Chapter 339 - Baptism of the Nightlife District
My next destination is a dance hall. It’s not my usual scene, but imagining a flashy space makes me a bit excited.
Descending the stairs and pushing open the thick door, I find myself in a hallway with bright lighting leading deeper inside.
Listening to the faint music, I push open another thick door and enter a different world.
The place is filled with loud music and at least a hundred people, mostly young, dancing wildly. The crowd is so dense that finding academy students will be quite a challenge.
Despite the crowded atmosphere, the air isn’t as stifling as expected. The air conditioning, powered by magical devices, works efficiently.
"Hmm... I’ve never been here, but it’s like a disco, I guess?"
The music and lighting create a vague impression, and the sound system and lighting equipment feel technologically advanced.
Belrizan, being the center of magical devices, uses superior equipment in many places, and this is no exception. The subtle differences in these everyday details highlight the gap between Belrizan and Exembra.
Standing out as a lone visitor, I quickly attract the attention of the pick-up artists. Many of them probably came here to pick up women. Maybe they even assumed I came here for the same reason.
It’s understandable in a lively place, but dealing with them all would be endless. I decided to grab a drink at the counter first. Finding students would be easier without the pick-up artists around. They’ll probably give up after a while, so I’ll wait.
However, a high-energy fool misjudged the distance and tried to grab my waist. In response, I instinctively delivered a light elbow strike to his stomach. To me, it was a minor hit, but to him, it was a severe blow, and he instantly lost consciousness.
Thinking, “Oh no, what have I done,” I quickly supported him as he stumbled and led him to a nearby chair. I sat beside him and waved off the other pick-up artists, making it clear I didn’t want any more interruptions. They misunderstood and left, and I managed to cover it up.
"Dangerous, dangerous. Almost started a fight there."
Balancing the unconscious pick-up artist to prevent him from falling out of the chair, I noticed the bartender watching me casually. He spoke briefly with someone behind the door, then started preparing a drink.
The skilled bartender handed me a glass filled with a pinkish liquid. I didn’t order it, but I guess it’s a welcome drink. Since everything is on the house today, this might be given automatically.
The bartender is silent, probably understanding the difficulty of conversation in the loud music. He doesn’t seem too concerned about the unconscious pick-up artist, likely assuming he’s just drunk.
Alright, now that the attention is off me, I’ll observe the hall with my drink in hand.
From the central dance floor, I can’t see the back, but the high, mirrored ceiling gives a sense of depth and the density of the crowd.
The ceiling and walls are adorned with colorful lights and reflective glass and metallic decorations. The polished black floor reflects the lights, creating a surreal atmosphere.
The interior design, from the chairs to the decor, is meticulously planned. It’s flashy but not vulgar, stopping just short of that line. The way they spend money and the sense of style are on par with our casino, which is not bad.
It seems more like a place for an older crowd, not a venue where young students would casually visit. That’s a bit off-putting.
Along the walls, there are several bar counters where people drink and chat. The loud music brings people closer, and everyone seems to be getting along. There are almost no solitary individuals.
While many groups seem friendly, there are also conflicts. Some are arguing, and others are physically fighting. The loud music drowns out the shouting, and the surrounding crowd doesn’t intervene, finding it entertaining.
Normally, bouncers would kick them out, but it seems they tolerate some level of fighting as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. Well, they’re lively, which is good.
And then there’s the second floor.
Above the open floor, there’s a second level, likely with luxurious seating areas. If the well-off students from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy are here, they might be up there. From above, it would be easier to spot the dancing students.
The question is how to get to the second floor. It’s probably not easy, and there must be guards.
The hosts and their associates are probably lounging up there. Regular patrons who spend generously might also be up there. For a newcomer like me, it might be a bit challenging.
Noticing the bartender’s gesture, I took a sip of the pink liquid.
"Tasteless."
I wish they wouldn’t serve this as a welcome drink. It’s sweet and easy to drink, but it’s a strong drink. Beginners might drink too much and get carried away. It’s a typical ploy used by shallow-minded guys to get girls drunk.
I don’t think the bartender is trying to get me drunk. I just don’t like the taste, but I drank it all to avoid waste.
I pointed to a bottle on the shelf, and the bartender brought it over. While he was busy, I glanced at the second floor.
A quick look didn’t reveal a staircase to the second floor. It’s probably not accessible casually and requires passing through doors within the venue. There’s likely a guard.
The main patrons and their associates are probably on the second floor. Others might be regular, generous customers. It might be a bit difficult for a newcomer like me to get in.
Feeling the presence of the glass on the counter, I paused my observation to reset my palate with another drink.
