The training ground buzzed with energy as Abigail sparred with Kuvira and Josh. Josh, gripping his magic wand tightly, summoned a crackling bolt of lightning, his expression tense with concentration.
As the lightning bolt zipped toward her, he cast a worried glance at Abigail. "So, you're telling me the Oni just up and vanished? No goodbye, no nothing?"
Abigail sidestepped, dodging the lightning bolt effortlessly as she let out a frustrated sigh. "It's been three days! Where the hell is he? Nobody saw him leave the hospital." She pivoted smoothly, launching a swift, calculated kick toward Josh, nearly catching him off guard.
Kuvira, quick to intervene, blocked Abigail's kick with her forearms in a firm cross-arm block. "But didn't you say Maria's gone too?" she asked, a sly smirk on her lips. Despite the intensity, Kuvira's usual flirtatious edge was clear as she bantered mid-fight.
Abigail exhaled sharply, leaping back before dashing forward to meet Kuvira's next move. They exchanged punches and kicks with fluid precision, each strike a fierce testament to their training.
Josh, standing a few feet away, glanced nervously between them. "Uh, didn't Alonso teleport Simon and Michael? Maybe he's got some kind of long-range teleportation spell," he suggested shyly, his cheeks pink as he raised his wand, firing an earth spike toward Abigail.
With a graceful motion, Abigail twisted mid-air, using her hand to alter the spike's trajectory, sending it right back at Josh. "Nice try, Josh, but you're gonna have to do better than that."
Josh's eyes widened as he hastily summoned an earth wall, which shot up just in time to deflect the spike. "Whoa! That was close…" he muttered, his voice a mix of awe and relief.
Kuvira chuckled, channeling mana into her fist, which began to glow with a strange, intense yellow hue. "Alright, Abby, let's see how you handle this!" She charged at her friend, fist ready to strike, when suddenly, an arrow embedded itself in the ground at her feet.
Mulgul's voice drifted lazily from the sidelines. "Hey, Kuvira, watch it. Only Josh is supposed to use magic here. Don't make me get up and remind you."
Josh nodded, glancing nervously between them. "Uh… y-yeah, guys, even with the handicap, we'd still be toast against Abigail if she used her blessing. I mean, last time she did, I… kinda ended up with a black eye." He rubbed the back of his neck, giving Kuvira a pleading look. "So, maybe… uh, Kuvira, could you ease up on the ki? I don't really want another round of that."
Kuvira rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, yeah, don't get all worked up, Josh. I'll go easy… this time." She then turned to Abigail with a teasing grin. "And about the Oni? Don't stress so much, Abby. Let's wrap this up and grab a drink. All this talk's making me thirsty."
Abigail clenched her fists, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "Are you kidding, Kuvira? The king's arriving tomorrow! He wants to see Alonso, and I've got no clue where he is. This is driving me crazy!" She sighed, throwing her hands up. "I swear, if that Oni doesn't show up soon, I'm gonna lose it!"
Mulgul groaned, crossing his arms as he leaned back, clearly uninterested in the stress of the situation. "Oh great, more drama. Can't we just take a break? This is exhausting."
Abigail shot him a look. "Yeah, Mulgul, thanks for the support," she muttered, rolling her eyes before turning back to the others, determined to figure out their next steps.
In his private chamber, Alonso stepped forth from the cocoon of radiant light, his transformed figure emanating a commanding presence. Standing taller at an imposing 6'4", his very stance exuded a formidable aura of strength intertwined with an icy dominance. His rich brown skin now bore a faint frosty sheen, catching the light with an almost ethereal glow. Subtle patches of crystalline frost adorned his smooth complexion, the interplay of warmth and cold creating a striking, otherworldly contrast that highlighted the power he now possessed.
The tips of Alonso's horns gleamed with an icy blue hue that gradually deepened into an obsidian black, exuding a faint, chilling aura that frosted the air around him. The horns arched gracefully from his forehead, their elegant curve adding a regal yet menacing edge to his presence. His eyes were a captivating fusion of jet purple and frosty blue, their colors swirling with an otherworldly luminosity that gave his gaze a hypnotic, almost mystical intensity.
His hair, a deep, jet-black cascade streaked with strands of snow-white, was a striking emblem of his icy power seamlessly merged with his Oni lineage. His tail, now five inches longer, ended in a sleek arrowhead shape. The tip, an icy blue that mirrored the hue of his horns, radiated a faint frost that trailed delicately behind him, the rest of the tail fading into a glossy black. Every detail of his transformation reflected both his fearsome heritage and his mastery of the glacial power coursing through him.
