Anom lifted the robe the spy was wearing, revealing a badge tied to his belt. Anom ignored its fancy design and focused on the words engraved on it.'Giro Gang.'It was the same name he had heard Kaslik mentioning to his wife… Someone from this gang had delivered a parcel to the Safaira family. It was meant for Rudard, but Rudard had sent Kaslik to receive the package in his stead.'It was most likely the poison Rudard had tried to use on Crystal.' Anom guessed. But it didn't matter anymore as he had already handled the situation by warning Loreana in advance. Gamus also had a talk with Rudard to hint to him about making him the next head. So the situation had calmed...'...for now.' It won't be long before the Handler family is ready for their next move. He had to find a solution before it was too late.Anom focused back on the interrogation. "How is the identity of members checked before allowing them to enter?" He looked at the spy who ha
Two young men were toddling through the corridor with hesitation written all over their faces. They were on their way towards the boss' room to answer his summons. It was normal for them to be nervous. It was their first time being summoned by their gang leader, after all. They walked up to the door and knocked. A brief silence was followed before a calm voice gave them the permission to enter. The two entered the room with their eyes lowered. "You are here." The leader said. The two young men hurriedly greeted him as they gathered their courage and raised their heads to look at their leader and ask for the reason they were summoned here. But they were stunned when they saw their leader for the first time. He was rumored to be a ferocious-looking tough guy who slits the throats of his enemies as soon as he gets the chance. But what they were seeing made it impossible for them to judge the rumors, as the man in front of them was covered from head to toe… Even his eyes were only sl
Gamus had arrived at the gate quickly but was walking back with leisure steps as he knew it would take some time for Loreana to reach his place. He arrived at his room and saw Loreana walking over. Crystal and Luna had also come along as Loreana considered it a good time to expose the girls to some serious business. Gamus nodded at them and walked inside his room while ladies followed after him. The guards placed the box on the floor and left after a greeting. "What happened, Uncle Gamus?" Loreana asked while looking at the box curiously. Gamus didn't say anything as he handed over the letter that Anom had sent. Loreana began reading the letter as her expression changed many times before she finally ended up with her mouth agape. "He… He is insane!" Only after a while could these words, expressing her astonishment, leave her mouth. Gamus chuckled while Crystal and Luna looked at the letter in Loreana's hand with curious expressions. Loreana sighed as she handed the letter over
Anom opened his eyes as he stood up. A smile hung on his face as he basked in the lingering sweetness. Removing his disguise, he placed the gang leader's attire inside a storage bag, given to him by Gamus. Anom had collected another bag from the gang leader. This one was a little better, having more space. But it only contained money and other useless stuff, which didn’t make any sense as it belonged to the leader of a gang. There should have been some treasures and precious resources at least. But Anom realized that maybe the gang leader had utilized all his resources to strengthen himself while trying to reach the next realm. 'But what was the reason for his unstable energy?' Collecting his thoughts, Anom walked towards the corner. There, a table was placed, with various documents arranged upon it. Anom shuffled through the documents, pushing the useless ones aside. After his sorting, only a few documents were left on the table. Anom picked up a big map as he clicked his tong
Anom, along with Crystal and Luna, was on his way towards Gamus' house. Luna had already sent a servant to inform Gamus about Anom's arrival. They walked through the silent corridor as the noises within the estate were beginning to subside. The bright moon greeted them as they left the main mansion and arrived on the open field outside Gamus' house. Passing through the garden, the trio arrived outside his door. *Knock* Anom had only knocked once when the gate opened. He was not startled to see no one behind the door as it was simple for Gamus to open it from a distance. The trio entered the house and they saw Loreana already standing inside. Gamus was not there as Anom guessed that he might still be taking care of their 'special guest' in another room. "Mom!" Crystal ran forward and hugged Loreana, who smiled while hugging her back. "Anom bullied me," complained Crystal, in a pouty tone. "Oh? What did he do?" Loreana raised an eyebrow as she looked towards Anom while asking i
Anom and the girls walked till they arrived outside Crystal's house. Seeing him ready to leave, Crystal spoke, "Don't do anything reckless." Her sweet voice laced with worry made her sound like a carrying wife. Hearing her speak, Anom turned to face her with a teasing smile. "So you're worried, huh? Then giving me a good luck kiss is a must," said Anom as his face neared Crystal's. Her heart thumped, but after going through his intense 'training', her self-control had improved. Collecting her emotions, she closed her eyes while her lips moved to welcome him. "Umph!" Crystal felt a sweetness inside her mouth, but it was different from what she had expected. Opening her eyes, she saw Anom holding a golden crystal which he had put inside her mouth. *Crunch* Identifying it as one of the Golden Syrup crystals that they had raided back in the Zeru forest, she took a crunchy bite. While enjoying the delicious flavor, she made a pouty face as she looked at Anom, who was giving some cr
