In the dimly lit room, the faint chirping of crickets from outside echoed off the walls. The air was slightly cold and a soft mist seeped through the open window. At a wooden table, Dawn sat across from Eldric, the old man's silver hair falling in graceful waves, reflecting the room's limited light. Dawn's eyes darted around nervously, the weight of what she was about to reveal pressing on her.
Taking a deep breath, she began, "Eldric... there's something I need to tell you."
Eldric looked up from his cup of tea, the steam curling around his face, casting a shadow over his aged eyes. They held a depth that seemed to see more than they should, and it made Dawn even more anxious. "What's troubling you, child?"
She hesitated, then whispered, "Last night, I was followed. Not by a person... but by a shadow. A very dark, menacing shadow."
Eldric's eyebrows raised slightly, betraying his surprise, but he remained calm. "A shadow, you say?"
Dawn nodded, clutching the edge of the table. "Yes. And it's not just any shadow. I've heard stories of it before. It's said to be the Keeper of Secrets."
He leaned forward, his gaze sharp and intense. "And why would this Keeper of Secrets be interested in you, Dawn?"
She swallowed hard, glancing around the room as if expecting the shadow to materialize. "I don't know. But I have always felt like... like I'm surrounded by threats. It's as if my entire life has been a series of challenges and dangers."
The old man sighed. "You've been through a lot, child. More than any girl your age should have to bear."
Dawn took another deep breath, her eyes shimmering with determination. "But there's something else, Eldric. I think... I think you're someone important. There's a reason I came to you with this." Using her meta knowledge, she had a pretty good idea, Eldric should be pretty high in the Nexus Secret service.
He raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh?"
Reaching out, she extended her hand, palm facing upwards. Slowly, tiny electrical sparks began to dance across her skin, creating a mesmerizing light show. "I'm a Super," she whispered. "A Mechanic Super."
Eldric's face reflected a mix of surprise and understanding. While his initial reaction was of mild astonishment, it was quickly replaced by a warm smile of recognition. "Ah, I always knew there was something special about you."
She pulled her hand back, the sparks fading. "I need your help, Eldric. I need to grow, to become stronger. If this shadow, this Keeper of Secrets, wants me because of some knowledge I have, then I need to be prepared."
The old man leaned back, studying her with a thoughtful gaze. "Very well, Dawn. I'll help you. Together, we'll face whatever threats come your way."
Dawn exhaled a sigh of relief, a weight lifting from her shoulders. "Thank you, Eldric."
"It won't be easy though." He smiled back, leaning forwards slightly. "And I would like to ask, what made you think I was so important."
Taking a moment to respond, Dawn looked at him. "Your eyes, and the way you carry yourself." She revealed. "And you are always followed by at least one bodyguard. Along with a few people that were too well trained to be normal customers coming into the shop." Dawn rattled off. A fair few reasons, normally she wouldn't say so much. But she wanted to show that she was capable of picking them out. She didn't need to be seen as a little girl. Especially if she wanted to grow quickly.
Eldric chuckled softly, the deep resonance of his laughter a stark contrast to the eerie ambiance of the room. "You have a keen sense of observation, Dawn. Few would've picked up on such details."
He took a sip from his tea, which had now cooled to the perfect temperature. Placing the cup back down, he said, "I've always been cautious about my surroundings, especially given my position in the Nexus Secret Service."
Dawn's heart skipped a beat. So, her suspicions were correct. "Why are you hiding here?" she asked cautiously.
Eldric sighed, a trace of sadness crossing his eyes. "There are some things that are best left untouched, at least for now. But you're right, my days in the shadows were never meant to be permanent. I've been watching, waiting, and gathering information."
Her curiosity piqued. "Information about what?"
He hesitated. "About people like you, Supers. And about threats that lurk in the shadows, including the Keeper of Secrets. But let's focus on the present. You've shown me your capabilities. I'll ensure you get the training you need to harness and control your powers."
Dawn's eyes lit up, hope flickering in them. "Really?"
