In the dark room lit by a torch, Jules looked at the protagonist with excitement.
This was one of the figures he had followed to experience another world and life in his past life.
Of course, he didn't let his excitement show through his guise.
As someone who loved art, Jules was good at acting!
I guess he won't say anything because he's cautious. As expected of a War orphan…
Acting as his character, Veil, he said:
"I'll be your doctor. Tell me where it hurts."
The small-framed hooded fellow scrutinized Jules a bit longer before bringing out a book and pen.
He quickly scribbled a note and walked to the table, sliding it to Jules, who chuckled.
Glancing at the note, Jules read: "I want to enter a Beyond. D-Rank. Is there any mission I can also take?"
As he read, he commented inwardly:
Isn't it a C-rank Beyond you're interested in? Asides from needing money, you should specifically need a B-rank core for one of your system's special meals…
Jules vividly remembered the novel—and he was certain he wasn't wrong.
Maybe he's just playing it safe after getting detained.
This was the only reason he could come up with for something outside the novel's plot happening.
Jules didn't ponder for long before replying to the hooded protagonist.
"Do you have a specific reason for entering a D-rank Beyond? If not, I have a mission for you.
"Will you enter a C-Rank Beyond with me and a partner of mine?"
Now closer to Jules, Finn could guess his strength more with the help of his orb.
There were advantages to this mission so he quickly weighed his options.
After a while, he wrote in plain handwriting and handed the note to Jules.
The note read, "How strong is your partner compared to you? Do you know what type of Beasts are in the Beyond? What are the conditions?"
Well, at least his nature hasn't changed.
Prepared for this, Jules spoke in his altered voice, fully in character.
"He's slightly weaker than me. I do; I'll share that after you've agreed, including a strategy.
"And the conditions are you take 60% cores and I take the rest, while I take 60% of the carcasses and you take the rest."
The value of cores is higher than that of carcasses in most scenarios, but it's not odd to want them.
But I don't need them, my main goal is for us to form a relationship!
In the novel it was you and Green, but I've entered the equation and I'll use you guys even better!
Jules's condition was created to be particularly alluring to Finn!
Meanwhile, Finn quickly conversed with his orb so he wouldn't make any mistake.
"I don't think he's stronger than you, smally," The orb said. "This dude dressing is just cool, that's all!"
"That's not odd, brokers aren't usually that strong," Finn replied. "This might be an opportunity for him too, maybe he knows a buyer that urgently needs a particular Beast carcass."
Finn considered further, "If I'm not worried about being backstabbed, this is safer than taking a D-rank alone, and more beneficial too. Also, I can prepare for worst-case scenarios."
Without consulting the orb, Finn flashed a thumbs up to the crimson-haired man.
Bingo! Seating upright, Jules brought out a paper from within his coat and put it on the table.
"This is a list of monster types and strategies that have been used to navigate the Beyond. Meet me here at 9 p.m. tomorrow and we'll leave for deeper into the underworld."
Jules didn't want to seem desperate so he wanted to conclude it here.
After skimming through the images of the beasts and the passages, Finn nodded to Jules.
As Jules shifted his attention, he said, "Ah, by the way, you can call me Veil."
Nodding again, Finn left the dark room and made his way out of the Apothecary.
- - -
The next day, Jules finally briefed Ryan on his recent activities.
After showing him the documents he had obtained, Jules explained that Ryan should act as though he came from a wealthy background and had been the one to help Jules on his journey to this city.
Ryan had been visiting various establishments, enjoying himself and collecting information, all while behaving in a way that matched the background Jules described.
Today was the day they would part ways. For the time being, Jules and Ryan would pretend not to know each other. This would help Ryan blend in with the wealthy when they resumed their roles in the institute.
However, they would still communicate in secret through their own means.
After Jules submitted his application at the core of the city and received his entrance exam date, he would move out of the inn and into a different one.
That night, they would meet at the Apothecary to prepare for their raid on the Beyond.
Knowing he had no choice, Ryan only grumbled but reluctantly agreed to the plan. The upside was that he was more free now.
- - -
That night, Jules sat in the dark room again, dressed in his long coat, red shirt, red gloves, and mask.
Resting near a wall with two straight swords crossed at his back was a similarly dressed male.
The difference was his blonde hair and mask that had two large eye holes, each painted red and gold.
"Couldn't you have gotten me a different mask?" Ryan asked. "Do you know how much cooler I'll look if I could smoke right now?"
Treating the wooden chair like a reclining chair, Jules chuckled, "Not as cool as me."
The reply stunned Ryan as he muttered, "I'm really rubbing off on this guy…"
At that moment, someone descended into the room.
Finn was dressed in a long dark blue cloak with a large hood that covered his masked face.
A plain longsword was in his hands.
Seeing him walk in, Jules—currently Veil—said, "Here's my patient and right on schedule."
Finn glanced at the unfamiliar individual resting on the wall, then nodded to them both.
As Jules stood up, he threw a mask to Finn and said, "It'll be hard to communicate. Wear it, it'll change your voice."
Your writing is annoying so I had to get this urgently!
Finn scrutinized the mask and after him and his parasitic orb confirmed there was nothing harmful, he changed to it.
He now donned a newly acquired white mask with red markings that formed a stoic expression.
In a light yet experienced voice, Finn said, "Thanks. We can go."
Jules stood up from his chair and went to the darkest corner of the room. He tapped the wall and a portal suddenly swerved to life, catching Ryan's interest.
As Jules stepped through, Ryan glanced at Finn, then followed.
Bracing himself, Finn also walked in.
As Jules crossed to the underworld, he saw his system pop up.
[Quest "Claim First out of Three ???" has been assigned.]
- - -
Quest: Claim First out of Three ???
Objective: Enter a C-ranked beyond with less than 5 individuals and kill more than no less than, 20 E-rank and 10 D-Rank beasts respectively.
Rewards: First ???, +13% to Core Stage