“Okay, lead the way.”

  Crag mumbled, “Things are about to get fun.”

  But Dori just grabbed my arm and started to pull me along. Nevin asked, “Who’s your friend?”

  I shook my head but didn’t stop walking. “Dang, I’m sorry. This is Dejin. He’s a Delmin from the world I told you about. He and I have already been through quite a bit together, so he’ll be our fifth team member, but it would probably be good if you all got to know each other.”

  Dori said, “Plenty of time for that after we take care of some business and fill you in on what’s happening.”

  We made it a couple of blocks and it was clear we were making our way to the mayor’s office, but it seemed that Dori was leading us on a circuitous route. I trusted her though, so I simply took the time to take in my surroundings. After the shock over all the visually obvious changes, the next thing I noticed was how the mana was denser. It wasn’t a huge change, but clearly this was closer to an uncommon level of density rather than common.

  Then, just as we were a block away from the mayor’s office, a group of seven figures cut us off. Six of them were almost ape-like but with tusks. If I had to call them anything it would have been orcs, but Identify filled in the data for me as I scanned the closest of them.

  Kerkan Dre (Uncommon) Level: 72 Race: Obduran

  Affiliations: Bymorte Corp, security forces division.

  Threat: Moderate

  Disposition: Wary

  My gaze shifted from the Obdurans to the figure emerging between them. The transition was almost comical—the hulking, tusked brutes stepping aside for someone who couldn't have been more different in stature and demeanor. Identify gave me a bit of information, but my eyes gave me more.

  Smarmy Morte (Rare) Level: 110 Race: Titeen

  Affiliations: Bymorte Corp, procurements division.

  Threat: Moderate

  Disposition: Optimistic

  This slender figure, a Titeen named Smarmy Morte, commanded a unique presence that seemed to fill the space left by his guards. His golden skin shimmered under the sunlight, casting a glow that made him appear as if lit from within. He moved with an elegance that belied his stature, his steps measured and confident.

  He was dressed in a fashion that screamed of a bygone era, yet, there was a timeless quality to it. The suit was impeccably tailored to his slender frame, the fabric a deep, rich blue that contrasted beautifully with his golden skin. The jacket was fitted, with tails that fluttered slightly as he moved, and his trousers were equally sharp, leading down to polished shoes that clicked softly against the cobblestones. The monocle he wore seemed less about necessity and more a statement of style, hanging gracefully from a gold chain that glinted in the light. His hair, a lighter shade of gold, was neatly combed back, exposing pointed ears that added an otherworldly charm to his appearance.

  For a moment, the thought crossed my mind that he was attempting to imitate Earth attire, but got the century all wrong. I discarded that notion, though. In a vast multiverse, it should be expected that I’d run into some similarities.

  "Ah, I truly am lucky today. Imagine, running into Anwich’s sole Forerunner?" Smarmy Morte began, his voice smooth, carrying a hint of amusement and an unmistakable confidence. His eyes, a deep emerald green, locked onto mine with an intensity that felt almost palpable. "What a fortuitous encounter. I am Smarmy Morte, at your service." He executed a bow that was both grandiose and elegant, the very picture of genteel sophistication.

  Dori snorted, “Oh, I’m sure it’s entirely coincidental and doesn’t have anything to do with the other greeting parties we skirted our way around.”

  As he straightened, his smile widened, revealing perfectly aligned teeth that gleamed almost as much as his skin. "I’m quite certain, I have no idea what you’re speaking of adventurer. I am about conducting the business of business, bringing value to all that I encounter. But I could hardly turn away without introducing myself.”

  The Obdurans behind him shifted, their massive forms exuding a raw, primal power that contrasted sharply with Smarmy's refined aura. Each one stood nearly seven feet tall, their muscular bodies covered in a coarse black fur. It wasn’t as thick as an ape, but it sorta gave that feel.

  Their faces were broad and flat, with wide-set eyes that watched me with a mix of curiosity and caution. The tusks that jutted from their lower jaws added to their intimidating appearance, and their hands, large and capable, clenched and unclenched in a rhythm that suggested a readiness for violence.

  Despite the apparent threat they posed, Smarmy's presence dominated the interaction. His optimism, as identified by the system, was almost tangible. His smile made me feel like he was one of those who thought they could sell ice to Eskimos. The wariness of his Obduran guards was actually more refreshing.

  “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage…”

  “Just how every procurement officer prefers their vict… well, I suppose that’s a crude term. It is just the nature of business, though.”

  I was taken aback by how blunt he was in his response. “As I was saying, I don’t know anything about Bymorte—although, I can guess what a procurement division is for.”

  He nodded. “I’d heard you were quick like that. It does make this a bit simpler. I’d like to extend an invitation of sponsorship from Bymorte Corp and before you say no, I’m already aware of your updated status, Silas Rayden. While it is true that the clans are not the largest supporters of the corporate life, they are still some of our largest customers. I can assure you that accepting our sponsorship will not in any way impact your relationship with your new clan.”

  “You’ll forgive me if I reserve judgment on that.”

