Cheeky guards at the entrance of the massive manor blocked Jack’s way. This was the meeting spot chosen to decide the future of the City.
Everyone was in a state of high alert and panic after the previous night’s events.
The issue wasn’t the number of victims but who they were. By now, almost half of the artisans in Timber City had kicked the bucket.
This had sent ripples through the entire ruling class, both the Empire’s representatives and the merchants. How were they supposed to meet their gearing-up deadlines now?!
Getting inside that one meeting was the opportunity to influence them all! That’s why Jack couldn’t help but be insistent.
”Brother, you may not know it, but I’m Old man Aron’s Disciple! I should be allowed to witness the proceedings at least, right?”
”Nope, only established union’s craftsmen are allowed inside, security reasons.”
”….”
He had thought his legendary master would allow him a free pass, but apparently not. How was he supposed to change things if he couldn’t even get inside?!
Convince an executive to invite him as a +1?
Kidnap and impersonate one of the actual guests?
Create a fake terrorist alert to stall while he thought of a plan?
Countless ideas swirled in his head, most being instantly rejected. After all, there were plenty of magical troops patrolling the area in search of clues.
Just as he was feeling peeved, he finally saw hope as a few people rushed toward a magnificent Tower in the distance.
”Psst — Where are we even going?!”
”Didn’t you hear? The owner of the Treasure Pavilion is recruiting craftsmen. Hurry up!”
Oh? Jack didn’t hesitate to follow them, quickly tasking his demon + beggar squad with gathering information.
What they found was oddly satisfying. The owner of the place was a youngster that was nicknamed the Treasure Prince, one who had recently taken over the family business.
This guy would have access to the Commerce Union’s meeting, right?!
Before, he had only been trading and auctioning, not bothering with the actual crafting process. It worked when there was plenty of equipment to go around, but now…
Chances were that he would be the one feeling the shortage the most. After all, many old foxes would try to take advantage of a youngster.
He needed leverage, one that would give him a standing in the current decision-making, one that just happened to somewhat align with Jack’s goals.
But he wasn’t the only one there. A dozen other NPCs and even one player were here for the same job offer.
They were all brought to a large empty room on the first floor, many gawking at the lavish decorations on the way.
”How will we be tested?”
”Not sure. It should be quick.”
”Quick? Creating quality work takes time….”
Discussions were already ongoing, everyone whispering lowly but heatedly. Jack quickly scanned the competition.
Some were obviously worried and stressed, biting their nails nervously.
Others were frowning, tapping their foot in annoyance as they waited. They would have been checking their watches if they had any.
The last ones were very calm, showing calculative looks. They raised their glasses with slight grins, ready to negotiate amazing working conditions.
That’s when a few attendants showed up with refreshments and apologetic faces.
”Honored guests, as soon as our Lord arrives, we will start the test. Please make yourselves comfortable and take the time to prepare yourselves.”
”Test?!” Many grumbled.
”Yes, I don’t know much, but it will require crafting a piece of weapon or armor in a given time in this very room.” That was the only info that was given.
As a few tried getting more info, Jack couldn’t help but frown. In this room? Was it a contest that was visible for all?!
He could already picture people screaming as he summoned hammering skeletons. Would they freak out or freak out and call the cops? Either way, it was bad.
Showing his actual mastery wasn’t an option.
Should he leave right now and then? It wasn’t too late to drop an alchemical bomb on the meeting spot to delay it.
But as he glanced at the people arguing with the attendants, he changed his mind. He could already see a path to landing the job.
Jack, who was usually more of a loner character, suddenly came to life.
”Ah, this wait is killing me! Good thing I brought something to calm my nerves, hahaha.” He chuckled boisterously, taking out beers.
”?!?”
The scheming and impatient ones stared at him with disdain. This fool wanted to drink? What a waste of time and an idiotic thing to do!
But the more he drank, the better he looked. Even then, he still seemed to be in control of his actions, not showing any lack of coordination.
No, he just seemed especially happy and relaxed, with none of the usual side effects.
”Brother, what exactly are you drinking?” A man approached, curious.
”Oh, this? This, brother, is something extremely amazing! It tastes like beer, feels like beer, but it’s mellow enough for one to keep one’s mind straight. I drink this while crafting!”
”R-really?!”
