Not long after our discussion ended, I was finally allowed to leave. This talk made me realize how strong Morgana could be. If what she said is true, then she is either too humble or rather very arrogant even more than me.
In conclusion, she was crazy– She truly planned to risk all things. But Why was she doing this?
What's worth more than saving this city? Is there something more important that will be worth the risk?
"My questions seem to be increasing every day. And I still have no answers."
My disappointment was obvious, but I couldn't fret over it. There are still things I could do and will do in the future but it's not the right time yet.
There was also a question I had wanted to ask her but in the end I couldn't ask it. Maybe inside I felt it was rude to ask, Why did she save me?
If she could have let me die there, she could then simply killed the monsters later without suspicion falling on her but in the end she saved me.
"Boss–"
A voice suddenly pulled me out of my thoughts.
Looking back it was a man with rough blonde hair, looking much healthier than ever before. His clothes also looked washed instead of his past roughness. Almost a new man could be seen in him.
"Where are you even looking all this time, you walked passed me and didn't stop no matter how much I shouted."
Albert's eyes could be seen clearly filled with annoyance. He seems to be cursing his life under his breath.
"Ah, sorry—I didn't notice."
My voice was hesitant for some unknown reason.
Was I tired?
As if also noticing my drowsiness Albert raised one of his eyebrows before speaking.
"You told me to stay at home yesterday, but looks like you were busy boss. Ah don't tell me you got a girl—"
Before he could finish his sentence I moved on.
"Please keep your mind out of the gutter."
The road was filled like usual, people could be seen walking on cobblestone streets but an unknown tension could be felt everywhere.
I didn't need to ask what had happened. After all no matter how secretive I had been last night a commotion was bound to happen.
Albert who had already started following me, hesitated before asking.
"Boss, Um– do you perhaps know what happened last night."
I could sense Albert's uncertainty in his voice but there was something else in it as well— Was it excitement or happiness?
Maybe both.
'His sister right.' I had heard about his sister last night from the Rivien gang but the picture was not yet.
And the core members of the gang were also dead, So a sense of guilt was also present in me.
"I do. But I would like to hear your thoughts."
I responded calmly, keeping my eyes ahead as we continued down the bustling street.
Albert seemingly excited by now spoke.
"Last night many awakeneds were killed, and some small gangs including the one I used to work at got wiped out. Many people saw a man running throughout the city."
Hearing this my lips twitched, I tried to stop them but was unable to. I had tried to do it as quietly as possible. Even taking extra measures to activate the mask of Panoply I failed.
"And do they know who he is?"
Licking my lips I prayed to the goddess for the first time to not make my fear come true.
Thankfully Albert shook his head.
"No, nobody saw his face he was wearing a white mask and a cloak. People have started calling him a hero or more like a Reaper."
Albert's voice was filled with excitement, his eyes sparkling as he spoke. It was clear he was eager to hear more about the mysterious figure who had brought chaos to the city's dark side.
Hearing his response I praised the Goddess internally for her mercy upon me.
Wait why should I praise Goddess I am the one who did all the work.
"Boss— Boss are you listening!"
"Ah, yes, I am, continue what you said just now."
I replied, trying to mask the relief in my voice.
"We are going to Castor's bar now right."
In confusion, I nodded.
"We had already moved passed it."
'What?' I thought to myself. 'How did I miss Castor's place?' I had been so lost in thought that I had walked right past the tavern, a place I knew like the back of my hand. It was a clear sign that my mind was elsewhere.
Did the Mask of Panoply affect me much more than I thought?
I felt a little dizzy. Shaking my head, I turned around and we made our way back to the tavern. The door opened slowly with a single click.
*Cling!*
Beyond the door a man could be seen sitting beside a table, a glass held on his right hand as he took slow slips.
"Not going to greet us."
I couldn't help but comment on his nonchalant attitude. Castor looked so carefree yet I could tell he was going to face a headache soon.
"Asher, tell me I am wrong. That giving you a list of awakened names and addresses was only a coincidence."
Castor's voice was wary and tired, I almost felt pity for him.
Albert who had just heard it looked around in confusion, gears in his head seemed to have started spinning rapidly.
*Swiss!*
He looked at Asher first then at Castor with a rapid movement of his head. Soon as if realizing something his face turned pale as his mouth slowly opened but no voice came from it.
I just stood there letting him process what he just realized, seeing he was not coming out of it anytime soon I sat beside Castor on the chair.
"Here"
Taking the paper from my hand Castor looked at the names cut over it. Castor sighed his world seemed to be spinning as rubbed his temples.
"Crazy bastard, I shouldn't have given you the names."
Turning my head to look at Albert who stood still over the gate.
"Close your mouth and the door."
I spoke to Albert calmly, who had frozen at the entrance with a look of shock and disbelief. He hastily closed his mouth and the door with a loud thud. Castor and I sat in silence for a moment, the tension thick in the air.
"Do you have any idea what you have done, crazy bastard?"
"I do, but don't worry everything is under control. I want you to collect the bounties we can discuss your cut later."
My voice was firm as if trying to convince both him and myself that my actions were justified.
Castor took a deep breath, the glass in his hand trembling slightly. "Bounties? You're going to clean up your own mess with money?"
"No, I will just clean the whole city."
Castor frowned seemingly confused but didn't stop over it.
"How do you plan to prove it's you who had done it."
"I could always give them a visit."
I gave the most innocent smile I could muster.
Albert finally convinced of what Asher had done smacked his own head in frustration and sat over the chair at the corner.
Castor gave him a side glance, he was jealous of how easy this guy had. 'Should I just run away from this crazy bastard.'
This was not a question but more like a wish. He had associated with Asher thinking he could make big but now he was in a situation he never even imagined.
"No... I will manage don't do anything like that."
Castor couldn't take any risk now, he knew Asher was not the best in the head from his first visit. But the current Asher looked like a complete madman. Who could do anything?
"Thanks, I knew I could count on you."
"Boss, Ah– does your offer still stand."
Albert's voice soon got my attention, ignoring Castor who muttered something under his breath I grinned.
"It's always open."
Albert's face visibly lit up, he was still scared but a small flame had ignited in his eyes. I could not decipher what he truly wished for.
But there was hope for him– For all of us.
"Then let me work for you."
I nodded.
"Welcome to this small group I am starting."