Chapter 58 – Pioneer
Chapter 58 – Pioneer
Sal’s eyes went haywire as they tried to pick apart the materials to Appraise them. He glanced at Blathnaid to see how she was doing and it seemed like she was on the verge of passing out, with Upgrade cradling her. When Sal made eye contact with Upgrade, she gave a slight shake of her head.
“She’s pushed herself too hard. Judging by how she’s still conscious, she’s no stranger to the dregs.” Upgrade’s voice was strained as she gently rubbed Blathnaid’s shoulder.
“She’ll be fine with some rest. We should have done this in Room 17 and put her on the couch. I don’t want to move her from here while there are students milling about outside. Lock that, will you?” She jutted her chin toward the door, careful not to disrupt Blathnaid in her arms.
Sal didn’t need to be told twice and rushed over to the door and tapped the lock option on the terminal. When he turned around, he could see that there wasn’t really a way to remove the visor from Blathnaid without moving her head. He’d leave it until later to get it back.
“Should we have given her a core to use?” he asked lamely.
Upgrade shook her head. “I doubt she has the control required to tap into a core. How she managed to make something with such a trickle of essence is absolutely beyond me, but it’s a testament to her grit. With proper development and training, she’ll become a hell of a Crafter.”
Upgrade rubbed Blathnaid’s shoulder a little more. “You hear that? You’re going to have to train extra hard to keep up.”
Sal laughed as he shook his head. “Your bedside manner is atrocious.”
He moved out of range of Upgrade’s swatting hand and stood to the side of the reshaped materials. Sal frowned as he realized that it wasn’t just a cube of fabric: it was folded layers. Lifting the first piece up, he was surprised to see that it was a hooded cowl in a deep-red fabric. Turning it over in his hands, he saw glowing threads were embroidered into the material, making the shape of the evolutionary rune. He dropped it and picked up the next piece, which was a long trench coat, made with the same deep-red color. The shoulders were squared, with a folded lapel and black buttons running down one side. It was incredibly light to hold, and when Sal turned it around, he froze at the sight of the evolutionary rune. It was embroidered in black threading, which pulsated softly as though reflecting light from an unknown source.
Next was a set of trousers made with the same red material and black runes. True to her word, Blathnaid had created pockets in the coat and trousers. The hood looked particularly menacing, and the black and red contrast made it look like it would be worn by some kind of regal assassin.
“Need…” Blathnaid’s voice was bleary as she tried to get out of Upgrade’s arms. “Shoes. Need to finish…the shoes.”
Upgrade stood with her and helped her maintain balance. When Upgrade’s gaze fell on the completed gear on the table, her eyes widened, and she looked at Sal in shock.
“She actually completed them?”
Sal nodded as he moved the cloth equipment off the blueprint. Checking them off the list, he smiled. “Three out of four pieces. Shoes aren’t done, but she started them. I don’t know how she managed to do it, but it looks like the embroidery is infused with essence?” Sal held up the trousers to show Upgrade, who almost dropped Blathnaid by reaching for them.
With a sigh of frustration, Upgrade tore her eyes away from the equipment and focused on getting Blathnaid back into a seated position. She used a gentle and reassuring voice that Sal hadn’t heard before.
“Just rest up here for a moment. You don’t need to worry about the shoes. I’ll finish them off for you, okay?” Upgrade waited until Blathnaid nodded in agreement before continuing. “Do you feel like this every time you use your ability?”
Blathnaid nodded slowly, wincing at whatever discomfort it caused.
Upgrade reached up to her head and gently took off the visor, pulling away at the strands of hair that had intertwined with it. Without looking, she held it out for Sal to take, which he gratefully accepted. Upgrade crouched so she was eye level with the seated Blathnaid.
“Do you avoid using your ability because it feels like this?”
Blathnaid shook her head slightly, and Upgrade smiled.
“Stubborn…I like it. Do you think you can stay awake for a little longer?”
When Blathnaid bobbed her head, Upgrade patted her knee before standing back up and moving to Sal. Her voice was quiet as she spoke, none of the amusement from earlier on her face.
