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With that, Arthur walked away, leaving Caleb alone on the terrace. Caleb took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The mission to rescue Sean was a turning point, and he knew it would test his skills and resolve. But he was ready. He had trained hard, gathered supplies, and gain some experience. Now it was time to gain the trust of the gang, by proving himself.
Caleb entered the hotel and made his way up to his room, his mind focused on the mission ahead. He knew he needed to be prepared for anything, so he began gathering his supplies. He took his Carbine Repeater and slung it over his shoulder, ensuring it was loaded and ready.
Next, he grabbed several boxes of ammunition for his Schofield Revolver and Carbine Repeater, placing them carefully in his satchel. He also packed his binoculars and pocket watch, essential tools for scouting and keeping track of time during the mission.
Once he was satisfied with his preparations, Caleb left the hotel and headed across the street to the general store. The bell above the door jingled as he entered, and Mr. Worth greeted him with a friendly smile. "Afternoon, Caleb. What can I do for you today?"
Caleb returned the smile. "Afternoon, Mr. Worth. I need a few things for a trip I'm taking. Let me get 5 salted beef, 2 packs of premium cigarettes, and 2 bottles of Kentucky Bourbon."
Mr. Worth nodded and began gathering the items. He placed them on the counter and tallied up the cost. "That'll be 17 dollars and 6 cents, Caleb."
Caleb handed over the money and thanked Mr. Worth before leaving the store. He made his way to Morgan, who was hitched to the post outside the hotel.
Caleb patted her affectionately and brushed her coat with the horse brush he carried. He then checked the saddlebags, ensuring that the medical supplies he had purchased from Doc Calloway were still there, alongside his ropes and other essentials. Everything was in order.
Next, Caleb rode Morgan to the stables, where he met Mr. Levi. The stable owner greeted him warmly. "Afternoon, Caleb. What can I do for you?"
"I need Morgan treated and serviced before I head out," Caleb said. "And I'd like to buy some treats for her as well."
Mr. Levi nodded. "That'll be 5 dollars for the service and you go select the treats. I'll get her ready for you."
Caleb paid the $12 and waited patiently as Mr. Levi and his staff tended to Morgan. They brushed her coat, checked her hooves, and ensured she was in top condition. Meanwhile, Caleb selected the treats, 4 carrots, 4 apples, and 1 classic oatcake, paying 7 dollars in total. He placed them in Morgan's saddlebags, knowing she deserved the best after all the hard work she had done.
After about 20 minutes, Morgan was ready. Caleb thanked Mr. Levi and said, "I'll be leaving Valentine for a couple of days Mr. Levi, so I won't be able to continue our horse training sessions."
Mr. Levi smiled warmly. "Don't worry, son. You've already mastered everything I can teach you. You're a natural. Safe travels, and come back soon."
Caleb nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for the stable owner's kindness. "Thank you, Mr. Levi. I'll see you when I return."
With that, Caleb mounted Morgan and rode out of the stables. He glanced at the sky, noting that the sun was beginning to set. He pulled out his pocket watch and saw that it was already 4 PM. Time was slipping away, and he needed to ensure everything was in perfect order before heading to Horseshoe Overlook.
Caleb took a few minutes to clean and inspect his Schofield Revolver and Carbine Repeater, ensuring they were in optimal condition. He loaded both weapons and practiced drawing them a few times, feeling the weight and balance in his hands. Satisfied, he packed them away and double checked his supplies.
Just as he was about to leave, Caleb realized he didn't have a mask to conceal his identity during the mission. He quickly rode back to the general store and asked Mr. Worth, "Do you sell bandanas?"
Mr. Worth nodded. "Yes, I do. They're 3 dollars each."
Caleb bought two bandanas, paying 6 dollars, and thanked Mr. Worth once more. He tucked the bandanas into his satchel, feeling more prepared now that he had a way to hide his face if necessary.
With everything in order, Caleb set out for Horseshoe Overlook. He relied on the Map Function to guide him, as he had already explored the area and unlocked that part of the map.
The journey was peaceful, with the golden hues of the setting sun casting long shadows across the landscape. Caleb took in the beauty of the Heartlands, the rolling hills and open plains reminding him of why he had come to love this world despite its dangers.
As he approached the Van der Linde gang's camp, Caleb felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was his chance to prove himself to the gang and earn their trust. He knew the mission to rescue Sean would be dangerous, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Caleb passes through the trees and arrived at the camp, he was greeted by the sight of tents, campfires, and the familiar area where he send times here when he plays the game.
He saw Arthur was waiting for him near the entrance, his expression serious but welcoming. "Glad you made it, Caleb. We're heading out at first light. Before that, let me introduce you to some of the people here at the camp, then get some rest and be ready."
Caleb hearing that was excited while nodding his head. "I like that, I'm happy to meet everyone. Thanks, Arthur."
Caleb followed Arthur as they made their way toward the main tent at the center of the camp, which belonged to Dutch. As they approached, Caleb noticed Dutch inside the tent, engaged in a flirtatious conversation with a woman who must have been Molly O'Shea. Arthur called out, "Dutch, Caleb's here."
At the sound of Arthur's voice, Dutch and Molly turned to their left, spotting Arthur and Caleb standing nearby. Dutch's face lit up with a warm smile as he stepped forward. "Welcome, Mr. Thorne. It's great to see you here. Thank you for agreeing to help us in our little endeavor, even though it's a dangerous one."
