I ended up wearing my Halo protective gear.

I figured, since I’m going to meet these information brokers, I probably only have one chance to make a good impression, and I might as well make that impression strongly.

I’m also bringing along a plain katana, my ever-present daggers, and a memory storage device for the information I intend to give the information ring, so that we can open up a trade network between us. The storage device is by far the most important thing I’ll be taking along though. I’ve loaded it up with some information that I’m sure nobody else has.

However, I also had to be careful, as I don’t want to give them any of the more valuable information I have—For instance, the stuff I’ve stockpiled about the deities, and some of the more influential members of humanity. Those are my own trump cards, and I don’t want anyone to know that I have them, nor that I have the capability to find that information in the first place.

That would be coming uncomfortably close to revealing myself to the powers-that-be. I mean, who wouldn’t become wary when personal information about your life appears—especially when you’re a secretive deity. They tend to not like people poking into their private lives.

Anyway, I was more or less ready for the meeting. Now, I just had to wait for Halif to come pick me up. I can’t exactly gain access to this sort of stuff without prior connections. Unfortunately, if I just showed up, they would send me away. I mean, that’s the normal reaction an information broker should have towards a high school girl.

Regardless, I was ready for a fair bit of hesitance on the part of the information broker, simply because of my age. Just something we’ll have to work through, I guess.

Since I was more or less ready, I settled down to wait for Halif. I went over my strategies and plans of attack for the meeting, and ultimately decided on one that would leave me making a favorable impression, while also leaving me on the advantaged ground.

Well, eventually, I heard a knocking on the door. I got up, and did one last check over all my equipment. Nodding to myself at my readiness, I went over to the door, and opened it.

Outside, Halif is waiting with a somewhat sullen expression. It was somewhat entertaining to see this grizzled and hardened man sulking so heavily.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

I nodded, and indicated for him to lead the way.

He turned around, and I followed him out of the apartment complex, and towards a black and classy looking car hovering gently above the ground. It’s windows were tinted so that there was no chance of seeing into the car from outside, and I could almost feel the mana pulsing through the vehicle, making it as strong against magical attacks as possible. I’m sure the material the car’s made out of is impact resistant as well.

In other words, the vehicle is probably more tank than car. As expected of the head of an assassin clan.

He walked over, and opened the passenger side door for me. I was somewhat taken aback at first, since normally people would go into the back of the car, and only the driver would sit up front. However, I understand when Halif then walked around the front of the car, and sat himself in the driver’s seat. He doesn’t use a driver or chauffeur, apparently. Interesting.

I watched from the passenger’s seat as Halif injected a bit of his mana into the vehicle, bringing it’s engine to life with a gentle whirring sound. The car eased out of parking, and made it’s way onto the roads, it’s ride almost impossibly smooth.

“Please tell me you’ve brought along some good information.” Said Halif.

Again, I nodded.

“Of course. Not an idiot.” I said, replying to him verbally as well.

Halif sighed.

“I’m going to trust you on that. But, know that if the information ring decideds that your information isn’t worthy enough, they will deny you access to their own stores.”

I grunted.

“Know that. No chance, though.” I said, referring to my certainty that there’s no way I’ll be turned away—as long as the broker actually looks at the information. Like I said, there’s a distinct possibility that I’ll just be turned away at the door due to my apparent age. I mean, if I’m being honest here, I barely look fourteen. That can be a problem when you want to be taken seriously.

“So, you’re absolutely certain that they’ll like the information you have?” Asked Halif, somewhat skeptically. There no way he could know about my mastery when it comes to hacking and information gathering, so I guess he assumes I have no way to find good, new data that’ll interest a massive intelligence gathering organization.

“Yeah. They’ll like me.” I said.

Halif let out a deep breath.

“I sure hope so, and not just for your own sake. My own reputation’s riding on this too, you know? I’m the one sponsoring you here, and if you can’t deliver, it reflects onto me as well.”

I wave off his worries, with an air of nonchalance.

“Be fine. I got this.” I said.

For the rest of the ride, we sat in silence as the car drove deeper into the center of Jor. We were getting into some of the richer areas of the city, where all the major players lived. My school was also located around here, since it catered to the affluent members of society in Jor.

Eventually, we reached an area where two skyscrapers sat really close to one another. Between the two, there was an entrance to an underground garage where we could park the car. There were many other expensive vehicles down there, though the vast majority of them looked much flashier than Halif’s relatively tame, but classy, black car.

We got out, and made our way to an elevator that would bring us up one of the skyscrapers. I almost commented about the unexpected location for an illegal information ring to reside, but I realize it made quite a bit of sense. Why would you operate out of a run-down apartment in some slums, when you have the money and clout to simply set up as an actual business would? I mean, I’m sure that the information ring has a cover set up so that there are no legal tangles, but this makes quite a bit of sense otherwise.

Additionally, most of the people that want their information will be living in the richer sides of Jor anyway, so this is closer, and more comfortable to those people.

