In a surprisingly quick response, Revenant recommended us to venture towards an arranged meeting place with some guy in an olive hoodie from the gamma echelon zone.
He's far more experienced when it comes to the hidden intricacies of everything surrounding Eidolons and higher Link people. At least that's what I think – he has guided me this far after all.
"Why are you so sure that this is the right call?"
I asked out of curiosity more so than concern, since I believe his judgment to be trustworthy.
"If there is one thing a group of only two wouldn't want to mess with, it's a large group like a gang or similar. Not only would they outnumber us if we upset them, they likely have higher Link individuals."
It is mostly what I thought. Revenant rarely gives me the full picture, but in this case I can guess that he is also wary of people from gamma echelon or even higher to be in this group due to their substantial funds.
This individual entered the store at 8:00am sharp too. They likely knew of our arrangement. Were they connected to the old guy who sold me the Register or were they listening in? The latter seems less believable since Revenant is really perceptive, though they could've used Incantations to their advantage. Opposed to that, a connection with the old man seems more likely. The Register is an important item and he seemed to be the only close-by supplier. The issue with that theory is that this shop is in the delta echelon zone, just bordering epsilon. I just can't imagine that there wouldn't be one or more of these shops in the gamma echelon district, which would result in far better customer amounts than if you opened up in delta or epsilon echelon.
Whilst thinking about this, Revenant looked around the store and its new additions. Once we both left the store, we had to start thinking about how to handle this. Even though showing up at the meeting spot was for our continued survival, it didn't rule out a possible ambush.
"Which calling incantations do you have?"
Revenant asked in a serious tone, but I could see in his eyes that he didn't ask this question easily. Honestly, that sort of respect for the privacy of another is rare to find nowadays, though I believe it is there mostly because he hasn't revealed much about himself in turn. Well, this is about life and death, so I can't really have many reservations about keeping a secret.
"Baku, Ittan-Momen and Jubokko. The incantations themselves are the most basic ones."
"Jubokko? Interesting. You have already seen my Yuki-Onna call and my Enenra Call. The only one that I possess in addition is Yurei. I'm surprised you have three calling incantations."
"My family managed to get me a subscription at a school that teaches incantations using coupons and similar things. I don't have much more of it left to use though."
It is great that Revenant confirmed for me that incantations are more likely at higher Link levels. It makes sense. His reaction to my Jubokko call was the same as with the Rokurokubi one from our recent foe, so it must mean that this specific one is quite rare. Given that Revenant only had three calling incantations and I don't take him for much of a priest, he is very likely to be around Link 3-4. I already had a similar guess before, but I'm now much more confident in it.
Knowing that does give me quite a bit more confidence. Even though I don't have the skill to back it up, I have the equipment and incantation knowledge of someone already quite deadly. Of course our opponents can't read minds, so they'll have to go off of our equipment only. Revenant hides his own, so we are likely not going to intimidate potential foes.
With that in mind, I believe his Enenra Call would be quite useful for getting out of a sticky situation. It had done so before when I was followed. I don't know the details of the Call, but it seemed to be able to create a sort of smokescreen.
My best candidate would be my Baku Call. That is if I'm still able to use the incantation effectively. I used it when I was still new to the neighborhood and couldn't sleep well, but that's been over two years ago now, so I haven't used it since then.
"I take it you're not a martial artist?" Revenant inquired.
"No, why?" I replied in a confused tone.
"It's best if we get yourself a good weapon. I know of a Sin Equipment store."
Sin Equipment is something I don't know much about. My suit is an Acedia Sin Equipment, but that is all I know. His offer is interesting, but I don't have the funds.
"Well, I get my salary on Thursday, though if we get an Eidolon today, I would then also be able to buy some. We could do it then."
Revenant thinks for a moment before continuing to inquire about me.
"You could hold onto my shamshir for the time being, I was planning on getting a new weapon anyways. Oh, the shamshir isn't Sin Equipment, so you'll be fine."
I saw his shamshir before. I don't really get the difference between swords beyond their weight. I mean, what makes a shamshir different from a normal scimitar? I have never held a sword though to be fair.
"Don't you have your Eidolon Equipment though? Why wouldn't you use it?"
It was something that struck me as odd. His Eidolon Equipment was also a sort of sword, though I couldn't make out details then. It's likely that he was corrupted due to it, but he should be able to make better use of it primarily because he knows how to avoid the corruption.
