Then I headed out to the ABW's base with Dob and Lob to talk to Scorpion again.

Hopefully, he doesn't find my eagerness suspicious but I can just say that I'm greedy and want to get to the next rank as quickly as possible which is true because the faster I go up the hierarchy the faster I can find out Scorpion's plan and stop it in its tracks.

While I was walking to the ABW Base I noticed the citizens had a different air about them. It reminded me of the general feeling I got from the crowd of outraged people in Blackbridge.

So the ABB hasn't been slacking off on causing unrest in Whitebridge either although it seems to be to a lesser degree than what I saw in Blackbridge.

A bit later we arrived at the door to the ABW base which was located in the back of the alley closest to Dave's store. I knocked on the normal-looking wooden door and grinned as I heard the sound of numerous locks being undone. Some sliding locks, some key locks, and others that I couldn't recognize the sound of.

I wonder if I could pick it if I tried. I've never tried to pick a lock before though so probably not. And even if I did manage to pick one lock there's a lot more than one.

As the last lock was undone the door swung open to reveal a familiar face.

"Hey, George!"

George grunted in his typical fashion.

It's so sad that Scorpion made him not able to talk. I should see if he can join the Guild after I take down the ABW. I doubt he's done anything really bad anyway because he's just been manning this door for probably the whole time. Also, he clearly did something that Scorpion didn't like and an enemy of my enemy is my friend.

I broke out of my thoughts and looked towards George who was staring at me as if asking what I wanted.

"George, could you take us to Scorpion please?"

George grunted and turned around, gesturing for us to come in which we did. As George reengaged all of the locks I looked around the room.

Yup, still the same old dirty place with those mysterious red splotches. Honestly, the random red spots really speak to their impatience. I mean they couldn't find a better place to do that kinda stuff?

It wasn't long before we were standing in front of the set of doors that led to Scorpion's office.

"You guys stay out here okay? I want to talk to Scorpion alone."

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Dob and Lob nodded and gave me a thumbs up.

"Ok good. Hopefully, I'll be back soon with some good news!", I said, smiling at my two companions.

I took a deep breath and then pushed open the doors to Scorpion's office. He was sitting at his fancy-looking desk like last time and had his fingers perched together.

"Hello, Jameson."

"Scorpion", I said nodding my head in his direction.

"Welcome back. You've been busy."

"Thanks. Glad to be back."

I'm really not that glad to be back but I gotta keep up appearances.

"I have to admit that you and your... friends have surprised me. Breaking into that guy Scott's house was especially impressive."

"Thank you", I said grinning slightly.

Well, I won't refuse praise, even if it's from the bad guys.

Looking at the door he called out.

"Hey, you two. Come in."

The door opened and Dob and Lob entered the room looking puzzled.

"Yes hello. You two were also a surprise. You were both clearly holding back when you fought Keith and Tom compared to how my sources told me you fought. You've got some real skills."

Dob and Lob nodded and gave Scorpion a thumbs up, also liking the praise.

Yeah, Dob and Lob are amazing at fighting. I need to get this conversation back on track though.

"Thank you for the praise Scorpion. That's not the reason we came here though."

"Oh. Well then continue", Scorpion said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, we'd like to go up in the hierarchy so to speak. I think it's only fair considering our skills and the number of missions we've completed and the speed at which we've completed them."

"Hmm. Fine. I can consider it. You'll need to do something for me though."

I don't like the sound of this but what choice do I have?

"Tell me what needs doing first."

"Hold your tongue boy. I own a few mines and camps in which I manufacture goods. I need you to check on them for me. Normally I'd do it myself but I'm rather busy right now and I need people that are strong in case there's any insubordination going on so you three are the obvious choice. If you do a good job I'll raise your rank and you can start doing things of greater importance. If you fail. Well, I shouldn't have to say what happens if you fail."

Jeez, this guy is as intense as I remember. I need to take this job. It should let Scorpion 'trust' me enough to tell me the plan and I need to figure it out quick. I don't like thinking about what Scorpion could be doing that's making him this busy.

"Okay, fine Scorpion. We accept."

"Very good. Very good indeed. I hope you won't let me down."

"We'll try our best Scorpion."

"Mhm. See that you do."

Scorpion pulled open one of the drawers in his desk and handed me a map with several circled locations.

"Here are the places I need you to check on. As I briefly touched on before, just make sure that everything is going smoothly. If anyone is being annoying or messing up just get rid of them. I can always find more volunteers."

I have a feeling those volunteers aren't really volunteers but I guess I can check on that while I'm there. I have to act the part though, I never know where and when Scorpion's 'sources' are hiding and observing me.

"Ok. We'll be back in a few days."

"Good. You can leave now. I have nothing more to discuss with you guys."

Not bothering to humor him with a reply I opened the doors and went through followed by Dob and Lob. Thankfully for us, George was waiting outside, ready to take us back out.

"Hi, George. We'd like to leave please."

George grunted and led us back to the door with many locks and after unlocking them he opened it and gestured for us to exit.

"Bye George!"

Dob and Lob waved bye to George following my goodbye.

"Gh", George grunted before closing the door.