Going back to Greed Island.
Point of View Switch: Kai
Date: August 14th, 2011
"Wow, this is incredible! I can see everything from here!" Biscuit exclaims, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
"Pretty amazing, isn't it? No matter how many times I do this, it never gets old." I reply.
She tilts her head. "Still, something doesn't add up. With this method of travel, you can reach anywhere on the island quickly while avoiding hostile players altogether. Why bother walking or using transportation spells instead?"
"It may look very convenient at first glance, and I won't deny that soaring through the skies like a superhero is fun. But sadly, doing this consumes a fair amount of aura from my Nen ability, and more importantly, I miss everything happening on the ground, so I only use it if it's absolutely necessary." I answer.
"Then why are you using it now?" Biscuit asks.
I smile. "I promised I'd be the knight protecting you throughout this game. The least I can do is make sure our journey together is as safe and comfortable as possible."
At my declaration, Biscuit's cheeks flush again, and while covering them with both hands, she beams at me.
'Oh my god, I sound so stupid with these cheesy lines. I seriously hope this phase ends soon.' I think to myself, mortified.
Currently, Biscuit and I are riding a platform created by my Barrier Orb, gliding over forests and barren stretches of rocky terrain as we make our way toward the Badlands.
Flashback from yesterday.
After teaming up with Biscuit Krueger and leaving the City of Love to continue mapping the game and collecting cards, I suggested the idea of showing our binders to learn how to best manage the slots between the two of us, and also to take a step towards building mutual trust.
"Sure, that sounds like a good idea. Book." Without hesitation, Biscuit quickly summoned her binder.
Upon seeing its contents, I couldn't help but feel somewhat underwhelmed: it only contained 15 cards. Almost all of them were food or basic utility items, and there were only two spells: "Contact" and "Analysis".
However, in her specified slots, there were three cards: "X-Ray Goggles" of rank B, "Gold Dust Girl" of rank A, and "Hypothetical T.V." also of rank A.
'1 B-rank and 2 A-rank. Considering Biscuit's approach, this isn't surprising. She'd focused on gathering information instead of drawing unnecessary by collecting rare cards like I did, so these must have come from the group she was traveling with before—the one Tsezguerra mentioned.' I thought while looking at the cards.
'I remember he said that group possessed an S-rank card alongside several A-rank cards. This means these three were likely the only cards Biscuit managed to get before leaving them.'
'It's a shame not to have the S-rank card, but it's not a bad result to get two new cards for the restricted slots.'
'Especially "X-Ray Goggles," which I remember was apparently used to acquire two S-rank cards: "Mystery Pond" and "Beauty Magnet Emerald". I'll have to contact Asta or another senior player eventually to negotiate more details about that.'
After organizing my thoughts and deciding on my next steps, I summoned my own binder and showed it to her.
"Wow!" Biscuit's eyes widened as she turned the pages. "More than ten restricted-slot cards? And you've almost filled every free slot with spells! It's truly impressive! How did you manage all this alone without other players stealing them?"
"Oh, they definitely tried. I'm just better at playing Greed Island than they are... and better at running away when I have to." I shrugged before starting to explain.
"First things first—we need to fill those empty slots of yours with spell cards to improve your options in the game, so tomorrow we'll head to Masadora and buy a big stack of packs from the Spell Card Shop."
Biscuit's expression immediately faltered.
"Eh? But I don't carry that kind of money right now. Maybe I should go back to Aiai to get some money from my Trade Shop account." Biscuit said somewhat uneasily.
"No need. I've got plenty of capital waiting there, and if I sell a few copies of "King White Stag Beetle" we'll be able to buy hundreds of packs and still have plenty of money left over." I waved the concern away confidently.
"Hundreds?" Biscuit blinked twice and searched my face, as if she was trying to determine whether I was joking.
"You're saying we can just walk into the Spell Card Shop and buy hundreds of packs at once?"
"That's the plan." I responded earnestly.
At my casual reply, Biscuit looked at me, genuinely impressed, and with a smile crossing her face, she said with feigned excitement.
"That's fantastic! Most players would have to spend days, maybe even weeks, saving enough just to buy a handful of packs, and you're talking about buying them by the hundreds like we're shopping for groceries!"
"Looks like joining forces with you was the right decision!"
"Well, the truth is that money isn't a big deal." I simply shrugged.
"...It isn't?" Biscuit asked surprised.
"Not once you know how Greed Island's economy works." I tapped one of the "King White Stag Beetle" copies in my binder.
"A few copies of this are worth more than everything we'd spend on those packs combined. Rare cards are the real currency here on this island. Money just happens to be another resource for the game mechanics."
Biscuit's eyes drifted to the card one last time. "Yeah, "I suppose that's true..."
"Once you stop thinking in terms of money and start thinking in terms of cards, the whole game looks different. Only low-level players who have given up on returning to the real world and want to buy a house to live in within this game would worry about money." I stated before gesturing toward her binder.