He stepped over to the mirror, inspecting his transformation with scientific intrigue. His fingers traced the contours of his face, shoulders, and muscular yet lean frame, feeling the increased density of his muscles and the cold energy pulsing beneath his skin. Satisfied, he moved toward his wardrobe, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he selected his attire.
Alonso slipped into a long, black trench coat that sat perfectly across his broad shoulders, falling gracefully to his knees, exuding an air of authority and mystique. He chose red and black high-top sneakers with a medieval flair, pairing them with dark green combat trousers and a fitted grey polo shirt. Around his waist, he fastened a set of leather straps, wrapping them securely and adding a rugged, tactical edge to his look.
The system chimed in, its familiar tone echoing through Alonso's chamber.
Ping! Evolution to Aethrfrost Oni complete.
Ping! Mission successful: Ascended to a mythical being.
Ping! +1000 Souls added.
Total Souls: 1500.
Alonso raised an eyebrow, a curious grin tugging at his lips. "Aethrfrost Oni? Now what kind of race did one evolve to?"
Ping!
The Aethrfrost Oni is a rare, evolved race that unifies your cybernetic enhancements, cryogenic powers, and magical abilities. This evolution grants you access to aether, an advanced form of mana that bridges the realms of magic and technology, allowing you to influence both ancient elements and complex machinery.
Alonso's eyes widened, intrigued. "So you're telling me this is an entirely new race? That's... remarkable. And this aether—is it just an upgraded form of mana?"
Ping!
Aether is an evolved energy force, merging traditional mana with qualities that allow it to manipulate and integrate with advanced technology. It enables the Aethrfrost Oni to control both magical elements and technological constructs, acting as a bridge between organic energy and technological command.
Alonso smirked, his analytical mind already working through the possibilities. "Ah, I see. It's almost like becoming a technopath, isn't it?" He turned his gaze to a nearby piece of equipment, activating his magic perception and focusing his aether into his vision. To his amazement, he could see the underlying code within the devices around him, the intricate digital architecture unfolding like a web of threads.
He instinctively understood their configurations, able to break them down and reshape them as he wished. With a flick of his wrist, he directed a stream of aether toward a nearby computer, watching as it morphed and reconfigured, taking on a new form. In seconds, the device had transformed into a sleek plasma gun, humming with energy.
A grin spread across Alonso's face as he admired his handiwork. "Incredible. This fusion of magic and technology is... beyond anything I could've imagined. I can reshape my surroundings with just a thought, and in no time at all." His laughter echoed through the lab, filled with the exhilaration of discovery. "First, I became one with my lab, and now I have the power to build anything I wish with just a thought—and in an instant, too. This is insane!"
Ping!
The Aethrfrost Oni possesses two primary abilities:
1. Techno-Magical Interface
Through aether, you can seamlessly connect with and control any technology, from machinery to arcane devices. This ability grants you the power to enhance, disrupt, or command your environment with unmatched ease.
2. Mana-to-Aether Conversion
This ability allows you to convert raw mana into aether, enabling you to power and command technological constructs alongside your cryogenic abilities. This process is automatic and functions as a passive skill, enhancing your adaptability and versatility across energy sources.
Alonso's mind raced with possibilities, examining the details of his newfound powers, then a call came through from Astra.
"Master, you're awake!" Astra's voice was bright, yet laced with urgency. "I know you're probably busy enjoying your evolution, but Abigail's been searching for you. It sounds important."
Alonso chuckled, rolling his shoulders as if loosening up after a long sleep. "Ah, I see. I suppose I have been out of commission for three days. Abigail must be a bit... concerned. Well, let's hope it's good news."
With a simple thought, he teleported directly to Astra's location in the robotics department, where she was hard at work adjusting the arm of an android.
As Alonso's gaze met Astra, his eyes widened, momentarily stunned by her transformed appearance. She now stood at 5'2", exuding a blend of futuristic and modern elegance. Her long, blue, flame-like hair cascaded down to her shoulders, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Her eyes, a piercing electric blue, shone with an intensity that rivaled starlight, giving her a powerful yet mysterious allure.
Astra's figure was strikingly curvaceous, with defined hips and a shapely silhouette that conveyed both strength and grace. Her skin, once distinctly metallic, had evolved into a blend of silver and white with a luminous, almost human-like quality, though it retained a subtle metallic sheen that hinted at her cybernetic nature.
