36 Malik Zakaria (1/2)

Before I left Morrow handed me a small sack, it was my winnings for the final fight with Sauer. The sack contained 20 gold coins, fighting in the arena is certainly one of the most lucrative businesses in Black Lion Village.

After leaving Morrow's manor I relaxed and took a deep breath. My plan was proceeding as smoothly as I could possibly imagine. Originally, I thought I would have to work my way up the mercenary group, eventually revealing Sauer's plot and my ”relation” to Morrow after a couple months. The opportunity provided by Sauer fighting in the arena came at the best time.

I shook my body out, all the lying and acting was stressful and my body felt stiff. I knew I'd have to get used to it but it didn't mean I liked it. No normal person could be so deceitful without any worries. If it wasn't for my experience in my past life hardening my resolve there is no way I could have performed as well as I had.

I decided to head to the origin stone first. A habit from my old life. Even though Black Lion Village was fairly safe it wasn't unheard of for human villages to suddenly suffer attacks from beast or even the other sentient races. Therefore, I had developed the habit of leveling up as early and as often as I could.

When I arrived at the origin stone I noticed the same mercenary was still there collecting fees for using the origin stone. What was his name again? Oh yeah, Malik Zakaria. He was a dark skinned fellow who, from my past memories, adhered to a strong moral code and sense of justice.

As I approached his eyes rose in acknowledgment, ”Back so soon? You couldn't have possibly gained enough essence to level up since the morning.”

I joyously laughed, ”Actually I have.”

Malik's jaw dropped, ”What? How? It takes most people days to gain enough to level up.”

I looked at his shocked face, ”It wasn't much I just won a few battles in the arena.”

Malik began to nod, it was common for people in the arena to level up fast since contestants would often kill each other.

Then he stopped and looked at me hesitantly, ”If I may what name did you go by in the arena?”

”Young Lion,” I responded casually.

Again his jaw dropped as he stood their stunned, ”Young Lion? How are you here? Lord Morrow didn't kill you?”

Obviously he had heard the news about me killing Sauer. Since he had to stay at his post he hadn't witnessed the fight himself.

”The situation is a little more complicated than it appears, you will naturally know the details tomorrow.”

He looked at me quizzically then gathered himself and stated, ”If you want to use the origin stone again it'll be 5 copper.”

I handed him the 5 copper coins and proceeded to the origin stone.

Name: Troy Williams

Level: 9 (0/3000)

Essence: 4919

Stat Points: 0

STATS

Strength: 11

Constitution: 10

Willpower: 14

Dexterity : 12

SKILLS

Snake King Aura: (Active)

As I focused on the level the essence poured out and the amount in my level bar increased.

Level: 9 (3000/3000)