Black Onyx - Phoenix Resurrection

The following day I took it slow. I didn’t train since I wanted to be fully healed and in my best shape for the hunt.

Instead, I just aimlessly wandered through the Sect, looking for something of interest. I had a few things to buy, but I was in no hurry. I needed to make sure I got the best price for my things since money was tight.

I went to explore more of the market as it was quite large and I had barely just scratched the surface. There were many dozens of shops selling a myriad of things, some I recognized, and some I didn’t. Even pill shops were many different kinds, some specializing in healing concoctions, others in combat-oriented stimulants, and one I found contained a little bit of everything.

I would have loved to get a sample of every pill to try out, but with barely any change left, I couldn’t afford even one.

“Hey you, Junior, wait up!”

I heard someone calling and I turned to look, only to discover he was addressing me. A young man was quickly making his way toward me, and I cupped my fist in greeting.

[Hello, Senior Brother.]

It was not difficult to distinguish those of higher standing. The clothing in the Myriad Beasts Sect was standardized and every rank wore a different color. He belonged to the Inner Sect, as most people around here did.

“You must be one of the new ones, huh? What’s your name?”

[Er… It’s Gerald, Senior Brother.]

“Gerald!” He hugged me across the shoulder in a cheerful way and began leading the way. “That’s a good name! I’m Liam, by the way. Listen, I know you must be confused about why I came to you. The truth is, we, the members of the White Minks, are tasked with giving a helping hand to the newcomers. Would you mind if I became your patron?”

[Patron? Help? In what way?] To say that I was currently overwhelmed would be putting it lightly. This guy came out of nowhere and just started drowning me with his words.

“Oh, it’s simple! If you have any questions about the Sect, Cultivation, magic spells, or anything, just ask. We also have people that can help you learn Martial Arts and train with you. Not to mention if you get in trouble we can help you cool things down. I’m always around these parts so if there is a problem you can just come to me and I would take care of it. For a small fee, you will get access to a vast organization that protects promising young Cultivators like yourself and nurtures them into proper members of our society. As soon as I saw you I knew you were fated for greatness and with me by your side…”

Dude! This guy just doesn't stop! I almost believed him too, with his sweet words. But then came that word I hate. A fee. I was willing to bet this was all a sales pitch for me to join some weird organization or something.

I’ll need to probe him to get to the bottom of this.

[Senior Brother!] I called to him and he finally shut his mouth, looking expectantly at me.

[What is the fee you were talking about?] There! I saw it! His expression soured for a split second. This was bound to get difficult.

“Oh, that? It’s nothing. Just 10 Spirit Shards per month. A small contribution to our efforts, don’t you say? It is completely worth it. Just imagine how many doors will open to you, how many opportunities? It’s countless!”

As if! I didn’t believe a single word. But sure… I’ll play with you. Let’s see who you really are. [But Senior Brother, I’m really poor. I don’t have that much money to pay.]

“Pay?!” Senior Liam appeared offended. “This is not payment, Junior Brother. Our services are free of charge, but it is nice to give something in return to your Brothers who take time out of their day to help you, is it not?”

[I… guess it is.]

“Exactly! So, why don’t we see how you can help us help you, huh? Let’s see what you got there….”

With one hand over my shoulder, Senior Liam went for my pouch with the other. I had to exert considerable force to free myself from him. Like hell would I let him browse through my things!

[I don’t know, Senior Brother… Maybe I’m not the right person for you. I mean, I’m not the brightest. Even if you help me, I will probably remain mediocre for my entire life.]

“What are you saying, Junior Brother?! That’s exactly why you should stick close to me. We’ll help you stay out of trouble and you will be able to focus on your growth. We are sacrificing a lot to help you here, don’t spit on our goodwill.”

[But…] I embodied the persona of a clueless and scared child. Predators like him always like those. Unless he really was a good guy… [I don’t usually get in trouble. And the Sect seems safe.]

“Hah! It seems, eh? Listen to me.” He pulled me closer once more and whispered in my ear. “There are scumbags around every corner here, everyone is trying to benefit themselves. Since you are still young you haven’t experienced it yet, but what happens when you get sold a faulty pill and your Cultivation gets damaged because of it? Who is going to cover for you? Nobody, that’s who! People know that you are new and will try to take advantage of you. Remember the restaurants and the food stalls when you first arrived?”