Revenant sighed and contemplated for a moment, weighing his words.
"It's… because I do not like to reveal to observant people that I have a Rank 5 Eidolon Equipment. The Sin Equipment I planned on getting would be a concealable weapon of sorts with utility on it."
Rank 5? That is pretty scary. With great power comes great responsibility and all, which in this case refers to keeping ones sins in check.
"That Eidolon requires me to use it every once in a while if I don't plan on being corrupted. Our last battle in that sense gave me additional time. I fear it might have already been too late because of the hoodie fellow. I do not know if he saw it or not."
I can see why he is wary then. If that mysterious person really is threatening us, whether they know about Revenant's Rank 5 Eidolon or not changes the situation fundamentally. Should they be aware of it and they set an ambush, said ambush will likely include multiple people of Link 4-5. There would be no way for us to survive the encounter, no matter how many tricks we employ.
Revenant was never so cautious before, but I am starting to share his sentiment. I think when he asked me to get a Sin Equipment he was offering to lend me money for it. Such an arrangement would bind me to work alongside Revenant for the foreseeable future, but that really isn't something bad.
"Hey, would it be possible for you to lend me the cash for the Sin Equipment?" I probed and, sure enough, I saw a tiny smirk unfold on Revenant.
"I thought you wouldn't catch on. Have you had any Sin Equipment before?"
"I have, it was the suit I wore before. It was of Avaritia sin. You asked because of what types of Sin Equipment I could have? In that case I only know of Greed and Sloth."
He nods and then continues to walk towards the store he mentioned, pushing past many kinds of buildings, each constructed in a way that violates a different set of laws for safety.
We were both quiet as we continued down the streets. By then, I stashed away my 'Judge Gauntlet' again, so as to not arouse unnecessary attention. We were again going to a place unfamiliar to me as the store is a bit of a detour from the route going straight to Gate 3-08. Here the buildings rose very high. It has something to do with there having been actual construction efforts by the government, leaving what is essentially a treasure trove of building materials in the area. Even through their poor construction, there were upwards of six stories to some of these buildings with bridges, platforms and the like connecting these complexes overhead. It was bustling with activity, with people not just beside but also above us. This place is often called the 'poor man Eucalyptus Hall' due to a similar inspiration for the similarly named district in the beta echelon zone. Thus this actually became a cheap tourist spot for those of the gamma echelon zone. As a result this area has lanterns, which are pretty luxurious for our likes, covering the streets being lit throughout the entire night.
Suffice to say, I like history and this place is far more entertaining than Revenant's silence.
We climbed up onto walkways and down others, eventually ending up somewhere on the second level, when Revenant suddenly looked at someone on the lower floor to the left, them looking back at Revenant. Before I could tell much about them, they took out a suspiciously pistol-shaped item, then aimed it above themselves and slightly in our direction after a brief glance upwards.
A muffled bang rang out, as a steel wire shot out, connecting to a platform above us before dragging him upwards, flying towards us. They released their grip on the gun before using the remaining moment to manage a back flip, avoiding a steel girder, then cleanly landing before both of us with a little twirl. He confidently strolled up towards Revenant with an outstretched hand towards his side, the other in their pocket. What followed was Revenant reciprocating the motion and them meeting in the middle, resulting in a clap so clean that it made heads turn. Well, metaphorically speaking. Everyone already had their eyes fixed on him.
This guy stands quite tall, probably six feet and a few inches, with a striking face. They hold a pearl white smile with gold shimmering irises and fair skin, boasting a proud bald head. His build is muscular, broad and confident. He is wearing a white fedora, a slightly opened teal polo shirt, a white trench coat, fancy white silk pants, a heavy dark leather belt and fancy black shoes. He also has tinted sunglasses, simple golden earrings, black short silk gloves, multiple golden bracelets and a heavy golden chain necklace with an opal pendant. He wears silver and gold rings on most of his fingers with gemstones inlaid in them. There is great pattern detail in the coat and shirt with those details as well as the strip of the fedora being also golden. He sure wears a lot on him.
The only thing about him that is a bit unsettling is a sort of golden 'ghoul' or humanoid spirit floating behind him with velvet-colored eyes that pierce through me.
"How have you been holding yourself, Revenant?" The rich boy had already asked.
"Good, good."
"Well, that's nice to hear. What about your new friend?"
"That's Nathan Verren. He is of a low Link, but I see a good bit of potential in them. They also already signed up to be a hunter." Revenant gestured to me.
