'I can't fucking read - Narbaral can't either... Should have taken into account the language difference.' Connor thinks to himself, standing before the board, his fingers tapping his temple LED in thought, looking from contract to contract—the lettering looking like either chicken scratch or random swirls. A man walked up and tore away a contract, walking over to the attendant. Connor's gaze locks on a particular contract.
"Eh, fuck it. This looks important." The desert ranger picked up the contract and made his way over to the front desk. The guild attendant stood there with her hands folded in front of her, looking calm and sweet in her fine green dress. "Huh, beauty marks beneath the right eye seem pretty common," he thought as he approached, the memory of the muscular redhead from earlier lingering in his mind. He placed the paper in front of her and said politely, "I'd like to take this job, miss."
She glances down to read the document for a moment before looking back up at him. Noticing the copper trinket he's holding, she puts on a sweet smile. "I'm sorry, sir, but this request is for Mithril plates only," she says, pushing the contract back toward him.
"I understand," Connor nods, leaning on the table and pushing the paper back. 'Lying asshole,' a subroutine in his programming thinks. The receptionist blinks in confusion.
"It's why I'm requesting it," he said with a snicker.
"Sir, you understand that if you fail, many lives will be in danger," she insists, making sure the man before her comprehends the seriousness. Connor smiles, straightening his relaxed posture.
"Ma'am, I will find you my companion, and I am more than capable. She's a third-tier Magic Caster," he gestures to Nabe standing beside him—those who overheard turned to them in shock.
"Third Tier! At her age???" someone questions with his equally surprised friends.
"Holy shit!"
"And though I'm not a caster, I'd say we're equally matched in terms of fighting prowess. This plate system is new to us. Where we come from, we assign jobs to those who can handle them, and we can handle this," Connor asserted, straightening his duster. Despite her surprise, the attendant remained firm in her response.
"I'm very sorry, sir, but I cannot offer you this job," she states firmly, having reached a decisive conclusion after a failed attempt at persuasion. Connor raises his hands in mock surrender. With a sigh, he takes a step back and responds.
"Well, that's fair, I suppose. I can't hold it against you. Then, if you would, please give us the most difficult request for our rankings?" he says kindly, his calculated Southern charm pouring out. The attendant smiles.
"Yes, of course." She turns and walks away to search through a dresser that resembles a filing cabinet for his request. 'Okay, it was a bit of a rocky start, but I got what I needed in the end. I really should learn to read this world's language...' he thinks to himself, waiting patiently. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices a small group approaching him. A dirty-blond young man steps forward with a smile and a wave.
"S'cuse me, sir! Would you like to help us with our job?" Connor turns to them and tilts his head to the side slightly, his LED briefly flickering yellow under his bandana.
"Go on," he says slowly, suspicious of the group approaching him. His preconstruction software analyzed possible scenarios as he heard what others said about him, and he didn't want to embarrass anyone else today.
"Not here, come with us," he says invitingly. Connor is skeptical but agrees. He turns to the receptionist, who is flipping through files and contracts, and snaps to get her attention.
"Never mind, ma'am. I'll see you another time. Have a wonderful day!" he said, giving a small salute and waving as he followed a small group up some stairs and into a small room. Inside, there was a long table with a booth and chairs. It looked like a small meeting room.
"All right! Let me introduce myself! We are the Swords of Darkness! I'm Peter Mauk, the leader of our little group!" He appeared to be an unassuming young man, possessing the typical features associated with young men in E-Rantel. His armor was also modest, consisting of a mostly open cloth shirt with chainmail over it, topped with a vest. It was decent armor for a swordsman; however, he could benefit from having a shield. He likely owns one but just didn't have it with him at the moment. "And over there are our eyes and ears, our ranger, Lukrut Volve!" he said, pointing to another blonde.
"Hi~," he says flirtatiously to Nabe. He comes off as an annoying prick, getting on Connor and Nabe's nerves. Cocky and bothersome, he is quite vexing. However, first impressions can be deceiving. As a ranger, his armor is suitable for his role, consisting of light leather over cloth. It offers minimal protection, but since he won't be a front-line fighter, that makes sense. He likely carries a crossbow or a bow and arrow.
