Cursed Immortality

Jacob entered the Rainy Mountain Ranges in ten days since he chose the long route because the Lion Forest was lively when he passed the area.

Although he knew why they were gathering there, he didn't care what they found or what they think about this whole incident.

Since he was leaving for good, he had nothing to do with whatever they found. Even if they knew it was him and somehow found out about his identity, can they come looking for him in the rare region?

The answer was obviously no.

Even that hob troll didn't dare to cross the Rainy Mountain Ranges without a safe route and map. This place was just too large, and once you entered deep enough, there are tons of rare beasts roaming there freely in packs or colonies.

That's why no one dared to cross this place recklessly, and those who tried never came back to tell the tale.

Even rare species like Glean Gnome required a safe passage and assistance to cross this place in one piece. No, all the rare races were physically strong, and they all had their unique aspects.

Besides, very few rare species were willing to enter the uncommon region after risking their lives because there wasn't any worthy of their attention.

Jacob found the marked passage on the map from the hideout, and, to his surprise, he seldom encountered any animals. He reckoned it was a safe passage. If he didn't have this map, it would take him far more effort to move.

However, after crossing mountains and forests day after day, it took him seven months to reach the end of this passage marked on the map.

Jacob still didn't encounter any rare species, and he didn't go to look for them either. He now looked slim, just like when he exited the Decker's lab, but his eyes were filled with vigorous spirit.

He was even stronger than his bulky self seven months ago and move faster between these woods.

Nevertheless, he still hasn't used the heart essences in his pendant because he was waiting for the right time.

Today, Jacob's footsteps came to a halt because in front of him was a vast, active river that was two kilometers wide.

Jacob looked at the lush forest and tall mountain on the other side of this river. 'So this is the border river which separates the two regions. As long as I cross this river, I'll step into the rare region. But this water current is too strong for me to swim on the other side with these bags.'

Jacob frowned slightly. Although this river was marked on the map, it didn't tell where this river start or where it end. Neither did he know if there was another, safer way to cross this river.

Those gnomes weren't strong enough to cross this raging river on their own. So, Jacob didn't dare to take such a risk and try to see if he could find some kind of bridge or abandon boats.

However, even after walking for a few miles, he saw nothing, and the pressure of the river flow didn't decrease either.

'Is there something I'm missing?' Jacob again took out the map and look carefully again.

'What is this black part? I think it was just a mountain, but I'm only a few miles away from this place and there are no mountains.' Jacob frowned as his eyes shimmered with uncertainty.

But he just couldn't help but take his eyes off this strange, black part.

Since he didn't find any way to cross this river, he decided to check this area. It might be some kind of beast nest.

As long as he can make his body compatible with 20% of his cursed mark progress, he might cross this river without sacrificing anything.

This also means he needs to hunt for at least a rare beast that could alleviate his hunger faster. If he tried to do it with the uncommon animals, it might take him years.

Jacob also bury his bags a few meters away from the river and marked the area with a special mark that only he can identify. He also marked the terrain on the map.

After he was done, he moved toward the black mark at full speed.

However, when he reached the place, he was astonished because he saw a valley that was closed with gigantic doors.

'Is this some kind of secret hub?' Jacob was curious.

He remembered something at this moment from Decker's journal. He had already finished and remembered who book in these seven months and then torched it since it take too much storage.

Not only did he get Decker's knowledge and research as an apothecary, but he also learned some useful information about the rare region.

'That fucker mentioned he bought the heart of a rat hound from some Dark City. His lab was also on this side of the river, so how could he cross it on a daily basis with his weak ass? This might be the place where he got all his equipment and ration. Those genomes were the same!'

Realization dawned on him when he thought about it more carefully. Then it all started to make sense.

'Why didn't humans know about this place? Or they simply didn't have the right?' Jacob couldn't help but wonder.

Nevertheless, since he was already here, he won't go back without finding out what this place was and he might find something interesting if this place was like a black market.

However, this place was also dangerous, since criminals like Decker can roam in this place freely, and then there were still those two giants who had him flee from Decker's hideout.

If they were still here, he had to be even more careful.

After deciding, Jacob sprang into action. He wore his mask and hood before he walked toward the huge close doors.

When he was ten meters away, an imposing voice rang.

"Only Rare or above species are allowed in Dark City. If you have any identity, show it. The details will be classified. But if you're a lowly ant, scram!"

Jacob's eyes turned cold when he heard this voice coming from those doors.

'So, there was such a condition involved, huh? At least they didn't tell me to reveal my face.'

At least now, he knew those races from the uncommon region didn't have the right to enter this place. Which made him even more curious.

Jacob put his hand inside his jacket and took out a white ID card, which was none other than Decker!

He never thought it would come in handy at such a time. He didn't have any ID cards from the rare region. But he can't show the mercenary agency or gunsmith guild cards because there were 'The Humane Kingdom' written in the citizen section.

It means those IDs were more like a disaster than help.

Suddenly, a red ray shone directly on the ID card, and the ordinary white ID card suddenly shimmered in blue light, which made Jacob's eye squint.

Then the red light vanished, and the voice sounded again, "It's not fake. You may enter the Dark City. Remember the rules: no fighting, no thefts, and no provoking others. If you break any rules, the Dark City will be your graveyard."

Just as the voice trailed off, a small door slid upward into the giant door.

Jacob put the ID card away and moved toward the opening.

However, just when he crossed the gate, he was met with another barricade. Four burly armored guards were wearing masked standing straight on the other side, armed with guns and spears.

Jacob's eyes contracted when he saw the cold blue spears in their hands. He knew they were probably created with a metal like a titan iron or even stronger.

As for their guns, he was even more astonished because they were all automatic AO-63 assault rifles.

There was a small-masked woman in a tight dress sitting behind a glass counter. She said in her eerie voice without caring about Jacob's reaction, "10 Golden Coin for Ten Day pass. 25 Gold Coin for a month pass. 200 Gold Coins for a year pass. Which one do you want?"

Jacob finally turned his attention to this small woman who had dark green skin, and he knew she wasn't a human. Even those guards have dark brown skin.

But everyone's faces were hidden under masks.

"What kind of place is this?" Jacob couldn't help but ask.

The woman answered nonchalantly,

"The Dark City belongs to a neutral organization that didn't belong to any race or religion. We don't care if you are a saint or a devil. As long as you don't break our rules, we won't take action against you.

"We have dark cities all over the plains, and as long as you are qualified to enter, you can enjoy a safe environment and trade anything you wish according to the Dark City level.

"No one will ask for your identity as long as you didn't want to show it, and no one will cause trouble here, even if they are from three hegemonies. If you want more information, we have a Dark City Guild Book. You can buy it for ten silver.

"Now, don't waste my time and tell me which pass you want, or I'll kick you out in ten seconds!"