The Old World Network

Three days passed quickly, though they were fraught with danger. Niwa, Modeus, and Abigail had faced a grueling journey, repeatedly fending off monsters that emerged suddenly from ruins or forests, surrounding their speeding truck. With Neumann's assistance, Modeus managed the threats with precision, while Abigail used his dark magic to hold off the relentless attackers. But as they finally arrived at their destination, a place known as the Old World Network, the atmosphere began to shift.

Located in the southeastern edge of Fertissio, the Old World Network resembled more of a fortress than a syndicate. From a distance, a towering steel wall loomed, separating the wild outside world from the more orderly realm within. The wall appeared impregnable, reinforced with metal and anti-attack layers, designed not only to fend off monsters but also to deter anyone who dared approach without permission.

Niwa brought the truck to a halt several hundred meters from the main entrance. He, Modeus, and Abigail disembarked, surveying the Old World Network with careful eyes. From their vantage point, they could see large robots equipped with advanced weaponry stationed at every corner of the wall. Armed guards patrolled vigilantly, while reconnaissance drones hovered overhead, scrutinizing every movement.

"See that?" Niwa nodded toward the massive wall before them. "This isn't just a place for exchanging information. Here, the powerful people of Fertissio come to get what they want."

Modeus observed the squalid settlement outside the great wall. The people appeared to live in harsh conditions, with shacks made of scrap metal and torn tents scattered around. The residents, looking impoverished and ragged, moved about, keeping an eye on every vehicle that entered and exited, seeking a chance to survive in this harsh world. Further inside the wall, the settlement transformed into more solid and organized buildings, indicating a clear social hierarchy.

"Here, even the city has its own strata," Abigail murmured, glancing toward the slum area. "Those living outside don't have many options. But the deeper you go, the more elite and influential the people become. At the heart of the Old World Network, only certain people have access—relic hunters, quantum traders, and most dangerously, high-ranking officials from the Aurelius kingdom and Cestisia."

Niwa nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Inside the fortress, they handle all the underground affairs. High-ranking relic hunters like us can stay in a safe house, a heavily guarded zone managed directly by Aurelius and Cestisia authorities. Not just anyone can get in there."

Modeus crossed his arms, studying the situation with increased seriousness. "It seems much more organized than I expected. This is more than just an information syndicate. They have a clear structure and hierarchy."

Abigail nodded. "This is more than just a trading hub. The Old World Network is the center of power and influence in Fertissio. Everything that happens here, whether it's artifact trading or even conspiracies between major nations, starts here. Information is a weapon in this place."

Modeus shifted his gaze from the slum to the towering steel wall, realizing there was something bigger at play than just quantum artifact trading. "Who actually controls this place?"

Abigail looked toward the wall as he spoke. "Officially, the Old World Network is a syndicate run by traders, relic hunters, and artifact collectors. But behind it all, the Aurelius kingdom and Cestisia have control over everything that happens here. They use this place as a control center to oversee and manage the Fertissio continent."

"Then why do they allow all this chaos to happen outside the walls?" Modeus asked, his eyes sweeping over the dismal slum beyond.

Niwa crossed his arms and replied, "Because it's part of the system. The people outside are bait. They're left to survive with minimal help. If they're lucky or strong enough, they might make it further inside the walls. It's a natural selection, and Aurelius and Cestisia want to see who can endure."

Modeus snorted, not surprised but slightly disgusted by the reality. "So, it's all about survival and climbing to the top, huh?"

Abigail nodded. "That's how it is in Fertissio. The strong survive, the weak perish. And only the influential can control everything."

After hearing all this, Modeus and Abigail decided to move closer to the gates. They walked alongside Niwa, who seemed to have enough connections to gain deeper access into the city.

"Everything is tightly monitored," Niwa whispered. "They don't want anyone sneaking in without permission."

As they approached the main gate leading into the deeper parts of the Old World Network, the atmosphere grew tense. The gate guards, clad in thick metal uniforms with reflective visors, immediately stopped Niwa's truck. Two other guards, each armed with advanced automatic weapons, approached to inspect everyone inside the truck. In the distance, rows of steel buildings and futuristic storefronts lined the main road, leading to the large syndicate building at its center.

"A.R.M.?" one of the guards demanded, his eyes fixed on Abigail and Modeus.

Abigail produced his A.R.M., a sleek device glowing with quantum energy. Niwa, sitting in the driver's seat, did the same, showing his A.R.M. to the guard. However, Modeus remained silent, arms crossed over his chest, showing no sign of having an A.R.M.

The guard glanced at Modeus, narrowing his eyes behind his visor. "You, in the back. Where's your A.R.M.?"

