The days flashed by quickly and Zilan quickly resumed his daily routine of training, teaching, meditating, researching and resting. During this period, he’d encountered more than a few righteous fellows seeking justice, luckily they were all weaker than him thus easily dealt with. Of course, he understood that these were just lackeys sent by people who couldn’t be bothered to lower themselves to his level. This would inevitably change though, because as he grows stronger and stronger, his threat level will increase therefore, his unknown enemies will have no choice but to surface.
The days turned to weeks and soon a month and a half had gone by since Kifo’s slumber.
Zilan was both astonished and worried by the fact that Kifo had yet to wake up however, a part of him was also pleasantly surprised.
‘I’ve really underestimated you.’
To exceed his initial expectation of about one week by thirty five days, Zilan couldn’t be more impressed. But on the other hand, he was slightly worried that something might have gone wrong. If something did happen to go awry then this seemingly impressive effort by Kifo would have to be seen as him just being dead.
‘I have no way of knowing what’s taking place on that end but I refuse to believe that you’ll pass away just like that. Although it isn’t unheard for deaths to occur, they’re still extremely rare. Only the most incompetent and talentless perish during a rite of passage and you, Kifo, are neither.’
After taking one last look at the lifeless Kifo, Zilan exited the training chamber.
Waiting for him outside was none other than a smiling Fujo.
“Is brother Kifo doing okay?”
“He’s fine.” Sighed Zilan. “Don’t bother him.”
Fujo frowned in disappointment. Even an idiot could tell that he was being left out, but as far as he knew, the relationship between the three brothers was quite good, what reason could they possibly have for keeping him out of the loop?
‘Even if you two are having a secret relationship, this brother is still ready to accept it.’
Zilan naturally could see the frustration in Fujo. Everybody loved secrets, as long as they knew them.
“I’m going to buy a few things to prepare for the tournament. Do you want to come along?”
Fujo’s wrinkled brows immediately straightened and an honest smile bloomed on his face.
“Haha, it’s been a while since just the two of us took a stroll. Good, let’s go.”
Zilan laughed as well. Come to think of it, it really was just as he had said, he and Kifo usually stuck together while Zilan bitterly trained, thought and went about teaching.
“So what position are you aiming for in this times tournament?” Asked Fujo. The two were making their way towards the Residential area.
“It’s in two days’ time, right?”
“Yes, this time I’m aiming for the top. It’s also the perfect opportunity to show off the fruits of my hard training to all the beautiful ladies in the Association.”
Zilan rolled his eyes at Fujo’s so called ‘hard’ training.
‘Hopefully Kifo will make it in time.’ He thought to himself.
“What about brother Zilan, what position are you aiming for?” asked Fujo yet again.
“What happens if someone misses the Rookie Ranking tournament?”
Fujo somewhat annoyed answered, “Then they’ll be ranked last until the Rookie King tournament held at the end of the year.”
“I see.”
‘In exchange for greater future gains a trivial rookie ranking is a small price to pay, is what I’d like to tell him but…..in the end last is last. Hopefully, he’ll understand.’
Zilan thus led the way towards one of the more private establishments in the No-fight zone that offered access to the Associations [Treasure Pavilion].
As the name implied, the Treasure Pavilion was where the treasures the Association collected could be purchased in exchange for Mystic grains.
The Pavilion was not an actual building nor did it have a particular headquarters, it was simply a place where a member could order from a list of items the Association had in stock and have them delivered to a place of their choosing.
(An – Imagine an ATM or a forex bureau)
There were many, many places where members could Access the Treasure Pavilion however, those places although not completely crowded, still had many people there. The private establishments on the other hand offered privacy, giving customers a booth where they could make their transactions peacefully. Of course, the extra services came with a corresponding price of Mystic grains.
Although the private establishments did indeed make it easier and more relaxing to exchange for items, it unfortunately did not eradicate the main problem or more accurately, it did not stop the tactic the Association was using to keep her members on their toes.
As everyone needed to exchange for items at one point or another, going up to a counter and making a transaction was done before the eyes of other members. Although they would be unable to tell what you were exchanging for, they nevertheless would still know that you’ve exchanged for something, thus turning you into a target to those who prey on the weak.
The same thing applied for the private establishments. The fact that you’re going in there not only shows that you’re there to exchange for something but it also conveys that you’re exchanging for something particularly valuable.
Walking in, Zilan found the hall clean, decorated with paintings of prominent figures in the Beast world as well as lined with a few protective talismans.
He didn’t waste time admiring them, directly walking up to the lady at the reception and asking for a private booth.
“Would you like drinks or anything in particular as you make your transactions?”
“No, thank you.” He replied.
“Follow me then.”
Walking behind the pretty receptionist, Fujo constantly nodded his head as he thoroughly opened his eyes to gaze at her curvy figure.
“In here is where you’ll find everything you need. Just place your sector badge onto the table and the list will appear. Thank you for choosing us.” Finished with her explanation, the lady winked at Fujo before leaving.
“Must be nice to be a popular young Master.” Commented Zilan.
“Oh, is brother interested. I can put in a good for you if you want, hehe, there’ll be so many beautiful ***”
“No need.” He raised his hand to stop him from continuing.
They both took their seats in the spacious booth which contained a small round table and large sofa set that stretched around the whole room.
“I’ll go first.” Said Zilan.
He then took out his sector badge and placed it on the small round table.
Instantly a ray of light flowed out from the table and a screen showing a multitude of information now hovered before the duo.
On the top right was a particular set of information that caused Fujo’s playful eyes to almost pop out of their sockets.
‘Zilan Malaika.
Mystic grains: 112,305
Merit points: 1
Purchased items: Longhorn root,
Redtail crown,
…………………………………………………’
Fujo was flabbergasted by the sheer number of Mystic grains his good brother possessed.
“Close your mouth before a fly enters.” Joked Zilan.
He then ignored Fujo, opening up the list of items the Association had in stock in the Treasure Pavilion.
In truth, it wasn’t only the Associations items on sale in the Treasure Pavilion. In fact as long as you agreed to have the Association take a five percent cut out of the selling price, members could very easily put things up for sale or even auction if they’re items were valuable enough. In this way the item for sale would reach a greater number of people which in some cases made it more profitable. Plus it made things much easier and convenient for those who either didn’t wish to set up stalls or felt that doing such things was beneath them.
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