*GASP*
*huff* *huff* *huff*
'Ow, my head! What!? What was that!!? A nightmare? Ugh! Is it because of meeting Louis yesterday? Dammit'
'He's the cause of me neglecting my progress. It all started two years ago. When I decided to commit suicide, but luckily I didn't go through with it due to my best friend's action.
Speaking of him...I should visit him sometime. He must have been worried about my disappearance. But I need to take care of...'
*knock* knock*
"Aimer? Are you awake?"
The gentle voice of Aimer's mother resounded within his ear from behind the wooden door.
Aimer turned his head in the direction of the door.
"Ahh, yes! I am."
"Oh goodness, you fell asleep and had forgotten about dinner when I came to check up on you. I figured you were tired so I didn't wake you,"
'Ohhh shoots. I forgot about dinner!!'
"That's my fault mother. I'll make it up to you today,"
"Silly boy. Hurry and come get your breakfast,"
Aimer heard his mother receding footsteps slowly heading back downstairs.
With a sigh of relief, Aimer plastered himself back onto the bed before springing right back up then progressed to grab a shower.
A shower that lasted thirty minutes when Aimer exited the bathroom tightly wrapped in a towel.
For a second, he looked down and remember the incident that transpired the previous day after skydiving to Earth.
'Skydiving? That was a death sentence, get it right!'
Aimer shook his head to get rid of that embarrassing thought and immediately got dressed.
The same all-black outfit.
*opens* *closes*
Aimer steadily left his quarters before strolling down the descending stairs.
Now at the kitchen, he was met by his mother.
"Oh, that was quick. Are you in a hurry?"
"Yeah, kind of. I've got some errands to take care of,"
"What kind of errands? Didn't you just come back? What could you possibly need to do?"
"Later,"
"Huh?? What do you mean?"
"Later I'll show you. It's much better if I show you rather than to explain,"
Anysia's curiosity towards what Aimer was talking about was like a locksmith, who departs when the door is opened.
Even so, she didn't let it get the best of her and decided to wait, patiently.
Alleviated that his mother didn't persevere the discussion Aimer sat down before his plate and dug in.
*****
Midway through eating another conversation was sparked between the two.
"Mhm! I missed this food,"
"I'm glad you like it!"
"Hey, mother?"
"Yes, son,"
"How long have I been away for?"
*clank*
Aimer's mother dropped her fork unintentionally, with a black expression across her face.
"Mother?"
Aimer waves his hand back and forth before her ultimately snapping her out of a daze.
"Ahh yes, yes, sorry for that,"
"That's okay, but pertaining to my question,"
"It has been six months,"
'S, six months! It's been that long! That's not possible...I was keeping track of my days and the total was three!? So how has it been six months here? Dayumm! That's means even my birthday had passed'
The flabbergasted Aimer wore a tense expression, pondering the thought.
*sighs*
'Now I get it. Most likely time moves differently where I was..'
******
Unbeknownst to Aimer, he had hit the mark. Time did very much move differently on the planets he traveled to. For Aimer, it was only three days but on Earth, it was six months.
On the first planet Aimer was transported to a day was equal to a month. And as he travels to the other two that equation doubled. The second day on the second planet he went to was equal to three months.
And on the last planet, where he stopped...the third day was equal to six months.
******
"What's the matter?"
After observing Aimer's manner, Anysia became somewhat apprehensive.
"It's nothing, really. I was just surprised,"
The heartwarming smile that Anysia was greeted with erased her now irrelevant worries.
'Thank goodness. I thought he was troubled for a moment there'
"Anyways mother. Thank you for the meal. I very much appreciate it. Now I have to get going. Just relax and stay alert for great news to come,"
Just like that, Aimer left his bewildered mother who stared at his back before he vanished through the exit.
'Whatever it is, please be safe...my dear child'
*hachoo!*
'Who's talking about me so early in the morning. Ehh, I guess it doesn't matter cause I have better things to do right now'
I've decided. I'll head towards the Auction House first. If I'm doing my math correctly without checking the inventory I think I have...
1 Sky-Dweller type core,
7 Horizon-type cores,
136 Ascendant-type core, &
180 Earth-type core.
And if that's correct I'm willing to sell half the total of each type of core, except for that single Sky-Dweller monster core. I should be able to make enough money to do 'that' later on. Well, let's get going
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
*****
The Auction Coalition, a place where a variety of items and/or monster cores are presented to highly esteemed guests or people willing to do trade. Once an item is presented to the crowd the bidding begins.
