"Oh, my hands are sore."
Zed shook his hand and complained that if there was a system, why not arrange for an automated collection system? Just like in the game.
He spent a day and a night in that brute's body pile, made ghoultick to basic 「Energy Spore」nonstop until the smell of blood and decay attracted the much more powerful monster.
Zed figured two things out this time out of town.
First, the awakened ones can really make very big difference, killing brute like they did before was impossible for Zed in a previous life.
Second, the various monster area he knew got much more potential than just stay in DR.
There was one thing he concerned.
"It's just... When the power came, I do want to tear everything in front of me... Ummmm, mental issue..."
Zed shook his head while a big bag tingling on his back.
He was not sure about his rank lvl among awakens, but since he killed those brutes in vampire form...and, those armed.
'I might be B2 already? Ummm...probably touching B1 with Rai."
As he thought, he had barely made it to the city.
"Gun check."
The city guard said in a deep voice, addressing Zed.
Coincidentally, Zed ran into the same person again. This time, was also the upright bald man was inspecting him. Zed guessed that he was a devouring-type Awakener, judging from the faint horns protruding from his head. Zed had no specific reason to believe this, except for what he had read in the booklet. Now, whenever he saw an Awakener, he couldn't help but instinctively start guessing their class.
Lost in these thoughts, Zed didn't say much and efficiently handed over his gun and six spare magazines.
As expected, he didn't receive them back this time. Instead, the guard handed him a metal bottle cap with a series of numbers engraved on it.
"Due to the increasing number of Awakeners, Newford has implemented regulations on firearms. Register your name when leaving the city and present this for retrieval," the guard explained.
Recognizing Zed, the guard's face turned even more serious, as if he were the one being disarmed. He then nodded.
"You are not worrying?" the guard asked.
"If you report to the Awaken Hall, you can retrieve your belongings immediately... But, you don't seem surprise at all."
Zed lifted his head, just laughed.
"Why should I? Told you, I got precognitive abilities."
Just like the previous, the guard paused, then burst into hearty laughter, causing those nearby to glance in their direction.
"Go on, then. Once you've reported, I'll make sure to treat you to a good drink."
As guard said, he slapping Zed on the shoulder.
Zed shrugged and didn't say much about that. He felt a bit sorry for the guard, who silently made a flag despite being part of the city's defense force.
That was dangerous.
On the way returning to Newford, Zed had found a random body for Dr. Rudolph nearby. It wasn't the best choice to enter the city together. Besides, he had shared the risk by handling out his first gun. Even though Zed could turn firearms into spores, he didn't do so this time because he had something more precious, or rather, something that posed a greater threat to the city in his pocket.
He just wondered when they would start banning spores.
"Rai, no worries I'll find a way to free you."
As Zed spoke, the golden spore in his jacket pocket shimmered faintly, as if responding to him.
Zed made his way towards his hotel. The first thing he planned to do upon his return was to find Lucy. She was his only confidante in this city, the one person he could rely on.
It was just what he promised to do so.
As he walked through the familiar market, Zed noticed, there were fewer people on the streets this time. It seemed like everyone had managed to survive the disaster by sticking together with their own kind. Now, they had returned to the normal course of society, working for their own interests and their families.
Zed quietly surveyed the small stalls and realized that Newford had improved its management of these districts. There were no more children running around the market, causing mischief. When Adrian lost his sword, Zed had initially thought it was the work of some awakened kid petty thief.
Coming back this time, he noticed that there were fewer people trading with money. Many shops had signs displaying "spore only."
"Is it finally starting?" Zed pondered.
Yes, the time was matching. It had been about one to two months since humans had transformed into a society based on cities. Currencies had transformed into these mysterious "eggs" that held greater power. More powerful abilities potential just meant access to more resources.
Unbeknownst to him, Zed had already traversed the entire market and arrived at the spot where Adrian had encountered the thief. The caution tape was still up, and several individuals in black uniforms were on guard, inspecting the area. Zed knew that there were many similar places like this throughout Newford.
There was no doubt that, regardless of the person behind it, this was a declaration of war.
Zed didn't say anything and turned to approach the inn.
He was greeted by a black-haired girl with freckles on her face. She was the current manager of the inn, which had become a halfway point for DR after they rented it long-term. It could be said that this inn served as DR's base of operations, apart from the black market.
While the black market was used for real business deals to survive, this inn was all about daily life for actual live.
Zed couldn't help but once again appreciate the benefits of being part of a large company. Indeed, DR had done well in maintaining work-life balance.
"You're back?" the woman said, resting her hand on her hip and handing him a letter.
It was sent from DR and signed by Adrian.
"They say your identity in the city is not clean enough, and with Newford's stricter lately, they found you a legitimate job..."
"And the rooms have been empty these past two days. I gave you a extra 30% discount on DR. Go ahead and make yourself something to eat."
Zed touched his nose and accepted the discount. After all, his conditions weren't exactly luxurious, and even with DR helping to pay the rent, he didn't want to waste anything. He looked at Lucy sitting by the window and silently thought to himself:
The rooms aren't actually empty.
So Zed walked over to join her.
The lobby of the inn was spacious, with a black stone floor. They sat on comfortable benches, separated by a large orange wooden table.
"You're back?"
"No, I haven't come back yet."
"Then when will you come back?"
"Before you left me behind?"
Lucy laughed at his words, her chin resting on her hand. Her long hair lazily cascaded down at the same angle as the falling leaves outside the window in this deep autumn, and she gazed directly into Zed's eyes.
"I won't leave."
Zed rolled his shoulders and reached out his hand to order two cups of tea from the innkeeper.
"Make it three!"
Lucy raised her hand as well, but it was clear that the innkeeper couldn't see her.
Zed promptly placed the order for her, then tapped his chin with his finger and asked, "If it's not because you're thirsty today, then we must have a guest."
Lucy moved some snacks off the table to leave room for the tea tray and nodded in confirmation.
"I've arranged for someone to meet you," she replied.
"Who?" Zed inquired, but before Lucy could answer, she gestured for him to look outside the window.
There, he saw a man wearing a demon mask, carrying a black box, and studying a map as if he were lost.
Lucy pulled out a poker mask from her side of the seat and playfully waved it in the air, then blew out her cheeks.
"Biznezzzz."
She said with a mischievous smile.