The moment I step through the portal and it closes, the call with Nicholas is abruptly cut off. For the rest of the world, this island is supposed to be an incredibly realistic virtual reality game, so it's obvious they've implemented some measures to prevent people from communicating without leaving the game.
Not only can I not call the outside world, but my phone is completely shut down, so I can't use it to call people on this island, use recording functions, or for anything else. The Game Masters probably did it this way to reinforce the feeling that it's a virtual environment.
'To be honest, I feel a little bad leaving Nicholas like this without warning, but it can't be helped.' I think while putting my unusable phone in my pocket.
'Nicholas has always been an expert in data gathering and analysis, and he has focused heavily on taking a supporting role in our association. Only by experiencing the challenges and dangers of the criminal underworld firsthand he can understand how hard it's to be a Blacklist Hunter.'
'Also, it was true that I am the only one in the organization who can handle Greed Island. Not only do I have information on the game mechanics and how to acquire various cards, but I am also the only person, both inside and outside the organization, who knows about Genthru's plans.'
'With his anonymity and stealthy ability, that duplicitous bastard can easily approach a player posing as one of the founding members of the peaceful Nickes' Alliance and plant a bomb on him to keep him under his thumb or kill him outright to boost the reputation of his pseudonym, The Bomber.'
'And even if I were to inform a substitute about his true nature, Genthru is very intelligent, so he would take note of any flaws in his behavior and make getting rid of him his primary objective.'
'In short, letting someone else take my place would only cause problems for the job, the agency and my goals. In the end, this is the only decision I can take.'
"Book." I say and my binder materializes in front of me.
"Map, Doyen's Hair Restorer, 2 Risky Dice, Mood Clook... And several spells. Yes, everything is in place. It's good to see that my tricks give me the same return time as everyone else."
*Ding Dong*
<
"This is Tsezguerra speaking." The voice of the weakest Single-Star Hunter comes through the talker.
"What's up, buddy? It's been a while. What do you need? Maybe help getting a card?" I ask, trying to dismiss the obvious reason for his call.
"Yes, as you rightly said, it's been a while since you left the game." He says, for his part.
"What are you talking about? Ever since I entered the game, I've been running around trying to fill in the map of this world and find clues on how to get the cards." I lie in order to get him to give me more information.
"No, that's not true. You've been out of the game for several days now." Tsezguerra stands firm in his statement.
"And why are you so sure that's true?" I ask, still trying to stick to my story.
"Because I've been trying to contact you for the last 6 days, but every time I tried the light next to your name was always black, that meant you must be dead or have left the game, and now I've checked which one it was." He answers, no beating around the bush.
"Oh, okay, well, the cat's out of the bag then. So tell me, what did you want to talk about so much that you kept contacting me so insistently?" I'm ask without trying to hide it now.
"I was trying to check on your progress in the game. Since I entered into a partnership to give you the credit for completing the game and split the reward money, it's only natural that I want to verify your level of involvement from time to time. But now I'm starting to question whether the arrangement was worth it." He says it with a hint of criticism.
'Great. Here we go again with his haughty and suspicious attitude.' I think with annoyance as Tsezguerra continues speaking.
"While I'm honestly surprised that you were able to venture out into the world so early in the game, the fact that you abandoned work so early on is somewhat discouraging for our alliance." He states.
"Hey, I made it very clear when I signed the contract: there might be times when you can't reach me in-game, but I'd still be focused on completing it. And you said you were okay with that. Besides, it's not like players under contract can't leave the game at any time, right?" I argue back.
"Yes, I haven't forgotten about that, and you're right; players can leave the game when they want. But things change with circumstances."Tsezguerra continues.
"I'm sure you know this, but I'm not currently working alone to fulfill the contract with Mr. Battera; instead, I have a team under my command to gather and monopolize as many cards as possible."
"When I told them about the terms you had agreed to with Battera and me, they immediately expressed their disapproval and complained. Unlike me, they haven't witnessed your Nen abilities or your knowledge, so it's understandable that they're hesitant about going to such lengths for an unknown Hunter."
