"Your research was quite thorough," she said once the server had departed. "Henrik mentioned you paid well for detailed records and asked very specific questions."
I'm thinking of asking for my money back from Henrik. So much for staying quiet.
"I wanted to understand what I might be getting into," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. "The pattern seemed... unusual."
"Unusual is one word for it." Reyne leaned forward slightly. "What would you say if I told you that Thorne Blackwood's survival rate isn't unique? That there are others operating with similar patterns?"
The implication hit me immediately. "You're tracking multiple expedition leaders with suspicious casualty rates."
"Among other things." The server returned with our tea, and Reyne waited until we were alone again before continuing. "The Guild maintains extensive records on all registered adventurers. Patterns emerge when you know how to look for them."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Your performance in the Crimson Labyrinth was particularly interesting. Dain Corvish was an experienced trap specialist, yet you spotted dangers he missed."
I felt trapped. Admitting to hidden abilities would raise more questions I couldn't answer. Denying them would sound like obvious lies given the evidence.
"I notice things," I said finally. "Always have. It's not magic or special training, just... observation."
"Observation that has kept you alive when others died." Reyne opened a leather portfolio she'd been carrying and withdrew a form. "Which brings us to the reason for our conversation."
I looked at the document she placed between us. Official Guild letterhead, my name clearly visible at the top, and several paragraphs of dense legal text.
"What is this?"
"A monitoring order," she said matter-of-factly. "Standard procedure for adventurers whose survival patterns warrant investigation."
I read through the form quickly, my stomach sinking with each line. Mandatory reporting of all dungeon activities. Participation restricted to Guild-approved expeditions only. Required presence of Guild observers for any expedition above Level 1.
"You're putting me under supervision," I said, not bothering to hide my dismay.
"I'm ensuring that your future expedition activities are properly documented and witnessed." Reyne's tone remained professional. "If your survival rate is truly based on natural observation and caution, having Guild observers present will only confirm that fact."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then your Guild registration will be suspended pending a full investigation into your expedition history." She met my eyes directly. "I should mention that such investigations typically take several months and often result in permanent suspension from dungeon activities."
The threat was clear. Sign the monitoring order or lose my ability to earn a living as an adventurer entirely.
"This seems excessive for someone whose only crime is not dying," I said.
"Mr. Harker, in the past six months, you've been present at three separate incidents that resulted in nine total casualties. Either you're extraordinarily unlucky, or there's something about your presence that correlates with increased danger to others."
Nine deaths. When put that way, the pattern did look suspicious.
"I don't cause these disasters," I said, hearing the defensiveness in my own voice.
"I'm not suggesting you do. But the Guild has a responsibility to investigate patterns that might indicate either deliberate misconduct or unknown factors that increase expedition risk." She pulled out a pen and placed it beside the form. "This monitoring order is the most reasonable approach to addressing those concerns."
I stared at the document, weighing my options. Signing would severely limit my freedom to choose expeditions and would put Guild observers in position to witness anything unusual about my abilities. Refusing would end my adventuring career entirely.
Neither option was appealing, but one at least left me with some possibility of continuing to develop my receipt-based powers.
"How long does this monitoring period last?" I asked.
"Six months, subject to extension or early termination based on findings." Reyne's expression softened slightly. "Mr. Harker, this isn't punishment. It's protection. For you and for potential expedition partners."
"Protection from what?"
"From whatever force seems to follow you into dungeons." She leaned back in her chair. "Whether that force is external circumstance, hidden ability, or simple bad luck, having Guild witnesses present will help us understand what we're dealing with."
I stared at the pen, understanding the trap I was in. Sign and lose my freedom. Refuse and lose everything.
"There is, however, an alternative," Reyne said, as if reading my thoughts.
I looked up sharply. "What kind of alternative?"
"The Guild has been trying to gather evidence against Thorne Blackwood for months. Official investigations have yielded nothing concrete. His methods are questionable, but he operates within legal boundaries." She leaned forward. "We need someone on the inside. Someone he already trusts."
The implication hit me immediately. "You want me to spy on him."
"I want you to join his next expedition and document his methods. Gather evidence of any deliberate endangerment or sabotage." Her silver eyes were calculating. "In exchange, the monitoring order becomes void, and you'll have full Guild backing for your investigation."
I felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you sign the monitoring order and spend the next six months under Guild supervision." She tapped the document. "Your choice, Mr. Harker. Restriction or cooperation."
It wasn't really a choice at all. Working with Reyne would give me access to Blackwood while maintaining my freedom. More importantly, it would provide cover for joining his expedition without raising suspicions.
"What exactly would you need me to do?"
"Document everything. His planning methods, how he selects routes, his behavior during dangerous situations. Any evidence that suggests he deliberately puts party members at risk." She pulled out a different form. "You'd be operating as an unofficial Guild informant. Dangerous work, but it comes with certain protections."
"What kind of protection?"
"Emergency extraction if things go badly. Guild resources for equipment and preparation. And most importantly, immunity from prosecution should you need to bend certain rules to maintain your cover."
I considered the offer. It solved my immediate problem and gave me legitimate reasons to join Blackwood's expedition. But it also meant I'd be walking into a dangerous situation with the explicit goal of gathering evidence against someone who might already be suspicious of me.
"When does he leave for his next expedition?" Reyne asked.
"Ten days."
"Perfect. That gives us time to prepare you properly." She slid the informant agreement across the table. "What do you say, Mr. Harker? Will you help us put an end to Thorne Blackwood's career?"
I stared at the informant agreement, weighing my options. This was better than the monitoring order, but it came with its own risks. Spying on Blackwood could get me killed if he discovered what I was doing.
On the other hand, it would give me legitimate access to his expedition and Guild support if things went wrong. More importantly, it would let me pursue my own investigation into his methods without appearing suspicious.
"I'll do it," I said, picking up the pen.
"Excellent." Reyne watched as I signed the document, then added her own signature and seal. "You'll receive detailed instructions within two days. Until then, maintain normal contact with Blackwood. Accept his invitation if he presses for an answer."
"What if he becomes suspicious?"
"Then you extract immediately and contact me using the methods we'll provide." She gathered her papers. "Mr. Harker, I want to be clear about something. This assignment is voluntary, but once you're committed, the Guild expects results. Half-measures or failed intelligence gathering won't protect you from the original monitoring order."
The threat was clear. Succeed as an informant or face supervision anyway.
"I understand," I said.
"Good." Reyne stood, signaling the end of our meeting. "One last thing. Blackwood's invitation mentioned better team members this time. B-rank minimum. That suggests he's planning something more ambitious than his previous expeditions."
"More dangerous, you mean."
"Considerably." Her expression was grim. "Which means you'll need to be very careful about how you gather evidence. Dead informants can't file reports."
I left the tea shop feeling like I'd just agreed to walk into a trap while carrying a target on my back. But at least now I had Guild backing and a legitimate reason to join Blackwood's expedition.
The irony wasn't lost on me. In trying to investigate Blackwood on my own, I'd ended up working for the very organization I'd been trying to avoid.
Sometimes the best way to maintain your freedom was to accept someone else's agenda. The question was whether I could serve the Guild's interests while pursuing my own goals with the receipt system.
I supposed I'd find out soon enough. Ten days to prepare for what might be the most dangerous mission of my life.
At least this time, I wouldn't be going in completely alone.