As the ground caved in, he fell on a giant rock before diving into the water. A burning pain spread through his back as the coldness of the water surrounded him. Nikolai didn’t let go of the bag even with the strong current carrying him elsewhere.

His thoughts were hazy but he couldn’t fight the current to get enough air. As soon as his head left the surface, he would inhale a mouthful of air before going back into the water.

As he was about to pass out, the sunlight filled his eyes as he reached a waterfall. Despite his struggles, the water threw him out in the open and down toward the river where he crashed again.

As soon as the water got weaker, Nikolai began swimming toward the riverbank with a hazy mind. He climbed out of the water and threw his back on the ground as he started coughing water.

“That… was… dangerous…” Nikolai took deep breathes as he looked around. He was in a place he didn’t recognize and this stream had no roads near it.

It was the forbidden area.

‘This is bad,’ Nikolai scanned his surroundings. There was nothing unusual, for now. He picked up his bag as his ears started buzzing.

“Here,” A voice whispered in his head. “I’m here,” The voice repeated, distant and week. The trees rattled as a chilling coldness assaulted his body. “Come here.” The voice asked.

“No way in hell I will,” Nikolai shook his body of the water and grabbed the bag before he started to run away. However, the voice didn’t cease.

“HERE!” A high-pitched scream made Nikolai’s ears ache as he ran across the trees. As he looked around, the plants and trees were withering as they followed him. “COME BACK!” The voice screamed.

“Maybe after I’m stronger.” Nikolai kept running away. A giant tree branch detached itself and fell straight toward him. He rolled away from it before resuming his run.

He couldn’t go back to the red mountain, since Scarman and his lackeys would be there. He was sure that they would be searching for him after they realize the chest was emptied.

He wasn’t worried about it. After all, he will only grow stronger from now. Faster than anyone can imagine.

Nikolai took a deep breath and used the technique to release his leg’s limits partially. Even though they were still sore from his earlier use, it was better than being dead or possessed.

“Please…” The voice started to fade away. “Come back…” That was the last thing Nikolai heard before he reached the river that was next to the road. He jumped on the bridge and went straight toward the city.

As soon as he heard the camp’s fire around the city, Nikolai started to feel weak. However, he didn’t stop and kept going.

“Are you alright?” The guard asked him and Nikolai nodded weakly. “Kid, your back is bleeding.” The guard pointed and when Nikolai glanced at his back, he saw a giant wound that had scraped away the flesh. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”

“No!” Nikolai backed away when he saw the guard move closer. If they saw what he had in his bag, he was sure that their greed will overcome their concern about him. “I’m alright!”

“Don’t be reckless and let us take you.” Another guard strode forward. As Nikolai was contemplating running away, a hand grabbed him.

“Where have you been, you rascal?” Ash had a concerned face as he pulled him. “What have you done? Have you gone out of the city alone? Let me take you to the hospital!” Ash apologized to the guards and pulled Nikolai away.

The guards looked at them suspiciously but didn’t bother since Nikolai willingly accompanied him. The trip toward the bakery was more difficult than Nikolai could have imagined, but they made it there.

Before Ash could say anything, Nikolai took out the last silver coin he had and handed it over. Ash grinned and went into the back. He was out a few minutes later with a potion in hand.

“Drink it.”

He threw the potion at Nikolai who started gulping it down as soon as he caught it. The wound on his back tingled and an unbearable itch arrived with it, but he knew better than to scratch it.

“You lost a lot of blood, so you’ll need to rest for a while,” Ash said as he pulled a chair to sit on. “What have you gotten yourself into, kid?”

“I think you already know.” Nikolai smiled weakly. “Haven’t you been following his men around after I gave you that information?”

“Heh,” Ash smiled. “That explains why you weren’t surprised to see me near the gate.”

“I figured that you would be watching Hyde’s lackeys,” Nikolai slumped back with his hand on his bag. “I didn’t expect you would help me.”

“Help is rewarded in my world.” Ash smiled. “How did you know about Hyde’s plans? None of his lackeys gave away anything. The only reason I confirmed your words is by monitoring his dealings.”

“I don’t think you have that sort of capabilities, you either bribed some people or you have friends in the kingdom.”

“You’re too smart for your age. Don’t avoid the question.” Ash interlocked his hands. “How did you know?”

“A kid that I found in the slums said he heard a few people talking about it when he was in the sewage system.” Nikolai paused and answered.

“And why did he tell you specifically?”

“He didn’t hear if it was Hyde’s plan, he just heard that someone is planning to raid those ruins. He told me because he thought it would earn him some money, I advised him against selling that information if he wanted to keep his life.”

“Clever,” Ash stood up and looked through his shelves. “You can piss off now. I know where to find you.”

“Not so quickly,” Nikolai opened his bag and took out the pieces of jewelry. “I want to sell these.”

***

Thirty silver coins. It was a hefty sum of money. Those goblins must have stolen these pieces of jewelry from rich noblemen who tried to hunt near their village.

Nikolai kept one piece to himself, a silver bracelet with engravings on it. He could feel the unique quality of this, proving that it was an enchanted item.

He didn’t know what effects it had, so he had to set it aside to be appraised. He went back to the dorm and went straight to the rooftop after grabbing a set of clothes.

His roommates should be coming back today, so he must use the crystals before that happens. As he opened the bag, he was finally able to count his loot.