"Your sudden disappearance hasn't done you any favors in their eyes. They've become even more skeptical of your contribution, and have even suggested I speak to Battera personally to reconsider our agreements with you."
"And do you really think you're capable of doing that?" I ask, adopting a serious tone in contrast to my previously relaxed and lively attitude.
"It wouldn't be easy since you've also shown him you have both the skill and knowledge to carry out the task, but with my influence and close relationship with him, I could convince him to reconsider if I insisted enough." He responds, and the underlying threat does not escape my notice.
"Although of course I don't plan to go that far. As I've already told you, it's not just that I don't like your sudden departure, but my colleagues don't have the same level of confidence in your commitment and abilities."
'Sure, and that's why you're making that passive-aggressive threat about talking to Battera to get me fired. What a relationship of trust. Anyway, let's play along for now.' I think before I speak again.
"So what do you want me to do then? Should I go where you all are and give them a taste of the gap between our levels, like I did with you?" I'm ask half jokingly, half seriously.
"I don't think it's necessary to go so far as to traumatize them. If anything, we'd be more interested in your sudden leave." He replies.
"I'm sure you're aware of this, but there are only two ways to quit the game without dying: Either using the "Leave" spell card, or getting the "Transport Ticket" card by bribbing the Harbormaster for a large amount of money or by defeating him."
"Obtaining any of these save points would be quite difficult for any player, even experienced ones. But since you were able to achieve it in such a short time, I feel compelled to ask... which of the three did you use?"
'Okay, so that's what you were aiming for. Using my sudden absence to extract information from the Hunter who has privileged knowledge about the game who no one should have.' I think, analyzing the situation at hand.
'His statements about his colleagues' displeasure with me were probably not entirely untrue, but I don't think they were as relevant as he wants me to believe. He must have wanted to use them from the beginning to pressure me and extract information from me.'
'I could lie to him and say I used the "Leave" card I stole from a player who assaulted me as soon as I entered the game, or that I bribed or defeated the Harbormaster down at the only dock in this island, or something among those lines just to please him. But...'
"I didn't use any of those methods. The truth is, I left the video game through an alternative way." I state sincerely.
"Oh, really? That's unexpected. If so, could you share this unusual method with me?" Tsezguerra requests, the intrigue and interest evident in his words.
"There are many players who want to quit the game, yet there's very little chance of actually doing so. Having a new method exclusive to us could give us the edge we need to complete the game sooner, and it would also make my men convinced that the deal with you is worthwhile."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to share that with you. Not yet." I answer.
"And why not? Do you have something to hide?" Tsezguerra asks, trying to pressure me again with his tone.
Consequently, I heavily sigh and run a hand through my hair before answering. "Don't you think you're being a bit too pushy? Wanting me to share highly sensitive, secret information when you and your group haven't done anything for me yet. You're overstepping your limits."
"We're in a collaborative relationship, so we have to treat each other equally, but look at you; using the excuse that your colleagues don't like me to pressure me into doing something, and resorting to threats to prevent me from refusing. I'm sorry to tell you, but that's not the way to build a functional partnership."
"Do you realize you're in a pretty precarious situation? If you refuse to cooperate with us, I can go to Mr. Battera and convince him to terminate your contract, and then you'll have no way to participate in the game." Tsezguerra questions, his threat no longer hidden by courtesies.
"You can try to do it if you want, but that will only hurt you." I say this with a certain air of superiority.
"What do you mean by that?" Tsezguerra asks, confused by my statement.
"Don't underestimate the Tsukimichi organization's information network. Just as I have confidential information about Greed Island, I also have sensitive information about the tycoon Battera. Information so crucial that if I decided to use it, I could have him licking my shoes and fire you in the blink of an eye."
Tsezguerra takes a few second before responding
"That's a bluff. You're just making things up out of thin air to discourage me from taking action so you can keep your position as a player." Tsezguerra declares with skepticism.