”Yep, nothing’s better for one’s mental state!” He chuckled.
Afterward, he didn’t say anything. After all, speaking would be counterproductive. All he did was show how much he was enjoying himself. It didn’t take long…
”Brother, could you perhaps share a bit with me?” A stressed yet hopeful youngster asked.
”T-that….it’s very precious.” Jack feigned being against it.
”I’ll pay!” The youngster cried out.
”Tch—Fine, here you go.” Jack shared.
Of course, many snorted as they saw this scene, even mumbling how much of an idiot the man was. What if the drink was poisoned? What if it was just a trick? What if…
But Jack had an easy answer to this…
”Just don’t drink it, like I care!” He even looked at the complainers as if they were utterly retarded.
”Y-you!!!”
”Me?”
Many couldn’t help but giggle as they saw this scene. The more time passed and the better opinion they were getting of Jack.
After all, whenever he spoke of crating, his eyes would light up and bring warmth to the world. Heck, many wished him well from the bottom of their hearts.
Even now, they were thanking him for sharing his awesome drink, not knowing how traitorous it was.
It wasn’t poisonous or anything. It was simply a cocktail they had come up with at the Drunken Sailor, one that made one feel the alcohol’s impact all at once.
Because it wasn’t actually meant to be dangerous, most life-saving defenses wouldn’t activate either. Fun fact, this was actually an assassin’s technique.
Jack nodded, satisfied at the soon-to-be drunks as he subtly sent a few directives out.
A few instants later, the doors were pushed open by an out-of-breath servant. He quickly locked on Jack, rushing toward him.
As he came closer, he suddenly seemed to change entirely. He went from panicked servant to an aristocrat-looking gentleman.
”?!?”
Many couldn’t help but jerk in shock at the implication. Was this guy a butler for a rich family? How he had suddenly regained his composure was so impressive!
More importantly, what news had spooked him enough to forget etiquette in the first place?!
They all perked their ears up, listening to the conversation.
”Sir, I have news. You should follow me and—” The Demon played the part of the loyal servant perfectly.
”Enough. I don’t want my family involved. I’ll succeed alone.” Jack waved his hand dismissively.
”I understand, Sir…but—”
”No but! All I need is hard work and these hands of mine.”
”That’s not it, Sir. I’m not asking you to come back, just to reconsider joining the Treasure Pavilion. The Diamond House is also recruiting, and they offer far better conditions!”
”I don’t care.”
”Please, Sir, there’s a secret recruitment at this address, just—”
”No need. Get out.” Jack sternly ordered, throwing the piece of paper he had just received.
The poor servant had no choice but to leave, his shoulders low. As for Jack, he calmly sat and began meditating.
It was as if a bomb had gone off in the room. Secret recruitment?! Better conditions?! Wasn’t this an incredible opportunity?!
They glanced at the calm youngster in the middle of the room. Perhaps he wasn’t interested, but they were!
One of the impatient ones approached quickly.
”Say, brother. If you’re not going to—”
”Take it, I don’t care, but you really shouldn’t go. The test here will definitely be more challenging and will help push one’s limits.” Jack declared with gusto.
”….Yes, of course.” The man gave a nervous laugh.
Harder test? Less benefits? What kind of idiot would prefer this?! Only a runaway noble that just wanted to play!
In the coming minutes, the waiting room cleared out as if magic. So many were suddenly “heading to the toilet”. Funny enough, it was mostly the ones who had not drank at all.
Would they come back? Probably not given what Jack had planned at the destination. Let’s just say they would believe this amazing opportunity to be legit.
As for the warier ones, they too left after sending a few scouts. They couldn’t resist the temptation either.
”Sirs, you should stay. Our Boss is about to come in for sure!” A few attendants tried stopping the mass exodus, but no one really cared by now.
All contestants were either gone or drunk in a corner. This left Jack as the only man standing. He couldn’t help but praise himself for a job well done.
Need to pass a test?
Improve your skills? —> Nope
Get rid of the competition —> Hell yeah!
Just as he was feeling proud, one of the attendants started laughing. It started as a chuckle before it turned into a guffaw, the man almost rolling on the ground.
As Jack observed him, he suddenly saw what had eluded him beforehand…this guy was this place’s Boss wasn’t he?!
He could only give an awkward smile.
”Well, this is….I can explain!” (?!)