After expressing praise toward Alan for such an outstanding achievement, Gherardo and his employee spun around and headed to the inn they stayed at, the most luxurious in the town. As their footsteps echoed, Gherardo’s heart burned with a fire he never felt before. After his merchant companies start, and his incredibly successful first month, his progress was swiftly halted by Orulo and the Red Lion Organization. But this. Such a grand opportunity, made all that pain and suffering feel worth it. To meet such an outstanding sponsor, not only to spread the word of Vosrak but also for protection.
If Alan keeps this up, Gherardo thought. He paused. Surely he’ll reach the pinnacle of strength, and Vosrak can become the greatest merchant company in the world. Gherardo’s dreams were big, and for some time he doubted his ability to reach such a height, but meeting this man, reignited the goals in his heart. He couldn’t help but smile, and let out a hearty laugh.
Alan watched as Gherardo and his employee strode down the stone street, and then turn left a few buildings down, vanishing from his sight. Alan let out a relieved sigh, I knew this body was trash, but I didn’t expect it to be so difficult. In my previous body, I could’ve reached Bronze Grade 1 with how much effort I put in. He clicked his tongue, and turned, hand reaching for the handle, prepared to sleep for at least a day. The strain he placed on his body and mana core would cause permanent damage if he didn’t give plenty of time for recovery.
“Quite impressive. I doubt even I could’ve grown this much in a week.” A deep, monotone voice reverberated. Alan’s neck snapped toward the figure he wasn’t able to sense. This immediately notified Alan that this man was strong. His worries grew as the familiar eyes of Aken examined Alan once again. He stood, leaning against the corner of the Golden Goose Inn exterior, just in front of a dark Alleyway that seemed to absorb all light under the moon’s silvery glow.
“What do you want?” Alan spoke not with animosity, but genuine curiosity as to the intention of this B-Rank who sent such unbelievable murderous intent for no apparent reason.
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“You have quite the unusual energy, it caught my attention…that’s all,” Aken spoke, his eyes lowering to Alan’s shadow, “You’re clearly not a normal Bronze core. That shadow’s stronger than you and doesn't seem very fond of me.” Tension released from Alan’s body, his fist unraveling, and his shoulder slumping, relieved Aken had no ill intent with his investigation. However, he would have to avoid any powerful people before he figured out how to hide his energy which unbeknownst to Alan, seems to hold a unique aura.
“What's so unique about my energy?” Alan tried to pry further, hoping to gain a hint to the origin of his unique aura. With sufficient knowledge, suppressing it shouldn't be difficult.
“Hmm,” Aken brought his hand to his chin, and he looked up, deep in thought, as if trying to formulate the proper words for such a unique and unusual energy, “I tried to think of a better description but I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s like you’re the empty shell of a once powerful being. It’s really unusual. It’s not something on the surface, but deep, deep down.” Aken pushed against the wall, standing straight. He shrugged his shoulders, “I don't really know. I’m sensitive to this kind of stuff so I was just curious.”
Something deep down, huh? Alan thought, memories shooting back into the forefront of his mind. He heard those exact words on his eighth regression. Aken was talking about his soul. Soul draw and now this. It seemed the energy he had so little mastery over would play an important role in this life.
“Sorry, I’m not really sure myself,” Alan let a nervous chuckle. He made sure to word his sentence in such a way as to avoid any lie-detector skills Aken may or may not have. Who knew how common those were in this time?
Aken kept a piercing gaze on Alan for an instant, before turning away. Walking back into the dark, void-like alleyway, he said,
“Well, I’ll see you around.” Aken waved goodbye, the darkness wrapping around his form like invisible hands as he disappeared.
What’s that supposed to mean? Alan thought, not sure if he wanted the answer. However, it seemed Aken would leave him alone for now, at least.
“Too much has happened this past week,” Alan sighed, turning toward the door of the Golden Goose Inn. A warm glow emanated from the windows, and muffled cheers could be heard inside, “Maybe I should treat myself to a drink or two.”