Ranma scowled slightly. So the thing basically extorted the weak. He didn't like the sound of that, so he'd have no problem kicking its fat, piggy butt.
As he walked up to the gate, the creature gave him a long once over, only stopping to suck on the finger that it moments ago had been picking its nose with.
"Fifteen gold," it demanded, standing as to seem intimidating.
Ranma looked it over, analyzing how great a challenge it would be. Its stance was sloppy, it was holding the its weapon in a very inefficient manner, and it seemed to be staring half way into space with a blank expression on its face. All in all it looked like a slow and stupid creature of minimal skill that got by on strength and toughness alone.
A comical threat, even at the state he was in now.
Wordlessly, Ranma raised his right hand and gave the bipedal swine a quick middle finger. "Up yours, bacon breath. Now, out of the way unless you want me to shove an apple in your mouth and roast you."
The Orc roared in anger and charged Ranma. Almost casually, the young martial artist burst forward, and using the Orc's own power against it, combined with a hearty addition of his own, flipped it over his shoulder. The Orc squealed in shock and surprise as it was sent flying through the air and into the lake with a loud splash.
Ranma smiled and walked up to the metal door. At once side of it was a rusty leaver. With a shrug, he pulled it and the door lifted open. Inside, there was a small guard post, with a second set off and off to one side, another pair of Orcs playing cards. They just looked at him, glanced at the door, and in a scramble, rushed for the door on the opposite side to open it for him, lest they receive a beating as their comrade did.
Ranma laughed slightly at the antics of the two cowardly humanoids. They almost reminded of Mr. Tendo and the Old Man when The Freak was around.
Wearing a smile of smug satisfaction, Ranma entered the town. It seemed to be a main street, a long double wide tunnel, flanked on each side by wooden doors marked by signs, like an underground shopping district almost.
"Hey, this ain't so bad," Ranma remarked.
"This is the trade post," The Mentor stated. "Its kept orderly as most merchants like to maintain a presentable face. Their wears tend to be reasonably priced but rather mundane in nature. Usually of little interest to a Keeper, but as you are just starting off, some of their goods might be of value. The dealers in more exotic and powerful can be found in the various dens of depravity that make up the core of the city."
"And beyond that?" Ranma asked.
"The slums mostly," he replied. "Though they lay off the central tunnels."
"Oh," Ranma replied, "Anything else?"
"You have the homes of the more affluent members of this pathetic little community. Unless you're seeking to rob them or employ them for some reason, I'd suggest that you ignore them."
Ranma smiled slightly. He wondered if the Saotome Secret Techniques worked in this world? They seemed to use a lot less Chi than many other techniques... usually he didn't like to rob people, but he made an exception for criminals. As this place was run by gangs, it might be worth the practice.
"Keeper, are you listening to me?"
"Huh?" Ranma replied. "What?"
"I was just going over the agenda," Ranma's ghostly advisor stated.
"Okay, what's that?"
"I'm thinking that..."
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(Posted Fri, 29 Dec 2006 03:54)
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