Chapter 7 – Decisions

Sal was grateful that Quest let him work in silence. The gun didn’t appear exceptional in any way or form, which was why Sal tried his hardest to find any secrets it was hiding.

The first thing that became obvious was that it was completely devoid of essence. There were no abilities or attributes, and it looked to be a stock model that had been made long before his time. If Sal had to hazard a guess, it likely predated the first known arrival of demons.

With a glance at Quest, who sat in his chair with a knowing smile, Sal sighed and got back to inspecting it. Materials were standard of that generation and the build quality looked to be quite high, but not enough to give the weapon any bonuses. It was an underwhelming gun, outside of its title.

Name	Honorary Savior’s Python .357 Magnum
Origin	Crafted
Age	65 years (Relic)
Grade	Common (Low)
Dimensions	6 inches barrel | 11.5 inches length | 5.5 inches height | 2.1 lbs. weight
Materials	Stainless Steel | Laminated Walnut
Attributes	No Essence Detected
Abilities	No Essence Detected
Power Source	Combustion
Evolution	No
Quality	Good
Condition	82%
Value	Est. $1,200.00 – $2,000.00

Sal figured that it would have a much higher value as a relic, and maybe its symbolism had some kind of bonus value…but he couldn’t make a fair estimate. His eyes flickered back to their default silver color, and he placed the gun back in its display case.

“It’s a flashy-looking piece of equipment, and has a nice weight to it.” Sal tried to find nice things to say about it, but Quest laughed at his hesitation.

“You don’t need to lie. In today’s day and age, it’s an old-school piece of junk. Do you need me to dismantle it for you to get a better blueprint?” The headmaster reached over to the display case with a curious look pointed at Sal.

With a shake of his head, Sal closed the case and tapped the side of his head. “Mythcrafter already took it apart in my head, so there’s no need. The title is a bit interesting, though. Can I ask what an Honorary Savior is?”

Quest paused and looked at Sal in surprise. “You’re able to see the name of the weapon? How is that possible?”

With a good-natured laugh, Sal twisted the display box around to show a plate engraving on the side that had been facing him. “Normally, the name pops up when I read the essence signature. Crafters can sign their work with essence, or attribute it to someone else. Appraisal sometimes fills in the blanks and throws names at me, but my regular eyes were able to read this one just fine.”

He tapped the engraving playfully, and Quest shook his head with a laugh. Getting to his feet, the headmaster picked up the box and returned it to the cabinet at the side of his office.

“I know it’s not the most glamorous of weapons, but it could be a good starting point for you and might help you come up with a design of something…more modern. It was given to me as a memento by the Hunter Bureau, recognizing my efforts in the war against demons. I’d have been flattered if it was more than just a ceremonial piece, but I keep it because it looks good.”

Quest gave Sal a slight shrug as he returned to his desk. “I’ve got a much better gift than that, though, so give me a moment.”

Quest tapped at his console to bring up a screen. His eyes flitted over the details before he made a few gestures and taps on the console.

A vibration came from Sal’s tablet, and from the expectant glance from Quest, he knew that it was a message from the headmaster. While he pulled out the tablet, Quest gestured at the screen.

“I told you before that we want to foster your abilities as much as we can, and I think this tracker concept is an excellent first step in harnessing your capabilities. I’ve sent you a list of Heroes who have the abilities you need for the tracker, and you’ll find that there are some students who have lower-grade variants of them. The best ones will be found out in the field, so I’d strongly recommend that you consider the upcoming outings.”

Sal navigated to his messages and found a comprehensive list of the abilities that matched his own notes. There weren’t any unaccounted for, and it suddenly became that much more achievable in his mind. The idea of going on outings still filled him with a sense of dread and foreboding, but Quest was right in that he needed to overcome those limitations if it meant preparing well for the future.

If Chatfield got his way, there was going to be a completely different curriculum on the horizon that would pit him against demons sooner rather than later. He needed to be ready for when that happened, or he’d end up failing out of the academy.

All those thoughts ran through his head as he looked at the list, and Quest’s reassuring tone sounded out once more.

“I’m not telling you that you need to create a tracker or even that you need to create a gun to protect yourself. Those would just be tools to help you in the years to come. What you need right now is the conviction to see this through, and to really apply yourself in your studies. You have great talents, but they’re going to be tested relentlessly. If you wish to protect others and become a Hero…you need to know what we’re fighting. Outings will show you that in great depth, but they’ll also show you how strong we’ve become over the years.” Quest’s voice was soft as he smiled at Sal.

“When you saw that footage of the strike teams attacking the dungeon? That was our show of force in protecting those dearest to us. Outings are structured strategically to teach you how we avoid those war-like conflicts. Paradox is an excellent guild to shadow out on the field, but maybe watching the Delvers Guild or Source Guild would be a better introduction? You have options available to you, Salvatore. Don’t let fear or uncertainty squander your chances to learn, develop, and grow.”

