Everyone was entrapped in their own thoughts on Haruto's scenario, especially William and his group, who were paid to come kill the lich. One person was not fooled by this runaround and was merely quietly waiting for the moment to strike. 

Haruto clasped his hands and nodded like a wise old man.“With that understood, no more mysteries remain, and everyone is enlightened for the better.”  

No one refuted what he had said. His theory was quite sensible and raised a new question, who started this baseless rumor and why. A few eyes darted towards the nobles as only they could have the influence and money to do the whole operation. But they were just as confused and lost.

Looking around and seeing no one raising any objections, Haruto began to finish his play. “Mhm well since we have spent so much energy on unraveling mysteries I for one am quite exhausted. It may be rude to leave at such a time, but my companion and I must be on our way. Do be in touch, Mr.William and Ms.Ren.” 

The child looked at Haruto, confused.

William merely gave a reflexive nod no longer listened to Haruto. He was deciding what his guild should do if their quest was bunk.

 All of a sudden, some embarrassed, coughing came from Thomas. “What my young master said is true, it would be very rude to leave. William, my friend, would you allow me to be the one that causes trouble.”

Hearing the amiable talk from Thomas, William was awoken from his thoughts. Oh yes, I was supposed to be hearing how someone as good as Thomas could be with this disrespectful ruffian. “No trouble taken, my friend. Please relay the wondrous tale of you two meeting. It was quite heartbreaking to hear you were homeless for so long and forced to reside in a lowly cave.” 

Internally Thomas rolled his eyes. Ah, that cave has been my home for a 1000 years. Boy, you have no clue of its wonders. Kings would sell their firstborn son to own my abode. Thomas’s face took back on a look of deep sorrow. 

Haruto began to worry about what this idiot will spew. You fool, I was going to let everyone off. So I wouldn’t embarrass the reincarnation of Remsama and her companions. But mark my words, whatever I do to them shall be done a million times over onto you. 

Haruto shot a skin piercing gaze at Thomas that cut Thomas’s face and caused “blood” to drip down. Unfortunately for Haruto, who wanted to send a warning, Thomas used the act to play up his victimization. You got to be bloody kidding me, how realistic are his disguises.

Thomas let the blood drip down his ruffled face. He even allowed a tear or two to mix in, twisting the hearts of those watching.

 Even the questionable types felt pity for such a man to be bullied by a demihuman. Some gave dubious looks at Haruto. Some thoughts bounced around the tavern. If I’m to steal, why not steal from an asshole like him. Ahh, it appears the gods have sent a worthy victim to me. If I were a disaster ranked adventurer, I would slay this fiend. This is why humans are superior to these heartless beasts. The word human should not even be used when describing them. Such thoughts flew around, but none dared to speak; only the likes of William and his companions could actively retort Haruto. 

William allowed his blood essence to surge and firmly stated, “let him speak. I William Feniks guarantee his person as long as he wishes he shall. I swear on my honor, I will protect his right to say the truth free of fear.” 

A cheer resounded around the bar now that the guarantee of William was assured no one feared Haruto. Yells such as justice for Thomas echoed, then down with the snake devil, or pound the demi-human scum from the nobles who were free to discriminate once again. The questionable types gladly yelled out, steal his gold, rob him blind, break his kneecaps. Even the humble adventurers yelled out where was your honor, how dare you bully the weak, now our voices have might. Where has yours gone? 

Thomas enjoyed the crowd being on his side. He let out a long tired sigh, “as my young master previously stated following my encounter with my benefactor, I faced starvation and humiliation. In just two generations, my family went from kings to poorer than peasants. I roamed until making it into that lovely cave, and there I stayed for what felt like centuries.” 

William chimed in “no need to be so modest, we all know how horrible that cave must be.”

 Thomas once again internally rolled his eyes. But on the outside sheepishly nodded his head in agreement. “Of course, thank you for the correction. As I was saying. Once in the cave, I made it a home, I knew my kingdom would never rise again, so I became content with living a peaceful life there. I lived the days freely, though the winters were harsh. I found that nature truly was man’s true environment. I never forgot what happened, but foolishly believed that the purpose of that nightmare was to cherish every second of life. But one thing that holds true is good things never last long. Not too long ago just a few weeks, really. A young lad appeared in my cave. I was startled, not knowing if he meant me harm. So, I confronted the lad, but as you all can see, the necklace I own gives off such a deathly aura it frightened the poor child into peeing himself.” 

Ah, you done, did it now. A hand smashed through the air and crashed upon Thomas like judgment day. Even William was unable to react in time to the sudden change. Haruto roared in a fit of crazed anger, “So you have chosen death. You ungrateful undead freak!!!” Kill, I must kill this agent of sadism. The humiliation is too much.

Thomas feeling the pressure went into shock. The force behind the hit crushed him, headfirst into the ground. Haruto didn’t miss a beat and unleashed a barrage of punches towards Thomas, creating explosions within the tavern, causing the ceiling to quake. Thomas bounced around the tavern like a fish out of water.

