Chapter 11: The Island Supervisor

Name Chase Class — Marks 0 Guild — SD 984

Chase watched with amusement as a startled Thomas slowly turned around to face the supervisor. She towered over not only the boy but made Alexander look as though he were half his size. His memories of her being a large and powerful woman were unchanged since childhood, which of course was normal for an NPC. She was broad but not fat with powerful shoulders and hands. She wore trousers and a matching blue shirt which was collared and bore the island’s golden circle on each sleeve. Her face was wide and it bore a perpetual smile and her hair was blonde and boasted two braids hanging around her ears and draped over her bosom.

“Mrs. Everday,” said Thomas cautiously. “Lovely day, isn’t it?”

Thomas seemed to have lost his easy confidence and was truly intimidated by the supervisor.

“You tell me,” said Mrs Everday. She eyed him suspiciously and her smile somehow became dark. “Less than an hour ago I heard Chef Thaddeus charging down the street screaming bloody murder. You wouldn’t happen to know why my chef flew off the handle, would you?”

“Me? Um, maybe he was just jogging?”

“Jogging?!” Her nostrils flared and her smile widened. “I’ve been supervisor here since the very beginning of Esem and not once has one of my NPCs decided to take a jog when they were supposed to be doing their job.”

“Well,” said Thomas suddenly standing a bit taller. “I assure you that once I leave I shall get to the bottom of the case of the Crazed Chef.”

“Is that so,” she said flatly.

“Yes, supervisor.”

She looked the little boy up and down and then gave a mighty pffft. She waved him away.

“To be honest you caught me on a good day and I really don’t care. Be off with you, Thomas. And don’t forget to shut the door on your way out. By the way,” she added as he began to walk to the door. She picked up the sack of food he had dropped and tossed it to him. “Don’t forget your food.”

Thomas caught it in his arms and gave a small nervous bow before quickly exiting the building. As the door shut Mrs Everday turned on Chase and his spawnmates and this time her smile was relaxed and her eyes reflected her good mood.

“Now that that’s out of the way welcome, welcome, welcome!” She shook each of their hands and Chase had to suppress a grimace as she nearly crushed his hand. “Welcome to Training Island. The simple name belies our layered culture and state of the art training methods (or so I like to think). My name is Mrs Everday and I am the supervisor of this Island. What is your name, dear?”

“I am Amelie, Mrs Supervisor, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Just ‘Supervisor’ will be fine, and the pleasure is all mine. And your big, strong friend here is…?”

“I am Alexander, Supervisor.” The big lad seemed unusually happy to shake her hand. Chase had to stop his eyes from rolling at his change in attitude. “This seems like a fantastic establishment here, thank you for having us.”

Really likes the authority figures this one, thought Chase.

“Why thank you so much, Alexander,” said the Supervisor. “I pride myself on having the most well run training island in all of Esem.”

“You mean there are others?” Said Amelie. Her eyes widened in surprise.

“Well of course, dear. One training island is hardly enough to populate the mainland. But you can learn all about those later.” She turned to face Chase. There didn’t seem to be any recognition in her yes as she shook his hand. “A bit older than these to, eh?”

“My name is Chase, Supervisor. It’s a pleasure.”

The supervisor smiled and nodded her head toward the door. “You three are so polite. The day Thomas arrived in my Headquarters I think he asked whether I was part gorilla. Silly boy, I think I yelled so hard at him I nearly pulled by back out.”

She sighed but seemed to relish the memory.

“Anyways, we have a few things to discuss before I can send you to your dormitories. Please,” she motioned at one of the doors. “This way to my office. Avery!”

The man behind the desk jumped and nearly saluted. “Yes, Supervisor?”

“I am expecting Advisor Sterling soon. Please tell him to wait until my meeting with these three is over. And if he gives you any attitude tell him I have an opening for the morning run which needs filling.”

Avery gulped and said he would remember.

Chase, Alexander and Amelie followed the supervisor out the door and down the hall where at the end was a large office. The sign at the door read “Island Supervisor.” She ushered them inside where three, large leather chairs were waiting for them and faced a dark brown walnut desk. The Supervisor took her seat behind the desk while Chase and his Spawnmates settled down in their chairs. When all were sat the Supervisor took a pair of reading glasses out of her sleeve and slipped them on her face. She opened a file which was on her desk and glanced it over.

“So,” she said slowly after a while. She sat back and peered over her glasses at the three of them. “Again, it’s lovely to have you three here, I trust your introduction with the Guide went smoothly?”

“I would say—” But Chase only got those woods out before Alexander stepped in.

“The Guide did a fine job, supervisor. He woke us up and told us everything we needed to know. I thought his three challenges were easy to understand yet just difficult enough to complete. Whoever designed them did a fair job I would say.”

The Supervisor nodded. “That is good to hear. To be honest our Guide has seemed to be given a bit more slack than a regular NPC and he sometimes strays from his original purpose. One time, years ago, he had some new players stand on their heads until the stars came out. Trust me none of them made it remotely that close.”

