Chapter 57: The Fixer (2)
Time passed, and snow began to fall.
Oliver learned many things from Kent.
He learned what the job of a fixer entailed, the mechanics of how that world worked, the human elements involved, the things to watch out for, and basic knowledge.
Beyond that...
Tap- tap- Kent swung his quarterstaff and spoke.
“But I retired 10, 20 years ago... Honestly, I don’t know how much things have changed.”
Tap- tap- Oliver swung his quarterstaff in response.
“Is that so?”
Tap- tap- the two of them swung their quarterstaffs together.
“Yeah, it’s a skill-based market, and since Landa has progressed, that world has probably changed a lot too. I don’t even know how useful the knowledge I’ve taught you will be. Especially since you're not trying to make a living like I did, but aiming for something higher.”
Kent's words were true.
A fixer who could use the Black Market without belonging to an organization...
Even Kent couldn't grasp what kind of reputation or connections one would need to build.
There were stories of such people existing, but they were all legendary figures.
Yet, strangely, Kent thought that the boy sweating before him, who looked about fifteen or sixteen, might actually be able to do it.
He didn’t know why. Was it Oliver’s exceptional skill in black magic? Or perhaps his unexpectedly high learning ability?
No, there was a more fundamental reason before all that.
He couldn’t explain it concretely, but there was a baseless certainty that this boy, different from others, would be able to grasp anything he desired.
It was the first time Kent had ever felt such an emotion toward anyone, so he couldn’t explain it further.
“Hah... Alright, let’s call it a day.”
Kent lowered his quarterstaff and stepped back. Following his lead, Oliver also stepped back in the same stance as Kent.
Just three months ago, the boy was a scrawny figure who didn’t even know how to hold a staff, but now he had changed, mastering the basics.
Enough to match him step for step.
Of course, Kent had adjusted his strength, but even so, the boy’s learning speed was terrifying.
“How was it? Kent?”
“...You're no longer at the level where you’ll get beaten just walking around. But don’t get complacent. Keep practicing as I instructed, eat properly, and don’t neglect your training.”
It was nagging, almost like a parent’s, but Oliver nodded.
“Yes. I understand.”
After finishing his response, Oliver wiped himself down with a towel and began to get dressed.
He wore brown cotton trousers and a khaki coat, old clothes he had bought specifically for today.
“Are you leaving now?”
“Yes, I said I would.”
Oliver replied as he slung a bag over his shoulder.
“Good... Your voice has strength to it. That’s important for work. It gives people confidence... Now, if only you could do something about your facial expressions.”
“Sorry, my face doesn’t seem to cooperate.”
“Well, no one can be good at everything... Stand in front of me for a moment.”
At Kent’s request, Oliver stood right in front of him.
He wasn’t too stiff, nor was he slouched. There was a natural yet relaxed confidence about him.
“Why do you want to use the Black Market?”
“To obtain books on black magic.”
“You’re not interested in books about demons, are you?”
“I don’t have any interest in that area yet.”
“Good. Excellent... No matter what circles you run in, those who show interest in demons are always met with suspicion. Keep answering like that. But don’t outright deny it too strongly. That could make you seem even more suspicious. Deny it moderately.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“And don’t ask too many questions. No matter how curious you are, wait until the right moment. In that world, you need to be careful with your words. If you ask too much, you expose yourself, and others may try to use that to exploit you. No matter how curious you are, hold off on asking until it's the right situation. Then, your chance will come. With your level of skill in black magic, it definitely will.”
“I understand... But when is the right situation?”
“When they either fear you or desperately need you. Then, it will naturally become easier to get the answers you want.”
“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”
Kent handed Oliver a letter.
“What’s this?”
“A letter of introduction. Give it to the mediator I told you about. It’s sealed, so don’t open it. If it’s been opened, they might suspect it was tampered with. They’re a tough person, but not a bad first client to work with. They’re very professional.”
Kent spoke sincerely.