"After we open the packs, we'll keep the cards that are actually useful and discard the rest."
"And besides the spells, I'll also give you the copies of my restricted-slot card as a safeguard."
"That way, if someone ever manages to steal one of mine, we'll still have backups between us. And the same goes if they try to steal one from you. It'll make our collection and our strategy a lot more resilient."
"I like that." Biscuit nodded thoughtfully.
"But before doing any of that, we'll be making a stop in the Badlands." I added.
"Why?" She asked, tilting her head curiously.
"We're turning that area into our base of operations. Now the two of us work together, and in the future we'll be bringing more people on board to join our team, so we'll need a place to rest between trips and discuss our future steps together." I explained.
"The Badlands are located right between Masadora and Antokiba, two key points in the game. That makes them the perfect place to establish a base, especially since the monsters there will be a reliable source of training and income."
"And this is what will make the plan work."
I then reach into my binder and I pull out the copy of "Hideout Realtor".
"With this card, each of us can create a fully furnished hideout that remains hidden and out of reach of the other players. As long as nobody discovers the location, we'll always have a safe and comfortable place to rest, organize our cards, and plan our next move."
"The only downside is that we'd each have our own hideout instead of sharing one. But that's hardly a problem as we can communicate with "Contact", even from inside the rooms."
I slipped the card back into my binder.
"In short, it's the best way to secure a base of operations without having to worry about monsters, hostile players, or sleeping out in the wilderness."
I paused for a moment before adding, "Besides, I also have a few matters to take care of outside the game tomorrow. I don't know how long they'll keep me busy, and I'd rather not leave you alone without a secure place to stay. With your own hideout, you'll have somewhere safe to wait for me if I'm delayed, and once I'm back in the game, I'll use "Contact" to let you know."
Biscuit remained quiet for a moment, studying me carefully. Then, a faint smile appeared on her face and she started speaking again.
"I see you've really thought this through." Then her expression grew more serious. "But are you really okay with sharing all of this with me so easily?
I met her gaze, waiting for her to continue.
"I mean, we may be teammates now, but we've only just met. You know almost nothing about me, and yet you're already willing to share your cards, your strategies, and everything you've worked for."
"What if I were a spy sent by another group? Or what if I decided to betray you later when it benefited me?"
"Doesn't that worry you?"
Faced with her softened yet inquisitive gaze, I understood that she wasn't accusing me—she just wanted to know why I was willing to take such a risk.
Knowing that she is very intelligent and good at recognizing if someone is lying, I saw no other solution than to answer honestly and directly.
"No, it doesn't." I smiled.
"While it's true we've only just met, I'm pretty sure you're someone I can trust to clear the game, and that's why I'm going to try to be as open and honest as possible with you in this partnership."
"And why are you so sure you can place so much trust in me without knowing me?" Biscuit asks once more, her eyes narrowed slightly.
"I can't tell you everything about that, but I can tell you that I have my own way of judging whether people are trustworthy." I responded, winking at her with a smile.
Fortunately, my answer seemed to satisfy Biscuit, because after studying me for a few more seconds, she smiled and let out a small laugh before shaking her head.
"You really are strange." She rested her hands on her hips.
"The more I learn about you, the less I understand you. Could it be that you're actually a fool?"
"Maybe I am." I chuckled. "But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, sometimes it takes a fool to attempt what everyone else dismisses as absurd or impossible—and that's how the world changes."
With this last reply, I glanced at the darkening sky before slinging my backpack off my shoulder.
"It's getting late, so we should call it a day, have a simple dinner and camp here for the night. We can continue getting to know each other once we reach the Badlands tomorrow."
Biscuit nodded in agreement as I began taking out my camping gear along with a few ready-to-eat provision to share.
When night finally settled over the forest, our camp was ready at the edge of the woods. Wanting to maintain my image as a proper gentleman, I insisted on taking the night watch while Biscuit rested inside the tent.
I even pulled out a thick futon and a set of comfortable bedding from my oversized backpack, making sure she could sleep properly without having to worry about ruining her complexion or waking up with dark circles under her eyes.
For my part, staying awake all night wasn't difficult thanks to my great stamina, so I was able to remain alert and ready for any incident. However, I didn't notice anything unusual among the vegetation, nor did I sense anyone nearby, even when I used En, so it was a rather uneventful night.
When the sun finally came out and Biscuit appeared from the tent, looking well-rested, I wasted no time packing up our campsite while she groomed her hair and got dressed in private.
Once we were ready to leave, I summoned my Barrier Orb in front of her to explain its functions before creating a platform and stepping onto it. After she got the hang of it, I invited her aboard, and soaring it high into the sky, I set us into a direct flight toward the Badlands.
End of the flashback.
After a few minutes of travel, we finally reach the barren wasteland dotted with enormous stone pillars where monsters are known to roam. After finding a suitable clearing, we descend to the ground, and I dismiss my Barrier Orb.