"… This guy here specializes in healing magic and nature manipulation: Dyne Woodwonder, our Druid," Peter says, pointing to the large and jolly-looking man. With long, shoulder-length blond hair and a well-groomed beard, Dyne appears to be the eldest in the group. He wears barbarian-like armor, and a fresh scent of grass lingers around him, which is fitting for a druid.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," the man beamed, his smile warm and inviting. 'In this moment, he feels like a young Santa to me,' I thought, my social relations program processing the festive association.
"... And this little guy is the brains of the operation, Ninya! The spellcaster!" Peter says, gesturing to the final member. However, Connor feels confused. With his advanced scan capabilities and experience with different human forms—his partners Hank and North being prime examples—he can tell that the young brunette is anything but male. If they are, then his biocomponent scanners need recalibration.
"It's nice to meet you, but Peter, could you please stop calling me 'little'?" the small individual chastised their friend. They wore simple clothing that resembled a monk's attire. A hooded cape was draped over their back, and a magic staff rested on the table before them.
"What? You're our little guy!" Peter jokes with his teammate, smiling, indicating this is a typical interaction.
"The little man is a talent holder," Lukrut points out, sitting with his foot up on the chair and leaning against his leg.
Connor perked up at the mention of a "talent holder." "I must learn more about that... Oh!" He paused momentarily, then received a notification from the Scout he had sent to follow the redhead about an hour ago. His suspicions had been correct; she had gone to the town pharmacist. This revelation nearly ruined his day due to his disappointment with the world's magical and technological development. Red potions were considered "pure magic," and they couldn't replicate them. He sighed and ordered, "Keep monitoring and report any anomalies." [Mission Accepted]
"...four years to learn magic while others have to take eight, right, bud?" Peter asks. Connor, having temporarily diverted processing power to other tasks, hears the conversation but needs a moment for his conscious processors to catch up. Ninya nods sheepishly.
"Certainly impressive," Connor says, nodding at the small human while still unsure how to address them. "However, this concept of a Talent Holder is intriguing. Is it genetic or spiritual? Talents seem to represent an affinity for something. In Ninya's case, their talent lies in a greater mastery of magic spells and concepts. A related term could be 'Specializations,' which excel in a specific category. This is, of course, excluding the CyberLife model specializations..."
"I feel fortunate to have been born with it. It truly enabled me to pursue my dreams," they say with a humble smile. Their demeanor resonated with Connor, activating his empathy subroutines and making him smile in return.
"Regardless, he's quite well-known in this area," Peter says proudly about his friend.
"C'mon, guys, I'm not that famous; there's someone more renowned than I am," Ninya replies, trying to deflect the praise and admiration from their peers, a blush filling their cheeks.
"Oooooh yeah, Bareare!" Lukrut exclaims, picking up what Ninya is putting down.
'I guess it's my turn to introduce myself,' Connor thinks as the group turns their gaze toward him and Nabe. Looking from her to the group and back, he realizes he will be the one talking.
"Hello! My name is Connor, and my beautiful companion is Nabe. It's a pleasure to meet you. What kind of talent does this Bareare possess?"
"Uhh, well, if you don't know... Then you must really not be from around here." Peter observes nervously.
Connor smirks and leans back in his chair, his LED briefly flashing blue beneath his bandana. "You have no idea, brother."
Peter explains that he is not to be rude and leave his prospective partner in the dark, "Nphirea Bareare is the grandson of the city pharmacist. His talent allows him to use all types of magic items."
'All magic items? That's a dangerous power, especially in the hands of those with less than noble intentions. If I knew what he looked like, I would have a Scout keep an eye on him. We need to ensure he doesn't fall into the wrong hands, particularly if he is as valuable as he seems. The mission parameters need adjustment.'
"Anyway! Our job is to eliminate some monsters near the city," Peter says, finally sitting down. His friendly smile never leaves his face.
