That was way too fucking close. Warren probably knows that I’m hiding something, but I don’t think that I gave Skill-Eater away. Going forward, I’ll have to be extremely careful not to tip him off. Or anyone else for that matter.

I can’t let people find out about the first monster I killed, not to mention the pair of jailbirds. I can’t display more skills than a rare core could slot, and I need to have an obvious source of income before I cash in all those credits.

Next on the list, when I start hunting on the plains in earnest, I’m going to grow stronger far faster than a normal puppet. I’ll need to hide some of my gains. The rest need to have an explanation that people won’t find suspicious. One that covers for my rapid cycling-up and the extra credits I make on the side.

In short, Edge needed to find a job. Something that paid well and involved fighting at least every now and again. It would be even better if it was something that could teach him how to survive in the wild or become a better hunter.

The obvious place to start his job hunt was City Hall, where a list of everyone who was hiring or contracting was posted. He’d never been inside the building but had passed by it several times. It was located on the opposite corner of the town square, just a few minutes away from where he was standing.

Edge walked in that direction as if he didn’t have a care in the world, since you never knew who was watching. He soon found himself standing in front of the building in question. It was a tall, two-story structure, made of high-grade blond lumber with big windows lining the walls to let the sunlight in. As usual, the place was packed at this time of day, people heading in and out in a constant stream.

It was the beating heart of the settlement. In addition to the job board, City Hall was home to the mayor’s office, as well as the sheriff’s. The bottom floor was filled with desks staffed by representatives from the largest organizations in town, along with the aides that kept the place running.

Edge walked in through the front door and stepped into the lobby. It was a big, open room filled with chairs, low tables, and a cooler in the corner where you could refill your canteen with cold water.

He looked around, trying to find the job board. But there were too many people in the way to simply scan the interior. When he made eye contact with a woman sitting behind a desk facing the entrance, she set down the paperwork she was reviewing and motioned for him to come over.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Edge put on his most winning smile and walked up to the desk.

“Welcome to City Hall. How can I help you?”

“Hi. I was looking for the place where they list the jobs that are available to non-residents.”

“Oh, you want to head over to that little cubby in the corner. But that board is mostly for day labor, odd jobs, and one-off contracts. With the disaster sticking everyone here for good, I assume that you would be interested in something more permanent.”

“That would be ideal. Do you happen to know of anyone who is hiring?”

“Your name is Edge, right? The man who helped Trapper out when those monsters attacked?"

“Yes. That’s me.”

“In that case, I just might. Trapper thought that you would find your way in here before long. She said that if you were interested, they could add another member to their crew. The only caveat is that you’ll need to go through basic training and pass a live exam.” The woman gave him an appraising look, like she was curious to find out what all the fuss was about.

“Personally, I suggest that you take her up on that offer. Beast hunting is going to become even more central to the town’s economy now that the supply routes have been severed. We expect a rapid uptick in both prices and demand. Would something like that interest you? It’s dangerous work, but the pay is good. I think someone with your skillset just might have what it takes.”

“Actually, that sounds perfect. Would you mind giving me directions to her place? That reminds me. You already know my name, but I didn’t catch yours.”

“I’m Emily, one of the mayor’s assistants.” They shook hands and she told him where to go.

“Pleased to meet you, Emily. Take care and thanks.”

Edge turned and started to leave. Before he could make it to the door, Emily’s voice calling his name stopped him dead in his tracks. “Please don’t go just yet. Come this way instead. There are some people who would like to meet you.”

He wasn’t exactly thrilled by this development. He was trying to keep a low profile, especially after drawing so much attention to himself the day before. But it would be even more conspicuous if he ignored Emily or refused the request, so he just smiled again and walked back over.

Of course, that wasn’t his only motivation in staying on the good side of the people who worked at City Hall. On Ord, a person’s reputation was everything. There were so few rules and enforced laws, especially outside the walls, that your standing was a key ingredient to a long, prosperous life.

The regard in which the various factions held you was just as important as any of the stats listed on your profile. Your reputation played a role in nearly every aspect of life on the planet. Everything from being offered the best assignments, to which goods and services were provided.

It was especially important that Edge maintained a sterling rep now that the rest of the planet was cut off, since it seemed that he would be living in Puppet Town for the foreseeable future.

Trying not to let his reluctance show on his face, he followed Emily down a hallway behind her desk and into a large conference room, where a group of people were standing around a stone table carved from a bright red mineral. "Dialla. Edge Vasher is here to see you."