This guy stretched his hand out towards me in a formal handshake, which I took, before he introduced himself.
"I am Calypso Bronto, though you can just call me Calypso, a hunter like Revenant, though at Link 5 strength, pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Verren. A friend of Revenant's is a friend of mine."
"I also appreciate it, you can call me just Nathan." I politely smile as I respond.
Calypso turns his attention back to Revenant, who is quick to respond afterwards.
"How come you are here in the delta echelon zone?"
"You know how it is. Life sends you to the weirdest places at the most inopportune of times, though I suppose running into you was a pleasant surprise."
"You personally have to intervene? Is it a high Rank Eidolon or something?"
"It is of no concern for you. Ah, but what about continuing our conversation somewhere warmer. I saw an alright restaurant just down the road. It's my treat~"
He pointed over to a building that was built in a style very similar to those found in the gamma echelon zone, standing out just about as much as Calypso is, with LED lighting, insulation, intact glass windows, wallpaper and all the other stuff. Revenant seemed uncomfortable with this arrangement.
"See, I appreciate the gesture, but you really don't have to always treat me like this."
"What is the issue with treating my dear friends to a meal? You see, gambling hasn't been all too effective at draining my bank account recently, I tend to be quite lucky. Besides… we have another friend present here. I simply wish to extend a kind gesture to my newest acquaintance."
As Revenant prepares to retort, Calypso tilts his head forward slightly to reveal a stern set of eyes with a relaxed smile, then snaps his fingers.
The world spins around us; colors swimming with splotches of saturation and vibrancy clouding our vision. People and buildings turn to silhouettes, then these silhouettes shimmer and lose shape, flowing free, like an amalgam of just colors. I can't think, my vision continues to blur, I lose sight of what is what.
Without warning it stops like a hard cut in a video. We find ourselves in that restaurant with food steaming in front of us even though I don't recall ordering anything. I sit beside Revenant, Calypso sitting opposite of us, smiling politely.
Before me lies a beautiful arrangement of different meats and vegetables covered in a layer of sauce with a salad and pudding as side dishes. I look towards Revenant nervously, a cold shiver still running through my spine, though he is just slightly agitated, likely because of Calypso's outright refusal to listen to him.
"Nathan, don't worry about my little trick. Just enjoy your meal~"
Calypso's singsong voice made my heart jump out of fear. His words leave no room for argument, no, rather I dare not speak against him. Link 5, huh?
I silently indulge in my dish. The slice of beef still drips fat and blood. The taste is a smothering warm embrace of the meat melting on my tongue, the fat coating my mouth and the sauce adding a creamy and herbal note. I subconsciously tear up from the luxury I was never in my life able to experience before. Calypso and Revenant don't pay any mind to it, catching up about life.
My heart grows heavier with every bite, knowing that this experience encroaches its end closer and closer. As I finish the main dish, I just stare at the empty plate for a long moment, until I'm interrupted by Calypso.
"From what Revenant tells me, you are quite the interesting individual. It would be a shame to lose someone like you so soon and I can't personally ensure your safety, so a little fund for your Sin Equipment should do."
By now I had already started to numb my nerves using the power of alcohol, so I was able to somewhat keep my composure as he slid a ten-phalite note over the table.
"No need to pay me back anytime soon. The only thing I ask you is that you remain a hunter for the time being. See it as me hoping to bet on the right horse."
I stashed away the bank note very carefully, before I looked at him again, though this time my vision was blurred and my mind heavy. It seems the taste of the liquor distracted me from how much I drank, though I swear it wasn't all to much. I search for the right words somehow, though I can't manage to think clearly.
I am forcefully returned by the noise of Calypso snapping his fingers again. He just smiles gently as he pushes himself up from the table.
"You enjoy the rest of your meal, I have to unfortunately leave due to my business. It was highly enjoyable for me and I hope to meet once more sometime, though it would likely be in the gamma echelon zone by then."
The tail of his coat sweeps up as he spins around and strides to the exit in a confident and leisurely gait.
We finish the side dishes as we were told and then headed back outside.
"I'm sorry, Calypso is a certain character, though his intentions are mostly good I assure you. Just make sure not to annoy him too much."
Annoy him too much? I'm scared of annoying him even in the slightest. Either way, I calmed my mind as we keep going to the Sin Equipment store with hopefully no further interruptions.
