The City of Ionia

The penthouse was one elevator ride away. Ruben pursued a conversation about his nightclub and how I should be a regular enjoyer. I kept my answers vague and nodded whenever I got the chance.

The elevator stopped with a ding. This time, I didn't hold onto the handle. I was getting comfortable with each elevator ride.

Upon entering the penthouse, there was a bar to the right filled with more booze to last generations. On the opposite side were countless shelves lined up, all filled with books. There had to be at least 500 books at the very least. I needed a ladder or a very tall stool to even reach the top shelf. Along with that, there was a blue and black table in the middle, projecting a white sphere onto it. Its beauty captivated my eyes. I didn't want to look away.

Ruben clasped his hands. "So, what may I assist—actually, does Sydney know you're here?"

"No."

"Bloody hell. If she finds out, she'll kill both of us. Kidding, of course. Anyhow, please, take a seat on the couch. It's fine leather. The best of the best in Ionia."

The beige couch was surprisingly comfortable and smooth to the touch. It was cool to the touch, and the cushions were durable. I didn't stink, though.

"Fancy a drink?"

"Meaning?" I had never been asked that before.

"Uh, do you care for a drink?"

I denied his offer and quietly remained on the couch. Ruben poured himself a glass of a light brown drink, presumably booze, and sat across from me.

He took a sip before asking, "What is it that I can do for you?"

I leaned forward with my fingers intersecting on my lap. "I need help figuring out… how to live in Ionia."

"How to live in Ionia? Well, you're not getting into trouble and minding your own beeswax. I say you're doing a great job for an outsider."

He completely misinterpreted what I meant…

"No—I mean—like what to do in the future. I have someone who plans on moving out soon. The other wants to take classes at a university. The other is an airhead, but he will eventually find his path.

But for me… I don't know what to do or how to fit in."

That's when it clicked in his head. "Ahhhh! You are referring to a career, correct?"

I nodded silently.

"A career." He took another sip before continuing his thoughts. "You've certainly come to the correct place. How shall we go about this? In other words, what are you looking for in a career?"

"I… I don't—Not sure."

"Oookaay. Perhaps we try a different route. What are your past experiences?"

I spoke about my time as a waitress at a small cafe in Lyghtenburg. Ruben didn't seem too impressed. He rubbed his chin and looked out the glass door that revealed the city underneath, as though the answers were somewhere outside.

He snapped his fingers and pointed at me. "Barista. It'll be perfect for you. Petite figure, adorable face, you will be a tip-generating machine."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

I didn't understand the last part but pretended I did.

"I don't want to work in food. I only did it since they were the only place that was hiring at the time."

Ruben placed one leg over the other, sitting with sophistication as though I were someone of status. "Right, well, there goes that. Have you pursued or participated in something that isn't job-related? Like poetry. We can use more elegant words clumped beautifully together."

I scratched my head casually and mentioned something I hadn't spoken of. "I was part of a bandit–fighting group. We attacked and raided bandit bases and protected smaller villages from them."

It's been a while since I've told someone. In fact, I didn't tell any of the boys about my time in the Bariac Cult. Not even Mia, my first friend after I left the cult, knew. Why did I tell Ruben so casually? Why did it feel like it wasn't a big deal?

It rolled off the tongue quickly. Why didn't it feel weird? I never spoke about it. I never mentioned it. I haven't said the word "Bariac" in forever.

So why did it feel natural?

I shook it off. Maybe it was because I was desperate for help.

Ruben untangled his legs and leaned into his seat, amused by what I said. "Wow! A bandit–fighting group? I wouldn't assume you fought, given your figure." His eyes glimmered like a dog seeing a new toy. "Interesting—interesting indeed. Well, I'll cut straight to the chase… or point, rather. How are your fighting skills?"

"I mean, I can fight. I'm comfortable holding my own."

Ruben loudly clasped his hands like thunder. "Bravo! A marvelous opportunity before me. Jill, I have an offer you cannot refuse. Theoretically, you can refuse if you choose to. It's too good to pass up on, though. Jill, how would you like to join an important mission?"

"Go on…?"

"Two of the branded 7 are going on a mission to invade an underground nightclub. A person named Jason McNeil is in charge of that nightclub. That man copied my gimmick, giving out favors and running a nightclub. Well, the nightclub part isn't an issue, but giving out favors?! That's my thing! People are going to him and asking for favors rather than me. Sure, I'm harder to reach, but that's simply because of how important I am. Regardless, he has tight security, which I have also copied from him, and must be terminated. Therefore, I am sending two people from the branded 7 for the job. I invite you to join them."

I wasn't sure if it was the booze making him like this, or if this was how he always acted. Whatever it was, I was astonished by his offer.

"I need more information than that. I mean, some guy is copying—"

"He is not some guy," Ruben said, interrupting me. "He is trying to be like me. There is only one person in Ionia who grants the city favors, and he is I. No one else will ever take that away. I am favors. I created the concept of favors. Me and favors go hand–in–hand. Without favors, there is no me. And without me, there are no favors."

Yep, this man has lost it.

I didn't follow what he said. I simply nodded my head, pretending I was interested. I felt, however, that the booze was doing most of the talking.

"Ok, but what's in it for me?"

"1,200,000 ions and my unwavering respect. 1,200,000 ions can get you a wonderful studio apartment, one of the best of the best, with extra cash to not work for another 10 months or so. As for my unwavering respect, it's better to be on my side than not. So, what's the word?" He gently smiled, probably thinking the best outcome.

"The offer is fine. It isn't much of a career, though."

He quickly spoke, not leaving any room for silence. "I can always expand the branded 7… to the branded 8."

I raised a brow. "Meaning?"

"Look," he said with hand gestures, "I'm a man of connections. You, my darling, are Sydney's friend. Sydney is part—well, according to her, 'was part' of the branded 7. Regardless, you are someone I can trust. Depending on how well you perform on this mission, you may have a spot here. The benefits, if you're wondering, are great. Immunity to crimes is important for you. Entering here is a crime in itself. Well, as long as Ridley or Archon isn't involved. That's one of the many, many benefits I can offer."

I looked at my hands, repeating what he said in my mind.

If I were to take this, it would be no different than joining the Bariac Cult. Things could end the same way or worse. I left to start a new life, though that life in Lyghtenburg was nothing worth noting. It was dull besides Mia. She was the only one who made my day colorful.

I didn't want to fight because of the parasite. If anything were to happen, it could control my body. That could never happen again.

But this opportunity had a twist. Ruben would grant me immunity to crime, claiming he can get me out of even the worst of the worst as long as Ridley and Archon weren't involved. That's perfect for me. I could use all the protection in case something does go wrong.

I didn't need to make a decision yet, but since I was here.

"When do I start?"

Ruben's face ignited with joy. "Marvelous! Someone will give you a call tomorrow for more information."

"Do you need my number?"

He smiled rather weirdly. It wasn't a genuine, kind smile. It was more of a cocky one. "Connections, my darling. I know everything about the digital world that is about you."

Ruben was nowhere close to normal. He was more powerful than I initially thought. He could be alongside the government in terms of power. It didn't sit right with me that someone had this much power. But what could I do? He was right. It's better to be on his good side rather than his bad side. Who knows what would happen if I upset him? Maybe my fate would be like the man he wanted dead.