What now? Well, I left my sect member in the forest where he wanted to train, but I did make him promise to look for me once he is done. Where am I going? Well of course I have a plan!
I did not simply learn to fight and bake during the 2 months I have spent here! I also Ask Zero's mom about all kinds of information. Then again when I say it like that it's almost like I'm a character in a novel and the author wants to squash any possible plot holes. I'm just joking haha.
But seriously, the only relevant knowledge I got is about a certain city. A city this time, not a town. Apparently, there is a god of diplomacy. How does that even work? I don't know. Actually, my guess is it doesn't work that well in the grand scheme of things. After all, if that god had much power in the first place he would have stopped the god wars.
But none of it matters for its control over that city is strong enough to prevent fights from breaking out. That in itself is amazing.
I was almost expecting gods to all be assholes. Since they play with mortal's lives and all.
The Lunar Goddess is a narcissistic bitch and the Wanderer God doesn't sound like a piece of cake either.
From what I heard from my first elder it is poverty and tribulations one after the others. Like why?! Can't you have your followers wandering around in gold carriages?!
Then again it doesn't really change a thing in my life. As long as the crazy people stay away from me.
I just need to figure out how to reach such a city. I would have asked Zero's parents, but they are busy arguing about something. I was expecting it to be over in a second, but it seems the hunter isn't that submissive after all. Whatever they are fighting over doesn't concern me anyway.
I have a plan B! Time to ask Cayden! When I finally find him he's with his party. I expect 2 of them to diss me and 1 to remain silent like usual, but their gaze today is strange? Almost as if they are looking at a monster. That's rude ….only Cayden is friendly as usual.
[Hey man, I need to reach the diplomacy city thing how do I go there?]
"Oh it's simple you simply * omitted for it would have filled many many chapters * and then you can enter the city!"
Let's try this again.
[Hey man, where can I find a guide to bring me there?]
He looks at me seemingly wondering why I suddenly changed my mind.
Like bro, you would have done the same confronted to such a lengthy and complicated explanation. Then again, I can't really say I'm one of these dudes that usually uses Googly map for everything. He wouldn't understand how much that dependency screws with your sense of direction.
Now that I think about it, wouldn't there be a way to make a magical assistant giving directions? I could become rich! Why is it that all my money-making schemes involve magic? *sigh*
"There is an Inn a few days away where you can buy the services of some mercenaries. Hopefully, that should be of help."
[Nice that's what I'm talking about! Now I'm kinda broke! I would have worked at the hunter's guild, but I got refused entry.]
"Wait, they refused to give you the hunter title? Didn't you just get chased by 50 hunters and their rank 3 leader earlier too?! How are you still alive actually? For the money my merchant friend still owes you."
[Oh. They were weak. I'd rather work to earn my keep too. About the hunter thingy, the guild master is obviously biased against outsiders. He didn't give me a legit test.]
"This is unacceptable! I'll bring you there right now! I might only be a rank 2 but I'll be damned if I let such injustice take place!"
****(POV)
"Guild master, Cayden is here to see you."
Oh great! Finally! I was supposed to meet him before, but I was busy undergoing complex recovery processes. After all, I almost died. Was I not completely thorough it would have left sequels in my body.
I need to ask him about that devil. I need his help to ask for forgiveness. Otherwise, who knows if he won't come and finish the job once he's in a bad mood.
"Quick! Let him in!"
I'm truly glad of the great job Katheryne is doing here. I would raise her wages again, but it's already at the top of what I am allowed to approve as guild master. The hunter guild is a big entity after all with regulations and whatnot.
The door opens. Enters Cayden. He seems angry for some reason. Following behind is ...OH MY FUCKING GOD. NO!!! Why didn't Katheryne mention that HE was here too!? Is today the day I die?
My body instinctively freezes. I know it's dumb and probably won't save me. Should I kneel right now? Maybe he'd spare me? Cry and hug his thigh? Damn, I'm a middle-aged man. What if I end up disgusting him?! It's the first time in my life I am hoping I was some cute girl instead.
I'm sure the leg-grabbing begging combo would work then. Fuck!
"Guild master! What is that about not letting my friend join the hunter's guild! He is powerful enough! He got rid of 50 hunters and a rank 3! How does he not qualify to join!"
Wait?! DID HE GET RID OF THEM? Didn't just survive them?! I'm gonna fucking die. Katheryne why did you do this to me?! *sigh* She did recently save me. I can't ask too much of her.
"You can't be biased against him just because he's new here! He needs to get some money before he can leave town! If you don't let him become a hunter I'll bring this to the headquarter myself if I have to!"
Wait?! He needs money to leave town?! OMG, I may have a chance to survive this.
"I'll be right back!"
I run as fast as I can to my room. Grab the guild master seal and a pouch containing all my life savings. I need to be fast! A few instants later I'm back. I face this monster of a man. Moment of truth. Will this be enough to appease him? I can only pray.
"Here you go! Please accept this! This is a 2* hunter license! The best I am allowed to give without reporting it to the higher-ups. Here are enough travel funds to last you a while! Please forgive my previous offenses! I am deeply ashamed!"
I utter all of it in one breath. Bowing diligently. He remains silent. Don't tell me it wasn't enough?! Should I sell the guild building too? I'd get hunted by the guild, but it beats dying here.
[Alright! Thank you. It wasn't much of an offense anyway. I'll forgive you.]
Cayden seems confused, but he brings that scary being out. I have no idea where they are going and I don't wish to know either.
I can't believe I almost got beaten to death for what this man considers a small offense. I got lucky this once. That leaves just one question.
"Katheryne. Why didn't you tell me he was here too?"
"Guild master. As you know I like you, but I'm not ready to die just yet, you know. He's not someone I would ever offend. Not after today's events."
Go figures. Hopefully, we won't ever meet again.
I wouldn't be that unlucky again…right?