Chapter 15. SANCTUARY


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    Jon Deerfoot ushered me through the winding streets, past grand buildings and crowded markets, until we reached a quieter part of the city. The atmosphere changed as we approached a structure contrasting the traditional architecture leading up to it. It was a grand cathedral-like building, luxurious and modern with a gothic twist.


    “This is a Jingozi sanctuary,” Jon explained as we walked through the massive doors. “It’s where us Doctrine Dealers and higher titles stay. It’s a privilege granted to all who are chosen.”


    FEAT ACHIEVED: JINGOZI SANCTUARY


    You have visited your first Jingozi Sanctuary, a haven for Jingozi apprentices and higher ranks. While within these walls, you are protected and immune from any interference from any other faction. The cost is 1 Jingozi token per stay.


    Warning: Only a one-day maximum is allowed during your Jingozi trials.


    Stepping inside, I marveled at the interior, a blend of luxury and mysticism. The walls were lined with dark wood and intricate carvings, while plush velvet furnishings and flickering candles added to the atmosphere.


    A tall, stoic host dressed in elaborate dark robes stood behind a counter.


    “Allow me,” Jon said, extending his hand. “Two tokens, if you would be so kind, my dear.”


    I dropped two Jingozi tokens into his hand as he winked.


    “I have a new guest,” Jon announced, placing one token on the counter and sliding it to the robed man behind it.


    “Um, excuse me?” I said. “I gave you two.”


    “Consider it a deposit for an unforgettable night of entertainment.”


    “I’m not here to have fun.”


    “Business then. I’m at your service. Meet me down here when you’re ready.”


    Despite my initial reservations, I couldn''t help but smile back. He was charming. And I wasn''t about to complain if his help could advance my mission.


    “Alright,” I said. “But it better be worth it.”


    “Oh, it will, trust me,” he bowed.


    The host led me up a grand staircase and showed me to my room.


    “Your Zii is required for the door,” he said.


    I produced a Zii coin and inserted it into the slot under the door handle. The door quietly swung open.


    It was more luxurious than any Vegas penthouse. The quarters were expansive, with high ceilings and a panoramic window offering a stunning city view. The bed was a four-poster draped in rich fabrics and intricately carved wooden furniture pieces that looked like they belonged in a palace. A rather large shower in the corner had a glowing slot under two floating crystals.


    “Zii is required for all room services,” the host said, then closed the door behind him as he left. Kitty was already sprawling on the bed, making herself comfortable.


    Turning the corner, I discovered the bathroom extended beyond just a shower. Two large jacuzzi tubs awaited—one with steam rising from the water, the other appearing ice cold. Intrigued, I disrobed and dropped a Zii coin into the slot. The shower sprang to life, cascading an even spray of water. The crystals glowed, adjusting the water temperature as if they could read my mind.


    After washing, I looked at my reflection in a full-length mirror and confirmed my previous suspicion. Not a single blemish marred my skin despite weeks of injuries and exposure, including the scar from being impaled in the leg.


    This isn’t your body, Em. You’re an uninvited guest, remember? A squatter.


    Someone knocked. I spent 1 Zii cleaning and repairing my kimono before opening the door. A geisha with a pixie haircut entered with a tray of sushi. She set it down and bowed.


    Name: Sora [Divine Dealer]


    Tier: IV [Cobalt] Rank 9


    Faction: Ninja [Assassin]


    “Wait, what?” I said. “You’re a… who are you?”


    With a seductive smile, she darted out of the room. I followed her out the door but found nothing but an empty hall.


    I’ll have to track her down later.


    Famished, I sat down to eat. Ever curious, Kitty tried a piece of fish and scrunched her nose as if she’d bitten into a slice of lemon.


    “Now, now, Kitty, don’t be so picky.”


    She bristled as I sipped my tea between mouthfuls of delicious sushi.


    A covered bowl sat on the edge of the tray, and I lifted the lid. It was filled with giant, wriggling larvae. I recoiled, mortified. But Kitty squealed in delight. She pounced and devoured the worms with gusto. It looked like Kitty was going to enjoy the service here.