“Remember what you did for Martin, Gosia, and myself?” She wriggled her fingers as though she was undoing a knot. “I know Quest said that you couldn’t do it, but I think you need to make an exception with that girl. She’s more determined than she is capable, which is dangerous.”
Sal nodded. “The visor can tell me which knots are safe to undo, but it has to be kept a secret. I can’t talk about it much, but Quest was super annoyed about how I can interact with weaves. I don’t want to get on his bad side.”
Upgrade’s smile widened as she gave Sal a playful nudge. “Look at you! I don’t see you for a week, and you turn into a little rebel.” Her eyes eventually fell onto the clothes draped across the table.
“The workmanship is actually incredible on these. I’d go so far as to say that they’re on par with Gosia.” Upgrade inspected each of the seams and marveled at the result. “The seams are purely aesthetic—it’s fused with essence! Who the fuck goes so far as to add detail and style to something that just needs to be functional?”
Sal clipped the visor over his ear and activated his Mythcrafter ability. He decided that it would be best to wait for Blathnaid to recover before he undid the knots in her weave. If she wasn’t able to communicate with him about how she was feeling, then he’d potentially risk harming her. So instead, he worked on the appraisal to see how Blathnaid did in the end.
His visor flashed as he activated his ability, and a detailed breakdown was presented to him, with more information than usual. He had to thank Analysis for bolstering the Appraisal ability.
| Name | Hunter’s Trench (Set 1/4) |
| Origin | Crafted |
| Age | New |
Current Grade | Common (Low) |
| Restored Grade | Common (Low) |
| Potential Grade | Unique (Upper) |
| Dimensions | 46.8” Length | 20.8” Chest | 20.8” Hip | 28.3” Sleeve |
| Materials | Void Metal | Twill-Woven Cotton | Refined Construct Essence |
| Runes | Evolutionary Rune: Essence Absorption will result in an increase of Item Grade over time. Self-Replenishment Rune: Slight increase in Essence Absorption. |
| Attributes | Resistant: Increases toughness of the material, protecting the wearer from external attacks. Synergy: Abilities are shared among set items. |
| Abilities | Resistant | Synergy |
| Power Source | External Essence |
| Absorption Rate | 80% Passive | 20% Active |
| Evolution | Yes - 0% |
Quality | Perfect |
| Condition | 100% |
| Value | Est. $12,000.00 – $15,000.00 |
| Name | Hunter’s Breeches (Set 2/4) |
| Origin | Crafted |
| Age | New |
| Current Grade | Common (Low) |
| Restored Grade | Common (Low) |
| Potential Grade | Unique (Upper) |
| Dimensions | 25” Waist | 35” Hip | 28” Inseam |
| Materials | Void Metal | Twill-Woven Cotton | Refined Construct Essence |
| Runes | Evolutionary Rune: Essence Absorption will result in an increase of Item Grade over time. Self-Replenishment Rune: Slight increase in Essence Absorption. |
Attributes | Impact: Slacks negate fall damage and incoming attacks. Chance to reflect damage. Synergy: Abilities are shared among set items. |
| Abilities | Impact | Synergy |
| Power Source | External Essence |
| Absorption Rate | 80% Passive | 20% Active |
| Evolution | Yes - 0% |
| Quality | Perfect |
| Condition | 100% |
| Value | Est. $9,000.00 – $12,000.00 |
| Name | Hunter’s Cowl (Set 3/4) |
| Origin | Crafted |
| Age | New |
| Current Grade | Common (Low) |
| Restored Grade | Common (Low) |
Potential Grade | Unique (Upper) |
| Dimensions | 32” Circumference | 13.5” Length |
| Materials | Twill-Woven Cotton | Refined Construct Essence |
| Runes | Evolutionary Rune: Essence Absorption will result in an increase of Item Grade over time. Self-Replenishment Rune: Slight increase in Essence Absorption. |
| Attributes | Perception: Wearer is hyper-aware of their environment and can assess threats. Synergy: Abilities are shared among set items. |
| Abilities | Perception | Synergy |
| Power Source | External Essence |
| Absorption Rate | 80% Passive | 20% Active |
| Evolution | Yes - 0% |
| Quality | Perfect |
| Condition | 100% |
| Value | Est. $16,000.00 – $18,000.00 |
Sal was floored by the fact they were only Common-grade items. Their presentation looked incredible and he had a hard time believing they were ranked so low. Compared to the things he had created with evolutionary runes, the cap on the equipment was far lower, coming in at a maximum of Unique grade. He wondered whether it was down to the metal and cloth choices that Blathnaid had used, or whether it was a limitation of her power. Maybe the set would increase if he completed the shoes she had started to fashion?
