《The Bartender at the End of the Universe》Ch 174: The Appearance of a True Leader
Advertisement
Cough cough
In the ruins of an abandoned carnival, a middle-aged man in a cheap suit was on his hands and knees. He was having a coughing fit that just didn't seem to want to end.
"Where...where in Sam hill am I?" he asked no one in particular as he readjusted the coke bottle glasses on his face.
As he stood up, he let out a "Tsk," as he looked down at his brown pants.
"Well, this is a fine how do you do," he complained as he put his hands on his hips and shook his head. "This place is absolutely filthy, and now I've got dust all over my suit."
He readjusted the glasses on his face before he looked around. "Thompson! Is this some sort of prank young man? Your father and I will certainly have words if you don't step out here and fess up right this minute!"
The only reply he got was the metal creaking of a nearby ride rocking in the wind. He looked around and walked briskly towards a dust coated mirror. He pulled out a handkerchief from an inner pocket of his jacket and quickly wiped the mirror clear.
He appraised himself in the mirror and shook his head in disappointment. His eyes rose up to his thinning hairline, and he let out another, "Tsk," before he pulled out a small black comb and started to comb the hair from the right side of his head up over his receding hairline and to the other side.
After nearly a minute he seemed satisfied. He shook out his handkerchief and then returned it and the comb back into their place.
"They think they can pull one over on Harold Wormer? Hah! I've seen it all." He said to himself as he straightened his jacket. "Some rapscallions probably picked up my mattress while I slept and carried it to some abandoned park in the outskirts of town. No doubt assisted by some sort of drugging of my coffee."
Advertisement
He chuckled to himself as he started to walk down the empty paths. "Oh no, there's always troublesome young people who think they can outplay me. But this?"
He looked around in disgust at the filth that surrounded him. "This is going too far. I'll see that they're expelled. And not just the culprits, but their children, and their children's children! Why none of them will set a foot near Stoneman high when I'm through with them!"
He looked absolutely pleased with himself as he wore a self-satisfied grin on his cleanshaven face. "It had to have been that Thompson boy. I always knew he was no good. A rotten apple from a rotten family tree. Should've been trimmed down to a stump generations ago."
"But he must've had help. I doubt such a screwup could have planned something like this. No, there were definitely accomplices, and I'll make sure they all receive the same fierce punishment." He continued to talk to himself as he walked around.
Each second he looked more and more smug. Just completely full of himself, and proud of his plans for revenge, or "just punishment" as he called it.
"Well, isn't this interesting." Abraham watched the man wander in his suit. He was standing on a rocking gondola of the Ferris wheel with the barrel still on his shoulder.
Abraham licked his lips as Harold continued to talk to himself. When Harold ended up at the base of the Ferris wheel, Abraham seemed unable to contain himself and he jumped down from gondola to gondola until he reached the ground.
"Good god man!" exclaimed Harold. "Where did you come from?" As Harold looked at Abraham's torn up attire his face turned to shock. "More importantly, what the dickens happened to your clothes?"
Advertisement
Abraham looked down at the tattered remains of his once fancy clothes and let out a laugh. He turned to Harold and smiled wide.
But Harold was already upon Abraham, with a cloth tape measure out. He easily grabbed his arms and was measuring out his clothes all while going, "Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Finally, Harold stepped back and pushed his glasses up on his face. "This won't do. Your attire is absolutely atrocious young man. I'm sure you're aware of the consequences for breaking the dress code so egregiously!"
Abraham was caught off guard. "Dress code? What are you..."
"And what is this you have here?" Harold scolded as he pointed up at the barrel. "Why, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that looks like some sort of alcoholic beverage. Of course, I know that's impossible, as that would be a flagrant disregard for the school's bylaws."
Abraham was obviously confused, but he quickly shook it off and grinned cruelly as he said, "I think you're confused. And if you value your..."
"Value? Hah! A troublemaker like you clearly has no perception of good, old-fashioned American values!" Harold scolded. "I have half a mind to reprimand you right here and now, but seeing as I'm a generous soul. I shall give you the chance to avoid trouble. All you have to do is lead me out of this place, and of course immediately change into proper attire while disposing of that filth on your shoulder."
Abraham blinked slowly. "Huh?"
HArold rolled his eyes. "Really now son, it isn't that complicated, or are you such a bad student that you can't even understand simple instructions?"
Harold had quickly taken charge, and talked circles around Abraham as he continued to verbally berate and belittle him.
Advertisement
- In Serial33 Chapters
The Riddle of Lead: Requiem of the Gun Knights
Imperial Gun Knight Rathus McGaff must journey through fantastic lands filled with mythical beasts, murderous civil servants, and delusional assassins as he attempts to right wrongs and survive. Armed with an assortment of firearms and trained in the ancient art of Puroreso, Rathus travels with a motley crew of friends and associates as he navigates through the collapsing Empire and a dangerous Rebellion. All the while, the invention of a new weapon looms on the horizon, threatening to overturn the very nature of the world, and forever change the face of battle. (Cover is temporary. Glory is eternal. Please make my cover your phone wallpaper) Boost Riddle of Lead on TopWebFiction Click here to join the Riddle of Lead Discord!
8 171 - In Serial22 Chapters
Elsewhere
The story follows a boy who hates his name. After the suicide of a close friend and peer role model, he's on the brink of the same fate. But he doesn't follow her. Not even as his resolve to keep going is tested time and time again once he's sent into the worlds of magic and monsters he once longed for. (I do not claim ownership of the cover art. If the original artist would like me to take it down, contact me here.)
8 181 - In Serial11 Chapters
Typical Isekai: Trying to Fight Corruption in Another World!
Exactly what it says in the title. This is a typical isekai where a girl gets run over by Truck-kun's American cousin, Taxi-kun, and is transported into a fantastical new world. There, with her new magical abilities, she'll do her best to fight corruption as she makes friends and deals with enemies. [Participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]
8 229 - In Serial14 Chapters
NiceOneNoMicroSon
Bobby was a normal child - until his parents decided to improve his future chances with bleeding edge technology.
8 170 - In Serial6 Chapters
Fox With System
Lucas was a human, but was hit by a car and reincarnated as a fox with a system. Lucas's system will help him cultivate and Lucas will fight to become stronger. Lucas will get skills and techniques, some powerful that no one ever seen. Powerful monsters that can swallow Lucas whole, forbidden techniques that have been forgotten, ancient runes that hold powerful items and other powers inside, and bloodlines that can change someone's appearance.
8 169 - In Serial81 Chapters
Yeji Imagines (gxg)
Requested 🍬Female Reader Imagines with Yeji of Itzy 💐 Message me for any requests you have 💗Started: 6-30-20Completed:Highest Rankings:♡ #1 in yejixreader ♡♡ #1 in itzy ♡♡ #1 in fluffyimagines ♡♡ #1 in Imaginesandpreferences ♡♡ #1 in yejiitzy ♡♡ #1 in itzyimagines ♡
8 155

