36. The Island

Jason regains consciousness in Jory’s clinic, covered in healing ointment after being beaten by two Healer acolytes. He and Jory discuss the incident: Jason argues speaking out is worth a beating he can heal from, while Jory warns about consequences and potential backlash if Jason had fought back with essence powers.

Confirming Jory’s affiliations will shield him from minor trouble, Jason asks for directions to the Adventure Society, reaffirming his goal to join. He dresses and leaves to explore Old City en route to the Island.

Wandering through busy streets, Jason buys a chittle kebab and twice resists food poisoning, triggering his Sin Eater ability and stacking a Resistant buff. He deliberately repeats the exposure to “train” the resistance, appreciating the ability’s utility.

Jason reaches the green-marble bridge to the Island, noting stricter security and privilege lanes. At the gate, guards question him, explain the tracking stone, and accept his reason—applying to the Adventure Society. He pays the iron-rank coin, presses his thumb to the stone despite his private anti-tracking ability, and is permitted to enter.

Crossing the bridge, Jason observes the vast port, advanced engineering, and the Island’s opulence—marinas of pleasure craft, wide boulevards, and manicured greenery—contrasting Old City’s sprawl. A relaxed guard verifies his permit at the far end, and Jason considers temporary residence to extend his stay, wryly reflecting on enjoying “wealth inequality.”