Despite those thoughts, Sal was impressed that she had managed to tailor the designs to what she had envisioned. He always made things as they were presented by the blueprints, with the exception of Hannah’s gauntlets.
“You’re spacing out. What are the results?” Upgrade poked Sal gently on the shoulder to remind him of her presence. Her eyes were locked on the pieces of equipment, and she looked just as confused as Sal. “They look really good, but I think it’s just that the craftsmanship is really high rather than them being a good grade? I’m not feeling much essence from them.”
Sal nodded in agreement. “They’re Common grade. The evolutionary rune is functional and they can get up to the Unique grade over time. I just can’t get over the fact that they look so good. She used her essence to change the color of the fabric and created all sorts of designs on them to make them look appealing. I also think she made them in her own size?”
Upgrade grinned and glanced at Blathnaid over her shoulder. “She understands that buyers want fashion over function at the lower tiers. This stuff would sell faster than an ugly Uncommon-grade set.”
Sal chuckled. She wasn’t wrong.
“The Argento Auction had lots of cases like this too. Something with a cool name would end up selling for well beyond its value. I always put it down to buyers wanting bragging rights rather than having something useful. My favorite example was the doom scythe, which sold for an outrageous price.”
Upgrade’s eyes widened. “Oooh, what’s that?”
Sal snorted. “An agricultural tool that has a high chance of corrupting the crops it harvests. It’s useless for its properties, but the name alone kept the bids coming through. Even if it was used as a weapon, unless the target was a plant or vegetable, it’s useless.”
Upgrade smiled as she stared at Sal, waiting for him to make the connection. He gave her a puzzled glance before realization finally clicked with him.
“Leechers!” He gasped as he turned to her. Upgrade rewarded him with a slow clap and a good-natured smile. Sal laughed at himself for that and shrugged. “Okay, you got me. It has its uses for combat, but would you spend a quarter of a million on an item that could just kill a few leechers?”
Upgrade’s smile faltered as her eyes widened. “Fuck off! Nobody would spend that much money on a weapon for leechers. Did it have something else that was of value?”
Blathnaid groaned as she got to her feet, interrupting their back-and-forth. When they turned around to see her, they were met with a frown. Her eyes were locked onto the equipment she had made, dissatisfaction written all over her face.
“Looks like I didn’t get to the shoes.” She made a step toward the table, but Upgrade intercepted her.
“Absolutely not. You’re still recovering from the dregs.” Upgrade stood directly in Blathnaid’s field of view, forcing the girl to look up at her.
Blathnaid’s expression became conflicted as she tried to protest. “Please, it’s almost done. I need to finish it.” It wasn’t even a protest; it was borderline pleading. Blathnaid tried to reach toward the equipment, but Upgrade caught her hand and gave her a stern look.
“You’re not using any more essence today. It’s an admirable trait that you want to see a job through to completion, but it’s incredibly reckless when you don’t know your own limits. You’ve hit yours today by achieving something incredible, so don’t push your luck by trying to inch closer to perfection.” Upgrade released Blathnaid’s hand and put an arm around her shoulder. “You’ve proved that we can create evolutionary equipment with basic materials. Void metal and prowler hide are common enough resources that we should be able to provide large amounts of it to our Crafters.”
Blathnaid still looked conflicted, and it seemed like Upgrade’s words weren’t really getting through to her.
“Blathnaid, you’ve just given Supports a fighting chance against relegation.” Upgrade smiled at her as she spoke, and the effect was instantaneous.