Abigail frowned, sensing something was off. "There weren't any rules like this before. As long as you were recognized as part of a relic hunter group, you didn't need an A.R.M. to get in."

The guard shook his head, his voice monotone and firm. "Rules have changed. Only registered relic hunters with an A.R.M. can pass through the main gate. We can't let anyone without an A.R.M. into the core area."

Modeus remained calm, though it was clear this setback was frustrating their plans. He looked at Abigail, who was clearly troubled by the situation.

Abigail, with an expression of disbelief, turned to Niwa, who seemed to know what to do. Niwa sighed and approached the guard with a forced smile. "Alright, here's the deal," he said, pulling something from his pocket—several brightly colored chips that looked like more than just ordinary money. "Maybe we can expedite this. My friend here is crucial to our team, and I'm sure you understand how business works around here. A little bonus to keep things running smoothly."

The guard eyed the chips Niwa offered, weighing the situation for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, but make sure he doesn't cause any trouble."

After the transaction was completed, the guard signaled to his colleague to open the gate. Modeus remained silent, letting the situation unfold without comment. Niwa turned to Abigail with a satisfied smile. "Now you owe me one," he said with a soft chuckle. "I hope we can collaborate more often in the future, or maybe you can repay this favor with some services later."

Abigail sighed heavily, knowing he had no other choice. "Consider us business partners from now on," he replied tersely, though there was an undertone of reluctance in his voice. He understood that in a world like this, such help was part of the game.

The three of them entered through the massive steel gate, which groaned open with a thunderous sound, leading them into the main thoroughfare flanked by towering steel buildings. The city inside the fortress was starkly different from the slum outside. People moved about with bodies largely augmented with advanced mechanical technology. Some didn't even look human anymore—entire bodies replaced by robotic components, making them more like cyborgs than people.

"This… is intimidating," Modeus murmured, glancing around. "It looks like everyone here has traded their humanity for machinery."

Abigail nodded as he walked beside him. "That's the reality of living in a place like Fertissio. Those with money or access to technology modify their bodies to survive. Implants, built-in weapons, mechanical bodies… here, technology is everything. The more extensive the modifications, the higher their social status."

Modeus observed a few passersby. There was a man with a massive arm replaced by heavy weaponry, automatic guns integrated into his body. Another woman had both her legs transformed into high-speed mechanical limbs. Everyone appeared combat-ready, no one resembling an ordinary person.

Niwa, leading the way, pointed to the large building in the center. "See that tall, shiny steel structure? That's the syndicate's headquarters—where all the major transactions happen. If you're looking for information or want to trade quantum items, that's the place to go. Every valuable relic hunter in Fertissio ends up here."

As they approached the syndicate building, they passed various shops displaying technological and quantum artifact goods. Automatic weapons were showcased in the windows, while other stores had cybernetic devices ready for implantation. In a corner, some relic hunters were negotiating with a vendor selling quantum stones—one of the rarest and most valuable energy sources on the continent.

"This feels like a free-for-all weapons market," Modeus remarked, surveying the surroundings. "You can buy just about anything here."

Abigail scrutinized a few vendors seriously. "Exactly. Here, money talks. If you have enough, you can get anything—from weapons to information. That's why this syndicate is so crucial."

Niwa stopped in front of a more upscale store compared to the others. The shop displayed various quantum artifacts encased in protective glass, guarded by heavily armed security.

"If you're looking for something more advanced, this is the place," Niwa said. "Maybe we can check it out later, once our business is done."

Before they could continue their conversation, a vehicle pulled up abruptly in front of the syndicate building. Several individuals in full black uniforms emerged, their faces obscured by high-tech helmets. On their shoulders were badges from the Aurelius kingdom—the official enforcers overseeing the syndicate.

Abigail squinted, observing them closely. "Looks like there's some serious business going on."

Modeus felt the tension in the air. Despite the busy atmosphere of transactions and trade, it was clear that some powerful force controlled everything from behind the scenes.

"What are we looking for here?" Modeus asked Abigail.

"Information and opportunities," Abigail replied seriously. "Here, you can get both if you know where to look. And I have a feeling this place will be central to everything we're after."

"Then we'll part ways here. I have some business with my client. Don't forget to contact me if you want to sell quantum artifacts," Niwa said with a smile, then walked off, leaving Abigail and Modeus behind.

After the brief separation, Modeus and Abigail headed into the main building of the Old World Network, where all the critical affairs for relic hunters were processed. The atmosphere inside was cool and calm, surrounded by holographic panels displaying various transaction data, relic hunter rankings, and the latest information on discovered quantum artifacts. Modeus felt out of place in this environment, but Abigail seemed more at ease.

As they approached the reception desk, Modeus turned to Abigail. "So, what's your real goal here?" he asked, his tone serious but slightly relaxed, as if he already suspected something bigger was at play.