For example, the cores that Aimer desired to sell all had a starting price.
Starting Prices:
1 Sky-Dweller type core = $500,000
1 Horizon-type core = $100,000
1 Ascendant-type core = $50,000
1 Earth-type core = $10,000
1 Mortal-type core = $1,000
The Auction Coalition carefully set these prices that they deemed to be reasonable.
Well, on the outside it looks as if it's the Auction Coalition who did it but in reality, it's the 'government' and 'politicians' who actually control the Auction Coalition.
By secretly using their powers to deceive and confiscate items and cores from the 'Lairs' they can produce these products to the Auction Coalition.
Of course, this wasn't for free, for the government takes 50% of the Auction Coalition's profit.
One could say it's a small price to pay for working with the government.
*****
*USA, Dryden*
Dryden, the neighboring city of Talhain, Aimer deactivated his skill before dropping from the sky into an alley.
'Hm? Why's it so crowded this early in the morning?'
Aimer exited the alleyway before taking a right continuing on the pavement.
'It's been a while since I've been around humans. I wonder....'
Skill [Truth-seeker] has been activated!
'Hm? Most of these people are surprisingly Mortal and Earth Dwellers. Rarely any Ascendant Dwellers. and even worst...there are no Horizon Dwellers nor are there Sky-Dwellers'
Aimer surveyed the crowded streets using the 7-seconds of his skill he had.
Up ahead of him was the plaza of Dryden city. The main building on that plaza was one of the three Auction Coalitions between Talhain and Dryden vicinity.
And Aimer unnoticeable slips through the streets and made his way to the entrance of the Auction Coalition, where he was stopped by two wide-bodied muscular guards with a grumpy, wrinkled mean expression.
"Um, excuse me. Could you let me by? I'm looking to strike a deal inside,"
"Hmph! Who the hell are you?"
"Yeah! And get rid off that hoodie,"
Both guards shot Aimer a daggering look.
'Hm? What's with the attitude? Can I not get in?'
Aimer closely observed the two guards who were surprisingly the same height as him. Though Aimer didn't realize it, he was currently 6-foot 4-inches. 5-inches taller than he used to be.
"Hey! Are you listening!?"
One of the guards stepped closer to the standing still Aimer.
'If this is things how things are going to turn out then...'
Skill [Truth-seeker] has been activated.
'Oh, man! With such a level he's acting really arrogant, no respect whatsoever. It's people like these that you have to teach a lesson or else they'll keep doing as they see fit. But I don't feel like causing a commotion in such a crowded area,'
"You damn brat!! TAKE OF THAT HOODIE AND IDENTIFY YOURSELF,"
The guard in front draped Aimer by his collar, pulling him in towards his face.
Multiple eyes wandered, and several lips murmured as the scenario played out before them.
'Oh well,'
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
*swoosh*
In an instant, the guards...no, everyone who watched closely fell in bewilderment.
Who was that young boy to easily escaped the grip of an Ascendant Dweller? What level is he!?
"Huh!? Where'd he go?"
"Wasn't he just in your hand's brother!?"
"Ye..."
"Yes I was, but I grew tired of it. Is this how the famous Coalition treats a mere merchant? If I had known such a place existed I would've never set foot here,"
The guards quickly turned around after hearing a taunting voice behind them. Both their eyes met Aimer at the Coalitions entrance when they fully rotated themselves.
"Damned insect. Shut your mouth. You know nothing,
The guard who draped Aimer charged at him.
"WARNING: TARGET HAS DEVELOPED A KILLING INTENT!"
Before the guard who charged at Aimer could think of even activating a skill Aimer did the unimaginable.
*whoosh*
"Be at ease,"
In a flash, Aimer and the guard stood side-by-side with one of his hands resting on the guard's right shoulder.
But secretly, Aimer pressed down on the guard's shoulder and the force behind his strength plummet the guard to one knee.
"I merely ask if you could let me in and you treat me with disrespect! Where you dropped on the head when you were born?"
Aimer had crouched a little to whisper within the guard's ear.
'This...this feeling. Who is this guy! I feel...I feel like I'm being surrounded by darkness.'
The guard's expression drastically changed. His countenance became sweaty! He was scared. Scared as a jack-rabbit that has heard the howl of a wolf.
*gulp*
The guard tensed up in his knelt position. Aimer glanced down at him taking note of his every reaction.
'That should be e...'
"That's enough! Guards, you both can get back to your post,"
Aimer slowly released his grip from the guard after hearing the sonorous voice.
