Checking the map, the route to Pleasure would take them along the river. The settlement was not far away, but Luke was still worried about getting caught out in the city if the gates opened. Especially in the the East which wasn't controlled by any faction. It would be unlikely that they would receive any assistance.
Looking up into the sky the blue light was shifting cycles and starting to grow brighter. There was no longer any period of the day when there was no light at all, but the cycle followed what had previously been day and night. So it was the early morning. With the cycle changing and the creatures growing less aggressive people would start exploring the city, a terrible time for the gates to open.
As Luke walked along the river bank, he looked at the dark river that flowed through the centre of the city. A year ago there had been boats going up and down it every day, and even people who lived on it in houseboats. Now the river had become far too dangerous for any of that. Thanks to the murky waters, it was impossible to see all of the things that wanted to kill you until it was too late.
"Ra you seemed to know that shadowy figure. Can we trust them?"
"Kree" The noise was hesitant but the answer was clearly a 'yes'.
Luke wanted to ask Ra more about the shadowy figure but, while he could understand basic ideas like 'yes' and 'no,' he couldn't comprehend more complex ideas from Ra's calls.
Nonetheless, with all that the mysterious shadow had said Luke had a decent guess as to who they were, but if he was right how had they talked? However, for now, learning more wasn't a priority, since Ra thought their information was trustworthy, that was all he needed to know.
To make sure that they made it to their destination without any delays. Luke sent Ra up into the sky to check that they didn't run into any creatures along the way.
As such there were a couple of occasions that they had to take the side roads to avoid any altercations. However, with the bright cycle active as long as they didn't drift too close most of the creatures were content to bathe in the light and leave them alone.
After all that Luke had been through and despite the improvements to his stamina, thanks to the Completion system, Luke found that he wasn't able to go at a pace any faster than a quick walk.
Regardless, Luke made it to the settlement marker without too much issue. The problem was that arriving at the supposed location for the settlement, Luke couldn't see anything that looked remotely like a safe zone. The marker was in the middle of a high street, but there was no noise or activity. The place was deserted, with all the buildings looking just as dilapidated as those in any other abandoned area.
Luke searched around and was getting a little bit desperate when he saw a small shop that had a large sign on its front that read "Sweet Pleasure." It was a candy shop, one of the many of its kind that had once littered the high streets of the city. He had never seen one of the shops with anyone in them before, so seeing them empty now wasn't too much of a change. He had once heard that they were used for money laundering, but it didn't matter anymore. What mattered was that Luke had potentially found the settlement.
He entered the shop and looked around. Given that no one he knew had ever spoken of this safe zone, he immediately considered the possibility that the entrance could be hidden. He searched around in the shop for some sort of trap door or secret entrance but there was nothing.
Getting desperate Luke was left with no choice but to talk to Ava.
"Are you sure the map is correct?"
"Yes, the map is correct."
"Then where is the settlement?"
"I can't tell you, my job is to assist. Not to do things for you."
"Helpful as ever Ava."
"Remember to leave a good review," Ava responded sarcastically.
Getting nowhere with Ava, Luke stopped and slowed down. He had three bits of information to go off: the map marker, the name "Pleasure" and the clue the shadowy figure had given him.
"They say that those who seek nothing but pleasure end up in hell."
It took a little while but, finally, it came to him. Maybe the problem was that he had more information than most people, thanks to his map. Anyone else who wanted to find the settlement wouldn't have that privilege. So perhaps his marker and the name were the same clue.
Thanks to Ava he also knew the settlement was 100% on the marker. But the map was only 2 dimensional. Leaving only one possibility. It was below.
If that was true then the simplest way to get underground, was obviously to go down into the city's metro, "the underground."
Stepping out the shop he saw that just down the street from the shop was an underground station.
"Well if that isn't it I don't know what is," Luke said.
Walking down the stairs there was still very little evidence to show that there was a settlement there. But the moment Luke reached the bottom he knew he must be in the right place. A giant wall of rock had been built where the ticket barriers would have been and standing in front of a door was a man.
Managing to avoid the man noticing him he walked back up the stairs.
"Ra I doubt they will be keen to let you in, plus it looks like the settlement is underground which probably wouldn't suit you anyway. Do you think that you would be safe to wait outside?"
"Kree"
"Good I'm glad. If you get bored I would recommend hunting some of the Rancour Rats and trying to gather some Azure Gems. But don't push yourself and should the gates open make sure that you find somewhere safe to hide."
"Kree"
"There is only one problem with this plan. How do I let you know when to meet back up with me?"
"That is simple if you whistle Ra will be able to hear," Ava added.
"Well, that is very convenient."
"Alright be safe Ra," Luke said while petting his winged friend before he flew off into the sky.
"I shouldn't worry right, he has survived this city just like I have possibly in even harsher situations."
"Don't worry Ra will be okay."
"Wow, that consideration sounded genuine."
"Of course. I already have a soft spot for him."
"So it's just me you don't like huh? Well, at least I now know that you don't have a heart of stone."
"Obviously," Ava said in a scornful tone.
Walking back down the stairs Luke approached the guard. He was at least twice the age of Luke. But he didn't look like his age had stopped him from staying active. He wore a shirt that didn't hide his intimidating Physique and he was a fair few inches taller than Luke who wasn't short at six foot. Ultimately, he was exactly the right sort of person you would put outside a door to deter anyone from trying to come in.
As soon as the man saw look he gave him a once over.
"What are you here for?" Luke was momentarily shocked. He was not expecting how high-pitched the big wall of muscle of a man's voice was. Fortunately, he managed to hide his surprise.
"I'm looking to enter Pleasure."
"Do you have a pass?"
This left Luke stumped. "Can't I get in without one?"
"No pass. No Entry. Come back when you have one."
Luke didn't want to get barred permanently so he didn't argue and went back to the top of the stairs. He tried to think of a way in. This was the first time that he had spoken to someone since he had acquired his system, was there something that the system could do?
"The Title! Maybe that will help."
Luke activated one of the titles he had received.
[Lesser Lord - A slight increase in likeability to those not in leadership, positions. A slight decrease in likeability to those in leadership positions.]
He didn't know how much a slight increase would affect things. He also had to hope that the guard wasn't in a leadership position but whatever the case it couldn't hurt to try.
Returning to the guard Luke asked "Sorry me again, how do I get a pass? Is there any other way I can get in?"
This time the man seemed to straighten up as he spoke to Luke.
"Well I am not meant to say this to just anyone, but you seem like you might be worth a chance. There is one way in without a pass. I can let you in if you agree to compete in the arena, what do you say?"
Luke was amazed the title had definitely worked. the man treated him far less harshly and although he hadn't just let him in it was a huge success.
"Deal. I am happy to compete."
"Excellent then follow me." The man turned and opened the door behind him. After walking down a corridor that was carved from the new rock wall. They stepped out into a larger chamber and Luke was stunned by what he saw.