We continued climbing up and about, reaching the storefront just shy of 9:00am on the third floor. The front of it didn't look special and didn't have a sign of any kind and inside we were greeted by two guards at the door frame and what looked like a gas station interior, but with various weapons, armors and trinkets lining the shelves instead. At the register was an old and balding man with muscular arms smoking a cigarette, his legs crossed lying on the counter whilst casually sweeping his eyes over us, then returning to read a magazine of sorts.
Revenant splits off to already look around as soon as we entered, so I followed suit. There were many different kinds of items. Some more ordinary than others.
"To meet up in time with that guy we need to be out by 9:30am at the latest, got it?"
"Yeah. Should be simple enough."
I thought that we wouldn't spend nearly as long inside of here, but it's either my unfamiliarity with the sorting system or my stinginess with money when it comes to these things, but I am having my point of view corrected.
Each of these Sin Equipment have their Sin and Abilities described, so looking over each of the options took some time.
Sin Equipment is far less expensive than Eidolon Equipment because of two primary reasons. Firstly, Sin Equipment can be manufactured and as such isn't an array of one-of-a-kind items. Secondly, Sin Equipment is fundamentally weaker than Eidolon Equipment. Sin Equipment can break, its special effects are considerably weaker or limited to only a certain amount of usages and it is incapable of corrosion. (which is a good thing, but it still is different)
When using Sin Equipment and not having the correct Sin or Virtue, one will just not be able to use it beyond its normal use. One can still use a Sin Equipment sword like a normal sword without the prerequisite, but one cannot call upon the powers that make that sword better than an ordinary sword. For Eidolon Equipment that can also be the case, though far more likely one will be fucked up in one way or another. Either they suffer corrosion, have the item lash out against them or just straight up kill them if it isn't a low rank one.
I decided to pick out only two items.
The first one is a silver falchion with etched engravings along its blade and a sturdy handle. It is of 'Avaritia' type granting me the ability to exert an excessive amount of force in a single blow, capable of cleaving through essentially everything, though only once per hour.
The other item is a brass pocket watch of type 'Gula'. That item protects me from a lethal blow once, then corrodes into dust.
Revenant was playing around with a beautiful stiletto, made up of a Damascus blade and a purple hilt, testing its weight. The cashier looked at the items to give us the totals. My items add up to 1.2 Phalite and his item was priced at exactly 1 Gael. We both put our money on the table, though the old man sighs as he picks up my ten-phalite bill to inspect it very closely for around 5 minutes, then handed me the change.
Without further words being said, we walked outside and towards Gate 3-08, arriving at 9:55am. The masked figure in their olive hoodie was nearby, nodding at us to follow before vanishing into an alley. I took out and placed 'Judge Gauntlet' on my hand as I tentatively followed alongside Revenant.
Inside, the alleyway opened up into a small plaza that looked to be used as a hangout spot by a gang quite regularly. As we stand in the area, the figure takes off their mask and hoodie, looking at us with a dangerous glare.
"To begin with, you can refer to me as 'Apollo'. My first question to you is: how did you get your hands on Avaritia-09-2-022?"
I was confused why this person asked me about this. Looking at them, they have a set of tonfa attached to their belt, though otherwise they are wearing a black one piece bodysuit with black sneakers and black gloves, in total covering their entire skin up towards their neck. They had a buzz cut with a pretty androgynous appearance.
"Why is it important? I mean, I found it lodged into a door of my apartment one day, which was more than a month ago."
"It's important because that thing belonged to my boss before they disappeared all of a sudden a bit more than a month ago. You are the only one I've seen that could be connected to it."
"Wasn't me though. I don't know anything about your boss and it really just appeared out of nowhere one day."
Their expression shifted to become more doubtful and their voice became more confrontational.
"Look, people of Link 5 don't just disappear out of nowhere. Now tell me what you did to him. Tell me how you managed to not just kill him, but also to get rid of him leaving no trace behind. We hired people from the damn beta echelon zone to try and pin down where he could've ended up, to find even a drop of his blood."
"I don't know what to tell you, there is no way we know anything about your boss. I haven't been tested for a Link yet, but I would only be a Link 1 or 2 anyhow. I couldn't even dream of taking out a Link 5."
They start to look pretty annoyed by now, but then they take a long breath and calm down.
"Alright then. I'll just need that gauntlet for the beta people to investigate. So how about I buy it off of you. My gang gave me the cash to do so as a last resort. How does 5 Phalite sound? Trust me, you won't get a better offer for that thing anywhere else."
