Chapter 157: Greenhorn
Hades let out a long breath as the dragon finally lowered itself and began descending.
The massive beast didn’t pay any mind to the people moving about below. A few lifted their heads for a moment, then simply went back to their work.
Hades gathered his few belongings and rose with the others just as the dragon landed with a heavy thud.
Brad hopped down after him, patting his side as he said, "So, what’s the plan? You wanna check in first or head straight to the guild?"
Hades gave a wry smile. "I don’t have the coin for a room. I’ll grab a few tasks first, maybe then I’ll have somewhere to stay."
Brad chuckled. "Fair enough. In that case, stick with me."
Hades gave a small nod and followed.
Of course, he kept his guard up. If Brad made any strange moves, he’d bolt. But if he didn’t, then this man could be a great help.
Hades knew nothing about the guild’s customs or how to join. That’s where Brad came in handy.
The whole town of Tamind had only one Hunter’s Hub. And it just so happened to be the same place where Alazar had been seen.
Alazar was known for his rare gift—he could shift his body and wear another’s face. But no matter what form he took, one thing never changed: the scar left by an elite guard when he raided Aethernox’s market. That scar was the only way to spot him.
"Don’t fall behind, kid," Brad called as they pushed into the market, already packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people.
Hades had never seen so many souls crowded in one place.
It felt like walking into a festival.
People swarmed like ants, haggling in front of stalls, shouting and cheering on one side, curses flying and fists swinging on the other.
The whole place was a mess.
"This town’s crazy for gambling!" Brad shouted over the noise, his voice carrying just enough to reach Hades.
"I can see!" Hades called back with a nod, clutching his coin pouch tight. Places like this were breeding grounds for pickpockets, and he knew it.
They shuffled through a narrow lane. Short as it was, the crowd made it feel endless—it took them nearly half an hour before the noise and crush eased up a little.
The street had been spilling over with bodies, but once the gambling houses thinned out, so did the people.
Brad tilted his head back at the emptying street. "Gambling’s only allowed in certain parts. You won’t see much of it outside this stretch. Dragons, y’know, most of ’em think strength is all that matters. But folks who just wanna test their luck and make a quick coin? They flock here."
"And throw their pride away while they’re at it?" Hades asked.
Brad snorted. "Heh, you could say that. But truth be told, that mess keeps the town’s coffers full. The council loves it."
Hades gave a thoughtful hum. "So, who runs this place?"
Brad grinned a little. "The guild chief. Around here, he’s as good as governor."
"What about the official one?"
Brad spat to the side, his face twisting in disgust. "That one? Hah! Man only knows how to eat, drink, chase skirts, and stuff his pockets. Good-for-nothing slob."
Hades quietly noted the difference from the human realm. There, nobility held power by rank. Here, one king ruled over all, while governors managed regions beneath him.
And the worth of each governor wasn’t measured by bloodline or prestige, but by the revenue their towns poured in.
Looking at Tamind, a town that thrived on gambling, Hades figured the man sitting as its governor had to be ranked among the higher ones.
The older man led Hades toward a towering building that rose more than ten floors high.
The air around it felt heavy, almost dark. Maybe it was the faded paint on the outer walls that gave it such a gloomy look.
Dozens of figures moved in and out of the place—elves, beastfolk, and plenty of others.
Brad clapped a hand on Hades’s back. "This here’s the Hunter’s Hub. You’ll find it all inside—jobs, food, a bed, even company if that’s what you’re after." He grinned. "Now, stick close. Let me handle the talking. You speak only when they ask you something."
The redhead nodded quickly. Being treated like a greenhorn didn’t bother him; in fact, it made things easier.
The guards by the door didn’t so much as glance at them as they stepped inside.
Right across the entrance stood a long row of desks—ten at least—each with a line of people, likely waiting to claim quests or hand in rewards.
Brad shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced at him. "You don’t got a license yet, do you?"
Hades scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile. "Ah... no."
Brad gave a low hum, then jerked his chin. "Stay put. I’ll sort it out and get you one."
Hades dipped his head politely. "Thanks for helping me."
Brad chuckled. "Don’t think it’s for free, brat. You’re buying me a meal later."
Hades gave him a small smile in return, watching as Brad strode toward the stairs on the left and started up to the first floor.
Once he was out of sight, Hades turned his attention back to the hall.
The man he was after, Alazar, bore a scar that cut down from his left cheek all the way to his chin.
’Not gonna be easy...’ Hades thought. Nearly every third person in here had a scar on their face. He’d have to watch carefully before making any judgement.
’This is difficult. There are too many people.’ He needs to find the man soon or he would change his location.
Naturally, this was not Alazar’s home. He always remains within a town until he finds a heavy target to rob from.
In Aethernox, he robbed several rich merchants, worth more than two million gold coins.
Hades knew he didn’t have much time since this town was overflowing with money. It wouldn’t take long for Alazar to find his prey and get done with this town.
He couldn’t let that happen. This was his first quest given by his mother. He wasn’t going to disappoint her.
"Hey, you okay kid?" Brad returned not so long after and asked with his brows elevated.
"Yes, I am good." Hades responded with a nod.
The older one urged, "Come on, let’s get you a license."
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A/N:- This arc would be short. Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the story so far, you know what you have to do.