Chapter 336 - A Regular's Haunt
Descending from the Academy atop the mountain, the bustling night district is surprisingly close. After passing through the upscale area where prestigious school affiliates often frequent, such a neighborhood is unexpectedly nearby. In any city, anywhere in the world, it's common to find such contrasting zones adjacent to each other.
The streetlights illuminate the bustling district as brightly as daytime, and the numerous glowing signs ensure there's no hint of darkness. The overall atmosphere is more geared towards young people having a good time rather than a sophisticated adult scene.
It's not as if the shops are specifically targeting students from the Academy on the hill; rather, they naturally gathered to cater to the youth in the surrounding area. The narrow streets are lined with shops, and the first impression is of many young men and women milling about.
Even though it's nighttime, my sunglasses don't make me stand out among the eccentricly dressed young people. I may have a certain presence, but I'm still young. It's easier to blend in with the night crowd than at an all-girls school.
First, I'll wander around a bit and get a detailed understanding of the people and shops that gather here. I'll casually brush off the pick-up artists and enjoy a night stroll.
Walking alone in a new city is fun. It feels like traveling. Everything I see is new, and that fresh excitement is enjoyable.
"Hmm, so this is what a bustling district in a big city feels like. It's not particularly dangerous, and it's more peaceful than I thought."
Thanks to the security forces, there's no visible criminal activity. The police-like organization in Beltoria is called the Bluecoats. I haven't seen any yet, but they might have a base nearby or be patrolling.
Anyway, it seems everyone knows how to keep their misdeeds hidden. There are no drug dealers in sight, and no one is using drugs openly. There are a few who look like they might be under the influence, so they're probably doing their deals in some alley or inside a bar. Even fights or extortions haven't been spotted yet.
However, it's impossible for a bustling district like this to be completely free of trouble. It's happening somewhere, I'm sure.
"This is kind of boring."
The initial excitement wears off quickly. It's too peaceful and dull.
After getting used to Exembra, where criminals and roughnecks roam freely, even our relatively peaceful neighborhood seems lacking. In the bustling district, minor fights are a daily occurrence, and everyone is so used to it that things rarely escalate to murder. It's a delicate balance, and that's what makes it interesting.
It's not that I'm seeking violence... or maybe I am. I feel a bit frustrated, so I just want to pick a fight. Probably. But it's still too peaceful, I think.
Perhaps the Bluecoats, along with the underground forces controlling this area, are doing a good job. I should gather more information for the future.
"It would be easier if they had an office with a sign."
On the main street, there are restaurants, food stalls, clothing and accessory shops, music and dance halls, and trendy game places like darts and billiards. They all cater to young people.
As you move a block or two into the backstreets, the atmosphere changes to something more suspicious. There are questionable shops that smell dangerous, underground bars of uncertain legitimacy, and a mix of strange establishments and people. This is a common sight, but it's still intriguing.
Except for the excessive peace, this is a typical bustling district for young people. Some might find it incredibly fun, while others might find it utterly unbearable.
Curious and adventurous young people might want to try playing here at least once. I bet the delinquent students from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy are somewhere out having fun.
But I doubt I'll find any students tonight.
I haven't memorized most of the students' faces yet, so I wouldn't recognize them even if they walked by. So tonight is just reconnaissance.
"I think that's enough walking."
After a long stroll, I'm hungry. Since it's my first time, I'll avoid suspicious places and try a safe spot on the main street, even if it's boring. I want to go somewhere that seems hard to enter.
While thinking about being a bit mischievous, I walked deeper into a narrow alley and found a small, elegant restaurant. It looks like a cozy dining spot, and it seems to attract regulars. It's a bit hard to enter, which matches what I'm looking for. Yes, this is perfect.
I pushed open the door of the quiet restaurant, away from the main street's bustle.
I put away my sunglasses in my chest pocket and quickly surveyed the bright interior.
The small restaurant, with only counter seats, can seat fewer than ten people. It's well-maintained and spotless, which is a good impression. There are no customers right now, and only a burly man with a buzz cut is inside, chopping vegetables.
"Are you open?"
There are naturally grumpy people everywhere. The buzz-cut man probably has no ill intentions, so I won't worry about it.
"I don't recognize you... Do you have money?"
That's a rude question. For a moment, I considered turning around and leaving, but his skilled chopping calmed me down, and I showed him my Record Card. It's full, you know.
"You're from out of town. If you want to use that, go to another district."
"What do you mean?"
"The shops around here only accept cash."
It's common for slums or underground transactions to not accept Record Cards, but I didn't expect a clean restaurant to do the same.
I was surprised, but I always carry a few gold and silver coins, so it's not a problem. I showed him a silver coin, and he seemed satisfied.
"Sit at the back."
Finally, I can have dinner. Hmm, still, it's curious.
The buzz-cut man's knife skills are professional. Given the clean and elegant restaurant, I wonder why there are no customers. Maybe the cooking is terrible?
Oh well, I'll give it a try.
"I'm hungry, so give me something to snack on and then a hearty meal."
"Alcohol?"
"Something light, your recommendation."
