The following morning, Dawn was awakened by the familiar hum of machinery. The room was bathed in the pale light filtering through the half-closed blinds. She had tossed and turned most of the night, her dreams haunted by Eldric's penetrating gaze and the memories she tried to keep at bay. Stretching, she felt the weight of her fatigue but pushed it aside. There was much to be done.
Descending the stairs, she found Lina in the midst of examining a tangled mass of wires and circuits on the main table. Lina's focus was sharp, her fingers moving nimbly as she worked. The vision of Lina's intense concentration was a momentary refuge, grounding Dawn back to the present.
"Morning," Dawn greeted, her voice a touch husky from sleep.
Lina looked up, offering a warm smile. "You're up early. Couldn't sleep?"
Dawn shrugged, "Just restless, I guess."
Lina's eyes softened, recognizing the lingering unease from the previous evening. "Eldric's... different. But you're safe here."
Nodding, Dawn decided to shift the conversation. "I was thinking of visiting a scrapyard today. Looking for parts for the Holoprojector and... well, other projects."
Lina paused, considering, "There's a scrapyard on the eastern end of the Nexus. It's run by a grumpy old goblin named Fizzle. He's a bit eccentric, but he might have what you're looking for."
Dawn's eyes lit up, "Sounds perfect. I'll head there after breakfast."
After a quick meal, Dawn set out towards the scrapyard, her backpack in tow. The journey to the eastern end of the Nexus took her through bustling markets and quieter alleys. The scent of freshly baked goods mingled with the sharper odors of machinery and oil. The Nexus was a hive of activity, and its inhabitants were the lifeblood that kept it going.
Reaching the scrapyard, the scene before her was one of organized chaos. Piles of discarded parts, rusted machinery, and obsolete tech littered the area. At the center of it all was Fizzle's makeshift office, an old shipping container converted into a living space.
Spotting the goblin, Dawn approached, offering a small smile. Fizzle eyed her suspiciously, his wrinkled green face breaking into a toothy grin. "New face! Whatcha want, girlie?"
"I'm looking for parts. Specific ones for a Holoprojector," Dawn began, detailing the list Lina had given her.
Fizzle scratched his chin, his sharp nails making a scraping sound. "Might have what you need. But it won't come cheap."
Dawn nodded, "I'm prepared to trade or work for it."
A cunning gleam entered Fizzle's eyes, "Alright, girlie. You help me sort out that pile over there, and we might strike a deal."
For the next few hours, Dawn worked diligently, sorting parts and salvaging what she could. It was grueling work, but her determination kept her going. Every so often, she'd come across a part that piqued her interest, setting it aside for later.
As she lifted a metal sheet, she uncovered an old holo-display, its screen cracked but the circuits intact. Dawn's heart raced as she recognized it as one of the components Lina had described. This was a rare find.
"Hey, Fizzle," she called out, holding up the display for the goblin to see.
Fizzle waddled over, his beady eyes assessing the part. "Good eye, girlie," he grinned, his yellowed teeth on full display. "That there's a gem in this dump. Might take some work to restore, but it's worth it."
She felt a swell of pride, not just for finding the component but for earning the goblin's grudging respect. "Thanks, Fizzle," she replied with a hint of a smirk. "Let's just hope it still works."
She continued sifting, feeling renewed vigor. Alongside the debris and rusted machinery, Dawn also stumbled upon small trinkets and relics from a bygone era – faded photographs, old-fashioned toys, and even a music box that still played a haunting tune.
A particular object caught her eye. It was a leather-bound diary, weathered and worn. Curiosity piqued, she opened it, revealing handwritten notes. Skimming through, it seemed to belong to a mechanic or inventor, filled with sketches, equations, and personal musings.
After several hours, Dawn had gathered a sizable collection of components and curiosities. Fizzle approached, surveying her findings. "You've got quite the knack for scavenging, girlie. How 'bout we strike a deal?"
Dawn nodded, taking a deep breath. "I found the parts I need for the Holoprojector. Plus, a few extra things." She motioned to the diary and some other intriguing items.
Fizzle stroked his chin, "The parts for the Holoprojector, and a day's work? I'd say you've earned it. As for the rest, throw in a few of those shiny credits, and they're yours."
Dawn shook her head, putting a finger on the diary, "You can keep the rest, I just want this."
