Hey guys, I uploaded the first chapter of the novel I mentioned in the mission a few chapters ago. Just a small teaser of what's to come.
Check out the novel: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality
We're looking at around 45 chapters that I'm gonna upload on the 1st (so far).
Make that number even higher by becoming a Free Member!
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
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The four travelers exchanged glances.
To avoid escalating the situation further, Dan Heng reluctantly agreed to Pela's request. Along with the robbers, they were all escorted away by the Silvermane Guards.
Feeling somewhat helpless, Bochang thought, "What just happened... Even though we chose the first option, we still ended up captured by the Silvermane Guards... I hope Pela keeps her word and only registers us as residents..."
Bochang feared being lured into a trap despite their compliance.
However...
In the end, it turned out his concerns were unfounded. Pela indeed only registered them as local inhabitants.
"Thank you for your cooperation." In Pela's office, she poured each of them a cup of warm water. "I heard that you don't have jobs or fixed residences yet. Would you like me to assist you?"
As an intelligence officer for the Silvermane Guards, Pela's duties were diverse, ranging from coordinating troop movements, managing resources and allocations, overseeing displaced persons... to even educating the public about Belobog's history—all fell under her purview.
Naturally...
In Pela's eyes, Bochang and his companions were considered displaced individuals who needed proper resettlement.
Belobog had many such displaced people, and ensuring they paid their taxes regularly was a challenging task.
Dan Heng responded, "If Miss Pela is willing to help, that would be truly appreciated."
Although unsure of Dan Heng's intentions, everyone knew they were all tied together like insects on a single string, so they readily agreed to let Pela assist them.
"Very well then..."
Pela returned to her seat and glanced at the four newcomers' residency documents, which contained detailed information such as gender, age, height, skills, and more...
With just a casual glance, Pela pushed the papers aside and said, "I observed your fight against those thugs earlier... Your skills are quite impressive. Have you considered joining the Silvermane Guards?"
"Let me clarify, I'm not trying to force anyone into joining. If you're unwilling, I'll make alternative arrangements according to your preferences."
The conflict between the Silvermane Guards and the rift denizens was intensifying daily.
Nearly every day saw several soldiers perish, with even more getting injured. At times, casualties reached double digits.
For Belobog, with its relatively small population, such losses were significant.
The ranks of the Silvermane Guards were severely understaffed.
Thus, it was understandable for Pela to seek new recruits, although Dan Heng declined his offer.
"Apologies, but we don't wish to join the Silvermane Guards."
Hearing this response, Pela gently sighed, as it was entirely expected.
Although the benefits and treatment of the Silvermane Guards were decent, it remained a high-risk occupation, not suitable for everyone.
"Alright." Pela furrowed her brows and reviewed their information once more. "What kind of work would you like then? Dan Heng, looking at your specialties...it says you're proficient with firearms. If not joining the Silvermane Guards, finding an appropriate placement might be challenging."
Dan Heng replied calmly, "I can sweep streets if needed."
"Sweeping streets is quite demanding, and the pay isn't high—only three hundred Shields per month. Are you sure you're okay with that?" Pela continued to clarify.
Dan Heng nodded affirmatively.
"I can handle it," he replied calmly.
Come on, during his time wandering among the stars, there wasn't any job he hadn't tried.
Sweeping streets is just a minor task; no problem at all.
"Next." Pela's gaze shifted to the pink-haired girl. "March 7th, your specialty is... photography? I recall a photo studio is indeed seeking an apprentice. Although it's a relaxed job, the monthly wage is only two hundred Shields. Can you accept that?"
"Yes, I absolutely love photography."
March 7th promptly agreed.
Pela then turned to Bochang and said, "Bochang... Your specialty is... snowmobile repair skills? Hmm... That's quite good. Serval's machine shop happens to need an apprentice. While the work is leisurely, since you know how to repair snowmobiles, you likely have some understanding of other machinery as well, right?"
"Yeah, somewhat knowledgeable, but just the basics," Bochang responded truthfully.
After acquiring snowmobile repair and driving skills initially, Bochang had also become adept at fixing simple gadgets without any formal training.
"That's fine. As long as you're willing to learn, the owner of the machine shop will teach you. Hmm... Her apprentice wage is three hundred Shields per month. How does that sound?" Pela spoke casually, finding employment for these individuals proving simpler than she anticipated.
Unlike other captured vagrants who complained about jobs being unsuitable, conditions unfavorable, or wages too low...
"Sounds good," Bochang agreed immediately.
He hadn't expected the reward he received earlier for repairing a snowmobile to be so useful now.
"Just one more left—their specialty is... 'long fingers'?" Pela looked puzzled, unsure what the Silvermane Guards were recording in their files.
Bochang, Dan Heng, and March 7th all turned towards Stelle.
The gray-haired girl blinked innocently.
Initially, Pela found it odd but upon closer inspection, recognized her as the one who had called out "Big Sister Pela" alongside the children yesterday. Suddenly, it didn't seem so strange after all.
"Well... I'm not sure what job to assign you either, Stelle. Do you have any preferences?"
Pela gazed at the seemingly clueless young woman.
She had witnessed Stelle effortlessly fend off thugs with just a baseball bat, causing them to howl in pain.
Therefore...
Pela would never underestimate this newcomer.
"I don't know; whatever suits is fine for me. Just something close to Bochang's workplace," replied Stelle.
Noticing their matching outfits, Pela suggested, "Then both of you can work together at the machine shop. Consider it buy-one-get-one-free. The pay should be around two hundred Shields per day, is that acceptable?"
"No problem."
After some deliberation, jobs were assigned to all four newcomers.
Pela first escorted them to register at their respective workplaces, then led the group to find accommodations... eventually stopping in front of a small villa.
It was clearly a house none of them could afford.
"Here is my home. Until you've fully settled down, you can stay here for now," Pela said with a smile.
Surprised, Bochang asked, "Stay at your home? Is that appropriate?"
"Normally, I'd send newcomers to subsidized housing, but it's evident that you're not ordinary individuals, so they deserve greater attention." Pela candidly admitted, "Don't worry, though; I have another place to reside and won't disturb you."
Just witnessing how effortlessly the four newcomers defeated a group of local thugs earlier made it clear to Pela that they were no ordinary people.
Since there was no evidence suggesting any malicious intent from them,
the only course of action she deemed appropriate was...
to keep a close eye on them.
"I hope you all will work diligently in the future and refrain from contemplating things like going to the Underworld. I believe the conditions down there are likely inferior to those up here."
Even now, Pela couldn't understand why these individuals wanted to go to the Underworld, nor did she intend to delve deeper into their motives.