Well, it's not like I have to commit to my first choice.
"I think I'll go with one of the entrances leading to Mechanical Workshop."
George nods. "There's only one access point to the Mechanical Workshop. That area of the Astral Plane is chiefly overseen by the Tactical Division. Fortunately, they're one of the ones with a standing team of volunteers to help newcomers like yourself get situated. I'd be happy to get you in contact with their captain."
It may sound like pleasant shpeal, but I know better. There are various guilds that have formed under each god. Each one varies, but among them, there are standouts who are seen as the 'main' followers of a god. They characteristically oversee their god's area of the Astral Plane as though it were their own territory against the others.
Tactical Division is the organization who appeal to W1$3. They're unique in that they'e allied with the AMA which is unofficially in service to L1GH7. They aren't an official part of the AMA mind you, but they do have fairly close deals to where someone could forget that. As the name implies, they specialize in information, planning, etc. If this really were a game, they're the ones who make and sell the strategy guides, find all the cheat codes, etc.
By saying I want to go to Mechanical Workshop, I'm basically intruding on their domain. Which begs the question, do I plan to go solo or join with this volunteer team. But it's a trick. TD works like a company; agreeing to join their volunteer team is like signing up to be an intern. Or, put simply, it means joining them.
What George is really asking me is, 'Do you want to join the Tactical Division'. He want's to know if I'm joining their faction or not.
Honestly, I don't know. Joining a faction now would definitely help in a lot of ways - namely support and protection from other guilds. However, I don't know if I want to get involved in the political side of things just yet.
"I don't have to join the team if I don't want to right," I ask.
"No, you don't," George answers.
"In that case, I think I'd like to meet with the captain to learn more about it."
George just nods in response before turning to the woman behind him. "Ms. Mallard," - okay, probably related -, "please escort Mr. Matthews to the east wing, interior room 128. I'll contact the captain of the Tactical Division's volunteer team while finishing the paperwork here."
"Yes sir," the woman replies. She then turns to me. "Please, follow me."
I quickly get to my feet as she's already on her way to the door.
She holds the door open for me to exit before closing it behind us and walking down the hallway. She's quick and I rush to follow. How do office people walk like that? Like they're calmly walking but moving so fast they might be running? I practically have to jog to keep up.
An uncomfortable silence swells. I can't tell if it bothers her or not, but it bothers me. So, I ask, "What's this about an interior room?"
Ms. Mallard quickly replies without breaking stride. "The building is divided into three floors that are then split between an interior and exterior. Exterior is strictly for the handling of bureau business. The first floor is daily operations and handling of people trying to access the Astral Gate, the second is for conferences and general dealings with the public, and the third is for the general management of the bureau.
"The interior of the building is where the 'official' dealings of the bureau take place and the various guilds set up operations with us. The first floor is where people access the Astral Gate. As such, it becomes a place to recruit new members and network. The second floor is where the guilds generally operate and offer various services. It is from the third floor that the administration oversees the whole of the bureau's operations and interaction with the guilds."
She stopped talking as we came to a big door. In one smooth motion, she pulled out some kinda keycard, swiped it, and punched in a code into a keypad beside the door. The two haves slid open and she marched in - resuming her stride and explanation.
I was having trouble keeping up between her explanation and speed and had to jog after her again.
"For the sake of directions, the bureau is divided into sections of north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest. This is meant to reflect the different access points to the Astral Gate. However, it also denotes the different 'territories' of the guilds operating within the bureau. Corresponding with their influence within the Astral Plane, each guild operates within a specific area. The Tactical Division operates from the east, Royal Paladins operate from the north and northeast, Dragon's Roar the northwest, Lovely Angels officially operate from the west to the south, and the Underground unofficially operate the entire south side of the building."
"You will be meeting with the captain of the Tactical Division's volunteer team in one of the first floor's meeting rooms where recruiters often have private meetings with prospective members." She then stopped and turned on me - I almost run into her. "Do remember that while the Tactical Division technically operates this area of the building, it is still under bureau management. You should already know what conduct is permitted within these walls, and know, there are cameras everywhere. We'll know if you try anything."