I thought about it for a good moment. 5 Phalite is an incredible amount of money but I am actually not in a tight spot with money right now due to Calypso.
"I'll have to refuse. I believe that it is currently more valuable to me than that."
"Ten! Ten Phalite! You could buy a better Eidolon with that."
"No, the use 'Judge Gauntlet' has for fighting Eidolon is far greater than any other Eidolon I've seen so far."
I believe he was just about to jump me or something, but someone else entered. A lady with ripped Jorts, a white belt and a fancy fur coat slung over her shoulders emerged. She openly showed her muscular chest and arms with only some tattered strip of cloth covering her breasts. She had various tattoos and piercings across her body and had heterochromia, her irises being purple and blue respectively. She had a cast iron anchor attached to her back, the anchor having had symbols painted on using spray paint.
The person that acted so tough before now had their eyes wide open as they turned around to look at them before backing away and bowing down.
"So you're the one I was told about? You're just some scrawny ass chump, nothing more. I doubt you could take out an Eidolon, let alone someone like our boss. I'll change the offer: If you manage to confirm the cause of death of our boss or retrieve them you'll get the 10 Phalite, but you aren't forced to, nor do I expect you to find them."
I wanted to look her in the eyes and tell her not to insult me like this and that there would be no way in hell we'd be looking for something that killed a Link 5, but I couldn't even manage to look her in the eyes due to her glare shooting knives.
Revenant just turned around and left again, which seemed like a wise choice so I followed behind, though before I left, the lady called again from behind us.
"I'm Sylphara Cobas. When you plan to talk to me, return here."
Man, overconfident people like her really live in their own fantasy sometimes, though I should be careful to not eat my own words later if I do manage to stumble upon their boss in some dingy side alley or something.
After leaving the hideout, we walked up to the gate proper. The gates are what separate the different echelon zones, well most of them. For the separation between delta and epsilon, they only put up a fence with barbed wire without anyone manning it, so one can easily climb over. Each of these walls grows larger and more secure the further inside you go, though with the one between gamma and beta being made of mostly solid steel. I haven't been in beta before, so I wouldn't know of the wall separating it from alpha.
These gates exist to essentially just tax the poor. It technically is both ways, but people from gamma are treated way more leniently when it comes to passing between, since people with a good reason, like having a workplace on the other side, are able to pass through freely. Mary for example likely lives in gamma, so to get to her workplace in delta she has to pass through the gate, but doesn't have to pay.
The government allows essentially any half-decent reason for someone from gamma to let them go through freely, even if it is something like vacation or grocery shopping, whilst not entertaining even some very important reasons from people from delta. The only catch is that you are expected to actually do what you said you would do. It might be some Sin or Eidolon Equipment power, but they do make sure that your reason is legit.
Those that don't feel like being observed just pay the toll to get it over with, thus the theory of the gates being security measures is just hot air. As I said: just to tax the poor.
Revenant pays the 10 Gael per person and we move through into the gamma echelon zone. The air is fresher, the streets are clean and the buildings are up to code. Do I even see some sunlight trickling in from the clouds? Every person walking around us is wearing nice clothes, but one thing isn't really different. This city is still a terrible place to live in. At least people in gamma can afford cars, adding a hazard of being run over.
I am led through the streets by Revenant as we are being noticeably avoided by the other people due to our general looks, which is due to the corruption, the clothes or just the intimidating vibe of Revenant.
Eventually I find myself in front of a very small house, like those small security shacks that one would see next to a car park barrier or similar. The interior is pretty tidy with nothing much about it. There are quite a lot of electronics in the initial room and the room in the back just has a couch and a counter with a water heater and a coffee maker.
"This is it. This is our base of operations for hunting." Revenant said.
"It's not much, but we're not going to be here long I suspect."
"True that. Just grab a walkie-talkie and we'll be off again."
As Revenant instructed, I took one of the radios and put it in a pocket, then headed outside with him.
"This part of the job is pretty simple. You walk around and do whatever you want whilst keeping your eyes peeled for any Eidolons. Since we're in gamma we will be able to make use of the news to get reports of any occurrences."
The gamma echelon zone is pretty keen on showing off, which is why at intersections and the like there are stations with televisions built into them for advertisement or news broadcasts. Though Eidolon incidents are still pretty common, even in gamma.
