Chapter 223: Making Rounds

    Indeed, Derek didnt have to worry much about Jacks. When he got home, he pulled the man to the side and told him about everything that had happened. When Jacks learned that Gerald had been captured and Derek had asked Natalie to learn more about the death of his wife, Jacks was more relieved than anything else.

    I wasnt sure what kind of reaction you were going to have to the news. Derek said. Im honestly a little surprised.

    Jacks smiled and shook his head. Im relieved because I dont have to worry about Jake going out and doing something stupid. He can slow down and enjoy life a bit more now. He doesnt have to rush to level and become stronger. He can take it slow and build his foundation.

    I see.

    That doesnt mean that I wouldnt like to personally get my pound of flesh out of the man. A glint flashed in Jackss eyes before he continued. But this is for the best. Ill be able to learn the truth and move on. Its all I can ask for. Thank you, Derek. Thank you so much for everything.

    Derek didnt know what to do when the strong, scarred mans eyes began tearing up. He simply took a step forward and slapped Jacks on the shoulder. Youre a good guy, Jacks, and your son seems to be good as well. Im glad I could help a little.

    Jacks shook his head. You didnt help a little. You gave me my life back gave me my son back. Then you went out and did what you did today. I can not thank you enough. I will forever be in your debt. You have a guard or trainer, or whatever you need me to be, for as long as I breathe.

    I dont know if I deserve that much, but Im certainly not going to turn down competent help. Derek began laughing. Soon, Jackss laughter followed.

    Derek was happy that the day that started with him stressing over Alanahs gathering had such a happy ending. That night, he went to sleep with a smile on his face.

    Over the next few days, Derek did his rounds through his shop and the city.

    He passed on the majority of the mana cores to Brandi and had multiple talks with her about her crafts. He looked forward to seeing what the girl would create with the mana cores. She was very excited as well.

    According to the maniac crafter girl, Greater Meditation was the greatest thing she had ever seen. Brandi was now able to get more done in a single day than she could in three. Derek was still worried about her nutrition because she didnt currently have the extra Vitality or Endurance to completely go with it, but he trusted Malorie would make sure she ate regularly.

    Speaking of Malorie, she had taken to management like a fish to water. She ran her legs off all day, making connections and obtaining supplies for Brandi at a low cost. She was impressive, to say the least. Derek felt that he could leave the running of the shop in her hands with no problem.

    Thomas continued his solo training. He didnt miss a day in the training room. Derek went with him once to check on his progress, and he had to give Shae some credit. Thomas was much better with a spear than he had been before. He was also more fierce and decisive. All that, after such a short time, truly impressed Derek. Thomas would be turning heads once he enrolled in the Academy. Maybe he would even get a higher rarity class at his next upgrade.

    Jacks and Rayna continued training and leveling outside of Savannah after Gerald was caught. Rayna, especially, seemed to be much more confident than she was before. Derek wasnt surprised though, her new class was great, and she had a fantastic training partner in Jacks.

    It was written all over your face.

    So exactly how much stronger am I than the King? Derek smiled.

    Your stats are better. That is all I will say. She shrugged, then looked at Derek with her piercing white eyes. How about you? How did you manage to obtain a class with such affinity to the void element?

    Derek tapped on the table while thinking about his answer. He was strong now, stronger than most people in the Kingdom. He was also a resident in the city that Natalie controlled. He probably shouldnt go into a ton of detail, but he was confident enough to reveal more about himself. Still, him coming from Earth was a secret he would probably keep for a long time.

    I spent a lot of time in the void. He finally answered.

    Natalies eyes widened. Oh my. How did that happen? If you dont mind me asking.

    Portal. Derek replied.

    Portal? The highly restricted skill?

    Derek nodded. I guess the person casting it ran out of mana or was interrupted while I was inside.

    I see. That is definitely one way to get acquainted with the void. I have heard of that happening to others, but I have never heard of anyone reemerging. I cant think that it was easy. Natalie said.

    Derek shook his head. No, it was neither easy nor painless. It sucked.

    I imagine so. I am sorry.

    Eh, it is what it is. Its part of the reason Im here, so it wasnt all bad.

    After that, the two continued discussing other things. Natalie didnt ask any more questions about the void, and Derek was happy to not bring it up again. He could feel the shiver going down his spine when he thought about the time he spent trapped inside.

    Before long, Derek left and went about his day. Tomorrow, he had an auction to attend.