seth, sensing trouble, tugged at Haru's coat nervously.

"Uh, maybe we should—" Seth started, but it was too late.

Haru shifted his stance, ready to pull the poster from William's grip, but in the process, his foot slipped on a stray puddle of spilled ale on the floor. In one swift, undignified motion, Haru lost his balance and crashed into William, sending both tumbling to the floor and crashing into a few crowded tables, the bounty poster fluttering in the air between them.

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