Sal nodded as he tucked his tablet back into his pocket. With a wry smile, he shrugged at Quest. “Just need to get out of my own head and comfort zone, by the sounds of it. I’ve made friends here and I’m really enjoying the stuff I’m learning. I don’t want to let my fears dictate my future, so I’ll sign up for one of them and see how it goes. I’ve got time before Analysis class begins, and even if I don’t get the materials I need, or the powers I want to put in it…I’ll be able to learn what Professor Beck has to teach. Thanks for loaning it to me, and for the advice.”

With that, Sal got to his feet, but Quest raised a hand to hold him a little longer.

“Are you having issues with sourcing materials?”

Sal shook his palm left and right. “Kinda, but I’ve asked Vanessa to look into requesting stuff from the Reavers Guild. Hellfire titanium and lord crystals are the best components for the tracker, and the latter seems like a bit of a tricky one to find.”

Quest’s brow furrowed as he thought about it for a moment. With a click of his fingers, his face broke into a smile. “We might have a potential solution to getting you out onto the field. Have you heard of scavenger runs?”

Sal’s blank expression gave Quest his answer before Sal could shake his head. Quest laughed as he leaned down to tap at his console again.

“I don’t know when the next scheduled one is, but the workshop will likely have all the details. Scavenger runs are a type of outing that are much more low-cost and aimed specifically at Support classes. They take place exclusively within safe zones that have recently been reclaimed, so you wouldn’t need to worry about demons. Well…I say that. You’d be harvesting cores from the recently defeated demons and sorting through any loot in the area. Best part is that you’re able to search the area for materials that can be used in crafting. It’s how a lot of the Supports fund their projects, and the classes that can restore or refine the materials sell them back to the Credit floor or workshop.”

Sal’s eyes widened, but Quest was still going.

“I think it would be an excellent starting point for you to address your apprehension of facing demons. Seeing their corpses and learning how to harvest them successfully will help you acclimatize to their presence. What do you say, does it sound interesting? You might find some rare materials out there for your work, and even make some Q-Cred while you do it! The fee for a scavenger run is a cut of the spoils you gather, but it’s more than worth it.”

The whole concept sounded interesting and a way for him to stockpile more materials. He had been using the materials that had been given to him as a signing bonus, and using his own essence to fill in the gaps.

With the tracker and the Analysis skill, having different materials would yield new attributes and capabilities. He saw the breakdown of the crown he analyzed at the Sky Lounge, and the possibilities of creating new options on weapons was constantly niggling at the back of his mind.

Sal’s desire to make better equipment started to outweigh his fear of going out on the field, and his heart rate elevated at the prospect. It wasn’t necessarily fear this time, but rather excitement.

“Thank you, Quest. I think I’d like to do one of those scavenger runs. Are they open to first-years?”

Quest nodded with a smile. “Yes, they only have a certain number of slots available, and they tend to prioritize the third-years, then second, and lastly, first. There are different grades available, but you’d be sure to find a space on one of the entry-level runs. Just like everything at the academy, there’s a ranking system and you’d need to build up your proficiency as a scavenger before you’d unlock access to better runs. It’s a meritocracy, at the end of the day. If you want, I could put your name down on the waiting list? If it’s going to help lessen your fear of outings, I’d be happy to fast-track your first one. Everything beyond that will be up to you, though.”

With a resolute nod, Sal happily availed himself of Quest’s offer and asked to be put on the waiting list.

“Thank you so much, for the advice and for everything. I can’t help but feel that I’ve monopolized your time over the last month. Do you talk to all the students like this and offer to help them?”

Quest blinked before a rueful smile tugged at his lips. He swept a hand through his fading blond hair and shrugged.

“Not many people ask for help, but I try my best to guide the ones who need it. If it makes you feel better, you’re nowhere close to some of the students in terms of how much support and guidance they need. A few years ago, I had daily meetings with a student because they were terrified of losing control of their power. They were convinced they were going to accidentally harm others, and it took everything we had to put them at ease. Fast-forward to now, and they’re a ranked officer in a Tier 2 guild. I’ll say it again: if there are students in need, we’ll do our utmost to ensure their success. You’re no different, and I hope you won’t hesitate to come see me if there’s anything you need. This is what we’re here for.”

Quest clapped his hands. “So, in summary. You’re going to start in the scavenger runs to get a feel for being out in the field and build up your stockpile of materials. You’re going to work toward outings so you can build up a portfolio of abilities for your Mythcrafter skill. You’re going to craft an evolutionary tracker and potentially an evolutionary gun. Did I miss anything?”

Sal shook his head with a smile, and Quest laughed as he gestured toward the door.

“Well then, until next time, Mr. Argento. Always a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing your progress!”