The Arks 183 The Ark Of The New Earl

"Geez, humans are always looking for rewards, huh? A truly corrupted mind. Do it for the sake of being kind to others," reminded Baldwin.

Yan looked at him confusingly.

"But isn't that how the world works? If you do something, then you must get something in return!" yelled Yan.

"That's how your world works. Not others. We live by a very principle. Everyone has their version of the world. Yours has been clouded and stained. Hopefully, you'll find a way to make your vision of the world clear again."

"At the very least, do I get to have this every day?" asked Yan, pointing to his empty bowl.

"You could if you ordered them to. I'm giving you the chance to be Earl of the Teuton domain," smiled Minwoo.

"What do you mean?" asked Yan, with a blank face.

"You see, the Earl of the Teuton domain has recently fallen from power. The riots were quite grand over there, so there's an empty spot. As a Marquess, I could get you the spot, since Teuton is under the care of the Campania."

"What do you mean by that?' asked Yan, scratching his head.

"Think of the Campania being an older brother to Teuton. It may be larger in size but the Campania as more manpower."

"And all I need to do is..."

"Join us to help the underworld of human society. And work with the Mages."

"But isn't there the system of the mafia? We rule the underworld of the Campania."

"Yea, but it ain't too effective. You aren't close to Mages, because you think that they are monsters that will kill for no reason. But with what you've seen, I highly doubt you feel the same way as the rest of the mafia."

"Frankly speaking, did you have the same vision as Ashley did? Or did you do it for the sake of being safe? For the sake of keeping yourself alive?"

He stayed silent before opening his mouth to answer.

"I thought the Mages were truly out to get us. But, after what I've seen, my vision has shifted to somewhere else. Somewhere that I'm uncertain of."

"When you lose sight of your path, listen for the destination in your heart. It'll guide you for the rest of the journey."

"And being with the Mages, will help me in finding it?" asked Yan.

"You are the only one that can see your destination. The Mages are just another family that wants others to find their way in the fog."

"Do you understand what I work with every day?" asked Minwoo.

Yan nodded.

"I don't work with friends or a mafia or people who mindlessly follow me around. I work with equals. I work with a family. And besides, what we have in mind is far better," said Minwoo, smiling.

"Alright then, I'll join you," said Yan, grasping Minwoo's hand.

"My life is yours to play with. I will heed by your rules from now on," said Yan, bowing down.

To his utter surprise, Minwoo laughed wholeheartedly. He then placed a pale hand on top of Yan's head. Ruffling his hair, Yan peered upwards to see what was so comical.

"Your life doesn't belong to anyone. Not me, not the Mages, not anyone but you. You are free to use your life however you like. But, you've got a path. The path of how to use that life. Use it well, or you'll find yourself in the wrong face of the world."

"I've already been to the wrong side of the world. Nothing can beat what I have gone through," murmured Yan, softly.

"Trust me, Senor. You'll go through much worse with us. But don't worry, we'll be by your side."

He then gave a big, warm smile to Yan.

"Every step of the way. We promise. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."

That sealed his fate as he joined Minwoo and the Mages. From then on, he found countless allies and witnessed how Ashley nearly died from the hands of the same girl that invited him into the Old Chapel.

He learned even more than what the mafia had taught him. Minwoo kept his promise and gave him the role of the Earl of Teuton. The citizens were unhappy at first, but Yan grew to be someone that cared for the little ones. This won the hearts of many.

Soon, the entire domain wanted him to remain in power. Though he had a soft heart, his mind was steel when it came to wars and conflicts. Crimes were still on the high and the people were still scared. With Yan's reign, he collectively gathered some old friends and made another police force.