Chapter 43: Aurelius Vander

The first rays of dawn painted Arlo's apartment in muted gold, filtering through the blinds to cast delicate lattice patterns on the walls. He stirred awake, blinking away the remnants of a dream where shadowy figures whispered in a language that slithered like smoke.

Across the room, Link lay curled in his cushioned bed, one paw twitching as he chased phantom prey in his sleep. The Rockruff's spiked fur, still damp from yesterday's training, glistened faintly under the pale light.

"Looks like someone's still out like a light," Arlo muttered with a smile. Stretching his arms overhead, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, ready to start the day.

Making his way to the kitchen, Arlo pulled out a pan and set it on the stove. With practiced movements, he cracked open two eggs into a bowl, whisking them together with a pinch of salt and pepper. The sizzle of bacon on the adjacent burner filled the apartment with an aroma so inviting it even made him hungrier. He placed slices of bread into the toaster and kept an eye on everything, flipping the bacon with ease.

As the eggs scrambled in the pan, Arlo heard a familiar bark. He turned to see Link sitting up in his bed, yawning widely before padding over to the kitchen, tail wagging in slow arcs.

"Morning, buddy," Arlo greeted, giving Link a quick pat on the head. "Breakfast is almost ready. Be patient, and I'll whip up something for you too."

Link tilted his head, his ears perking up as if he understood every word. He barked again, wagging his tail, then sat obediently near the couch, watching Arlo intently.

After plating his own breakfast, Arlo got to work on Link's meal. He opened a storage container and scooped out the rock-type Pokéblocks he had bought from Shannond earlier in the week. Next, he added vibrant berries. Oran for overall health, Passho for water resistance, and Kee to boost physical defense. Finally, he measured out a precise portion of vitamins to ensure Link's meal was as nutritious as possible.

"Chef Arlo strikes again," he said with a mock bow to his imaginary audience. Placing Link's bowl on the floor, he called out, "Here you go, Link. Dig in."

Link wasted no time, bounding over to the bowl and attacking the meal with gusto. Arlo chuckled, taking a seat at the table to enjoy his own breakfast. The peaceful moment was short-lived as his HUD buzzed with an incoming video call. A screen materialized before him, showing Aria's face. 

"Morning, Arlo," Aria greeted, her expression calm but professional. "I'm on my way to your apartment. I'll be there in under an hour, so make sure you're ready."

Arlo nodded, swallowing a bite of toast. "Got it. Just finishing up breakfast. I'll be good to go."

"Good," Aria said with a hint of approval. "This is an important day, Arlo. Be prepared." With that, she ended the call.

After clearing the table and rinsing his dishes, Arlo turned his attention to Link. "Alright, buddy. Time to get you cleaned up."

Link's ears flattened, and he let out a small whine. Arlo sighed. "Don't give me that look. You'll feel great afterward, I promise."

Carrying Link to the bathroom, Arlo filled a basin with warm water and gently placed the reluctant Pokémon inside. Link squirmed and barked in protest, but Arlo held firm, working quickly to lather and rinse him. By the end of the ordeal, both of them were slightly damp, but Link's fur gleamed, soft and clean. Arlo ran a brush through his fur to remove any tangles, much to Link's dismay.

"You're such a drama queen," Arlo teased, earning a playful nip at his sleeve.

.....

Arlo pulled open the wardrobe, scanning his options before settling on a black coat over a clean black hoodie. He paired it with slim dark jeans and black-and-white canvas sneakers that looked both sharp and comfortable. He tugged at his sleeves, making sure everything fit just right, and gave himself a quick glance in the mirror.

"Alright, looking decent," he muttered before grabbing his bag. "Time to get things rolling."

He double-checked his inventory through the BrainLink, scrolling through the list of items he'd prepared for the quest. The Slumber Charms, C-4 explosives, mana potions, and the freshly brewed Clown Potion were all accounted for. Everything was where it needed to be. A small wave of satisfaction washed over him—he was as ready as he could be.

