[ ––––––––– Ϫ Days 60 - 82 ––––––––– ]

Augmi learned that the only people who purchased the venom lately were Silver Sinners. Names of purchasers were always confidential. There was only an id of transaction that could be used to identify members by Silver Sinner's head archivist. Augmi relayed that information to Arath, but nothing more could be done with it.

Arath checked the city records and contacted all of the new adventurers, but none admitted to ever be in contact with smoke bombs, so the scope of maneuver was narrowed. The investigation appeared to be a dead-end, so the boy returned to his responsibilities.

After six days has passed, Dekhan was already feeling better. Due to a better operation procedure, his wounds healed faster and he could go on a short stroll around the tavern or sit and watch his workers. Dekhan was thankful that Arath took on his responsibilities and worked doubled hours again, so he gave him a bonus (12 sc) and a raise (2bc / hour).

Noemi's wound took a week longer to recover, but she was not alone during the time. Augmi visited her each day, bringing a good tea and a piece of cake. When recovered, the girl immediately went back to running her errands for Serpent Sorority.

To Arath, there was only one issue, an incoming drinking contest hosted by Dekhan in the Inn. There were over two weeks before the event would start. It was planned way before the assassination attempt and Dekhan would never consider the idea of canceling it.

Altogether, after nearly three weeks, Arath had two gold coins, thirty silver coins and Noemi had two gold coins, eighty silver coins. Once again, Arath invested in Noemi, giving her all his cash as prepayment. The girl purchased the cheapest steel cuirass and a kettle hat after haggling price down to five gold coins.

[ ––––––––– Ϫ Day 83 ––––––––– ]

Arath was occupied with preparation for today's contest. He was setting up bottles on shelves behind a counter and observing the entering guests. There were mainly the rats from the Rust and Roosters, but one could also spot many treelings, a group of Dune Boars, a few girls from Serpent Sorority, and even a party of Silver Sinners.

Moreover, Arath encountered a dwarf. The bearded man took a seat next to the counter and ordered several pints of beer, it was a portion that would certainly make an average person pass out. Arath was confident that man wouldn't be able to participate after that.

Most of the people were enjoying the early feast, which was preceding the main event. It was a common remark that the Inn became the best restaurant in Zurno, with a single exception.

Dekhan approached Arath and requested. - “We need you in the kitchen.”

Arath nodded, shoved hands in his apron, and moved to prepare the famous cyclopean-stalker soup and a few drinks. He was done in a matter of minutes and the waiter served the meals to a six-person group at a table exclusively reserved for Silver Sinners.

Two noblewomen in full plate armors immediately commented on the meal, to their rat leader.

“It definitely tastes better than those disgusting food rations that you're forcing us to eat...”

“It's hardly an intermediate level dish... yet unsurprisingly, it's at least five times better than what you had to offer... and you guaranteed that your faction can offer the best living conditions. We will certainly have to re-discuss our arrangement.”

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

Noemi and Augmi entered the tavern, holding hands. They couldn't spot Arath who was too busy preparing snacks in the kitchen, but they met many familiar faces. Noemi greeted each of her acquaintances, Treya, Ghatash, and his group with a new member - Minakh, Nathaniel, Tador, and Tikan, and many other adventurers that she used to co-operate with, also the ones who helped her after the assassination attempt. She exchanged a few words with everyone, then moved with Augmi to a secluded, private room for honorary guests.

The girls enjoyed their meals in peace until Dekhan finally announced the beginning of a contest.

The participation fee was sixty bronze coins, with exception of free tickets given to chosen adventurers and regular guests. Each visitor who wanted to participate had to lift a hand, then wait until waiters collect the fee and sign him up.

Next, there was an elimination phase. Five large shots of special chanterelle infused vodka prepared by Arath after his lessons with Augmi. Ten minutes of break between shots. People who would remain conscious after consuming all of the glasses would be permitted to transfer to a long table at the center, where finals would be carried out. Free snacks would be given during all rounds.