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    * * *


    Descending to the main floor, the grand staircase led to an opulent hall alive with conversation and the occasional clink of glassware. The atmosphere exuded luxury and mystery, like everyone was hiding a secret.


    Guests were dressed in elaborate costumes—monks, elves, wizards in flowing robes, and even Demi-Golems like Cragmarr. And they were all tier 1 Doctrine Dealers.


    A group near a large, ornate table caught my attention. Four men and two women, clad in a mix of robes and armor, were engrossed in an oddly familiar game. I moved closer. They played with Jingozi cards and stacks of Zii coins.


    Jon appeared beside me, a playful smile on his lips.


    “Riveting, isn’t it?” he said, nodding towards the table. “It’s a way for Jingozi players to enjoy the thrill of the game without all the violence.”


    A bald woman with face tattoos won the hand and collected the pot, met by a chorus of cheers and boos from the other players. It was just like Vegas.


    “Many consider it more civilized,” Jon continued. “But the Jingozi disagree. They frown upon the practice but tolerate it, knowing it helps players refine their skills.”


    “Can I?”


    “I’m not sure they''d accept you, my dear. By the looks of it, you''re still on your trials. We''re not to assist you in the Jingozi ways.


    “Bummer.”


    Jon’s smile returned as he presented his arm.


    “In the meantime, how about a night of entertainment and wonder? It’d be a shame to waste such a lovely evening indoors. Especially when you look so ravishing.”


    I couldn''t help but feel a blush and accepted his arm with my own, allowing him to escort me outside. The evening air was crisp with the smell of rain. Stepping out into the streets of Raishoto, it was like experiencing the Vegas strip for the first time again.


    * * *


    The city’s nightlife was a vibrant spectacle. Lanterns illuminated the teeming streets, where merchants hawked their goods and musicians filled the air with lively tunes, setting the perfect atmosphere.


    Jon and I strolled side by side, his smooth charm and playful banter putting me at ease. I learned he, too, had been adopted—by a noble Emperor family. His house specialized in trading rare magical oils, and he had a natural talent for the family business. After the Jingozi chose him as a Doctrine Dealer, his social status soared, elevating him to the Lord class.


    I kept my mission to myself but shared stories about Yukiko’s village and a precocious boy named Hiro, who was already breaking hearts among the girls.


    “Sounds like I have some competition,” Jon laughed.


    * * *


    We arrived at an arena, a hulking structure under a half-dome spiked with Tesla coils. Jon led me to a private entrance, where he knocked on a heavy metal door.


    A small slit slid open, revealing a pair of sharp eyes. Jon slipped a Jingozi token through the opening, and after a brief pause, the door opened. We were escorted up several stairs to a private booth overlooking the arena.


    The view was astonishing. Below us, two massive robots—each a colossal suit of armor standing fifty feet high—were locked in battle. Jon explained the robots were called Juggers. Despite their size, they moved with surprising agility. A human pilot controlled each Jugger in a cockpit at the head, while archers stationed at various points on the armor fired blunt arrows at the opposing team.


    On the ground, runners maneuvered wheelbarrows toward a central pile of crystals, filling them before racing back to their respective Juggers. Dodging arrows, they shoveled the crystals into chutes on the legs of the robots. The entire arena was in a frenzy, captivated by the intense competition.


    Jon leaned in close, his voice barely audible over the boisterous crowd.


    “Those are octranite crystals that fuel the Juggers. The goal is to incapacitate the other Jugger by shooting the pilots or runners. Or the Jugger causing the most damage wins.”


    He took a sip of spiced wine.


    “Originally, the two juggernauts were enslaved Golems, forced to fight to the death. But that practice was abolished by the Jingozi. That''s when the Monks used the shed husks of metal Golems powered by octranite to create the glorious machines before us.”


    One Jugger landed a heavy blow, sending sparks and fragments flying. The crowd roared.


