Monday, 16th August, Whitebeard's Bar, 10:00:
Lucian arrived punctually, as instructed by Whitebeard, carrying four valling notes with him.
"You've come, young man. Let's discuss business. Come inside," Whitebeard invited, leading the way into his private room within the bar.
As Lucian entered, he was met with the sight of five imposing figures, their presence undeniably imposing. Uncertain of how to react, he kept his head lowered, refraining from exchanging greetings.
The room's silence was disrupted by Whitebeard's authoritative voice, "Please, take a seat. I've spoken with these gentlemen, and they're interested in your proposition."
In various corners of the room stood the potential bodyguards. One was a muscular bald man with a distinctive mustache, brown in colour. The second appeared wiry and unassuming. The third had an air of refinement, dressed almost nobly, sporting meticulously groomed dark hair and glasses. The fourth, with attire and mannerisms suggesting a seafaring background. The fifth figure donned a dark robe, his features obscured in the otherwise well-lit room, rendering even Lucian's enhanced night vision ineffective in discerning his face.
Whitebeard added, "Each of these men has their own set of terms. I'll leave you to discuss further," before exiting the room, leaving Lucian alone with the prospective Believers.
Seated in the stillness, Lucian felt the weight of everyone's expectant gaze upon him. He broke the silence, stating, "I require the services of three, no, four bodyguards for a span of seven days."
His decision to engage four guards was a deliberate one, reserving one for the now-pregnant Victoria, as an added precaution.
One of the men, dressed in an elegant fashion, was the first to speak up. "What warrants the need for four bodyguards to safeguard you? What are you up against?"
Lucian clarified, "It's not myself in immediate need of protection. It's my friends and family. We've become the target of a specific family, details of which I'll disclose once I've made my selection."
The figure garbed in a dark robe chimed in, his voice carrying an eerie undertone, "If it's merely a family, it's a straightforward task." A maniacal laugh followed.
He's scary, Lucian thought, unnerved by the display.
However, the others in the room paid the individual no mind, maintaining a professional demeanor and awaiting Lucian's response.
"It's a family with Believer powers," Lucian revealed.
The lunatic inclined his head to the left, whispering in a voice barely audible, "Even better."
The other three men maintained their silence, their expressions pensive, likely weighing the risks and potential rewards.
Lucian proceeded, "To streamline this process, I've assigned each of you a code name which we'll use during this selection and in the future."
After a brief pause, he continued, "The man with the moustache will be referred to as Delta. The slender man beside him, Omega. The refined gentleman, Alpha. Next to him, Gamma. And finally, the man in the black robe, Sigma."
Each man acknowledged his designated name and code word with a nod. This practice was customary in hiring Believers, a precaution to safeguard their identities from being exposed.
Lucian felt a growing sense of assurance, knowing he held some measure of control over the unfolding situation. He voiced his curiosity, "I won't delve into the specifics of your abilities, but it would be beneficial to understand the general category they fall under."
Alpha, the refined gentleman, began, "I am spe-"
But was abruptly cut off by the lunatic Sigma, who interjected, "I excel in working from the shadows."
Lucian acknowledged Sigma's statement and signaled for Alpha to continue. Alpha resumed, his tone slightly tinged with annoyance at the interruption, "I specialize in poisons."
Lucian's eyebrows raised in mild surprise. That's unexpected.
Delta followed with a succinct over-confident, "Earth," and Omega added, "I'm skilled in planning and crafts." Then came Gamma's turn, "I excel in all matters related to water."
Lucian absorbed the concise descriptions, each revealing a facet of the candidates' abilities, intricately linked to their status as Believers.
He pondered for a good few minutes before stating, "Each of you, state your price. You'll be responsible for your own meals and on guard duty for at least 18 hours a day."
The room's occupants regarded Lucian with a mixture of surprise and incredulity, all except the Sigma.
Sensing his demands might be excessive, Lucian felt compelled to add, "I'll compensate generously."
The atmosphere shifted, and one by one, they began to state their prices. In the end, Delta offered the most modest sum, while Alpha's fee was notably steeper.
Delta's asking price was 1 valling note, while Alpha's request was a hefty 4 valling notes.
