The first mission

12th of March

After that passionate night with Marine, you spent the next few days finishing the preparations for your new base. You also completed a small workshop for Katy so she could prepare special clothes and equipment whenever needed.

Those nights had also been... rather intense. Sometimes you spent them with both of your childhood friends, while other times Marcy enthusiastically “demonstrated” things to Charlie and Marine. In short, every night had been lively in its own way.

This morning, after finishing breakfast, you head toward the entrance of the base when you notice a letter slipped under the door.

You pick it up and open it. It’s a message from Lance.

"Young Drake, we have finished the preparations for your first trial. I will send you messages whenever you need to travel to certain locations to meet the members of the council.
Your first destination is Viridian City. Sir Giovanni requires your assistance for a task.
— Lance"

“I see...” you mutter after finishing the letter.

“What do you have there, Erik?” Charlie asks as she suddenly appears behind you.

“It’s information about my first mission. I guess I should start preparing to leave” you explain.

“Oh cool! Are you bringing some of us with you?” she asks excitedly.

“Yeah, probably. I already have an idea about who to bring, though I’ll tell you right now that this time you’ll have to stay here” you say.

“Boooo... I’ll train more so you’ll bring me next time!” Charlie pouts dramatically.

You head back inside and gather everyone in the dining room for a meeting.

Once everyone is seated, you explain the situation and read Lance’s message aloud.

“So this mission doesn’t sound particularly urgent or dangerous,” you conclude. “Because of that, I think it’s better if I bring only a small group this time.”

The girls look at you curiously.

“I’ll bring Midori and Marine with me.”

Midori blinks in surprise before smiling softly.

“I’m happy you trust me that much” she says warmly.

"Well you are my partner after all" you wink at her

Marine immediately straightens her posture proudly.

“Of course you would bring the great Marine,” she says with a smug smile, though the slight blush on her cheeks betrays how happy she actually is.

Marcy smirks while leaning back on her chair.

“So the healer girlfriend and the needy turtle girl, huh? Sounds like a fun trip. I would have liked to come too but i see the motivation behind your choices” Marcy says.

“M-Marcy!” Marine protests, turning red.

Leaf sighs but smiles faintly.

“Just try not to destroy an entire city while you’re away, alright? I'll handle the place in the meantime”

After the meeting, the three of you head to your room to gather your equipment and pack some supplies before leaving. Once outside, you are surprised to find a wagon from the Terranuova Transport Group already waiting for you.

“Sir, whenever you are ready, I will bring you to your destination,” the driver says politely.

You nod in acknowledgment.

“This reinforced outfit is really comfy,” Marine says while adjusting the special clothing Katy made for her. “Katy did an amazing job.”

“Wait... guys...” Katy says slowly as she approaches you.

“Oh, Katy. Need something before we leave?” you ask.

“Take... this, Erik.” She carefully hands you a dark green travel coat.

“Wow... thanks.” You put it on immediately. It’s soft and comfortable, yet surprisingly resistant.

“Leaf helped me... infuse it with magic... it will protect you,” Katy explains.

“Then thank her too, my trusted sailor,” you say while patting her head.

She giggles softly before heading back inside.

Soon after, you and the girls load your belongings onto the wagon and begin the trip.

After a few hours of travel, the large walls of Viridian City finally come into view.

Viridian is one of the biggest trade cities in the region: wide stone streets cross between tall buildings with tiled roofs and decorated balconies, while merchants and wagons constantly move through the busy avenues. The city feels wealthy and influential, though its architecture still carries the rustic charm of one of the oldest cities in the continent.

The wagon eventually stops in front of the headquarters of the Terranuova Transport Group.

Waiting for you near the entrance is Sir Giovanni himself. He wears elegant brown suit with a white shirt under his jacket, complete with a long coat and polished gloves. In one hand he calmly holds a dark wooden walking cane topped with a silver handle.

“Welcome, young Erik, and welcome to your companions,” Giovanni says politely. “I greet you to my humble establishment.”

Though “humble” is definitely not the word you would use for such a massive and impressive building.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Sir Giovanni” you reply. “So, what kind of trial would you like to give us?”

“Let us discuss that inside. One can never be too careful about who might be listening” Giovanni says before guiding you into the building.

You pass through several sections filled with workers preparing packages, organizing documents, and loading reinforced wagons for deliveries.

Eventually Giovanni brings you to his office.

Aside from several piles of documents covering parts of the desk, the room is elegant and extremely well maintained.

Giovanni sits behind his desk and motions for you to do the same.

You, Midori, and Marine take seats in front of him.

“To answer your question, young man” Giovanni begins, “I require assistance with an investigation. Some highly valuable materials were stolen from one of my warehouses.”

He lightly taps his cane against the floor.

“I would normally send my own men into the slums, where most criminal activities are handled, to search for information, but whoever organized this theft was skilled enough to infiltrate one of my facilities. That means they likely know many of my workers by face. If they notice my people investigating, they may disappear before we can track them down.”

“I see” you say thoughtfully. “So you want us to gather information and possibly recover the stolen materials.”

“Sounds rather dangerous...” Midori says cautiously.

“I understand your concern, Miss Midori,” Giovanni replies calmly. “However, none of the criminals should recognize you. They may simply assume you are outsiders looking to do business.”

“Oh, so we’ll act like spies? Sounds exciting,” Marine says enthusiastically.

Giovanni nods faintly.

“I have already reserved a room for you at a nearby inn, and I will provide you with money in case negotiations become necessary. I suggest you rest for the remainder of the day and begin your investigation either tomorrow or tonight. The evening is more dangerous, but it is also when the underworld becomes most active.”

He pauses before continuing.

“There is also someone you should look for: a girl named Rash. According to my informants, she acts as the spokeswoman for the group currently holding the stolen goods.”

“Very well,” you say. “I think we have everything we need to begin. We’ll inform you once we make progress, Sir Giovanni.”

“I am counting on it,” Giovanni replies. “I have high expectations for your group.”

The three of you stand up and offer your farewells to Giovanni before leaving the headquarters.

Soon after, you arrive at the inn where your room has been prepared and place down your belongings.

Once you’re alone, the three of you sit together to discuss your next move.

“I think we should investigate tonight,” you say. “If we wait until tomorrow, we might lose valuable time.”

Marine nods immediately.

“And criminals are probably easier to find after dark.”

Midori hesitates for a moment before sighing.

“I guess you’re right... but we should still be careful.”

“Don’t worry,” you reassure her. “We’ll stick together.”

The poorer district of Viridian is noticeably more neglected than the rest of the city. The roads are dirtier, many buildings look old and damaged, and groups of suspicious people linger near alleyways and taverns. Still, despite the rough atmosphere, the place is far from completely hopeless.

After wandering through the area for a few minutes, you finally locate the pub where your target was supposedly seen.

You exchange a glance with the girls before stepping inside...