    “Okay, Jon,” I said. “I’m impressed, but you promised to help me with business.”


    “Ah, yes. Ask away.”


    “I need to meet with the Shogun.”


    “Nobody gets an audience with the Lord Shogun.”


    “He’s going to want one with me.”


    “Intriguing,” he raised an eyebrow. “Let me see if I can curry some favor with my high-ranking friends on your behalf.”


    “Thank you, Jon.”


    We enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the privacy of our booth. The food was exquisite—a delectable selection of delicate cheeses, succulent meats, and exotic fruits. The drinks were equally impressive, with goblets of fine wines and spirits that left me pleasantly tipsy. Jon continued to flirt with a lighthearted charm.


    He wasn''t just handsome but had a sense of style. His wide-brimmed hat, adorned with a colorful feather, sat at a jaunty angle. A deep indigo velvet coat with silver embroidery accentuated his broad shoulders, and a white silk shirt with ruffled cuffs peeked out from beneath. His pants were tailored to fit, tucked into polished leather boots that reached just below his knees. The ensemble included a jeweled belt and an ornate wand holstered at his side.


    “You’re quite the sight,” I remarked. “Are all traders from the north so stylish?”


    “Only the ones who want to make a lasting impression,” Jon laughed. “And you, my dear, are more than worth the effort.”


    I blushed. We watched the Juggers into the night, each moment more enthralling than the last.


    * * *


    Jon and I returned to the Jingozi Sanctuary, still buzzing from the night''s excitement. The cool night air was refreshing, though the drinks left me slightly lightheaded. A surge of boldness swept over me on the steps. I turned to Jon, leaned in, and closed my eyes for a kiss.


    “Ember, you’re enchanting,” he said, “but what kind of Emperor Lord would I be if I wasn’t a gentleman tonight?”


    “You’re sweet,” I said, my face feeling red hot with embarrassment.


    “As promised, let’s start on your request tomorrow morning. I’ll be waiting outside.”


    “Perfect.”


    As we said good night, Jon pecked me on the cheek, and I went to my room. Sinking into bed, my mind swirling with the night’s events, I felt like a little schoolgirl with a crush.


    Half-asleep, Kitty stirred and cooed.


    * * *


    Day [20/40]


    Leaving Kitty with a bowl of grubs, I bounced to the lobby. Reaching the doors, a Monk in simple green robes intercepted me.


    “Do not go,” he said. “You have sanctuary within these walls.”


    I glanced past him to Jon in the street. Ignoring the Monk’s warning, I pushed open the doors. A small description on my interface made my heart skip a beat.


    Name: Captain Masashi [Covenant Dealer]


    Tier: V [Titanium] Rank 1


    Faction: Samurai [Shogun]


    I froze in the doorway. The Samurai Captain was hidden, but his stats gave him away.


    “Jon, what’s going on?” I shouted.


    “I believe this doesn’t belong to you,” Jon approached and presented Ryuunosuke’s Samurai token.


    Flaunting the token last night like a drunken idiot, I must’ve left it on the table.


    The Samurai Captain stepped out from behind a stall. Jon handed him the token, pointing and nodding in my direction.


    “You there! Come out!” the Captain shouted. “You are under arrest!”


    “For what?” I yelled.


    “For the murder of the Samurai known as Ryuunosuke.”


    “He gave that to me.”


    “A Samurai would never give up his faction token unless he knew his fate was death.”


    Ryuunosuke, dead? I couldn’t believe it. If that was the case, then… what about Hiro? Did Ryuunosuke set me up with a mission knowing he and Hiro wouldn’t make it?


    The sanctuary host joined me, observing the situation.


    “You do not have to go,” he said. “They cannot enter while you are granted protective sanctuary. We can summon a Jingozi to adjudicate.”


    I wasn’t too fond of that option, either.


    “You will be judged before the Shogun,” the captain said.


    With a deep breath, I stepped into the street, hands raised, glaring at Jon.


    “I surrender.”