The next five days I spend hunting. We cleared the wolves den three more times, then goblin cave once, and finally rats nest. I got the points I needed to unlock the Shadow baron. This gave me access to three more skills: second 'Void essence', 'Shadow summoning', 'Void authority'.

I made a mistake and immediately upgraded them as high as possible. Two hundred upgrades of 'Void essence' for a total of 200 000 points, then 'Shadow summoning' and 'Void authority' for a total of 222 000, all mostly covered by what I earned during those days. It was a mistake because I had no idea what 'Void authority' was for. I couldn't activate the skill for some reason.

I also discovered that although my pool of shadow essence was one, it seemed that classes unlocked a limited option to upgrade it, so basically, even two skills of an identical name, affected the same thing. Every other type of energy I had access to seemed to be exactly the same case.

For some reason, I had this thought that the device is creating for us some kind of overlay over already existing powers. It was not creating anything new.

Shadow summoning allowed me to, obviously, summon shadows. Shilhuletes of people made of complete darkness. There was no mouth or eyes, just void. They were easy to kill, but I could arm them using 'Void manipulation', and also summon over and over again, of course as long as I had void essence, and only up to eight at a time. Overall not as useful as I thought. I kinda regretted wasting so many points on this class.

Blue went through the trial, he admitted to poisoning Zhang Yong, which led to his death, and he swore repentance. He was sentenced to provide half of his income in crystals to the city. The points were supposed to be used to buy land, and houses for those who couldn't afford them. That was Aisha's idea, and she was put in charge of making sure he is fulfilling what he was supposed to.historical

I didn't participate in the trial, since I was too busy hunting.

The problem with Nadia remained unresolved. I decided to talk with her but for some reason, I kept pushing it in time every single day. That reason was fear of confrontation, obviously.

On the sixth day, the canyon hunting team gathered all in Hatta's office. We squeezed around the table to talk about the details. Martin had to stand since he was too big to sit on anything that was available.

- I want to step up with a proposition - Hatta started. - You might disagree with me, but let's at least discuss it.

- Just squeeze it out - grunted Boris.

- I want to put half of your income into the course we discussed before. Of course, what's yours will remain yours Hailwic, and you, Martin.

Everybody looked at her. Martin was kinda confused by the whole situation.

- I can step out if you guys want - she pointed out.

- We want our own district - I said the thing everybody, for some reason, didn't want to. - No more secrets. You all wanted this.

- I don't care anyway - she responded.

Boris sighed.

- Isn't that too early? We could do with another bunch of upgrades. We should make ourselves a priority, and when we finally can easily clear the canyon, then we should use precious points on other things.

- I'm with Boris on this - said Nobuo.

- And me too - I joined.

- I guess it's decided then - Will summed up.

- You guys are unbelievable... Fine. Get your upgrades. I hope this pays off soon.

- So we go for another month, yes? - asked Martin.

- Yeah - I was the first to confirm. - Last time we couldn't occupy the camp for the whole month, but this time we should manage. I hope you all upgraded your stamina.

I saw a few nods, surprisingly even one from German giant.

- So the plan is to farm there for 30 days. If we will have enough food, then maybe a few days longer, but we shouldn't push it - I continued. - By the way, Martin. Why don't you join Wuxia?

- I like to be a free agent - he replied with a big smile, scratching the back of his head.

I just shrugged my shoulders.

- Why are we even here? This meeting has barely any sense - I looked at Will, who was behind it. - We could really talk about it tomorrow, before the departure. By the way, I'm gonna wake you up guys very early.

- Relax - he answered with an annoying grin on his face. - Why are you so tense?

There was something going on, and I had no clue what.

- Ok. The meeting is over. Let's go guys - said Hailwic with the same freaking smile on her face.

People started leaving. Even Hatta, what was strange to me. Will was the last one at the door, but he kept them open instead of going through. And then everything finally made sense. Nadia came inside.

She was hiding her hands in the long sleeves of her black hoodie, similar to mine. I could clearly see how nervous she was. It made me stand up.

- Now talk - said Will, and left.

- I'm sorry - she started. - I thought you knew...

I sighed, making her even more uneasy. There was no way of avoiding the conversation now, so I just had to embrace it.

- Come, sit. We should talk anyway.

She shyly came closer. I could understand how she felt. First I pushed her, then Aisha...

- I'm... I'm sorry - I started. I ended it badly, and that's completely my fault.

She looked at me, but didn't say a thing, allowing me to continue.

- I felt betrayed after I gave you second chance, and that was too much for me. I'm not gonna lie, I still won't trust you, but... I do miss you. So... If you are willing to forgive me, I'm willing to forgive you. It won't happen overnight. I still need time. So... How about we start over? Slowly this time?

She was already crying in the middle of my little speech, but as soon as I finished, she ran to me and hugged me. At that moment I felt amazing, and also terrible at the same time. The rational part of my mind gave up on the emotions. I had this thought that I didn't deserve her.

We remained in that position for a long time, but eventually, we split up and started talking. About how we felt, and about what to do from now on. I persuaded her to stay with Wuxia since there was no place for her in Velvet Lotus anyway.

Even after all of this, I still didn't fully trust her. I had my doubts, but at least I was willing to start over...

The day came to an end with 655 021 points remaining on my account.