Chapter 248 - 20 Minutes Left

It was almost time for his sparring session with Drammond. As expected, Jacob could somehow not read the mind of a god or goddess, so even though he could see Elyssara giving him the most lustful gaze ever known to man, he could not tell what twisted, sadistic fantasies were going on in her head, and it bothered him.

It was the Tower of Sun. Once a person came to the tower as a contestant, they would naturally join the pecking order, and as such, would not be able to physically or magically surpass anyone who stood above them in order. They would only be able to surpass their opponents.

Jacob was an anomaly in the way that he knew none of these gods or goddesses could challenge him in a battle.

He caught a few glances from some other females in the crowd. He could tell that they were not goddesses, but they were also beautiful. They smiled at him, but he could not muster the enthusiasm to smile back. He did not want to have to do anything drastic to get Elyssara off his back.

Jacob stepped off the stony slab, where he had left Vayburn’s battered body on the floor for the medics to take over. As he walked towards the other end of the arena, a tall, robust man materialized before him. This man had a thin gray mustache that curved upwards at the edges and a long goatee that he stroked continually and consciously. He wore a suit of black and white stripes from neck to ankles, and on his feet were the shiniest shoes that Jacob had ever seen.

There was a short silence for a moment as Jacob just took his time to study the funny-looking man.

"I am the Blade God, Romstad, and I have come here to tell you to accept me as your benefactor," Romstad said very confidently, as though Jacob had no choice but to just accept his offer. "I have studied your fighting style, and although you are an exceptional, exceptional talent... I believe you will do better with a sword and my blessings behind you."

Romstad finished his sentence and took a deep breath. A contract had already begun materializing in the air while Jacob remained completely silent and expressionless.

Before Jacob could even breathe a word in response, another voice rang out from behind the gray-mustached man.

"Oh please, Romstad, go and find someone else. Jacob belongs to me already."

It was Elyssara. She had somehow caught wind of what was happening and decided it would be over her dead body that someone would ever take Jacob away.

"Y-You have a benefactor, huh? Jacob." Romstad stroked his goatee slowly and appeared to be lost in thought.

She cat-walked all the way past Romstad and fastened her hand against the inside of Jacob’s elbow, pressing her chest against him knowingly. Jacob was caught between two gods. He had neither asked for nor wanted this, and it annoyed him a little bit.

"No, I do not have a benefactor. I do not plan to have a benefactor. And I would really appreciate it if you both left me alone. Thank you very much." Jacob unclawed himself from Elyssara’s tight grip and walked past the both of them, one of whom was completely dumbfounded.

Romstad was indeed a very powerful deity, and as such, he had never expected to be rejected in such a manner. It angered him.

Elyssara just laughed mirthfully, twirling her finger in her hair.

"Run all you want, my Jacob. You won’t be able to run tonight~," she muttered to herself and was gone from Romstad’s sight in a blink.

...

Jacob was soon joined by Uga, who followed him as they exited the arena. He had about 20 minutes left before he was to face Drammond. The time was counting down very quickly.

"You have decided not to take a benefactor. May I know the reason why?" Uga asked calmly, looking down at Jacob since it was significantly taller.

"I don’t believe I need one, and that Weeping Goddess..."

"You are right, you do not need one. Elyssara... she has a reputation. She can tend to get a little too passionate and eccentric sometimes. But it’s not as often as you think. Plus, her terms of contract are very bizarre," Uga responded in an otherworldly tone, not taking its hollow eyes off Jacob.

"Tell me about it... I’m just not in the mood to owe anybody any favors as of this moment. I want to focus on my goal, complete it, and get back to my life. I have so much to get back to," Jacob said, sitting on the floor and staring ahead.

"I completely understand that. Although I do not have family in the same sense as you, we Meereens are able to feel a semblance of empathy. I will advise you to be cautious, though... Elyssara and Romstad are powerful gods, and it has led them to misuse their authority. They are known to use underhanded methods to achieve whatever they wish."

Uga was very good to have around, as it was not simply an encyclopedia, but a complete guide that could offer a semblance of empathy and also advise. In that moment, Jacob was grateful for the way the tower was set up.

He looked up and saw a young man with very black hair approaching him slowly. An impeccable aura surrounded this young man as he moved. His brown eyes scanned the room repeatedly. This was certainly someone who was trained to remain on high alert.

Drammond finally closed the gap between them, and the first words he spoke were of no surprise to Jacob whatsoever.

"You ready?"

Drammond was a man of few words, and many memories hidden behind his dull brown eyes. Jacob had been sitting on the floor, so he used one hand to get himself up so he could stand face to face with the young man in front of him.

With a smile that could charm many a lady, Jacob responded:

"I suggested the damn thing. Haha."