What now?

"I thought you said getting a place would be easy," I said, looking at Altina, a bit irritated.

"That was before I found out that the guard you manhandled happened to be the son of the city chief. Who told you to beat up someone important. I guess we go with plan c and send Aziz to purchase one through the merchant guild; otherwise, we probably need to consider shifting locations."

"We could build our own mini oasis between here and another city, making it a pit stop. Though I would need about one and a half tons of energy crystals, an engraving pen, an earth mage, and a water mage. Probably take a week just to set up the base formation." I say while looking into the distance drawing plans in my mine.

Maybe I can do this whole thing like a sect-building game. Couple that with what I know about the falna now I bet if I had a year or two, I could build a semi-functional system if only to list out a basic status. The only issue would be where to hide the main formation and where to get the power supply. I need to thank that crazy Goddess for giving me all information related to cultivation. Honestly, it is too much, but it sure comes in handy. Given enough time, I could terraform the whole planet and even extend its landmass considerably.

"You can do that," Celene asks, looking at me with her big innocent eyes like a puppy wanting a treat.

"The things we can do are endless. Only the limits we place on ourselves and our perspectives hold us back. So girls build a new city or have Aziz buy a house."

"You're serious. You want to build a town in the middle of nowhere just because things are not going easily for you." Altina asks.

"No, just thought it would be easier to get resources that way. Do I look that petty?" I said, looking offended and shocked.

The three girls look at me sternly. Am I really that petty no, of course not. I am far worse. I don't intend to just get resources; I plan to drain this damned city dry of its best resources. Make my life difficult will you? What part of all-powerful Goddess do you think you can afford to offend. Look, I gave you face. I left your stupid city and built a better one. What are you gonna do? Sue me, wage war. By the time you even notice there is a problem, I'll be strong enough to sneeze you to death.

"It is your choice. I am just giving you the options. You three will be joining my Familia. If that's what it's called, you decide how to run it. I am a free spirit and will slowly wander and explore the world, so whatever home we have, you pick my children." I say the last part smirking.

Oh, the look of frustration on their faces is priceless. How I so enjoy teasing the hell out of them. Although here in the open, walking down the main streets, we are definitely attracting quite a bit of attention. I don't care about it, but I definitely see the girls noticed. What most surprises me is the amazon being embarrassed. I figured with her upbringing, they would be far less susceptible to teasing.

"Well, How about Yall decide by tomorrow, talk it over with Aziz, and let me know in the morning. I am mainly focused on stabilizing myself here, and it will be one of the few times I will want to be stuck in one place for a while." I say this then continue walking back towards the inn we had stayed at.

I really need to pick a ki technique, but there are just too damn many of them. It is always best to have a singular technique that goes from beginning to end. I could take a few different ones that complement each other, but they just lack the foundation of the stronger ones. Everything in the high end tends to be a dragon, buddha, or divine something or other. For some reason, I hate these ostentatious techniques the most.

The Girls had gotten used to my spacing out today, so they didn't say anything, but I could tell they were curious as to what was occupying my mind. If I was being honest with myself, I think fear is the only reason I'm even trying to get stronger. Fear of being captured, fear of pain, fear of not being in control of my life. While I am so happy to have met new people and gained my freedom, I know it's only temporary for now. That one word Temporary is what scares me the most.

While still walking, I hear what sounds like metal clashing in the alley ahead of us. Taking a glance, I see a boy with hair the color of flowing blood holding a kitchen knife, standing between a woman and two guards. Curiosity is a new feeling, and I swear it will be the death of me. I see the guards scattered up both sides of the street and know they have been glancing at us since we started walking on this street. It's a setup. A damn good one too. I feel an insatiable rage start to boil deep inside my very soul.

"Girls!" I say, grabbing their attention.

"Go ahead to the inn. It looks like the guards have decided for us." I say to them. The girls look tense, but after giving Altina a look, she grabs the other girl's hand and leads them away.

I walk down the alley, casually grabbing fruit from the vendor on the corner. A banana, that's awesome. I start peeling the banana and get to about 10 feet from the guards before talking to them.

"What's up, guys," I ask, causing the semi-staged scene to freeze.

"Monkey, Got your tongue," I say, taking a bite of a banana. A smug look on my face.

Sure, you can make a trap that I can't resist, but can you really spring the trap. Can your words convince others? Can you hide your skeletons, or will you slip on this banana peel and fall into your own trap just as you see me walk by. No matter what happens, this is going to be fun.

"We are apprehending criminals, the woman is a thief, and her son attacked us, making him deserve death." The fatter guard says righteously. I sense two more guards standing at the end of the alleyway, watching what happens next.

"That's not true. He said either she serves them, or they will throw her in jail." The boy shouts, clearly upsetting the guards.

"Quiet Criminal." The thinner one shouts, brandishing a spear toward the kid.

Tink. BANG.

The kid gets knocked into the wall pretty hard. obviously, he could have done that earlier, but they wanted to get my attention. Well, they now have it. I hope they know there are no refunds, no exchange, and no chance of a return. Dear ME. Am I getting a bit arrogant now?