They had a simple rule. One extra shot per round until only a single contestant remains.

Three top winners would collect a total of subscription money and today's profits, plus receive an extra item prize.

Noemi had her free ticket and was not afraid to use it. She invited everyone she knew to her table. This time, they would be her rivals.

“Thanks for the invitation, but I'm out.” - Nathaniel outright refused to participate.

“Oh, don't be like that! Just a single drink.” - Noemi encouraged.

“Scout needs to keep his senses keen...” - Nathaniel replied. - “...but I'll be more than happy to watch.”

“Alright!” - Noemi pouted and averted her gaze, pretending to feel betrayed. - “Less competition.”

Nathaniel just joyfully laughed. Augmi wasn't drinking either, but Noemi was well aware of that.

The first round has started.

“To adventure!” - Noemi raised her glass, exclaiming. Everyone joined, shouting 'To adventure'.

Most of the participants, including the girl, gulped the drink down in one go.

“Ahh!” - Noemi sighed with satisfaction. - “Drink worthy of a warrior!”

Tador nodded in agreement. - “You didn't lie about your partner's gift. Alcohol is superior to what was used last year.”

Noemi grinned happily in response. - “Right?”

Ten minutes have passed and Treya just finished her drink and looked around, everybody was ready for another round. - “What do we toast next to?”

One of the participants suggested. - “Perhaps to those who prepared this event and these excellent drinks.”

“To Dekhan, to Arath, and to their crew!” - Other adventurer exclaimed.

Everybody raised their glass, but not everyone finished their drink.

“Uh. Continue... without me.” - Tador was still looking fine, but his glass was only half empty.

Treya was last as usual. She was patient with her drinks. This time, she was the one to raise the toast. - “Cheers for a great night!”

The third round of elimination was a true killer, over half of participants resigned or snored under the tables. Treya straight out refused to take another shot. Tikan felt dizzy and was wobbling, so he decided also not to risk.

Most of the other adventurers were out, except a few who helped after Noemi was injured. One of them stepped forward, quite visibly drunk. - “To... hick... a good company!” - He gulped down the last drink, then a minute later dropped down and was carried away by his friends.

Noemi and Dune boars consumed their drinks. None of the other adventurers endured the fourth round.

“...so ...it's you all versus me.” - Noemi spoke while grinning confidently. She appeared only slightly tipsy, while boars were just a little drunk.

“It's an honor to challenge you, Noemi...” - Ghatash replied.

“Likewise, but let's not drag it any longer, I'm curious of what endurance the famous dune boars really have...” - The lizard girl winded her tail playfully in anticipation.

“Then allow me to raise the last toast.” - Minakh spoke. - “To faithful friends.”

“To faithful friends!” - Dune Boars shouted and raised their drinks.

“To faithful friends!” - Noemi also shouted with joy.

Five glasses collided against one and other, then in unison, everyone finished their drink.

“...so ...we all pass to the finals, isn't it great?” - Noemi slowly uttered out.

“It indeed is...” - Ghatash responded. - “...but we're bound to leave now.”

“Why is it!?” - Noemi complained.

“Clan responsibilities.” - Ghatash replied.

“What a shame.” - Noemi's tail curled up.

Dune Boars raised from their seats and wished Noemi good luck, then left.

Nathaniel slowly approached and started to clap, some adventurers sobered up and joined him.

“...so, you're the last of us.” - Nathaniel spoke. - “We'll keep our fingers crossed.”

“Yeah, we will cheer for you, so just keep going no matter what!” - Treya, slightly drunk, added.

Noemi's and Augmi's eyes met, the mouse was a bit disapproving of the whole contest and non-verbal signs of it could clearly be seen, but she still wished the best for her friend - “Have fun out there.”

“Thank you!” - Noemi smiled sweetly - “Thank you all!”