Chapter 289: Riding to the Storm
Each compartment they passed showcased a distinct level of luxury, emphasizing that this area was exclusively reserved for the wealthy .
'Humans sure love to divide themselves, even in something as simple as traveling,' he chuckled, observing how their behavior remained consistent regardless of the world.
'So, this is the bar? Seems like a waste of space,' he thought to himself.
The bar was a luxurious spot with a shiny wooden counter and soft velvet stools.
A short flat patterned ceiling light hung above, casting a warm, golden glow that made the room feel rich and inviting.
The air carried the scent of whiskey and leather, creating a cozy atmosphere despite the train's steady rumble. Discover stories with m,v l'e-NovelBin.net
As he approached, the mahogany counter caught the ambient light from above, enhancing its eye-catching appearance.
A middle age bartender, dressed in a white crisp uniform, greeted Wick with a smile before turning his attention to Reign.
"What can I get for you, sir?" His voice was seasoned with a blend of courtesy and genuine interest.
Reign settled onto a stool, his gaze sweeping the room as he pondered his drink.
"Just a whiskey," he replied casually.
He wasn't particularly interested in drinking, but it was necessary to order one while here. It was his way of blending in and avoiding unnecessary attention.
"Give me a moment, " The bartender nodded knowingly, his hands moving to pour a generous amount of dark red liquid into a glass over ice.
As the bartender worked, he struck up a conversation, his tone tinged with curiosity. "I've never seen a pet like yours before. Is he a rare breed?"
"You could say that," Reign replied with a hint of amusement, glancing down at Wick, who lounged at his feet.
'Yeah, being a demon dog is definitely rare,' he chuckled to himself, amused that anyone could mistake his pet for a normal dog.
"Here you go, Sir, " The bartender finished preparing the drink.
Pretending to take a sip of his whiskey, he glanced around, absorbing the layout and the constant murmur of conversations.
The bar was pretty big, featuring not only the one where he sat but also another at the far end. Between them were tables, including poker tables where patrons gathered for games.
Despite the possibility of the train being attacked at any moment, the wealthy passengers remained unconcerned, focused on playing games and spending money as if there were no danger at all, which struck him as both funny and disappointing.
"Mind if I join you?" His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a man in a formal black blazer.
The individual had dark gray, neatly styled hair, slicked back slightly. His eyes were sharp and piercing, a deep black that made him look way younger than he was.
His jawline was strong too and well-defined, giving him a commanding presence.
"So you're Mr. Rain," he remarked in a friendly voice.. "I'm Lucas. Lilith mentioned you'd be accompanying me to Brentwood as my bodyguard,."
"Yeah, that's me," Reign confirmed with a small nod.
"Miss Lilith wasn't exaggerating when she said you looked tough," Lucas continued, his eyes observing him from top to bottom.
Reign controlled his violent tendency, recalling from Lilith's note that the man in front of him was his ticket into Brentwood, a city now tightly guarded due to the rising numbers of corrupteds in the area, as well as reports of a "Numbered" sighting.
"How do you plan to get through the city's defenses? This train just stops at the closest city," Reign cut to the chased.
Lucas was taken aback by Reign's straightforward character, but he didn't dislike this type of personality.
"We've arranged for a private train waiting in Rosewood," Lucas explained confidently. "Loaded with the weapons and ammunition I intend to sell in Brentwood."
Leaning forward slightly, Reign's interest deepened. "And how do you plan to pass the horde of corrupted?"
Lucas chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "I've secured the support of powerful allies. Together, we'll carve a path into Brentwood."
Curious about their strategy, Reign asked, "So why do you want me to guard you?"
"An extra layer of security never hurts," Lucas replied, signaling for a drink of his own. "And I've heard commendable things about Lilith's associates. You, in particular, are reputed to be the strongest."
'So she's been telling everyone I'm her henchman?' Reign sighed, displeased by her actions. He made a mental note to teach her a lesson after he returned.
But for now, he had to reluctantly play his role.
"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe. She wasn't lying when she said I'm the strongest," he replied with a bored tone, playing the role of a seasoned mercenary.
Lucas nodded, a glint of respect in his eyes. "Glad to hear it. Together, we'll make a great team. " he declared, raising his glass in a silent toast.
In response, Reign also raised his glass in a gesture of agreement, deciding to play along for now.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they discussed plans and contingencies, the train's gentle sway beneath them a steady reminder of their journey's.
In the middle of their discussion, a woman with short brown hair approached their counter, her demeanor was normal.
"Mr. Lucas, thank you for including me in your plan," she greeted warmly.
Lucas smiled warmly in return. "It's my pleasure, Ms. Emy. Biogen is one of my most reliable customers. So this is the least I could do," he replied graciously.
"Care to join us for a drink?" he asked.
"I won't say no," Emy replied with a nod, taking a seat beside him.
"A martini, please," she requested politely, her gaze shifting from the bartender to Reign with genuine interest.
"And who might this gentleman be?" she asked.
"Rain. He's my bodyguard," Lucas introduced.
Emy's eyes twinkled with curiosity as she observed Reign. "Oh, so you're the one keeping us safe," she giggled. "You must be pretty powerful."
Reign paused, catching the hint of sarcasm in her voice, which annoyed him.
"Yeah, I can handle everyone," he responded bluntly, his tone honest rather than boastful.
Emy blinked a couple of times in shock at his declaration, but her expression quickly turned calm as she assessed him,
She understood the implications behind his words—words that spoke volumes about his capabilities without the need for embellishment.
But she was curious whether he was telling the truth or not.
"Perfect. I've also hired three Divergents as bodyguards, and they claim to be quite strong. Would you like to spar?" she asked, attempting to test him.
"Inside the train? This place will get messed up," Reign shook his head, feeling no obligation to prove himself to her.
"Are you perhaps afraid of losing? You said you can handle everyone, right?" she challenged, her tone shifting from calm to haughty.
Reign did not appreciate her attitude, feeling a strong urge to kill her if not for the mission at hand.