On the other hand, I was overjoyed to see that us being masked caused no issues. We were told that we could remain anonymous if we were accepted as Phenom and his Heralds, but it’s good to see actual signs that it’s not just fancy words but the actual truth.
As we stepped past the gate, the full scope of the outpost came into view. It was much larger than I’d initially thought, a sprawling collection of buildings that stretched far beyond the fields of psychedelic plants. The outpost was designed like a small, self-contained town, with narrow dirt roads cutting through rows of structures, each with its own purpose.
There was no sign of civilians here- only Consortium workers, guards, and the like.
The buildings themselves were simple but sturdy, constructed from dark stone and reinforced with metal, giving them a fortress-like appearance. Some of them had large, industrial-looking chimneys billowing out black smoke, likely from the drug refining process. Others seemed more like barracks or dormitories, designed to house the workers and guards stationed here.
Everything about the place had a grim efficiency to it- there was no room for luxury or even comfort, just the cold functionality of a well-oiled criminal enterprise.
To my left, I could see a long building where workers shuffled in and out, carrying baskets filled with harvested plants. It was likely the processing facility where they transformed the raw materials into the mind-bending tablets the Consortium was infamous for.
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I could hear the hum of machinery inside, the grinding and clinking of metal as the drugs were refined, packaged, and prepared for distribution.
Further down the road, I spotted a small armory, where a couple of guards were standing outside, inspecting weapons and armor. Some of the guards, perhaps off-duty, were seated on benches near the entrance, eating and chatting in low voices. I could feel their eyes on us as we passed, sizing us up.
“What do you think of the chances these have?” One asked.
“Meh. I wouldn’t bet on them. The guy in front has an imposing frame but the rest doesn’t strike me as competent.”
“I think they will do good. Their weapons are pretty ominous-looking at least. They also have a dog-kin, so they are already more versatile than the average team.”
I didn’t listen to their useless chirping any longer.
The central building, where the guard had said someone was waiting for me, stood at the heart of the outpost. It was larger than the others, with reinforced doors and high, narrow windows. Unlike the rest of the buildings, this one had a certain air of authority to it.
It was clear that this was where the most important figures of the outpost operated, whether they were overseeing the drug trade or managing the logistics of the Trials.
As we approached the entrance, I glanced back at my party. They had been quiet since we arrived with their eyes scanning the surroundings. Ayame kept her hand close to the hilt of her katana, ready for any trouble, while Seraphiel’s quiet anger still simmered beneath the surface.
Lucille, on the other hand, seemed more interested in the weapons the guards carried, no doubt already assessing how easily she could take them on if needed.
I would hate to ruin her fun, but my beloved fourth woman would get absolutely bodied if she were to fight one of the guards, and so would the rest of us, so we shouldn’t be looking for trouble. We might be strong for our age, but against entities that have been grinding XP for centuries we would face a great numerical disadvantage in the stats and general experience department.
To be clear, I’m talking about the insect-helmeted guards that seem to be the elite forces of the drug department, not your run-of-the-mill average guards.
As we stepped into the building multiple guards immediately focused their gazes on us. I didn’t bother explaining things to them and instead walking to the desk that seemed to function as something like a reception area. Once I introduced myself, she asked me to wait and rushed into the room that was behind the rest. In a minute the receptionist emerged, followed by a familiar face.
It was the sassy, dark-haired, ponytail-wearing girl who gave us a tour of Shadowhold, Aurelion’s daughter; Jasmine.
She smiled and walked up to us, “hey. Good to see you again.”
“I would say the same, but I smell some conspiracy in the air. Did daddy dearest pull some strings?” I asked, eliciting her beaming smile to turn wry.
“Yeah. Sorry about that. Despite you completely ignoring him for over a month he still didn’t give up on recruiting you.”
“It’s good to see that we’re in such high demand, but for now we have no interest in joining any faction.” I responded, being as amicable as possible.
“Believe me, I know. I told him many times too, but he just scoffed and said that I should dress prettier and increase my efforts at seducing you. So how about it? Exclusive, unlimited access to my kitty in exchange for joining the Gilded Exchange faction?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her ‘attempt’ at seduction. She clearly wasn’t serious at all. This poor girl had it tough. According to her words, Aurelion, his father, held something over her which is why she has to play along with his orders. Or at least pretends to, I imagine her telling us his plans so plainly weren’t among the instructions she received.
“No, but thanks for the offer, though. It sounded pretty hot.”
“I’m glad at least one of us enjoyed it. Well, with this I’ve officially tried my best, he can’t have any misgivings now, no? What more can an average non-combatant girl like me offer to a guy like you? Also, it’s the second time I’ve been rejected by the mysterious masked guy, I might have to cry myself to sleep tonight.” Jasmine’s words were oozing of sarcasm.
“If you need a shoulder to cry on, you should know that I’m here for you.”
“I’m oh so grateful, ‘Devil’. Anyhow, you’re a day early. Let me show you your home for the duration of the Trials.”
We nodded at her suggestion and left the central building, heading towards the housing area. “So this is a drug-manufacturing outpost, right?”
“Yeah. The drug department head owns this place personally.”
“Will all the candidates fit this place?” Ayame spoke up this time.