16. Etherium

Three weeks later,

Changing into a different set of clothes. Vader walked out of the ward bidding farewell to the farewell inmates. The first thing he had to go through was signing the documents regarding his bail. He was provided with a lawyer by the government for the case.

"Mr. Vader Herko please sign these as well."

The nurse who was standing in front of the counter said pointing at a set of files.

"Yes, please proceed sir." The lawyer said.

The lawyer was more like a man who was there to instruct Vader about the document he was signing.

Wincent Odion, the man with possessing a vicious look was there as well. Wincent didn't seem like an officer but a vile criminal. His long hair was quite messy. His coat was designed in a unique way.

One can say it was more like a jacket compared to a coat. His eyes were grey in color and his hair was silver. His face was clean without any scars or marks. His skin was quite smooth and clean. However, he didn't possess an eye instead it was left open with a big hole making it look creepy. Though most people would wear a patch he had left it open. Mayhap he'd have a reason.

"So you feel good or still have pain around your body?"

Wincent asked placing his hand on Vader's shoulder with a smirk.

"No sir... I could say I feel like I have regained my normally healthy body." Vader replied with an uncomfortable smile.

"Glad to hear that Vader. You are free to leave now. We'll contact you soon." Wincent said looking at Vader's eyes which tried to seep away from his eye contact.

'I'll have to become a Ghost as soon as possible.'

It was certainly uncomfortable for Vader. For a fact, he felt like he'll be watched and wouldn't be left at peace. If there is a way out of this.

Then it would be becoming a scavenger. Scavengers are known for freedom. Their assistance is mostly needed only in times of trouble. In simple terms only when they get distress calls or orders from the government which is mostly given to the corporal grade scavengers.

Vader's aim is to become a Vagabond or Ghost grade. Vagabond or ghost grade or practical terms that aren't official in the rankings. They are mostly ungraded who chooses to stay as an underdog without updating their hunts to the Scavenger's Dominion. These underdogs are known for freedom. They live a life abiding by the rules they build. They tend to avoid fame and do what they love.

"Thank you, sir, I'll be leaving then," Vader said and slowly began to walk towards the steps.

"Lad, don't think it's easy to become a Scavenger. But, you surely have what it takes to become one."

Wincent said looking at Vader's back.

"I'll remember that sir."

Vader said turning towards him and once again turning back to his road.

"Take this with you lad!"

Wincent said and threw a metal insignia on Vader's back.

"huh?"

Vader furrowed his brows and noticed the metal insignia rolling on the floor. As soon as he picked it up he was dazed.

"Why?"

"This comes under your privileges. Enjoy yourselves." Wincent said with a smile.

Vader played with the insignia as he continued walking towards the exit. It was made with Etherium an element rarer than anything Vader has ever seen in his life. The neon red coin was minted like a quite thicker than a normal one with two gun symbols embossed in the center. It is an insignia that's mostly given to Vips of the country. This heavily implied that the government was ready to provide him things in exchange for his virtue.

'This is god damn Etherium.'

Vader muttered as he clenched the insignia into his palm. Whatever it may be Etherium is something Vader wouldn't decline. He was momentarily struck by shock as soon as he layed his eyes on it but he quickly returned to reality as someone who had to face a highly impactful incident just a few weeks ago. Yet, he was still overjoyed by the uses he'll make out of it.

The very moment he set his foot out of the hospital. He turned back towards the hospital and recalled the incident he had to go through and his friends who helped him. If it wasn't for Popey or Maketh, he wouldn't be alive. A few scenes flashed inside his mind, the unfateful tragedy he witnessed in Seran street was still vividly clear a

It was a bloody massacre. The screams of people, the bloodied streets. Countless helpless cries. Utterly defeated police force and scavengers. Those surely were a nightmare. Though it wasn't anything new for him when he compared it to his days at the border. The biggest difference is he faced such a ferocious monster for the first time.

'Popey's family should be safe right?'

He didn't hear any news regarding Popey or his family members. There were many injured at the scene. They would probably have taken into some local hospital.

His face contained remorse. He didn't anticipate to things drift apart. Popey was a good friend of his. Though they weren't too close they were in good contact. Popey is a family man who strives hard to bring his family to the upper side of society. But that man's life has just crumbled down within a few minutes pouring his hard work down the sink.

'Maketh should be alright...'

Vader muttered looking at the tram.

He slowly placed his foot on the footboard using the pole in the center of the tram's entrance to board on.

"Ahh..."

He slightly groaned as he felt a sharp pain in his knees.

The red serum was highly potent that both his and deduction went amiss. It was certainly a panacea, an all-curing medicine.

"One ticket to east division."

Vader said and gave a few white coins to the conductor.

he had two things to do at the moment.

One was to check on Popey, and the other was to seek Maketh Jakesy, in the pursuit of talking about increasing the potential of the serum. He wanted to check on him since the Scavenger's dominion checked on Vader's background and traces.

Eastern Division is known for its affordable pricing. A place that is quite affordable with good quality of things. A place that possesses a hospital equivalent to the northern division.

The government was severely flawed. The hospitals were given to private companies which led to the rise of pricing in treatment. So what about the government hospital? Those are free of cost but the higher official uses it as a loophole to scam people.

All in all, it is surely something very complex. If one indeed tries to go against the affairs in politics their lively hood would mostly get swindled and lead them to absolute misery by the politicians. There were a few Men who opposed the system however all they were rewarded was tragic ends.

Ring!

The bell at the entrance of the tram rang intimating that it has arrived at its destination. Eastern division, Venhol is certainly a highly populated area and the most industrialized area. The road was bustling with motor vehicles and bullocks. The air contained pungent smoke and the sky was ash in color due to the smoke expelled by the industries.

After a few minutes of walking around Vader arrived in front of an old building. It seemed very old and in need of renovation and the name, the board was in a similar condition. It was corroded and the name is written on it wasn't clear either. People were scattered around the hospital and some people were even sleeping on the platforms and nooks of the hospital. The place wasn't tidy and seem to be in need of maintenance.

Though the letters on the same board seemed distorted people of Nanor would easily recognize the building by its poorly kept environment.

Vader quickly walked in a reached out to the counter suddenly he received a deadly blow aiming at his nose.

"Kuakk!"

Vader groaned and fell on the floor and when he slowly tracked his eyes from his assaulter's foot he was stunned...

***

Author's note: Wassup fam? Hope you are all doing good. I am in the lowest point of time right now so it's hard for me to keep a daily release rate but I would love to go for a daily release in the future. See ya!