The atmosphere in Metropolis-D was incredibly festive: people were singing, dancing, and boisterously cheering as they made a giant circle around the contestants.
"Chug! Chug Chug! Chug!"
A man on one side raised his mug high up in the air. His face was flushed red, for he had already drunk enough to floor 5 Climbers easily. But even then, he remained steady on his feet as he toasted.
"Here's to the prosperity of the Metropolis!" That's when Markus downed his drink, generating a thunder of applause.
For these common folks, it was an opportunity to see their leader from up close. The normally unreachable man suddenly became more relatable as he partook in such a mundane activity. Sure, some people found it shameful, but the majority were just happy to enjoy the event.
Plus, Markus was also conscientious. He had activated a large holographic banner that could read, "Drinking is cool but don't abuse it." Oh, the sweet irony. He would be so damn wasted when this would be over!
Josh was having fun, enjoying life. Not only was he going to get Credits for participating (and winning), but he could also savor some delicious beer in the most efficient manner of them all.
Not only wouldn't this take too long, but it would also increase his popularity. While he didn't personally care about being liked, it would help his new school become famous (or infamous).
This aligned perfectly with his new plan. The reporters from the day before would already be done publishing the info he had fed them, and it would soon cause a new storm. There would be so much free promotion coming his way!
Josh would then have ample choice of candidates as they would all flock to him. He just didn't know if the infrastructures would be ready by then.
This was because Bob had been dodging his calls. But, perhaps it was because of that playful text Josh had sent earlier: "Wanna Climb again?! PS: How is everything going?" PTSD of Floor 18, talk about sad!
"Ah! That hits the spot! It's your turn now!" Markus wiped his mouth with his sleeve and declared with bravado (false?)
"Chug! Chug Chug! Chug!" (Crowd)
Josh raised his mug valiantly: "This toast is to the recruiter of Gemini that drove me away when I tried to apply! Sincerely, the temporary Captain of the EDM Fleet!"
*Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!*
The crowd went wild, damn! Whoever that dumbass from Gemini was, he must have felt extreme regret at that moment. No, he probably had more pressing concerns like securing his job. Any superior with half a brain would be thinking of a layoff.
It was then Markus's turn, and that is how it became a back and forth of toasts. One was remaining humble while the other was Josh and said whatever he felt like saying.
"For the Climbers that relentlessly fight to explore the Tower and figure out its secrets!" (Markus)
"To all the guilds that ostracized me as soon as they realized I was Classless, cheers!" (Josh)
He made it sound like he was venting, but he was just dropping 'Classless' once more. He actually wanted to attract desperate applicants that wished to Climb at all costs even with their 'lacking' Classes.
Many began whispering to each other in hush voices. It resonated with many as they pictured themselves in his shoes, not that he ever tried to evoke pity.
"For all the valiant soldiers that fight to protect the peace!" Markus shouted. As if on cue, the 150 MTA soldiers and the Black Fleet did a synchronized military salute, making the crowd exclaim in appreciation.
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"To the Tower that helped me grow and took care of me when I was homeless!" Josh was even thanking the damn Tower?! Many began giggling, just picturing him literally sleeping in it. Talk about misleading wording!
"For the civilians! They are contributing to our wonderful city!" Was Markus going to thank everyone in the city?
That is when Josh realized that the man was beginning to look slightly unsteady on his feet as he rocked from side to side, apparently enjoying the wind.
"To the gods that will one day grant my wish!" Josh declared with so much resolve in his voice.
"For the people making such delicious beer!" Markus praised with many thinking, "Could he be one of my people?!"
"To Dimensional Legion for taking me under their wing!" Josh casually mentioned his belonging to D.L.
Many lost their bearings, especially when they searched online and articles popped up confirming it. (Josh was the source)
"For the beers! They too are contributing!" Markus was definitely drunk by now, and yes, the beers had contributed for sure!
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"To the success of the new D.L Climber School in D-23!" Josh shared the news. Instantly people began searching for the official site and how to apply.
"For...The beers!" Markus seemed confused and highly vulnerable.
That is when Josh felt a malignant presence full of killing intent dashing toward them at full speed. What was that?! He quickly assessed his surrounding.
"To the Legion!" Josh faked a toast, using the action to stare directly at where he felt the opponent.
The attacker was invisible, silent, and heading straight for Markus. For an assassin, this was the opportunity of a lifetime! Well, it would have been had Josh not been there.
"BEERS!!"…Markus was definitely out of it as he shouted with abandon.
That is when the killer made his move! He lunged toward Markus, aiming for his heart, and completely disregarded Josh, who was right next to his target. This would be a memorable toast for sure!
"To a saw in your face!" Josh said, leaving the crowd confused.
That's when he summoned his saw-shaped morphing weapon and swung it toward the invisible assassin. It lodged itself deep inside the man's skull as he perished instantly, the brain mush and the blood splattering on the floor.
Josh took a swing of booze and turned toward the man's colleagues hiding in the crowd. They were akin to fireflies in the night as they emitted concentrated killing intent in his direction.
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"Now, shall we do some cleanup?" Josh couldn't help but grin…
Creator's Thought
This event would have been even more memorable with Markus dying right at the end (the wrong kind). I had heard about assassins before, but this was officially my first time encountering one. Who was trying to kill Markus and why?