The event hall used for the social activities of Genius Circle Hall had been decorated up to its best, it was made in such a way that it was fitting for the merchants of the city.“The merchants are a lot, they won't stop coming in,” Tarex said. “I didn't know that there were so many merchants in the city.”“It is hard to know when they aren't coming together to a place at once.” Oliver shrugged and Lan raised a brow.“Why? You would think that these lavish men love to party,” Lan said, staring at the men wearing the best of the best things that the city had to offer.“Of course they love to.” Ashton replied. “But it is just that this happens to be a city full of prideful snakes and insecure rats.If a merchant wants to host a party that he would invite some of his customers and his wife would be present-–which either or both is available most times,—then it is in the merchant best interest to invite only merchants that were below his level or a few ones that are on the same level as

“And that we can't do,” Ashton replied and Rex scoffed.“What I just saw didn't look like something that you can't do. Everyone saw you when you channelled your energy to those knives.” Rex motioned to the knives which had gone back to looking ordinary.Elaris had also walked closer to them, and he had a blank look in his eyes as he continued to stare at Ashton.“I had no idea how that was possible, one minute I was fighting an assassin over there and the next minute I was here and blocking the assassin with knives and channeling into it.” Ashton's voice was also laced in confusion as he stared at his hands with furrowed brows.“Are you telling me that you suddenly did it out of the urgency you felt to save us? It doesn't work that way. Energy is born with people and it has been known for the past centuries that Astradians aren't born with it, talk less of channeling it.” Rex said.“Can you do it again?” Elaris asked and Ashton shook his head when he tried and was able to come up with

Elaris’ eyes went over everyone who was present in the room once again before he took a step forward and properly entered, Caden was hot on his trail since he did that at the same time and closed the door behind them.“Grandfather,” He bowed to the older man who was wearing his armor. Elaris figured that he must have visited some city lords or the Dean, maybe he just did some early rounds.Despite his old age, he was a huge man who sat perfectly straight, his sharp eyes burrowed into him but Elaris didn't flinch under his heavy gaze.His head was lowered respectfully but it was obvious that he wasn't cowering, he remained in that position until he finally cleared his throat and addressed him.“Max told me that you have changed your name once again,” he said and Elaris straightened himself.“Yes.” he replied, his gaze went to Max for a fleeting moment and saw that he had a sardonic smirk on his lips.It wasn't hard to figure that Mad had ratted on him because the older man had expresse

If the ember filled cracks wasn't enough to confirm its identity, then the molten pus that dripped down its jaws and caused everything it landed on to turn to ask was more than sufficient.“What the fuck is that?” Oliver asked in a semi trembling tone while Caden looked like he had frozen up.“Curse my luck,” Rex mumbled.“It is an Ashcrawler.” Elaris replied and Oliver’s eyes widened dramatically before he turned his attention back to the monster that was just standing there and seemed to be observing them–it was hard to tell with things that had no intelligence.They are spider-crab hybrid creatures with scorched, obsidian like shells, which hide in ruined abandoned places and are drawn to the heat of conflict.Considering the fact that they were close to the border where irritable soldiers and citizens collide, it wasn't surprising to see it here. Nethrowl was also the perfect place for its existence, since it is a dry city with little to no source of water bodies.“How are we goin

“Ashton! You are here!” Caden exclaimed and Ashton nodded, glancing at him briefly before his gaze was back on the bandit leader and Elaris.The men were already attacking them when they saw that their leader had taken the lead with Elaris, a few blows were exchanged and the sounds of steel colliding was heavy in the air.The man was tall and heavy while Elaris was fast and nimble, putting the former in disadvantage, it didn't help matters that it was just the perfect place suitable for Elaris movements.The fight was over as fast as it had commenced, the men who were fighting Oliver, Caden and Rex also retreated when they saw that their leader had surrendered–it wouldn't make any sense if they continued the futile fight.“We surrender, you can go,” the leader grunted quite harshly, still glaring at Elaris who remained unbothered with a side eye.Even though it might not seem like it to any other person,the bandit leader was very aware that he wasn't on Elaris' level. There was also a