As the transaction concluded, and the salvaged parts safely stashed in her backpack, Dawn felt a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. It was strange to her slightly, she had worked all day in the scrapyard of a Goblin. A sentence that she would have never thought before. Despite being in this world for a while... this 'game'. It was strange, her life had been twists and turns and constantly moving since she had got here, with so many things she would have never been able to experience. Yet... things sometimes felt a little off, despite knowing a lot about the game, living it was an entirely different story.
.
.
Opening the door to the shop, Dawn was met with Gralen sat at the table with Eldric, the two locked in on their 'Sentinels and Shadows' match. Gralen giving a small wave at Dawn, to let her know he saw her. "Bastard!" He then cursed under his breath, as Eldric moves some things around on the board, presumably to the detriment of Gralen. The two men each had a bottle of spirits in front of them, along with a few under the table.
Dawn headed straight past them, not bothering to interrupt their game. 'Sentinels and Shadows' was a thing in New Horizon, not that she payed much attention to it. Being one of the few things she knew little to nothing about.
As such, she didn't look much at their match, as she passed and headed up the stairs to get to her room.
Dumping the bag on the ground, she sat next to it so she could sort through all the parts. Most of them were for the projector, a useful piece of equipment for her, especially if she wanted to truly dive down the path of a Mechanic. The identity she had chosen to grow in Nexhaven. Since while she would still level the things in her Mage tree, especially for a bad situation. The Mechanic could be given room to grow much more in the city then the Mage could.
However, a few parts she had collected were a little more nefarious, at least her plans for them were. The Photon Pistol, a blueprint she had gotten a little while back in her level ups. However it would likely take a while to gather all the parts needed.
As Dawn spread out the parts on the floor, her fingers lingered on the blueprints for the Photon Pistol. She knew it would take time and considerable resources to craft such an advanced weapon. The city had regulations against unregistered weaponry, and she was sure that a Photon Pistol would definitely be on that list. But if she could assemble it discreetly, it would be a crucial tool in her arsenal.
The leather-bound diary she had found piqued her curiosity further. Flipping through the yellowed pages, she discovered entries filled with fragmented thoughts, diagrams, and what seemed like coordinates. As she read further, a name frequently popped up - 'The Silent Coalition.' This didn't sound familiar to her from her gameplay knowledge. Was this something new, or perhaps a hidden questline she hadn't encountered before?
Suddenly, a loud thud from downstairs broke her concentration. Gralen's voice, slurred from too much drink, rose in anger. "You cheated, Eldric! Nobody wins five games in a row by pure luck!"
Eldric's voice, smooth and collected, countered, "You underestimate my strategic capabilities, my friend. Perhaps you should focus more on the game and less on your drink."
Dawn rolled her eyes. Typical Gralen. But it was rare for Eldric to rise to the bait. She contemplated intervening but thought better of it. They'd sort it out, they always did.
She returned her attention to the diary. One entry, in particular, stood out. It read:
"Date 6732, Cycle 45 - The device is nearly complete. Once activated, the Silent Coalition will usher in a new era. But time is running out. They're onto me. If anything should happen, the final component is hidden at the Nexus's heart."
Dawn's heart raced. The Nexus's heart? Was it a metaphor, or did it refer to an actual location? It was a lead, a mystery that beckoned her. And in the world of Nexhaven, mysteries usually meant adventure... and danger.
Tucking the diary safely into her bag, she made a mental note to discuss it with Lina in the morning. For now, though, sleep beckoned.
As she lay down, the muffled sounds of Gralen and Eldric's banter filtered through the floorboards, offering a strange sense of comfort. With the diary's revelations swirling in her mind, Dawn eventually drifted into a fitful sleep.
The night was punctuated with visions. Dawn dreamt of vast, sprawling chambers hidden beneath the Nexus, filled with machinery of unknown origin. Ghostly figures whispered in the shadows, their voices an unintelligible chorus of murmurs, all revolving around the glowing heart of the Nexus. The very thing the diary had hinted at. As she reached out to touch it in her dream, a sharp jolt pulled her back.
Awakening with a start, Dawn was met with the soft light of early morning filtering into her room. The events from the scrapyard and the revelations from the diary still felt raw. She clutched her blankets, attempting to recall every detail from her dream. Such vividness wasn't normal for her. Was the game trying to send her a message? Or were the stresses from her new life getting to her?
She shook off the remnants of sleep, splashed water on her face from a nearby basin, and decided to start her day. The soft sound of clinking dishes signaled that someone was already up.