Alexander seemed deflated. Chase supposed he wanted to impress the Supervisor somehow.

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“We fought a giant spider,” said Alexander hopefully.

The supervisor tapped the file before her with one large finger.

“So I can see in the Guide’s report. And well done on that— you three are perhaps natural warriors, eh?” Now she became all business like. “Now, allow me to give you three a run down of island activities and what is expected of you. This is a training island where you will be shown the ways of combat, physical fitness, general knowledge of the world of Esem, as well as informed and guided on the path to the signing of your first contract.”

She crossed her hands in front of her and continued. “Our small town is home to the dormitory where new players live until their eventual departure. NPCs live in town and numerous activities can be done while here. Each student is given a small allowance to shop with in order to become accustomed with the money of Esem and purchasing items.”

Amelie cleared her throat. “And what about the training?”

“Your training begins tomorrow. Every morning Monday through Saturday players gather at the training grounds for the physical training. After that you may attend what ever class interests you. We have sword fighting and archery, alchemy and horse riding. Basically if you can think it up we have an NPC designed to show you the ropes. Of course I recommend the basics before you leave the island. The mainland is quite different from our sunny little home.”

“And how long are we here for? Thomas mentioned an exam,” said Alexander.

“Correct. The exam takes place every other Sunday. Usually we try to have at least a dozen players participating. In order to leave the island every new players must pass the exam. It could be challenging depending on how well you trained before hand and whether you listened to your instructors. But, its not designed to keep you on the island forever, our job is to get humans up to speed and then send them out.”

“What happens if a players never passes it?” Asked Amelie.

The Supervisor smiled with amusement. “Are you worried, dear? According to the Guide’s report you are one clever crab. I wouldn’t worry about either of you. To be honest though we did have a player fail the exam, oh, maybe fifty times.”

“Really?” Said Alexander. “Did he ever leave?”

“Eventually, yes. He stayed here for over five years I believe. But even he did pass it at last and I heard he became quite a successful Knight. Again, this island is not to punish you with an incredibly difficult, well, anything.” She pointed out her window which framed an empty stretch of sea. “Out there is the real challenge. Out there is the life you all came here to live. This island is merely a stepping stone to that. A necessary one and one which I hope all players appreciate. One day,” she added.

Chase suppressed a devious grin. Tomorrow morning physical training was going to be a wake up call to Alexander and Amelie.

“Chase?” Said the Supervisor. “You’re being rather quite about all this. Do you have any questions?”

“Only one: when do we eat?”

Her eyes narrowed but her smile widened again like she was addressing Thomas.

“Funny you should ask that, Chase. It’s aways the trouble makers who ask me about meals. Meals are served in the Great Hall. We have three meals per day and they are all rather scrumptious I must say. At least when Thaddeus isn’t having to run around like a chicken with its head on fire.”

“Supervisor?” Amelie said. “What else does training consist of?”

“I’m glad you asked, Amelie. Training usually lasts for four hours in the morning, and four hours in the after noon. After which time you are free to pursue your own things. Most spend it focusing on what they will need for the exam. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, dear. The life of a new player is rather charmed I must say. So long as you are listening to your instructors the exam can be passed in a couple months. At a certain point you may begin talking to the Advisors who will inform you of your options for your first job.”

“Is there a schedule or anything we will follow?” Alexander said.

“Not really, no. Just show up to the training area when the horn sounds. From there you will be directed, after a vigorous P.T. session, to where you need to go. Everyone understand?”

Chase and his three spawnmates nodded. This talk was just as he remembered. Supervisor Everday was nothing if not succinct.

“Excellent, as I am sure you three will be wanting to go to your dormitory to meet your fellow players, I will send you on your way. Follow me.”

Back down the hall and out the door they followed the hulking supervisor. Outside the large clock in the square revealed it was nearing 11 o’clock. As they stepped through the door the sounds of a squabble met Chase’s ears.

“Tiny Thomas causing trouble, eh? You’re so small I can’t believe anyone pays you any attention.”

“Shut up, Seb. I may be small but I can grow. There’s nothing to be done about your ugly mug, though.”

“What was that you little turd? You saying I’m ugly? How about I show you some manners?”

“Go ahead. I’m only eight but I could still whoop you any day of the week.”

At the foot of the stairs Thomas, arms crossed, was staring down a kid a few years his senior. Seb was much bigger than Thomas but he kept it mostly in his gut. He had a malicious grin on his face and was about to make a fist when the supervisor saw them.

“Seb and Thomas! What in the seven worlds are you two arguing about in front of my building?”

A look of shock struck Seb’s slack jawed features.

“N..n…nothing, supervisor! I was just walking down the street, minding my own business, when little Thomas here called me over. You heard him call me names, didn’t you?”

Thomas looked furious and he stamped a foot.