I, of course, nodded, pretending to remember some painful memories. [They scammed us.]

“Exactly!” Senior Liam's eyes brightened considerably. “Just think about it. They all know you are new here, so what is stopping the rest of them from raising prices secretly when you go to buy stuff? They will rip you to shreds, piece by bloody piece. There will be nobody who will listen to your woes, nobody to console you. Because they don't care! But we do! We, I, Liam of the White Minks, I’ll be on your side when you need me.”

He was practically beaming after saying all that. In his mind, I was probably as good as toast. It was a fun game, but I had places to be and things to do! It was time to end it.

[I… I don’t know, Senior Brother.] I muttered, sounding conflicted. [I trust you, but I really can’t accept your offer. I’m sorry. My mother said I shouldn't blindly trust people. Maybe some other time.]

I pretended to be leaving and turned away.

“What the hell did the old bitch… Damn it!” I could hear him barely audibly curse under his breath.

“Junior, Gerald. Hey, hey!” He ran after me and once more grabbed me by the shoulder, smiling like usual. “Don’t leave me like that, what will my friends think of me if you refuse my help? They will laugh at me, saying I scare kids.”

He crouched down so his eyes were lower than mine and looked up at me. “Listen, you know what? You go home, and don’t worry about it, alright? I’ll sort things out here. I’ll record you as if you joined, and I’ll even vouch for you. Just make sure to gather a few Spirit Shards and bring them to me, alright? Then I’ll introduce you to the rest and you’ll officially be a part of the team.”

I wanted to say something but he beat me to it.

“Sssh. Just... Don’t say anything and just think about it, okay? Can you do that for me?”

I nodded.

“Good, good! Now go.” He patted my head as if I was a small child, which was annoying, and finally let me go. “And don’t forget the crystals, alright? Come to me in three days, I’ll be here, waiting.”

I finally left.

Honestly… Of all the interactions I have ever experienced, this one irked me the most. I mean, what the hell was that? Protection money extortion? College loan scam? Pay now, get benefits later like the insurance bullshit? An invitation into a cult? A mix of everything?

It was best if I forget this ever happened. I came with a task in mind and this guy completely threw me for a loop.

I entered a store and bought a few things. A pair of copper gauntlets and greaves. It was the cheapest piece of armor I could find and exactly what I needed too. The leather boots we received upon arrival were already getting worn out, so a change of shoes was in order anyway. Might as well get something that will prevent me from stabbing my toe again.

As for the gauntlets, I needed something to protect my hands, and simple copper was all I could afford. To be fair, Iron ones were cheaper, but they interfered with magic, so…

In any case, I was completely broke. Not a single Spirit Stone Shard to my name. I got some food left, so that wouldn’t be an issue for a few days, but we’d better catch something good, or I would be in trouble.

“Gerald!”

[Good morning.]

It was early morning on the day of the hunt. I found my way to the meeting place where the rest of the gang was already gathered. There were six people, including Chity Boru who greeted me and served as the de facto leader of this expedition.

“Let me introduce you…” He gestured toward the other guys. “This is Ban, his twin brother Shi, my friend Blade, Pero, and Ken. And you guys, this is Gerald who I told you about.”

I cupped my fist and did a small nod in greeting. [Guys…]

They returned the gesture in kind. I noticed they all had their weapons on display. Ban had a simple wooden bow across his back and I could see a dagger on his belt. His brother Shi had a long spear and a wooden shield in his other hand.

Blade had a scimitar and a shield similar to Shi, while Pero had just a pike. Lastly, Ken had a crossbow, an expensive-looking one at that.

Chity was the most prepared, having both a bow and a longsword in case things got dicey.

[Do we already know what we are hunting?]

“Whatever we can find. We, unfortunately, don’t get the luxury of being picky.”

I nodded at Ken’s answer. It seemed reasonable, and so, taking out my glaive I waited for further instructions.

“Alright, is everyone ready?” Chity asked. We all nodded in response. “Then let’s go! We are going at least a few hours away to find a good place, so we need to hurry!”

And so we departed, cheerfully and in high spirits, not knowing what dangers waited for us in the jungle.