I regained consciousness, my first instinct was to ensure my privacy within the confines of the hospital room.
Activating the privacy barrier screen, a translucent shield enveloped the area, shielding me from prying eyes and providing a sense of seclusion.
Turning my attention to the small table positioned beside my bed, I decided to explore its contents. Hospital protocol dictated that personal belongings would be stored within the drawer, as long as they fit.
With a flick of my hand, I opened the drawer and was greeted by the familiar sight of my backpack and a small box nestled inside.
A surge of relief coursed through me as I eagerly reached for the box, recognizing it as a repository of great value to me.
Carefully prying open its lid, my eyes fell upon the precious contents it safeguarded.
Thirteen Devil cores, each no larger than a fingernail, lay nestled within the confines of the box.
While these cores may be considered of the lowest quality, their significance to me far outweighed their size. As a hunter and adventurer, I understood the worth these seemingly minuscule crystals held within the bustling city of North blood.
In the realm of Devil cores, their value was determined by both rarity and quality. Specialist stage Devil cores, such as the ones before me, often commanded a substantial price range, varying from five to ten thousand credits in the market.
These cores held within them the essence and power of defeated creatures, sought after by alchemists, enchanters, and individuals with a penchant for enhancing their own abilities.
With these thirteen precious crystals in my possession, I knew that my life within the sprawling urban expanse of North blood City would be considerably more manageable.
The credits acquired from their sale would provide me with the necessary resources to procure essential equipment, restock supplies, and secure a comfortable abode.
Yet, their value extended beyond mere monetary gain. These cores represented my accomplishments as a skilled hunter, a testament to my perseverance and strength.
Each core had been painstakingly obtained through encounters with formidable Devils, an emblem of the challenges I had overcome and the victories I had achieved.
Closing the box with utmost care, I stored it safely within my backpack, cherishing its contents and the opportunities they would bring.
As I prepared to leave the hospital and embark on new adventures, the weight of these thirteen fingernail-sized cores served as a constant reminder of the path I had chosen, the risks I had faced, and the rewards that awaited me in the vibrant tapestry of North blood City.
With a sense of urgency, I reached into my trusty backpack and retrieved a fresh set of clothes. As I changed into the clean garments, I couldn't help but notice the dwindling number of outfits at my disposal.
The battle I had recently endured had taken its toll, not just on my physical well-being, but also on my clothing inventory. Many of my garments had been repurposed as makeshift bandages to staunch the wounds inflicted upon me.
Only two sets of clothing remained, a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during the intense skirmish.
While the Devil cores I had acquired were safely stored away, the thought of my diminishing wardrobe still caused a pang of worry to stir within me. The practicalities of daily life demanded a replenishment of essential items, particularly clothing.
An extensive shopping list formed in my mind, encompassing not only a variety of garments but also accessories to complement my attire. Shoes, once sturdy and reliable, now worn and in dire need of replacement, occupied the top of my priority list.
The battles I had fought had taken their toll on my footwear, rendering them unfit for further use.
Bandages, an indispensable resource for any adventurer, were another critical item on my list.
Their versatile nature made them valuable for both self-preservation and aiding fellow comrades in times of need. The battle had depleted my supply, leaving me vulnerable should another encounter arise.
Additionally, a new backpack became an essential acquisition. While my current one had served me faithfully throughout my past expeditions, its tattered state signaled its impending retirement.
The worn fabric, frayed straps, and the occasional tear bore witness to the countless times it had shielded me from Devil attacks and safeguarded my precious belongings. It had become a loyal companion, but its functionality was waning, necessitating a replacement that could meet the demands of my adventurous lifestyle.
The urgency to acquire these items weighed on my mind as I completed the task of changing into the fresh attire. The time had come to venture into the bustling markets of North blood City, where an array of shops and vendors awaited.
With a sense of determination, I zipped up my backpack, making sure to secure the box containing the valuable Devil cores within its confines.
As I prepared to step outside the hospital, the worries surrounding my dwindling wardrobe served as a reminder of the practical considerations that accompanied the life of an adventurer.