Her body was clad in a sleek, high-tech power suit, molded perfectly from her neck down. The suit was a dark green with embedded circuits and glowing lights tracing across its surface, giving her a distinctly advanced, almost robotic appearance. The suit itself seemed to be a part of her, seamlessly connecting to various robotic components on her arms and legs. Her feet were encased in futuristic high heels that hovered slightly above the ground, each heel emitting a faint blue light, adding an elegant, mech-like touch.
Alonso stared at Astra in awe, circling around her and inspecting every inch. He ran his hand thoughtfully over her shoulders and down her arms, eyes gleaming with fascination. His scientific curiosity was in full swing as he examined her transformed form, a blend of technology and magic unlike anything he'd encountered.
Astra's cheeks flushed slightly, clearly flustered as she tried to brush off her embarrassment. "Oi, Master, could you… maybe stop that?" Her tone was mildly annoyed, but her voice held a hint of warmth, as if secretly pleased by his interest.
Alonso paused, momentarily surprised by her response. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Fascinating… even your speech patterns have changed."
Astra nodded, her expression shifting to one of thoughtful wonder. "Yes, Master, a lot has changed. The way I perceive the world now… it's as though my mind has opened up to a completely new reality."
Alonso nodded, sharing in her reflection. "I understand. Evolution is serious business—it's almost like being reborn."
Curious, Alonso summoned his system to display Astra's updated information.
Ping!
Evolution to Pixellan complete.
Alonso tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Pixellan, huh? And yet none of these races are documented in the Vardosian archives… How peculiar."
Ping!
The Pixellan is a unique, advanced race that merges the intelligence, adaptability, and technological precision of an android with the mystical powers of a magical being. As a Pixellan, Astra has become a powerful hybrid entity, capable of manipulating energy, adapting her form, and wielding both magical and technological abilities.
Alonso's eyes lit up with excitement, his curiosity unbridled. "Ohhh, now this… this is incredible. And the abilities?"
Ping!
Primary Abilities of Pixellan:
1. Adaptive Core Assimilation
Astra's core allows her to absorb and integrate any form of energy—mana, elemental forces, or technological currents—into her system. Located in her chest, the core spins like a generator, using absorbed energy to enhance her adaptability. This enables her to dynamically respond to opponents' weaknesses, shifting battles in her favor.
2. Magical Assimilation
Astra can absorb energy attacks or ambient energy, using it to power her own abilities. This fuels her adaptive transformations, allowing her to counter opponents by adjusting her form or creating constructs that exploit their vulnerabilities. It also enhances her self-repair in high-energy environments.
3. Mana Vision
Astra's enhanced vision allows her to detect energy signatures, identify weaknesses, and sense magical or technological auras. This skill provides valuable real-time data for reconnaissance and combat, allowing her to adjust her strategy on the fly.
4. Mana-Tech Conversion
Astra can convert mana into technological power and vice versa, enabling her to fuel tech-based systems with magical energy and empower her magic with technology. This dual control over magic and tech makes her incredibly versatile.
5. Mana Wings
Astra can manifest ethereal wings composed of pure energy, allowing her to hover, fly, and maneuver freely. These glowing wings enhance her mobility in combat and are visually striking, radiating magical energy when she's fully powered.
Alonso leaned back, clearly impressed. "Ohhh, damn. Looks like you're overpowered now, Astra!"
Astra crossed her arms, a sly smile on her lips. "Well, Master, I'd say you're the one who's overpowered. What's this strange energy radiating from you? It… doesn't feel like mana."
Alonso smirked, an edge of pride in his voice. "Ah, a keen observation. I've picked up a few new tricks myself." He glanced over her shoulder at the elite android she'd been building. "And I see you're still working on this project. Let me lend a hand."
With a simple thought, a wave of aether surged from Alonso, rippling outward in a cascade of energy. The entire artificial intelligence and robotics department lit up as the powerful energy threaded through every machine, illuminating corners and crevices, connecting with each piece of technology. The effect was immediate and profound: robots, androids, drones, and gadgets—whether completed or in parts—began to glow, shifting and transforming as the aether infused their circuitry.
The five elite androids, previously incomplete, reacted to Alonso's aether as if it were a divine spark, morphing and upgrading in ways that defied conventional understanding. Components fused seamlessly, parts reconfigured, and new enhancements manifested as if by magic, each android evolving into a state of advanced design that could only be described as godly.
