Scott was feeling frustrated. He had perhaps made a mistake. He selected a class right after the lightning fell. Perhaps he should have waited longer to pick one. Honestly, what need did the world need for a grocer? All his abilities were related to buying and selling. And now he got a quest to build a town. How was he supposed to do that?

Scott’s frustration was palpable as he reflected on his choice of class. Since the lightning had fallen, changing the world as he knew it, he had hastily chosen the Merchant class. It seemed practical at the time, a continuation of what he knew best, buying, selling and managing goods. But now, as he faced the reality of their situation, he questioned his decision.

What use was a Merchant in a world turned upside down, where the old ways of commerce seemed trivial against the backdrop of survival and rebuilding? His skills in negotiation, trade, and inventory management felt inadequate in the face of the monumental task assigned to him by his latest quest: to build a town.

[SYSTEM ALERT: NEW QUEST - TOWN FOUNDATION]

Quest Title: Building the Foundations of Tomorrow

Quest Giver: The Council of Reclamation

Objective: Lead the initiative to build a new town, ensuring a safe and sustainable community for the survivors of the recent cataclysm.

Tasks:

Resource Acquisition: Secure essential resources for construction and survival, including food, building materials, and tools.

Trade and Negotiation: Utilize your Merchant skills to establish trade routes and negotiate deals with other groups or settlements for necessary supplies.

Logistical Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan for the distribution of resources and the allocation of tasks among the survivors.

Community Development: Foster a sense of community and cooperation among the survivors, ensuring their skills and abilities are utilized effectively in the town-building process.

Rewards:

Increased Reputation: As the town prospers, your reputation as a capable and resourceful leader will grow.

Merchant Skill Enhancement: Successful completion of this quest will unlock advanced Merchant abilities, enhancing your trade and negotiation skills.

Special Resource Access: Gain access to rare and valuable resources through established trade networks.

Completion Criteria:

The quest will be considered complete when a functional and self-sustaining town is established, with basic infrastructure, resource management systems, and a stable community.

[Note to Scott]

Your role as a Merchant is crucial in these times of rebuilding. Your skills in commerce and management are key to the success of this endeavor. Embrace your abilities; your contribution is invaluable to the foundation of a new society.

[Press 'OK' to Accept the Quest and Begin Your Journey]

He sat in his makeshift office, a small room in the back of the school where the survivors had gathered, surrounded by ledgers and lists. He had always been a planner, a thinker, but this challenge seemed beyond the scope of his abilities.

Who or what was the Council of Reclamation? He didn’t know and he didn’t know if this was a good or bad thing.

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As he pondered his predicament, an idea began to take shape. Maybe, just maybe, his skills weren’t as irrelevant as he thought. Building a town wasn’t just about construction and magic; it was about creating a community, a place where people could feel safe and thrive. And wasn’t that, in essence, what he had always strived to do at this grocery store – create a community hub, a place where people came not just to shop but to connect?

Also, he did know a guy who could construction and magic. That guy Gavrin made an entire wall around the school in under an hour. Sure, he disappeared right afterwards. And so did Jillian. Her boyfriend, Carlos was beside himself. Carlos was going on about Gavrin running off with his girlfriend.

True, Scott had his own reservations about Gavrin. The guy was just weird. He had been living in town for the past decade and was a regular at the store but he had no close friends that Scott knew of. It was very perplexing.

Also, the power Gavrin showed, was just mind-blowing. He created the wall while he was just standing there. His eyes glowed green and the air warped around Gavrin as the earth heaved and writhed and made the wall.

The healing was very welcome. They would have lost even more people without him, but the guy was a wildcard.

Scott shook his head and concentrated at the problem at hand. Scott realized that his abilities could be crucial in ensuring the town had the supplies it needed, in negotiating with traders or other settlements for resources, and in managing the distribution of those resources. His expertise in handling goods could be vital in a world where every scrap of food, every tool, every material counted. If only he had material to manage.

His spirits lifted slightly as he thought about it. He just felt Gavrin might be the key to keeping this group growing, if only he were more a team player.