Oliver nodded and placed the letter inside his coat before heading out of the Beggars' Den.
“What should you do before meeting the mediator?”
“Wear the leather mask.”
“Right, even though they're decent, don’t reveal your identity. It’ll keep things safer and simpler for you.”
“Yes... Then, I suppose this is goodbye.”
As he stepped out of the Beggars' Den and into the snowy backdrop, Oliver spoke.
“That’s right... Here, take this.”
“What is it...?”
Oliver looked at the quarterstaff Kent was holding out.
“It’s a gift. I don’t feel right letting you go empty-handed after everything.”
“A gift?”
“Yeah, it’s old and worn, but it’s my most cherished possession. Please, take it.”
“...”
Oliver stared at the quarterstaff in silence.
It was polished smooth from use, and the bandages wrapped around the center were frayed from age.
More than anything, it seemed to carry a faint trace of Kent’s emotions from having spent a lifetime with it.
“...Don’t you want it?”
“Are you really giving this to me? It’s a precious item.”
“That’s exactly why I’m giving it to you.”
With a more expressionless face than usual, Oliver grasped the quarterstaff.
At that moment, Kent said something.
“Just remember one thing. You’re not strange or broken... You’re just different. Keep that in mind as you go through life.”
“...Yes, I will remember.”
After answering, Oliver left the Beggars' Den. Kent waved until Oliver was completely out of sight.
...
Screeech-!
A dreary, gray taxi screeched to a stop by the side of the road.
Upon closer inspection, the vehicle’s exterior was rusted, and a layer of dust had settled on it, making it look rather run-down.
“T-District, Street 27. We’ve arrived, sir,” said the driver, dressed in civilian clothes, as he took a sip from a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag.
“Here you go. Thank you, driver.”
Oliver handed over the fare and thanked him as he had practiced.
Thankfully, it seemed natural, as the driver smiled and waved.
“No, thank you. Have a good day.”
As soon as Oliver stepped out, the taxi took off.
It was a good start.
Oliver quickly ducked into an empty alley and pulled a leather mask from his bag, placing it over his face.
It was an item he had taken from the Puppeteer Glyp. After checking that his hands had also changed, he took out a note and looked around.
He was in T-District, the residential area for Landa’s working class.
Compared to X-District or W-District, it seemed like an improvement. Though it wasn’t as developed as Landa’s central area, the streets were bustling with people, and most of the buildings were still in use.
There were no strange graffiti or totems in sight.
Following the map drawn on the note, Oliver began walking down Street 27 from the entrance, following the main road.
A short while later, he arrived at a three-way intersection.
“According to this... Ah.”
Oliver’s eyes landed on one spot.
It was a restaurant with a sign that read "Forest."
...
A bell chimed as he opened the door, and a staff member in simple attire approached him. The employee had striking red skin, with a name tag that read "Al."
“Hello, sir. Are you dining alone?”
“I heard you were hiring.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but we’ve already filled the position.”
“I came based on a recommendation.”
“A recommendation?”
“Yes, here.”
Oliver took out the letter of introduction Kent had given him and handed it over.
The employee smiled gently and took the letter, examining the seal.
“...Please wait here for a moment.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Thank you. I’ll return as quickly as I can.”
The employee bowed and hurried off.
Before long, he returned and guided Oliver inside.
“If you’ll follow me, please, sir.”
Oliver nodded and followed the staff member.
They passed through the restaurant and bar, entering a staff-only corridor before stopping in front of a door.
Knock-knock.
“Sir, I’ve brought him.”
“Send him in, Al.”
The employee opened the door and gestured for Oliver to enter.
After a polite nod to the staff, Oliver stepped inside, where a silver-haired elderly man sat waiting.
He was dressed in a vest, trousers, and gloves, and despite his age, he appeared quite sturdy.
In fact, among the elderly people Oliver had encountered, he had never met one as physically robust as this man.
“Greetings... My name is Dave.”
“Dave?”
“Yes.”