"Y, yes ma'am!"
Both the guard bowed their heads back and forth rapidly, before doing as they were told.
"As for you my dear esteemed guest, follow me,"
Now looking at the figure, Aimer depicted it to be a woman, who had a calm and elegant voice. She wore an orange robe that covered her hourglass figure.
As for her face, it was hidden behind a slightly peach-colored veil.
'This woman...is she the owner?'
Aimer slowly paced behind the woman before they disappeared inside the building.
Just as they did, the guard that had chosen to pick a fight with Aimer gave one last glance at his back.
"Hey, brother! What's the matter with you! Why are you trembling,"
Without uttering a word, the guard simply pointed backward at Aimer.
"H, him. He's very dangerous,"
The fellow guard had no response as he saw how truly terrified his brother looked.
He couldn't help but imagine what happened.
****
Meanwhile, Aimer closely followed the cloaked woman down the dimly luminous hallway of the Coalition.
"Thank you for pardoning my guards. They sometimes can't control themselves,"
'She knew!?'
Skill [Truth-seeker] has been activated!
'So she's an Ascendant Dweller...a highly capable one at that'
Aimer, now knowing the woman wouldn't be a threat to him if anything were to happen, slightly relaxed.
"No problem, I was just educating them,"
*smiles*
"I think you did more than that..."
'This woman? Even though I don't see her as a threat, she's very keen. I should keep a closer eye on her. Or possibly...she could become an ally'
"We're here,"
"Greetings malady!"
Aimer stopped a few inches away from the woman who suddenly halted her steps before another pair of guards who stood in front of a red velvet curtain.
"Come on, follow along. And guards, don't let anyone disturb us."
The woman had already signaled Aimer to enter the room with her. But even so, the guards were wary of allowing a man to enter a room alone with their lady.
'Ugh. What's that look for?'
Aimer passed the guards and entered the luxurious quarter which had a table centered in the middle with two chairs before it.
Other than that, the room was filled with couches against either side of the wall, a disco ball on the ceiling, a big TV screen directly ahead of Aimer on the wall, and a variety of decorations such as flowers, paintings, figures, etc...
"You may have a seat,"
The woman finally revealed her gorgeous appearance, captivating grey eyes, and dazzling long curly blue hair.
They two both took a seat at the same time.
"Well, what business do you have here?"
*clears throat*
"I'm looking to put up a few monster cores on the auction,"
"Oh? How many?"
Aimer hesitated a for few seconds.
'At first, I decided to sell half of each type of monster core but I think I should do all or nothing. I'll keep the Sky-Dweller type core just in case of an emergency
"180 Earth-type monsters cores, 136 Ascendant-type monster cores, and 7 Horizon-type monster cores,"
'Is this guy trying to be funny? Does he really think I'll fall for such a joke! Just look at him...he's empty-handed!'
The woman leaned in forward over the table, closing the distance between herself and Aimer.
"Are you mocking me? Do you think you can pull such a trick against me?"
'What! What does she mean by a trick! And why's she so close?'
"I'm being very sincere right now ma'am,"
The woman leaned back in her chair.
"Prove it to me before I kick you out!"
'Sheesh! What's wrong with women these days. Anyway, let's start the business'
"Here,
*swoosh*
From Aimer's inventory, came a pile of monster cores. To be specific, exactly the type and amount Aimer proposed to the woman.
'Unbelievable! These cores...they're just as he said! D, did he hunt these monsters alone? Impossible! How, a mere boy who doesn't seem to have passed his mid-twenties!? All that aside, where the hell did he pull these from? I could've sworn he was empty-handed!?'
"W, where did you get them?"
'Ohhh here it comes. Let's see how good my actor/story-telling skills are'
"Well, in the Entrances of course,"
"And how did you clear those Lairs?"
"If I had to say, it's because I have an unparalleled luck,"
'Bullshit!'
"Hmph! Still acting I see. I don't believe you were capable of such things yourself. I know your strong but not that strong,"
"If your doubting me I can just prove it,"
Aimer rested his chin on his clasped hands while giving the woman a warm smile with a cold gaze from behind his bright blood-red eyes.
Skill [Intimidate] has been activated!
*gulp*
'Is this...his hidden power? Such an enormous bloodlust. N, no wonder his tone was so confident. But still, to take out three hundred plus monster cores....'
*gulp*
The woman unintentionally swallowed a second gulp of her saliva as she stared back and forth between Aimer and the monster cores.