She then turned and resumed walking and I have to keep up. "Conversely, be assured that the same applies to the other party. They cannot act against our regulations or pressure you into doing anything you are uncomfortable with. If they try and get you to sign a Contract, be aware that a bureau operative must be present to sign or it is invalid."
"Here we are," she states as she stops and turns back to me. "Any questions?"
I take a deep breath as I get a little tired from keeping up with her. "I think I'm good."
Ms. Mallard nodded before looking away and opening the door, seeing there was no one inside, and gesturing for me to step inside.
As I step into the room, I see it is some sort of conference room with a long table capable of sitting eight people. There is also a desk with its own chair just beyond the table, a couch between some decorative plants to one side of the room, and a pair of chairs on either side of a coffee table on the opposite side.
Behind me, I hear Ms. Mallard say, "Jebediah Coswald will be here shortly. He is a generally fine-standing man with blueish hair and almost orange, hazel eyes." She then closed the door and seemed to leave. For some reason, I think she likes this Jebediah guy.
Oh well, I guess I'll just take a seat before he gets here.
I take a seat at the conference table. Noticing the chairs swivel, I gradually begin turning in mine.
After about a minute of waiting, I'm outright spinning in my chair. Then, I hear the door open. Bringing myself to a stop, I turn to the door to see a tall, lean, handsome man with somewhat stylized, swept-over bluish hair and almost orange, hazel eyes. He is wearing a deep purple uniform that looks like a mix of combat gear and a business suit. I can recognize the Tactical Division's emblem on his shoulder - a gray gear around a purple droplet. This must be Jebediah.
He seems to have paused after seeing me. He's quick to mask his disapproval as he comes into the room and closes the door with a casual expression. Walking over to the table, he says, "Mr. Mattews, I presume. I am Jebediah Coswald. It is my understanding that you wanted to speak with me about requesting the volunteer team's support on your first venture into the Astral Plane." He then proceeds to sit across from me.
Clearing my throat, I scoot closer to the table and try to be presentable as I sit up straight with my clasp hands on the table. "Yes, sir. I was hoping to learn more about what exactly is involved in getting your assistance."
Jebediah nodded. "Yes, well, for the most part, we form a party upon heading into the Astral Plane. You'll officially be marked as the leader so we'll all be transported to the starting area alongside you. If anyone else were made party lead, you'd end up going to wherever they would be placed upon entering."
"From there, we'll provide you with advice and support in combatting any creatures that appear. Although, for the most part, you won't need our support. The opening stage of Mechanical Workshop consists of Rusty Tinker Toys. Given enough time, anyone could solo the area. That said, it can take quite a bit of time, and if you aren't careful, you can find yourself overrun by the little automatons."
"Additionally, we would provide you with hidden tips, strategies, and more to optimize your growth and progress."
I nod along to his explanation. "And, what would you be getting out of all this?"
He nods to my question, but I could have sworn he showed a flash of surprise. I meant what I told George. I've researched all I could. I'm not some dumb rookie who has no idea what he's getting into.
I also know that despite Ms. Mallard's assurances, I'm not safe from anything. Like right now. He can't make me sign a Contract unsupervised, but he can trick me into agreeing to it later. We talk now, he convinces me to sign a Contract, we do it, and I'm screwed. The bureau only makes sure I'm not threatened or coerced into signing a Contract. There's a few disclaimers, but it's mostly on the person to make sure they know what they're getting into. That's not even considering how their protection only goes as far as this building; once outside or in the Astral Plane, I'm on my own.
And, because of the Tactical Division's close ties with the AMA, they get away with more.
Intentionally neglecting to mention what they're getting out of being a volunteer team while talking about the benefits to me. Even camouflaging the omission by saying how I don't need their help to make me lower my guard.
The Astral Plane is one massive area divided into territories. Once you go in, you can go to any area if your willing to risk the travel. People have streamed their exploits on the other side. So, I know about the enemies I might face. I also know what he isn't telling me. Yeah, Rusty Tinker Toys aren't much threat, but A) they can sound an alarm to bring others to swarm you, and B) its not them that'll kill you but the traps laced throughout the area.
