Ackster stopped himself from running or hurrying toward the north gate. A single homeless young man walking through the city at night wouldn't catch anyone's attention. But a person, no matter what they wore, would be of note if they ran or looked like they were in a rush.
It would be far-fetched to think that such a person could be Ackster, the villainous young master of the Phileam House. But he might catch the attention of one of the guards patrolling around the city, and they might stop and interrogate him. He could be unlucky enough to encounter someone that would recognize him through his disappointingly simple disguise.
So, Ackster walked at a forcefully calm pace toward the city gate. Thankfully, it hadn't taken as long as he had expected to leave the Phileam Estate, so he should still be good on time.
Before long, Ackster arrived at the gate, and he sighed in relief when he saw that the friendly guard was in charge of overseeing the passage through the gate.
Ackster approached when there were no people entering or leaving Degrest so that he didn't bother anyone or hold up the queue.
"Hey."
Ackster was so used to acting like the original Ackster that he almost added an insult. Fortunately, he managed to keep his tongue in control.
"Oh, Mas. I wasn't sure if you were going to come tonight since I heard you had quite the haul the other night. Heading out again?"
Ackster shook his head, inwardly a little surprised that the guard remembered his name since he must have talked with a lot of people over the last couple of days. But that didn't matter.
"No. Not now, at least. When does your shift end?"
The guard was a little surprised at Ackster's decision, but he quickly realized that Ackster had come to take him up on his offer to help should he ever need it. He smiled gently at Ackster.
"Let me check."
The guard looked at a pocket watch on the table.
"Any minute now, actually."
The guard looked around to see where his replacement was as Ackster controlled his expression. If he had been a little slower, a little more hesitant, or a little less lucky, he would have missed the guard.
The friendly gatekeeper stood up when he saw that his replacement was approaching from the street further down, and since there was no one entering or leaving town, he stood up and left his post while smiling at Ackster.
"So, what can I help you with?"
The other guards, those protecting the gate and the one taking over the booth, gave Ackster and the friendly gatekeeper a few looks but didn't say anything.
Ackster was a little worried that the guard was a human trafficker praying on the homeless since he had a hard time trusting that someone would be so nice and helpful for no reason. But he couldn't sense any malice behind the friendly guard's smile. If anything, its gentleness hid a solemnity that greedy or dangerous people didn't have unless they were extremely dangerous.
Ackster decided to trust him. After all, if it worked out, it would be worth the risk. Worst-case scenario, Ackster got another opportunity to practice his combat skills and train Strong Body.
Ackster looked at the guard.
"I am going to ask for that help you offered the other night. But first, what's your name?"
The guard was slightly surprised. Those who did come for him for help usually didn't ask for his name. They took the bare minimum their pride allowed and left, sometimes thanking him.
"Gerrick. Gerrick Lodson."
"Gerrick Lodson… Alright. I have memorized it. Gerrick, please help me become an adventurer."
Gerrick was once again slightly startled by Ackster's request and straightforward attitude.
"The thrill of entering the forest get to you, Mas?"
Gerrick and Ackster spoke as they walked.
"You could say that. I realized that it would be my one chance to change my life. I want to take it."
"Even if it's the work with the highest rate of death in the country?"
"Gerrick, sometimes, death is better than a life worse than death."
"Well, I guess that's how it works. Mmm, I won't stop you since I did promise to help you. But I will ask you to be careful. You only have this one life. It would be a shame to let it go to waste due to ambitious recklessness."
"I know."
Ackster and Gerrick walked in silence until Gerrick spoke up again.
"So, what are you going to do when you've become an adventurer? Will you stay here? If you do, I usually spend my free time training kids and youngsters like you so they don't die needlessly. You're more than welcome to join. I'll even make you pay if you want."
Gerrick knew how stubbornly prideful some people could be. And Ackster seemed like the type to ask for help while clamping his own mouth shut. He had probably been pretty desperate to ask him for this favor. Receiving free training would be too much.
"I am going to leave this city."
"I see."
Gerrick didn't say anything else. Since Ackster had decided to become an adventurer and get a new start, it made sense he would want a completely fresh start. Staying in the city where he had lived, in the city whose underbelly he was hauntingly familiar with, wouldn't let Ackster spread his wings and soar into the sky.
"Well, if it doesn't work out for you, you're more than welcome to come back here and look for me. I am more than willing to help out."
"Why?"
Ackster decided he might as well ask and put his worries to rest. Gerrick did seem like someone with a heart larger than his chest, but Ackster was too paranoid to let go of the possibility that it might be an act or something.
"Why what?"
"Why are you so willing to help?"
Gerrick's face sank a little before Ackster even clarified his question. His gaze deepened, and he looked far away, almost as if he were peering into the past.