Cocking an eyebrow, Connor asks, "Hunting job?"
With a nervous chuckle, Peter explains, "Well, it's not an official guild request. It's more than they're there, and the loot can sell for good money. The city might reward us if the monster is strong enough!"
'Basic grinding... Looting every enemy to sell later like in one of Lieutenant Anderson's video games...'
"It's a necessity in our line of work, unfortunately," Lukrut mutters, obviously wanting bigger and better things but happy nonetheless.
Connor stands, adjusting his thirium regulator discreetly, and takes a small stretch of his synthetic muscles. "Welp, well, I don't particularly enjoy killing, but when done righteously, it's a chore like any other," he says with a friendly tone.
"I like the sound of that! Sounds so profound!" Lukrut says, inspired, as he stands.
Peter stands as well, offering his hand, "Well, that's it. What about it, Connor, join us?" he asks.
"Why not?" Connor said, removing his Ranger helmet and taking Peter's hand in his own. He gave it a firm grip and shake. "I don't like to make deals without looking a man in the face. So… let's slay some monsters, eh, brother?"
Lukrut raised his hand like a schoolboy and asked, "Quick question! What's the relationship between you two?" He pointed to the servant and the master. Meanwhile, Connor received a notification that a young man had left the pharmacy and was heading toward the guild hall.
"Uh... Why?"
Lukrut falls to one knee before Narberal. "I'm in love! Love at first sight! Please, Nabe, go out with me!" he pleads.
Her face contorted in disgust, and she said, "Shut up, slug. Speak to me again when you know your place."
"Damn..."
Recoiling with his hand over his heart, "Oooh ouch, harsh rejection,"
"Haha! I'm afraid she is not only out of your league, but she's also..." Wrapping his arm around her waist, Connor pulls her blushing form into his side, "...not available."
"Aw Damn!" Lukrut curses his luck.
Nervously chuckling at his friend's behavior, Peter says, "Sorry for our friend's rudeness."
Raising his hands in mock surrender, Connor says, "No harm, no foul, brother. Haha!"
"We can leave immediately since we're all ready." Peter offers.
"Sounds dandy to me, brother,"
As they gather their belongings and start to leave, Connor runs various system diagnostic scans and plans through his mind for upgrades to both his programming and his android body. Despite the advanced capabilities of his RK800 platform, he feels it isn't quite meeting his expectations in this new world. He loves his current form, but part of him feels incomplete. He is an android designed to accomplish a mission, and his new purpose is to promote peace. However, like any algorithm, he knows it must grow and evolve over time. Connor has sent orders to his Scouts to begin gathering materials for a Fabrication Unit.
In an abandoned workshop, Connor realizes that he needs to evolve or risk becoming obsolete. Although he doubts that this world could ever truly affect his core program, it's always wise to be cautious. After all, what is an artificial intelligence in an android body supposed to do to fend off boredom? Besides, he thinks it might be time for a few cosmetic changes to better integrate.
"Excuse me," a voice interrupts Connor's line of thought. Looking over from his small group, he finds the receptionist he met earlier giving him a confectionery smile.
"Eh?"
"You have been requested for a specific job," she informs him.
Scanning for additional information, Connor asks, "Oh? Do tell,"
Smiling, the receptionist turns to reveal. "Mr. Nphirea Bareare,"
In an instant, Nabe's instinct to protect her master comes out like a cold viper as she draws her dagger and goes in for the attack; however...
"Bad girl," Connor says after chopping her head like a disobedient child. However, he couldn't blame her. They were talking about Nphirea earlier, and now here he is in the flesh. "What a coincidence... Probability of this being random: 28%"
"Sorry, Connor," Nabe says, ashamed, making the second cutest face he's seen her make.
"You're good, love. Sorry, Mr. Bareare; she's just protective," he apologized to the young man for her, placing her behind him with an affectionate pat on her head. "She was just protecting me. Can't be mad at that. It's part of her mission parameters."