I'll leave the choices to the craftsman-like buzz-cut man. He seems used to casual orders and started preparing without complaint.
I enjoyed the food as it came, satisfied with this hidden gem. It's been a while since I had a quiet, relaxing time. The buzz-cut man didn't bother me and continued preparing food. As expected of a good place, it wasn't empty for long.
"It's so hot today. Old man, give me a cold one."
"Boss, another round here."
The small, empty restaurant gradually filled with regular customers, becoming lively.
"Hey, old man, listen up!"
A flashy woman burst in, slamming the door. She immediately started complaining to the buzz-cut man, clearly upset.
The woman kept talking and sat next to me, the only empty seat, continuing her one-sided machine-gun chatter. She's loud.
"Hey, hey. You've been angry this whole time, and I can't make sense of it. The boss is confused too, you know."
"Yeah, tell me from the beginning."
"You're always so noisy."
The other customers seemed to know the woman and tried to calm her down while listening to her complaints. The buzz-cut man continued cooking silently.
"Ugh! I got fired from the merchant guild. That damn old man!"
"Ah, did you make a terrible mistake?"
"You always seem so clumsy."
Hmm. This area is supposed to be for young people, but the atmosphere inside this place is different. It feels like a bar where tired office workers gather to complain, like a local pub.
"No! I was told to push sales, and I managed to sell a lot of expensive magic tools to a client. But before the payment, the client disappeared. It was a huge loss, and they blamed it all on me. I just did what I was told, and it's not fair!"
"That's... just bad luck."
"But I've heard this story before. Hey, Donnie."
"Yeah, it's a typical scam. Those magic tools will probably be sold cheaply in some shop soon."
"I've heard about scams too. Apparently, it's not some cheap con artist but a group of delinquents involved."
"Those young punks are getting too cocky. It seems we can't escape from them. You should be careful too, miss. I don't recognize you, are you here on a solo trip?"
He spoke to me, even though he pretended not to know me. I expected to get involved in some small talk in a small place like this, and it's an interesting conversation.
"I just arrived in Beltoria, but I'll be staying for work. By the way, what are these delinquents like?"
"Are you into troublemakers?"
"Better not. They're no good."
"No, I just need to be careful, but I can't if I don't know what they're like."
This is a chance to gather information. I might as well ask more.
"Got it. Delinquents are a bunch of half-baked young punks who can't make it in the real world. This area is outside the territory of the real players, so these punks do as they please."
"They're sly, though. They don't do anything too obvious and operate in the shadows. Mainly, they do scams, theft, and drugs. Their drugs are heavily laced, so it's best to stay away from them."
"Be careful with pretty girls too. There are occasional reports of them being forcibly taken."
"A pretty girl like you might not be safe from them."
I see, typical troublemakers.
As the man said, delinquents are different from our kind of organized groups. They might seem the same to the public, but they don't follow the code, have no honor, and don't care about their reputation. They often lack a proper hierarchy or rules. They just want to have fun in the moment, which makes them dangerous.
"Hmm, I'll be careful. By the way, why is this area outside the territory of the real players? It's a bustling district, so it should be a target."
"Ah, that's due to historical reasons. This area used to be a hotbed of territorial disputes. You know the school on the hill? It's a prestigious school for noble daughters. In the past, a young lady was caught in a dispute, and the authorities were furious. Since then, this area has been a sacred zone where the real players can't interfere. Even Anastasia Union can't touch this place."
So, that's why delinquents like these can run rampant. It's hopeless.
"What about the Bluecoats? They should catch these delinquents quickly."
"They've been to the merchant guild multiple times, but there's no evidence. It's laughable, really."
"It's not a laughing matter."
Corruption, no doubt. The delinquents probably pay off the Bluecoats to look the other way. I thought Beltoria was safe, but it seems the situation varies by district. Yes, this is something to watch out for.
"So, are the delinquents protecting the backs of these shops?"
"Protecting the backs? Are you a reporter or something? You seem well-informed."
"I'm a teacher."
He looked at me skeptically, but my silent response seemed to convince him.
"Ah, a teacher. I can understand why you'd want to know the inside scoop. Students probably come here to play."
"Maybe you're doing a night patrol. It's tough work."
As a teacher, he probably doesn't suspect I'm connected to the Academy on the hill.
"Back to my question, are the delinquents looking after these shops?"
"No, the merchant guild is. Right, old man?"
"The boss is a former mercenary and very strong. There are a lot of people like that around here, so the delinquents can't openly cause trouble."
The guild, the delinquents, and the Bluecoats. It seems to be a delicate balance. A complex relationship.
"I see. If you know where the delinquents gather, let me know. I want to warn my students."
"Sure, but don't go near them."
"Of course. I just want to avoid getting too close unknowingly."
I have no intention of doing anything. I just want the information.
I also heard about dangerous and useful shops and various rumors. The food and drinks were delicious, and it was a very productive time. Despite the challenges, the first day was a success.
Stepping outside the bright and cheerful Academy life, the air is tinged with a suspicious atmosphere.
The daily life guidance, club activities, and night district will change the mood and progress of the story.
But finally, the first day at the Academy is over.
Next time, the second day of Academy life begins!