Not giving any respite, Haruto dashed on top of Thomas and began stomping profusely. Just as he came down with another earth-shaking stomp, blue fire assaulted his location cutting through the air and forcing him away. 

Seeing this with heightened reflexes, Haruto threw out two punches that collided with the fire, causing a whirlwind of flames in the tavern. 

"Combat Detected. Activating HUD." Haruto's eyes dilated when the information popped up before him. “Name: William Feniks Class:??? Level: Incalculable Basic comprehension activated. Recalculating. Class: Swordsman(Samurai subclass) Danger rating: Red. Red means something bad, I presume.

“Boy, you have guts, but it’ll take more than some punches to kill someone under my protection.” A searing slash shot towards Haruto, forcing him to retreat 

Haruto grabbed a nearby chair, tossing it in the way. The chair disintegrated instantly, but using the chair as a distraction, Haruto madly dashed towards William as if he had a death wish.  

William smiled, Hotblooded just like me.“You've got spunk, kid, but it’ll take a lot more than that.” A beautiful azure sword appeared in William’s hand and met Haruto’s punch. 

Everyone went deaf from the sound of the two crashing.

William stood his ground, and Haruto was sent back nearly a foot with blood dripping down his hand. 

William straightened his back and smiled. “Woo, you didn’t die from the strike. It appears I underestimated you, kid, Hahaha.” He's bleeding. Perhaps I should hold back some more.

 Haruto cracked his knuckles and popped his neck.  If red is only this much, then it is a walk in the park. With a sneer, Haruto retorted, “I could say the same thing about you, old man. Looks like I better take off the training wheels, or you’ll think you are strong or something.” 

William’s smile disappeared as he flashed with a single step in front of Haruto “don’t get cocky in the middle of battle” with that, he came down with another scorching swing. 

Haruto snorted, “every great mc gets cocky in the middle of battle how else will the audience know I’m about to put the smackdown on you.” Skill activated “taunt." Haruto’s aura began to spike to such an extent that even William became sluggish in it, everyone inside the tavern except for William’s companions felt weak and near exhaustion. 

William eyed Haruto in surprise. Was he holding back this whole time? How arrogant, I should rectify that habit.

The sound of lightning crackled as a ferocious one-inch punch never before seen in this world unloaded like a 50 cal and crashed towards William’s sword. 

I should douse his confidence but not destroy it. William half-seriously raised his defenses to take the hit head-on. The moment he felt the strike touch, his face distorted. Oh shi...

William was blasted across the tavern, falling on top of the fallen runic knight.

 Haruto had only slid back a few inches as smoke rose from his fist. I thought my hand was going to explode, thankyou, Remsama, for saving my good hand. 

 Everyone gaped in shock at the seemingly one-sided battle. 

Seeing their leader defeated, the rest of the blue fire phoenix guild broke into action. Rose shot four arrows that streaked through the air like meteors. Lotor rushed to the barkeep and guzzled down more ale. Ren laughed her ass off at the fallen William. She was instantly KOd from laughing too hard as milk gushed from her nose. Richard roared like a majestic lion and pounced crazily towards Haruto as if he didn’t see what just happened to William.

“Hahahaha looks like mind erasure is back on the menu.” Haruto threw a heavy punch instantly crushing the arrows and darted to Richard's side, kneeing him in the stomach. 

The knee flings Richard up through the roof.

 “Combat Detected. Activating HUD.” “Name: Rose. Class: Marksman Level: Incalculable Basic comprehension activated. Recalculating. Danger rating: Orange. 

“Combat Detected. Activating HUD.” “Name: Richard Class:??? Level: Incalculable Basic comprehension activated. Recalculating. Class: Martial Artist(Barbarian Subclass). Danger rating: Orange. 

With 4 out of 5 members down, the tavern became silent as an evil grin was etched on Haruto’s face embodying the devil everyone believed him to be. Haruto gloated, “You guys talked a lot of good shit when you thought those adventurers could stop me. Ahh, I can’t wait to flick some sense into you all.” 

Some people still had hope that William and his companions would rebound, so they yelled, “do your worst scum” and “you don’t scare us.”

Like a street thug, Haruto nodded in amusement, “Good Good continue to yell. It makes it more exciting each, and every one of you will soon understand true despair.” When did I become the villain? It oddly feels right, but I just want to go home and sleep. I’m just cranky from sleep deprivation and that lard guy’s henchmen calling me a snake. 

Haruto walked towards the noble's section since it was the closest and rudest, then proceeded to flick them one at a time. The first noble fainted when Haruto made eye contact with him. Fortunately for him, Haruto was kind enough to shake him awake.

In fear, the noble shrieked, “Ahh, you dirty demihuman unhand me do you know who” A loud thud cut the noble off. The life dimmed in the noble’s eyes, and drool seeped out of his mouth. 

Haruto looked at everyone like a teacher reprimanding his class. “Now, children, this will not only go quicker, but be less painful if you keep your mouths shut, understood?”

 Everyone nodded their heads like a bunch of chickens. 

