Novel Bin Chapter 9: The Taste of Whiskey
Chapter 9: The Taste of Whiskey
Note: Walter's POV until the middle of the chapter. Its Noels POV after that
Here, this is your share
Noel placed the leather pouch containing 70 gold coins 7 million Fil on the table.
It appeared that the remainder of the money from selling Lloyd and Tania was transferred into Noels bank account on the morning of the following day. Walter had been called to a bar for normal people on the outskirts of the imperial capital by Noel to receive his share. He stared at the leather pouch on the table.
Certainly, they had recovered the money. But he wasnt happy in the least. Whatever the reason might have been, it was money obtained from selling allies.
Having said that, he wasnt chivalrous enough to spurn it. Walter silently kept the leather pouch in his bag and took a swig of whiskey, an imperial capital specialty.
Walter felt like he couldnt do anything without drinking. However, he didnt feel like he was getting drunk, no matter how much he drank. In fact, he had been drinking at home even before he was called by Noel, but his mind had remained clear the entire time.
Walter could no longer tell the taste of this whiskey, which had been his favorite. All the same, he clutched the whiskey as if he couldnt be without it.
What are you planning to do from now on?
When Walter asked him, Noel answered matter-of-factly.
First, to fill the hole left by those two. After that, training until the new party clicks and works well together, and if there are no problems in particular, to resume our activities like before
Do you think you can fill the hole?
Well, it probably wont be easy. Outstanding talents will already have their own allies. Even if we try to headhunt them, no one likes a half-broken party. So well probably have no choice but to continue recruiting patiently. Until the hole is filled, we cant go into Abysses, so even if its just the two of us, we must find work that
Im not asking you about that!
Walter yelled, knocking the chair over as he stood up.
Theres no one that can replace Lloyd and Tania! We were Blue Beyond with the four of us! No matter how capable, theres no substitute for them! Hey, Noel! Is that not true!? Hey!?
Thats wrong
Noel declared without changing his expression.
To be sure, Lloyd and Tania were outstanding, but not so much that they were irreplaceable. Even though they had talent, they were only C Rank in the end. In this imperial capital, they were a dime a dozen
Ive told you, thats not what Im talking about
No, thats exactly it. Being a Seeker is not childs play. Making decisions based on feelings and sentiments is the height of stupidity
Dammit
Walter had no answer. He was aware that he wasnt able to make a calm judgment. But, was he really wrong?
Hmpt, ridiculous
Noel snorted and had a cruel smile on his lips.
In the end, youre just hurt from having seen Tanias true nature, right? Dont go overboard with your sentimentality. That person is just that kind of woman
You
Oh, did I make you angry? You must be a rare kind of loyal dog to like taking that kind of shit-talking abuse. In that case, just go buy Tania yourself. That way, shell forever be your Tania. Youll have your happily ever after
NOEL!!
Walter grabbed Noel by his shirt and raised his fist.
But in the end, he couldnt swing it.
Why Why are you
Despite almost being hit by Walter, Noel had the same composed expression as he usually did. Almost as if he was willing to be hit.
No, that was probably it. The emotions swirling around in Walters chest that had nowhere to go. Noel was trying to take it.
If itll make you feel better, I can let you punch me once.
Walter couldnt help realizing Noels unspoken true intentions.
Why why, why
Walter let go and sat back on his chair helplessly.
Noel is younger by 2 years and is at an age where he still hasnt grown to his full height, so why is he able to conduct himself like this? Just whats the difference between him and me?
What a small man he would be, compared to Noel. It was so sad that his sobs would have escaped if he didnt have the whiskey.
Theres no way new allies can be found. Where in the world are the idiots who would want to form a party with those who sold their allies into slavery?
Walter complained almost in a pout, but Noel shook his head.
Certainly, cowardly people will hate us. But those who are really outstanding should understand that there were mitigating circumstances. Rather, they should evaluate us highly for properly punishing misconduct within the party, instead of letting it pass
But most people are repulsed by us. Everyone is cowardly after all
Theres no point in caring about the rabble. What we really need to be afraid of, rather than creating enemies, is that we cant find allies. And in order to attract allies, we need to clarify our policy. Up-and-coming heel. Hmpt, isnt that not bad at all? Its easier to understand than the rabble you can find anywhere
Noel asserted in a confident tone.
Walter felt that what he had said made sense. After all, Seekers were essentially rough people. No one would follow a weak person. As Noel said, it might be better to be feared as a heel.
Youre really strong
Thinking back, he had been like this since they met. Always calm and never making mistakes. So much so that Walter couldnt even feel jealous and was impressed instead.
Unlike me Im weak
Once it was put into words, it felt natural. It felt like the pride that he had been defiantly defending had melted like ice. It was a calming feeling. That might be the reason. Walter felt like he understood what he should do.
Are you going to quit being a Seeker?
As he was wondering how to tell Noel that he had hit the nail on the head, Noel continued.