Now, let's see what he'll want from me…
"You see, the volunteer team is made up of what we like to think of as 'experienced rookies'. Individuals like yourself who've requested our help and then continue to work with us to gain experience. So, besides myself, our members consist of those who will be needing to 'grind their skills' as it were."
"Additionally, the Tactical Division - as you may know - specializes in the Engineer-class which is the most resource dependent class there is. Assisting you will consume our resources that we'll be needing some degree of compensation for. As such, we will have to insist on allowing us to collect any resources dropped by the enemies."
"Then, in exchange for our assistance in providing you with strategy guides and secret locations, we will also impose a condition of 'first dibs' for any other items we find. The special ones we lead you to are all yours, but unexpected or unique drops from the enemies will go to us first."
"And, finally, our members are needing to be paid. So, any money we find on the other side will be evenly distributed between all party members."
The first two I can live with. No harm in letting people practice their skills, and most resources can't be used right away anyway. Even if I take Engineer as my class, it'll be a while until I can process them.
However, that's just a ploy to make me lower my guard. The second two are real issues.
First of all, there's no guarantee that these guys'll do anything. Yet I'm expected to let them have any loot they don't specifically lead me to? The odds aren't great and odds are I won't be able to use whatever I get, but I still don't like that it will automatically go to them unless they don't want it.
Then, there's the issue of money. Again, they might not do anything. Meaning I might do all the work but still have to evenly split it between us all. Also! Even if I can't use resources, I could still sell them. So that's an even bigger cut into my profits.
There's also no mention of how signing a Contract with them means joining the Tactical Division. Signing on with them means I'll be working with them, but unless a particular timeframe is specified, I could be made part of this team indefinitely.
I don't know the terms of the Tactical Division's Contracts specifically, but all factions are pretty exclusive and make it a point to rope people into their side where they can. And what information is available about Contracts was pretty clear about what to watch out for.
However, I also know that these terms are not up for negotiation. I either agree to their terms or I go it alone.
Still, despite all that, I still have to ask if it's not worth it. I'm as ready as I'll ever be, but what if it's not enough. Can I really do this on my own?
If I say 'yes' to this, I'll lose out on a lot - yeah - but I'll have the Tactical Division behind me. I'll have access to their support.
If I say 'no', I'm going it alone and have to face whatever comes my way head on...
I lay out my hands on the table and take a deep breath. The smart thing to do would be to say yes. Fall under the Tactical Division's support and just live my life. Maybe I'll be able to make something of myself.
However, that's not what I want. I don't want to live under someone else's authority. I want to take control of my own life and make something of myself. Going it alone isn't a smart decision, I know, but it's not a horrible one. Big fish don't really bother with small ones. The infighting between them can be its own shield. If I'm not part of an actual faction, the only thing I really need to worry about is the Underground and making any personal enemies.
Conversely, going into the Tactical Division now means I have definite enemies inside and outside. It may be a stable environment, but it isn't necessarily a good one. And, at least on my own, no one will specifically be gunning for me.
I let out the breath I'm holding. I look Jebediah in the eye. "Mr. Coswald, can I be upfront with you?"
The man almost dismissively replies, "But of course."
"I'm not ready to give up my independence. I know there are benefits to joining a faction and risks of tying to go solo, but I want to try and keep myself open for the time being."
Jebediah smiles kindly. "I think you're mistaken about something. If you sign on to receive our support, you'll join our team, and once the Contract expires, you'll be free to go."
"But how long will the Contract last? Are your 'experienced rookies' willing members or are they people like me who signed a Contract and it just hasn't ended yet?"
That shut him up as the smile drops off his face. He doesn't seem happy. Not unhappy, but between my 'childish' first impression of spinning in my chair and this, I don't think he likes me much.
Making an enemy this early in the game is really stupid. Let's see if we can salvage this. "Look, I know that the terms aren't really negotiable. I either agree to your terms and get pulled into the Tactical Division or I try my luck solo. But maybe we can try a third option - if you'll hear me out."
Jebediah leans back with his arms crossed - not a great start. "Just what are you proposing?"
I swallow heavily as I put my words in order. "I'm asking you to lend me part of your team. We form a group of three or four, they provide me with secret information about the Workshop, you still get the resources, and we split the money between the us, but I get first dibs on the rest."