Downstairs, Lina was preparing breakfast. The smell of sizzling food filled the air. Eldric and Gralen's game from the previous night had been cleared away, but the empty bottles remained, evidence of their spirited match.
"Morning," Lina greeted, handing Dawn a plate stacked with eggs and some form of grilled meat. "Heard quite the ruckus last night. Everything alright?" She asks, a slight worry in her voice. Although Dawn had been here a few days now. And had shown herself as much an adult as anyone else in the house, Lina always could see a young girl that has gone through more then should of needed. Taking it onto herself to fill an elder sister role for Dawn.
"I'm alright, thank you. Just some dreams." Dawn replies with a tired smile. Taking the plate from Lina. "Eldric and Gralen had quite a night, from what I heard." She digressed with a slight nod to the empty bottles.
"Yea, hope they didn't keep you awake too long." Lina smiles apologetically.
The two girls sitting at the table together to eat. Mostly in silence. Dawn thinking about the blueprints, with everything she needed to build the Holoprojector, she just needed to fix everything up and put it all together.
Dawn took a bite of the grilled meat, surprised at the tenderness and flavor. "This is good. What is it?" She asked, genuinely curious.
Lina chuckled, "It's a local bird from the outskirts of Nexus. Quite a delicacy. They're tough to catch, but Gralen knows a merchant." Her face brightened at the mention of Gralen, hinting at a deeper connection between them.
Dawn smiled wistfully, recalling a similar dish from her old world. "It reminds me of something from home. Not here, but... before."
Lina tilted her head, a strand of hair falling to frame her face. "You know, you've never spoken about your past. Not really. Do you want to?"
Dawn hesitated, the memories flooding back—both good and bad. "It was... different. The world I come from is not as vivid as this, not as vibrant. But it was home." She sighed, twirling her fork in her hand. "I had family, friends, a life. Now, it's like I'm in a continuous dream, and I'm not sure how to wake up."
Lina reached across the table, placing a gentle hand over Dawn's. "This world, Nexus, it can be overwhelming. But you're not alone here. You've got us."
Dawn looked up, her eyes meeting Lina's, and for a moment, they shared an understanding, a bond forged from shared experiences and vulnerabilities.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Gralen, looking a bit worse for wear with disheveled hair and heavy eyelids, shuffled in. He groaned as he slumped into a chair, "Morning... or whatever time it is."
Lina giggled, "Looks like 'Sentinels and Shadows' got the better of you."
Gralen rolled his eyes, rubbing his temples. "It wasn't the game, it was Eldric's stash of spirits. I swear that man has a taste for the strongest brews."
Dawn chuckled, appreciating the lighter moment. "You two seemed to be having quite a time."
Gralen shot her a sly grin, "We did. Eldric's quite the character. And speaking of, he's probably passed out somewhere in the back."
As the trio bantered, Dawn's initial unease began to fade. The camaraderie and warmth of the moment were grounding, reminding her that while she may be in a foreign land, she was carving out a place for herself.
.
As the day went on, Gralen sat at the table, telling stories of his youth in the Nexus, as Dawn and Lina worked at the benches. Fixing the broken bits and bobs that were brought into the shop, Eldric having left earlier in the morning. Mumbling something about not having a full day off.
It felt like more people were coming in than usual. A few challenging pieces being brought in, even for her, with the Mechanic class and high intelligence there were some that took her a while to even figure out the issue.
However with the work between Lina and Dawn, they managed to get through everything they needed for the day. With Lina cleaning up her workbench, Dawn went over to the door to turn off the light for the sign, flipping the open sign to show they were closed. As her hand reached up to flip the sign, she saw a young man running to the door. His skin was a shade of cerulean blue, and he had a vertical split in his shoulders. This gave him four different arms, with the pairs of shoulders positioned side by side.
His eyes were deep indigo, wide with urgency, and set under a brow lined with worry. Wisps of dark azure hair trailed behind him, seemingly caught in the rush of his approach. He reached the door just as Dawn had begun to close it, pressing a four-fingered palm against the glass.
"Please!" he panted, his voice tinged with desperation, "Are you still open? I know the sign says otherwise, but I truly need your help."
Dawn hesitated for a second, but the desperation in his eyes was unmistakable. She opened the door slightly. "We're closed for the day. Can it wait till tomorrow?"