"Book." My binder materializes and I take out the copy of "Hideout Realtor" from my free slots. "Find a secluded spot and use this card to build your hideout."
"Aren't you coming with me?" She asks.
"Neither I nor anyone else must know about your secret room, or it will disappear. You choose a location to put your hideout first, and once you return here, I'll go somewhere else to build mine." I explain.
"No, don't leave me alone! I heard this place is crawling with monsters, not to mention dangerous players like that Bomber guy! What if I run into one of them? You said you'd protect me." Biscuit looks up at me with watery eyes, putting on the act of a timid, helpless girl.
'She still doesn't trust me enough to drop her act. Looks like I'll have to keep earning her trust, little by little.' With this thought, I expanded my En until it covered a radius of 150 meters, sweeping all creatures and objects within its range like a radar.
"There aren't any monsters within 30 meters in that direction, so you can take your time scouting for the best spot. And if I detect any monsters or hostile players approaching, I'll intercept them before they get anywhere near you, so you can rest easy."
For a brief moment, Biscuit looks genuinely surprised by my proficiency with such an advanced Nen technique.
"Huh, alright. I'll take your word for it. Then, if you'll excuse me." With this, she gives me a polite bow before heading in the direction I have indicated.
When I see her disappear among the rocks, I make sure to keep her well located within my En and ensure that nothing disturbs her. Whenever my En detects a monster heading toward her, I quietly eliminate it before returning to my original position.
More than twenty minutes passed as I wait in the lonely rocky valley. By then, the lack of sleep and the strain of maintaining such a wide En for so much time were beginning to take their toll.
Maintaining an En this large for so long isn't impossible for a master, but it demands far more aura and concentration than ordinary Ren does. Had I not created the Development Orb and spent months training relentlessly my aura amount and control to the point of madness, the constant strain would have exhausted me long before Biscuit returned with her little fists raised in a feminine gesture.
"Sorry for the delay. I've been—"
"Stop!" I shout, raising my hand to stop her dead in her tracks. "Don't tell me any more or it might be against the rules."
"Yes, you're right." Biscuit replies.
"Now that you're finished, it's my turn, so this time you must be who wait me here. And don't worry, I'll keep an eye on your situation with my En. Book." I say, conjuring my binder.
After flipping through the pages unfolded in front of me, I use one of my "Clone" cards to create another copy of "Hideout Realtor", and after saying goodbye to Biscuit, I also set about looking for a secluded and well-hidden place to put my own secret room.
For a while, I make my way through the rocky landscape, climbing and leaping from one stone pillar to another in search of a secluded location noone can find. After traversing a labyrinthine path I find a small space hidden behind a small opening in the great rock walls, perfect to set up my personal base.
"Gain."
With this, the card in my hand transforms into a male realtor NPC wearing an elegant business suit.
"Good morning, my esteemed sir. I am the Hideout Realtor of Greed Island, in charge of building high-end secret rooms. Tell me, where would you like me to place yours?" The NPC asks me politely.
"On that wall over there." I answer.
"Understood. That being the case, please sign this construction agreement to authorize the creation of your hideout." The NPC requests, pulling a contract and a pen seemingly out of thin air.
After carefully reviewing the document and confirming there are no hidden traps or clauses, I sign it and hand it back to him. The NPC briefly examines my signature before placing the contract inside his suit.
"Excellent. Everything's in order. Now I'll get the place ready for you."
He then takes a marker from his suit pocket and begins drawing a rectangle on the wall. When he finishes, the drawing glows and suddenly transforms into a real door. The NPC then invites me inside to show me the hideout.
"As you can see, the room comes fully furnished, complete with a bed, a solid walnut dining table with matching chairs, and a comfortable sofa. It also has running water, electricity, a bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen."
"But remember the terms of the contract: you must never reveal the existence of this hideout to anyone, nor may you bring anyone here. Should you violate either condition, the entrance will be permanently sealed, making it impossible to enter or leave."
"It has been a pleasure doing business with you. We hope to see you again should you ever require another secret room on Greed Island. See you later."
After this farewell, the realtor disappears like smoke, leaving me alone in my new secret room. With my personal hideout now established, I leave through the door and from the space hidden by the rocks to head back to the area where I had arranged to meet Biscuit.
"Have you finished too?" Biscuit asks when I arrive with her.
"Yes, sorry for the delay. We've finished what we came here to do. Now we'll finally head to Masadora to stock up on spell cards." I state.
Biscuit nods and looks at me with a determined expression. "Okay, let's go."
*Growl*
Before either of us could take another action, a loud growl rumbles from Biscuit's stomach, instantly turning her face bright red with embarrassment.
"Right. In our rush to get here, we didn't have time for breakfast." I remember scratching the back of my head.
"I had planned to eat after going to Masadora, but if that's alright with you, I'll prepare a nice breakfast and we can continue our conversation from yesterday before we head off to buy the spell cards."
"That would be nice, yes." Biscuit replies with genuine embarrassment.