“I remember like it was just yesterday, when I was Eric Steinberg, a youth that knew nothing more than studying and absorbing knowledge. And now, here I am implementing those knowledge.”

Ten years ago, Eric Steinberg had woken up in the body of nine years old Elliott Roosevolt. It had been a rainy day, Eric would have normally stood on the spot to contemplate what happened, how it happened and what could have possibly caused it, that was just how he was. But he didn’t, he couldn’t, because on the day Eric woke up as Elliott, the original owner of the body and his younger brother were supposed to die.

As someone who grew up and orphan, Eric was knew to the whole sibling thing, he barely had emotions, at least he thought so. But on that day, as Eric stared at the dying Audwin, he felt things he had never felt. He managed to save Audwin’s life and reconciled with the fact that he was now Elliott, that Eric Steinberg was basically dead.

In a week’s time, it would be ten years since that fateful day.

Elliott looked around the room, at all the blueprints, manuscripts and theories along with inventions that he had created, he felt especially proud of himself. While his knowledge from earth played a crucial role in them, it was mostly his brilliance.

“Tch, those Strutters should be glad I don’t want world domination.” Elliott smirked as he opened a drawer and took it a clean pair of clothes. “I guess I should get dressed too.”

It took about ten minutes for the brothers to leave their abode, even though they wore neat clothes, they were still either ragged, old, oversized or all three. But what could one expect, this was the Outlands after all.

“Brew and bites?” Audwin asked,

“Yes. We should eat something before the mission.”

“Why don’t we go to Chuggers? You know the bites in ‘brew and bites ‘ is just for show, right? I’ve told Niko to take it down many times.” Audwin grumbled.

Brew and bites was known for its brew, the bites; no so much. But as far as they had great alcohol, no one cares about the rest, at least in respect to the adults.

For teenagers who prefer to fill their bellies with actual food instead of burning hot liquid, it was a hassle.

“Chuggers is in the next district, it’s too much trouble to go there and come back to Niko’s, we have an order, remember?” Unlike in the mainland that used streets, the outland used districts to demarcate regions and one district was the equivalent of about six streets in the mainland.

“Fine.” Audwin pouted.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Elliott reached out and gently ruffled Audwin’s head.

“Hey! I spent a while making it just the way I want!” he protested as he rearranged his head but his lips inadvertently curled into a smile.

“If you do well later, I’ll take you to a diner on the mainland.”

Audwin’s eyes glowed as he stared T Elliott in adoration, he was so happy, he just nodded his head rapidly. Elliott chuckled, “Lets hurry, the other must be waiting for us.”

To most, the dynamics between the brothers might seem strange, after all, Audwin was seventeen, no necessarily a kid anymore. But the brothers understood each other, after all, they were all they had.

***

[Meanwhile, in the next district; Landow].

A hooded figure swaggered through the streets, his gait steady, although hjs face was obscured even as he tilted his head from side to side to observe the surroundings, anyone of the Rivets that been at Niko’s bar would have recognised him as Talbot.

He wasn’t just observing the surrounding, from the occasional pause, it was clear he was looking for something, or someone.

Psst~

Talbot looked to his right, where a dark alley was, at its front stood a hooded figure, a female judging from the aesthetic and body shape which they didn’t bother hiding. That or a very unusual man.

The figure nodded at Talbot, signalling for him to come and he followed immediately. They both entered the fake alley and headed deeper until they came to a dim light.

The female figure tapped in the door, two short, two long with varying stops in between. It was a code. A few minutes later, a peephole opened and a pair of ruthless scarred eyes glared at both of them.

The lady took her hood off, revealing pale sunken skin and eyes like that of a viper. She gestured for Talbot to go the same and he complied. After a short moment, the peephole closed and loud clanking sounds echoed in the alleyway.

The door opened, revealing the interior of the place, it was a bar. There were very few crowd and the atmosphere was a dark somber one, unlike in ‘Brew and Bites’, no one looked towards the door but Talbot could feel their gazes nonetheless.

Talbot ignored their gaze and walked in the same way he does, this wasn’t his first rodeo. He and the pale lady headed towards a table, a masked man was already seated there.

Talbot and the lady took their seat, all three of them remained silent. The masked man took out a briefcase and placed it on the desk, he opened it and faced it towards Talbot and the pale skinned lady.

Within the briefcase was a pouch, a pair of daggers and a shortsword. Talbot picked each one, taking his time to examine them. He looked at the pale skinned lady and nodded, the lady closed the briefcase. The masked man watched the whole process, silent and patient.

“I’ve made contact, they’ll reach out to me soon.” Talbot said to the masked man.

“Good. I trust you remember the details of the mission.” He asked Talbot as he began to rise up,

“Recon.” Talbot replied. “Scout out the area and take note of anything strange. A pretty simple mission.”

The masked man nodded, “That’s half the payment, you remember the conditions to receive the remaining half?”

“Leave no witnesses.”