Gemini glanced at the soldier at the head of a crowd of children, making sure not to stand out. Out of the corner of his eyes, he continued to observe the ‘Instructor’ as he led them to another soldier serving food.
“Is that him?” muttered Gemini. The moment he stepped foot into the camp, his quest log had updated, notifying him that his quest target was definitely in this area. Unfortunately, humans were also traditionally skilled in the art of war, which meant that as long as they did not have racial sympathies, beastfolk also accepted them within their ranks.
For the first time in his life, both here and on Earth, Gemini found himself cursing at the notion of race-blind meritocracy. There were more than enough humans here to prolong his search for his target dramatically. In fact, it was harder to pinpoint his target in such an environment, since anyone gifted in strength was highly likely to join the military, if they didn’t intend to be part of the underworld.
He couldn’t wander around here without getting an identity too. Sure, Gemini was confident that him showing up here once or twice wasn’t an issue, but seeking out his target was another can of worms altogether. One reason why everyone here had to be registered and kept busy in this place was to sieve out spies and informants. Under the watchful eye of war-weary (and wary) soldiers, anyone who behaved oddly would become obvious really quickly.
Gemini checked his outfit once again, making sure that it didn’t look too clean or pristine. Not too dirty either, but just enough to convince people he crawled out of a collapsed shack.
That was, after all, his backstory.
He walked up to the counter, making sure to have a slight limp in his left leg as he approached the soldier on duty there.
“Hello, sir.” Gemini bent his head. “I want to apply for shelter.”
The soldier grunted and passed a set of writing instruments. “Name and background?”
“I’m En Pesea. En for short.” Gemini bent over slowly, writing in his name. “I used to live in the slums, but my shack collapsed yesterday, forcing me to leave. When I returned, a gang had taken over it…”
His voice trailed off, and Gemini manipulated his face to show an expression of bitter resignation. The soldier shook his head and sighed. “It can’t be helped. The gangs have been on a warpath against humans and civilians recently. But the army prohibits these sorts of discrimination and bullying in general, so you’re safe here.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Don’t worry. Now, just follow the signs here to collect the belongings.” The soldier motioned towards his left. “If you want to raise your quality of life, do consider helping out in odd jobs we have open. There are also classes you can take here for free too.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Yes, sir. Thank you for your help.”
The soldier chuckled. “Think nothing of it. Good luck!”
Gemini raised his hand in parting as he moved to the logistics point. It didn’t take him long before he got his items, and he changed into the prescribed attire for…well, he didn’t catch the name, but he was wearing what the other freeloaders did.
He walked over to the odd jobs board, which was placed prominently in the middle. Probably to make sure the people here actually have something to do, mused Gemini. This place had its own currency, which was earned through working or helping out in this camp, and could be used to increase their quality of living here.
The currency here — they called it points — could be used to increase their general standard of living. Highest on the list was sole occupancy of any given tent, which asked for fifteen thousand points. Furthermore, weapons were not obtainable through these points, which meant that the occupants were, for all intents and purposes, at the mercy of the camp guards and overseers.
It was a nice place to be in, but Gemini wouldn’t stay here for long.
Walking up to the board, Gemini scanned through the list of positions open. He wanted something that would enable him to move around the place without being suspicious, and his eyes soon landed on an open cleaner’s position.
The soldier who had passed him his clothes walked over. “You already interested in doing something?”
Gemini nodded.
“That puts you way above most of the others here. They’re just interested in sleeping and eating...” The soldier shook his head. “What do you have in mind?”
“Being a cleaner, I guess,” replied Gemini. “Something to keep my own self out of trouble, while earning some points.”
“That sure is a good mindset. I’ll help you get that position, follow me.”
It didn’t take long before his name was registered formally as a cleaner. There was even a point bonus for signing up, to which the soldier explained that it was to set a good precedent in order to entice people into taking up long-term positions. “That said,” continued the soldier, “the brass actually wants some learned civilians to take up more instructor roles, rather than logistics roles.”
“Instructors?” Gemini echoed.
“Yeah. We’ve had an influx of hopefuls, both male and female, after the news leaked out. They’ll be having a selection three days from now.” The soldier gestured at the broom in Gemini’s hand. “Feeling regretful now?”
“No, not really. I was never the teaching kind.” Gemini’s eyes, however, glittered. This selection would probably be the best chance for him to locate his target. If he couldn’t find the target there, he would seriously consider taking on another quest instead. “I’ll get started with the sweeping then. Thank you for your help, sir.”
“Fufufu. Don’t mention it!”
Gemini made his way out of the tent, carrying the broom. Even in a camp, its inhabitants had a bad habit of throwing things, especially torn rags, out of their tent, letting the wind pick them up. There were a couple of small trees in the campgrounds too, and by late afternoon, a veritable pile of trash been swept up into brown cloth bags.
He wiped his sweat off his brow. It wouldn’t be too hard for Gemini to regulate the temperature around him, but being the only one who didn’t sweat would be too suspicious. He had the feeling that Paragon Ortega was still watching the city, wary that spies and operatives might slip in.
Gemini looked up at the sky and sighed. The lack of amenities were starting to get to him.