Eldric nodded, "But it'll require dedication, resilience, and sacrifice. Are you ready for that?"
Dawn straightened her back, determination radiating from her. "I've faced hardships all my life. Whatever it takes, I'm ready."
He smiled, "That's what I wanted to hear." Standing up, Eldric stretched out his hand to help Dawn up from her seat. "Let's get started, shall we? We've got a lot of work ahead of us. Starting with getting you some proper identification." Looking down at her, with a slight smirk. Tactically letting her know that he knew she had snuck into the city.
Dawn's heart raced at the mention of identification. She had taken great pains to enter the city unnoticed, avoiding checkpoints and using the shadows to her advantage. She had hoped it had been discreet enough, but Eldric's knowledge of her actions made her realize she had a lot to learn.
"Why would I need an identification?" she asked, trying to feign innocence, her voice a little shaky.
Eldric, seeing through her, replied with a knowing smile, "You might be able to deceive others, Dawn, but not me. The Nexus Secret Service has eyes everywhere. We've known about your unauthorized entry."
Dawn lowered her gaze, a mix of embarrassment and fear flooding her. "I... I didn't think..."
He gently lifted her chin, ensuring she met his eyes. "It's okay. I understand your reasons. But while you're under my wing, we need to ensure you're protected legally as well. We don't want any unnecessary attention drawn to us, especially with a Keeper of Secrets on your tail."
A slight frown creased her forehead. "But isn't drawing attention from the Secret Service by getting me an ID even more risky?"
Eldric chuckled, "That's where my influence comes in. I can ensure the process is discreet, and your ID will just be among the many we process daily."
She sighed, her tense shoulders relaxing a bit. "I trust you, Eldric."
He nodded. "Good. Now, about your training. We'll start tomorrow, bright and early. You'll be put through a series of tests to gauge the extent of your abilities. Based on that, we'll structure a training regime tailored for you."
Dawn nodded enthusiastically, "I'm ready."
As they stood up to leave the room, Eldric paused by the door. "There's one more thing, Dawn. Never forget who you are and what you stand for. The journey ahead is tough, and there will be moments of doubt. But always remember your purpose."
She took in his words, feeling a rush of gratitude and respect for the old man. "Thank you, Eldric. I won't forget."
As the two leave the room, entering the hallway and heading down the stairs. Gralen sat the the table as usual, Lina working at her bench.
"You two done? I was surprised when Dawn suddenly asked for a private conversation." Gralen waved at them as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "So. What did you two go over?"
"Some protection and work things." Eldric responded, sitting opposite Gralen. "Sentries and Shadows?" He then asks. Getting the things out and putting them on the table. The two then getting into the game.
Dawn headed over to Lina, picking up some of the tools and helping out with some of the repair work for the day.
As Dawn approached Lina, the gentle clinking of tools and the low hum of machinery created a lulling ambiance. Lina glanced up, her expression softening as she saw Dawn, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Didn't expect you back so soon. Eldric usually takes longer with his private talks."
Dawn chuckled lightly, setting a damaged gear on the table. "Well, maybe I'm just a fast talker."
Lina grinned, pushing a set of tools toward Dawn. "Or maybe he's going soft in his old age."
The two women began working side by side, repairing small mechanisms and devices. The rhythmic dance of their hands over the intricate parts was almost mesmerizing. The room was filled with a warm, golden light, erasing most of the shadows in the room.
It was only mid day, but Dawn felt both exhausted and full of energy. A weight off her back, although she would be much more center of the workings of the Nexus. Her safety was also much higher. And she should be able to get more missions, especially now that she found the other NPCs could provide her them like a proper player.
However, that night, Dawn received a system notification that threatened to disrupt all her plans.
<
The first Beta test. Mostly would be filled with Pro players and the lucky few that were randomly chosen to enter to help test the game. The players. They could be unpredictable, with no fear of death. They could become her greatest of enemies, or strongest allies. And she by far didn't want an immortal enemy that would see her as some sort of raid boss. Or even worse, some nameless goon.