Dungeon Raider System

49  Sign me up

Uriel's rational mind didn't have any space for mumble jumble about impossible cities and fantastic fountains with the made up ability to rejuvenate a person, but he had to admit that keeping an open mind would be the best course of action if he was to take part in the investigation.

He listened to Walter's explanation that included the specifics about his job.

"Our research has been at a standstill for so long that even our most accomplished personnel is now idle at the site. We've been trying to open the way to reach the chambers of the underground structure without any success and there hasn't been progress in translating the ancient language. I called you here with the hopes that you'll be able to translate at least a portion of the carvings, but even if you're not able you will still get paid. Although, the contract I prepared n advance states that any progress you make will provide you a substantial bonus." Walter explained.

"That sounds more than reasonable, but will I be able to keep any artifacts?" Uriel asked, obviously thinking on the possibility of acquiring a new artifact in order to become stronger. Having money was great, but he also knew that the one who discovers a treasure has a claim to it.

"Well, you put me in a difficult spot. I have more money than I can spend and artifacts are far more precious to me than credits, you also have to take into consideration that this is a private expedition." Walter leaned forward with a business smile.

"It's just like you said, money can only go that far. As you know, I want to become a proper archaeologist and no amount of money will buy that for me. artifacts, though, are sure to bring me some renown and I'll be able to secure a future for my career."

Instead of being displeased after being challenged by the young man in front of him, Walter showed an excited look on his face.

"What do you think Mister Sage, are you up for the task?" Nika smiled after Walter retreated.

"Am I up for the task!? I'm so excited I can't wait to depart already!" Uriel exclaimed barely containing the widest smile to ever appear on his face and they started discussing the terms of the contract.

Uriel gave up on a percentage of the treasure as long as he had first claim on any treasure he liked, though the price would be deducted from his pay. As soon as he signed the contract which, by the way, didn't make him an employee at the Mapple corp but a freelance contractor he was presented with another document.

"What's this about?" Uriel asked.

"This is the contract for acquiring Miss Nika's services. Although she's our employee and we'll be paying her, to make the most of her trait you'll need to hire her yourself." Walter explained.

Uriel gazed at the piece of paper in front of him, no matter how he looked at it, more than a contract it seemed like some sort of oath.

"I, Nika Garcia, will become the shadow of Uriel Sage until the current project is either finished or called off." Uriel read out loud.

"Now this is awkward." Nika cringed after hearing the words in the contract.

Thinking it strange, but not necessarily bad, Uriel was getting ready to sign the contract but he was stopped by Nika who took off the pen from his hand and offered a small cutting knife.

"You need to sign with blood, you don't need to write anything just a drop of blood will suffice."

"Isn't this kind of weird... just what kind of trait has a requirement like this? I mean, it feels like I'm selling my soul to a demon or something."

"Don't mind it, it's just so I can make the most of my trait." Nika smiled reassuringly, yet Uriel had his doubts. His reluctance to sign with blood only amounted to make the moment even more awkward and Nika was starting to lose her cool. "Just sign it, ok?"

What Nika didn't notice was that Uriel wasn't hesitating, but pondering about her trait requirement. 'If my trait was difficult to discover, just how did she find out about hers?'. Most traits Uriel had encountered so far were pretty straightforward, it was either control over an element or some sort of body modification, but as far as he knew none of them had any requisites to being activated.

The young archaeology student finally resolved himself to cut his thumb and fortunately for him the cut didn't hurt in the slightest thanks to the sharpness of the knife. The cut was so clean that after the few drops of blood fell on the paper it was difficult to spot the wound.

Uriel expected for something mystical to happen in front of his eyes, blood pooling in a seal, the contract glimmering or floating in the air, yet nothing happened. Just when he was about to sigh in disappointment, Nika picked up the knife and made a small cut on her thumb just like Uriel had previously done. Then, blood started to slowly flow toward the letters with their names written, changing the color from black to a thick red giving an ominous feeling.

"It does look like a pact with a demon, doesn't it? I never get tired of seeing it." Walter expressed his emotion after watching the scene.

"Shut up old man! I'm not a demon, it's just my trait!" Nika waved her hands in the air dispelling the ceremonious aura in the process and triggering Walter's laughter. The old man finished with a fake cough that sounded all too real and then said.

"With that done, I think we're all set now Mister Uriel. I look forward to your discoveries, if you happen to run into any issues you can ask Miss Nika, from now on she'll be in charge of anything you need."

"Anything?" Uriel asked not knowing why was he blushing.

"Anything!" Nika winked flirtatiously.

After saying their goodbyes, Uriel and Nika retreated leaving Walter alone with the blond stewardess who placed a glass of scotch in front of him.

"What an amusing young man he is, I didn't expect to find someone like him in a place like this." He sighed as he shook the glass moving the golden liquid in circles.

"He certainly is out of the ordinary. To think he'll have the guts to negotiate with you of all people." The blond woman smiled. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"He reminded me of myself when I was his age, I wonder where would I be if I decided to go explore the world back in those days." Walter gazed at the distance, not looking at anything in particular, and drowned himself on memories of the good old times when he was young and had real friends, not people trying to suck up to him all day.

Somehow, his adventurous spirit was lit up by the presence of the young student who was so passionate about archaeology but, at the end of the day he was still just an old man.