Though Ye Chui hadn’t seen the Angry Clown’s fight with the two lackeys, their twisted, battered bodies spoke volumes about the clown’s violence and strength. Yet Debbie claimed her oft-mentioned battle spirit was a thousand times stronger than this Angry Clown?
It sounded like boasting.
But seeing Debbie’s earnest expression, Ye Chui knew she wasn’t lying.
“That’s incredible!” Ye Chui exclaimed.
“Of course, I’m no ordinary summoner,” Debbie said, her face beaming. She held up four fingers, explaining to Ye Chui, “I can summon four magical creatures and spirits. You’ve met Xiululu and Afu. The clown is my third contracted spirit, but he’s unique, with five forms: Joy, Sorrow, Anger, Madness, and Terror. Each form is distinct.”
“Sounds impressive,” Ye Chui said, intrigued.
“Joy and Sorrow aren’t special, but Anger, Madness, and Terror have remarkable combat abilities,” Debbie said, waving a finger proudly. “The problem is, the other three forms are hard to control. For instance, Angry Clown won’t return unless he causes a ruckus.”
Yesterday at the Mercenary Guild, when Kaimis attacked Ye Chui, Debbie considered summoning a spirit but not Angry Clown. Though he could easily handle Kaimis, he might cause collateral damage. When Los’s team asked her to demonstrate a spirit, she refused, citing the high cost, for the same reason.
“What a ruckus,” Ye Chui said, glancing at the fallen lackeys, nodding in agreement. His curiosity grew. “What about Madness and Terror Clown?”
“Those two are beyond my control now. They’re far stronger than Angry Clown. I tried summoning Madness Clown once,” Debbie’s face paled slightly, and she shook her head vigorously, “It was terrifying, too terrifying. I’ll never summon Madness or Terror again.”
“…” Debbie was clearly traumatised by her own spirits. Her words only heightened Ye Chui’s interest in the battle spirit she said was a thousand times stronger than Angry Clown. “What about the fourth? What’s your fourth battle spirit like?”
“That spirit,” Debbie said, tilting her head thoughtfully, her gaze sweeping the surroundings, “Even if every mage, swordsman, and cleric in Stan Town teamed up, they probably couldn’t beat him.”
“Damn!” Ye Chui blurted out. “Is my cheat code not the iPad but you?”
“Cheat code? iPad?” Debbie looked puzzled, then shook her head seriously. “My fourth battle spirit has no upper limit to his power, at least none I’ve seen. But as I said, the cost of summoning him is too great for most to bear.”
“You keep mentioning a cost. What is it?” Ye Chui asked, curious.
“It’s…” Debbie began, but a thud interrupted her. Something hit the ground. Ye Chui and Debbie froze, remembering the situation. They turned to see Kaimis lying nearby, eyes wide, foam dribbling from his mouth. The sound was him collapsing, apparently fainting from overhearing their conversation.
“Uh…” They had been so engrossed in their talk that they forgot about Kaimis.
“Such interesting kids,” a voice suddenly exclaimed nearby.
Ye Chui and Debbie tensed, unaware of anyone else around. Did Kaimis have more allies? They turned warily toward a large tree. On a branch of the blue poplar stood a man in full iron armour, a greatsword on his back. Tall and rugged, in his thirties, he gave off a rough vibe. With a hearty laugh, he leapt down, landing before them.
“You are…” Ye Chui recognised him from Wade’s memories. He turned to Debbie. “Cass Pent, the mayor of Stan Town, the strongest swordsman here.”
“Oh,” Debbie nodded, exchanging a glance with Ye Chui. Facing the town’s strongest swordsman, the wisest move was to avoid conflict. As if in sync, Debbie looked at Cass with a sweet smile. “Mayor, sir, may I help you?”
“The graveyard keeper told me someone was causing trouble, so I came to check,” Cass said, arms crossed, smiling.
“Exactly!” Debbie nodded, pointing at Kaimis and his lackeys. “Mayor, sir, I must report a vicious robbery. They tried to rob us!”
“But we fought back bravely, stopped their violent act, and subdued them, upholding the town’s safety. No need to thank us, Mr. Cass, it’s our duty,” Ye Chui added, following Debbie’s lead.
“No rewards needed, we’re not after that. But these three thugs, Mayor, you must deal with them properly,” Debbie continued. “Lock them up, set an example for the town.”
“Since you’re here, Mr. Cass, we’ll leave these thugs to you. Take the credit,” Ye Chui said.
Debbie waved a fist. “Mayor, sir, taking down three thugs so easily? Wow, so impressive!”
“That’s that. You must be busy, so we won’t keep you,” Ye Chui said, grabbing Debbie’s hand.
“Goodbye, Mayor, sir!” Debbie waved, ready to leave with Ye Chui.
The mayor, listening to their seamless double act, was utterly dumbfounded.
In a way, it was no surprise Ye Chui and Debbie, so shamelessly in sync despite just meeting, became partners.
“Stop right there,” Cass called, unsheathing his greatsword and tossing it. With a thud, it landed in front of them, blocking their path. “Don’t think a few compliments will get you out of paying for the graveyard’s repairs.”
