“Well, C-Rank and Tier 2,” she said. “You’re stronger than most and trusted far more than a fair few. Not a bad start.”
Kain smirked, rolling his shoulders. “Not bad? They’re practically begging to become magical Pres.”
“Sure, if you show results on the first few jobs,” Freya shot back, her amused look matching his. “Integration’s not just about muscle. Even the strongest can get booted if they don’t play by the rules.”
Kain rolled his shoulders, letting Freya’s words go over his head. C-Rank and Tier 2. He stepped up to the QuestNet terminal, its sleek obsidian frame pulsing with faint, glowing runes. As he reached out, the terminal recognized his presence and flared to life, a shimmering holo-display projecting into the air before him.
Lines of text flickered across the screen, listing assignments available to him based on his combat rank and residency status. Each mission was color-coded—combat-oriented tasks glowed in deep crimson, while integration and community jobs shone in cool blue and gold.
Haley leaned back in her chair, sipping at a fizzy, rune-infused drink. “You should celebrate or something,” she teased. “ But guess you'd rather just jump headfirst into it Huh. So what’s on the menu, tough guy?”
Kain smirked, scrolling through the available jobs. “Let’s see what I can sink my teeth into.”
Combat-Oriented Assignments (C-Rank Missions)
1. Urban Monster Incidents (Priority: Medium-High)
• Summary: Reports indicate that a rogue Gargoyle Swarm has broken free from its perch on a historic structure in the heart of Sea-tizin’s skyline. The creatures have been swooping down on pedestrians and disrupting ley-line transit routes.
• Objective: Subdue the swarm and relocate them without causing excessive property damage.
• Reward: Combat Reputation Boost, Specialized Equipment Token
2. Border Breach Containment (Priority: High)
• Summary: A Dimensional Rift has opened near the outskirts of the city, allowing Abyssal Beasts to slip into inhabited zones. The creatures are highly aggressive and territorial, posing a direct threat to both magical and non-magical residents.
• Objective: Seal the rift and neutralize or repel the creatures before they spread.
• Reward: High Combat Rank Experience, Increased Access to Restricted Quests
3. Underground Fight Circuit – Sanctioned Matches (Priority: Low-Medium)
• Summary: The Sea-tizin government monitors controlled combat duels to help warriors hone their skills in a structured environment. A ranked tournament is currently open, offering C-Rank fighters a chance to prove themselves in an official capacity.
• Objective: Compete in three sanctioned matches, showcasing combat efficiency, technique, and adaptability.
• Reward: Combat Rank Progression, Optional Sponsorship by Local Factions
Integration & Residency Missions (Tier 2-Eligible Jobs)
4. New Resident Orientation – Guide Position (Priority: Medium)
• Summary: With the growing influx of new magical residents, integration officers are in need of provisional guides to help newcomers adjust to life in the city. This includes introducing them to key districts, handling initial paperwork, and ensuring they don’t accidentally cause supernatural diplomatic incidents.
• Objective: Assist three new residents in settling into Sea-tizin, ensuring they complete all required documentation and pass their introductory magical aptitude assessments.
• Reward: Increased Residency Tier Progress, Small Stipend
5. Arcane Infrastructure Assistance – Ley-Line Transit Repairs (Priority: High)
• Summary: A recent power fluctuation has destabilized a ley-line transit hub, causing disruptions in teleportation routes and portal stabilization. This is a critical issue for magical and economic trade, and workers need extra hands to stabilize the runic grid.
• Objective: Work alongside skilled enchanters and engineers to restore the hub and prevent further malfunctions.
• Reward: Specialized Training, Residency Status Boost
6. Diplomacy in the Mortal Realm – Limited Contact Assignment (Priority: Medium)
• Summary: With the barriers between the magical and mortal worlds growing thinner, limited-contact assignments have opened up for residents with strong adaptability skills. A minor magical incident in a human city has raised suspicion, and authorities need someone to discreetly handle the situation.
• Objective: Identify and resolve the incident before it escalates. Ensure that no major breaches of magical secrecy occur.
• Reward: Increased Government Trust, Optional Future Diplomatic Assignments
Kain scrolled through the list, his eyes flicking over each option. Some were straightforward combat jobs—his bread and butter. Others leaned more into bureaucracy and community work, something he wasn’t exactly known for, but he knew he couldn’t ignore.
Freya watched him carefully. “Whatever you pick, keep in mind that your standing depends on the choices you make now. Build trust, prove your strength, and you’ll move up fast. But burn bridges, and you’ll find yourself stuck at the bottom.”
Kain smirked. “No pressure, huh?”
Haley grinned, tilting her head. “I mean, you could always pick something safe like resident orientation. You’d look adorable giving people tours.”
Kain shot her a look, his smirk sharpening. “Yeah, pass. Speaking of, sounds like somebody might’ve taken this job before.”
Haley, mid-sip, choked on her drink. “Cough—what—sputter—excuse me?” She barely managed to set her cup down before shooting him a glare, eyes wide with exaggerated offense. “Are you implying that I—Haley, the epitome of cool and danger—was once a tour guide?”
Kain leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “I mean… you have been dragging me all over the city today, explaining how everything works.” He raised an eyebrow. “Pretty sure that makes you my personal integration officer.”
Haley scoffed, clutching her chest like he’d just mortally wounded her. “How dare you?!” she gasped, her tone dramatic. “I would never sign up for such a tedious, soul-sucking—”
“Uh-huh.”
“—mind-numbing—”
“Sure.”
“—absolutely not my style—”
“Of course.”
Haley pointed a finger at him, eyes narrowing. “You’re twisting reality, Kain.”
Kain shrugged, barely suppressing his grin. “I dunno. Pretty sure I heard you say, ‘this district over here is where all the new residents get their visas processed’ at least twice today.”
“That was context! I was being helpful!” Haley huffed, crossing her arms.
“That’s literally the job description,” Kain shot back, deadpan.
Freya, watching the exchange, smirked. “This is the most denial I’ve ever seen in a single conversation.”
Haley groaned, dropping her head onto the table. “Ugh. I hate you both.”
Kain chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “It’s fine. You can admit it. Maybe even pick up a part-time gig while we’re here.”
Haley shot back up, stabbing a finger at him. “You shut your mouth.”
Kain just grinned, leaning over to the QuestNet terminal. “Anyway, thanks for the tour, Officer Haley. I feel so much more integrated now.”
Haley groaned louder, burying her face in her hands. “I walked right into this.”
He reached out and selected two assignments from the board—one combat and one integration task.
• Border Breach Containment – Because nothing said fun like taking on interdimensional horrors.
• Diplomacy in the Mortal Realm – Because if things were changing, he wanted to see it firsthand.
Freya nodded in approval. “Good mix. You’ll get a feel for both sides of the system.”
Kain laughed, already feeling the adrenaline kick in. “This'll be Fun,” he said, his smile unwavering.
Haley grins, leaning back in her chair. “Yeah, so again don’t screw it up. But hey, no pressh.”
Kain slips the card back onto the table, the faint hum of the glyph lingering against his fingertips, letting the moment settle over him. Then slides the card into his pocket, leaning back in his chair as the hum of conversation continues around them.
Kain with a sigh of relief shares a laugh with Haley. The tension fades, replaced by a renewed sense of belonging, even with the surprise Freya had thrown at him in the beginning.
"Was it really a surprise though.."Docs voice chimes in mockingly
Freya now back in her professional demeanor, her expression cool as she turns to Kain. Her voice shifts, adopting a formal, measured tone. “Given your exceptional results, Kain, I’d like to extend an offer to work with USISIS—the United States immigration and Seatizen Integration Service.”