"…It’s a poisonous resin extracted from the Jedzar grass." Anom started explaining according to what he read at the Safaira Family's library about the herb. "But the Red Jedzar is only produced when certain… conditions are fulfilled." The herb known as Jedzar grass is not something very useful. Its flowers emanate a sweet scent which, though quite unattractive to humans, appeals greatly to various insects and small animals. This has resulted in a snake species named after the herb – Jedzar snakes occupying these plants as their abode. The plant attracts creatures and provides meals for the snakes, while the snake in turn guards the plant from harmful animals. After thousands of years of mutual development, the snakes are even able to differentiate between the animals that harm the plant and the pollinators that help the plant breed. Similarly, the male snakes occupying the plant with more flowers are able to become the top choice of many females. But on the opposite end, some male
A smile crept behind the attacker's mask as a sensation of flesh being pierced was transmitted through the dagger. But before a sense of victory could be achieved, the person who was supposed to have his neck pierced through, turned around. Anom grabbed the masked person's arm and, with a twist, the dagger was in his hand. Letting the dagger drop to the floor, he used his empty hand to grab the masked person's leg, and with a bit of force, made his assaulter fall. "Your skill-set is good, and the timing was also quite nicely calculated." Anom started analyzing the assassin's skills. "But you are too impatient and inexperienced." His hand reached for the mask on the assassin's face while he continued speaking, "You know, information and reality might have many differences and you should act acc-" He stopped abruptly as his hand, which was holding the mask, also froze. Behind the mask was a pretty girl, glaring at him with her shapely brows furrowed. Her violet eyes moved as she tri
"Now what?" Selvo suddenly realized that even his newly reached Materialization State was not helping him deal with the powerlessness he was currently feeling.When he first learned that their backer was one of the great families, Selvo was already imagining all the ways he'd enjoy himself freely in the future.But knowing his personality, his father had already warned him to stay within his limits, at least till the whole matter of swallowing the Safaira family was resolved.Although he felt vexed, Selvo knew better than to anger his father. So he decided to stop, or at least tone down, his activities.But one day, as he was roaming across the city, he came across a party of mercenaries. It was like any other party you'd found in Nulis City. Though what attracted his attention to that party was a beautiful girl—one like he had never seen before.She was so charming that Selvo had a hard time believing that he had missed the presence of someone like her in his own city. But he soon co
Knock! Knock! Knock!Anom was roused from his focus as a series of knocks were heard on the door. Closing the book that was in his hands, Anom replied using the gang leader's voice, "Enter."The door opened with a click as a stout man appeared in front of him. It was the same guy who had previously informed him about the invitation from Selvo Handler, the intermediary that the original gang leader had arranged to pass on important messages between the two forces."Leader." The man greeted Anom respectfully before speaking, "Young master Selvo has responded.""Hm." Anom nodded. He then asked, "Where and when?"The intermediary immediately replied, "He's coming here." He added, "Now."Anom was a bit surprised before he muttered, "He seems to be in a hurry.""Yes." The intermediary agreed. He then thought for a moment before adding, "I also felt the same when I went to meet him. He seemed to be in a terrible mood." An expression of fear appeared on his face as he re-counted, "The express
Anom and Kristin arrived back at the place where they had parted ways with the other two. But Nia and Crystal were not back yet. So they could only continue to wait.Kristin tried to relieve her boredom as they waited by reading the book that Anom had bought. But she soon got bored of it too."What are those two taking so long for?" Kristin furrowed her brows. "Don't tell me they encountered some trouble." Her expression turned grim as she looked at Anom and suggested, "Should we go look for them?""No need." Anom replied simply. "The list I gave them was not short; it's only natural for them to take some time." He paused before saying, "As for their safety, although not the best, your friend is still sharp enough to detect most of the dangers. That said, Crystal's not weak either. The two of them will not face much trouble, at least within the city."Kristin calmed down after hearing his words, but continued grumbling in complaint.After they had waited for almost an hour, the two gi
