Chapter 197: WHISPERS IN THE AIR
Logan himself was shocked. After all, even his father and his 1st master, Ardyn Vex, were also tier four.
"I am already tier four?! I thought maybe I had leaped to tier three. Then how the hell did this happen?! I didn't even train my mana core. Does that mean just with cultivation, I can increase my level in magic as well?" His mind buzzed with these thoughts. "Then what tier will I reach when I again become a Martial Emperor?!" He could barely hold his excitement.
Finally, Ali returned from shock and said, "You can go for solo raids. But make sure they are not over D-class. You can take down a C-class dungeon as well but with so many bizarre incidents happening, it's not worth the shot."
Logan nodded. "I will keep that in mind."
"How about updating your hunter's license as well? You are at least an A-class hunter now. You can even start your own party." Ali suggested.
"I don't think that's necessary. With your permission, Elizabeth won't stop me from taking solo raids. And that's all I need for now." Logan replied.
"But with a lower-class license, your payment for dungeon clearance is also less. But once you update, you will get a huge leap in your payment. Money is never unwelcome, isn't it?" Ali pressed again.
"It isn't. But money isn't what I am craving for right now." Logan paused for a breath before starting again, "With an update in my license, it's not only money that will approach me, but lots of questions, awkward stares, and some unwanted guy following me from the shadows. A thirteen-year-old A-class hunter! That news won't ever be the 2nd burning topic for discussion. That increase in payment, I don't think it's worth the trouble it will bring along." He expressed his concerns in detail.
Ali had been listening to Logan's reasoning quietly. And it all made sense. Logan's current state would really shock the whole kingdom. Neighbouring empires would be alerted as well. While he was still thinking about the pros and cons, another question popped into his mind.
"I heard from Elizabeth about yesterday's raid. If I am not wrong, Gideon's party wouldn't have come out unscathed if not because of you right? So what about them? Won't they spill the beans? Do you want me to warn them?" Ali asked.
"I don't think it's necessary. They seemed to be good people. And none of them know about the exact extent of my strength as well." Logan replied after thinking for a while.
Though he didn't trust them completely, he was sure of one thing. Unless they suddenly got to know about his cultivation method, or his real identity, they won't be a problem. "But Lilith was also there. Does she know who I am? Mrs. Starwind didn't break her promise, did she?" He thought to himself. "Before that couple can create any problem for me, I must talk to them. I am sure they already know it's really me."
After finishing his talk with Ali, Logan stepped out of his chamber and walked toward the main hall. The moment he stepped in from the hallway, every pair of eyes turned toward him one by one.
It was not because of his calm stride. It was because of the new mask covering his face, and also because of the tremors that had been happening a little while ago, and the shaking of the guild.
Whispers spread quickly.
"Look, isn't that the same boy who cleared ten F-class dungeons alone?"
"Yeah. I think his name is Aiden or something. But that mask seems new, doesn't it?"
"Where had he gone? What was he doing inside? Was he with the guildmaster till now?"
Elizabeth's eyes didn't miss the new mask as well.
The murmurs followed him like a trail, but Logan did not stop or look back. His eyes stayed forward, his steps steady. He had no interest in gossip.
Logan stepped out of the Hunter Guild. The morning breeze felt relaxing after a training session. The air felt lively carrying the mixed voices of hunters going in and out. Few people outside the guild also couldn't help but keep stealing glances at his new mask. It really looked fascinating.
He crossed the busy street and soon reached the inn. Inside his room, he took off his dusty clothes and headed for the shower. The cold water washed away the sweat and dirt, leaving his mind clear once more. After changing into a fresh dark tunic and simple trousers, he fastened his belt, adjusted the mask properly, and went downstairs.
His stomach growled softly. After the fight with the guildmaster, he felt his energy and stamina depleted. "A nice meal should brighten up the day."
Logan stepped into Delicia Tavern. The familiar smell of roasted meat and bread filled his senses.
Sylvie, the cheerful waitress, was near the counter. Her eyes widened the moment she noticed him. The new mask caught her attention first, and she almost gasped. But when she looked closer, recognition flickered in her gaze.
"Ah, it's you," she whispered under her breath, relief mixing with curiosity. She hurried toward him, her smile bright.
"You look different with that mask… but I knew it was you," she said softly. Without waiting for his answer, she leaned closer. "Sit anywhere, I'll bring your order quickly."
Logan nodded lightly and chose a table near the corner. He sat down, resting his elbows on the wood, while Sylvie went off to the kitchen. The tavern was noisy, filled with hunters laughing, drinking, and sharing stories of the day.
But then, the door creaked open again. The noise dropped slightly as two new figures stepped inside. Their presence drew attention at once.
It was Noah and Emily Starwind.
The couple walked with quiet grace, their eyes searching until they found him. Logan's back stiffened for a brief moment. He had already guessed this might happen. Still, it was sooner than he expected.
They crossed the room without pause and reached his table. Noah gave a polite smile. Emily's eyes studied him carefully, as if confirming what she already suspected.
"May we sit?" Noah asked politely.
Logan could already sense the reason behind their sudden visit. He looked at them once, then gave a small nod.
"Sure."