Without a doubt left within her, the woman agreed to Aimer's prepositions
"V, very well. I can put these up for bidding but the Coalition gets to hold a 30% share from your profit. And that's because your just a regular guest.'
"No can't do. Instead, I have another proposition that you might find to your liking,"
'Another preposition? What could this be now?'
"Go on, I'm listening,"
'Now, it's time to counter and checkmate'
"Here's the deal. Whatever profit I make from these cores will all be a hundred percent mine,"
"...!!!"
"Uh, uh, uh, I'm not finished,"
Aimer waved his index finger left to right before the woman's face.
*smirks*
"As for why? Simple. I can sever the shackles from the government that has bounded you,"
'What!!! Did he say he can cut ties with the government!? But wait...that is a piece of secret information...only a handful knows that the government controls the Coalition! Then, how does he know? What should I do!? Should I hear him out? Or..'
Aimer relished in the variety of facial expressions the woman's face brought forth.
Well, it was enjoyable.
What Aimer was aiming for was power. With his previous statement, if he could get the woman to agree to his deal then he'd have complete control of the Coalition at his demands. All he had to do was clear a few Lairs here and there to supply them the product they need to present for bidding.
In this situation, it's a win-win. The Coalition gains freedom and a supplement to their income while Aimer held power and a fortune for his backing.
'A well-devised plan indeed,'
After a moment of silence, the woman seemed to have concluded.
"What's your plan?"
'Good. She takes the bait!'
"My plan? Its simple really. Between the government and myself, a Dweller. I'm confident that I can bring you more merits. You've witnessed a glimpse of my skills already...there's no need to doubt me anymore.
Furthermore, the government does their work sneakingly, which makes it harder for them when trying to confiscate items or cores within the Entrances that 'Guilds' and 'Dwellers' dedicated themselves to clear.
As for me, it's as simple as taking candy from a baby. I walk in, I walk out...unsuspectingly. Plus, it's not as if you are in a contracted 'agreement' with the government. If you are then...'
"I'll do it! But on one condition,"
"Oh? What is it,"
Aimer's ears perked up with an intrigued smile as he leaned forwards in his chair.
"Within one week, of you able to deliver me at least a hundred monster cores and ten items...you have a deal,"
'I knew it. After speculating her mood, I can tell she's in a desperate position. Like a mouse that has been cornered by a cat.
I'm sorry if it seems that I came here to overwhelmed you...but making this deal with me. You'll see how beneficial it is to you in the future
"Rest assured this deal isn't only to benefit you. Well, here is my contact information...you can make the transactions once you've collected my profit.
Other than that, I'll be back in a weeks notice...be on the lookout,"
After arising from his seat Aimer stopped and turned back to the woman.
"Um? Do you perhaps have a mask I can use,"
'A mask? What does he need it for?'
"Um? Yes, I do actually,"
"Oh great,"
"Here it is,"
From a minuscule bag beside her feet, the woman pulled one out of three items; a mask'
An all-white smiley face mask that had black eye socket holes with black droplets of tears falling from the left eye while the other half had Jester's decoration.
[Mask of the Jester] - Legendary
+70 intelligence
+50 speed
Description: the user can disguise themselves into other people using his/her imagination.
"You're...giving this to me?"
"Yes, just think of it as an early compensation,"
'Early compensation huh?'
"Well, who am I to turn down such a gift,"
Aimer read over the mask's details before placing it within his inventory then proceeded to leave his phone number and the necessary information needed to transact the money to his bank account.
With all that done, Aimer strode from the Auction Coalition nonchalantly with a satisfied smile.
'That guy...Aimer was it? If he's able to pull this off then I'll finally be free. By then, I'll be in his debt'
The woman gave one last glance at Aimer's back after acquiring his name.
******
Fast forward, Aimer could be seen standing outside a 'Housing Dealership' where he patiently waited for the Real Estate Agent to assist him.
*bzzp* *bzzp*
A notification vibrated Aimer's phone which he then took from out his left pocket. On the displayed screen, read the words...
"Transactions has been completed!"
"A total of $10.000.000 had been transferred towards your account"
[I look forward to your corporation.]
'So in the end, the total I made from selling all the monster cores was $9.300.000 with a profit of $700.000 added to that'
'What a turnover that is! Now, I should be able to buy that 'villa'. And a mysterious woman...don't fret, I will uphold my end of the bargain'
Aimer quickly turned to enter the Housing Dealership.
*vroom* *skrrt*
Behind him, a luxurious black car parked in front of the Housing Dealership, and out came an unmatched beauty.
[Who could it be?]