"Link," Arlo called, turning to see the Rockruff lounging on his bed, head tilted quizzically. "Let's head out. Big day ahead."

With a bark of acknowledgment, Link wagged his tail and leapt into the Luxury Ball in a flash of red light. Pocketing the ball, Arlo stepped out into the morning air. The streets were quieter than usual, the occasional hovercar zipping by overhead. He leaned against the building, scanning the skyline until Aria's sleek, metallic hovercar descended smoothly in front of him.

Arlo raised a hand in greeting as the passenger door slid open. "Morning, Aria."

"Morning," she replied with her usual calm demeanor, gesturing for him to hop in. "Got everything?"

"Checked and double-checked," Arlo said as he settled into the seat, the door closing with a soft hiss. "But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous."

Aria's lips curved into a faint smile as she guided the hovercar back into the air traffic. "That's natural, especially for a C-Rank quest. But nerves aren't a bad thing, Arlo."

....

The hum of the hovercar filled the silence as Arlo glanced out the window, watching the sprawling cityscape blur past. Buildings of steel and glass loomed like sentinels, their facades reflecting the morning sun. His mind, however, was consumed by the task ahead. A C-Rank quest—dangerous, complex, and unlike anything he'd faced before.

"Are you ready for this?" Aria asked, her voice calm but laced with genuine concern. She kept her eyes on the traffic lanes ahead, her hands steady on the controls.

Arlo hesitated before answering. "I think so. I mean, I've prepared as much as I can, but... it's a C-Rank quest. There's no way to know if I'm completely ready."

Aria glanced at him, reading the tension in his expression. "It's okay to be nervous, Arlo. Nervousness means you care. You're not walking into this lightly, and that's a good thing—especially for something as dangerous as a C-Rank quest."

Her words struck a chord, but Arlo still felt the tightness in his chest. "I guess I just... don't want to screw this up."

Aria offered a small smile, her tone softening. "Arlo, let me ask you something. Do you know why we're called pioneers?"

The question caught him off guard. His brow furrowed as he turned to her. "I mean, I've never really thought about it. Why?"

"Because pioneers are the ones who forge ahead into the unknown," Aria explained. "We're not just explorers; we're the ones who take the first steps into uncharted territory. Whether it's a new world, an unexplored idea, or a groundbreaking technology, we're the ones who face the challenges and pave the way for others to follow."

Her words hung in the air as Arlo processed them. He thought back to his preparation, the training, the planning, and even the foreknowledge he had from his past life. Yet, none of it guaranteed success. Being a pioneer meant embracing uncertainty.

"Breaking new ground," Arlo echoed, his voice quieter now. "Facing challenges head-on. That's... kind of terrifying."

"It is," Aria agreed. "But it's also what makes it worth doing. If it were easy, everyone would do it. You're stepping into something bigger than yourself, and that's no small thing. Nervousness is normal, but when the moment comes, trust in what you've prepared. Be vigilant, adapt, and don't hesitate when it counts."

Arlo let out a slow breath, her words sinking in. He wasn't just another trainee completing a task; he was a trailblazer in a dangerous and unpredictable multiverse. The weight of that realization was daunting, but it also brought a strange sense of clarity.

"You're right," he said after a pause, his voice steadier. "I can be nervous, but I can't let it hold me back. When the time comes, I'll act."

Aria nodded approvingly. "Exactly. You're more prepared than you think, Arlo. And remember, you're not doing this alone. Link's by your side, and you've got the skills and tools to handle what's ahead."

The tension in Arlo's chest eased, replaced by a growing confidence. "Thanks, Aria. I needed to hear that."

"It's my job as your guide," she replied with a soft smile. "Helping trainee pioneers like you navigate this line of work—it's what I'm here for."

The hovercar slowed as they approached the towering structure of Aerith Tower. Its gleaming surface caught the sunlight, making it look like a beacon rising above the city. Arlo stared at it, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination.

As the vehicle came to a stop, Aria turned to him one last time. "Ready?"

Arlo adjusted his coat, gripping the Luxury Ball in his pocket. "Yeah. Let's do this."