Abigail sighed softly before answering. "I'm here to register you. But my reason is… more complex." He glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then continued in a lower voice. "Mr. Eliphas sent me on a mission. He wants me to establish connections with one of the high-ranking officials of Old World Network from Aurelius."

Modeus raised an eyebrow. "Officials from Aurelius? What's the goal?"

Abigail looked at him seriously. "It's a complicated political affair. My organization… they want to forge an alliance with that person. The goal is to gain noble status in the Aurelius kingdom and expand the influence of the demon worshippers. But for that, I need to have a high status within the Old World Network. Low-ranking relic hunters don't get access to important people. So, I need to become a high-ranking relic hunter."

Modeus nodded slowly. "Politics," he said briefly, sounding disinterested. "I don't care about complicated matters like that. Just handle it however you want, as long as we can get our business done here."

Abigail gave a thin smile. "That's the plan. Let me handle the politics, and you just focus on what you do best."

They arrived at the registration desk. A cold-faced receptionist greeted them with professional detachment. "Welcome to the Old World Network syndicate. How can I assist you?"

Abigail nodded briefly. "We'd like to register my partner, Modeus, as an official relic hunter."

The receptionist eyed Modeus with a sharp look. "Of course. Full name?"

Abigail quickly reached into his pocket and handed over a prepared identification card. "His full name is Modeus Del Ferro, a citizen of Cestisia."

Modeus looked at the card with mild confusion. "Modeus Del Ferro? That's an odd name," he muttered, not entirely satisfied with the new name assigned to him. But he didn't dwell on it. "Who made this card?"

"It's from Mr. Eliphas," Abigail replied firmly. "It's been arranged so you can be registered without any issues. With this identity, you're an official citizen of Cestisia. It will grant you certain rights within the Old World Network."

Modeus snorted quietly but nodded. "Alright, let's move on."

The receptionist processed the identification card quickly, entering Modeus's details into their system. "Everything is set," she said. "The registration fee for a relic hunter is twenty thousand Nexbit. How would you like to pay?"

Before Modeus could react, Abigail had already pulled out his A.R.M, which held the Nexbit Niwa had given them earlier. "The fee is paid. This is from our colleague, Niwa Arihira," he said, sending the payment through his A.R.M.

Modeus looked at Abigail with a hint of admiration. From the beginning, he had anticipated everything and made sure it went smoothly without any hitches. Without such careful planning, Modeus might have had to dig into his own pockets or, worse, get caught up in the tangled bureaucracy.

The receptionist checked the holographic screen in front of her and then nodded. "Payment received. Modeus Del Ferro is now officially registered as a relic hunter in the Old World Network." She handed over a small, phone-like device to Modeus, which contained his identification number and newly registered relic hunter status.

Modeus accepted the Advanced Relay Module with a nod. "So, it's all set?"

Abigail smiled with satisfaction. "Yes, you're officially registered now. With this, we can access many resources here. And if you want to rank up, you just need to complete missions or tasks offered by the syndicate. The more missions you complete, the higher your ranking."

"And the closer we get to that Aurelius official?" Modeus asked, half hoping he wouldn't get too involved in the complex political game.

Abigail nodded. "Exactly. But that's later. For now, focus on building your reputation as a relic hunter. The stronger we are, the easier it will be to access more valuable information."

Modeus paused for a moment, then gave a small smile. "You've thought all this through, haven't you?"

Abigail looked at him with a cold but professional expression. "Of course. In a world like this, if you don't plan everything out in advance, you'll fall behind. We can't let small mistakes hinder our progress."

Modeus smiled, slightly impressed by how Abigail managed everything. Although he wasn't fond of politics and power games, he knew Abigail had his own interests here. "Alright then, let's get to our parts."

They both left the registration desk with different moods. Abigail was calm, knowing that his first step had been successful. Modeus, though indifferent to the grand plan behind it all, now felt more confident in his role as a newly registered relic hunter. Though things weren't entirely straightforward, he knew the next steps would demand more skill and determination from him.

After exiting the main building, the two of them walked toward the city center. Modeus still held his new A.R.M, feeling a bit more prepared to face the new world full of intrigue and mystery in the Old World Network.

"Where to now?" Modeus asked, glancing at Abigail, who seemed to have plenty of plans up his sleeve.

"First, let's check the mission list," Abigail replied, his eyes glinting with determination. "If we want to climb the ranks quickly, we need to take on missions that are challenging but rewarding. This world is full of dangers, but also opportunities for those who are willing to take risks."

Modeus nodded slowly. "Let's get started."

With that, they prepared to tackle the next steps in the Old World Network, a place where information, artifacts, and power intersected in a complex and dangerous game of influence.

***