Morris spread his hands, wearing the look of someone who had nothing to lose. "Well, there's nothing I can do about that."
Just then, He Xi, who had been quietly observing from the side, spoke up. "By 'the usual rules,' do you mean a drinking contest? Can I join?"
Only then did Morris notice the unfamiliar young man. "That's right. The loser picks up the tab. Who are you?"
Belt introduced him. "This is our brother Galen, the new mage in our squad. He's very strong."
"A mage?" Morris was taken aback, then a flippant smile spread across his face. "Hahaha! Mages may be high and mighty, but drinking and magic are two different things. There aren't many rules to a drinking contest. We drink until one of us gives up or ends up under the table. But, well... I think we'd better call it off. I wouldn't want people saying Morris bullied some new kid."
Neither Laila nor Belt said anything. Clearly, they didn't think He Xi looked like much of a drinker either.
But He Xi knew what was going on.
From the moment Morris had walked in, every move he made and every word he said had been an attempt to take advantage of Belt's pride.
This guy definitely wasn't here for the first time to mooch drinks off Belt.
Besides, from what Laila had said, he was also refusing to pay back his debts.
He Xi wanted to teach him a lesson.
Belt was paying, sure, but wouldn't it be even better if he could spare his teammate the expense?
He smiled at Morris. "If I win, tonight's bill won't count toward the 80 Silver Scales you owe Laila, right?"
"Of course not!"
Laila frowned. "Galen, there's no need. This guy's known throughout Rose Town as