Kristin and Anom were in front of a large, two-story building.Gazing at the display cabinets visible through the glass, Anom realized that it was a bookstore."Let's enter." Kristin motioned for him to follow as she walked through the entrance of the store.A moderate crowd was gathered on the ground floor, consisting mainly of adventurers and mercenaries. Practical experience was necessary, but it was also necessary to gather enough information and know-how before going deep inside the Zeru forest. The place was dangerous as it was; it would simply be fatal for the ill-informed.Kristin seemed to know her way as she led them deeper inside the store. Walking through the rows and rows of shelves, Kristin stopped in front of one.Anom saw her taking out a book with a hard cover. Leafing through the pages, she flipped to a seemingly particular page before dog-earing it at the top."All done!" Pressing it back on the shelf, she turned and smiled. "It was good, right?" she asked. "I learn
Inside, Nia was leaning in her chair, holding a glass of water over the table. Her face was calm, but the water stain on her clothes gave her away.Trying to act calm, she asked Anom, "Are we up?"Anom nodded. "Let me tell you about our first objective before we depart.""I hope we didn't interrupt your meal." Loreana suddenly said as she started acting like the polite host she was; she clearly considered it her responsibility, one that needed special attention, considering that the two girls were an important part of their plan to alleviate their crisis."It's fine." Kristin said as Nia followed up, "We were done anyway."As they all set down, Anom began telling them about the urgent objective that was his priority:"We have to delay, or possibly cancel, the marriage. The Handler family must not be allowed to continue with their plan. Only then will I be able to put my mind at ease and leave for the capital."He looked at Nia and Kristin and asked, "You two are fine with the arrangem
When his eyes opened next, morning was already on its way.Anom looked at the sky through the window; it was gradually brightening up."It's time for action." Anom muttered before heading towards the washroom.After freshening himself up, he straightened his appearance and checked his gear before turning to walk out of the room. Following the stairs, he came down and made his way towards the exit of his quarters.Walking on the paved path that led towards the central region of the Safaira estate. No one beside him was staying in the guest area, so he didn't meet anyone on the way.Anom passed through the garden full of vibrant flowers and turned towards the hallway that led towards Loreana's chamber.He had only walked a short distance on the path when he saw a cute and lively figure walking in his direction."Ah!" Luna paused as she saw Anom appear from behind the corner. "Big Brother Anom!" Exclaiming his name, the cute little maid ran towards him with cheerful steps.Anom opened hi
Seeing Crystal's unsatisfied expression, Anom sat up before leaning over to pull her over to him.Lying down once more, he then made her lay on top of him, her soft bosom resting against his chest."You don't have to worry, Crystal. You'll understand it soon enough." There was a kind smile on his face as he assured her.As Loreana heard his words and looked at his expression, which was in total contrast to the topic, she couldn't help but marvel at how someone could even say that with a straight face.Crystal, who was on top of him, suddenly squirmed. "Anom! Something is poking me in the stomach."Hearing her words, the other two blanked for a moment before Loreana suddenly glared at Anom.Anom himself was stunned. Facing Loreana's warning glare, he smiled wryly.Speedily, he moved his hand to check around his waist before yanking something out of there.It was his sheathed blade. "It was my blade poking her, not the "sword" you were...""Alright, I got it!" Loreana hu
"He informed me about the invitation from the then-head of the Safaira family.I was apprehensive, but then I realized that it was their territory after all. They could have done something to me already if they had meant it.I followed the polite messenger to the Safaira Mansion, suppressing my nervousness.I quickly met the dignified head of the Safaira family, under whose protection I had sought refuge.That was my first meeting with Uncle Gamus. He was in his prime back then, looking every bit like what one would imagine a family head to be.But he didn't intimidate me. One because he didn't want to, and another because I had lived with people much more powerful than him.As I entered the courtyard he had summoned me to, I saw a person tied up to a tree there.It was Bolance. His expression was green and anguished, but he didn't dare to speak as Uncle Gamus gazed at him regularly.To my astonishment, Uncle Gamus apologized to me on behalf of his nephew.Without waiting for me to sa
"I had never drank in my life before that. I had only seen Uncle Benny enjoy some liquor, while Lady Faustina too liked to taste some fruity wine. But they never showed any signs of losing control of their faculties.Maybe I had too much faith in my puny strength, as I decided to take a sip. How bad could it turn out to be?Just the first sip made me want to spit it back out; the burning sensation was only making it harder for me to drink anymore. But I saw that Bolance had also calmed down when he saw me drinking. He raised his glass to show his appreciation for accompanying him. Taking small sips, instead of the large swigs like earlier, he began talking about some business plans and proposals he had prepared. I didn't understand most of what he had said. What I did understand was that it was also related to the reason why he looked so down.As I tried to make sense of how a business related topic might be connected to his broken heart, I also had another problem to deal with.Bolan