  Smarmy's smile didn't waver as he clasped his hands behind his back, taking a step closer, seemingly undaunted by my aloof response. “Bymorte Corp has taken a keen interest in Anwich, and who better to welcome to our fold than its most illustrious adventurer? I do hope we can discuss the many opportunities our collaboration could bring."

  The air around us seemed to thicken with his words. I likely would have missed it if I didn’t have an aura of my own which affected social interactions. There was a… pressure which told me I should listen to Smarmy. I could feel it pressing against my mind, and oddly, my emotions. It was almost instinctual, more hints and suggestions. His aura billowed around me, assuring me that the only logical course of action was to go with him in order to hear out what he said.

  As I pushed off the compulsion, I felt a sharp sense of loss, like my mom used to display when she missed out on double coupon day at the grocery store. Fortunately, I was able to resist, if only. His features scrunched up for just an instant, but then he sighed and asked, “So what say you? Will you come discuss just how far along we can get you if you accept our sponsorship? Gear, boons, spells, abilities, evolution stones, and more are yours for the asking if you work with us. We have all the best goods.”

  Before I could respond, a familiar pink figure appeared. Resha wasn’t more than three feet tall but cast a presence which was greater than her size. She also felt far more imposing than before. Identify didn’t automatically go off, but if I had to guess, she had radically increased her level but still had an uncommon core. I knew well from Samvek’s training that there was a great deal of difference between individuals within the same tier.

  Bek stood beside her and behind him were another four of what could have been his cousins. The Obdurans’ hands went to their weapons, as did Bek and his crew. Resha held up her hand. “Boys, boys, you know the rules in Anwich. There’s to be absolutely no fighting except in self-defense… within these walls.”

  The way she said the last part left no to doubt as to her meaning.

  “Now, Smarmy, you wouldn’t be trying to bypass the tenancy contract Bymorte agreed to when they set up in Anwich, would you?”

  The golden skinned man had a pained look on his face as he stared at the much shorter woman, but he recovered quickly. “Nothing of the sort. As I was just telling the esteemed Forerunner, this was just a fortuitous encounter, nothing more.”

  “Good, then I’m sure you won’t mind if we help escort him to the mayor’s office. With the influx of undesirables into Anwich,” Her expression hadn’t changed, but my skill triggered and I just knew who she considered as undesirables. She continued, “things are more volatile than ever before.”

  If Smarmy was agitated at all, I couldn’t see it on his face. But I knew. My Charisma was definitely getting a workout. I was definitely better at picking up social cues. I was running Adorably Harmless at max right now, if for no other reason, than to shield myself from the effects of the auras that others had. There just might be auras which were more dangerous than combat ones.

  The two groups of corpies escorted us to the mayor's office. Then both their leaders tried to follow our group in. Samvek was already there speaking to the mayor and when he saw Resha and Smarmy he glared at them, but it didn’t seem to deter either of them.

  A moment later, though, there was an almost angelic voice from behind us. “Now, now. Why don’t we allow Adventurer Renner to catch up with his friends before you start drowning him in offers?”

  I turned and saw Selmac, the Vice Leader of the Adventurer’s Guild in this region, not that I was sure what the region covered. I just knew she was a pretty important person, and epic tier at that, not a cheap epic tier either.

  For the briefest of instants both the corpies froze. Then the smiles returned to their faces, “Of course, Vice Guild Leader, but perhaps you could help us to get some face time with him. There are many things to discuss.”

  Her three eyestalks all bowed slightly, which I took to be the equivalent of a nod. “No promises. He’s a Forerunner first, an adventurer second, and now a part of Clan Rayden. But, I will point out to him the uh… costs and benefits of negotiating with your completely legitimate corporations.”

  My new social senses were screaming that I was missing some context here, but no one stopped to enlighten me. The result was all the same, though. A few moments later, the only people left in the room, were myself, my team, Mayor Nitrin, Samvek, and Selmac.”

  I saluted Samvek who returned it with a lesser bow. “I can see you’ve progressed well, nor have attempted to start your racial evolution. It is always expected, but never certain that the young will follow the guidance of their elders. Good job, my disciple.”

  What followed after that was mostly me introducing the various team members and everyone filling the others in on what they’d been up to for the last two weeks. I didn’t bother talking about my uncle’s journal or Emil, but otherwise filled them in on my efforts with the Crembori. Nevin, of course, had dozens of questions, but after an hour, Selmac finally cut him off.

  “There will be time enough for you to catch up later. My time is not limitless, and I have more than this one frontier world to worry about. There is however the matter of some completed quests and the rewards to be applied.”

  I didn’t know what she was talking about, but she quickly explained that she had put a number of quests into place in order to help me out. As she did, I got a notification showing me the various quests.

  Rare Rank Adventurer’s Guild Quest

  Eligibility: Any adventurers in good standing with a rare or lower rank class.

  Goal: Form a party with the Forerunner, Silas Renner on the dungeon world, Galen.

  Deadline: 3 months

  Reward: 100,000 credits, 1 epic class shard per member of the team as available in the guild store at the time of completion, 1000 guild contribution points.

  Epic Rank Adventurer’s Guild Quest

  Eligibility: Any adventurers in good standing with an epic or lower rank class.