This would go so much quicker if my three generals were here. Hell Sura could prolly flick 100 people at a time. “Eenie Meenie Miney Mo” Haruto appeared before three nobles leaving after-images that flicked them in the head, knocking them unconscious. “Duck Duck Goose,” another group of nobles were quickly rendered unconscious. “Hahaha, just call me the “men in black” baby,” Haruto began a spree of mind erasures, with a giant smile like a fat kid in a candy store. 

Finally, a group of nobles who were about to forget their whole night yelled at the last active member of the phoenix guild. “Elf, why do you just stand there? You are an adventurer, right. Help us, we will pay you good money please.”

 Haruto stopped and glanced towards Rose, who had been sitting back ever since her comrades were knocked out. 

Rose looked around, confused. “Who me? That’s weird. You human nobles usually only talk to my kind when enslaving them or forcing yourselves upon them. I only helped in the beginning because my stupid leader listened to some sap story and got us tangled up in this whole debauchery. Be glad I didn't join in teaching you scum a lesson.” With that, Rose went back to enjoying the show. 

Looking at the beautiful elf, Haruto nodded his head. Almost as beautiful as my robot wife, perhaps I could build an elf harem, the flatter, the better. “Ah, a woman after my own heart, if not for my other elven bride, I would gladly take you. To make room in my heart for another would prove difficult. But if you wanted to join my group, I would not be mad. On the contrary, I would welcome you with open arms.” 

Rose merely nodded at Haruto in disinterest and remained quiet. 

Tsk, I was hoping you would try to persuade me, hell the wife I speak of has fewer emotions than you. Why is my pickup game so trash? Oh, that's right I didn't talk to girls back on Earth. Haruto continued to wreak havoc in the noble section.  

The spectating commoners actually cheered him on as he punished those who oppressed them. At least the devil was fair in his punishments. 

Hearing their cheers, Haruto's deflated ego grew by tenfold. “Try not to cheer too much, guys. I’m no hero of justice, but as a middle-class citizen, I will always stand with you guys over these snobs. Hell, I’m refreshed after flicking them the rest of you except for those questionable types are free to go.”

Thunderous cheers reverberated as many commoners rushed out of the tavern, never looking back after being spared.

 Some of the questionable types tried to sneak away in the crowd, but how could Haruto not notice. He goaded, “where are you ladies running off too, weren’t you going to rob me of my gold. How will you do that if you flee with your third leg tucked behind your other two.” Haruto flashed into the crowd and reappeared, holding two questionable types. He flicked them so hard a small ident appeared on their foreheads. After seeing that, no mercy would come to those who fled the other questionable types huddled and tried to look smaller. 

Surveying the crowd, Haruto pointed, “You! Over there, Mr.semi-correct answer, you are free to go!” 

The questionable type from earlier was ecstatic. He bowed, “Oh, thank you, merciful one. I, Jericho, will be forever in your debt,” hearing this name, a few started to shuffle towards him with apparent ill intent. 

Haruto smirked at the ballsy fools, “Where do you chaps think you are going, do you wish to attack someone I have let off. Am I not the judge, jury, and executioner? Any with the gonads to stop Jericho step forward so I may neuter you promptly.” No one dared to step up.

Jericho smiled at the familiar faces, quickly bowed to Haruto then fled. Moving at a speed that even surprised Haruto. I may have let a big fish back into this small pond. Oh well, I’m more of a swamp person anyways. 

Rose finally decided to wake her idiot leader up and began poking the downed William. Rose chided, “stop acting, I know you aren’t really knocked out.” 

William opened one eye to look around and then retorted, “how did you know I thought my acting was quite convincing.” 

Rose rolled her eyes, “It would take more than that to knock you out. Now, why have you been laying there like a fool this whole time.” 

William smiled, “It’s simple, that young boy has spirit, and I knew if we kept going, one of us would end up dead. Besides, I traded blows with the boy. I know he isn’t evil. Just look, he let all the commoners go. If he had not done that, I would have taken action, but my gut was spot on once again.” 

Rose stomped on William’s gut “Then what about your noble friend over there, he couldn’t survive those hits.” 

William’s carefree attitude disappeared, “the moment the boy’s first attack was about to land. I felt the deathly aura resurface on Thomas. I can’t say for sure, but I think the lad was telling the truth, and Thomas really is the lich.” 

Rose stopped stomping, “so should we go finish him off?” 

William shook his head “No, the boy is clearly capable of subduing the lich, so I believe their master and servant relationship is real. Let’s just leave it be for now. We can always come back later.” William stood back up and walked over to pick up the drunk Lotor and unconscious Ren. Haruto noticed William walking around. In fact, he noticed that William wasn’t unconscious this whole time but decided to not chase the issue as his hand was still throbbing. Red means danger. A danger I am unlikely to overcome. 

Richard rolled back in from the roof and dragged himself to Haruto, “Ah, you fight good. Boy next time, let’s go all out ok?” then he heartily laughed until he winced from the pain and limped out with the rest of his group. 

William looked back one last time at Haruto before leaving. “Until we meet again, kid. Take good care of that lich he’s quite conniving.” 

Haruto only snorted in reply. Meet again? I didn't nip it in the bud, another busybody.