The Legendary Junkmaster

Jason felt an impending sense of doom weighing down on him as he walked through the hallways with the Guardians flanking each side of him. His own nerves were getting to him as he thought about numerous worst-case scenarios. It was no secret that there was a bounty out on him, but had Rust somehow figured out that he was the man on the bounty tablets?

Did his creations for his friends somehow give him away? These were the kind of thoughts rushing through his mind. Creating a very uncomfortable environment for him as he felt like he was being guarded as he was transported to his execution!

Soon, Jason found himself walking down a tunnel that led to the arena without realising it. Jason groaned as he knew that there was no way to put off meeting Rust face to face anymore. Jason could hear the crowd talking amongst themselves as they tried to figure out what was going on.

The men around Jason escorted him all the way up on to the stage before stepping back to wait in a line behind him. Jason's palms became sweaty as he stared at Rust. With the helmet that she was wearing, it was impossible for him to see her expression. Once the crowd quieted down, Rust turned away from Jason to look at them.

"Many of you may be familiar with the business called Star Gear that has risen in prominence in your town recently!" Rust paused as she watched many among the crowd nodding in agreement. "What many of you were probably unaware of was that Star Gear equipment was the most used during this tournament!"

The crowd had a noticeably confused reaction to this statement, just like Jason. All of them were wondering how this was in any way relevant to what was going on. After all, it was unheard of for the person who made a contestant's equipment to be called up. Jason was even more confused as to why Rust would go into this if she were calling him out on either his Power or clandestine operations.

"I believe that Mr Wright has shown incredible ingenuity with his designs. As such, I would like to invite him to join us in our trip to the capital, where he will receive the opportunity to become an affiliated apprentice to the Guardians own craftsmen!" Rust's voice sounded like she was offering a fantastic opportunity to Jason! 

The crowd went crazy at the idea. Everyone knew that only the very best craftsmen worked on the Guardians armoury. It was an incredible honour! Not only that, but it would finally put Highrise on the map! Everyone was excited to hear about it!

Jason wore a dazed expression as his worries slowly began to dissipate. He had not even considered that Rust singling him out could have been a good thing! However, Jason also had some concerns.

"How long would I have to spend in the capital?" Jason asked quietly enough so that only Rust could hear him.

"Hm? Oh, it roughly takes around five years to complete an apprenticeship. You should really accept this! You'd receive a hefty discount on materials, some access to the newest techniques and research. Then, when you become a Master Craftsman yourself, you'll receive a plaque to hang in your store authenticating your status for the Lord himself!" 

'Five years!' Jason gasped internally. That was far too long! He would be dead in just a few months, and there was no guarantee that he could solve his problem if he was stuck working in the capital!

"I think you should take the offer," Syssie whispered as she fidgeted nervously by Jason's side. 

'Why do you think that?' Jason was genuinely shocked that Syssie was in favour of this idea.

"Let's be honest. What are the odds of coming across the answer ourselves? You'd be better off using all those resources to find a lead! Even if you don't stick around, it could still benefit us!"

Jason thought about it and realised that Syssie actually made a lot of sense. Not only that, but it would allow him to avoid the Bounty Hunters who were surely headed to Highrise. They would never expect their actual target to be so close to the ruling Power! 

Jason glanced around and saw that Adam and Dani seemed to be excited by the idea. However, his eyes moved to the crowd and spotted Harry gaping at him in shock. 

"Ms Rust, how long would I have before we depart? As you're aware, I have a business to run. I can't just up and leave it." Jason replied with a helpless tone.

"Would seven days be enough for you to set your affairs in order?" Jason was almost sure that he could hear the smile on Rust's face as she gave her answer.

'One week, it should be enough time to move plenty of stuff to the Nest. I can create the drawings and teach Gramps what he needs to know to keep the store open. He should be able to manage somehow.' Although he was still a little hesitant, Jason was also excited to finally see somewhere other than Highrise.

"Ms Rust, I'll gladly accept your offer. Thank you." Jason performed a polite bow, and the audience immediately knew that he had accepted the offer!

Another round of cheers erupted as the chosen participants, along with Jason, were led away by the same Guardians who retrieved Jason from his box. Rust stayed behind to make a few more announcements to the crowd and officially bring the tournament to a close.

"I can't believe you're coming with us!" Dani squealed excitedly as she punched Jason's arm. "Sure, it's not what you imagined when you were a kid, but it's still amazing, right!"

Jason's lips curled into a soft grin that betrayed the fact that he did not feel as enthusiastic about it as Dani did. Dani stared at his bitter expression while wondering what was getting to him.

"If it's about your store, don't worry. I'm sure it will still be there when you come back…."