Ziann was starting to feel like he didn't want to be in Hosenka any more. For the moment, at least. He had entered his way into the Mob's employ like Neal from Baska had wanted him to, gained some worldly experience in that regard, and had gained some power as well in terms of Magical skill and raw mana reserves. He felt stronger, like he could more easily overcome the trials that Neal had in store for him back in West Fiore. And the Cold Colliers were probably ready for Ziann to help them out some more as well. Having been handed his butt to him in more than one fighting ring here in the Crimson Quarter of Hosenka, Ziann knew that he would need a great deal more power to face El Tigre again. He would need not only a greater variety of spells, but stronger spells. And for that, he needed to gain more experience in the world.

Ziann was about to head out of town quietly when he was met by Big Bro Akabo in person directly. The enforcer wished him luck in his future search for power, but advised him not to go back to Baska just yet. He told Ziann that the best place for a mage like him to be was Oak City. There were movements in Oak that could greatly improve Ziann's quality of life. Jobs he could partake of, connections he could make, people he could meet. And Baska was close enough to Oak that he could hop on over there any time he wanted. But he should at least give Oak City a visit before going back to Neal and the Cold Colliers.

Taking the advice to heart, Ziann thanked the mobster and continued out of Hosenka quietly. He hadn't made much of a stir here except for when he had beat Fred within an inch of his life for cheating the brothel and the gambling halls. The violence had caused whispers around the seedy areas of the city, but that was about it. Ziann wasn't about to be stopped by any Rune Knights leaving Hosenka. His journey through Central Fiore on his way to West Fiore was mostly uneventful. Along the way, he had a terrible depressive mood swing that made it tough to get up and get on the trail, but he dragged himself on day after day knowing that he was headed towards greater things.

Passing by Crocus and Era on his way towards the west of the country had Ziann on edge. The twin Central Cities had great Rune Knight presences and he was headed back towards where he had encountered them before. Sure, it was only just petty thievery and escaping arrest, but still it had the mage cautious. He made it past Central Fiore with no real issues, coming into view of Oak City with his mood starting to improve as well. His meager possessions bundled on his back, Ziann headed towards the city with the dark reputation and prepared himself for what would be the next chapter of his life.