Without a goal either one of us is striving for, we just kind of walk around aimlessly window shopping and taking in the scenery of this place. The concept of being able to go to gamma seemed way more exciting before actually getting there. Though as we are walking around with nothing to show for it in the past hour, I hear a familiar voice from behind.
"What are you doing here all of a sudden?"
I turn around to see Mary wearing the hand-knit scarf that lied on the counter before. She quickly walks up to us, her heels clicking on the pavement as she does. Revenant looks me in the eyes with a suspicious expression.
"No, Revenant, that is the receptionist of the school I go to for my incantations. Her name is Mary Ebberay."
Mary is finally standing next to us, but she seems to essentially just focus on me.
"I never thought I'd see you here of all places Mr. Verren."
"Well, let's say I am looking for better job opportunities."
"Which is why you are hanging around with what I suspect to be an Eidolon hunter?"
Revenant waves at her politely.
"That is Revenant. He was the one to help me out back when my suit tore. And yes, I do plan on getting into the Eidolon hunting business."
"Hmm, alright, not my position to interfere with. You know what? I have something I've been itching to do if you're up for it. Fortune reading. Tarot has been a hobby of mine and I never had anyone to actually try it out on except myself."
That came out of the blue. I am slightly flabbergasted, though I recover quickly.
"Sure, why not. I don't have much better to do."
"Great. Let's go into a cafe and I'll get us three a coffee."
I looked towards Revenant, who didn't seem to have any problems with this, so I agreed to her request. We found a quiet spot inside of a cafe and each one of us had a coffee. I am not much of a coffee drinker so I got a latte with Revenant getting a black coffee. Mary had an order that I couldn't quite follow, but it instead made her seem like an addict.
She then took out a stack of cards and started to shuffle them.
"Is there anything you would wish to have foretold? I personally would recommend a simple past-present-future reading for starters."
"Sure, let's go with that. I don't have anything specific, though I don't really care about my past or present that much, so is there a way to, uh focus on the future?"
"Yes, there is one. We would just have to switch from a basic three-card spread to the crossroads spread, which is also called Hecate spread."
With my confirmation, she nods and finishes shuffling the deck, laying out five cards in a sort of 'plus' shape, which I assume is the spread she talked about.
"This first card points to your past." She says as it is flipped. "The reversed Fool. It indicates that you might have been reckless in the past and thus been taken advantage of."
My brows twitch slightly as I am reminded of an event in my past. She isn't wrong, but it is about what I have heard from Tarot and Horoscopes and such. I've been told that it's just money grabs that tell you some vague phrase that can apply to anyone, though I always believed there to be more. I'm actually quite intrigued by things like these as they remind me of Oracles.
"This card in the middle reflects your present. It is the upright Death. A change has happened recently or is currently happening. It stands for new beginnings and the end of cycles. You looking for a new job could be an example of an old cycle ending. It is a good omen."
I mumble "Alloiosi" under my breath like the history nerd I am and she catches it.
"Technically transformation could be an interpretation of it, but seeing as you aren't corrupted or an Eidolon, I don't believe it to be quite as accurate."
She smiles gently before guiding back to the three remaining cards.
"These three are your future. All of them point to possible events that can happen. None of them have to happen, but all three could occur. Your fate can change, but without change these are all very likely."
She flips them over one after another.
"The upright Tower representing an incoming disaster. The reversed Hermit, a symbol of finding yourself lost and alone, leading to introspection and new connections. Lastly, the upright Emperor. An icon of a ruler, you can expect to wield a great deal of authority and have a solid structure in your life. Perhaps you will reach the heights of a high Link."
I look at the cards. If there is merit in Tarot, then I should probably avoid the Tower and strive towards the Emperor, though asking how to do that is likely where Tarot gets its reputation as a scam or hoax.
"Well, thank you Mary for the reading, it was very insightful." I said politely.
"I should be thanking you for allowing me to reveal your secrets to myself and Revenant. Don't worry about the Tower too much. I think you'll be able to manage. I mean, this city has disasters around every corner anyhow."
We sat in silence for a moment, using the time to take a sip of the coffee.
"I… can't overlook it anymore" Mary admits.
"Look, you really should go to a clothes store. You can't really walk around in the gamma echelon like this, it just isn't right. I can take you to an affordable place if you want."
She looked doubtful, expecting me to not be willing or able to afford anything of value, given that I am from the delta echelon zone. Since the reading, Mary also got a sort of confidence and pride inside of her that I can't place. It gives me a very distinct and odd sense of 'classic women'.