The cerulean-skinned man shook his head, his multiple arms gesturing wildly in a sort of controlled chaos. "It's an emergency. Please, it won't take long."
The young man exhaled deeply, his four arms fidgeting as he tried to gather his words. "It's... it's an heirloom, from my family. A mechanism of great importance and sentimental value. It's malfunctioned."
Lina, overhearing the conversation, stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. "What sort of mechanism are we talking about?" she inquired.
The man gingerly removed a small, intricate box from his bag. Its surface was embellished with patterns that danced in the light, intertwining loops and whorls etched with utmost precision. The box, however, emitted a faint grinding sound, hinting at the internal damage.
"It's a chronometer," he explained, "but not just any. It keeps track of more than just time – it's been in my family for generations and charts the constellations of our lineage."
It was at this moment that Dawn heard the chime of the system, a notice of an incoming mission popping up in her lower vision. Causing her to be stunned slightly. She could get missions from NPCs? She knew she had received missions through the game system. However, she hadn't expected to get them from another NPC, especially before the game's launch.
Shaking her head of the revelation, she looked up towards Lina.
Dawn and Lina exchanged a look. The task seemed challenging, even daunting, but neither could turn down a plea so genuine.
"All right," Lina conceded, "We'll take a look. But no promises. This sounds more complex than our usual work."
The man's face broke into a smile, the relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, extending two of his hands in gratitude. "My name's Kelor, by the way."
Dawn smiled, there was some similarity to the person before her, but hearing his name confirmed it. Kelor was someone vital to the plot of the Shattered Planet. The son of a Warlord Chieftain, the death of his father would cause a rather large war, with Kelor leading one of the factions.
She wasn't sure why he was within the Nexus at the moment, but the chance to get to know a major character could open some doors for her. Especially if she is able to grow enough in order to make an impact in the events.
"I'll see what I can do. Can I get you to come back tomorrow morning to pick it up??" Dawn replies, taking the chronometer.
"Sure. I'll come around noon. If that works?" Kelor nodded and asked. Earning a nod from Dawn, making him smile before he left the two girls. "Thank you so much." He called back as he left down the street.
"So, you want to take care of fixing it?" Asked Lina.
Lina's eyebrows knitted together in thought as she considered the chronometer, now resting on the workbench. The intricate details of its design suggested that it was not just a product of skilled craftsmanship, but also of deep sentiment. The grinding sound, while faint, spoke of the problem lurking within.
Dawn, still reeling from the unexpected mission prompt, responded to Lina's question, "I think we should both take a look. The intricacy of its design suggests we'll need more than one pair of eyes to fully understand and address the malfunction."
Lina nodded in agreement, pulling over her toolkit and setting up a magnifying lamp. "Let's start with a non-invasive examination first. We don't want to inadvertently damage something further."
As the two began their examination, Gralen, having finished his tale, ambled over with interest. "That's a fine piece of work," he commented, leaning in for a closer look. "I've seen many gadgets in my time, but this... this is special."
Dawn peered through the magnifying glass, the complex gears and mechanisms coming into sharp focus. "There seems to be a misalignment here," she said, pointing to a tiny gear that appeared to have shifted out of place.
Lina adjusted another lamp to better illuminate the area. "That might be causing the grinding sound. But with something this complex, that might just be the tip of the iceberg."
Gralen, his experience evident, chimed in, "The Nexus has seen many artifacts over the eons. Each with its own story, its own heartbeat. This one... its heart is stuttering."
Dawn appreciated Gralen's poetic perspective. "We need to fix the rhythm then. Restore its heartbeat."
Hours seemed to fly by as the trio delicately probed, adjusted, and tested the chronometer. Their hands, guided by experience and intuition, sought to understand and heal the ancient artifact.
Lina, wiping her brow, looked at Dawn. "This isn't just a quick fix, is it?"
Dawn sighed, "No. But we made a promise. We'll get it working."
Dawn looked at the mission as she leaned back. "How about you two get some rest. It won't do if everyone is too tired to work in the morning."
"Sure. Just don't stay up too late kiddo." Gralen replied, stretching as he yawned.
"Let me know if you need any help, okay? We still have until noon, and we can always ask for more time since this is more of a challenge then expected." Lina smiled, patting Dawn on the shoulder before returning to the front of shop to make sure everything was locked up properly.
Dawn read over the mission humming slightly as she leaned forwards to look over the chronometer.