After leaving the amusement park, Lawson sighed at how technologically backward this world still was.
What he really wanted to play was bumper cars, but alas, this world didn't have them.
The feeling of freely controlling a racing vehicle was what Lawson yearned for—especially motorcycles, which let him directly experience the wind and speed.
"Whatever, let's find a place to rest first."
He walked up to an ornately decorated shop where young men with tattoos were constantly coming and going—a scene strikingly similar to Earth.
Lawson's first impression was that this must be a bar.
"Sorry, sir, the bar's been reserved for a private event today," said a blond-haired man blocking the entrance. Though his words were polite, his gestures were dismissive.
"Are you blind? Can't you see he's from the Platinum Knights?" A stern voice rang out as someone lightly punched the blond guy on the head.
[Name: Flo E. Orangeglow]
[Strength: 2000]
[HP: 2000]
[Physical Resistance: 3000]
[Magic Resistance: 2000]
[Stamina: 2000]
[Speed: 2000]
[Spirit: 300]
[Mana: 300]
"These stats are only slightly weaker than Allen's," Lawson thought.
Meanwhile, the blond guy was about to lose his temper but immediately put on a fawning smile upon seeing the newcomer. "Ah, Sir Flo! My mistake, my mistake!"
"Sir Knight, it was all a misunderstanding! Please, come in!" The blond man bowed obsequiously and gestured for Lawson to enter.
Of course, the blond recognized Lawson as a member of the Platinum Knights—but since he was just a probationary outer knight, the blond wasn't intimidated. After all, the bar had been reserved by a full-fledged knight from an even more prestigious order.
But seeing that Flo was backing Lawson, the blond didn't dare provoke him further—especially since Flo was from the same knight order. With quick reflexes, he immediately made an inviting gesture.
"Hello, I'm Flo E. Orangeglow, a full-fledged knight of the Royal Knights and the Golden Radiance Order," Flo extended his hand in a friendly manner.
"Lawson. Platinum Knights... Knight." Lawson shook his hand, unsure if he counted as a full-fledged knight yet.
As they shook hands, Lawson felt a slight pressure.
"Is he squeezing my hand?" Lawson wondered. "Is this a test?"
Crack!
With a light squeeze, the sound of bones breaking echoed.
"Oops, too much force." Lawson immediately relaxed his grip.
Flo withdrew his right hand, placing it behind his back, his smile unwavering.
"You're quite strong," Flo remarked.
"That's pretty much my only strong point," Lawson chuckled, scratching the back of his head. It was the truth.
Inside, the bar was spacious but nearly empty.
At the counter sat a tall woman with striking purple hair, covered in tattoos and adorned with facial piercings—a fierce-looking punk beauty.
[Name: Lis E. Violetwing]
[Strength: 2000]
[HP: 2000]
[Physical Resistance: 2000]
[Magic Resistance: 2000]
[Stamina: 2000]
[Speed: 5000]
[Spirit: 200]
[Mana: 200]
"Another name with an 'E'—another noble knight?" Lawson thought wryly.
"Of course," Flo sighed, frowning at the woman before turning to Lawson. "This is Lis E. Violetwing, also a full-fledged knight of the Golden Radiance Order."
"Flo? Who's... this... kid?" Lis slurred, her gaze drifting toward Lawson.
Without a care for decorum, she floated over like a ghost and placed both hands on Lawson's head, scrutinizing him.
"What a cute... little... brother," she giggled drunkenly, turning to Flo. "New... recruit?"
"No, he's an unannounced full-fledged knight of the Platinum Knights," Flo replied, sitting down and ordering a margarita. He held the glass in his left hand, his right tucked in his pocket. "I'd advise you to show some respect—you're no match for him."
"Hah! This... little... kid?"
Suddenly, Lis's drunken haze vanished as she glared at Flo. "Are you mocking me?"
Flo's lips twitched. This woman's insane—mood swings like a pendulum. No wonder she keeps getting dumped.
"No, we just had a brief exchange," Flo said, taking a sip of his margarita to steady himself.
"Little brother, did you just bully him?" Lis leaned in so close that Lawson could almost feel her breath.
Lawson flushed slightly. Despite the piercings, it was clear she was naturally beautiful.
"You can test me too," Lawson muttered, averting his gaze.
"Hah! Don't blame me for bullying you, then. If you can snatch this bell from me within half an hour, I'll admit you're the real deal." Lis unhooked a purple bell from her waist, smirking. She couldn't believe someone so young could overpower Flo, a fifth-tier knight.
Lawson scoffed. "No thanks. What's in it for me?"
Lis grinned. "Fine. If you succeed, I'll grant you one request—anything you want." She winked, eyeing Lawson appreciatively. This kid's way cuter than my exes.
"Anything?" Lawson touched the pendant around his neck, an idea forming.
"Anything within my power, as long as it's not illegal."
"Deal. Ready?"
Lis flipped an hourglass. "Starts now."
Lawson checked her stats—her speed was ten times his. Trying to grab the bell himself would be humiliating and futile.
"Carol." He called mentally.
[Understood, Master. Shadow Grasp!]
A massive claw of darkness erupted from Lawson's shadow, snatching the bell—and Lis's shorts along with it. Thankfully, she wore safety shorts, avoiding a scandal.
"Wha—?!" Flo choked on his drink. This guy's a mage?! Where did Allen find this kind of reinforcement? I need to report this to Uncle Jack immediately!
Lis, usually shameless, actually blushed as her skirt was yanked away.
"Cheater! You didn't say you were a mage!" she pouted, though more amused than angry, quickly pulling out a spare skirt from her spatial ring.
"I never said I wasn't," Lawson smirked. "But forget it—consider the bet void."
He played the reverse psychology card. Had he not said this, Flo could've mediated. Now, Flo couldn't intervene, leaving Lis to either swallow her pride or accept his "generosity."
Then again, a woman this erratic probably has no shame, Flo mused, nodding to himself.
"No way! A deal's a deal!" Lis declared, suddenly serious—then shy. "So... when do we leave? Actually, I'll book the room—"
"Whoa, hold on!" Lawson nearly spat out his drink. "Didn't you say any condition?"
"Yeah, so—"
"Stop projecting your fantasies onto me," Lawson sighed, unsure if his decision was wise. "My request is simple: Join the Platinum Knights before the Scarlet Festival begins."
Flo spat out his drink. "Lawson, that's—"
"Apologies, Flo, but we're short-handed. Of course, since this was just a verbal agreement, you're free to ignore it. Don't worry—I won't mention this to the captain, fellow knights, or any influential figures."
Lawson sipped his lightly alcoholic fruit cocktail. His words carried no contractual weight—but the unspoken threat was clear.