Chapter 137: Beginning of Troubles (1/2)

Before going home, Arthur went to Joe's pub to hand him some artifacts. He had found a lot of such low-tier weapons in the prince's ring that he decided to use them as inscription material and sell them.

He wasn't worried about being found out as it wasn't like someone had every item of the prince's memorized and he only chose the bland and uncharacterized weapons to sell.

He took out ten swords from his subspace and handed them to Joe who stood there gaping at him. Arthur wasn't doing this for his sake, but to repay Joe for taking care of Kira and handling his artifacts.

”Take ten percent of the profit.”

”What? No. I'll be taking the usual fees for this as well.”

”I've run out of artifacts, so let's consider this as my farewell gift,” Arthur said apologetically. He had a deal with Joe because he needed someone to be his mask, but he would no longer need this as a member of Mistletoe.

Mistletoe had the front cover of a famous auction company that traded in tressures, artifacts, and everything of value. Arthur would let Idris handle his artifact from no one so he wouldn't fear being found out.

No matter how things were with Mistletoe, he trusted them to a certain extent. He needed to trust them to be his shield until he grew stronger. It wouldn't be that far off with his Art of creation, but it would be better to have a group he could count on.

”Still…” Joe wasn't offended and even looked a bit relieved. It seemed he had some suspicions about the source of Arthur's artifacts. ”This is too much.”

”Just take it, Joe. In return, help me out when I need you again.” Arthur smiled as he said. Joe sighed and nodded, taking away the artifacts and storing them away.

Arthur saw him go place them in the room he had taken a few weapons from in the trial. Stealing a peak, he saw the saber he had used at that time.

After he had practiced his Art, he had become more aware of things and their existence. He knew this saber was the one he used back then; the only question is how this region got there? Was it a future version of it?

Arthur bid Joe farewell and went back home. He would have his exams tomorrow and they consisted of a theory and practical part. For students who wanted to attend awakeners' colleges, they would need to prove they had the qualifications. Their scores would be handed to the colleges for evaluation.

Arthur had decided to hide his strength for now and wear the runes genius halo. To be a profitable and harmless pawn is better than a strong one that might take you down. This way, even if the Union and the Temple knew of his achievements, they wouldn't try to harm him.

Arthur skimmed through the topics he had at night. He heard their front door shut and realized Oren was back. He called out to his younger brother and the two sat in Arthur's small room.

”How is Selena?” Arthur smiled as he saw his brother go red the moment that he mentioned her. He also felt slightly envious that his brother was capable of being this social, unlike him.

”She's okay, we're hunting in dungeons together these days.” His brother coughed and acted causal. ”Primitive ones, I promise.” He added.

”You can try higher-ranked dungeons, but nothing you can't handle.” Arthur chuckled as he felt his brother's overflowing mana. Even though Oren had yet to reach Arthur's level, his mana was quite considerable for someone who had just awakened.

However, having mana was still not enough. Oren needed to train his body and skill since his ability wasn't an offensive one.

”Oh,” Oren nodded. ”With the ability you gave me, I don't think it would be dangerous.” He looked with admiration.

”Oren,” Arthur sighed. ”I want you to never say anything about your fire ability. If words get out, the whole world will try to capture us.” His brother's face was slightly scared, but Arthur didn't blame him. ”Hide your powers unless necessary.”

”I will,” Oren hesitated. ”Is it better if I stop hunting with… others?” He meant Selena. Arthur stared at him for a moment.

He remembered how he had to hide his ability every time he was with others, not daring to reveal it. He didn't trust them and was constantly on the edge. He imagined his brother being the same, a loner who only knew how to slay monsters.

”No,” Arthur smiled and ruffled his brother's hair. ”I want you to enjoy your time. Whatever happens, I'll take care of it. Never let the world stop you from living your life.” This was the burden he would need to shoulder as the older brother.