"The volunteer team only operates under Contract. What you're asking is to form a random Party with some of its members. The Tactical Division doesn't endorse random Parties. If you meet with others while on the other side and form a team, that's one thing, but we don't allow unauthorized Parties to operate in the Workshop. Least of all with rookies. It tends to lead to wasted effort, inefficiency, and a higher death rate. You think I can just bend the rules?"
"I know you can."
"What makes you think that," Jebediah asks as his eyes shift.
"The bureau sets the overarching rules, but really, it's the guilds who control the Astral Gate. It allows them to control who goes in or out, keep an eye out for enemies, and most importantly recruit new members. As the captain of the volunteer team, you're the one most responsible for recruiting new members. Suffice to say, you're the top guy of this floor within the Tactical Division. What you say goes."
Jebediah leans forward with his hands on the table - progress! "Even if I had that sort of authority, why should I? As I said, my team operates under Contract. What you're trying to do is receive the volunteer team's support without signing a Contract. To what reason is there for me to even consider the idea? Furthermore, authority or no, it's the guild who sets the rules. So, going along with your request would mean actively defying the guild. Why should I stick my neck out for you?"
I lay my hands flat on the table and stand up. "I didn't let myself get bought in by the benefits you listed off at the start, and I can tell I've at least got your attention. Believe me, I've done all the research I possibly could. I've seen all the streams, read every article, and even listened to those boring ass lectures about how this and that from the Astral Plane could be used for one field of research or another. I'm as informed as someone who hasn't been to the Astral Plane possibly can be. I think I've shown that I'm not just some nobody."
Jebediah leaned back with his hands in front of him. "You want an investment. You're asking me to support you in operating outside the purview of the Tactical Division. Let's say I actually consider the idea and put myself on the line. What's in it for me? Where's the return on my investment?"
I slink back into my chair. "Guilds don't exist to help one another; they exist to help ourselves. The people up top benefit from the people on bottom and those on bottom are protected by those up top. Most everyone who goes to the Astral Plane does it so they can gain power. So they can be on top. The Tactical Division operates like a company. Like any company, there's a corporate ladder to climb. To do that, you need to achieve something or contribute to those above you."
"But your problem is, you're stuck here. You're at the top position you can possibly get. To move up requires to you be moved somewhere else, right? But how can you? What reason do they have to move you? Your position confines you to the same few areas of the Astral Plane; so, it's not like a miracle will happen and you'll get some super rare thing that'll get you a promotion. Your only chance is to have the rookies you train move you up when they get 'hired' to a different department. 'Oh, I did this thing but I couldn't have done it without Captain Coswald's training when I was starting out.' You need them to carry you. But, like I said, everyone here is selfish. Whose going to give credit like that? Especially to someone with more ability and experience who would just become a rival to their own progress."
"You're making this up as you go, aren't you," Jebediah interjected with a quirked eyebrow.
"Absolutely. One-hundred-percent. Every word. But that doesn't change what I'm offering."
"What are you offering?"
"If I remain independent, I can travel to the other Gates who would without question bar someone from another guild. I can venture out into areas you can't. Not only can I obtain things that might be hard for the Tactical Division to come by, but if I'm successful enough to gain a reputation, then it'll look good on you for having a connection to such a promising upstart. Everyone would know who helped me get my start, who had the foresight to work with me early, and who'd be the main contact between me and the Tactical Division."
"You're offering to be my errand boy," Jebediah chuckled. "While your offer is certainly amusing, you do realize why people don't typically try this ploy?"
"A lack of protection, venturing into different Gates means meeting all types of different people and potentially making enemies all over, a lack of specialization causing a limit to by growth or for it to stall, death-"
"The list goes on," Jebediah interrupted. "Furthermore, you're whole argument hinges on your theory being right. Maybe I don't want to move up. Maybe I'm in a higher position than you think? Maybe I have avenues you're unaware of? Even if everything you said is true, what guarantee is there that you won't just use me and then abandon me when it's convenient for you? Then, there's the fact that people will associate me with your actions. Anything you do well will reflect well on me. The reverse is also true; it'll be my name and face getting dragged through the mud if you do anything wrong. You're little plan puts me at as much risk as you - difference being I have much more to lose. All hinging on whether or not you can actually succeed. What's the difference between me supporting you as an independent agent versus as a subordinate of the Tactical Guild."