Certainly, you lack mental strength. However, there were many battles that we could not have survived without you. No matter what you say, I know your strength. Better than anyone
Noel
Walter, lets start fresh once more. Replacing party members is something that isnt unusual. Once again, you and me, lets rebuild Blue Beyond. To me, you are necessary
Truthfully, Walter was happy.
He often quarreled with Noel, and had thrown out many words that he didnt really mean. But he also knew better than anyone that Noel was an amazing Seeker.ReAd lat𝙚St chapters at nôv(𝒆)lbin.co/m Only
Normally, a Buffer was weak. Their buffs were powerful, but the buffer himself had almost no fighting ability.
As a result, there would be a need for someone to constantly protect the Buffer, which limited the partys movements. In that case, by replacing the Buffer with another Job, the party could then move more flexibly and that increased the chances of winning.
Generally, that was how Buffers were evaluated.
It was story that was often heard in the bar. New Seekers, who lacked knowledge about other Jobs, letting a Buffer join their party, then starting to feel that the Buffer was a burden, and then kicking the Buffer out in the end.
But Noel was different.
Noel, who was a Talker, still lacked combat capabilities. Nonetheless, Walter had never once thought of Noel as useless. Even if his fighting ability was low, he always protected himself, and if anything, he could handle the enemies attacks so well that Walter always felt safe attacking while leaving his back to Noel.
One of the reasons for that, was probably because he had received a special education from his grandfather, who was a hero. But more than that, it was because Noel himself had been continuing to work hard tirelessly.
Not limiting himself to only buffs just because he was a Buffer, Noels fighting style of extensively searching for ways to contribute to the battle wasnt something that was easy to imitate, even if you understood what he was doing.
Also, Noel underwent harsh training every day, training that was so hard that most Seekers would throw in the towel before they even did half of his menu. Walter didnt slack off on training either, but he had no confidence that he could do Noels menu every day while also doing Seeker work.
Although it wasnt an exaggeration to say that a Buffer was the weakest, Noels unwavering will was the reason why he had caught the eye of many Seekers, including Walter.
To be needed by such an amazing Seeker, there was no way he didnt feel happy. Walter held back his tears and conveyed his resolve.
Sorry, Im going to quit being a Seeker Im really sorry
Walter paid up what he owed at his lodgings and withdrew all of his money in the bank. He also sold all of his equipment and items. The money he had on hand, including the amount collected by Noel, was 9,110,000 Fil.
It was a middling amount, but it was appropriate for him now. If anything, it was more than enough money, considering that it was the result of only one year of hard work.
Walter hadnt decided what to do after returning to his hometown, but with the 9,110,000 Fil, he had many options. It might not be bad to start a caravan-escorting business using his experience as a Seeker, or better yet, it might be good to make a drastic change of directions and become a bar owner.
He couldnt make it as a Seeker, but the possibilities before him were endless. There was no longer a need to feel desperate. He could enjoy his life from now on.
Walter knew he should be thinking like that. And yet, his lingering attachment to the imperial capital didnt fade away.
What would happen to Lloyd and Tania? Could I work at a proper job if all I know how to do, is listen to instructions while I fought?
Running through Walters head were such thoughts, thoughts that no matter how much he tried, he couldnt find answers for. It was when he was waiting for the departure of the stagecoach heading for his hometown in a melancholic mood.
Yo
When Walter looked back at the sound of that greeting, he saw Noel.
What? Did you come to see me off?
Yeah, that was my intention
Hmm. Well, thanks
Thats a surprise. To think that this guy would do something like this.
Its a farewell gift. Take it
What Noel handed him, was the imperial capital specialty, Walters favorite whiskey.
Youre giving this to me?
You wont have many chances to drink this back in your hometown, right?
Ye, yeah. Thats true
Then Ive finished what I came to do, so Im going back. Be well, Walter
Just like he said, Noel left without looking back. Walter, stunned, watched his back grow smaller, and then squinted at the whiskey in his hand.
Good grief, I cant tell at all, whether this guy is compassionate or heartless
Though he was mystified, it wasnt a bad feeling. The dark thoughts that he had from before had just disappeared, and for some reason, he just felt like laughing.
Did you know? The person Tania truly loved, was you
However, there was no space beside Noel for Tania to stand. What Noel wanted, was not a partner in love, but a strong and capable ally.
She knew she would be rejected if she ever voiced her feelings. And while consulting Lloyd about her love problems, the two of them became lovers.
If it was Walter, and not Lloyd, who was consulted, would Tania have chosen Walter? That was impossible to tell. But even then, he would still have been only a substitute for Noel.
Its just like you said, Noel. People who can replace us are a dime a dozen. The only one who is different, is you. Only you are special
Looking purely at talent, Lloyd and Tania, and even Walter were more talented.
But even if this times incident had not occurred, the one who would reach the very peak of all Seekers would definitely have been only Noel.
You were a control tower that we werent worthy of
Walter uncapped the whiskey and took a sip.
