Rhen sat in the Cinder Hollow Guild's common room.
Rhen had just signed the contract proposed by Zamir, who was representing the most powerful guild in Emberhold.
After a bunch of negotiations, a deal that suited both parties came to be.
Rhen managed to secure a monthly salary, access to various guild resources, and a favorable deal: the guild would purchase items he brought from Talia at 20–30% above market price.
Although he held the title of Captain, Rhen wasn't considered a core guild member and wasn't permitted to freely use the guild's name.
There were several other clauses, but these were the key terms that mattered to Rhen.
As they concluded the main talk, the receptionist placed a basket with a large egg on the table in front of Rhen.
"This is the mount egg I mentioned as a sign-in bonus," Zamir stated.
Rhen looked at the blood-red egg, a gut feeling telling him it would hatch a powerful beast.
Zamir smiled slightly as he added, "I look forward to seeing what beast you will hatch."
"Likewise," Rhen said with his ever-calm smile.
"It'll take a while to get you the cores, it'll be ready in two to three days," Zamir said.
"It'll take a while to hatch the egg, so it will be ready in time for you to get the Mount feature. I'll contact you when it's ready."
The mount feature unlocked upon reaching Enma Citizen Tier-5. Rhen had bought cores which were used to obtain points used to raise Tiers.
But the thing is, Rhen was already at Tier-5.
He had to lie, because if his true Tier was known, they would relate it to his strength and that could make them give him assignments that were way beyond his power.
He had told Zamir that his current tier was 3 based on Zena's advice, which was neither impressive nor unimpressive to the guild representative.
Once the formalities concluded, Rhen's expression darkened slightly. "I have a request," he said. "I want to buy medicine."
"Medicine? For what kind of disease?" Zamir asked.
Rhen replied based on Zena's keen observation, "For someone whose core and mana vessels are corroding along with the body."
Zamir frowned and shook his head. "Such illnesses are almost as rare as soul-affecting ones—and require similar treatment."
Rhen's heart sank at this moment.
The temperature of the room dropped drastically, making the receptionist feel something they've never experienced in life—
Cold.
"But worry not, we will put efforts into obtaining medicine as soon as possible." Zamir said, subtly trying to calm Rhen.
"Calm down, Rhen." Zena said telepathically.
It wasn't until he heard her voice that he snapped back to reality and registered what Zamir had said.
"I'm sorry for showing you such a scene. I would like to take my leave now if there's no problem."
Zamir stood and said, "No problem."
Then he extended his hand to Rhen, who shook it and received his change from the 60,000 En Coins after using part of it to buy the cores.
Rhen forced a smile, then saw one of the receptionists carry the egg basket, ready to follow him.
As Rhen walked out, he began thinking.
'Zamir had just said that it's rare, meaning the chance to get medicine is not zero.
'There's also the fact that this place is isolated so the resources they have is limited. If I can reach other Havens, I will have higher chances there.
'I need to obtain a mount as soon as possible.'
Rhen left the building with his mind concentrated on his thoughts, but the feeling of unhidden eyes staring at him returned.
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Zamir as the receptionist placed the basket in the carriage waiting for him.
"Sir Zamir, I'm sure you have no reason to keep your security active after I signed that contract."
Zamir lingered for a second before he replied. "You are correct."
Rhen said no more and walked into the carriage while the unseen gazes immediately retreated.
He sat and stared at the carriage floor for a while until Nick finally knocked and asked:
"Back home, boss?"
"...Nick, do you know anywhere that sells high quality medicines?"
"You betcha. Hold on, boss. I'll take you everywhere you need to go."
Rhen remained stoic as the carriage moved.
For the next few hours, they began going to every corner of the Haven looking for a helpful medicine.
To his dismay, Rhen found nothing.
With every failed shop, his hope dimmed a little more and his stress swelled.
Now, they were on the way back to Rhen's residence.
Nick helped Rhen carry his egg basket into his home while Rhen was looking dejected.
"Thanks, Nick." Rhen handed the man two silver coins he'd been fiddling with the entire ride.
"Huh– Boss, I'm good—"
Rhen forced a smile.
"That's why you're with me, no? You've helped me out today. How can I reach you if I need to? I might need to travel soon."
Without arguing, Nick pocketed the coin while bringing out a black paper.
"Tear this paper and I'll know when you need me."
Rhen collected it and gave the man a nod. He carried his egg basket in and closed the door.
Nick sighed as he walked back to his carriage.
"I wonder who the Kid is trying so hard to heal."
Sitting on his carriage and feeling the coin in his pocket, Nick shot a glance to Rhen's home and muttered:
"Anything for money."
- - -
Rhen removed his armor and slumped onto the couch, the blistering peakday heat clashing against the natural coolness of his skin.
Zena turned corporeal, wearing her white gown, and stood near him.
She wanted to say something—but she couldn't. Her main job was to assist Rhen in Enma, guiding him to the truth while imparting knowledge of this world and maybe a few others.
She could feel how sad Rhen was right now and it made her uncomfortable too.
Rhen smiled at Zena and asked, "Are you worried about me?"
Although she may seem expressionless to others, Rhen was bonded to her and he could feel her emotions too.
Rhen let out a dry chuckle.
"Despite how it may seem, I'm fine. As long as my father doesn't give in to his sickness, I will find medicine for him."
Feeling his determination, Zena smiled and nodded with approval.
"Let's grow our strength so we can reach depths to find something for him. I am not sure, but something that may be helpful might be in the door underground or beneath Galden Reach."
"You're right."
Rhen looked at the egg in front of him and said, "Right now, I believe I can only make the most difference with battle experience… and this egg."
Rubbing the egg that was right beneath his feet, Rhen muttered, "An egg that hatches a beast suited for the breeder. I wonder what suits me."
He raised the basket to the egg on the couch and placed his hands on it.
He wanted to do as Zamir had mentioned and feed the egg his mana.
As he pulled mana into the egg, Rhen found it calm.
"Arhk–!"
Until after a while, the egg began pulling his mana greedily.
Huff–! Huff–!
If not for the fact that his mana was exhausted, the egg would have continued drinking the mana.
Even Zena found herself being glad she was in her corporeal form, if not, she felt like she would be absorbed too.
Rhen stepped back from the couch and stared at the egg, smiling wryly.
"Didn't they feed you, little one? You're not satisfied with my mana and went for the atmosphere's mana!"
Zena shook her head gently, looking at the egg with disapproval.
"Damn, now I'm drained," Rhen muttered, rubbing his eyes.
He didn't talk much as he walked into his room and slept.
Zena observed the egg for a while and turned towards the bedroom.
Before leaving, she glanced back at the egg and muttered:
"Greedy."
- - -
Night befell Emberhold.
Under the crimson moon and dark red sky, a cloaked figure walked into Rhen's compound.
A hot gust lifted the edge of the cloak's hood, revealing Nick's smirking face.