Talented people end up in the mix of everything. It is uncanny, but it is hard to say if it’s luck or because most are people of action. The odds of a go-getter getting caught up in affairs beyond their control are much higher. Maybe talented people should stop blaming bad luck and keep lower profiles.

~Cailleach, the Veiled Hag of Winter

Crow and Hooligan spent a few days going through the relics until they both decided on their choices. Hooligan relied on Crow’s guidance, but he only helped her pick out four, stating that her luck was part of it.

He spent an hour explaining that luck and karma were hidden guides and rewards for accumulated contribution over all her past lives. It was okay to ask for help, but at the same time, she needed to trust her instinct. Once she understood, she felt her man was even more trustworthy. He didn’t want brainless puppets standing beside him but strong women who were capable in their own right.

After they chose, they climbed the stairs and found themselves on the roof of the structure. A pedestal with a glowing sphere on top was not far in front of them. Unsure how to proceed, Crow placed his hand on the globe, ensuring the artifact on his finger came in contact with it.

*What would you like to do?*

“I want to claim some artifacts and turn them into permanent keys to this realm.”

*Registering nine artifacts… completed. Based on your achievements, you are also considered a partial owner of this realm, but you are not a primary owner, so your privileges will remain the same.*

“What does that mean?”

*If you have other means of reaching this place, this realm won’t reject you.*

“Oh?” Crow’s eyes lit up as he checked this Soulverse. Sure enough, the acorn he couldn’t interact with previously had now opened up to his administration.

While inspecting his gains, Hooligan went up and went through the same process Crow did. She even received the same benefit.

With nothing left to do here, they went back to the Sanctuary. Laying on his bed, Hooligan hugged Crow tightly, refusing to let go.

“Stay with me until they kick us out. At the very least, a year has passed outside. A few more days won’t hurt. Please.”

“Hooligan, I’m not rejecting you,” Crow laughed and flicked her forehead. She, in turn, bit his shoulder until blood welled up from the wound. “You damned vampire, stop biting me.”

“Sorry,” Hooligan smiled with her lips covered in blood. She definitely did not look apologetic. Shortly after, they dressed and went to get something to eat. Later that evening, when they returned to the room, Hooligan went to the bathroom alone, claiming she wanted to clean up before they played around on the bed.

Her Shield flashed, and in her hand appeared a golden apple. She stared at it for several long seconds before decisively biting into it. She quickly devoured the entire thing and joined Crow on the bed.

Hooligan’s enthusiasm was beyond Crow’s expectation, and they went at it for an entire night. Even he felt a little shaky getting out of bed the following day.

A week went by so fast that when it was time to depart, he noticed Hooligan rubbing her stomach. It never occurred to him to think about the Fruit of Avalon, and thought her stomach was upset because of nerves and not wanting to depart.

“Remember, you are my wife—no other man may touch you. Keep that mask on,” Crow joked with her but suddenly felt scared, leaving her alone. “And Hooligan… stay safe. I can’t protect you if something happens, and I trust you can handle it, but I worry.”

Hooligan’s soft fingers caressed Crow’s face and looked deep into his gentle green eyes with their unique golden ring. It was his most mesmerizing feature.

“Crow, I’ll have no other lover in this life and the next. I trust that you’ll find a way to aid me no matter what happens. One year. You better be here when this place opens, or I’ll beat you to death.”

Their hug lasted for much too long, and Crow lightly kissed her lips before stepping back into his portal. Until he arrived in the tower, his eyes never left hers.

The rot and decay of the jungle crashed against his senses. The smell was so pervasive that it reached the basement of the temple where he had arrived. He knew this wasn’t where he left, but it was close enough. It felt like he hadn’t been here in a decade and couldn’t stop sighing.

Parting from Hooligan left a hole in his heart like he was missing something important. It was more poignant than when he left Mara and the others because they at least had each other. They had a family. Hooligan was alone. Sighing, he knew this was a trial she must face, but he didn’t feel any better for knowing that.

“Stay safe, you hooligan.”

Crow left the temple and headed to the nearby town of Eisreachtu. The place he and his people scammed before bailing, never knowing the turmoil they created.

An hour later, he climbed the small hill that allowed him to overlook the town and saw that half of it was decimated, especially on the west side of town. Most of the buildings were burned down to their foundations in that section. If he remembered right, that was where a warehouse of the auction was hidden.

“What the hell happened here?” Crow muttered, thinking he should leave and forget this place. Even from here, he could hear shouting and the sounds of battle. Either way, the town of Eisreachtu seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

Out of the gate closest to Crow, a dog-like creature broke through the guards blocking the entrance nearest him. Two men were torn apart by one swipe of the beast’s paw. Crow didn’t initially pay attention until he saw it carrying a woman in its jaws, and she cried out in pain. It was a voice he instantly recognized.

“Who fucking dares!?” Crow roared.

Sealladair appeared in his hands and drew back arrow after arrow, slaughtering all the guards approaching the two. Standing on the slight rise, his back ramrod straight, and every draw of the bow smooth, it appeared as if he was granting his benevolence instead of reaping lives. Everyone pursuing the girl and dog was terrified, thinking they angered a god of death.

Hearing his roar, Nuk recognized Crow immediately and rushed toward him. Aine tumbled out of his mouth, her clothes torn, and her wounds looked ghastly. He could tell that she would be fine after getting some rest and recuperating.

“You are fine, cousin. Stop crying,” Crow soothed her but didn’t stop killing the bastards that dared harm his family.

“Crow! Thank the mother. Go! Save Ahote, my husband, I beg you.”

“Say no more. Nuk, take Aine and follow my scent back to where I came from. Lie low there and protect her. I’ll bring your master back.”

Nuk huffed, and his gigantic head butted gently against Crow’s shoulder. Despite his anger, he couldn’t help but smile at the beast.

Crow didn’t look back as he charged into the town, his arrows piercing anyone that showed aggression. Finding some guards still alive, he pulled them up.

“Where is the Beastlord? I won’t ask twice.”

The guards pointed in a specific direction. Crow took his arrow and rammed it into their throats. Those watching from their hiding spots felt a cold sweat soaking their backs.

“… whoever pissed off this demon is going to suffer …”

“… bastards deserved it …”

“Consider this my benevolence. I’ll do worse to anyone that tries to stop me. If the Beastlord is dead… I’ll slaughter this entire fucking town,” Crow called out in a normal voice. In the silence, the sound was like a sonic boom.

A boy charged out of an alley ahead.

“Mister, I’ll take ya to ‘im, but ya gotta hurry,” the street urchin exclaimed and ran off, checking to see if Crow followed.

“Run, don’t look back. I’m right behind you.”

The boy nodded without turning his head and increased his speed. Moments later, they exited an alley, and the boy pointed toward an open square.”

“By limb and root, I’ll tear that motherfuck’s legs off.”