The necessity of replenishing clothing, accessories, and essential equipment weighed heavily on my mind. However, the experiences and victories I had achieved thus far bolstered my resolve, assuring me that with careful planning and resourcefulness, I would be able to face any challenge that lay ahead.
my departure from the hospital grew imminent, I deactivated the privacy screen, allowing the outside world to permeate my previously secluded space. The realization struck me that my comrade, Jimmy, hailed from the very city I was about to embark upon—North blood City.
An idea sparked within me, prompting me to seek his insight on finding suitable accommodations in the city's Outer Ring, all within the confines of a reasonable budget.
"Jimmy," I began, directing my inquiry towards my knowledgeable companion, "do you happen to know of any apartments in the Outer Ring that are priced below five thousand credits?"
The initial plan had been to secure a living space that cost no more than one thousand credits, but the acquisition of the valuable Devil cores had instilled a newfound sense of financial flexibility.
With a knowing smile, Jimmy responded, offering a glimmer of hope, "I happen to have a friend who works as a property agent. He possesses insider knowledge and can assist you in finding the perfect place at a price that surpasses the offerings found on conventional web platforms.
" My excitement grew as I acknowledged the potential benefits of his friend's expertise. It was clear that this connection could be the key to securing a desirable living space without breaking the bank.
With a nod of appreciation, I eagerly awaited Jimmy's next move. Taking out his communication device, he promptly dialed his friend's number, initiating a conversation that held the promise of a fruitful collaboration.
Nestled within the heart of North blood City, a bustling metropolis boasting a population exceeding seventy million, the cityscape was intricately divided into three distinct sections aptly named the Three Rings.
These concentric divisions were not merely geographical boundaries but served as formidable defense barriers, fortifying the city against the relentless onslaught of Devils that plagued the surrounding lands.
The first line of defense, known as the Outer Ring, stretched wide and far, encircling the city with its protective embrace. It stood as a beacon of resilience, shielding the inhabitants from the encroaching dangers that lurked beyond its borders. The Outer Ring was home to a staggering multitude, its population surpassing that of the other two Rings combined.
Within this vibrant expanse, commoners and aspiring adventurers found solace, seeking refuge and a chance to carve out their destinies. Here, the streets teemed with the ebb and flow of life, bustling with the dreams and aspirations of those yet to ascend to greater heights.
The denizens of the Outer Ring predominantly consisted of individuals below the esteemed Corporal Stage, their journey towards self-improvement and martial prowess still unfolding.
Further inward lay the Middle Ring, an intermediary barrier that brimmed with purpose and promise. A sanctuary for the accomplished, it served as the city's second line of defense, ensuring the safety and prosperity of its residents. Nearly twenty million souls called this ring home, and their qualifications to reside within its bounds were not taken lightly.
Only those who had reached the esteemed Corporal Stage or surpassed it held the privilege of setting foot upon its hallowed grounds. The Middle Ring bore witness to a diverse tapestry of powerhouses, their martial prowess shaping the very fabric of the city's strength.
For those whose power had yet to attain the status of the Corporal Stage, the coveted residency in the Middle Ring remained a coveted goal, a testament to their unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit.
Beyond the Middle Ring, guarded by the stalwart protection of its predecessors, the Inner Ring stood as a testament to the elite echelons of North blood City.
Within its confines, the city's most revered and accomplished individuals sought refuge, their cultivation reaching extraordinary heights. These luminaries, marked by their lofty positions and awe-inspiring might, held the keys to power and influence within the city's innermost sanctum.
To secure residency within the Inner Ring, one had to possess power at or beyond the revered Corporal Stage, or those whose powerhouse boasted might that could rival the pinnacle of the Corporal Stage, would engage in a fierce competition, vying for the coveted privilege of calling this prestigious domain their own.
As I contemplated the city's intricate division, the Three Rings, I understood that each segment represented not only a physical demarcation but a symbol of the city's resilience and collective determination.