While Zixin headed down the dark path before him, his thoughts began moving, creating a question: Now that I think about it, why have I never encountered monsters before?
He rubbed his chin, carefully following the path as he wondered, Maybe this path has some Restrictions that dissuade monsters from using it. Sigh, I can't even prove this guess–forget it.
On his way down, he noticed a looming figure on his left and cast his gaze over. He tilted his head, confused until the figure walked closer, revealing a lone wolf.
He slowly returned his attention to the track, continuing to move forward. He walked slowly, making sure not to attract the wolf's attention.
On his way to Daisal, a sudden realization came crashing into his thoughts, I barely know anything about animals. Sigh, at least I know becoming a vet doesn't sound good now.
Time passed, eventually reaching half an hour. Zixin stepped into Daisal, trying to recall the streets.
He shook his head, thinking, Hmm… One, two, three… I only remember three streets even after the stroll earlier today. Daisal really does seem insignificant, no wonder Fang Hau managed to hide his schemes for so long–actually, I take that back. It's quite unrealistic for his plan to have stayed hidden until now. So, someone probably knows but they couldn't care less? Why am I even thinking of this now? Concentrate. You have the night ahead of you.
The streets were lively, filled with life as Hunters strolled across, having the time of their lives.
Zixin slowly walked, curious about what was to come.
Suddenly, a soft teasing voice came over, "Hey! You seem loaded, want to get scammed?"
"Huh?" He unknowingly blurted out.
When he turned to look, he was met with an individual dressed in a fine black cloak, and a smile mask.
They spoke, sounding eager like a child, "Come on! Look at this fine piece of cloth, beautiful isn't it? So, why not purchase one?" She paused, her tone becoming disappointed, "You might need to hide your identity."
Didn't they say that it's a scam or were they just trying to grab my attention? And, does she know me? No one else seems to notice. He pondered for a few seconds.
He asked, appearing confused, "Why?"
She raised her hand to her mouth, chuckling like a maniac before speaking, "Well, most newcomers who step into the 'market' usually hide their identity, so you would blend in quite well. Plus, it looks cool!"
Zixin takes a cloak, playing with it for a while. He stretched it, feeling its quality. He thought, This seems familiar but I can't quite put my finger on it. Wait a second, this is the same cloth used in the Academy's uniform. It was custom-made by the Thread Bloodline, known for their tailorship. Is she from the Thread Bloodline? Why is she here?
Zixin asked in confirmation, "Are you from the Thread Bloodline?"
She almost screamed, but Zixin managed to stop her by tossing the cloak at her face, causing her to flinch from the absurdity.
Zixin sighed internally, No wonder she knew my identity.
He cast his gaze at the poster in her stand, stating the price: 15 Pier Coins, opened his wallet, and handed his payment.
"I knew you were gonna purchase one! Giving me so much to deal with… ugh." They complained, handing him the cloak that he threw at her.
Zixin wore the cloak, waving his hand around, and adapting to his new clothes.
They tilted their heads, questioning his motives, "You know, blackmailing me would have worked so why didn't you?"
"Because I would be bothering you for no good reason? It's just a cloak, it's not a big deal." He elaborated, heading off on his own.
They closed their stand, packing their belongings in a swift decisive motion. They removed their mask, revealing a young lady with long silver hair, and glimmering purple eyes.
She stretched her arms, her boredom apparent as ever. She commented, her tone excited, "Zixin hasn't changed much has he? Talking to him is still fun. But I'm kinda annoyed." She faked her pouting as she continued, "How did he not recognize his tailor? Like, come on! Though, he does seem more friendly, weird."
"Sigh, I'd better head to the 'market' since I have to see if I can finally defeat Vanor in our betting game." She smirked, laughing maniacally as though her victory was assured.
…
Zixin followed a crowd, until they stepped into a bar.
He walked towards the counter, took his seat, and ordered, "A glass of Linsain please."
The bartender was quiet yet his gaze hovered over Zixin's words before he grabbed a bottle of Linsain. He takes a wine glass, pouring the wine with ease.
He commented while he handed the wine over, "You have expensive taste."
After taking a sip of his wine, Zixin thought, Expensive taste, huh? This is the only wine I have ever drunk, and the only one I know. Well, I do like its sweetness mixed with a strong bitter aftertaste.
With one huge gulp, he finished his wine, wiping his lips as he asked, acting like a professional to deceive the bartender, "I've been hearing rumors of a place they call the 'market.' Curious isn't it? I have been searching for quite a while yet nothing comes up, perhaps you may know?"
Whether the bartender saw through his lies lost meaning after he replied, giving him a stern look, "At the back of the shop, there's a way for you but it will cost you." He added, warning him, "That place is chaotic, depravity runs rampant among the crowds. Watch your back closely, you never know what may happen."
Zixin thanked him as he handed his payment, "Thank you, you were a huge help."
Zixin walked out, pushing the wooden door open and letting the cold breeze calm him down.
He followed the bartender's words, reaching the bar's back and finding an alley.
Noticing a clunky wooden door, he knocked, assuming that this was what the bartender meant.
"I'm willing to pay."
A rough voice replied, "That would cost you twenty Pier Coins."
He sighed internally, thinking, That's cheaper than expected. But, my spending has been increasing daily so once again–apologies for my wallet.
He opened his wallet, taking out twenty Pier Coins. The door opened, revealing a middle-aged man wearing unusually casual clothing.
Zixin dismissed this, handing his payment over.
When he stepped into the room, he noticed the lack of decorations and furniture, the only things standing were tables and chairs. He scanned further, finding a narrow staircase, leading down.
This must be it I guess. Ok, I'm ready. He prepared himself before heading down.
The stairs were oddly good, a sign of regular maintenance.
Unconsciously, he quickened his pace after seeing a sliver of light, reaching the bottom before he even knew it.
He sped up, eventually, he stood atop a metallic bridge. Several meters below him was a vast market with infrastructure everywhere.
The ceiling was held with metallic arms, holding it all together. The space was large enough to contend with the size of entire valleys.
The crowd below was like a swarm, entering and leaving shops with every passing second.
He searched for a way down, finding one without much trouble.
After heading down, he observed the infrastructure, thinking, These were built nearly two hundred years ago. I don't remember any other record that said otherwise. This was all built during the rise of the Innovation Bloodline, the youngest Major Bloodline to date.
Due to his intense fascination, he forgot to watch out, bumped into a group of mad Hunters.
Hmm? They seem mad? Forget it I suppose. He cleared his thoughts, continuing his observations.
One of them placed a hand on Zixin's shoulder, causing him to instinctively react, moving away swiftly.
He ran, his thoughts running as well, I can't get into a fight right now. My main objective is to learn, not be a fool.
The groups ran after him, causing Zixin's mind to waver, thus failing his attempts to enter the Hex Zone.
He shook his head, calming his mind down, and eventually entered the Hex Zone. With the body enhancements taking effect, the fatigue he felt weakened and his speed rose.
Not long after, he sat at a corner, taking deep breaths to recover his stamina and leaving the Hex Zone.
If I failed to enter the Hex Zone, I would have been caught by them and who knows what would have happened. Training my mind really does seem good. He analyzed the events.
Once he regained enough of his stamina, he rose to his feet but a sudden voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Are you lost?"
When he cast his gaze upon them, he saw a young boy dressed in a decent brown coat, shorts, and shoes. He wore a brown hat that nearly hid his brown hair. His brown eyes emanate trustworthiness. He seemed like an ordinary child but Zixin's intuition said otherwise.
Finding no reason to lie, he spoke, "Yes, I am lost. Do you know the way?"