Durin, standing in the back row, was stunned for a moment, wanting to turn and slip away, but found it was too late.
Little brother, what's wrong with you?
You need to negotiate, don't you understand the rules of Zaun?
If you don't even understand how to make a show of force, why are you acting as a boss?!
Don't you understand that you curse for five copper circle coins first and then negotiate?
Are you really going to fight to the death?!
I…
What's more, the Tiger Claw Gang only gave 8 copper circle coins per person, and it was agreed that they were just there to make a show and cheer. Who would risk their life for 8 copper circle coins? Wouldn't getting cut by a knife hurt him?
Screw it!
Durin, who had only intended to make some quick money, had only this thought in his mind.
Just as Durin was about to turn and slip away, he suddenly heard the small leader, who was standing in front and responsible for roll call, turn around and shout in a hurried tone, "The situation has changed, the price has changed! If you take down one person, you'll get an additional 80 copper circle coins! The more people, the more money! But if you escape, you get nothing! And you won't have a good time afterwards!"
Under heavy rewards, there are bound to be brave men. Hearing that the bounty was ten times the original 8 copper circle coins, these hot-blooded newcomers became even more eager. So, they were the first to rush forward with the surging crowd, joining the melee.
But Durin was very cautious, because he knew this was a chaotic fight, and self-preservation was the most important thing.
80 copper circle coins sounded great, but if he accidentally got cut or had a rib broken, the medical expenses would be far greater than 80 copper circle coins.
To be honest, he wanted to escape right now, not even wanting the 8 copper circle coins anymore. But the scene was too chaotic, making it difficult for him to leave immediately.
"Ah!"
There were shouts of killing everywhere, and cries of agony everywhere. The shops on the street had already closed, and the residents were hiding inside, trembling.
Durin's 36 points in Running proficiency and the passive specialty [Sturdy Physique] ensured he was like a fish in water in this melee, always able to dodge some wildly swinging blades.
However, just as Durin was about to break free from the melee...
Suddenly, a burly bald man with a centipede tattoo on his face and a crude respirator, holding a steel pipe, blocked Durin's path. His gaze was fierce.
Durin had encountered these gang thugs before, when his proficiency was only 35 points, but he was already able to go back and forth with most gang thugs, and even occasionally win by using some underhanded tactics.
So, Durin estimated that most of these gang thugs' one-handed weapon proficiency was basically maintained at 40 points. This guy in front of him was probably no different.
Just as Durin was thinking, there was no warning.
Suddenly.
The bald strong man suddenly took a large stride forward, his body rapidly closing in, and the powerful steel pipe shot straight towards Durin's head.
Durin's ears caught the swift and accelerating sound of wind.
Before the steel pipe arrived, he used the fleeting moment to dodge it even faster. If he were hit by that thing, his ribs would likely break.
Fortunately, Durin had 48 points in one-handed weapon proficiency and the passive specialty [Wrapped Grip], with a 20% manipulation bonus, allowing the short knife in his hand to keep up with the opponent's rhythm and block every attack.
After all, 48 points of proficiency meant a comprehensive increase in Durin's swinging speed, slashing damage, and manipulation. But reality is not a game; in fact, to achieve these literal effects, his personal strength, nerve reaction speed, eyesight, finger dexterity, and a series of other physical hard indicators must all be improved to a certain extent.
Thus, Running proficiency further enhanced Durin's body comprehensively, such as leg muscles, blood circulation speed, adrenaline bursts, and so on; any physical hard quality even slightly related to Running had to be improved to a certain extent.
The bald strong man was momentarily stunned, but his experience was not false; he immediately reacted nimbly by raising his left arm, intending to continue attacking the target.
However, Durin was still faster!
His right hand had been kept low, hidden, like a suddenly fired cold arrow, quick and crisp!
The bald strong man only had time to see a black shadow suddenly enlarge in his eyes. The next moment, his head buzzed, his entire face felt as if it had been struck head-on by a blade, and the nerves in his scalp instantly went numb. Then, an irresistible sensation of dizziness instantly swept through his entire body.
"Ah!"
A splash of blood accompanied by a scream flew out, along with half of his scalp and one ear. His shoulder was also cut by the short knife. Immediately after, Durin kicked the bald strong man hard in the abdomen, sending him sprawling to the ground.
[One-Handed Weapon Proficiency +3, Current Proficiency: 51/75]
[Thug Tendencies +2, Current Proficiency: 7/25]
[Gained one One-Handed Weapon Specialization Point]
The fight on the scene grew fiercer, with more and more people falling, and the losses on both sides becoming increasingly evident.
"Stop!"
"Stop! Everyone, stop for me!"
Finally, both gang leaders regained their composure, panting as they looked around with unwilling expressions, seeing their respective subordinates groaning on the ground.
Continuing to fight would only lead to greater losses; they needed to stop the hole from getting bigger.
"This is as far as things go today; I'll settle the score with you next time!" the one-eyed man snarled, then motioned for his remaining standing subordinates to help the injured back.
Durin wiped the sweat from his forehead and untied the cloth wrap on his right hand; the short knife was already covered in blood.
He relaxed only after watching the Centipede Gang's figures depart. Just then, the small leader in charge of roll call walked over, patted Durin's shoulder, and said in surprise, "I didn't expect you to be so skilled. Those unfamiliar faces just now must be from other places, professionally trained. Not bad, not bad. Next time something like this happens, I'll have others specifically notify you. Don't worry, the hard work fee will definitely be doubled. If a fight breaks out, the fee will double again, including extra bounties for knocking people down!"
As he spoke, he pulled out a small, heavy bag of copper circle coins from his pocket, took out twelve, and then put the money bag into Durin's hand, asking, "Oh, by the way, where do you live?"
"Uh, I live in room 2, on the second floor of house 4, in the middle section of alley 56, in the Slums on Ninth Avenue," Durin pondered for a moment before answering.
The small leader frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Isn't that Luo Lan's territory? Alright! If there's work like this later, I'll have Luo Lan notify you!"
Durin weighed the money bag in his hand—88 copper circle coins. According to what the small leader just said, if his treatment doubled, he could get an additional 160 copper circle coins if he knocked down a gang opponent like today in the future.
That would be equivalent to 1.6 silver lun coins, which was a considerable sum. The more people he knocked down, the more money he would get.
Thinking of this, Durin felt a sudden anticipation for future incidents like today. However, Durin immediately warned himself not to get carried away. He was lucky to knock one down today, but it might not be the case next time.
People who are overly confident and get carried away in Zaun usually don't end up well.
Hmm… the small leader just mentioned the name Luo Lan, which should be the name of the steward who came to notify him about the rent increase last night. This was the first time Durin officially knew his name.
After confirming there was nothing else, Durin carefully tucked the money bag into his inner pocket and said, "Then I'll be going now."
"Go, go!"
The small leader in charge of roll call waved his hand, then turned and left himself.
Durin wiped the blade with a rag, then wrapped it, tucked it back into his waistband, covered the hilt with his shirt, and left Sixth Avenue.