  Goal: Mentor the Forerunner, Silas Renner, until he reaches a minimum of level 125 and is able to pass the Epic Rank Guild Test.

  Deadline: 5 years.

  Reward: 100,000 credits, 1 legendary class shard available in the guild store, 2 evolution stones, 2000 guild contribution points.

  Supplement Adventurer’s Guild Quest

  Eligibility: Any organization, family, or ally in good standing with the guild.

  Goal: Sponsor the Forerunner, Silas Renner

  Reward: Priority assignment regarding his world upon completion of its induction.

  Deadline: 1 year.

  “These were designed to benefit Anwich as well as you. I hope you can see why.”

  I looked at the first quest. “My team gets the benefits from this first one, right?”

  Her eyestalks nodded again.

  “But what about Dejin, I doubt that he’s part of the adventurer’s guild.”

  She paused for a moment. “Ah, yes. I had to look up some information on D-41716.”

  When I arched an eyebrow, she said, “That’s the designation of the Delmins’ home world. Did you not know?”

  I winced. “I’ve sorta just been calling their world by the name of their capital city.”

  She said, “Understandable. According to the data packet I just perused, they only called their world, Mother.”

  Dejin interjected, “She is the only Mother of the Delmin which the heavens have provided.”

  “At ease warrior, I meant no harm. And I’ll offer you probationary membership in the Adventurer’s Guild since you’re part of Silas’ team. That way when the quest reward is claimed you’ll get your share too.”

  He didn’t seem convinced, but when Dejin looked at me, I just nodded.

  Selmac said, “Excellent, then I’ll consider that quest to be met. They will each receive 100,000 credits, 1000 adventurer’s guild points, and an epic shard from available stores.” A thin tablet appeared in her hands and she pressed on it a couple of times before nodding. “There, I’ve sent the catalogue information to your team leader. She can help you all select your choices. You need to do so within the next week, but there’s no immediate rush.”

  Dejin seemed intrigued, but the Galenians were downright thrilled. Getting a shard that could help them reach epic someday was a pretty big deal. From what they’d told me, most people stalled out at either uncommon or rare, at least on Galen.

  Samvek coughed and Selmac said, “No, I haven’t forgotten. No one has met the requirements for the second quest, although Samvek Rayden has started it. As for the third quest, House Rayden has met the requirements, but as I understand it, your clan membership already entitles them to a priority position when your home world passes through induction. So the question is what would be an appropriate reward?”

  Samvek shook his head. “There is another consideration.” Then he turned to face me. “It might behoove you to use this quest reward as a bargaining chip with the corporations or even the sects. They will all want access to a new world, especially if it becomes a dungeon world?”

  I was confused for a second, “You mean they’d be more interested in us as a dungeon world than if we were first place?”

  He nodded, “Yes, first place meant full induction into the multiverse. Your world will be safe and have access to the system, but it also won’t have the raw resources that make dungeon worlds so valuable.”

  I’d never even considered the idea that there could be a good reason to be a dungeon world rather than winning first place. Those benefits wouldn’t outweigh the death toll, but it was just another reminder that I didn’t even know the rules of the game I was playing.

  “Well, what do you recommend, mentor?”

  Samvek smiled as he said, “This is how I think you should play it…”

  Chapter 57- Corporate Warfare

  The briefing I got from Samvek and the Galenians was enough for me to complete my mission. Galen in general, but specifically Anwich was being changed. The adventurer’s guild had put up runic arrays which pulled in, and then, concentrated the mana in the district without altering its unattuned state. Samvek stressed that this was only happening because they were trying to pull a Forerunner into the fold.

  “Why would they do that? Why would anyone do this? There are so many resources being spent here.”

  Selmac had already left and Samvek started to answer but Mayor Nitrin cut him off. “Esteemed Clansman, if I might, please allow me to answer the question in a way that will most benefit Silas.”

  My mentor simply nodded. I hadn’t gotten a complete feel for how the clan was relating to the town, but it was clear that they now had a presence here and that the mayor was favorably inclined towards them.

  “It has to do with the tier caps that most people hit. As children, we all dream of becoming legendary but that isn’t going to happen for most. I don’t know what your world is like, but it is a childish game that we play, pretending to have powers that we never will.”

  I nodded, thinking back to all the times I’d tied a blanket around my neck and ran through the house pretending I was flying.

  “For most, common classes is where they’ll stop, but that isn’t a hard cap. Most people stop there because the danger is simply too great. Crafters and such want the extra stats, but they end up paying some adventurers to power level them. The same applies to the children of well-to-do merchants. After that, power-leveling becomes harder as the system requires more involvement from the individual in order to receive XP.”

  “Okay, I’m following so far.”

  “The first real cap comes in trying to pass uncommon. People call it the first paywall. There are a limited number of uncommon shards. I’ve spoken to your team and you need to be aware that your experience with the number of shards which drop, is highly unusual. A little research shows that it may even be unusual for Forerunners.”

  Samvek added, “Forerunners generally get better drops throughout their entire lives because of the potentiality that we discussed, but even for them, it fades after their world is inducted.”