Ding!
The notification literally woke him up like an alarm.
His eyes opened slowly even as morning light entered through the window.
He yawned while the bright notifications remained there in mid air.
" Talk about invasion of privacy "
Kyrie's still dull eyes began going through the notifications.
[Daily Quest Available]
Objective: Observe and understand Strevus society
- Interact with 3 different citizens
- Learn about local currency and trade
Reward: +400 EXP, +1 Intelligence
Time Limit: 24 hours
The screen was quickly dismissed with a thought as he got on his feet. Today was the day he would meet the telepath.
He moved to the bathroom, taking a cold bath before he began dressing.
It didn't take long before he had a brown coat over his body, balancing his goggles over his eyes.
He was about to leave when he noticed something at the side of the dresser.
It was a prompter, it looked old and was probably his. He quickly picked it up and placed in his coat.
He walked out of the room and there Negan was. Already making tea in the kitchen.
" You awake already, " He said while handing him a cup of tea.
" Good we leave in ten " his old habits surfacing.
Kyrie drank the tea and it was damn strong and bitter, It easily slapped at his jaw and woke him up further.
" Ready "
" No " Kyrie replied jokingly with some elements of truth.
Even as they got out of the house into the car. The streets were packed.
Steam carriages jam-packing the narrow roads, their engines chugging and hissing.
Traditional carriages were pulled by horses also. Even as the drivers yelled at one another. " Get moving cog brain "
The morning chaos was evident. The factories whistled signalling their functionality.
Droves of workers filled the side walks, with coal-stained clothes, head down and in masses flooding into the factories with urgency and tired looks.
Kyrie watched from the car even as Negan navigated around the chaos.
The contrast between individuals was stark. While some ran in urgency. Well-dressed merchants in fine coats moved slow and unbothered in the chaos.
On the side a woman in an expensive gown had stepped out of a shop, her servant struggling with bags behind her. She didn't even glance at the workers rushing past as if they were ghosts.
" This is what mornings are like around here" Negan said while taking a corner.
"Everyone's either trying to get through the day or trying to get the most out of it."
Kyrie nodded, taking it all in.
Just ahead they witnessed a marshal on top of a man, having the man pinned head first against a brick wall.
The man mumbling something no one could hear. Trying his best to fight off the blue collared menace.
The marshal twisted the man's arms backwards before cuffing him.
The crowd that surrounded the scenario couldn't do anything other than watch.
" Move along " the marshal barked as the small crowd scattered like a bunch of cockroaches running away from light.
Negan drove past without slowing down for a second.
Kyrie looked back through the window seeing as the man was dragged into a steam-powered wagon.
" What did he do ?" Kyrie asked curiously.
" Does it matter ? " Negan replied flatly.
"He might have stole bread or just fucked with the wrong people. The marshals don't usually need a good reason "
Kyrie turned facing forward again, etching the image into his mind.
The city wasn't just unfair in theory but in action as well.
[Daily Quest Progress: 1/3 citizens observed]
They continued driving for a few more minutes before stopping in front of a food cart along the main road.
The man in charge stood behind a steamy kettle. He sold meat pies and tea.
" Two meat pies and a flask of tea " Negan said while reaching into his coat.
He brought out a gold coin with gear on one side and a crown on the other.
He gave it to the man who simply nodded while taking it.
He didn't waste anytime, packaging the order and handing it over to Negan who gave one of the meat pie to Kyrie.
" Eat. you would need your strength "
The vendor soon retrieved eight smaller copper coins. Placing them on Negan's welcoming palm.
"Thanks" the man said.
Negan simply nodded even as Kyrie bit into his pie. It was quite flaky but the meat was well cooked. It was simple and delicious.
" What are this coins? " Kyrie asked.
" Ohh..Crowns," Negan said, holding up a gold coin. "This buys you a decent meal or rents you a cheap place to sleep. These on the other hand —"
He held up the copper coins "—are Cogs. Ten Cogs make a Crown. You can use Cogs for small things. Like street food, supplies and bribes if you are smart."
Kyrie understood immediately, nodding to show he got it.
Crowns for a good meal and Cogs for the smaller cholesterol filled pleasures.
[Daily Quest Progress: Currency learned]
[Daily Quest Progress: 2/3 citizens interacted with]
Once they were done eating, they got in the car as Negan pulled back into the street.
" So.. Kyrie spoke after a while. Did Hall come over with the money yesterday ?"
Negan smirked with eyes still on the road.
" Yeah, early morning as I told him. He paid in full with some extra "
" Extra ?" Kyrie asked eyebrow raised.
" You know K-Y, fear keeps people in line. But a little kindness after the fear is vital to keep them loyal "
Kyrie nodded. That was some good insight. Negan wasn't just effective but quite smart.
They kept driving even as the city around them transformed from large metal factories into more peace and quiet.
There were older buildings, lesser people, some shops around but most were closed.
" Finally "
Negan slowed down the car bringing it to a stop alongside a shop which seemed to stand out amongst a few others.
With the car parked, they got down in front of a sign board that read.
The Fortuna – We tell your Fortunes and Mend your minds.
A typical charlatan attraction. Kyrie thought with his heart racing even as they entered together.
" We have a reservation " Negan said as they entered behind the ringing of bells at the door.
The interior was different, the air smelled sweet and thick with incense clouding everything.
There was shelves full of candles, crystals, and strange bottles. A young woman sat at a desk near the front.
A welcoming smile on her face as she spoke.
" Mr Cross? " Negan nodded. " Madame Daphne has been expecting you. Come with me "
She quickly moved around the desk leading them behind a curtain into a narrow staircase.
Kyrie adjusted his goggles nervously. This was it.
The woman led them to the basement as the surroundings changed up.
The walls were plain stoney, with the gas lamps flickering. It was dimly lit giving off an eerie feeling.
Within the space was a table, two chairs on one side and a single chair across.
Beside the table was a woman who was draped in purple robes with brass like decorations on the attire.
A prompter on the side as the most noticable aspect of her attire was a large wizard like hat with a brass plate eye embroiled on it.
She didn't look young nor old with skin that looked soft and glistened even under the dim light. Her skin care was definitely top notch.
Her eyes were green and piercing. But what stood out in her features was her nose that was larger than most but still framed well with her face.
Her ears looked pointy but only slightly. Not so much it was noticeable but not so hidden if one paid close attention.
She definitely wasn't human. Or at least fully Strian.
"So…? She spoke with a scottish lilt. You're the one with the fractured mind?"
Gesturing for Kyrie to sit on the chair opposite her.
Kyrie sat still focused on her. Negan remained close to the stairs. The attendant had left already.
Madame Daphne studied Kyrie. Moving closer to him.
" You don't look broken but looks can be deceiving "
She was right in front of him with her green eyes reflecting on his.
" Let's see what you are working with. Shall we ? "
Her hands stretched out, hovering over his head like a crown.
Kyrie held his breath
Even as the world around him stood still.