Blathnaid’s eyes snapped away from the equipment and locked onto Upgrade’s face in disbelief. She turned to Sal to see whether he heard the same thing, and got a grin in return. “But without the patterns, I wouldn’t have been able—”
“Bullshit,” Upgrade said. “What part of those sets look remotely like the patterns Sal created? You went rogue and made a whole new design based on your preferences. I can tell with just a glance that you’re both practical and a perfectionist. Sal’s pattern didn’t fit with your style, so you made your own.”
Upgrade laughed as she picked up the hunter cowl from the table and held it in front of Blathnaid’s face. “You created equipment that people will be proud to wear. Not just for its effects and potential, but for how it looks.”
Blathnaid’s face reddened as she started to apologize.
“Nope. Never apologize for something like this. You’re more stubborn than this idiot.” Upgrade hiked her thumb over her shoulder in Sal’s general direction. “Own your successes. This is something you’ve done with your own power, and you should be proud.”
Sal stepped closer as he lifted the hunter jacket up. “Don’t you think you should try it on?”
He held it open by the shoulders so Blathnaid could slide her arms into it, but she hesitated as she looked at it. She was still conflicted about something but was clearly uncomfortable in speaking about it.
Blathnaid bit her lip as she looked at Upgrade tentatively. “How will this stop Supports from getting relegated?” There was light in her eyes and judging by the tremor in her voice, she was clinging to the hope that it wasn’t just words to make her feel better.
Before Upgrade could respond, the door slid open to reveal Chatfield looking rather flustered. He held up a keycard in his hand and gave them an annoyed glare.
“Why did you lock the door?” He entered the room and closed the door behind him, looking as though he was about to share his thoughts when his eyes caught sight of the hunter jacket.
Anything Blathnaid wanted to say died on her lips. She had seen Chatfield at the assembly and clearly had no understanding why he was suddenly in the workshop. She looked at Sal in a panic, but he gestured to her that it was fine.
Sal picked up the cowl and pants from the table and delivered them with the jacket to Chatfield, who had started to smile.
“Are these what I think they are? What materials did you use?” Chatfield looked at Sal, but rather than answering on her behalf, Sal looked at Blathnaid.
“Go on, Blathnaid. Tell Chatfield what you made these with?” He smiled the entire time but felt a pang of guilt at the stricken and panicked look on her face. She was very much out of her depth.
Chatfield pieced the meaning together, and his eyes lit up. “You got a first-year to create them instead? Excellent! Proof of concept at this stage really pushes us ahead. Let’s see what we’re dealing with.” A purple light pulsated from Chatfield’s hands into the materials and a broad smile crossed his face. “Void metal and prowler hide…and it can evolve all the way up to Unique?”
Blathnaid’s face paled at the verdict, her eyes locking onto the equipment. She had no way to appraise what she was making, nor did she even understand the runes she had embroidered into the designs. This was her first time hearing the tangible results of her efforts.
Chatfield didn’t miss her reaction and laughed. “Very cruel, Mr. Argento. You didn’t even tell her what she made? Should I assume you didn’t tell her what this means?”
Sal laughed and gestured at Blathnaid. “We tried, but it might sound better coming from you.”
Blathnaid looked between them in confusion. It was clear that this was a dizzying experience for her, especially considering she was still recovering from the dregs. If Sal had to guess, he’d have assumed she would remember this more like a fever dream than anything else.
Chatfield walked over to Blathnaid and handed her back the equipment. “You’ve just pioneered the first step in making our Support classes invaluable, not just to Quest Academy, but to humanity at large. What’s your name?”
Any color that remained on Blathnaid’s face disappeared as she stammered a response. “Blathnaid…Blathnaid McClean.” She looked at Sal and Upgrade for help, but they just smiled.
Chatfield chuckled as he reached into his coat pocket. “Well, Blathnaid…Blathnaid McClean. Welcome to the task force.” He seemed to enjoy his own joke as he presented her with a Challenge crest. “I hope you’ll continue to work with us in creating more designs like this?”
Chatfield flung another crest in Sal’s direction, who caught it deftly from mid-air.
Blathnaid stared at the crest in her trembling hands before looking at Chatfield with a small frown. “I don’t deserve this…”
Chatfield laughed as he turned to Upgrade. “Any chance you could drill some confidence into her? We’ve got a lot of work to do.”