I quickly reach the rock gambling place.

I'm about to jokingly swagger in saying: "Where's my money!"

But I get stopped at the door.

[What's up?]

The Talion guy sighs.

"Brother, you've selected every single rock worth something the last time you came. Since then we have had no customers at all. None!"

[I mean, that's kind of the point of gambling, no? Don't worry I'll just do it for a little while.]

"No! People are already starting to lose trust in this place."

[So will you forcefully try and stop me from going in?]

"No, just warning you about the current mood of management. Honestly, it brings me joy whenever I see you picking rocks hehe. This job is pretty boring after all."

I nod at him before heading inside.

I quickly ask to see the manager.

He comes with a dark face.

"You really can't come here. If we let you pick rocks again, we'll face financial troubles!"

[Aren't you guys pretty rich?]

"No! We have a small profit margin.

Thanks to you we are completely in the red!

We usually recoup all thanks to the worthless rocks but now people won't even buy those since you've already checked them!"

That…he's right.

[Look man, I'm that close to realizing my goal. I just need a little more time and gold.]

"Sorry, but we really can't help. *Sigh*"

As much as I'm mad about the situation, raging won't accomplish anything.

I could always try to ask my rich customers for an advanced payment.

The other option is to try and go back to that merchant guild.

Lastly, I can always ask the Greberos Family.

I wonder what I should…

"You dog! How dare you stand in my way!"

"*Sigh* Sir, I'm not even moving…"

What is this now?

"You dare talk back to me?! How dare you?!"

"Well, Sir I have balls you see…also something else hehe."

It seems it's the same impotent guy from last time.

Why is he even coming here to insult the gatekeeper?

What's the point of even arguing?

I swear these people are way too free.

"You'll regret this!"

What's with the villain talk?

This place is a lawful city and…

That is when the man comes near a rock.

Observing it intently.

Then he gives a huge smile.

The kind that gives me really bad vibes.

Then the man does a small gesture.

This makes light come out of his hands.

Wait...!

*THUD*

"Oups! It seems I have used magic by mistake. My bad manager hehe!"

He is grinning.

In the back, I can see my gatekeeper friend.

He fell.

That's when I remember it.

Using magic here is deadly to him.

I rush to his side!

Then I try and drive divine energy in him.

Trying to revive him.

I keep going and going.

But no matter what he remains motionless.

This is the most bullshit fucking way to die.

He didn't deserve this.

At all.

What the hell is with this bullshit world.

Some people are just doing whatever the fuck they want.

So much for a beautiful lawful city.

I turn to the manager.

Signaling him that I want the man to pay.

He simply looks away.

No one even seems to care that about the dead.

Then the manager starts negotiating with the man.

They quickly reach an understanding.

The man will pay them and that will be the end of it.

Gold just bought my friend's life.

One that I barely knew but I did enjoy his presence.

As the well-dressed man exits, he spits on the corpse.

"Told you you'd regret it, dumbass."

Then he leaves as easily as he came.

Without a worry in the world.

This place is rotten.

He was about to retire.

That is why they didn't care that he died.

I don't care about funding right now.

I simply follow the guy.

From a long distance.

I'm not even in sight range.

I use my scouting ability.

The guy heads into a mansion.

It seems well protected.

Seems is the keyword.

I clearly see many blind spots.

So many of them.

The guy is sure not to be attacked.

He knows his own status.

Whatever that is.

Don't know, don't care.

I quickly sneak in there.

The guy has completely forgotten the murder.

He is mumbling about his dinner.

I simply step up to him and put my hand on his mouth and nose.

I keep holding him until he becomes unconscious.

Then I search around the place until I find some rope.

Then I feed him.

Something I have been carrying.

A very potent aphrodisiac.

One I was prepared to use as a bargaining chip for funding.

Then I tie him up.

Very soon he will wake up.

Then he will feel his body heat up.

Except no matter what he won't be able to release it.

The man is impotent after all.

It should make this night a living hell for him.

What will that even accomplish?

Nothing really.

I'm just angry.

Angry at this asshole, angry at the Gems House, angry at the Untainted sect.

Whatever.

I quickly find all the gold he has hidden.

There is a very secure safe, but I don't care.

I just crack it open with divine energy.

This should at least teach him a lesson.

Pointless revenge.

I don't kill him because I don't want to have issues with the system.

On that note, how the fuck did it not activate at all?!

Ah, whatever.

Maybe because I didn't intend to truly harm him.

Just make him suffer a bit.

This thing is full of flaws.

I quickly exit, none the wiser.

I got myself a bit of gold, but I need more.

I head to the merchant guild I know.

Quicky request to meet the leader.

[Hey man! I'll do some appraisal work! I need an advance!]

He looks at me from head to toe.

"You don't look too good."

[Someone I knew just died. Don't worry I can still work.]

He nods.

"Your timing is impeccable. There is an auction tonight. We would have invited you but we didn't know where to find you."

[Ah, nice! Can you pay me now? I need to organize a shipment of some stuff.]

"What do you mean?"

[I've been working on a side project for a while. We are very close to completion. Just missing a bit of testing. Gotta buy materials.]

He nods.

"Here, take this. I'll trust you. Don't disappoint me."

[No worries haha. Alright, be right back. Meet there!]

Then I go to my usual merchant.

I could have asked the guild too, but I'm used to dealing with that one guy.

He says he'll have it delivered right away.

Also that he will buy some more.

[Maybe, I'm very close to success I believe. I'll keep you informed. Anyway, later! Time to earn my keep!]

Then I head toward the auction house.

I will be done with this in a jiffy haha.