Dutch extended his hand, and Caleb shook it firmly, returning the smile. "No problem, Mr. Van der Linde. I'm happy to help a friend in need. And don't worry, I've had my fair share of danger."
Dutch chuckled, clearly pleased with Caleb's response. "Really now? Well, that's great news if I've ever heard it. A young man with good principles and experience handling dangerous situations? I think we've found you in a much better situation compared to when I found Arthur here when he was young."
Dutch glanced at Arthur, who groaned in response. "Oh, Dutch, that was years ago. No need to reminisce about it now."
Dutch laughed heartily, patting Arthur on the back. "Oh, Arthur, when you reach mine and Hosea's age, reminiscing about the past will become your favorite pastime, I assure you."
After the lighthearted exchange, Dutch turned to Molly and gestured toward her. "Oh yes, Mr. Thorne, let me introduce you to my sweet flower, Miss Molly O'Shea. Molly, this young man is Caleb Thorne, who will be helping us rescue Sean."
Molly giggled softly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Caleb. Caleb tipped his hat slightly in a polite gesture. "Nice to meet you, Miss O'Shea. Mr. Van der Linde is truly lucky to have you as his flower."
Molly smiled warmly, pleased to be praised like that as it involves Dutch. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Thorne."
Dutch laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange. He patted Caleb on the shoulder. "Oh, Mr. Thorne, you know the right words to say. Arthur, learn from Mr. Thorne here. Even though he's much younger than you, but he knows the right words to speak."
Arthur grunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Of course, I'll learn from Caleb on how to be a good, civilized young gentleman."
The sarcastic remark caused both Dutch and Caleb to laugh. Once the laughter subsided, Dutch gestured for Caleb to follow him. "Come, Mr. Thorne. Let me introduce you to the rest of my family who are currently present at the camp."
Dutch led Caleb to the other side of his tent, which faced the main campfire. Arthur followed, standing to Caleb's left. Dutch called out to the camp, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "Everyone, gather around! I'd like to introduce you to someone."
The gang members, who had been busy with their tasks, began to gather around the campfire. Dutch stood at the center, with Caleb and Arthur by his side.
He began the introductions, starting with Hosea Matthews, the co founder and second in command of the gang. Hosea was a seasoned conman and a father figure to many in the group. He gave Caleb a nod and a warm smile. "Welcome, son. It's good to have you here."
Next, Dutch introduced Miss Susan Grimshaw, the camp caretaker who oversaw the daily operations and kept everyone in line. Susan gave Caleb a sharp and cautious look. "Don't cause any trouble, and we'll get along just fine."
Mr. Simon Pearson, the camp cook and butcher, was introduced next. He waved enthusiastically, his apron stained with grease and flour. "If you're hungry, come find me. I'll whip up something good for you."
Reverend Orville Swanson, the gang's resident conman and occasional spiritual guide, was next. He gave Caleb a slightly unsteady nod, his eyes bloodshot but kind. "Welcome, my boy. May the Lord watch over you."
Herr Leopold Strauss, the bookkeeper, accountant, and loan shark, was introduced with a formal bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Herr Thorne. If you ever need a loan, you know where to find me."
Miss Abigail Roberts, a skilled thief who spent most of her time managing the camp's daily chores, was introduced alongside John Marston, her partner and the father of her child, Jack. John gave Caleb a firm handshake, his expression guarded but not unfriendly. "Welcome, kid. Don't mess up."
Jack, their young son, peeked out from behind Abigail and gave Caleb a shy wave. "Hello, Mr. Caleb!"
Caleb smiled warmly and waved back. "Hello, Jack. It's nice to meet you."
Dutch then introduced Uncle, Karen, Mary-Beth, and Tilly, the three women Caleb had already met and helped during their visit to Valentine alongside Arthur. They greeted Caleb with smiles and nods, clearly grateful for his assistance.
Finally, Dutch introduced Bill Williamson, who Caleb had also met during the saloon brawl in Valentine. Bill gave Caleb a gruff nod. "You held your own in that fight. Don't screw this up."
Once the introductions were complete, Dutch addressed the group. "This young man with good principles is Mr. Caleb Thorne. He's here to help us rescue Sean. Some of you have already met him and been helped by him in Valentine. I want everyone to treat him kindly while he's staying here to help us."
The gang members murmured their agreement, and Caleb felt a sense of acceptance wash over him. He had taken the first step toward earning their trust, but he knew the real test would come during the mission to rescue Sean.
As the group dispersed, Dutch turned to Caleb. "Get some rest, Mr. Thorne. We leave at first light. Be ready for anything."
Caleb nodded. "I will, Mr. Van der Linde. Thank you."
Arthur clapped Caleb on the shoulder. "Come on, I'll show you where you can set up your bedroll. You'll need a good night's sleep for tomorrow."
Caleb followed Arthur to a quiet spot near the edge of the camp, where he set up his bedroll and prepared for the night. As the stars began to appear in the sky, Caleb lay back and reflected on the journey that had brought him here.
He had come a long way since arriving in this world, and he knew that the mission to rescue Sean would be a defining moment in his story. With determination in his heart, Caleb closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, ready to face the mission tomorrow would bring as he knew it ins and outs.
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Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 5/10
- Luck: 5/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 1)
- Rifle (Lvl 1)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 1)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 1)
- Poker (Lvl 1)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 1)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 1)
Money: 140 dollars and 88 cents
Bank: 40 dollars, 2 gold bars, and a large bag of jewelry