Astra stood back, her eyes wide with awe as thousands of bots around her transformed, each one evolving into a superior version of itself. Alonso's mastery over their circuitry and programming was absolute, guiding each upgrade to completion. Soon, the entire task was done, the department filled with a quiet hum of perfection.
Alonso nodded, satisfied. "Alright, that's that. Every construction bot, recon drone, and android should be fully operational now. As for these five elites, they're complete, but their programming is still uploading to their CPUs. We'll just need to wait until they're fully online."
Astra, still in awe, turned to him with admiration. "Master, that ability… you didn't just complete the task; you transformed them all to levels beyond what I thought possible. It's truly a miracle."
Alonso gave a slight grin, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Yeah, it's something else. I'll leave you to manage the new androids. I'm heading off to meet Abigail. Keep the construction bots on standby; we may need them soon, depending on whether the king agrees to sell the land."
Astra nodded, still processing the wonder of what she'd just witnessed, as Alonso strode out, his presence commanding even in the wake of his extraordinary work.
As the late afternoon sun cast its warm glow over the Adventurers Guild, the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and clinking mugs. Abigail, Kuvira, Josh, and Mulgul sat together, drinks in hand, unwinding after a long day.
Kuvira took a large swig from her pint, hiccuping as she set it down with a thud. "Oi, Abby!" she slurred, leaning in with a playful smirk. "Let's go on a mission soon, yeah? I'm gonna be broke if I don't make some coin soon. Can't be running out of funds for my booze!" She chuckled, taking another hearty gulp.
Abigail sighed, her brows furrowed as she looked out across the room. "Just for today, Kuvira. If he doesn't show up, I'm giving up. Tomorrow's the deadline anyway…" She trailed off, her voice fading as she noticed the sudden hush that had fallen over the entire guild hall.
The silence was strange, unnatural. She turned around, confused, and spotted Josh pointing with wide eyes at the figure approaching their table. "Ohhh!" Josh gasped, eyes glued to the newcomer.
Abigail turned to see what had everyone so captivated, her mouth dropping open in disbelief. "What…?"
Alonso strode toward them, his presence commanding the room. He walked with an unbothered confidence, fully aware of the stares but ignoring them entirely. When he reached Abigail's table, he raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "What's with that look? It's not like it's the first time you've seen an Oni."
Abigail stammered, trying to find her voice. "You… you… Alonso?"
Kuvira leaned forward with a sly grin, clearly amused. "Well, well, well. Look who turned into quite the handsome devil. You've definitely upgraded, haven't you?"
Alonso chuckled, glancing around the table at the curious faces staring up at him. Clearing his throat, he spoke smoothly, his voice carrying a respectful yet inquisitive tone. "I believe introductions are in order. My name's Alonso. And what might your names be?"
Kuvira extended a hand, flashing him a flirtatious smile. "Kuvira, at your service. Pleasure to meet ya, handsome."
Josh gave a small, shy wave. "I'm Josh… uh, hi."
Mulgul, lounging back with a lazy expression, shrugged. "Introductions are overrated. Just call me Mulgul."
Abigail crossed her arms, her tone assertive yet affectionate. "Enough with the formalities, Alonso. What the hell happened to you? You're radiating some kind of intense power. Look around—you're practically suffocating everyone in here!"
Alonso laughed, his gaze amused. "Ha! My apologies. Just finished evolving, after all. Guess I'm still adjusting to the mana flow." He chuckled, scratching his head.
Josh leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity. "Is that even mana? It… feels different somehow."
Mulgul snorted, his tone lazy but curious. "Yeah, and look at you—the horns, the ice on your skin. I've never seen an Oni like you before."
Kuvira smirked, giving him a once-over. "Whatever it is, it suits you perfectly."
Abigail rolled her eyes, raising her voice slightly. "Oi, you guys, give him a break!"
Alonso chuckled, clearly unbothered. "No, it's quite alright. Evolution's a tree with many branches, after all. Even as an Oni, there are countless paths it could take. So really, it's no surprise I look a little different."
Josh nodded, scratching his head thoughtfully. "Well… you're right, Mr. Alonso… I guess that makes sense, ha ha…"
Alonso's gaze shifted to Kuvira, his cybernetic eyes analyzing her with a glimmer of scientific interest. "Hmm… Kuvira, is it? "Your energy flow is... distinct—unlike the others. Tell me, what exactly is it?"