Anyway, the elevator let out in a lobby, and Halif made his way towards a large wooden reception desk, where a group of aesthetically pleasing secretaries were stationed. Halif walked right up to one of them, and spoke clearly and with authority.

“I’m here to see Jvorg, up in marketing for the 4 o’clock meeting.”

The secretary looked up with a practiced disinterest. He eyed Halif for a second, and passed his gaze over me as well. I noticed that his eyes lingered over the katana I openly carried, and the protective gear I was wearing. He looked back at Halif.

“Mr. Gibraltar, I presume?” asked the secretary.

“Yes. This is Revian Snow with me.” He said.

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The secretary nodded.

“Very well. Mr. Jvorg is ready to see you now. Just take that elevator.” Said the secretary.

Halif thanked the man, and we made our way towards the other elevator. It’s door automatically opened for us, and we got on. Similarly, the elevator immediately started it’s ascent towards this Jvorg guy.

Now, I know some are wondering why they’re letting me bring weapons along. Well, that’s simple. It’s because taking weapons away from people is largely useless now, what with the Awakenings. I mean, sure you can take away someone’s weapons, but what do you do when someone’s entire body is a weapon?

Besides, carrying a blade has become a bit of a fashion statement now. Almost everyone who’s anyone does it—and the better the blade, the higher the status. I’m sure that secretary was eyeing my blade to determine what sort of person I am, and how much power I wield.

Well, unfortunately for him, the katana I’m carrying now is utter shit. I mean, it’s really about medium grade, and quite workable, but that simply doesn’t cut it here. It doesn’t look good enough. But hey, it was either this katana, or the one I have stashed in my closet. You know, the big one with a blade like ivory. That blade stands out entirely too much, and I’d rather not draw that much attention. Don’t get me wrong—it’s not how that katana looks which is the problem. In fact, it’s a really simple and sturdy looking blade, and its only distinguishing feature visually is the color.

No, it’s the feeling the blade radiates. The malice and ire coming from the blade convinces me that it had been used to cut down a large swath of it’s wielder’s enemies. It’s seen war before, I’m sure of it.

And then there’s the fact that the thing practically screams it’s intent to cut. Just looking at it has me thinking that it could cut through space itself should I try….

Anyway—we reached the floor where the meeting was going to be held, and the elevator doors opened up to let us off.

We walked into a barren and drab looking hallway, with a single door at the other end. Halif made towards the door, and I followed him. Then, he stood before the door, until it opened, revealing a man on the other side who looked to be in his thirties, wearing a good suit, and wearing his thick brown hair long.

“Ah, Halif! Good to see you again—It must have been a few months since your last visit, no? And is this the one you wished to introduce?” Asked the man.

“Yes, it’s good to see you too, Jvorg. This is indeed Revian, whom I’m hoping the Ring will allow access to.”

“Hm, well, we’ll just have to see if she’s worth it, no? I will make no illusions—the Ring is all about mutual profitability. If she is not worth it, well, do not go blaming me.” Said Jvorg, his tone growing dead serious with the last sentence.

“Now then, come in! Let us not talk out in this sad hallway, no? There are seats, where we can speak reasonably.” He continued, ushering us into the space beyond the door, which brought a stark contrast from the hallway.

The very first thing there was an office desk, behind which sat a row of windows giving a glorious view of the city beyond sprawling across the planet’s surface, and the canopy overhead protecting it. Jvorg sat down behind the desk, and there were a few seats facing him. He’s framed quite nicely by the scene behind him.

Halif and I sat down in different chairs, and waited for Jvorg to speak.

However, he instead scrutinized me closely. I could see him passing over everything I brought along, evaluating them, weighing them.

Finally, his head tilted to the side in a quizzical manner.

“You are an odd mess of contradictions, no?”

I pondered what he said for a moment, before speaking.

“…What do you mean?” I asked.

“Hm, where to start? Ah! The most obvious bits, of course. So, your age. You are young, but have the mentality of one much…greater? No, older than yourself. Then, your appearance. While I would say you are beautiful now, you are not caring of this. It simply does not matter to you, no? And your equipment—while not top quality—is at least military grade. It is certainly not designed for looking pretty. Another thing belaying your looks and age, as most would go for the pretty things.

“However, the outside is only the surface, as the saying goes. Inside, you are ever more complex, no? You have the power to do anything you want, but never use it. You have the feelings and thoughts of a true-born killer, but shove them deep, deep down so that your brutal nature is never exercised. But even though this part of you is brutal and unseen, it is still kind, in a way. And your mind itself! What a wondrous mind it is. I have no reservations in telling you that you may perhaps have one of humankind’s greatest minds at the moment. But that does not matter to you, does it? You do not use that mind of yours. At least, not to the potential you know it has.