Shit. I've used up all I had. I don't really have an argument here. "If I try to use and abandon you, I'll be out of luck. Even if I join with someone else, I'll still have a rep of breaking deals and have possibly made an enemy of the Tactical Division."
"The way I see it. Your position offers a minimal risk, high return but with a low chance of paying off. Conversely, my offer had moderate-to-high risk for high return with a good chance of working out. Even if I'm a failure, you'll have almost nothing invested in me yet, so you won't lose much of anything."
"What do you say…"
"I'll admit you're different from other rookies. And, you certainly have the spirit of someone who chooses the Mechanical Workshop - the domain of W1$3 - as the place to make your start…"
Jebediah gave a small smile. "Alright, I'll humor you this time."
I couldn't stop the grin that appeared on my face. "Do you mean…"
"Yes, Mr. Mathews, I'll pull a few strings and agree to your terms. I'll lend you my vice-captain to monitor and advise you and one of the volunteer team's other members. We get all the resources, you can have first claim on anything else, and any money gained will be split between the three of you."
I let out a big sigh of relief and flop back into my seat. I practically cry, "Thank you~"
Jebediah raises an eyebrow. "Such a vote of confidence…Given I've agreed to support you, let this be some advice. Unless a Contract is signed, refrain from such displays where the other party can see or hear you."
"Yes sir," I offer uncommittedly.
"Just so we're clear, my vice-captain will be observing you to see if you're worth my continued investment. Consider this a 'probationary period' or a test of skill. If at any point I don't think you'll deliver on what we've agreed, I'll cut you loose. And, expect a few unpleasant rumors to go around."
"I hear you loud and clear. Just, be sure to give me some slack. I am still just starting out. You won't get into trouble, will you?"
Jebediah snorted before standing up. "Do not worry. As you assumed, my position isn't meager despite its restricted modes of advancement. I have also yet to do anything to tie myself to you too thoroughly. If you prove to fail here, I'll just say I made a false judgement about your potential. It'll hurt my reputation slightly but in no real way. Being in a 'dead end position' has some perks. It may be hard to rise but falling isn't any easier."
That's not what I said. Guess he's more bothered by his lack of progress than he lets on. Good for me. Means he'll be more desperate and help me more.
Assuming, I can back up my big talk.
"Come along, I'll introduce you to the reset of the team."
"Huh?" I see Jebediah start walking to the door and quickly get up to follow him. "Wait, I thought you said I was only getting your vice-captain and one other person?"
Jebediah stopped with his hand on the door before turning to me. "I did. Consider it an additional boon, I'll be letting you choose which other member of our team joins you."
"I appreciate it, but…Why?"
Jebediah opened the door and stepped through before answering. "To test you of course. My vice-captain can handle anything the first stage of the Workshop can throw at you, but the more active assistance she gives you, the lower you'll be rated. It's not feasible for someone to make it in the Astral Plane alone - at least not without an Astral. Sooner or later, you'll have to work with others."
"You want to see how I choose my partners and how I cooperate with them," I realize.
"Precisely," Jebediah smiles before dropping it. "Now come along."
I quickly follow behind the older man. He's nowhere near as fast as Ms. Mallard, but he's tall and has longer legs then mine - so he's got a longer stride.
We continue in silence, but it doesn't bother me this time. I'm too preoccupied considering how to make a good impression. I have to play this smart and pick the best person on the team.
Various thoughts go through my head as I consider the different possibilities of what kinds of people could be on the volunteer team. I have to consider how useful they'll be, maintenance, personalities, potential combinations, etc.
As I try to think this out, Jebediah leads us to a big door similar to the one Ms. Mallard used to enter the 'interior' of the building. It leads to a spacious area connected to a slightly smaller passageway. At the end of the passageway, I see it's illuminated by light. That's probably the Astral Gate.