"Sure, why not. It would allow me to enjoy the sights."
After finishing our coffees, we leave the establishment as we are guided by Mary. She is actually really good at sparking idle chatter, but the presence of Revenant makes everything a bit more awkward. Him not talking at all isn't making it better either.
Revenant wouldn't be scared of women, I think. More likely he is just careful to not compromise my social connection. I hope at least.
We eventually arrive inside of a mall at some clothing store called 'Campbell and Igor', where I look around the winter clothing section. I pick out a simple white shirt with an indigo cardigan and a black parka jacket on top. I also pick up a pair of jeans whilst I'm at it. In the meantime Mary nags me to get some more serious winter protection for my hands and stuff, so to appease her I also get myself a blue and white striped beanie as well as as some teal woolen gloves.
Mary also decides to go clothes shopping, trying out different clothes before buying some ear muffs and a poncho.
Revenant also went around and got himself a simple scarf to not just be awkwardly standing around the place.
The total price of 115 Gael makes my jaw drop quite a bit (affordable my ass), though I stomach it with what I'll call the 'Calypso Fund' from now on. Seeing my exasperation at the price, Mary gave me a glare that essentially conveyed: "this is still cheaper than 90% of the clothes stores and you definitely need that beanie and set of gloves by the way".
I was allowed to change into the clothes at the store, probably because their eyes wouldn't take seeing me any longer like this, with my old clothes stuffed into my duffle bag.
As we continue to walk around the mall, I, at some point, mention my annoyance at having to repeatedly pay the toll if I plan on working as a hunter as I am like 99% sure that I won't get a free pass for this job. Mary jumped at the situation a little too quickly for me.
"You know… I actually am a small-scale landlady believe it or not. I rent out the guest room at my house sometimes, though I don't actually have someone there now. If you were to promise me to help me out at times when I ask you for favors, you could stay there."
It might just be me, but she really is coming on strong right now. Honestly though, this offer is very lucrative for someone like me. I would have an excuse to pass through the gate because of my actual workplace and I'd be more easily able to do my job here. This is without mentioning the luxury of this place and the reduced risk of burglary and death.
"If you'd have me, I'd honestly be pretty delighted. With this hunter job I could then actually think about getting a living space in the gamma echelon zone, so I wouldn't bother you for too long."
"Ah, no worries, no worries."
I swear she had a grin that ran ear to ear as she said that, though I couldn't quite tell when Revenant was called all of a sudden… on his phone. He has a phone?
He looks down at the number and then tells me that he'll be splitting off for now and to tell him on the radio if I spot something.
And so he went. Mary let out a sigh of relief as she looked at me again. It probably is better that Revenant left. It's less awkward now, but with how pushy and weird Mary has been, I don't feel all too sure. Just as to confirm my suspicions, Mary leans in to whisper:
"I know that you know about the assassination. I do hope that you can play along, otherwise there might be consequences for you."
I freeze on the spot. There wasn't any hostility in her words, just a velvet wrapped threat.
"Ah, I'll have to leave to prepare your room and everything though now. Here's the address. Hope to see you soon. Later."
She then leaves into the crowd of people. I look down on the piece of paper that has her address and phone number on there. She knows I don't have a phone, though still decides to leave behind her number. What a tease.
I don't plan on lurking any longer in the area either, leaving the mall and walking around for a while. I pass by a bus waiting at a bus stop and consider entering, but I don't feel like paying the 6 Gael fare for it. I may be pretty flush right now, but I still want to hold onto as much money as I can.
With that being said, I continue to walk and walk. I take a break at a small park, observing a group of children and their parents building a group of snowmen and an igloo. It is oddly calming to see innocent children playing in the snow, oblivious to bloodshed and Eidolon. Something like that is very rare in the delta echelon zone. I only look down at my pocket watch during a snowball fight and notice that I've really lost time, it being 5:17pm. The street lamps had since turned on and as such I hadn't registered the sun going down again.
As I stand up to continue my journey I am suddenly interrupted by the voice of a reporter on the screen next to the bench I sat on.
"… an Eidolon had suddenly appeared killing 5 people and injuring yet another 13. An officer was nearby and managed to scare it off. Experts suspect that it may be connected to the incident at the beagle district, where …"
I immediately scramble to my feet and click a button on the radio.
"We have a bite."