With that, he stepped out of the car, the tower looming above him like the gateway to a new challenge.

==================================================

[Central District: Aerith Tower]

Arlo and Aria entered the towering Aerith Tower, the metallic sheen of its interior radiating a cold yet futuristic vibe. The hum of distant machinery echoed faintly, blending with the low murmur of voices. They moved toward the Quest Hall, a vast room bustling with activity. Large holographic displays floated in the air, detailing the location of the pioneers in the Nexus Map.

They reached the main desk, where Aria gestured for him to proceed. "Go ahead. Submit your chosen quest."

Arlo nodded and approached the association officer, a woman with a sharp, no-nonsense demeanor. "I'd like to submit my quest selection," he said, handing over his BrainLink credentials.

As the receptionist processed his request, another figure approached Aria. A tall, imposing man with black hair and piercing dark eyes, clad in a sleek yet understated suit. Arlo caught the faint shift in Aria's expression—a flicker of coldness replacing her usual calm.

"Aria," the man greeted smoothly, his voice rich and polished. "Congratulations on your recent advancement to A-Rank."

Aria's reply was curt. "Thank you, Guildmaster Vander. Why are you here?"

Arlo, glancing back, caught the tension between them. He decided to keep his focus on the officer, though he couldn't ignore the weight of the exchange behind him.

"Scouting," Aurelius said casually, his tone bordering on condescending. "It's not every day a prodigy like your trainee appears. An S-Rank evaluation? Rare, indeed."

Aria's posture stiffened. "Arlo's achievements are his own. And scouting personally seems a bit... beneath a Guildmaster, wouldn't you say?"

Aurelius chuckled. "Perhaps, but the Sacred Order values talent. Someone with his resourcefulness would thrive with us. Don't you think?"

Aria's tone dropped, sharp as a blade. "Arlo is not available for recruitment."

Aurelius's sly smile widened. "Ah, protective, are we? Very well. How about a wager? Let's see whose trainee achieves a higher evaluation. If I win, he joins the Sacred Order. If you win, I'll grant you a Fragment of Creation."

Aria's expression darkened. "I don't gamble with people's lives, Aurelius."

The Guildmaster sighed theatrically. "Pity. You might regret not taking a chance when it's offered." His gaze lingered on her. "Be careful, Aria. Some offers aren't meant to be refused."

As he turned to leave, Arlo approached Aria, his brows furrowed. "Who was that?"

Aria's demeanor softened slightly as she replied, "Aurelius Vander. Guildmaster of the Sacred Order."

Recognition sparked in Arlo's eyes. "Damon Brimstone's Guildmaster?"

"Forget about him," Aria said firmly, brushing off the subject. "Focus on your quest. Distractions can be deadly."

Arlo hesitated but nodded, filing the encounter away for later contemplation. Together, they walked toward the portal platform, where a low hum filled the air. The swirling energy of the portal seemed to pulse with life.

"Any final advice?" Arlo asked, gripping the Luxury Ball in his pocket.

Aria met his gaze, her tone steady. "Your survival is the priority. Stay alert, adapt quickly, and trust yourself. Remember, even with foreknowledge, the unexpected can happen."

Taking a deep breath, Arlo nodded. "Got it."

[SYSF Multiverse: Dominion Universe]

[Warning: Portal Transfer Imminent]

[Accept Transfer? Y/N]

The portal flared to life, enveloping him in light. As the energy pulled him in, Arlo steeled himself. This was the moment he'd prepared for. Whatever lay on the other side, he would face it head-on.

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[Inventory] - 25 Slots

Jason's Machete [Rare] 

TTI JW4 Pit Viper [Rare] -Equipped (Sidearm)

Seraphim Bracelet [Unique] - Equipped (Left Arm) 

Fragment of Creation 0.5% [???]

Low Health Potion 5x [Common]

Low Mana Potion 5x [Common]

Slumber Charm 8x [Unique]

C-4 Explosive 100x [Common]

Ritual Tools

Bag of Clothes 

Divination Tools