"If you truly believe that, you're free to try and convince Battera. I know it's a bet I've won, so I'm not worried." I say in a laid back way.
"You, on the other hand, should be more worried:"
"If, hypothetically, I were lying and Battera decided to follow your lead and fire me, I would only lose a job I haven't had for very long, and it would only slightly affect my agency's image."
"But if that's not the case, and I'm telling the truth, then you'll be the one who loses your job. Years of effort and hard work from you and your colleagues thrown away, without any reward. It wouldn't just be a huge blow to your morale, but also to your reputation as a Single-Star Hunter."
"Important people will surely not want anything to do with a failed and disgraced Hunter who is unable to do his job, so it will be more difficult for you to get a job. And I don't know how the Hunters Association handles things, but I'm sure they wouldn't take it well either. Who knows, maybe they'll even take away your star."
"So what do you say? Do you want to try and pick a fight with me, or are we going to try to maintain a good relationship as partners?"
After my little, threatening speech, a few seconds of silence fall before I hear Tsezguerra's voice coming again from my binder.
"Okay, I give up. Sorry for taking this so far. The truth is, I never meant to argue with Battera about your position. I was just testing you out to see if you were all talk or if you could actually stand up for yourself, and honestly, I'm impressed. You don't give the impression of being a a rookie Hunter." Tsezguerra says with a surrending attitude.
"Appreciate the compliment, and to be honest, I already suspected that was the case." I claim with certainty and my lively attitude back.
It's true that Tsezguerra's recent demanding behavior have displeased me, and that's why I've adopted a rather aggressive stance against him... but I know him well from the series, and I know that deep down he's too cautious to pick a fight with someone he knows is stronger or to take risky actions against a possible notable ally.
I knew his words were just bluffing, and that's why I decided to play along and show him that I'm not someone who can be easily intimidated.
"I see. So you had me figured out from the start. Is that why you told me you used an alternative way to exit the game instead of going with one of the other three options?" Tsezguerra asks, intrigued to unveil the whole picture.
"Yes, that's right. But don't get the wrong idea, I didn't make it up only to grab your attention and create conflict, what I said was true; I left Greed Island in a different way." I'm clarifying, not wanting to leave any loose ends.
"Really? If that's true, then why did you share it with me if you were displeased at the situation? It would have been easier to lie and go with one of the other three options." Tsezguerra asks, this time curious but not haughty and abrasive as before.
"You could say it's a sign of my trust in you. As I've told you more than once, I have many contacts, and I know your work practices firsthand. I know you possess the right qualities, and that's why I want to build a good working relationship with you, and I couldn't do that if I tried to deceive you except in a critical situation." I answer with humility.
In response to these kind and unexpected words from my part, Tsezguerra remains silent for at least 15 seconds before his voice is heard again.
"I see. I also appreciate your compliment. If that's the case, and since we've cleared up the misunderstanding, could you tell me which method you used?" Tsezguerra brings up the topic again, trying to sound professional but approachable.
"I truly believe it could benefit us all greatly, and if you're serious about a collaborative relationship, I can offer you private information about the game you don't have or a card you want, up to rank A, in exchange. From what I've seen, you don't have any cards for designated slots."
"I prefer to go at my own pace and enjoy the experience of the game rather than going for easy results. And I already told you I can't reveal that information to you yet." I refuse again, but this time without tension between us.
"If you say "yet," does that mean you will do it in the future?" Tsezguerra keeps inquiring.
"Yes, when I've progressed a bit further in the game and feel that we have built enough trust not to resort to intimidating tactics like this." I explain.
"To achieve that future, you could start by compensating me for the information I've already given you."
"What information are you talking about?" Tsezguerra asks.
"Don't play dumb, Tsezguerra. I've shared with you that I have a special method for getting out of the game. I've made myself more vulnerable by sharing that, so the least you can do is answer one question." I reply, pretending to get a little annoyed again.