Abigail, Mulgul, and Josh turned to stare at Kuvira, surprised that Alonso noticed shes different.
Kuvira chuckled, crossing her arms with a smug grin. "Oh? Noticed, did ya? You've got a sharp eye, Alonso. Abby's got herself a good judge of talent here."
Abigail leaned in, explaining in her straightforward manner, "Kuvira's a martial artist. Her energy's different because it's not mana—it's ki. So what you're sensing isn't magical energy at all."
Alonso's eyes gleamed with intrigue, about to ask more questions when Abigail cut him off. "let's talk about the king."
Mulgul waved a dismissive hand, his tone grumbling. "Ugh, you guys go on ahead if you're talking business. I'm here to relax, not listen to boring stuff."
Kuvira chuckled, raising her mug. "Right? C'mon, Josh, let's keep the drinks flowing."
Josh blushed, holding his hands up in surrender. "Uh… don't drag me into this!"
Abigail huffed, visibly annoyed. "You guys are unbelievable. Fine. Alonso, let's find somewhere private to talk."
Kuvira's eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned forward. "Ohhh, Abby, taking a man somewhere private, are we?"
Mulgul chimed in with a lazy grin. "About time, too. Single this long? We were starting to worry."
Josh scratched his head awkwardly, mumbling, "So… Alonso's your type, huh, Abigail?"
Abigail's face flushed with frustration as she slammed her hand down, cracking the table into pieces. " Enough!, all of you! We're just going to talk."
Alonso chuckled, thoroughly amused. "I see you're all quite close, huh?" He looked around the group, a warm smile on his face. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of genuine camaraderie, watching the lively, teasing energy between them all.
Abigail strode confidently to the reception desk, where Ziggy stood with a mildly annoyed expression. She leaned on the counter, crossing her arms. "hey Ziggy, get us a private room."
Ziggy shot her a disdainful look, clearly unimpressed. "Hmph. All the rooms are currently in use."
Abigail narrowed her eyes, not one to tolerate her attitude. "What? Where's Cheng? Bring him out here."
Ziggy sniffed, folding her arms defiantly. "Cheng is out right now. He's not here."
Abigail groaned, rolling her eyes. "Ziggy, you are such a pain. I'm an S-Class adventurer—you're supposed to cater to my needs. If the rooms are full, kick them out! I don't have time for this nonsense."
Meanwhile, over at their table, Mulgul and the rest of the gang watched the exchange, highly entertained. Josh chuckled, nudging Kuvira. "Look at that—Abigail and Ziggy, at it again. They can never get along."
Kuvira laughed, taking a sip from her drink. "Honestly, those two have been at each other's throats since day one. It's like a tradition by now."
Back at the counter, Ziggy huffed, her irritation evident. "It doesn't matter what rank you are. It's first come, first serve."
Abigail sighed dramatically. "Fine, then. Give me Cheng's private chamber."
Ziggy's eyes widened, horrified. "I'm sorry, but without the guild master's permission, I can't allow anyone in there."
Abigail raised her eyebrows, pulling out a reflective, enchanted mirror for long-distance communication. "Well, I'll just call him myself, then."
Ziggy's eyes flashed with panic, and she leaned over the counter. "May I remind you that the guild master is on a delicate mission regarding the fallen? Any interference could compromise him!"
Abigail paused, clearly frustrated, and put the mirror away with a sigh. Alonso leaned in, trying to defuse the situation. "It's alright; let's just find another place."
But Abigail wasn't having it. "No!" She grabbed Alonso's hand, storming toward the stairs with determined strides, and barged into Cheng's office as if she owned it.
Ziggy's jaw dropped. "You can't do that!" She hurried after them, her face flushed with frustration. "You have no right—"
Abigail turned, her arms on her hips, laughing smugly as green flames flickered to life across the doorway, blocking Ziggy's path. The flames shimmered, giving off an intimidating heat without actually burning.
Ziggy jumped back, her face pale with both irritation and a hint of fear. "You… you can't be serious!"
Abigail laughed, her voice mocking. "Oh, come on, Ziggy. I dare you. You know my flames don't burn your physical body… but you'll feel unimaginable pain if you step through. So go ahead—come in if you think you can handle it."
Ziggy clenched her fists, her face twisted with jealousy and anger. "You damn bitch!" She stomped off, muttering under her breath as patrons around the guild chuckled, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.
