Waking up a new sensation hit me. Generally, I would feel fresh and energetic but yesterday''s events had taken a great amount of mental toll on me.


    It was clear why it happened and I have chosen not to regret it. Morgana didn''t comment anything on that kidnapper''s death she seemed rather satisfied with it.


    *Sigh*


    Asher moved in a mechanical manner leaving his bed and then stretching his limbs. After a satisfied look, he went to the washroom and closed the door.


    ''They won''t follow me here right?''


    Locking the door, I tried to feel the surroundings but couldn''t find anything unusual.


    I am maybe being paranoid but being suspicious was all I could do.


    Morgana and I were not alone in the room at that time. I was sure of it. I could not see what it was but she could. Her eyes had moved around the room from time to time.


    Asher had nothing to hide but maintaining a high level of value was also a good tactic to maintain tension between them.


    ''Let''s check it now.''


    I thought to myself before taking out the sword given by Selby. I was not sure if I would even use it. But after yesterday''s event, I am not sure anymore.


    The short sword shimmered in purple and pitch black colors, made from the scales of the colossal serpent it held a deadly and chilling sensation in my hand. The most important feature of it was the cracks in its middle running from top to bottom.


    It was not a high-level artifact but something between low and middle levels. Unlike a monster hunting gun, it held special powers originating from the core of the creature it was made of.


    Artifact Name:- Sword of Repose


    Ability:- It can be broken down to turn into a deadly sword whip crushing the enemy caught by it.


    Those who get caught by it will be under the effect of paralysis and start losing strength.


    Negative effect:- If used for more than two hours continuously user''s mind will get hazy and filled with anger. It can again be used after half an hour delay or recovering mental strength.


    ''It''s a risky tool to use.''


    The negative effect was not too severe with enough caution and rest it can be used effectively.


    Artifacts are not our power but those of who we had slayed the grudge of their death were what led to this oppressive effect. Asher had reached this conclusion himself.


    After looking at it once more he safely stored it back in his bracelet. After getting fresh he came downstairs to eat his breakfast.


    Greth gave Asher a side eye as he saw him come down and asked in a gentle and kind tone.


    "You came pretty late last night. Is everything alright.?


    Greth''s voice was a blend of concern and curiosity. When he spoke, his eyes held a depth of understanding that made you want to confide in him. I took a seat at the dining table, my eyes scanning the food laid out before me. The aroma of eggs, toast, and coffee filled the room, but my appetite was nowhere to be found.


    "Hmm, what can I say? My work is going pretty well right now. So maybe I will come late from now on."


    Asher tried to reassure his Innkeeper''s worries. He had not spent too much time with him. But the small conversations here and there had made them share a deep bond. Similar to what Asher had once shared with William- This man had taken a role similar to that of his grandpa.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "That''s good to hear. Young ones are so energetic these days."


    Greth answered with a smirk of his own. After a bit of thought, he asked with a small smile.


    "What do you call a belt made of watches?"


    "What do we call it?" I played along, without even knowing I was already having a small laugh of my own.


    "A waist of time."


    Greth chuckled at his terrible joke, a hearty sound that filled the quiet breakfast nook. Asher managed a smile, his thoughts still racing from the previous night.


    *Cling!*


    The bell rang from behind as someone entered the hall. Looking at the man who entered, Greth laughed.


    "Is the delivery complete?"


    The man with a small scar over his left eye nodded as he sat beside me. "You made me work to the bone didn''t you."


    "Don''t say it like that Kalvus. We both know you like your work."


    ''Do they know each other?'' I gave them a small glance as I continued to eat. Seeing my reaction Greth grinned as he introduced the man beside me.


    "Asher meets Kalvus. He is an awakened, a rank 2. If you are ever in problem don''t hesitate to ask him."


    Greth introduced the scar-faced man. He looked to be in his mid-thirties with a muscular build, his eyes had a sharpness to them that spoke of his experience in the field.


    "Hello" I tried to give a polite nod, he looked a little scary with the scar.


    "Are you an awakener?" Kalvus asked as he took a drink from the counter.


    "Ah, yes I am. I just recently had my awakening."


    Asher was not going to flaunt that he was also awakened just like him. Being humble was very much needed in this type of situation to not gather unwanted attention.


    "Ah, so you are a newcomer to the town. What brings you here?"


    "I don''t like fighting monsters. So I am trying my luck in this city rather than dead zones."


    Asher replied with a shrug, hoping his answer was vague enough to keep his true purpose a secret.


    "The city does offer a safer lifestyle compared to the dead zones, but you still have to be careful," Kalvus said, his expression turning more serious. "The guild and temples keep the big threats in check, but there are always smaller dangers lurking."


    "That''s true. Anyway, I will take my leave now."


    I bid them both my goodbyes before leaving the Cozy Inn.


    ''Today will be a long day.'' Asher thought as he walked in the bustling streets. The sky was clear right now but from the cold winds outside it seemed it would rain today.


    Walking for approximately half an hour he soon found Albert sitting in his usual place at the cafe they had previously decided to meet upon.


    "Boss you are once again late today."


    "You complain a lot these days."


    I sighed before taking a seat opposite to him.


    "So did you find anything new?"


    Albert gave me an annoyed look as I disturbed his meal. But then again he needs to follow his boss if he wants to get paid.


    "No, I have been busy with all the work you have given me. I am trying to locate that kid as well in my free time."


    Asher couldn''t help but look at Albert in shock. He knew Albert was doing this for money but going out of his way to search for the missing kid was quite kind of him.


    "Don''t stare at me like that." Albert''s face flushed in embarrassment he seemed to have realized my thoughts. " I am doing it for the money you will give."


    "Sure, anyway you don''t need to do that anymore. I have already located the missing child."


    Albert looked up from his plate, surprised by my sudden revelation. "Really? That''s great news, boss. How did you manage that?"


    "Last night too many things happened to recount now. But in conclusion, I gained many valuable information that I will share later. For now, just go to that woman in the slums and tell her we will get her daughter back." Looking outside for a moment my thoughts trailed off.


    "Alright, is there anything else I need to do boss?"


    "No that''s enough for today. I have somewhere to go now."


    I handed over a small pouch of coins to him as a token of appreciation. He nodded and quickly disappeared into the crowd after leaving the cafe.


    My next destination was the hospital where I needed to meet that woman. Going early was better so I could exchange some words with her without worrying that I would waste too much time.


    Asher’s footsteps were not in a hurry he took his time to take detours once in a while. This idea of not focusing on a single route had originated from the kidnapper he was following yesterday. Even if Asher was not being followed he had decided to always be alert from now on.


    Finally, after some minutes of walking, he reached the hospital Temple had allocated to the woman he brought yesterday.


    "Can you tell me in which room last night the patient was? She had a leg injury." I asked the receptionist present at the counter.


    Giving me a weird look she asked. "Do you not know her name?"


    "I don''t know." I had asked her name several times yesterday but sadly because her condition was so bad that I didn''t get any answer.


    "He had brought the patient last night. Let him meet her." A voice echoed from behind her. It seems like last night''s staff is still present inside.


    "Follow me."


    Asher nodded as he followed her, their footsteps continued through the corridor as they both kept their silence. Not before long she stopped before a room.


    "She is here. Please maintain silence in the hospital and not stress the patients present here."


    The nurse opened the door gently and allowed me to enter the room. It was a small room with a single bed and a small table beside it. The woman lay there with a bandage wrapped on her cut-off leg, her face paler than before. She was asleep.


    *Sigh*


    Letting out a sigh of relief I sat beside her waiting for her to wake up.