Arcane: Begging for Help in a Parallel Universe!

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Bilgewater, the Streets.

"Ahhh!!!"

"What the—? Who's the brave soul streaking in the middle of Bilgewater?"

"I knew Bilgewater was chaotic, but when did it become a haven for perverts?"

"My eyes! My poor eyes!"

"In broad daylight, no less! Who dares—wait, is that a flasher?!"

...

Graves, clutching his temporary weapon in one hand and covering his dignity with the other, was sprinting down the street in nothing but his birthday suit. The stares from the crowd burned hotter than the sun, but he had no time to care.

Just moments ago, the mastermind behind this humiliation had contacted him remotely.

"If you're not back at the airship by sunset, I'll make sure you spend the night at a certain... gentlemen's club."

"I'll never live this down!" Graves screamed internally.

Link's voice echoed in his mind, cold and merciless. "Shouldn't have tried to run."

"You set me up, you bastard!"

"You're my prisoner. Instead of making yourself useful, you tried to escape. And you're calling me the schemer?"

"But how am I supposed to show my face in Bilgewater after this?!"

"Not my problem, Graves."

Link, currently in the airship's kitchen, was calmly teaching Neeko how to bake a cheesecake while peeling an orange. Through the magical link he'd implanted in Graves, he continued the conversation.

"I'm the Outlaw! The toughest guy around! You think you can break me? Think again!"

"Miss Fortune just gave me a list of all the gentlemen's clubs in Bilgewater. I can give you a... unique experience."

"You're a devil! A devil!"

Graves' furious roar echoed in Link's mind as he glanced out the window. "Keep running. You've got less than ten minutes."

"If you're not back by sunset, I'll record your little adventure and send it to Twisted Fate for a good laugh."

"Ahhh!!!"

Graves' despairing scream reverberated in Link's mind as he severed the connection. Graves could handle being beaten to a pulp, but the one thing he couldn't bear was humiliation in front of his old partner, Twisted Fate.

"Neeko, you're adding too much sugar. The cheesecake will be way too sweet!"

Link noticed Neeko scooping sugar with a spoon larger than her face. He took the spoon from her, only to find the mixing bowl already filled with a mountain of sugar.

"Neeko likes it sweet! Neeko loves sugar!"

"You'll ruin your teeth."

"Neeko doesn't care!"

"Fine, fine."

Link handed the spoon back to Neeko, letting her continue her baking adventure. After dealing with his unruly prisoner, Link decided to head to the deck for some fresh air.

Graves, that idiot, always thought he was smarter than he actually was. But after today, he'd either have to wear a mask in Bilgewater or stick close to Link and follow orders.

As Link leaned against the railing, he spotted Graves sprinting toward the airship. A smirk crossed his face as he turned to a nearby agent.

"Could you get our dear Outlaw some pants, please?"

The agent, struggling not to laugh, nodded. "Of course, sir."

Meanwhile, Neeko had put her carefully crafted cake into the oven. Soon, the air would be filled with the delicious aroma of cheesecake.

Graves finally reached the deck, panting and furious. Link stood there, casually holding a pair of pants.

"Hey, Graves. Looking good!"

"You son of a—"

"What was that?" Link's voice turned icy.

Graves' face turned red, then pale. He swallowed his pride and muttered, "Boss."

"Can I have the pants now? Everyone's staring!"

"Not so fast. Let's talk about your future."

Link dangled the pants in front of Graves, who glared at them like they were the key to his salvation.

"Please, just give me the pants..."

"Hmm?"

Graves sighed in defeat. "I'll do whatever you say, Boss."

"Good. So, what are your plans from now on?"

Graves knew this was his chance to redeem himself. "Boss, I'll do whatever you ask. I won't run again, I swear!"

"Really?"

"Really, really!"

"And if you do?"

"Throw me into the sea for the fish!"

"No need for that. If you run again, you'll be volunteering for some... experimental procedures."

Link tossed the pants to Graves. "Now put them on."

"Yes, Boss!"

Graves was thoroughly beaten. This kid, despite his age, had a way of making people fall in line.

"Oh, Boss, can I make a request?"

"Go on."

Now that he had his pants back, Graves stood a little taller. "Can you hire my buddy Twisted Fate too? He's got a good head on his shoulders."

"Oh, what a loyal friend you are."

Link was well aware of the love-hate relationship between Graves and Twisted Fate, but he didn't mind. Together, they'd be a formidable team—Twisted Fate with his brains, and Graves with his brawn.

"I'll bring Twisted Fate in later. For now, lay low."

"Of course. I'm not showing my face in public anytime soon!"

After sending Graves off, Link called over the agent.

"Sir, anything else?"

"Do you know Twisted Fate?"

"I've read the reports. He's a famous card shark in Bilgewater. Rumor has it he cleaned out a casino called the Fortune's Glory, but had to flee when the owners came after him."

"And?"

"He disappeared with all the money."

"Good. Help Miss Fortune track him down."

"Understood."

The agent left to carry out the order. As for what to do with Twisted Fate once he was found, that would be up to Link.

Standing on the deck, Link let the sea breeze clear his mind as he pondered his next move.

"Waaah!!!"

Neeko's wail suddenly echoed from the kitchen. Link's expression darkened as he rushed back inside.

There, he found Neeko staring at an empty mixing bowl, her flowers drooping in despair. The bowl was empty, save for a few crumbs stuck to the bottom.

"What happened, Neeko? Why are you crying? Who hurt you?"

Link's voice was sharp, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Link!" Neeko tugged at his coat, tears streaming down her face. "Neeko didn't get hurt... Neeko got her heart broken!"

"Waaah!!!"

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 156 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 100 power stones I will publish the next chapter.