unexpected turn

I'm sorry, but it's not that simple," Alunard responded. "He's a bit of a recluse. Not only does he avoid talking to people, but he's also a wanted man."

"Wanted?" Jason's interest dwindled.

"Yes, he has multiple charges against him for slaughtering over a million kelpa in order to farm gold and then selling it, leading to the extinction of the species," Olena chimed in.

"He's also known for killing innocent people just to take their hard-earned money and get more gold," she added.

"Why does he need so much gold?" Jason asked.

"Alex the Bloody Knight is already incredibly strong, and obtaining more gold somehow increases his stats and physical power even further," Alunard explained with frustration.

"There is also a rumor that he can keep going without sleep, rarely eats. He is an absolute monster," Olena added.

"Um, okay," Jason responded, not wanting to hear any more. "Maybe I'll check him out later."

Alunard cleared his throat, fixing Jason with a stern look.

"Let me educate you on customs and courtesies," he began. "In this realm, every inhabitant has access to the 'medal' store, where they can purchase items for enhanced abilities like defense, stamina, and speed."

Jason's eyes widened in awe. "The medal store in Fnisa? That's where all my money disappeared!"

Ignoring Jason's interruption, Alunard continued, "But not everything can be bought at the store. Some rare items can only be found in the wild."

Jason leaned forward eagerly. "Like what?"

Alunard replied, "Pretty much anything stronger."

"Now enough talking, time to move in silence," Alunard said and nodded to Olena.

The foursome set off on their journey to Fnisa Kingdom, walking for hours on end in silence. With the sun setting on the horizon, they finally made it to the gates of the city. Jason was in awe at the size of the kingdom - it seemed to reach.

Jason's heart raced as they approached the towering gates of Fnisa Kingdom. He had never been to a city this large and bustling in his own realm, let alone in another.

His excitement grew with each step, but it was quickly overshadowed by anxiousness as they were halted by the royal guards.

"Halt! State your business and show identification," one of the guards barked, pointing his spear at them.

Jason felt a lump form in his throat as he watched Alunard pull out a pouch filled with gold coins. The tension between them and the guards seemed to stretch on forever, until finally, with a sigh of relief, Alunard's bribe was accepted and they were allowed to enter the city.

"Nice move on bribing them," Olena whispered to Alunard as they made their way into the city.

"It's not my first time dealing with these types," he replied with a sly grin.

As they walked through the streets, Jason couldn't help but gape at the diversity around him. There were humans like himself, but also elves, dwarves, and creatures that he had only read about in books. The buildings were grand and intricately designed, adding to the sense of wonder that filled him.

"This is amazing!" Olena exclaimed as she led them to a medal store where they could buy supplies for their journey.

While Jason stepped into the store, he was immediately drawn in by the peculiar and exotic items that filled every corner.

He eagerly searched through the shelves, hoping to find something that would help him gain strength and power.

As he muttered to himself, "What do I do when someone is willing to pay?" Jason smirked and turned to address the shopkeeper.

"Excuse me," he said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "I'd like to purchase your finest pair of boots and a weapon."

Alunard let out an exasperated sigh while Olena couldn't contain her laughter at Jason's audacity.

The shopkeeper glared at Jason, but upon seeing Alunard pull out a bag of gold coins, his expression softened.

"Very well," he said gruffly as he handed over the desired items.

The shopkeeper warned him, "This is the Mortal Blade. The problem is, everyone who has drawn it has died." But Jason ignored his warning and replied, "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Jason unsheathed the blade, the crimson hue glowing out of it. "This is power," he declared.

But before he could complete his words, he fell to the ground dead.

"See what I mean?" The shopkeeper said, looking at them sadly. "That blade is dangerous, it will bring death to anyone who touches it."

Alunard and Olena bowed their heads in condolence for their lost friend before the group quickly left the shop.

While Sunny said, "Well, I guess we won't pay for that."

As they walked away, Alunard couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. Perhaps he could have warned Jason more strongly about the dangers of the blade. But then again, Jason was always reckless, always looking for more power.

"We should find a safe place to lay his body to rest," Olena said, her voice quiet.

Alunard nodded in agreement, and the three of them set off to find a safe place to bury their friend.

After a long and somber journey, they eventually found a secluded spot near a river where Jason could rest in peace. Alunard and Olena buried him with the blade while Sunny put white flowers on his grave.

The three of them held a moment of silence for their lost friend and for the consequences of his recklessness. Then, they turned and walked away from the grave, each silently reflecting on the tragedy that had befallen them.

"Let's keep going," Alunard sighed while holding Sunny on his shoulders.

With heavy hearts, they ventured on to their next destination, hoping that their journey forward would be a safer one.