The thing about quests? They don't let you rest.
By morning, the HUD slapped me with a new shiny notification.
[Quest Unlocked: Run Your First Operation]
Objective: Successfully smuggle a contraband item past British patrols.
Reward: +300 XP, Reputation +15 (Underworld), Random Loot Drop.
Failure: Jail time. And, you know… hanging.
I rubbed my eyes. "Ah yes, tutorial's over. Time for permadeath mode."
The Plan
My trader "friend" from the tavern—Shyam—met me in a cramped godown that smelled of salt, sweat, and half-rotting jute sacks.
He shoved a crate toward me. "Textiles. Officially. But inside? Opium. Don't look too shocked."
I wasn't shocked. In fact, a small, terrible part of me was excited. I mean, back in 2025, I got banned from GTA roleplay servers for bad smuggling RP. Now? It was live-action with real stakes.
"You want me to move this?" I asked.
Shyam nodded. "Just past the customs post. I've bribed one guard, but another is sharp. Smooth tongue, eh? Time to prove it."
The Escort
I didn't have to do it alone. The mage—Ravi, tattoos guy—showed up too.
"Your first job," he grinned. "I'll ward the crate against magical detection. You? Do the talking."
DING!
[Temporary Party Formed]
Shyam (Trader, Lv.3)
Ravi (Apprentice Mage, Lv.2)
You (Conman, Lv.3)
Party Buff: +10% Success Chance (Mixed Skills Synergy)
I stared at the floating party UI. "Oh god, it's literally a co-op mission."
Checkpoint Charlie
The customs post wasn't much: two sepoys with rifles, one British officer, a bored clerk scribbling names. Behind them, the road opened into the docks.
Shyam muttered, "Bribed sepoy is left. Officer's the problem."
"Then leave it to me."
DING!
[Skill Activated: Silver Tongue Lv.2]
I walked forward, letter in hand, oozing fake confidence.
"Good evening, officer. Urgent textiles shipment authorized under Colonel Barstow's oversight."
The officer squinted. "Colonel who?"
Crap.
DING!
[Storycraft Check Roll: 68% → Partial Success]
Officer is Suspicious.
Sweat trickled down my neck. Time for backup.
Magic + Lies
Behind me, Ravi whispered under his breath. The crate shimmered faintly, looking more like plain jute sacks. An illusion.
I leaned in conspiratorially. "Truth be told, officer, the Colonel doesn't like his name being spread. This is a special consignment. You know how it is—politics above our pay grade."
DING!
[Silver Tongue Buff: +15%]
[Patriot's Heart Triggered: -10% (Dealing with oppressor faction)]
Final Roll: 74% → Success!
The officer's suspicion melted into weary annoyance. "Bloody higher-ups. Always secrets. Fine, pass through."
Shyam nearly collapsed in relief. Ravi smirked. I strutted like I'd just cleared a raid boss with 1 HP left.
The Drop
We got the crate onto the docks, past the guards, and into a waiting cart. Shyam clapped me on the back. "You've got talent, my friend. Real talent."
DING!
[Quest Complete: Run Your First Operation]
Reward: +300 XP
Reputation Increased: Underworld +15
Loot Drop: Mysterious Arcane Token (Unidentified)
A small bronze coin glowed in my inventory. Intricate runes spiraled on its surface.
Ravi leaned closer, eyes widening. "That… is not ordinary. Keep it safe. It might choose you."
Choose me? Great. Another mystery item waiting to explode in my face.
Reflection
That night, I sat by a flickering lantern, flipping the coin between my fingers. My HUD pulsed quietly.
[Level Up!]
You are now Level 4.
New Skill Available: Oratory (Passive) — Increases crowd influence during speeches.
Mana Increased: 20 → 25.
I whistled. Oratory wasn't just lying—it was leadership. With that, I could sway not just traders or mages, but crowds.
I clenched my fist around the coin.
"Step one: survive. Step two: hustle. Step three…" I glanced at the Union Jack waving from the customs post we'd just conned. "…Step three is India."
The system hummed ominously.
[Hidden Quest Progress: Forge India's Future]
Progress: 2%
Two percent. A long grind ahead. But for the first time, it felt possible.
Because I wasn't just a conman anymore.
I was a Smooth Talker with loot, XP, and a revolutionary heart.
And the game? Oh, the game had only just begun.