“No, you do not want to do that. It would draw attention, no? You do not like attention. You just want to live life as simply as possible, as you have seen what power brings. But your nature precludes peace, even if you desire it. You know this as well. So, you live a life of contradictions. You have great power, and do not use it. You have decided to not use your power, but use it anyway. You want peace in your heart, but your nature of the warlord combats that. You combat the warlord inside you with the peace in your heart. And lastly, you know exactly all of this, but deny it regardless. You deny yourself your own being, in so far as being able to attain a somewhat normal life, sans the oddities attracted to you and those around you.

“I will tell you that you are not destined for a normal life. But you also know that, no? You just want to hang on for as long as possible. Well, I will also tell you that you can not hang on for very much longer. You should already know that as well. The Pantheons will find you within this year.”

Absorbing all this, I simply asked one question.

“Clairvoyance?”

“And there is that mind, no?” Jvorg laughed. “Brilliant, able to see through me in a heartbeat. Yes, Revy—as I know you like to be called. Less formal, was it? Anyway, yes. I am a clairvoyant. Some might even go so far as to say I am the clairvoyant. Not quite as interesting as your own abilities, I know.”

“How so?” I asked.

“How would knowing things be interesting to me? Yes, I can find out many, many things that others may not. But this is not a power for fun combat, or for making many friends. You can shelve your own abilities for the greatest part, but I may not.”

I nodded.

“Could see how it’s annoying.” I said. I know that such an ability would bring me more pain then the one’s I have now, really.

“Oh, it is not annoying. Just…limiting? Restricting? Bah, you know what I am meaning.”

“Perfect for information ring, though.” I said.

Jvorg laughed.

“Yes, it is. Kind of hard to protect information when I can easily find out, no?” He chuckled a little bit more before getting serious again.

“Well, I am sure you will be happy to know that I am going to let you into the information ring, no questions being asked. Of course, I already know the things you wish to know, and will admit that the information potential you bring is only bettered by my own. As great as my abilities are, I am unable to reach into pure data.” He said.

Of course, this whole time, Halif’s been in a state of extended amazement. It’s funny to see, actually. I guess he’s been dealing with Jvorg for a while, and is only finding out some of this stuff now. Hell, just what he’s learned about me would be enough to amaze quite a few people.

Oh well. He’ll get over it.

“Sure.” I said, in response to what Halif had said. “Willing to trade.”

Jvorg smiled.

“Good! The first thing you wanted to know, it is about the Pantheons, no?”

I nodded.

“Want locations, numbers, strength.”

“Easily done. Most of them stand out to my abilities quite strongly, since they are so in tune with the more primal side of humanity. I will give you a roster with as much information as I can get. And, I hope that when the time comes, you do not punish them too hard.” Said Jvorg.

I sighed, and nodded.

“Will try. No promises though.”

“Of course not. If they try to kill you earnestly, then I see no reason to hold back. Now then, I will get you this roster as soon as I can, no? By next week for certain. As for your own information, simply send it here.” Said Jvorg, handing me a bit of paper with a web-address on it.

“Now, I believe that should be everything, no? It was nice meeting you, Revy. And it was good to see you again, Halif. Be kind to your son, right?” He said, getting up from the desk, and walking over to the door.

I got up, and followed him there.

“Oh, and one last thing, Revy?” Asked Jvorg. “Things are going to get bad soon. I cannot tell you what, or why—as that would be violating a fundamental law—but I can tell you that you must be ready. Also, do not fear what you do not know. As it turns out, everything is remarkably similar in the end.” He finished, a glint of fatalistic humor in his voice.

I nodded, and thanked him. I walked out of the beautiful office, and back into the drab hallway with Halif dimly following behind me. I can imagine that he was feeling a bit intimidated by the conversation. Certainly, he was reminded that he’s currently just a big fish in a small pond.

We got back into the elevator, and descended back to the lobby. From there we went down into the garage, and hopped into Halif’s car. The drive back to my apartment was spent in silence—which I didn’t mind. Finally, he stopped in front of the complex, and let me out.

Not a word was said as the car door closed, and he drove off.

I sighed, and made my way back up to the apartment. I quietly unlocked the door, and entered. All my equipment was taken off, and properly stored.

I took a quick shower, and dress in pajamas after. I got on my computer, and quickly sent some of the information I had compiled to the website Jvorg had given me.

While waiting for that to finish uploading, I quickly went over the news—which looked like the standard fare. Some inter-galactic skirmishes were going on, trade deals were being struck, a patrol went missing near the Border, politicians were being fuck-wads, and there was some celebrity scandal involving a…fivesome? Wouldn’t it just be an orgy at that point?

Ah well. I mean to say that the news wasn’t very interesting. It never let’s me know exactly what I want to know, nor will anything truly important ever really show up there.

Though, something significant could happen, and it would slip straight under my nose because of my inattention to the news. I doubt it though. It’s more likely for Jor to be sucked into a black-hole.

Anyway, the data transfer was still going strong, so I decided to leave it running overnight.

I went ahead and made myself some dinner, and ate peacefully. I spent the time before going to bed simply relaxing for a change.

Then, I went to sleep quite easily, and deeply.

Such a shame I woke up so horribly then.