The Innkeeper

Jace was on wall patrol duty, not that he minded. He was just glad he didn't need to use his earth abilities to build anymore walls or forts. It was draining to an entirely other level, though to be fair, when his life was on the line, and so was everyone else's, exhaustion was a small price to pay for security.

Still, he was savoring this opportunity to rest, and raise his cultivation at the same time. So while patrol duty might have sounded boring to anyone else, the contrast of doing patrol with the knowledge that something out there wasn't actively hunting him and everyone else made the experience much more enjoyable.

The air was clear, the sunlight refreshing, the views great, the company even better. What more could a guy ask for?

But even if he asked for nothing, he got a parade to look at - or at least, that's what he imagined a parade would look like. But it was obvious that their target was the Inn, so Jace and the other workers positioned themselves near the gate. They would not exit the gate, but if the guests entered they would welcome them. Moreover, if they stopped at the boundary and just asked questions, they could answer.

Although most of the Inn settlements were far from the gate, there was a high speed bullet train that had been installed here by the Innkeeper before he left, to welcome any guests. In case they didn't fit in the train, there were other options as well.

In the distance, behind them, a rumbling sound came. They were used to it. The massive spaceship which had suddenly come to life and gained a fear of heights was undergoing therapy not far from here. Just last week, the ship had actually managed to fly almost 50 feet (15 meters) in the air before crashing down. Based on the sounds today, it still had not managed to return all the way to 50 feet yet.

Jace's daydreams came to an abrupt halt when he realized that an imp walked through the gates of the Inn while everyone else waited outside. The imp approached them and, after giving them a scan, locked his eyes with Jace. As if determining that Jace was the leader, the imp turned towards him and opened the scroll, blocking the view of half his body, and began reading.

"Attention, esteemed denizens of the illustrious Midnight Inn, purveyors of hospitality and moderate renown! It is with the utmost reverence and boundless elation that I, Sir Kanye Goldbloom, announce an event of monumental significance, a moment that shall undoubtedly be etched into the annals of history!

"From the resplendent and hallowed realms of the venerable Tree of Heaven, there has arrived a diplomatic emissary of unparalleled distinction, accompanied by his retinue of equally eminent and esteemed companions.

"The august arrival of this exalted delegation heralds a time of unparalleled honor and celestial favor for your Inn. No doubt, you are profoundly humbled and eternally grateful for the opportunity to host such distinguished personages. We are also pleased to elevate this establishment with our presence, and you are fortunate indeed to have the opportunity to host such exalted figures.

"Let it be known to all who dwell within these hallowed walls, and to those who shall hear of this momentous occasion, that the Midnight Inn now stands as a temporary beacon of honor, graced by the threads of destiny that we have chosen to weave here. With hearts full of benevolence and spirits alight with the brilliance of our grandeur, we extend our measured appreciation for your hospitality and anticipate the unforgettable splendor of our stay.

"In witness whereof, we mark this day as a chapter of illustrious prominence in the saga of the Midnight Inn, a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise from our celestial favor and the graciousness of the Tree of Heaven."

Jace, who was smiling throughout the frankly verbose speech could not help but twitch. Were they allowed to reject guests? He actually thought about it for a moment. But, unless the guest had broken some rules, they could not be turned away. Unfortunately, being obnoxious was not against any rule.

"Welcome, Sir Kanye Goldbloom. The Midnight Inn offers refuge and sanctuary to all who follow their rules. If your… respected emissary and his retinue should wish, we can accompany them to the main settlements within."

Kanye rolled up the scroll and gave Jace a haughty look.

"A figure of sufficient stature and station must come and welcome the emissary personally, or else it shall be treated as an affront. Owing to the emissaries magnanimity, as well as the short notice, he will wait no more than eight hours. If, in such a time frame, a sufficiently qualified figure does not arrive, it will be treated as an official refusal to entertain us by the Midnight Inn."

Without waiting for a response, the imp tucked the scroll under his arm and returned. Surprisingly, Jace actually felt great relief upon hearing Kanye's request. Soon, this group would be someone else's problem.

Just as he was about to send someone to bring word to Gerard, he paused. From what he recalled, Gerard was on a date. In that case… he sent word to Luthor. He was one of the highest ranked members of the Inn. Although, deep inside his heart, Jace could not help but admit he was looking forward to seeing the imp talk to Luthor the way he had talked to him.

He snickered, and then quickly used his new mobile phone to send Luthor a text. This new Midnight portal was great. Not only did it make communication easier, it even had a bunch of cool features.

For example, he entered a groupchat and started to share what he just encountered with a group of other Inn workers and they started a betting pool guessing how long it would take for Luthor to beat up one of the guests.