Inside Cheng's office, Abigail and Alonso sat on the plush sofa, facing each other. Abigail, making herself comfortable, was already munching on the snacks from Cheng's table as if they were her own.
"So," she said, in between bites, "the king wants to meet with you to decide whether to sell you the land."
Alonso raised an eyebrow, leaning back. "Does he really need to meet me in person to sell a piece of land? Isn't that what delegates are for?"
Abigail shrugged, rolling her eyes. "Sure, that's what he says. But let's be honest, he's probably just curious about you. Royals get bored stuck in their fancy palaces. They'll use any excuse to slip out and 'inspect the common folk.'"
Alonso smirked. "So he wants a break from palace life and decided to rope me in as his entertainment? Lovely."
"Probably," Abigail said, smirking. "But I think there's more to it than that."
Alonso nodded, thoughtful. "That's what I was thinking, too."
Abigail nodded. "Exactly. Officially, the king's visit to the city is supposed to be for a hunting trip. But the real reason is to meet you. He's probably trying to win you over, especially with things as they are."
Alonso sighed, a glint of irritation in his eyes. "So I'm expected to go along for a royal hunt just to humor him."
"Pretty much," Abigail replied, chuckling. "Tomorrow, he'll be out in the Great Forest, and you'll meet him there. Someone will come to fetch you when he's ready."
Alonso leaned back, nodding thoughtfully. "So, it seems I'll be joining him on this little 'hunt,' then."
"That's the plan." Abigail grinned, amused by the whole setup. Just as they settled in, a loud commotion broke out from outside, catching their attention.
A dwarf's voice echoed through the guild hall, his shouts demanding to see Guild Master Cheng.
Curious about the commotion, Alonso and Abigail stood on the upstairs hallway, leaning over the railing to get a better view of the scene unfolding below.
A rough voice boomed from the guild hall entrance, full of frustration and desperation. "What? Cheng's not here? He promised us work!" A stout, rugged dwarf with a thick beard and weathered face stood at the center of attention, fists clenched. "We're desperate here, ya hear? We need your help! We've got no coin, no home… nowhere to go!"
Ziggy, visibly trying to keep her composure, approached the dwarf. "I'm sorry about your situation, but there's really nothing I can do."
The dwarf's face twisted in anger as he raised his voice. "Please, I'm beggin' you! We tried to get reparations, but they denied us! Said we weren't 'slaves of the Vita Kingdom,' so we got no rights! That bastard Nightowl kept us locked up for years, and now… now we got nothin'!" His voice cracked, his desperation evident.
Upstairs, Alonso's expression shifted as soon as he heard the name "Nightowl." With a slight smile, he descended the stairs, Abigail following behind him, casting a curious glance his way.
As they approached, Alonso addressed the dwarf with a calm but warm tone. "Hey there. Sounds like you're in a bit of a bind—I think I can help."
The dwarf's expression shifted to one of relief and joy, and he gave a hearty chuckle. "Oh, it's you! The one who saved us! Finally, good to see ya again… and you too, Miss Abigail!" His face lit up as he looked at them both.
Alonso extended a hand. "What's your name?"
The dwarf gripped his hand firmly. "Humphrey, at yer service. And you?"
"Alonso," he replied with a nod. "I overheard, and I think I understand your situation. Actually, I'm in need of workers for my land. Would you be interested?"
Abigail's eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what? You want to hire him just like that? And you don't even have the land yet!"
Alonso gave her a confident smile. "Don't worry—the land's as good as mine."
Abigail folded her arms, clearly skeptical. "That might be the case, but you don't even know if he has the skills you need."
Turning back to Humphrey, Alonso's tone was businesslike. "Are you here with the other freed slaves?"
Humphrey nodded, his face clouded with frustration. "Aye. There's a total of 5,437 of us—different races, all with nowhere to go."
Alonso's eyes gleamed with opportunity. "Perfect. I'll take you all in."
Abigail's mouth dropped open. "What?! Alonso, are you out of your mind? That's over five thousand people! What, are you starting a nation now?"
Alonso smirked, his gaze calm and calculated. "Don't worry about it, Abigail."
She threw her hands up, exasperated. "Don't worry about it? Honestly, with you, I can never tell what you're planning!"
Humphrey, looking both hopeful and wary, eyed Alonso with a furrowed brow. "Look, lad, don't take this the wrong way, but are you serious? You're saying you'll hire all of us?"