I took a sip of a good-smelling apple-like drink.
"...Ugh!"
I spat it out on the floor.
I leaned over the counter, grabbed the bartender by the collar, and pulled him down quickly. Fortunately, no one else is sitting at this counter. If anyone saw, I’d deal with it then.
"What’s the idea? Speak up!"
I pressed him to the floor, shouting in his ear.
The drink was laced with something. Probably a type of ecstasy. He must have slipped it in while I was looking at the second floor.
The bartender, unable to speak due to the pressure on his chest, only trembled.
"Tsk."
I released his chest and grabbed his neck. He should be able to speak, even if it’s difficult.
"Tell me why you did this. Your answer will determine if I break your neck or not."
I’m not joking, and I’m sure he doesn’t think I am either.
Even in casual, youthful attire, I’m one of the faces of the Exembra, one of the three major families of the criminal underworld. I’m untouchable and particularly dangerous as the president of the Kikyo Society. The intensity of my threats is on a completely different level from amateurs. Even a dull person should feel the impending danger.
The bartender, clearly terrified, is reacting as expected. Yes, it’s enough for him to behave like a minor player.
He gasped for breath and managed to speak.
"...If I tell you, I’ll be... killed."
So, someone ordered this.
"If you don’t tell me, I’ll kill you now."
I grabbed a nearby bottle and shoved it into his mouth.
I pulled it out when he was about to choke, and then repeated the process. I gave him two seconds to answer.
I switched to a different bottle when the first one was almost empty. I broke the bottle on the floor and made a final threat.
"Next time, I’ll shove this broken glass in. Consider this your last chance."
If he doesn’t answer, I’ll actually shove the broken glass in. Humans are surprisingly resilient. As long as I avoid vital areas, he won’t die easily. Killing here would be messy, but I’d settle for leaving him half-dead.
The glass scratched his mouth a bit, and he finally understood. He cried and pointed with his finger. Ah, that guy.
Hmph, you’re lucky you didn’t get killed for trying to drug a woman. This scumbag.
It was just a matter of the bartender slipping drugs into a woman’s drink. The guy behind the door must have ordered it. Using ecstasy to take advantage of a woman is a typical lowlife move.
I’m here to catch academy students, but I can’t ignore this. It’s like a challenge.
Using magic, I sensed someone in the room behind the door. It’s probably a break room or storage area.
I timed my approach to the door as the person inside walked out. I pushed the door open forcefully.
The impact must have hit him in the face, but no one in the loud hall noticed. I slipped into the room through the partially open door.
The one lying on the floor, clutching his face, was a bulky, energetic young man. I couldn’t see his face, but his spiked hair and fashion gave him away. His pitiful writhing was pitiful, to say the least.
"You scumbag, what did you do... I’m Jienko Nigi. Do you think you can get away with this—"
I kicked him lightly as he spoke.
Ah, right, the guy at the entrance mentioned the thugs. So, this guy is part of the Jienko Nigi gang. Using the gang’s name as a shield is typical of a weakling. Using the gang’s name without understanding its weight is disgraceful.
"You won’t get away with it. You drugged my drink."
This is unforgivable.
Drugging someone’s drink with ecstasy is already dangerous. Using it to take advantage of a woman is even worse and deserves severe punishment.
The more I think about it, the angrier I get. Maybe I’ll just kill him.
I crushed his hand underfoot and broke his arm with a kick. The pathetic guy started crying. He was desperately trying to explain, but I couldn’t hear him clearly.
"What? What are you saying?"
"Hiccup, it wasn’t me... I didn’t do it..."
Hmm, is there a bigger culprit? Or is he lying out of desperation?
Seeing him in such a pathetic state was somewhat satisfying.
Alright, I’ll let him off with this. He has multiple fractures in his hands, legs, and ribs, and numerous cuts and bruises. He’s in a serious condition, far beyond the reach of basic healing magic. He’s half-dead. Enough for now. Killing him here would make me a wanted person, and that’s not worth it. If I do it, I’ll choose the right time and place.
I don’t care if he’s lying or not. If there’s a bigger culprit, they’re probably just another thug. I’ll deal with the whole gang when the opportunity arises.
What I really want to know is...
"How do I get to the second floor? Tell me in two seconds or..."
"Wait, wait. I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you..."
Tsk. This feels like bullying a weakling.
The big guy’s crying and begging is making me feel guilty. It’s not my fault, but it’s unpleasant. I finished the job and kicked him one last time.
It took some effort, but I managed to get the bracelet that serves as a pass and the method to enter the second floor.
What a bunch of jerks. If I don’t find any academy students, this whole effort will be in vain.