Good luck, Noel. You must definitely become the strongest Seeker. You werethe best friend(comrade)
The taste of the whiskey, which was as delicious as ever, wet Walters cheeks.
Im starting everything from square one, arent I?
With Walter quitting, Blue Beyond was as good as dissolved. I could still use its reputation, but its value had almost disappeared.
But, I wasnt anxious. In the first place, I was the one who had created Blue Beyond. I was the one who gathered those three people and formed the party. So I simply had to do the same thing again.
Of course, I would have to reflect and learn from the mistakes from this times incident. It was not good to let others be the leader after all. I had initially thought that it would be fine to leave it to Lloyd, but that notion was a mistake. If I was the leader, this kind of petty incident would definitely not have happened, nor would I have let it.
There was no meaning in indulging in what-ifs, but I deeply regretted letting such outstanding talents go to waste. I could make any number of excuses, like I was naive or that I was inexperienced, but what was gone would never return.
I would do better next time. I wont make the same mistakes again.
Now
I stopped in a deserted alley.
Isnt it about time you came out?
As if my words were an invitation, four men appeared. They were familiar faces it was the unshaven mans party. They had been following me and had drawn their weapons when they came out.
Even though youve already received your reward, was there something else you needed?
At my question, the unshaven man gave a vulgar smile.
Looks like youve been forsaken by Walter. Serves you right, and now youre all alone
In other words, they thought that now would be a good time to take revenge for being mocked. Fools. Theyre so foolish that I cant even laugh. These people are so retarded, they make me feel nauseous.
Just one question
What?
Why didnt you gather more people? Im sure you have acquaintances outside of your party, right?
For someone like you, four of us is plenty. It doesnt matter even if you know some Yakuza. Ill make sure to tear up that pretty face of yours and leave you floating in a canal
Four is plenty, huh. To put it another way, that means that they know that they cant beat me one-on-one.
While they derided me for being the weakest, to be unable to fight me unless theyre in a group, they have such splendid pride. Theyre so cool that if I were them, I would kill myself.
To make matters worse, they had unfortunately miscalculated.
With you guys strength, you cant win even if you gather ten times your number
The likes of a Talker shouldnt run your mouth. Ill make you regret that complacency of yours
You can smirk triumphantly all you want, but the ones being complacent are you guys.
The unshaven man is most likely thinking that Ill rely on Stun Howl. As a countermeasure, his ally, the Mage, must have used a Skill that prevents debuffs. I can tell quite clearly that hes being complacent by thinking that he can win as long as he can defend against Stun Howl.
What a bunch of fools. Ill teach your bodies which of us will be the one to regret it.
Kukuku, dont act tough. Even you guys know that you cant win against me, am I right? Thats why Ill give you guys a handicap. Ill fight you with my eyes closed
What did you say!?
Come on, whats wrong? Hurry up and come get me, you bunch of small fry
When I closed my eyes like I said and beckoned at them, the unshaven mans party all roared with rage unanimously.
Hes messing with us! Kill him!
The instant the mens judgment had been dulled by my provocations, I took out a flash grenade from my coat and threw it in front of them.
Wha!? Gyaaa!!
The strong flash of light burned the eyes of everyone but me, who had my eyes closed. I opened my eyes and delivered a right straight into each persons chest.
Guuu!? uuu
It was only one hit, but that one hit knocked everyone out. By delivering a blunt impact into the area directly over the heart, I could disrupt the hearts rhythm and cause them to lose consciousness.
I wont kill you because were in the middle of the city. Instead
I drew my knife and cut off the right ear of everyone, who were all unconscious.
Could you help me advertise using that ear? Let people know what happens when someone messes with me
Leaving the unshaven mans party, who had all become more good-looking, I headed for the exit of the alley.
Along the way, I found something unusual.
A snakes shedded skin
Unlike outside the city, it wasnt something that could be seen very often within the city. It had probably been brought in as a pet or for food, escaped from somewhere and now lived in the sewer.
So, in order to evolve, it needed to shed its skin
Snakes have to shed their old scales to get stronger scales. Its the same for Blue Beyond as well. The old scales are gone. Ill obtain new, stronger scales from now on.
Blue Beyond is born again. Today, on this day
Well.. It's sad but author already set it up in chapter 4 that Walter will leave.
Still, the thing with the taste of the whiskey only coming back at the end, then the old-school double meaning: written as comrade, read as friend, and finally the end scene where Walter sheds manly tears without it being explicitly written
That 3 hit combo really brought the onion chopping ninjas again.
**:....:*'(**)*:.. ..:**
And thanks to one of the commenters on my site, I was informed that the name of the star(?) of the previous chapter, Finocchio, is an Italian slang for a gay man. Its derogatory though so please dont use it.
(edit) There used to be a bio for Noel here, but it's been removed as that's what the author of WN did. I'm just noting it here because I'm pretty sure I referred to this bio somewhere and people may wonder what I was talking about lol.