Chapter 6: New Journey

Jack quickly packed up his stuff and headed to the mercenary city. He traveled through the desolate lands quickly and arrived at the city gates in under 30 minutes.

This time, he wore a simple white coat, with a plain black shirt and trousers. He had also discarded the mask, showing his soft facial features and jet-black hair.

Stationed at the gates were the same pair of guards from last time, "What do you want, kid?" The other guard who was previously silent asked, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure.

"I would like to move into the city." Jack stopped a few meters from them.

"Hand over 20 poor-quality Mana gems then," the guard from earlier responded with a sneer. "If you can't then get the hell out of here!" He shouted while threatening to draw his blade.

Jack calmly retrieved the required amount from his sack and handed it to the guards, "Here." He said in a flat tone.

The blade-wielding guard was stunned, while his companion, the battle axe user, shook his head and addressed Jack.

"The entry fee is 10 poor-quality dark mana gems, use the rest to get yourself an identity pass at the Raven Guild." He instructed, taking half of the Mana gems and leaving the excess for Jack. His actions caused the blade user to snort in displeasure.

Jack nodded and entered the city. After he was out of sight, the battle axe user addressed his companion, "You can't offend others like that, it'll be bad if he's from some noble clan."

The blade-wielding guard paled at his words.

"You're right…" He acknowledged.

The former waved his hand, "It's alright, let's focus on our job from now on." He said.

Jack, on the other hand, was currently navigating the streets of the residential area, completely oblivious to the guards' discussions as he had already pushed the incident to the back of his mind.

Since he had the appearance of a child, it was only natural others would treat him as such.

He gazed around, noticing the significant decrease in the number of dark elves present on the lantern-lit streets.

[What's going on… Oh! It's the day of darkness, most dark elves will be at the church of eternal darkness at this time.] Jack speculated.

He recalled from Zaos' memories that the elven race was highly religious. This was because the gods they served were believed to be the progenitors of their race.

Each of the six days of the week was dedicated to worshiping one of the six gods of the elven race.

[I wonder if any of the elven gods had anything to do with my rebirth…] Jack let his thoughts drift while he headed to the Raven guild.

Due to the chaotic layout of the residences, the walkways were all disorganized. Sometimes, Jack was forced to take strange turns and bends, but eventually, he reached his designation, the Raven guild's guildhall.

The guildhall was located in the middle of the settlement, it was a large Tudor-style building that formed an upside-down U if one were to look at it from above.

Jack walked into the building. He glanced around and couldn't help but notice how empty the place felt, the lack of mercenaries due to various reasons dampened his expectations, which were built on stories.

He headed straight to the front desk which only had a single individual present. Before he could say anything, the green-haired female receptionist beat him to it.

"Welcome to the Raven guild, sir! What can I do for you today?" The wind elf receptionist inquired in a cheerful tone.

"I would like to have an identification pass made," Jack answered, standing opposite the receptionist.

"That will be 10 poor-quality dark mana gems, sir," the receptionist stated, a smile on her face.

Jack nodded and handed her the mana gems which she received and took out a sheet of paper from a compartment in the desk.

"Would you like me to fill the form for you, sir?" She inquired.

Jack shook his head, "I can do it myself." Using Zaos' memories, Jack could understand the language used by the elves. He had even specifically practiced his reading and writing before he met the investigator.

Jack took the form and began filling it out. The questions asked were basic, including his name, age, and gender. Jack filled in Zaos' details, however, he deliberately omitted Zaos' clan name.

After he was finished, he handed the form to the receptionist.

"Please come back in a few hours to receive your identification pass," the receptionist said after receiving the form.

Jack nodded and exited the guildhall. From there, he went straight to Ronik's store in the market.

[After this, I should try some of the meals served here.] Jack thought as he made his way into Ronik's store.

Jack's entrance caused the doorbells to chime and old Ronik's attention was drawn over.

Jack walked up to the old elf and handed him his identification insignia, "Mr. Ronik, I have been assigned by the lord investigator to assist you from now on."

"Ah! It's you – the lad from earlier! So you're Zaos?" The old clerk inquired after hearing Jack's voice and verifying his insignia.

Jack nodded in response. Seeing Jack's acknowledging gesture, Ronik laughed heartily.

"Good, good! For now, you'll have to take care of me." The old elf announced.

"It's a pity about your parents though, but you must not worry; the lord investigator will take revenge on your behalf," Ronik assured, patting Jack on the shoulder.

Jack feigned sadness outwardly, but inside, his mind was racing.

[I guess I won't have any chances to take revenge for you kid. Although it's not my style to go back on my word, it's out of my hands this time.] He sighed internally.

"You must be tired, there isn't much to do today so you can head to my house. It is the building to the left of Ratha's inn." Ronik instructed, waving Jack away.

"Thank you, Mr. Ronik." Jack bowed, Ronik was saving him a lot of mana gems with his offer.

"Forget it, forget it. We are brethren from the same clan after all. Oh! If you need any food, feel free to take some from my kitchen. Now go!" Ronik instructed once more.

Jack nodded at the elf, feeling a bit complicated inside as he took his leave.

[It's a pity I'm not Zaos… however, it doesn't matter! The world holds the key to my success. I won't give it up just because of a bit of sentiment!] Jack reaffirmed himself while heading to the house Ronik had described.