The area itself resembles a sort of lounge or a slightly fancy waiting room. It was predominantly purple with some blue and gray. Predominantly featuring the Tactical Division's emblem, the place had a sort of 'under the sea' meets 'cyberpunk' vibe to it. There were tables upon tables ranging from long conference ones to little square ones. On one side of the room there was even bleachers while the opposite had stand-alone chairs with little tables beside them or situated on either side of a coffee table.
Opposite the entrance there was some sort of counter. I can't make out what it is but it looks like something you order from. My guess is either stuff for the Astral Plane or food and drink.
There aren't many but a decent number of groups are scattered around or hanging out solo. Relaxing, talking, typical stuff.
I continue following Jebediah as he approaches a table by the wall. The table has four occupied seats and is situated beside a lone chair by the wall that also has someone in it.
"Alright, volunteer team," Jebediah announces casually but firmly that puts an end to the light atmosphere we walked into here. "I'd like you to meet Layfon Mathews. Before continuing, introduce yourself and your class."
I notice the woman sitting in the lone chair reacting to Jebediah's words. I guess this isn't how this normally goes and she's noticing somethings different. Between that and her being the oldest looking of the group, I'm guessing she's vice-captain.
Supporting my guess is how she's the first one to stand up and introduce herself. "I am Velvet Noel. Ranger."
Velvet was a beautiful woman in her early-to-mid-twenties with dark skin, sharp yellow eyes, and bluish-silver hair that was pulled into a side-ponytail almost reaching her elbow. She wore a similar outfit to Jebediah, but her's was a brighter shade of purple. However, strapped to her wrist was a noticeable white bracelet with a purple gem.
The bracelet was something developed by the Tactical Division. It's a sort of storage device used for rapid equipment of your…well, equipment.
Upon first entering the Astral Plane, you're imbued with certain…qualities that emphasize it's game-like nature. One of these is equipment slots. TD developed these wristbands as a means of letting people be able to instantly equip or unequip their equipment at a moment's notice. This way, people didn't have to worry as much about needing to store and change their gear.
Only problem was it could only hold one piece of equipment for each slot. So, it can't act as a second inventory for people. Additionally, only people from TD really use them. They don't horde them or anything. They just don't make it easy to get them. It's like a signing bonus in the Tactical Division to get one.
A lot of Royal Paladins get one too due to the guilds' close ties. Then you have the Underground and Lovely Angels. Finally, the Dragon's Roar. They and TD don't have the best relationship; so, getting one's even more difficult. Having one has become a sign of success among the Dragons. Though, I've also heard claims that they think they're for 'weaklings' who need help carrying their equipment. Pretty sure that's just them acting out of spite.
Then, the rest of the volunteer team members rise…
One guy energetically rose to his feet with one hand on the table as he leaned forward. "Hey, I'm Reval Comoore, and I'm an Engineer!" He seemed about the same age as me but a little shorter with dark blue hair that was straight before starting to curl outward at the ends. His gray eyes shined with enthusiasm and friendliness. The uniform he wore was a pale shade of purple.
Next was a pretty girl wearing a similar pale purple uniform who did not get up but offered a small wave. "I'm Shirely Fenette – a Medic." She has very long, shiny, orange hair and yellowish-green eyes.
Shirley turned to the slim, nerdy girl sitting beside her – giving a gentle nudge with her elbow. The girl seemed to visibly shrink under everyone's attention so I can't tell if she's naturally that small or not. She didn't seem the type to care about how she looked but still had a kind of 'cuteness' to her – that weird way you can't help but find something cute because of how helpless it is. Her wavey, dark green hair seemed pretty short for a girl. However, I can say that her indigo eyes seemed particularly striking even if they were behind a pair of round glasses.
"Nina. Engineer," I barely heard the girl – Nina – murmur.
The last member of the group took the initiative and stood up from his seat. He was shorter than me, and honestly, looked younger than the minimum age of eighteen to be here. He had very short, brown hair with a few curling strands and violet eyes. He offered a gentle, polite smile of his own with a small bow. "Rolo Brian, Ranger, at your service."
"Um, hello," I say, "Like your captain said, I'm Layfon Mathews."
A jump in his step, Reval quickly walked up to me and began patting me on the shoulders. "Nice to meet cha."
"Comoore," Jebadiah said.
