With Jewel positioned on Glimmerwhisk's lap, receiving a few loving touches, the goblin heir finally speaks:
"So, let's start with this cutie in my arms. There exists a certain shop that specialises in Pets. Sadly, it looks like it's closed… as for why, apparently, it wasn't worth renting even a space or a stand on the markets. Pets are very rare, and the only thing he was getting were dumb questions about them—not actual customers. He is still doing business, but only through private one-on-one deals. I've simply referred you to him. Meet him in the Universal Tea Lodge at exactly 16:00 Realm time."
"... where is that?" Alex asks.
Do I look like I just visit random Realm-run stores all day? And what kind of stupid name is that anyway?
"Yes, you have a lot of time and FC on your hands, don't you? After all, your two Supporters are bringing home a steady income—thousands of FC every day, often more," Glimmerwhisk replies.
"I guess I do, but I still don't waste FC on pointless things. Guess I'll find it," Alex comments.
"It's on the small connecting street between Alzara Avenue and Neptune Street," Benezia says. "Close to the market."
"These streets actually have names? I haven't seen any signs…" Alex murmurs.
"The signs are hard to spot, and the names are written in an ancient script. Some Realm workers offer translations," Benezia explains.
What a waste of time…
"Thank you for that," Alex says. "What about Supporter Skills?"
"This issue should already be dealt with, right, Asari?" Glimmerwhisk says.
"What?" Alex asks, staring at her.
Menchi also looks confused. "Benezia, what does she mean?"
"I was approached by someone just hours ago… I am not obliged to reveal whom, by contract."
"Why do people keep signing all these NDA-like contracts without telling me? This is so stupid!" Alex complains.
"I actually agree with you, Alex," Menchi says. "First Tereza, now Benezia."
"You two, calm down," Glimmerwhisk cuts in. "I referred her to a special club. A club that only allows Supporters to join. Secrecy is important—not just regarding the identity of their members but also many other details. Benezia had no choice. She could have refused, and even told you the identity of the one sent to recruit her, but that would have been the end of it. Instead… I take it you joined?"
"Yes, I did," Benezia replies nonchalantly.
I wanna know who they are… Some of them clearly stay in the shadows on purpose.
"And the results?" Alex asks.
"I obtained three more 'students,' and I have learned two more Supporter skills. According to Melissa's advice and also your past experiences, I've left one skill slot open. I wish I could tell you more, but the only thing I can actually share are the skills I obtained," Benezia explains.
"Probably generic ones…" Alex mutters.
"Exactly. Your instincts are rather sharp, Alex. I chose to learn Swordsmanship and Movement," Benezia says.
[Benezia]
Level: 19 (0%)
Rarity: Deep Purple
Free Skill Slots 1/3
Skills: Swordsmanship (Expert +), Movement (Expert -)
Support Skills: Diplomacy (Master -), Teaching (Expert +), Trading (Expert +)
Weapon rank: Deep Purple
Armor rank: Deep Purple
What?!
"Why?" Alex asks loudly. "I'm confused. I thought Supporter combat skills were inborn. For example, you are a master Biotic—you obviously don't need a Biotics skill for that, it probably doesn't even exist for Supporters. The only Supporter skills I've ever seen are related to crafts or jobs. You said you had extensive sword practice, so what do you actually gain from picking up Swordsmanship? You are already a swordmaster! This seems like a waste."
"It's a good question, Alex… I've wondered the same," Menchi admits. "I've thought about learning a Knife skill, but honestly—I'm already incredibly skilled with knives. What would a Knife skill even give me? These kinds of skills sound redundant, don't they? So did you really get stronger from Swordsmanship?"
Benezia smiles.
"You are bright children, and your points are valid… but there are a couple of reasons for my choices. Please listen to me."
"Rare skills are not available. I can say that with confidence. Until I get access to high-level Supporter skills, these empty slots would simply be wasted. So why not fill them with something basic in the meantime?"
"These skills were cheap—I can't tell you the exact price, but trust me, they were more than affordable. And I didn't only choose them just for myself. With my Teaching ability, I can pass them on to other Supporters. Swords and especially Movement are broad skills with wide application. They're useful to anyone. As I mentioned, I already got a couple new 'students' and that number will increase soon."
"I see…" Alex replies, nodding slowly. "So there are probably plenty of Supporters in the Realm, especially lower-quality ones, White or Green rarity, who'd love to have something like that. Reminds me of Tonpa whom we saw earlier, hehe. Since you already have such a high starting point, your Teaching ability lets you give others a massive boost. From a business standpoint… it actually makes a lot of sense!"
We're getting richer and richer!
Soulmate does indeed love money the most. Princess Jewel heard Tereza use the word gold digger while watching television shows. Is Soulmate a gold digger as well? Is it fun to dig?
… No. I mean no, I am not a gold digger!
"They're doing it again…" Menchi mutters under her breath.