With renewed determination, Scott started to list what the town needed; food supplies, building materials, tools… He began to plan how to obtain these, he made future plans to trade if contact with the wider world was ever going to be forthcoming and how to manage the logistics. He recalled an old quote he had heard, ‘amateurs talk about tactics, professionals talk about logistics.’ He just needed to get everyone working on the same page, pulling together, pool their resources and move forward. Always move forward. It wouldn’t be easy, but he felt a sense of purpose now. He might not have chosen a flashy class, but he had chosen one that was essential in its own right.

Now, Scott just needed to talk to Gavrin and the others, to offer his skills and perspective. Together, Scott was certain they could build a home.

There was a soft knock on Scott’s door. He sighed, this was just some spare room he carved off to get some time to think by himself.

Carlos entered Scott’s office, his demeanor was clouded with frustration, a mix of personal grievances and community concerns. Scott, already deep in planning for the town, looked up, sensing the tension in Carlos’ stance.

Carlos began, “Scott, do you have a minute? I need to talk about something important… about Gavrin.”

Scott gestured to a chair, his expression turning serious. “Sure, Carlos. What’s on your mind?”

Carlos, sat down but was still visibly agitated. “It’s just that… I’m worried about the power Gavrin has. He’s become so strong, so quickly. And after what happened with Jillian yesterday…”

Scott, aware of Carlos and Jillian’s relationship, nodded understandingly. “I know you’re concerned about Jillian, but what specifically worries you about Gavrin?”

Carlos began slowly. “You know how I’m a tactician? Right? Anyways, it is entirely possible I have a wee tiny skill that lets me far view people. Also, I might have been using my scouting abilities to keep an eye on things. People are talking, Scott. They’re scared of what Gavrin could do if he… if he turns against us.”

Scott leaned back, contemplating. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Gavrin has done a lot for us, Carlos. He’s been a protector. But I understand the fear. His power can be… intimidating.”

Carlos nodded his head. “Intimidating, yes. And dangerous. We’ve all seen what happens when someone with power goes unchecked. I’m not saying he’s a threat now, but what if?”

Scott pondered Carlos’ words. “Your concern is valid. But we can’t let fear dictate our actions. Gavrin’s been nothing but helpful. Perhaps we should talk to him, involve him in these discussions rather than speculate behind his back.”

Carlos ran a hand back through his hair, “Maybe you’re right. But we need a plan, Scott. A contingency. For the town’s safety.”

Scott nodded slowly. “I agree. Let’s approach this carefully. We’ll talk to Gavrin and the others. Transparency is important. And Carlos, about your scouting… it might be best to use it for the town’s external safety, not on our own people.”

Carlos nodded, though the worry didn’t completely leave his eyes. “Alright, Scott. I’ll lay off the scouting for now. And… I’ll try to talk to Gavrin myself.”

Scott held up his hand. “I don’t think that will be wise.” Scott cautioned Carlos.

“Why not?” Carlos responded. “Don’t think I can handle it? Not man enough?”

“No, that’s not it at all.” Scott tiredly answered. “I know a little bit about him. He’s a regular down at the store. He keeps to himself and he’s a veteran.”

“So you think he should get a pass because he is a veteran?” Carlos retorted.

“No. I think you should be careful. He is a veteran who is quiet and tends to his garden all day and walks his dogs.” Scott explained. “Experience and every fucking movie about it indicates, do not fuck with the quiet veteran. He will go off on you. People like that are just waiting for an excuse to unwind.”

“So you agree, he is dangerous.” Carlos smirked triumphantly.

“Yes, like a lion is dangerous.” Scott patiently explained. “People like that tend to have a rigid moral compass and will not attack unless given legal justification to attack. From all appearances, Gavrin is a law abiding citizen. But within a week of almost everyone we know dying. That guy walks out of the forest like a goddamn superhero. The animals and very earth respond to his call. Do not give him a reason to classify you as an enemy. He is a much better friend.”

“We’ll see about that.” With that, Carlos left Scott’s office.

Scott could only sigh in defeat. He had a pretty good idea how this would end.