Reval did not seem to register his captain's words and continued as he slung an arm around my shoulders. "Welcome to the team, Layfon. Now, I know the Astral Plane can be intimidating," he began leading me toward the table.
"Comoore," Jebadiah said more strongly.
"And things can be difficult when first starting out. But don't worry, the captain and vice-captain know what they're doing. I know they can seem a little intimidating, but if you ever feel like you can't talk to them, then just come to me. Of us 'rookies', I have the most experience."
"Comoore," Jebadiah was starting to sound harsh.
"After me, there's Rolo, Nina, and Shirley is our most recent addition after you. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to-"
"Ravel Comoore," Velvet commanded.
Ravel froze at the vice-captain's bark and slowly looked in her direction.
"I believe the captain had more he wanted to say," she glared.
Ravel removed his arm from my shoulder and rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Sorry, Captain. I was just trying to make the new guy feel welcome."
"Yes," Jebadiah coughed into his fist, "about that. Layfon is not actually going to be part of our team."
The statement earned a series of confused faces and utterances from the group as they all looked to their captain.
Velvet chose to be the one to ask the question "Captain, what do you mean?"
Jebadiah cast a glance over his team that felt like a silent order to shut up and listen. "I won't go into too great detail. The simple of the matter is the vice-captain and one of you will be forming a random party with Mr. Mathews for his first excursion into the Astral Plane."
Ravel, Nina, and Shirley seemed confused by this; Rolo did not show any expression; and Velvet – who would be the most understanding of how unusual this was – was the most confused.
"As is the standard, you will provide him with secret information about the Workshop, we will collect all resources, and the money will be split between you. However, all collected items will first be for Mr. Mathews to choose from.
"Um, Captain," Shirley hesitantly asked as she raised her hand.
"Fenette?"
"Um, maybe I'm missing something, but I thought we don't allow random parties like this?"
Jebadiah closed his eyes. "I've told you what you need to know. For all intents and purposes, it is business as usual. You don't need to worry about the specifics. Understood?"
Shirley gave a hesitant nod. "Understood."
"Vice-Captain Velvet."
"Sir," Velvet responded in a questioning tone – still unsure about the situation.
Jebadiah turned to the woman and locked eyes with her. "I want you to observe Mr. Mathew's performance in the Workshop. So, try not to involve yourself too much. I'll be expecting a report and evaluation of his ability after your return which will determine the team's future association with him. Am I clear?"
A moment of silence passed. I could guess that since this is supposed to be captain and vice-captain that the two have some sort of long-term relationship. They are definitely having some sort of psychic conversation that people who work together for a long time have.
If I had to guess…He told Shirly 'understood', but now he's asking 'am I clear'. It's simple enough to understand. He's asking if she's understanding the true nature of her orders. To involve herself as little as possible, to judge me, and to see if they'll continue to work with me in the future.
Velvet soon nodded with a small, "Yes, sir."
Jebadiah nodded in reply. He then turned to me. "Okay, Mr. Mathews. As I said before, you're free to choose which team member joins you and the vice-captain in your party. Who will you pick?"
I almost open my mouth to ask for some more information about them – skills, his personal opinion, etc. – but I stop myself. He's looking at me like I'm under a microscope. Maybe I can still ask, but I'm getting the distinct feeling that this is part of his 'evaluation'. To see who I choose despite such little information. Maybe how I handle the unexpected too. OR maybe it's just petty bullying and testing my earlier claims about knowing what I'm getting into and knowing everything I can.
Accepting the challenge, I step back from the team and look them over again.
First is Ravel. Friendly and seemingly energetic. He said he has the most experience of them, and he seems pretty helpful and supportive. An Engineer class; it might be hit or miss if I actually need his help. Engineers at the start are forced to act as front-line fighters until they can improve their skills and start fighting like true Engineers – building traps, making specialized equipment, robot minions, etc. I don't know how skilled Ravel is, but I'm guessing he's at least at the building traps stage.
Nina…No idea. I doubt she'd still be here if her performance was poor, but I'm not sure I have much faith in her. She's an Engineer too, so she has the same pros and cons. I'm guessing she can do basic stuff at minimum and make traps at maximum.