Ignoring Alex and Jewel's mental discussion, Benezia continues. Despite her usual serious, no-nonsense demeanor, Alex notices genuine passion in her eyes.
"The truest reason I chose them is far simpler. While I've always been sufficiently skilled with the sword, I always felt there was a limit. A wall I couldn't surpass. Here, in the Realm, that is unlikely to change without direct steps. To go beyond my old limits, this skill may be my only path forward. My prior experience isn't lost, of course—it still matters greatly. In fact, I am already close to reaching Master rank in Swordsmanship. This is something I want to improve with my own effort! I feel young again, and I am quite motivated. To truly challenge myself, I want to sharpen these skills further."
She pauses, her expression softening before returning to a more serious one.
"Despite already possessing these abilities, I can feel a slight improvement, nonetheless. Not only that, my skillset is a little broader. Even small improvements matter, and this way, I'll be stronger for the upcoming mission. Perhaps… I might even encounter a certain Green-haired swordsman. Testing my sword against his swords would be a dream."
I'd love to see that… actually.
Glimmerwhisk claps her hands together, her sharp nails clicking. "I am impressed. You are a beautiful, shining star. Your purity impresses me. It suits you!"
"Menchi, you are also steadily advancing your dreams. You two are incredible. Of course, you as well, Jewel," she adds, petting the spider on her lap gently.
… fuck off.
"Are you jealous, Alex?" Glimmerwhisk teases, smirking at Alex. "You know, you aren't any less impressive, but I won't go into more detail, or else you might get arrogant. You wanted to know more, right? About time?"
"Yes…" Alex admits. "I dislike the idea of lazing around for a year or so, but isn't it pretty logical to do just that? Menchi and Benezia are earning a lot of FC and are improving their skills. While I mostly laze around, I also train and feel myself getting sharper with my various skills. Should I consider buying some time?"
"No. Two reasons. The little crown on our lovely Jewel's head is slowly losing its effect. You can't afford to waste any time," Glimmerwhisk explains.
"I see… it's Jewel's [Suppression Crown - Jewel]. To tell you the truth, I almost forgot about it." Alex responds, rubbing his head.
How can Soulmate forget?! It's Princess Jewel's proof for being a genuine Princess!
"What is the second reason?" Benezia inquires. "I share Alex's reasoning. Slowing down is not necessarily a mistake. There are FC to be made, and despite being rare, there are still expensive items being sold. I've even been offered Purple and Gold Quality items. At non-acceptable prices, of course, but with enough FC, there is significant progress to be made. I also heard another auction is coming up fairly soon."
"I am not allowed to explain it in more detail. I can just offer my advice—don't buy time. It won't help you in the long run. It's related to the very Realm itself. I can only tell you that divinity is involved," Glimmerwhisk responds, looking a bit torn.
"Is Chronos an evil god?" Alex wonders aloud.
"Chronos?" Benezia tilts her head.
"Who is Chronos?" Menchi asks, clearly confused.
"Sorry… I'm just kidding." Alex says, looking slightly apologetic. "Chronos is the Greek god of time. I think a god of time is just such an obvious concept that I thought the Realm had one as well."
"There are several gods related to time in Asari culture," Benezia comments. "This is a dead end, however. It's no use discussing it. However, Glimmerwhisk—you said it is related to the Realm itself? That leads us to ask: what even is the Realm? Even you don't know the answer yet, Alex… or do you?"
"No, I sure as hell don't. Maybe the actual gods are bored and just want to see us puny humans suffer," Alex jokes. "Like fucking around? Playing a game? Betting on our survival?"
"A rather twisted and pessimistic outlook. However, I can't deny that you may be correct in your assumptions and have stumbled onto something," Benezia says calmly.
"Seriously?!" Menchi blurts out, her eyes wide.
Soulmate is usually right on these issues, despite not taking them seriously and joking around.
"In my opinion," Benezia continues after a short pause, "the Realm is a test. What is being tested? Everything. Perhaps relying on time leads to a point deduction? It seems like a crutch."
"Isn't that just smart?" Menchi asks. "It's a logical choice…."
"You know, I was always content to pass my exams with decent grades… no need to be a nerd and aim for the top grade," Alex mumbles.
"We can think about it later," Benezia says, her voice steady. "Her first argument already sold me. Jewel's evolution should take precedence, right?"
"I agree," Alex says immediately.
"Yeah, we can focus on money-making afterwards," Menchi adds, nodding. "Let's revisit this time issue after Jewel evolves!"
"Good!" Glimmerwhisk says with a smile. "The shop is at the temple, a little over a kilometer out of the southern exit of the city. It's on the edge of the part of the Realm you can access. If you are bored, you might want to check it out. It might explain a thing or two, but why don't you focus on your mission first?"
"Thank you, Glimmerwhisk," Alex says.
"You owe me…" she says with a grin. "After this mission is over, I have a request… no, it's an order. I'll tell you more then."
Alex gulps, looking slightly worried.
Let's forget about it… for now.
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