Chapter 6: "The Crimson Offer"

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Vermillion Reach, its rays reflecting off the canyon walls and bathing the city in light. Jack stood near the city gates, his hood pulled low as he watched the bustling activity around him. Merchants called out to passersby, adventurers checked their gear, and guards patrolled with bored expressions. It was the perfect time to slip out unnoticed.

But as Jack turned to leave, a voice called out behind him.

"You there! The one skulking in the shadows."

Jack froze, his hand instinctively going to his dagger. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he saw a woman approaching. She was tall and muscular, her armor polished to a mirror shine, and a crimson cloak draped over her shoulders. Her scarred face and confident stride marked her as someone not to be trifled with.

"Skulking?" Jack said, raising an eyebrow. "I prefer 'strategically blending in.'"

The woman smirked. "Cute. Name's Kaela. I'm with the Crimson Talons. Heard you've been making waves in the market."

Jack's mind raced. The Crimson Talons—the adventurer guild the scarred woman had mentioned yesterday. He hadn't expected them to come looking for him.

"Waves?" Jack said, feigning ignorance. "I just bought a potion. Hardly groundbreaking."

Kaela crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb. You took down a Frostfang Wolf den solo. That's not something a beggar does every day."

Jack shrugged. "Lucky shot."

Kaela snorted. "Luck doesn't explain the precision. Or the fact that you're still alive."

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze her," he muttered under his breath.

The plug-in responded.

**[Target: Kaela, Crimson Talons Recruiter.]**

**[Threat Level: Moderate.]**

**[Recommendation: Proceed with Caution.]]

Jack nodded to himself. He needed to play this carefully.

"What do you want?" he asked.

Kaela grinned. "We're recruiting. Got a mission in the Scarred Wastelands, and we need someone with your… skills."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Skills? I'm flattered, but I work alone."

Kaela leaned in, her voice dropping. "This isn't a request. The Talons have eyes everywhere. We know you're new here, and we know you're good. Join us, and you'll get a cut of the loot. Refuse, and… well, let's just say the Wastelands are full of surprises."

Jack's eyes narrowed. It wasn't exactly a choice, but it was an opportunity. He needed resources, and the Crimson Talons could provide them. Plus, they might have information on the Obsidian Hand.

"What's the mission?" he asked.

Kaela's grin widened. "We're hunting a Thunderclaw Bear. Its core is worth a fortune, and we need someone who can think on their feet."

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze the offer," he said quietly.

The plug-in responded.

**[Mission: Thunderclaw Bear Hunt.]**

**[Risk Level: High.]**

**[Reward Potential: Significant.]**

**[Recommendation: Proceed with Caution.]]

Jack nodded. It was risky, but it was also a chance to test his abilities and gather more cores.

"Fine," he said. "I'm in."

Kaela clapped him on the shoulder, her grip firm. "Good choice. Meet us at the guild hall in an hour. Don't be late."

As she walked away, Jack activated the plug-in.

"What do we know about the Crimson Talons?" he asked.

The plug-in responded.

**[Crimson Talons: Adventurer Guild, Moderate Reputation, Known for High-Risk Missions.]**

**[Leadership: Unknown.]**

**[Affiliation: Neutral, but Rumored Ties to Shadow Organizations.]]

Jack frowned. Rumored ties to shadow organizations? That could be a problem—or an opportunity.

---

An hour later, Jack stood in the Crimson Talons' guild hall, a large building adorned with banners bearing the guild's emblem—a crimson talon clutching a lightning bolt. The hall was filled with adventurers, their voices echoing off the stone walls.

Kaela approached, leading a group of recruits. Among them was a man with a sneer plastered on his face, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Jack.

"This is the new guy?" the man said, his voice dripping with disdain. "He looks like he'd faint at the sight of a Thunderclaw Bear."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "And you look like you'd faint at the sight of a mirror."

The man's sneer faltered, and a few of the recruits chuckled. Kaela shot Jack an approving look.

"This is Garrick," she said, gesturing to the man. "Try not to kill each other before the mission."

Garrick glared at Jack but said nothing. Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze Garrick," he muttered.

The plug-in responded.

**[Target: Garrick, Crimson Talons Recruit.]**

**[Threat Level: Low.]**

**[Personality: Overconfident, Insecure.]**

**[Recommendation: Ignore or Exploit.]]

Jack smirked. This was going to be fun.

---

As the group prepared to leave, Jack activated the plug-in.

"Set a reminder," he said. "Don't trust Garrick."

**[Reminder Set: Don't Trust Garrick.]**

**[Additional Note: Also, Don't Trust Kaela.]]

Jack rolled his eyes. "Thanks, partner. Real helpful."