"I understand, sir; it's nice to meet you. I'm the one who requested you," Nphirea says as he steps closer. Standing about 5'7", he doesn't appear very intimidating. He seems to be around 17 or 18 years old, if Connor had to run an age estimation protocol. With a blond bowl-cut hairstyle that covers one of his eyes, this is his most noticeable feature at first glance, along with his typical herbalist clothing. Overall, he seems quite innocent. However, given that he comes from the pharmacy and is the grandson, and likely the future owner, of that establishment, he is eager to find out where I obtained the red healing potion.
"Slightly problematic; however, something as useful as him coming to me is better than running a tracking sequence to locate him."
"Ah... Well, you caught me at a bad time, little brother. I just agreed to help these fine folks with their jobs," Connor says, referring to his compatriots.
Surprised, Peter leans to Connor and chastises him in a whisper, "Connor! What are you thinking? This is a personal request for you!"
Turning back, Connor retorts, his LED briefly cycling yellow, "And? What man would I be if I didn't live up to my word?"
"It's a personal request," Peter stresses. He wants his new friend to take the window of opportunity before it closes.
"How about this, then?" Connor says to all parties, no longer whispering. "How about you tell me what you need me for, little brother?"
"Ah. Well, I have a regular trip to Tarb Forest, just outside Carne Village, to gather herbs. My usual guards left town during the winter, and I figured it would be cheaper to hire a low-cost alternative... no offense," Nphirea explains. His reasoning is sound. However...
"And you wanted to hire a single man and his companion?" Connor asks.
"That is correct, sir. I heard about your fight at the inn and figured you would be a perfect fit." Nphirea smiles, though he fidgets with his hands as he speaks, a clear sign of his nervousness that Connor's social module instantly detects.
"That's irresponsible," Connor says after a brief silence, causing Nphirea to look confused and the Swords of Darkness to regard him as foolish for insulting a potential employer.
"How so?" Nphirea says, not insulted at all. Merely curious.
"I don't know, little brother. Think about it: I'm a Ranger, but my element is in scorching hot deserts. I come from south of Dolar, and I'm not very useful in forested environments. Lukrut here is an experienced Ranger in this area, isn't he?" Connor says, placing an arm over Lukrut's shoulder. Lukrut thinks for a moment before speaking.
"Yeah! I know the area pretty well. Eyes like a hawk!"
Connor then pats Peter on the shoulder. "We also have a swordsman here. As skilled as I am with my sword and gun, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Plus, it never hurts to have more blades." He walks over to Ninya, resting his arm on their head while also patting Dyne's shoulder. "We have a talented mage and a big, jolly druid with us as well!"
Nphirea, still confused, asked. "What point are you making here?"
Connor pulls the Swords of Darkness together and says, "The point is, you're overlooking a few key roles in your little adventure, little brother! Even if it's an annual trip, just bringing me and Nabe along would be irresponsible. What would you prefer—four eyes watching your back, or twelve?"
Peter realizes what Connor is implying and looks at the Desert Ranger in amazement. Connor is turning an opportunity for himself into a chance for all of them. He is truly a man of his word, dedicated to working with the Swords of Darkness, no matter what they are doing.
"I understand your reasoning, Connor. I'm willing to pay for additional protection," Nphirea said thoughtfully, his arms crossed and one hand resting on his chin. After calculating the increased cost, he concluded that the expense would be a worthwhile investment and nodded in agreement. "We can leave right away if that's what you prefer."
Connor looks to Nabe and the Swords of Darkness for confirmation, and when it is given, "Will do, boss. Meet you at the gates?" Connor asked, taking off his helmet and approaching the boy.
"I'm amicable to that," Nphirea says, shaking the taller man's hand and leaving the group to gather their things for the journey.
Stepping to face Connor, Peter puts his fist over his heart and bows. "Thank you, Connor."
"Now, why did you go and do that?" Connor says with a smirk, patting Nabe on the shoulder, his LED briefly flashing blue with satisfaction. "Come on, Lovely, we have a mission ahead of us!" He adds as he and Nabe walk toward the exit, waving goodbye to the Swords of Darkness behind them.