This day started with a long return on an empty stomach. I traveled straight to the wall, to avoid pointless battles in the woods. Then walked alongside all the way to the gate. More or less half a day later, I was back in the city center. Everything looked a bit different.

The first thing that just simply struck me was people drinking. Before they also did, but now I could see a lot more of them with bottles full of yellowish liquid. A beer. Something that was definitely not possible to buy a month ago. Which indicated that another upgrade has been bought.

I quickly went to pay my tax, which went up to 3 crystals per week as I was informed. The person taking care of collecting tax was not anybody from Nacho's group. It was somebody that I didn't know. New person. I asked him, several things, for example when he came to this place, and who put him on his duty. He told me that a new group of people yet again was pulled to this place, and his superior was Zhang Yong. Wuxia was in charge of everything after the Mariachis split up into two. One part remained as it was, but the other formed 'Blood Brothers' with Mark at the top.

They had only strong hunters in their ranks and didn't shy away from challenging even members of Wuxia. There was not an open conflict between both groups, but that guy... His name, by the way, was Hatta. He thought that it's only a matter of time.

I gave him one more crystal, saying it's for the information, and he a bit surprised, took it. Then proceeded to selling and buying things. Hatta got curious about me and watched closely as I was getting crystals from the cart and putting them on glyph on the ground. I sold them for 288 950 points before checking how much was a single wolf crystal. I realized it after the fact and wanted to punch myself. I needed to use math to calculate the price. It was actually 250 points per one.

Then the shopping started. An astonishing number of new things could be bought, because of a simple reason. Now metal things, mainly iron, were available without limits. I could even buy a full plate armor if I wanted. But instead of wearable protection, I had weapons on my mind. I didn't need something that would slow me down, or dull my movements. I was too dexterous to even be using my heavy shield. The problem was that clubs were not that effective, so I needed that shield if I would fail to take my opponent in one swing. But with some kind of blade, the problem would be fixed.

I didn't want to buy a sword though. Why? Well, I just thought they were pretty lame, and also I needed something that would provide a bit more range. So I decided to buy something that is called pudao. A Chinese type polearm. Basically a Chinese broadsword blade on a stick. Type of halberd if you still have problems with imagining it.

I picked the best I possibly could. A steel blade with a guaiac handle ending with a steel ring. It was pretty pricy. 4,5k points. Then I bought some food, cause my stomach was complaining loudly. Few nice pieces of meat, some oranges, and also beer, with which I filled all the bottles I had on the cart. Then I went to the firekeepers to share. At first, I thought there are no familiar faces among them, but there actually was one. It took me a little bit by surprise. It was Will. With a nasty bruise on his head.

- Hi Peter.

- Will - I gave him a nod.

All my resentment for him vanished with time. Probably the resentment for myself pushed it out of my head.

- It's good to see you.

- I thought I will never say it, but it's good to see you too.

I said while unpacking food from my cart, and giving it to others. They kinda expected that. Probably rumors about me were circulating among them.

- Here, have some beer - I gave him one of the bottles.

- Thanks - he replied while standing up, and came over to take it, and also sat beside me.

- I have some news for you. Zhang Yong was asking for you. Well, not he directly, but his men. He probably fell for you after that rat massacre.

I actually expected he won't let me go so easily.

- You heard about that?

- I participated.

- How many crystals did they allow you to take.

- Actually quite a lot. But overtime tax for participation went up. It's actually a sweet deal anyway. You probably don't know, but right now Wuxia is in charge of everything. People really want to hunt with them. Also, Them Mariachis had a bit of crisis.

- I heard about that.

- Did you also hear about Aisha?

- No. What do you know?

I was really interested, and he noticed. His smile betrayed him.

- For a while, she was Mark's girl. He kept threatening people around her until she gave up. Sad story. I wanted to help her, but it was impossible. Then he got bored with her and actually started a brothel. She is... working there. When I heard of it, I went to take her from that place, but it didn't end well.

historical

He pointed at the bruise.

- Fuck - was my answer.

Part of me wanted to run there, and just take her, but another part knew its stupid.

- I know what's going thru your mind, Peter. But it's stupid. Don't repeat my mistakes. They will kill you. They actually... killed Ian.

- What?!

- Yeah. We went there together. I made it out, he didn't. Now I kinda have them on my back. But don't worry, here I'm safe. They won't do anything stupid on Wuxia's territory.

I had a moment of panic but quickly collected my thoughts. I needed Zhang Yong help and was willing to sell myself to him for it.

- You know... - Will took a quick look around, and lowered his voice. - Maybe you should talk with Zhang Yong? He could help. Asking costs nothing.

- I know. I'm gonna talk with him.

- Not until tomorrow. He is hunting right now. They will be back tomorrow morning though. So let's hang around maybe? I'm actually curious about how you been doing.

I let out a short sigh and proceeded with the story of my unsuccessful hunting endeavors. We drunk a bit and talked even more. I stayed with them for the whole night.

Day ended with 311 495 points on my account.