Master carrier? (1)

Yesterday, that meeting with Navi took longer than expected. I went right home afterward and got a good night's sleep. Today, I get up with the girls and see them off on their way to school. After that, I kiss Melody goodbye, pack my stuff, and go somewhere I haven't gone to in a while.

I arrive near the teleporter where I'm supposed to meet Sean and the team his company sent on this dungeon dive mission.

Sean is already waiting near the entrance with a bunch of other young men and women. From their crappy equipment, the large backpacks, and the dismantling knives hanging on their waists, I recognize that they are all carriers.

I know I was once just like them but looking at them now, they seem so weak. I feel like I could kill them in a matter of seconds.

<You indeed grew strong enough to do so.>

Was that how you saw me when I first arrived?

<Similar I suppose. However, your stats had just regressed to those of a level 1 goblin making you weaker than those guys and I am still a lot stronger than you. To me, you aren't much different from how they must look to you.>

Funny how strength can so easily change one's perspective.

Sean sees me and waves at me so I walk over to them while waving back. Sean looks very happy to see me and introduces me to all his fellow carriers. As is to be expected, the other carriers' greetings are only lukewarm. They don't know me and with my high-quality leather armor and daggers, I look more like an adventurer than a carrier.

"You're here awfully early, Sean, did something happen?"

"Not really, carriers are required to arrive at least half an hour before the official meeting time. Isn't that normal for carriers?"

"Right, right. I had forgotten, they had that rule too back when I was a newbie. Once you become a freelancer or join a company as a senior carrier that rule doesn't apply anymore."

When I mention these things pertaining to their future as carriers the others suddenly grow interested.

"Will things really get better?"

"How long will it take for us to become senior carriers?"

"Is it true that becoming a senior carrier is really hard?"

The braver ones among them ask some questions hoping to get some clarification on their future career paths. I guess answering them isn't a problem especially since I'll be with them throughout the dive.

"Firstly, things will get better so long as you keep trying your best. Secondly, there are three ways to become a senior carrier. Some companies promote you based on actual seniority meaning you need to stay with them anywhere from five to fifteen years without incident. However, that kind of promotion only counts as long as you stay in that company.

"If your dismantling skill reaches level 3 and you have the enhanced stamina skill as well as a combat skill of your choice before the age of 30 you will be officially recognized as a senior carrier by the government.

"If you miss that deadline you need to reach level 4 in your dismantling skill, level 2 in enhanced stamina, as well as the aforementioned level 1 combat skill of your choice before the age of 40."

"And what if you miss that target too? Level 5 dismantling and level 3 stamina enhancement?"

I chuckle at the innocent question of one young woman. Back when I first heard of these two possibilities I asked the exact same question.

"There's no precedent for that so no one knows. Most people who can't get their dismantling skill to level 4 by 40 probably won't succeed by 50 either. However, if it came to it, the government might allow it."

The young carriers are about to ask some more questions when a gruff voice with a clear provocative tone in it cuts in between.

"What got you maggots so damn excited? Did you find some change on the street or did you finally realize what an honor it is to be on my team?"

It's kind of impressive to watch all of them go quiet just because some guy said a few words. But that arrogant disposition... Is he Arthur's brother?

<He's actually a distant cousin of Arthur. Call him mister Galad, he's a level 36 assassin and the leader of the team you will be joining today. Remember to stay courteous but feel free to take as many hidden jabs at him as you want.>

Hidden jabs?

<As long as you don't say anything that has an unmistakable meaning you can throw as many covert insults at him as you want.>

Oh really?

Since I'm the only one who isn't intimidated by his words he notices me and recognizes me as a stranger who doesn't belong to his group.

"Who are you?"

I put on a business smile and slightly extend my hand. This way he'll have to step toward me to shake it and it won't look like I'm too eager to shake hands.

"Guy Goodwin from VR dungeons. I'm here to showcase the potential of our new carrier growth program. Pleasure to meet you, mister Galad."

He stares at me for a moment and questions me.

"You a carrier?"

"I suppose so, otherwise this whole operation wouldn't tell you very much about our growth program."

"I don't shake hands with carriers."

"I see, I'll be sure to add that to my report then. Chairman Darwin will undoubtedly want to know of this to avoid any future... awkwardness."

I see his left eye begin to twitch at the mere mention of Darwinʼs name. It sure is nice to be able to throw around someone else's weight to intimidate others.

<Looks like you are quite good at taking hidden jabs.>

Perhaps.

Before he can change his mind and shake my hand I pull it back and fold my arms in akimbo. No second chances today. Calling carriers maggots in my presence, that dude has some nerve.