|Congratulations, host is no longer broke|
Hori almost spat blood when he heard the words of the system. Even if he was broke, did the system have to be so merciless about it.
He was about to break out into another fit of swearing at the system when he realized that Columbus and the girls were still watching him.
"Thanks man". Columbus said to Hori after he killed the spider. He glanced at the corpse that had been covered with the toxic green liquid with disappointment. "Pity we won't be able to get the beast core".
Hori tried his best to feign disappointment as he nodded.
"Who knew that lunatics could fight so well". Imani said while walking towards Columbus. Since the threat had been dealt with, she had no reason to stay hidden.
"Who knew that rusted swords were so sharp". Zola commented. She was right behind Imani.
Hori's lips twitched when he heard the comments from the two girls. Weren't they supposed to be grateful that he saved their lives.
Columbus saw his expression and gently clasped his back, an apologetic smile on his face.
The trio continued together until they eventually made it out of the island.
"Do you want to come with us?" Columbus asked as they were about to part. "We're going to the Green Jade Academy".
After hearing the name of the academy, Hori realized that he could've done better with his naming.
He thought about Columbus's offer for some moments. He would get so many resources and help at the Green Jade academy but the fees were too expensive for him. He was, as the system so often put it, quite broke.
Then again, even though he could afford to go to the academy, there were other things that he had to take care of first. He had to claim all the treasures that he left for Derek. The spirit demon core was just one of them.
"No". Hori said simply.
Columbus nodded briefly. Although he looked somewhat disappointed, he didn't press the matter. He turned around and signaled the girls to follow him.
After Columbus left, Hori turned in the opposite direction and started walking. The next item on his bucket list was The Infinity Element Gaunlet
The main character was born as a mage with less than average talent. He found a mysterious meditation technique which allowed him to improve his rank at a mind blowing pace, even so his talent wasn't one to speak of. He found the spirit demon core and got unlimited talent. Even so, when fighting against other mages of similar rank, he was usually overshadowed because he didn't have an element, hence he found The Infinity Element Gaunlet.
The Infinith Element Gaunlet was a gauntlet that gave the whoever was wearing it the ability to use any element, so long as the elemental stone was fixed into the gauntlet.
Derek stumbles upon the gauntlet while on a mission towards the extreme end of the kingdom. At first he doesn't know what it does, he only keeps it because of how cool it looks. It was only later on that he realized that he stumbled on a treasure.
Hori's lips curled upward when he realized that he was going to steal another treasure from Derek.
Next time you'll think before trying to beat me up you little piece of shit!
"How the hell am I supposed to get to the Falling Moon City?" Hori muttered.
The Falling Moon city was at the other end of the kingdom. The distance wasn't something that he could walk, and he couldn't afford to pay for transportation.
He walked over to the city square and started looking around.
The place was currently bustling with activities, countless bodies entering in and out of it. There were a few traders hawking goods, charlatans advertising their services.
Hori looked around, searching for someone that he could hitch a ride from. He thought back to when Columbus offered to take him to the academy. Maybe he could've just asked him for a ride to the Falling Moon City.
Damnit!
He was about to quit his search when he noticed a merchant caravan headed his way. He stood in the path that the carriage was supposed to pass.
"Oi! Get out of the way!" The rider screamed out. He took the whip meant for the horses and made to mash out at Hori.
"Wait!" Hori screamed out, making the rider to hesitate for a moment.
You pompous wretch. How dare you try to strike me with a whip. If not for me you wouldn't even exist.
Hori started cursing inside him. Were all fictional characters so ungrateful to the person who caused their existence in the first place.
"I just want to know where you're going to". Hori said.
The rider regarded him for a few moments. "And what does that mean to you?"
"Nothing, I was just wondering whether I could hitch a ride". Hori said.
"We're going to the Falling Moon City". The rider said. Hori smiled, this was simply too perfect. "If you want to come along then you're free, but you have to work your shift. We don't give free rides".
"Sure, sure". Hori said as he walked over to the carriage and entered it. Despite feeling a bit dissatisfied, he couldn't complain. God knows how long he would have to wait to find another person willing to give him free ride.
*sigh* If only you knew the identity of the person that you're talking to like this. All it takes is a press of the button on my laptop and you'd be erased from existence.