“That’s a lie! You made a beeline for me from across the square. I would never talk to a pudgy faced half a monkey like you.” He stuck his tongue out.

“Quiet, both of you.” The Supervisor snapped at them and both straightened up. “Seb, go to the training area and run a mile. No-don’t argue with me, young man-you have no business over here. And Thomas, I have a job for you.”

Seb looked crestfallen but his expression immediately turned to hate as he glanced at Thomas.

“Yes, supervisor?” Said Thomas. A look of victory plastered on his face.

“It’s well that you’re still here. I need you to take these three to the dormitories.” She took out a piece of paper and handed it to him. “These are their room numbers. Chase will be bunking with you and Marlon, the other two are in rooms 8 and 15. Got it?”

“Of course, Madam Supervisor.” Thomas gave a short bow.

“And afterwards, you can go run a mile.”

“But…but.” Thomas’ eyes widened. “Supervisor, I was provoked.”

“Then consider it punishment for whatever you did to Thaddeus.” She pointed a finger at him. “No one gets away with anything, young man. They didn’t in the Old World and Esem is no different.”

Chase was impressed by the Supervisor’s discipline, but more impressed with Thomas when he flipped her a rude gesture as she turned around to head back inside the Headquarters.

“Easy, Thomas,” chuckled Chase. Suddenly he found himself liking the boy. “Take us to the dormitories and we will see what can be done about this run you’re supposed to go on.”

“Is that a fact?” Thomas shrugged, unconvinced. “Alright. Follow me.”

Just like their walk to the Headquarters Chase had to pretend he didn’t know exactly where the dormitory was. Out the town square and down another street they followed Thomas to the edge of town where another large building loomed in the distance. It was nearly identical to the headquarters: red brick with a large overhanging roof which Chase remembered huddling under when it rained and he had wanted to be anywhere other than his room. When he had first spawned his roommates had been less than ideal, and he had spent little time with them. The outdoors had been his refuge in this strange world he had found himself in.

“The dorms are divided by floors,” explained Thomas as they approached the door. “Guys are on the third and fourth floors and girls get the bottom two. Looks like you got lucky, Amelie. Says here you are on the first floor, room 8. Guess you won’t be needing to climb any stairs after a long day in the field.”

“Marvelous,” said Amelie with a small smile.

“Yeah, well, don’t get too excited I am pretty sure you are sharing a room with Marge. She’s a bit overbearing but maybe you two will get along.”

Thomas pushed the doors open and they stepping over the threshold into a large lobby complete with duel staircases leading to the second floor and suits of armor standing at attention here and there against the walls. The carpet was a deep red and embroidered with designs similar to the Joining Gate. There was nobody around.

“No one is here, except for Marlon, I suspect,” said Thomas. He pointed at a door near the staircases. “Behind that door is the first floor girls dorm. Room eight should be to the right, Amelie.”

“And me?” Alex sounded tired. Chase got the impression that the little boys antics and manner of talking had worn him down and he wanted any excuse to depart.

“15, Alex,” said Thomas. “Third floor. You might even have a room to yourself. A lot of people left for the mainland yesterday.”

“It’s Alexander to you,” he huffed.

“What, why? These two call you Alex all the time.” Thomas looked somewhere between offended and intrigued.

“Because they are my friends. Chase.” Alex turned and awkwardly patted him on the shoulder. “I’ll see you later. Amelie, you too if you are about.”

Chase wasn’t sure whether to be touched but clasped the boys shoulder back and squeezed. He addressed them both.

“Why don’t we meet back here in an hour? I am sure we can rustle up some food and find out what comes next.”

They both agreed, and then Chase and Thomas watched them leave for their rooms; Amelie through the door and Alex up the stairs. Soon it was just Chase and Thomas.

“Alex is a good guy, I think.” Said Chase. “Once he warms up to you.”

Thomas waved the thought away.

“Don’t care. It’s not like I’ll probably ever see him again once we get off this island.”

“I mean it, he’s a good guy,” repeated Chase. Even he was unsure whether that was true.

“If you can get me out of this cruel and unfair run later then I’ll believe you. Come on, let’s go see the ol’crackpot.”

Chase couldn’t remember whether he had ever been on the fourth floor of the dorms. Up three flights of stairs and around a corner the fourth floor felt empty the moment they arrived. Pictures of famous players and land scapes separated the two dozen or so doors on either side of the hallway. Strain his ears as he might Chase couldn’t hear a single noise from any of the rooms.

“It’s at the end of the hall. Marlon calls our room ’the laboratory.’ You’ll see why soon.”

They stopped at the final door and Chase saw it was number 24. Thomas knocked once and then slowly turned the handle and opened the door.

“Marlooooon,” called Thomas. “I’m hooooome. And look what I found! It followed me here, I swear!”

“STOP YOU FOOLS DON’T LET IT GET AWAY!” Bellowed a voice.

Before Chase could see what ‘it’ was, something wet and heavy hit him right in the face.