Jack taught me all the basics of guns and shooting while we waited for the first of my mentors to arrive. I managed to get the hang of the stances and greatly improve my accuracy in that short time. I tried to pillage the knowledge straight from Jack’s head, but I only got irrelevant techniques in the process. Thanks to that I’ve come to understand that my ability isn’t perfect; I don’t have much control over what I’m taking.

Previously, I took knowledge from engineers. The only reason I managed to get the codes out of it was because I absorbed lots of information and Dawn sorted it out for me. When I wanted to crack the system password shortly after that I was simply lucky.

After about two hours with Jack, the clerk guided a beautiful woman with grey skin, his name was Nordon. It seems that he will be my first mentor, but I must work out a contract before he teaches me anything.

“Glad you could make it!” Jack said loudly, his voice brimming with energy.

“I wasn’t particularly busy,” he mumbled and then noticed me. “Is this the student you mentioned?”

“Yes, this is her.” Jack said while bringing me forward into the conversation.

“Hmmm… interesting, everything about her seems human but my instincts are telling me she’s not.” He said curiously while examining me.

“Perhaps she’ll tell you at some point, but there’s no use worrying about it right now,” said Jack with an impassive tone.

“Very well, I’ll teach her. Full course from a blank slate? I estimate about 10 years,” said Nordon, considering something in his mind.

“She’s a surprisingly quick learner, it’ll probably be faster than that in the end,” replied Jack with a smirk.

“We’ll see, but her pace won’t affect how much I charge,” Nordon said before turning to me, “Since we’ll be working off a long-term plan I will charge you monthly. Usually I only provide lectures for leading minds but since Jack asked I’ll teach you personally… 4 hours a day and 5 days a week, monthly payment of 2.4 million credits.”

“Well now, that’s quite pricey… but I presume it’s a bargain at that price?” I said, considering his price.

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“It’s a bargain for what you’ll get, definitely… but I can’t say for sure that you will be able to make the most of it.” He said with a somber voice.

“Alright, I’ll accept that price.” I said while stretching an arm out for a handshake.

“Then the contract is finalized. I’ll start tomorrow, it’ll take some time to gather my things… ‘Dragon’s Nest’ was it?” he said while shaking my hand.

“Yes, will you be needing a guide?” I asked with a business smile.

“No, I will be fine without one, Jack already passed the address on to my secretary.” He said with a business smile of his own.

Speaking of Jack… where is he?

Jack had managed to vanish and cold sweat formed on my brow as I glanced around trying to find Jack. It was dawning on me how easily the man could take my life, I never noticed him leave the room even though both exits are in view.

Nordon notice my slight panic, “he does that often, don’t mind it.”

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the statement. Knowing that this was a normal thing with Jack didn’t help me feel any calmer.

Suddenly Jack’s voice came from above me, “You were quite quick to notice, all things considered.”

My eyes darted upwards, taking my head with them. At that moment, I felt something thin and cold against my neck and my body froze.

“… Never let an enemy mislead you, it never ends well.” I heard from below me and glanced down to find Jack crouched beneath my vision, holding a blade to my throat.

He removed the blade from my throat and it came into view, it looked like a ceremonial dagger with an emblem on both sides. The emblem was a depiction of two fighting snakes wrapped around a broken lance.

Jack stood up, flipped the blade around and presented me the handle while saying “this is yours, wear it at all times.”

I didn’t think it was wise to be defiant so I simply accepted the dagger. This surprised Nordon a little, “Oh? She’s your next apprentice? That explains why you called me.”

Jack simply grunted in confirmation.

“Well then, I’m off to gather my stuff. Please have a room prepared prior to my arrival.” Nordon said tilting his head to me in respect as he left.

I returned the gesture as he closed the door behind himself.

“Tiama, Chesnokov will be here in approximately a week. I suggest you strengthen your body as much as you can before then… his training can be rather demanding.” Jack told me from behind.

I nodded in acceptance.

< [Speaking of strengthening the body, I can aid the process but it will be most effective when combined with proper training. Ask Jack for a basic regime to start with.] > Nova gave me some advice, accepting the advice I turned to Jack.

“Can you give me a basic regime to get started?” I asked resolvedly.

“Sure,” he said shrugging his shoulders, “I’ll mail you your first workout routines. You seem to be fit enough already, just lacking in strength so I’ll focus on that.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“I’ll come along tomorrow to check your forms. Well then, I have some business to get out of the way, this is where we separate.”

With that the meeting was concluded and I left Omega, returning to my mansion. I immediately begun training myself with the basics in preparation for Chesnokov’s arrival.