BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM



Erik moved away from the hypnotizing light emanating from the holographic mission board and made his way to the solid main counter of the guild. It appeared as though the wood, which had been engraved and worn down over many years of business, could recite the exploits of the innumerable explorers who had stood there before him.

When Erik came closer, the clerk, a middle-aged man with hair that was a mixture of salt and pepper and spectacles that were perched on his nose, glanced up.

"Morning," Erik said, nodding politely. "I've just accepted a Thaid hunting quest, and I'm looking for a porter. Any reps from Porter companies around?"

The clerk glanced at the list before him, his eyebrows arching slightly. "We usually have a few reps hanging around, hoping to secure contracts with mercenaries," he said, pulling up Erik's quest details on his computer.

"Any you'd recommend?" Erik leaned in, intrigued.

The clerk paused to clean his glasses. "Given the nature of your hunt and the value of the Mistlynx pelt, I'd suggest Lustrous Haulers. Their rep, Thane, is here today. Last I saw him, he was by the fireplace."

Erik's eyes instinctively darted toward the grand fireplace, which served as the hall's centerpiece.

"Thanks," he said, genuinely appreciative. "I'll go have a chat with Thane."

"Good luck," the clerk replied, putting his glasses back on. "The Mistlynx is no easy target, but it could be quite profitable with the right team."

Erik nodded and approached the fireplace, spotting a man who fit Thane's description. Thane was engaged in discussion with another mercenary, and the atmosphere around them was seasoned competence.

Erik patiently awaited Thane's response while watching him conduct himself during the negotiation.

As the other mercenary left, contract in hand, Erik seized the opportunity to introduce himself. "You're Thane, I assume? I've heard good things about Lustrous Haulers. I have a hunt coming up and need a reliable porter."

The mood in the guild hall was characterized by hushed whispers and armor clattering against one another. Both Erik and Thane sat on opposite sides of the fireplace, which added a level of drama to the conversation that was taking place between them.

Thane readjusted the cuffs of his shirt. "I take it you're Mr. Kay, right? The guild is excited about your recent performance in the arena exam. Indeed, it is quite a remarkable result. Many guilds are doing their best to find information about you."

Then Thane asked, "Did they already contact you to join their guilds?"

"Yes," Erik replied. "I don't know how they found my number, but it was a bother..." he added annoyedly.

"Why? It would be best if you were honored that so many guilds are trying to recruit you," Thane stated.

"I am, really," Erik replied. "But for now, I want to do things my way." Erik's voice hinted at pride, something Thane noticed quickly.

"Well, I guess this is the right of someone as talented as you," he said.

Erik nodded in agreement with the remark but didn't let it divert him from the task. They were all aware that the decisions made at the moment might have a massive influence on the result of Erik's future travels, so before getting down to business, they started by sharing pleasantries.

Erik showed his appreciation for Thane's friendly ways, but he continued to focus his attention on the task at hand. The conversation went in several other directions until it finally returned to the primary topic of discussion.

Thane began by putting a tablet on the table, highlighting the services Lustrous Haulers gave. "Before we dive in," he said, "you should know that we take great pride in managing hunts efficiently. That being said, our fee is ten percent of the overall proceeds from the hunt."

Behind his mask, Erik's eyes expanded just a little. "Ten percent? " He responded, "That's a significant reduction of my earnings," he added with some doubt in his voice.

Thane relaxed his posture and offered a comforting smile. "When you first look at it, it could appear to be a lot, but remember that you're not just paying for transportation.

You are investing in knowledge, dependability, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your expensive and valuable cargo, such as the fur of a Mistlynx, will be treated with the utmost care. It's a good way to put your money to work."

Erik tapped his fingers on the table rhythmically while contemplating what Thane had just said. Despite the high price, the promise provided by Thane and the standing of Lustrous Haulers helped to provide credibility to the offer.

"What will happen if I catch more Thaids than a regular retrieval can handle?" Erik inquired, looking forward to any potential snags in the road.

Thane had been anticipating the question by the way he nodded. "A legitimate worry. Be assured, however, that if the circumstance warrants it, we can dispatch additional vehicles and employees.

A squad of five individuals usually accompanies a mercenary team regularly, but we can increase or treble that number if necessary easily."

The furrows between Erik's brows deepened. "And that's included in the ten percent?"

Thane let out a chuckle. "Without a doubt. We want to make this as easy and stress-free as possible for you. You won't have to be concerned about the organization of the logistics."

Erik hesitated for a moment while he considered his choices. The sum was substantial, but the assurance of effectiveness and proficiency was alluring, particularly given that this was his first mission of this scope. In addition, given that he was going into business by himself, the entire profit would be his alone to keep.

Finally, Erik extended his hand across the table. "All right, Thane, I must admit that you persuaded me. Let's make this quest a productive one, shall we?

Thane's handshake was firm, sealing their newfound partnership. "Success is the only possibility," he assured Erik, "with Lustrous Haulers by your side."