Shirely…She seems nice. Pretty too. Heh, is it wrong to want to live a fantasy of one beautiful, dark skinned, older woman on one side and another beautiful, white-skinned girl on the other as I charge through dangerous obstacles like some sort of lame ass, action, harem anime protag. But I can't let delusions get in my way! She's a medic which is always good. But there's a reason they're a rarity in the Tactical Division. Experienced Rangers and Engineers are all mostly long-range fighters who rarely get hurt. So, they typically don't do much and are often relegated to bag-carriers. Of course, this is my first time, so Medic might be a good choice.
Even if I'm not hurt, Medics and Engineers have larger inventories except Medics aren't full of random stuff usually. It's what makes them good add-ons just to carry stuff.
Finally, Rolo…There's something…off about him. He seems…polite, but in that unnerving way. Maybe he just doesn't like me or maybe I'm just looking into it too much. He doesn't look reliable, but Reval said he has the second most experience after him. As a Ranger, he's a close-to-long range combatant who uses daggers, throwing knives, bows and arrows, guns, sniper rifles, etc.
Decisions, decisions…
Rolo is kinda unnerving the more I think about it, so he's out; besides we already have a better Ranger in the vice-captain as it is. Ravel…he seems nice but that level of energy can be annoying…Definitely not just an excuse to have girls only in my team. Speaking of…I'd like to choose Shirely, but that's just because she's pretty. Have to think strategically for my first go through.
The Warrior class is locked out in this area of the Astral Plane. The only ones in the Tactical Division come from other areas. So, my options will be Engineer, Medic, or Ranger. If I go the Medic route, Shirley is redundant. Since I'm new and don't have anything to carry, I can go Engineer or Medic and have a larger than normal Inventory that's empty to start – so I automatically can act as the baggage mule myself. Nina might not be that hot but she'd definitely be more useful…Hotness or utility…
This really shouldn't be a hard choice…My life or my dick. It isn't so bad anyway. She seems cute. So, there's that.
"Nina," I say – unable to completely keep my disappointment from my words. I seriously need to pull myself together. If I get killed cuz I think with my dick, I seriously deserve it.
Jebadiah nodded seeming to not register my slight tone. "Very well. Eisenstein, you and the vice-captain will form a party with Mr. Mathews for this expedition into the Astral Plane."
"O-Okay," the girl agreed – seemingly uncomfortable with all eyes on her.
Nina and Velvet both approached me – fuck is Velvet tall. I can tell she's a little older than me, but still. I'd think she'd be about the same height as me at most, but she's actually a little taller. Nina on the other hand I would guess is the same age as me but is about a head shorter.
"Shall we be going then," Velvet asked. Is it just me or is she looking down on me…not just literally.
"Yeah."
"Follow me then." She then began marching off toward the bright light at the end of the hallway.
Nina was quick to offer a small bow to me before following after her vice-captain.
I naturally followed after them myself.
It did not take long for us to reach the end of the hallway. The light was practically wrapping around us, yet despite the brightness, it did not hurt to look at it or need for me to cover my eyes.
Velvet seemed to notice my 'newbie-ness' of staring in wonder at the light as she said, "The light before us is not actual light. Despite its brilliance, the human eye has been confirmed to not actually react to it as it does actual light."
Feeling like I was being called a newb or country bumbkin, I duck my head in embarrassment. Suddenly, a screen appears before us.
Welcome to the Astral Plane.
Velvet Noel, Nina Eisenstein, and Layfon Mathews. Are you together?
[Yes]
[No]
Obviously, there is only one answer to choose and we all hit [Yes].
The screen is then replaced by another.
Party consisting of Velvet Noel, Nina Eisenstein, and Layfon Mathews is confirmed.
Who is the leader?
[Velvet Noel]
[Nina Eisenstein]
[Layfon Mathews]
Again, due to the whole point of this being my debut in the Astral Plane, we all select me as the Party Leader.
Something…shifts around me. I'm not sure what, but I can feel a connection to Velvet and Nina. I had read about the process and effects of becoming a Party and acting as the leader, but experiencing it myself is completely different.
"Now, let's begin," Velvet said – breaking me from my thoughts. She and Nina then go ahead and walk into the light ahead.
A step behind, I follow after them.