Upon hearing my statement, I hear Tsezguerra let out a defeated sigh before speaking again. "Okay. What do you want to know?"
"I want you to tell me what information you have about Biscuit Krueger on Greed Island?" I ask.
Probably because of the unexpected nature of the question, Tsezguerra takes a few seconds before answering. "Since you personally insisted on her recruitment, my team and I kept tabs on Biscuit Krueger during her first few days here. However, she didn't seem focused on acquiring cards and soon joined a low-level team, so we stopped sighting on her."
"Did you try to get in touch with her?" I inquire.
"No, we kept our distance and just kept an eye on her. We don't know where she is or what she's doing now." He answer.
"And by any chance, was the team she joined part of the famous Nicke's Alliance?" I keep inquiring.
"Oh, I see you already know them." Tsezguerra comments, not so surprised. "No, it wasn't them. It was an independent team with a few A-rank cards and only one S-rank card. All of them already in our possession, of course."
'So in the end Biscuit chose not to join Nickes. Knowing her, she would surely want to use those players to her advantage and sow a little discord for her amusement.' I think as Tsezguerra speaks again.
"If you're interested, we can use the spells at our disposal to verify the cards she currently possess." Tsezguerra offers.
"No, this is enough. Getting more for now would make me feel indebted. If anything, I would ask that you and your team keep your eyes peeled and report any Biscuit Krueger sightings to me." I respond.
"Okay, I'll take that into consideration. But before we hang up, for the sake of our good business relationship, let me give you some piece of advice as a senior Hunter—Even if you have a few tricks up your sleeve, you shouldn't assume that people won't try to harm you." Tsezguerra says confidently, but also with concern for me.
"You've demonstrated a remarkable ability to negotiate and exert pressure on others, but that doesn't mean people will always follow your lead."
"Even if you think you have everything under control with your arguments and advantages over others, that doesn't mean they'll ultimately listen to you or that they won't take other actions against you, sometimes in ways you can't foresee."
"Don't get the idea that you can take everything for granted, because that in itself is a great vulnerability."
'Well, that's something I already knew. Although it's not a bad thing to have someone else remind you of it from time to time to stay alert.' I think to myself before replying.
"Appreciate the warning, I'll be careful." I say, giving a reassuring smile before closing the binder.
With the long, unexpected talk with Tsezguerra over, I use "Gain" to pull a blanket out of my binder, and after wrapping myself in it, I settle down to sleep after a busy day of working.
Around 09:00 AM
Waking up from a good night's sleep, in the forest illuminated by the rays of the morning sun, I unwrap myself and take a sandwich out of my binder to have breakfast before starting the day.
After having ignored it for a while to deal with other things in the outside world, it's time to fulfill my role with Battera and start being more proactive in advancing the game.
Previously, I had only raised funds to tackle the game and researched for internal vulnerabilities to exploit. But the real tests are yet to come, and I'm ready for whatever challenge lies ahead.
The few hints that I have of some cards adquisition are a good way to start, and as I put effort into exploring, I'll surely find new leads to follow up on.
So, with renewed resolve, I bite into my sandwich and prepare to begin my way back into the video game adventure.
------------------------
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
As you know, the Yorknew City Underground Auction events are just around the corner, and Kai is fully planning to participate.
The exact date for the bodyguard applicants to meet at the mansion for the "interview" has never been given in any media, but it's assumed to have been around the beginning of August, and between Kai's jobs and my own careless attitude, I've been slowly moving the date forward in the story without taking that into account.
What I'm getting at is that I want to know what your opinion is best in this situation:
- Attend the interview before Nicholas finishes his mission on August 13th.
- Attend afterward.
- Not attend it and receive the job requirements by phone.
I know it's not the right time for a poll yet, especially after my unannounced break, but I'd like to know your opinion. If there isn't enough voting in time or if there's a tie, I'll choose the first option. Thanks to those who are still reading.