“Nice to meet you, Dave. I’m Forest. Forgive me for being so direct on our first meeting, but could I see that staff of yours?”
Oliver glanced at his quarterstaff before asking.
“This?”
“Yes, that one. Please, if you would.”
“...Here.”
Oliver handed over the quarterstaff he had received from Kent.
“Oh... This really is Kent’s quarterstaff. I didn’t expect he’d still be alive, let alone send me a letter.”
The elderly man lightly raised the letter.
“Since I don’t like wasting time, I’ll get straight to the point. You’re here because you want to become a fixer, right?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re a black magician? With considerable skill, too?”
Oliver recalled the conversation he had with Kent.
“I think I’ve mastered the basics.”
“Well, good... Self-assessments don’t mean much, though. Would you be willing to take a test?”
“A test?”
Oliver asked in surprise.
Kent had told him that presenting the letter would be enough to get him accepted.
Sensing his confusion, Forest kindly explained.
“Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not testing you to take advantage of you or get free labor. I’ll pay you. But the market has changed quite a bit since Kent was active.”
“Has it?”
“Yes. Competition at the Magic Tower has become so fierce that magicians have started entering this line of work too. There’s also been an increase in enhanced humans, people who’ve undergone body modifications. Even retired soldiers from the colonial wars are in the mix... There’s an overflow of manpower. So now, we’re more selective in choosing who we hire.”
Forest’s words were sincere.
Oliver nodded.
“Yes, I understand.”
“I appreciate that. Some people don’t catch on so quickly.”
“Could you tell me more about the test?”
“You’re a polite one. I like that. For now, I’ll give you a simple task. Even if you fail, there won’t be any penalties. You could catch a wanted criminal, recover stolen goods, or... Ah! Let me ask again. Do you have confidence in your abilities?”
Oliver remembered Kent’s advice as he responded.
“Yes.”
“Then, how about catching an animal?”
“An animal?”
“Yes... Though calling it an animal is a bit of a stretch. It’s more like a beast or a monster.”
With that, Forest opened a cabinet and took out a folder.
Oliver opened it and saw densely packed writing along with a black-and-white photo.
“That’s an interesting animal.”
“...Of course it is. It’s a chimera... You really must have spent all your time training underground.”
Oliver held back his response, focusing on the creature in the photograph.
It was a massive dog-like being, but its body had been fused with parts from various animals. It had wings like those of a chicken, talons from a bird of prey on its forelimbs, and most strikingly, spikes protruding from its sides.
“It was created by Research Lab Martel. It escaped into the sewers during an experiment. The lab has secretly placed a bounty on it.”
“All I have to do is catch it?”
“That’s right. But you can’t kill or injure it. It’s a valuable sample, and they’ll hold you accountable if it’s harmed.”
“I see.”
“The current reward is 42 million Landa. It’s quite high. It’s been on the run for nearly two weeks, and as a bio-weapon, it’s been hard for anyone to capture it. It’s clever, strong, and shoots spikes from its sides, making it difficult to deal with.”
“...”
“Four fixers have died trying, despite it being a fairly inexperienced beast. Now that it’s tasted human flesh, it’s also started attacking civilians. It’s causing trouble in the slums of V-District, and if this keeps up, the Police Bureau will catch wind of it soon. That’s why they’re in such a hurry... So, will you take the job?”
“...”
“If you’re not interested, you can take on something else.”
“No, I’ll do it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. But I do have one question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Once I capture it, do I have to carry it back here myself?”
“Oh, I forgot to mention. You won’t need to do that. There are researchers from the lab waiting near the area where the chimera is active. Just find them, mention my name, and they’ll give you the details, along with any additional materials you’ll need for the hunt.”
Oliver nodded. Forest’s explanation was genuine.
“Let me ask again. Are you really sure? I’m not trying to undermine you, but this could be very dangerous. I’m only saying this because you’re an acquaintance of Kent.”
“Hmm... I don’t want to die, but I think I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m curious to see what a chimera looks like.”