I anticipated this. Unfortunately, I don't have enough funds. If they all charged like Delta, it might have been possible. Think...
Lucian weighed his options carefully before admitting, "I currently have only four valling notes on hand."
They regarded him with a mixture of impatience and skepticism. Then Lucian continued, "Additionally, I have an exceptionally rare Believer core. One that has been seen by only four eyes. It's entwined with vines."
They exchanged incredulous glances, unsure whether Lucian was sincere or perhaps mistaken. However, when Lucian showed the core, it elicited genuine surprise.
They rushed to inspect the core, and after scrutinizing it, Alpha remarked, "This... I'm uncertain of its function, but I can attest to its uniqueness. It must be valued at least 1 val note($100)!"
Then Alpha added a crucial point, "However, there are five of us, and I assume only four positions will be filled. And only one can possess the core."
Lucian had an idea. "Let's make a wager. I'm willing to put this unique Believer core on the line. If at least four of you agree to accept just one valling note each as compensation, and complete the seven days of work. Then, a week later, we'll hold an event. I'll place the core in one wooden box, alongside three empty ones. If you select the correct box, you'll walk away with the grand prize in hand."
The four of them, excluding the refined gentleman Alpha, expressed their interest and nodded in agreement.
However, Alpha found the offer unsatisfactory. "This is outrageous. I spend 2 valling notes on food weekly. I won't work for a mere one valling note and a chance to receive that item," he objected.
Lucian considered Alpha's perspective and responded, "I understand your concerns, but at present, my resources are limited. If you choose to accept, this could lead to future opportunities. Rest assured, I'll have more items of value to offer."
After a moment of contemplation, Alpha relented, stating, "Alright."
With that settled, Lucian was now faced with the task of selecting his four bodyguards. He weighed his options carefully.
I definitely want to hire Alpha. He appears intelligent, adept in combat, and his knowledge of poisons adds an extra layer of resourcefulness. Sigma, while intimidating and possibly eccentric, possesses considerable power. Gamma's proficiency with water, coupled with his evident life experiences, make him a valuable choice. Lastly, the decision between Delta and Omega. One commands the power of earth, while the other exhibits a knack for strategy and craftiness. Given the circumstances, I'll go with Omega for his versatility and long-range capabilities, Lucian concluded.
Everyone was waiting in anticipation, as the total reward could be 1 val note and 1 valling note!
Then he announced, "Alpha, Sigma, Omega, and Gamma, you're hired. I'm sorry Delta, but your raw power isn't necessary here; the opponent is well-versed in long-range attacks. Could you please come out?"
Delta shrugged and left the room without saying a word.
Lucian proceeded to provide them with detailed information about his friends and family, including addresses and frequented locations. He emphasized the importance of keeping a close watch, remaining vigilant, and never letting them out of sight.
He assigned each of them a specific person to protect and instructed them not to resort to lethal force unless absolutely necessary.
Sigma didn't seem entirely pleased with this directive. He seemed inclined to take a more aggressive approach, but ultimately recognized the value of the grand prize.
With the protection of his family and friends now secured, Lucian could confidently focus on his investigation alongside Lucy Hall. This crucial obstacle had been effectively addressed.
Everyone left the room, leaving him alone, until Whitebeard returned and inquired, "Was it a success?"
Lucian responded with gratitude, "Yes, thank you."
Then Whitebeard mentioned, "I saw Adam leave. Did you not hire him?"
Internally puzzled, Lucian thought, Adam?and explained, "No, I chose the other four."
Whitebeard chuckled and remarked, "You must be quite wealthy, young man. Even hiring the refined gentleman is too costly for most. And you managed to hire him along with three others."
Lucian modestly replied, "I was fortunate to have something other than money to offer."
Whitebeard seemed intrigued but maintained a professional demeanor, saying, "I see... Well, if you have similar items in the future, you could come here and I'll find you a buyer."
"Thank you, Whitebeard. I definitely will," said Lucian, pondering the possibility of encountering more unusual items.
"Ah yes. I almost forgot. Here are the bullets you ordered. That would be 8 valka notes for 30 bullets," said Whitebeard, taking the wooden case from his drawer containing the bullets.
Lucian replied, "I don't have enough money right now."
Whitebeard chuckled, "No worries, you can pay me later."