"Hahaha, so you managed to beat the shit out of the traitor of your clan. Not bad. I've heard rumors of Asuros, and for you to jump realms and still kick the shit out of him so bad that he flees with his tail tucked between his leg…I just wish I could have been there to see it," Sect Leader Thunderfist boomed merrily before downing another cup of wine before refilling it again.
"I never would have guessed that you and Asuros were related like that though…what a small world it is," he continued after finishing his drink. "It's just a pity that so many perished within, including shining stars like Rael. Truly a pity," he sighed as he poured himself more wine from a pitcher and downed another cup.
"I just wish I had arrived sooner, and had managed to finish off Asuros once and for all," John grumbled, still not pleased that Asuros had managed to escape.
"Don't worry about it. You'll run into him sooner or later, and then you'll be able to finish the job once and for all. The only thing you need to worry about is his Master, but based on the fact that he still hasn't made a move on you, I'm sure your guess of the situation is mostly correct," Thunderfist replied.
John had told Thunderfist mostly everything that had happened in the realm, and left out only a few details that he wanted to keep to himself.
"And what about that Astral Empire girl? Are you two a thing?" Thunderfist asked John while winking at him, while John shrugged in response.
"It's…complicated, but our fates have definitely become interlinked," he replied, his thoughts shifting towards his master. Based on everything Laia had revealed to him, he had many questions to ask his master, about her past, and her identity.
"Where is my master?" John asked, changing the subject. "I figured she'd pounce at the first opportunity to drag me back into her hellish training regiments," John grumbled as he thought back to those hellish training sessions.
"Lilian is currently handling some business of her own, but I'm sure she'll seek you out before long," Thunderfist replied, keeping things vague. However, John didn't pry further, and took a sip of the wine in front of him.
"I have some things to take care of in this city before we all return for the sect tomorrow, so make sure you're ready to leave by tomorrow morning," Thunderfist said as he stood up from his seat.
"About that," John replied, causing Thunderfist to pause. "I plan to explore the continent for a bit, instead of going back to the sect right away. I have some business to take care of in a nearby city first," John explained.
"Is that so?" Thunderfist mused while staring at John. "Well, I won't try to change your mind, but just be careful alright? There are already whispers in this city about the emergence of ‘Asura' and I'm sure those whispers will soon spread through the continent. You'll be targeted quite often once the enemy learns of your identity," Thunderfist warned.
"I know, and I'll be ready for them. Unless a World Expansion expert shows up personally, I should be able to protect myself, and even then I have some assurances of at least escaping," John replied confidently, while Thunderfist raised an eyebrow at his confidence.
"Hahaha, that's the confidence a man should have," Thunderfist boomed loudly and patted John on the back several times, and an item suddenly appeared in his hands which he handed over to John.
John took the item and inspected it, which was quite similar to a long-range transmission disk, but slightly different.
"What's this?" John asked curiously.
"It's a one-time use object, which will alert both my brother and I with your location should you crush it. If you run into a situation you can't handle, crush it immediately and do your best to buy time for yourself. Depending on your location, we could arrive in minutes, hours, or even days, so keep that in mind," Thunderfist explained, to which John nodded his head in understanding.
"I understand…Thank you, Sect Leader Thunderfist," John thanked with an appreciative smile.
"Well, as I mentioned, I have matters to take care of, so I'll be leaving now. I look forward to hearing about your journey when you return to the sect," Thunderfist said as he walked away, while John waved at him goodbye.
…
While the hour was late, a city as large and populous as Alliance City never slept. After finishing his discussions with Sect Leader Thunderfist, John visited a nearby trade market, as he had some things to take care of before venturing out towards Five-River Freeport.
Several hours later, John walked out of the bustling marketplace, the desired items acquired.
"I now have a map of the nearby continent, as well as the most rudimentary of flying ships, which despite being basically the lowest model I can get, still cost nearly everything I own," John sighed, as his money had been stretched quite thin.
Flying to Five-River Freeport would take several days, and flying there with his own power would be time not spent on cultivation, which he could not afford. With all the dangers he faced lurking ever present, John needed to utilize each and every moment to raise his strength.
"However, once I get to Five-River Freeport, I'll be able to not only acquire more spirit crystals, but I can also sell this ship and perhaps upgrade to a better one, as well as other things such as weapons and pills" John mused as he walked through the streets of Alliance City towards the distant exit gate dozens of miles away.
The streets continued to bustle with activity as he walked though as just another face in the crowd, but whispers and conversations entered his ears that caused him to pay attention to them. Discussions about ‘Asura'.
"Did you hear? Apparently the famed ‘Asura' is part of the Honorable Alliance!"
"Is that really true? Are you certain?"
"I've only heard rumors, but apparently he's one of the youths that recently entered that secretive realm. His identity was revealed then!"
"Wow! To think that our very own Alliance could give rise to such a talent. Who is the person? What's their name?"
"I'm not sure, as the rumors have been vague thus far. But apparently his combat prowess is heaven defying!"
"Amazing! I hope we can learn more about him soon! I wonder what his name is?"
"I'm sure we'll find out soon!"
John continued to walk through the streets as he heard many similar hushed discussions, and couldn't help but sigh lightly. His identity being partially revealed would only cause headaches and dangers to sprout like weeds in the future, but such a thing was unavoidable.
The only way he could have stopped such a thing was to kill everyone who knew of his identity, but such a cowardly act was far beneath him, and he would much rather brave dangers head on than kill allies, as each and every one of those dangers came with an opportunity to raise his strength.
