Ascension To Divine Throne

Chapter 44: Jack The Reaper

The carriage returned much faster than it had gone. William and his companions finally made it into the Brilliance City before the gates closed.

"I'm going for a drink first, no need to wait for me!"

With agility unusual for him, Lumbro leaped off the carriage, exchanged greetings with William and the others, and vanished in a puff of smoke.

Looks like he's really craving some booze.

Jason shook his head but didn't say anything. As long as Lumbro didn't drink during the mission, he could do as he pleased. After all, with a dwarf's constitution, drinking posed no real issue.

Nichole paid no mind, happily nuzzling the little moon leopard in her arms, completely disregarding the kitten's struggle and extended pink claws.

After much pleading and coaxing on her part throughout the journey, Elena finally agreed to let Nichole take care of the moon leopard for a while.

"From now on, your name is Mooney!"

Nichole held the moon leopard up in front of her, cheerfully giving the little creature its new name.

Elena looked on helplessly at the struggling moon leopard in Nichole's hands. Most likely, this little one would become her companion in the future, but to be given a new name by Nichole like this... Shouldn't it be something like "Shadow Panther" or "Moon's shadow"?

(Leopard: I don't even want it!)

When the carriage reached the vicinity of Fis Street, William also jumped off the carriage, bidding farewell to Nichole and her companions.

Nichole simply waved goodbye, then turned to snuggle with Mooney once again.

Jason, who was driving the carriage, turned back and said to William, "We're going to the Mercenary Guild to turn in the mission tomorrow morning. Are you coming? It's a good time to split the mission reward."

"No need," William pondered for a moment, "I have some matters to attend to. You can hold onto the reward for me."

Tossing the bag containing magic crystals to Jason, he said, "These are the spoils from the Kobold Lair. They're worth hundreds of gold coins. Include them in the total."

Jason caught the thrown bag and tossed it back to William, saying, "No need. Loot obtained during missions belongs to individuals, not the team. Keep it for yourself."

"Alright then, goodbye."

William nodded. Since there was such a rule, he wouldn't refuse. After all, despite being a lord, he was currently a bit tight on funds. These magic crystals were worth hundreds of gold coins, and more importantly, they were valuable resources for his magical research.

"Ah~~~"

The next morning, William woke up from his soft bed and lazily stretched.

Although it only took two days to complete the extermination mission, most of the time was spent on the carriage. Even though he had strengthened his body through training, he still felt a bit tired.

After freshening up, he went to the dining room to enjoy the sumptuous breakfast prepared by his chef. William patted his belly satisfactorily.

Since the last time he made some snacks for Nichole in his own kitchen, his household chefs had realized that Master William's culinary skills far surpassed theirs. Though it felt a bit strange, they humbly sought advice from him.

William was happy to teach his household chefs. After all, there were many times when he was too lazy to cook. With better cooking skills from the chefs, he could also enjoy his meals more.

For example, the improved egg pancakes in front of him. William had specifically asked the chef to make a flat pan for making pancakes. After some manipulation, it already felt about seventy to eighty percent like in his previous life. William preferred to cook it a little longer, so he took a bite, enjoying the soft and crispy texture. It was simply delicious.

Joyce, the butler, stood quietly behind William.

Two days had passed, but Joyce, with his slightly graying temples, still wore his unchanged black suit. His elegant demeanor seemed as immutable as his attire. William, who had become more natural and aristocratic since he dropped his pretense, made him seem even more noble.

Joyce looked at William, his eyes flickering with a cloudy light.

"You've made rapid progress, almost breaking through to the high-tier of bronze. Is this feeling due to divine blessing or the presence of the elven companion, a divine entity from the elven pantheon?"

William's current strength was transparent to Joyce, who also had a clear understanding of William's experience of joining the adventuring party.

Joyce, who was pondering, had the same expression as usual and didn't intend to do anything.

William had no idea that the butler standing behind him was actually a legendary-level powerhouse.

If William knew, he'd hug his thigh without hesitation, even both thighs!

After finishing breakfast, William habitually went to the yard to stretch and picked up his long sword to review the "Royal Swordsmanship" once again.

Even though his strength wouldn't decrease with the existence of the panel, things like the feel of his hand and combat intuition wouldn't be reflected in the panel.

So even though he had obtained "Mastery of Arms," he still needed to review it frequently, considering it as physical exercise.

After finishing his routine, under Rosie's service, William changed into a fresh set of clothes and set out with Welf, heading towards today's destination.

---

16th Street

William stood in front of the brick house he had visited last time.

It had been a month since his last visit, and the surroundings were still the same dilapidated streets and muddy waters, but there were fewer covert glances this time.

Of course, with Welf accompanying him, anyone able to survive in such chaos would be quite astute. Who would dare to risk peeping at this obviously distinguished person with a high-level bodyguard by his side?

Shaking his head, a month had passed, and according to the young girl's words, Jack should be back.

"Bang, bang, bang~"

The familiar iron gate, the familiar knocking sound, but this time there was finally a response.

"Who's there? you think I am deaf? Why knock so loudly!"

The fierce voice came from behind the door, but William remained silent, standing quietly in front of the door, waiting.

Clatter~

The door suddenly swung open from the inside, and a man in his fifties walked out. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

It was hard to imagine that the loud voice just now came from this small figure. He had the appearance of an ordinary middle-aged man in the kingdom, but his expression was somewhat fierce. With a sparse brown hair, his leather jacket was already stained with wine and grease, almost unrecognizable from its original color.

He looked like an unkempt old man, nothing special.

But William knew that this man named Jack was not simple.

In the previous life's game, this Jack was a hidden NPC, and even though his temper was eccentric, he was still very popular among players in the Canlight City area.

Because this was a secret shop!

Jack was the owner of this shop, selling rare magic items and equipment rarely found outside. So even though his temper was strange, it didn't matter to the players because of his enthusiasm.

William had come for a special treasure in Jack's hands.

"Sorry to bother you, Jack, a friend recommended me to come over and buy something."

Jack carefully scrutinized the handsome young man in front of him and didn't say anything. Instead, he stepped aside, gesturing for William and Welf to follow him in.