In response, Alonso reached into his space ring, retrieving a hefty bag of gold coins and dropping it with a heavy thud in front of Humphrey. The dwarf's eyes widened as he peered inside, the gleam of gold reflecting onto his astonished face. For a moment, he looked as if he might faint.
"You can't be serious…" Humphrey stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
Alonso met his gaze steadily. "I think you can see just how serious I am."
The dwarf's hands shook slightly as he looked back at the bag. "Aye, I see it clear as day… but all in gold? You expect me to haul this around without gettin' robbed?"
Alonso chuckled, reaching into his pocket and tossing him a space ring. "Here. Put it in this."
Humphrey caught the ring, his jaw dropping as he looked at it in disbelief. "You're just… givin' this to me? You realize how valuable this is, right? What if I take it and run?"
Alonso's smile grew. "You could. But then you'd miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime."
Humphrey slipped the space ring onto his finger, eyes gleaming with excitement as he carefully stored the gold inside. Alonso extended a small, sleek watch-like device to him.
"What in the blazes is this?" Humphrey asked, turning it over in his hand, his tone filled with curiosity.
"That's a communication device," Alonso explained smoothly. "It functions similarly to a magical tool. With this, we can maintain communication regardless of your location, and it includes a tracking feature, allowing me to pinpoint your position if necessary."
Humphrey looked at the device in awe, clearly impressed. "Well, I'll be… You're a clever one, Alonso. A real craftsman, huh?" He grinned, nodding with approval. "Alright then, I'll wait to hear from you tomorrow. The others will be thrilled about this, let me tell ya." He gave a parting wave and headed off, his steps lighter, practically humming with joy.
Abigail watched him go, then turned to Alonso, crossing her arms. "Honestly, I don't know what you're planning, and I probably don't want to."
Alonso chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mystery. "Oh, you'll find out eventually."
He said goodbye to Abigail, Mulgul, Kuvira, and Josh. Kuvira, not one to miss a chance for a good time, tried to convince him to stay. "C'mon, Alonso! Just one drink. I'll even buy!"
But Alonso shook his head, offering a polite smile. "Another time, Kuvira. I've got a few things to take care of."
With that, he gave them a parting nod and headed out, leaving them with questions, curiosity, and a growing sense of intrigue.
In the cramped, shadowy corners of Cortar's shop, tucked away in the slums, a thick tension filled the air. Shelves sagged with dubious wares, barely illuminated by flickering candlelight. Across the counter stood an illegal merchant, his beady eyes glinting with intrigue as he leaned in closer, practically oozing mischief.
"Hey, Cortar," the merchant began, his voice low and conspiratorial. "You hear about the new bounty? Came straight through the dark adventurers' guild."
Cortar's eyes narrowed, a practiced nonchalance in his tone. "Bounties come and go," he replied, feigning disinterest. "What makes this one worth talking about?"
With a crooked grin, the merchant slung an arm around Cortar's shoulders, drawing him close, his lips nearly brushing Cortar's ear. "The reward," he whispered, his voice thick with excitement. "Five million gold."
Cortar's eyes widened, despite himself. "Five million? Who the hell puts a bounty like that on someone? He must've really pissed someone off."
The merchant chuckled darkly, relishing Cortar's reaction. "They say it's some kind of Oni. An ice magician, no less. People are calling him... the Ice Sovereign." With a flourish, he pulled a crumpled poster from his coat, the sketch printed on it instantly recognizable. "I heard even the underworld's nastiest are gearing up. This kind of coin? Brings out the worst of the worst."
Cortar took the poster, his heart hammering as he stared at the familiar face. There was no mistaking it. It's Alonso...
"What?!" Cortar muttered, his voice betraying his shock before he could stop himself.
The merchant's grin turned sly, his eyes narrowing as he watched Cortar's reaction. "What's with the shock, Cortar? You know this guy?"
Cortar forced a laugh, hastily shoving the poster back. "Nah, just surprised by the price," he replied, masking his alarm. "Thought he looked like someone I knew… but it's nothing. Let's get back to business."
But his thoughts raced, the weight of the bounty sinking in. I need to warn Alonso. With a bounty like that, he'll have the worst kinds of criminals—S rank ,SS, maybe even SSS-ranked criminals—after him.
He kept his face neutral, but his heart whispered urgently. Please, Mr. Oni… stay safe.