Spirit Taming

Chapter 140: Quick Walk

"How much!?" It was rare for Ella to react in such a way. She would rarely have the energy and focus to be so surprised by something.

"I said we made over nine hundred gold coins in bets today. Never underestimate Clark's eyes." Maria felt that she had struck it rich. However, she was also very happy that he was the one holding all this gold. It was a drastic difference between her before she met Clark and now.

"That should be enough to buy whatever we need. I can make another few deals for bulk materials. They are basic but people will pay a lot of them once we get him." Isa was already crunching the numbers.

'No, we will use whatever is left after the auction for that. Don't do any math yet. We have plenty of time." Clark was sure that if he let Isa, she would go out and spend it all.

"I won't-"

"Yes, you won't. It's my money that I bet and Clark's beast knowledge that analyzed the winners and losers. Without us working together we wouldn't have it." Maria put her foot down. It made Clark smirk a little to see her being so harsh. He hadn't seen Maria act this way too often. In his opinion, it was very cute.

'Quest: Midnight Walker

Requirement: take a midnight walk and see what the price of human jealousy is.

Reward: 10 gotcha tickets, 1 large death crystal.'

The moment that Clark read this from his system he felt that he was stumped. He hadn't seen such a thing just yet. It was odd for the system to create a quest like this. Yet he knew that something must be going on. Human jealousy would be related to someone trying to take what was his.

"I have to go out tonight. I promised Doc that I would meet up with him to speak a little about Devi. something about him having plans during the day." Clark felt bad making up a lie. It was for the best though.

"Do you want me to go with you? I can put my mask on and be Blue again? It worked out pretty well when I was picking up bets. People remembered the blue and not me." Maria may have said this out of innocence but Clark had a striking moment.

"No, better that you don't. A lot of people saw us together in our masks. They will be more likely to come for the gold that they lost from us betting. There are always a few bad apples. Plus, you know I can use my ghostly steps to get away from everyone." Clark tried his best to hide his understanding of the situation and why the system had suddenly given him such a quest.

He gave Maria a pat on the head as he headed outside the room. "He really didn't have to go alone," Maria spoke in a huff. She was annoyed that she was being underestimated.

"You know, for two people who are dedicated to revenge, you sure don't act like it. It's more like you two are stuck in a weird phase before you tell each other you love the other." Isa teased Maria just a little bit. She couldn't help it.

"From what I have been able to analyze, they have a range of emotions. Clark will often watch Maria to make sure that she is safe and that no one is bothering her. But Maria will constantly look for his approval. It's an interesting dynamic. Two people born to be enemies but in a twist, they have experienced the same pain becoming unlikely allies." Ella's response made Maria turn red.

"What am I? A romance novel?" As Maria huffed a little more in embarrassment, Ella threw a book at her. "You seriously have romance novels!?

"They are the best for striking emotion. I like to read them to relax." Isa tried her best to hold back laughter when she saw Maria's reaction to Ella's response. The three went on like this for some time while Clark left the inn dressed as Phantom. While Clark walked in to the dim streets.

The luminescent starfish beasts were much more prevalent now. The damp air from the cooling heat was enough to make them want to come out and explore. A normal sight for the city literally named for the starfish beast they so loved.

'Five pointed star- common

The five pointed star is the most common starfish beast in the Star City. They originated from the half fresh and half saltwater pools located in the wilderness around the city. They can live outside of the water for some time while also within. They glow at night with the spiritual energy they absorb. The best skill they have is their passive regeneration ability.

Even if they lose a point, it can regenerate.

The starfish can be raised in to many forms. Poison starfish, luminescent healing starfish, giant consuming starfish, and many other variations. They are considered very adaptable due to their regeneration. The city lord of Star City boasts the only known volcanic vent starfish. The way it was…'

The system analysis surprised Clark again with the bonus information. He was learning about many materials that could change the starfish in to different forms. All of which he thought could be good for Maria to raise. Unfortunately, he knew she would want to take the luminescent healing starfish because she wanted to protect others from their injuries.

"Maybe we can convince her to make a form that no one else has…" Cark mumbled out loud while Devi floated invisibly nearby.

"Look at what we have here boys. A little dress up tamer out to wander the night. You and that little friend stole a lot of gold today. Tell us, how did you cheat the system?" The mocking voice came from one man with three behind him.

"Ah, drunk fools wandering the night who want my gold. How cliche." The mocking tone that was returned to the man spurred instant anger. But that was Clark's goal. He knew that the system had sent him out here for one reason, to handle the small problems that these people would cause if they found Clark and Maria the next day.

Clark fully believed that the system was not only spurring him to grow stronger but also protecting those he had partnered with.

"Look at him brother, he thinks he's tough. Let's just beat it out of him.

"Exactly right, send you ribbon fish out!" The three all raised hands and from the darkness behind them, slim black and gray fish sprang in to the air.

'Ribbon fish- uncommon

The ribbonfish is a beast that prefers the night. They hide away in the darkness until they see prey. They will use their ability to fly through humid air to strike and drag prey in to watery pools to drown them. Their long needle like teeth and eel like bodies make them terrifying. They have an innate weakness due to their soft fleas. They often need to team up to take down large prey.'

"That's all? Sad." Clark watched as Devi showed himself. It wasn't even worth it for Devi to use the echoing Laughter. A single bite cut through the soft flesh of the front most ribbon fish. The second bite slice through the second ribbon fish.

Clark summoned his spear from the spatial ring and easily used his ghostly steps to dodge under the third ribbon fish. His slash caused it to find itself in two pieces. "I really thought you would be more dangerous…"

The three drunkards were feeling the backlash of losing their beasts. Only one could remain conscious while the other two were down for the count. "So, why should I let my beast leave your soul intact? Or should I let him consume it like your little fish?" this question spurred terror in the drunk fools who had been roaming to cause trouble.

"Because If you commit murder in this city people will hunt you to the death. And I would not like that." Clark sighed. He didn't like that Doc had arrived just to call his bluff. Clark saw these three as trouble makers but they were definitely not cold blooded killers. Too inexperienced.

"Fine, Devi, put him to sleep." Devi bit down on the drunk man's arm causing him to pass out from the numbing coldness that spread as Devi stole his energy.

"You took a little walk. Better that way. These three saw you leave your inn and were going hunting for your gold. I thought I would need to handle them. Luckily, you were out for a walk doing the very same." Doc was actually proud that Clark had done so. It showed a lot of forward thinking.

"I just suddenly had the urge to take a walk. It's a good way to clear the air after a busy day. Be alone with my thoughts." Clark turned around and left the three drunkards behind. Doc just shook his head at his student before moving on to check on his other students.