The next day, Luis woke up calmly. The night before, he had asked Hernan to book two double rooms, but on arrival he discovered that they had been allocated the best two at the same price.
Each room had one bed, but there was an additional room with two extra beds, enough for three people. They were the only rooms on the top floor. Luis took one and Hernan took the other.
To get to them, you had to climb a special staircase guarded by guards, who blocked access to anyone other than the person in charge of the room.
Luis smiled when he heard this. No doubt Marin had arranged it as a show of loyalty or support. But he also understood that it could be a method of surveillance. The guards were there not only to protect him, but to make sure his every move was observed. It didn't bother him too much, after all, the price was still the same.
He called Hernan and they went down to the dining room together. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, mingling with the sweetness of toast and the slight salty hint of sausages. For someone who hadn't eaten for centuries, this breakfast tasted almost glorious.
It was at that moment that Marin entered the dining room, crossing the room with carefree elegance. He greeted them and sat down with them.
—Good morning to you both. I hope you are enjoying your stay... and the rooms.
Luis smiled as he took a sip of coffee.
—Quite a lot, although it was only your company that was missing. But nothing is perfect.
His tone was light-hearted, as if it were just a casual remark. Hernan watched them in silence, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Throughout the trip, he had learned that Luis had a particular way of relating to people. One moment he could seem like a playful conqueror or even a little clumsy, but when it came to talking seriously or killing someone, his attitude would change completely. Then he would become ruthless, devoid of emotion, as if taking someone's life was just an unimportant formality.
Hernan didn't know if this duality was a game of manipulation or if Luis simply enjoyed playing him. And the worst thing was that he could never be sure which of them was real.
—Moving from a nice subject to an important one... If you're here today, it's because you already have my order.
Marin smiled, slipping his fingers through Luis' with studied slowness.
—Of course. I always strive to be efficient in what I'm asked to do.
The twinkle in his eye implied that his words had a double meaning.
—About the notice and the information I asked for... Take this.
Marin took out a small black ring with an inlaid skull and handed it to him.
—Inside the ring is everything, with a bonus. You'll understand.
Luis took it in his stride and, activating his cultivation, explored inside. The information he expected was there, along with more extensive information: detailed records of the continent, its kings, sects, leaders and conflicts.
His smile flickered with amusement.
—I would have preferred the 'extra' to be some interesting items... But I only see more work ahead. Don't you want me to sleep?
Marin let out a light chuckle.
—Hehehehe... I'm a woman who only wants the best. And since I like you, I want the best for you.
Hernan wished hard that the earth would swallow him up. He didn't understand almost anything: did they really like each other, or was there something else behind the conversation? Although he tried to decipher it, he knew that in the end it didn't matter. The only thing that was clear to him was that, when he returned, he would lock himself in his room to train. And if everything went well, he would never go out again.
—I need your help with something else," said Luis.
—Mmm... What is it now? If it's my body, I might make an exception just for you.
Luis let out a short laugh.
—There will be time for that. Right now I'm more interested in your skills for other things. While we go see to my order, could you have someone go with my partner to buy some things?
Marin leaned an elbow on the table, assessing him with a sly glint in his eye.
—In other words, you need someone to look after him... Don't get ripped off... And don't end up dead out there.
They both laughed knowingly while Hernan cursed internally. There was no escape now: in their eyes, he looked like a naïve man incapable of surviving without help. He would definitely never leave the cult again. He prayed that this would be the last trip of his life.
—Besides that, I need everything to be transported safely and to reach my sect without any problems. No matter the price.
—All right, wait a moment.
Marín got up with ease and walked to the hotel desk to speak to the manager.
Meanwhile, Luis took the opportunity to hand Hernan a ring.
—Listen carefully. Inside are a hundred thousand gold coins. Use it all to buy what's on the list.
Hernan took the ring and examined it with his cultivation. Instantly, a surge of energy surged through his body as he detected the immense amount of gold stored inside. He had never seen such a fortune. The list Luis had given him didn't seem ordinary either. It included not only grains and meats, but also materials for making pills, clothes, stones with strange names, and many other items whose uses he did not know.
—Use the person who accompanies you to find the right places in the city. If you don't have enough gold, when you spend it all, just say the word "Reset". When you do so, the gold will fill up again.
Hernan felt a shiver run down his spine. Was this possible? His father had told him stories of a legendary ring capable of producing infinite gold. Was this the same artifact? His breathing slowed, as if he was somehow confronted with something he wasn't meant to touch.
Luis let out a laugh, as if detecting his thoughts.
—Hehe, don't worry. It's a technique I created myself. Gold will only appear because the ring has a million stored in it. Every time you say "Reset", you're actually activating the gold hidden inside the ring itself. It's an anti-theft protection, hehehe.
Hernan exhaled the air contained in his chest. It seems that it wasn't the mythical ring of the stories, but simply an object with a concealment technique. But what he didn't know was that it was the ring of legends. Luis preferred to hide the truth from him. If the existence of this object became public, many would be willing to kill for it.
The air in the dining room suddenly felt heavy, as if his perception of the world had just changed without his being able to react.
At that moment, Marin returned.
—Ready. Three men I trust will help you buy everything you need. When you are finished, they will take you to a safe place where you can deposit the goods, and they will see that they reach their destination safely.
Luis smiled mischievously.
—Perfect. For that alone you deserve a spanking as a token of my appreciation, hehehe.
The tension in the air changed dramatically. Marín blushed immediately. No one had ever spoken to him so bluntly, without the slightest qualm. But he knew there was a mask behind the casual attitude. Luis could joke, but his true nature was that of someone who would kill without hesitation for a single wrong look.
Marin averted his gaze for a moment before resuming his stance.
—I wanted to warn you that someone is asking for you. He seems to be interested in you... but not in a good way.
Luis smiled a mischievous smile.
—Let me guess, the crown is too heavy for him and he's already looking forward to having it removed? Hehehehe.
—So it would seem. I only said what others already know... They're waiting for you. It's only a matter of time before they come for you. You'd better get everything ready.
Luis leaned his back against the seat with a relaxed air.
—Don't worry, I'm not going to die that way. Unless it's after I've had the pleasure of your company.
The words made Marin's heart pound. Her hands began to sweat. This boy knew exactly how to make her nervous. Even if he wanted to deny it, he seemed to be liking it.
Luis let out a light chuckle before straightening up.
—Enough of the carnal stuff. Now we can go see what I asked for.
The comment snapped her out of her trance.
—Yes, of course.
They both got up, leaving Hernan alone at the table. He watched them leave. Although he had a full day of shopping in the city ahead of him, he was relieved not to accompany them. Something inside him told him that wherever their leader went, there would be chaos and trouble. He preferred to stroll quietly without getting into any more trouble.
The sounds of the streets were already beginning to filter into the dining room: voices negotiating, quickened footsteps, and the scent of spices wafting from some nearby market. Hernan looked at the ring once more. Although Luis had explained how it worked, doubt still lingered in his mind. Something inside him told him that the object held a greater secret than he could have imagined.