“I just want to let you know, you’re actually the first person to take up my offer,” Luo Yun said, breaking it.

“Huh? Really? How long have you been doing this whole recruiting thing?”

“Four, maybe five months in total so far. I haven’t been in the city for that long, and I didn’t try to start recruiting people until then. At first, I wanted to continue my family line of business here, but decided against it.”

“Well, if you don’t mind me asking, what is your family business? Because, Yun does not seem like a very common last name. But, I know you aren’t from around here in the first place.”

“I hail from Hollowpoint.”

Aleister recognized the name after a brief moment. “Oh, that’s all the way up north in the Icewind Tundra.”

“So you at least know of our existence,” Luo Yun said. “Better than most.”

“That isn’t really saying much.”

Luo Yun shrugged. “My family helps run and owns all the restaurants and housing in Icewind. And when I say all, I’m not exaggerating.”

“Then, what made you travel all the way to Osetia?”

“What? Is this some sort of City Watch interrogation?”

“I haven’t even gotten to the hard-hitting questions yet.”

“You have even more questions?”

“Yes.”

Luo Yun shook his head. “Too bad I’m not in the mood to answer anymore of them.”

“Then, will you at least answer the last one I asked?”

“I know that you aren’t dumb enough to at least not have at least guessed why.”

“Fine, then how about I change that last question to, would you happen to know someone willing to test two potions?”

With a raised eyebrow, Luo Yun said, “Not even close to any of the questions I assumed you would ask. And, wanting someone to test your stuff isn’t cheap, you know.”

“Just take it out of my future paycheck,” Aleister dismissed.

“Eh, so cocky all of the sudden? As much as I hate to admit it, I think Jehkad was right when he thought you were here on purpose.”

“Yeah, I am, but that makes it sound so nefarious. What I’m more confused by is why are you even recruiting in a place like this?”

“Because inns and taverns are unmatched in the amount of people that visit every night,” Luo Yun said. “Just one look around and you will see almost a hundred different people. Now imagine that every night in ten to twenty different locations, all just in Osetia. How many of them are fed up with the current life they live right now and would be willing to fight for money? More than you would think.”

“Clever.”

“Yes, and unfortunately, too clever for my own good, apparently. There are many reasons you haven’t seen or heard of anyone else partake in such a method.”

“I assume one of those reasons is Jehkad?”

“Not just him, but all the leaders of already established gyms and dojos have made an unspoken pact to shut down any new ones that are created in order to keep the money circulating in their ring.”

“Not surprising in the least.”

“I’m only calling it out in such a negative way because it doesn’t include me,” Luo Yun said. “If I ever get in the same position, I wouldn’t be any different.”

“Do you have any plans for how to break into that circle?”

“I thought about killing all of them at first—”

Aleister almost choked on the last bite of his meal.

“It was only but a mere thought,” Luo Yun emphasized. “Unfortunately, all the old bastards running the show are actually Weavers. Even Jehkad has a rank two heart loop.”

“Terminal Step Foundation?”

“Unfortunately, or else he wouldn’t be Lashi’s left-hand man.”

After a short yawn, Aleister asked, “Who is Lashi? And does that mean Jehkad is third in command? Or are you left-handed so you said that instead of right-hand man?”

“Since I’m ambidextrous, I would be both or neither, depending on how you look at it. Although I do prefer my right hand,” Luo Yun said, stretching his hands out. Aleister didn’t really know how that was supposed to prove anything, but didn’t question it. “You wouldn’t be wrong to call him third in command, even if he is just as strong as Nukuth.”

“Then I assume Lashi is at least rank three?”

Luo Yun nodded with a devilish grin. “Who are you really?”

“Name is Aleister.”

“You know that isn’t what I meant.”

“I’m just a random guy, no one special.”

“Who can just engage in a discussion where I mention Weaver classifications and not bat an eye?”

Aleister didn’t acknowledge what was just said to him. “Anyway, would you look at the time? It is getting quite late and I really must head off now.”

“Oh, no problem. How about I just walk with you to make sure you stay safe just in case Jehkad sends one of his lackeys to attack you,” Luo Yun said.

Aleister raised the palm of his hand forward. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I do not need your service at this time. Why don’t you just stay here and grab something to eat instead of wasting your time with me?”

“Okay.”

“You’re just going to follow me as soon as I leave, aren’t you?”

“I won’t deny it.”

“Fine,” Aleister said, while rubbing his forehead. “I’ll ignore this breach of privacy and the fact that I am your first ever—fighter, as long as you do what I initially asked of you.”

Luo Yun contemplated it for a moment. “What did you even ask me again?”

“Are you serious?” Aleister said with the click of his tongue. “It was literally not even a few minutes ago!”

“Just tell me what you wanted.”

After a sigh of disbelief, Aleister asked, “Do the words, potion and testing, ring any bells?”

“Oh.” Luo Yun waved his hand. “Not even a problem. Finding someone willing to risk their life drinking an unknown substance is much easier than you would expect.”