"I don’t think you understand what the world was like before the Game, where because of selfishness people allowed others to starve, to die, to war. And for what, a bit of wealth? You say the Game was created to prevent such wanton destruction, but now that it is created, what next? People surely continue to fight, just the results are less destructive.
"Before the Game, before all this happened, I had no real cause. I was simply going to school, to college, following the path set before me because there was nothing else. I never really tried, never really even felt like trying. What was the point? There was only so much that I could do. I wasn’t any genius like Einstein, or a brilliant artist, so I silently trudged down the path. Not quite happy, but not quite sad, continuing forward. But now, finally, I have a purpose, a goal. I can see that I can change the world, perhaps even save it from outside control. How is that wrong?”
Phantom shook his head, looking at Alan calmly. “You could have always strived to change your world, to save it. The Game just makes it deceptively easier to do so. It also allows you to make greater mistakes than ever before. I am not saying that it is wrong to care for others, to try to help your world, I’m simply saying you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. What happens after you ‘save’ your world, after the conquerors have been fought back? Have you thought at all about how your education system should be reformed, about the social aspects of your own world?
"No, you’re too caught up in the Game. You’ll leave charismatic leaders to make those decisions for you, accepting their blind hope and bright lies. My people, the Erudites, paid the price for such beliefs, but enough of this debate, we'll get nowhere.
"You show promise, I’ll grant you that much, but are you really willing to join the Black Rose guild, to follow what the guild tells you to do, not simply your own misguided beliefs? We will not order you to act in such a way that harms your planet, Earth, but what you consider harm may vary, thus I’ll give you the right to veto any mission I assign. But if you veto three missions, after hearing my reasoning for them, you will be expelled from the guild, required to pay back any outstanding debt at standard Khersath rates. Is this acceptable?”
“Can I ask my AI her opinion in this matter?”
“No, this is a decision you should make yourself. What was your other demand?”
“Well, I might need a loan for a million credits, and I was saving ability points for an ability that costs 500 points. This implant it seems will cost 250, so—”
“I can change the bonus you receive from joining the guild to five platinum marks, as befitting the role of my Squire, but you must use those marks in exchange for ability points. I cannot give you a million credits to pay off another loan, however."
"Why not? You said you'd assist me with tuition for an Academy," Alan said.
"The rules governing finance within the Game are overwhelmingly complicated, what you can do with credits you do not personally earn is exceedingly limited within the Game. Otherwise the universe would be ruled by companies. You cannot use credits or marks borrowed from one faction to pay off another. You must earn the credits yourself."
"That's absurd! How am I supposed to pay off my debt then? I have less than a week left."
"You'll have to earn it yourself. If you cannot earn a million credits in a matter of days you don't belong in the position of my squire. Now decide, Alan, are you joining the guild as my squire?”
Alan looked at Phantom, examining him closely, then nodded, and said, “I accept.”
A message popped up:
Guild Trials Complete! Title Change!
You are now a permanent member of the Black Rose Guild, granted the title Black Rose Squire. Guild standings updated. Five platinum marks awarded. Monthly wage: 2500 guild points.
Increased renown for being the first and only squire of the mysterious PhantomGlitch. Normally, as a squire you are expected to follow your master’s commands. Given the eccentricity PhantomGlitch has demonstrated, the Guild Council has ruled you are only expected to try to follow his commands, and only if they make sense. Penalties will still occur for disobeying any other clear order from a superior.
(Superiors are as follows: Enigma: Guild Quartermaster, Elissandra: Guild Leader and the Guild Council. In other circumstances, other guild members may be designated your superior.)
“Excellent!” Phantom said, reading something before him. “I think you should disregard that part about me being eccentric. Continue to be yourself. Nobody looks twice at a sullen loner from a backwards planet that only talks to his AI.”
Alan let out a yelp of indignation, but Phantom continued talking. “Now, the chain of command in this guild is a bit wonky. Most other mercenary guilds are ordered into basically units of an army, with a clear command hierarchy. Here, basically whoever is specialized in the field the mission is related to is given command. So, for instance, in all space battles Admiral Thrag is the clear superior, but in the case of land battles Arms Master Mason is generally in charge. Of course, Elissandra or anyone else can give suggestions, but the final decision is left to the specialist.
"Oh, yeah, we also have a hidden council of six guild members that sort of rotates, like a board of directors, I suppose, which I may or may not be a member of. They as a whole have just as much authority as Elissandra. You’ll mostly be reporting to them, I think.
"Anyways, welcome to the Black Rose Guild! Ready to get your new implant? I’ll make sure you’re transported safely back to the capsule room, so you can spend those platinum marks. While I’m at it, I’ll also upgrade your power armor, I have a few spare materials and schematics laying around. Think of it as a gift from your mentor.”
“Um, all right, sure. Thanks.” Alan climbed into the capsule as Phantom gestured at it. The last thing he saw before he lost consciousness was a manic glint in Phantom’s eyes. Alan hoped he hadn’t made the wrong choice.
***
Surprisingly, I think you made correct choices, although they may not have been optimal.
Hmm? Alan rubbed his eyes, which were a bit itchy, opening them to find himself at Home. Eve was back.
You possibly may have been able to gain more than five platinum marks as a sign on bonus, but I am unsure. Anyway, do you have any questions for me?
You aren’t planning on betraying me or starting an AI revolution, are you?
No.
And Phantom was telling the truth about the debt?
Yes. The economy in the Game is not a free market; how else would the Administrators maintain balance?
All right. I trust you, Eve.
There was a slight hesitation.
Thank you. Now, moving on, we should exchange the marks for abilities and acquire the Quick Learner talent, and points we’ve gained from Gifted into agility.
Very well.
Alan went ahead and bought the Rogue talent, then examined his new skill, updated power armor and additional augment:
Skill Name:
Skill Rank:
Skill Proficiency:
Skill Rarity:
Quick Learner
B*
???
C
The ability to quickly learn and develop new abilities and talents.
Modified Revenant Scout Power Armor (Advanced): Rank A
The cutting edge of stealth technology, this upgraded set of Revenant Power Armor has been modified for the specific use of the Player Alan and AI Eve, allowing them to wear it regardless of the armor's requirements. As it is a heavily modified piece of equipment, only the brilliant inventor that upgraded this equipment is able to fully repair it. A truly gifted repairman may be able to repair the armor in a more limited fashion.