Chapter 7: Contract

"But there are a few ways to lower the danger of the mission!" Joel interjected.

"As I mentioned earlier, the mission world follows a plotline or story, much like a narrative. It has main characters, side characters, and a villain. The danger level of the mission increases when the chain of events deviates further from the plotline. The more it strays, the more dangerous it becomes," Joel explained.

"To reduce the danger, we need to realign the chain of events with the plotline. Typically, the main cause of events straying from the plotline is the carelessness of us players, resulting in the protagonist being thrust into danger. So, to make this mission less perilous, we simply need to find the protagonist and rescue them from their current predicament," Joel said, observing the fixed needle of the compass.

"Your task is to locate the protagonist and save them. To assist you, we have marked the area where the protagonist is likely to be," Joel said, pointing to a red circle on the map.

"No" Hikari said straight up, after all these guys were telling him to go on a super dangerous mission!

Acknowledging Hikari's response, Joel nodded and retrieved a mask. "This is an invisibility mask, an extremely valuable item. It can shield you from detection by individuals below tier 5 strength. And don't worry about the mission being too dangerous for you."

"You're a newbie who has already completed a special mission. The Miracle has likely bestowed its grace upon you, so I'm confident you won't die," Joel reassured him.

"But if we were to undertake this task, it would be extremely dangerous," Kayla added, her expression a mixture of fear and cuteness.

After a brief silence, Hikari spoke up, "I will do the job, but I also have a plan, and I need your support to carry it out."

"Oh? You have a plan too? I'm excited to hear it," Kayla exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Based on the information I've gathered, there is a world government in this world, a central power," Hikari began explaining.

"However, there is also an organization called the Revolutionary Army that opposes the world government. They might have heard about the planned burning of Gray Terminal. So, why don't we cooperate with them?" Hikari proposed.

After pondering for a moment, Joel voiced his concerns, "This plan is feasible, but it's also risky. What if they refuse to help us, or worse, what if they attack us?"

"Don't worry about that. I have a plan for that situation. But if I'm unable to convince them, then we'll proceed with your plan," Hikari reassured them.

"Very well, what do you need?" Joel asked.

Hikari's eyes lit up, and he asked directly, "Well, the first thing I need is something that can enhance spiritual power..."

After listening to all of Hikari's requests, Joel fell silent. Then, a piece of paper appeared in his hand, and he said, "I will only provide you with the items if you agree to the contract. Keep in mind that I may not have the exact items you requested, but I do have items with similar effects."

"Of course!" Hikari eagerly took the contract from Joel's hand.

In essence, the contract ensured that Hikari couldn't run away with the items given to him, that he wouldn't betray Joel and Kayla, and that they would work as a team for this mission. The contract was lengthy, and Hikari needed to thoroughly read and analyse it before making a decision. After all, what if there were hidden clauses or ambiguous wording?

"So, what's your plan?" Joel inquired, while Hikari continued to read the contract.

"We're going to play the 'fake it till you make it' card," Hikari said with a smug look on his face, and he continued reading the contract.

…

Meanwhile, in Marineford...

"Kizaru, the world noble has requested an admiral to accompany them on their visit to Goa Kingdom!" Sengoku shouted at the indifferent Kizaru.

Hearing this, Kizaru simply nodded lazily and made his way out of the Fleet Admiral's room.

As Kizaru stepped outside, an elderly man in a Vice Admiral uniform appeared, munching on a donut.

"Hey, Sengoku! I'm taking some time off to visit my grandsons!" the old man declared.

Sengoku, already infuriated, shouted once again, "Garp, you old geezer! When have you ever worked to deserve time off?" But Garp didn't even bother listening and left the Fleet Admiral's room, leaving Sengoku speechless.

...

A few hours later, in a dimly lit room...

"Boss, those fat bastards from Goa Kingdom are planning to burn down Gray Terminal!" Ivankov exclaimed angrily to Monkey D. Dragon.

Upon hearing this, Dragon nodded, as everyone present in the room understood what his response would be.

"We will strike tomorrow night!" Dragon declared to the others before leaving the room.

...

In a lavish chamber, a young boy with spiky yellow hair gazed out the window at the sky and whispered, "Luffy, Ace, just you wait. We're all going to become pirates!"

…

Inside the Gray Terminal...

Two children were picking up crates and struggling to carry them. As they walked, the younger child stumbled and fell due to exhaustion.

"Hahaha! Look at those kids, they're really struggling," one of the Bluejam pirates laughed, his mouth full of meat and beer.

"Yeah, it's their own fault for interfering with the business of the Bluejam pirates," another pirate chimed in, joining the laughter.

Hearing the pirates' mocking remarks, both Ace and Luffy, though tired, grew angry. However, they couldn't do anything about it as they were too weak, and their brother Sabo had made a deal with his parents to keep them alive.

"Are you alright, Luffy?" Ace asked, attempting to help Luffy back up.

"Yeah, just really tired and hungry," Luffy replied softly. Two days of hard work without food had taken a toll on him.

Ace understood, but he didn't say anything. He, too, was hungry and exhausted.

"Luffy, get up!" Ace crouched down and whispered in Luffy's ear, "I have a plan to escape." Upon hearing this, Luffy's expression instantly brightened, and he quickly got back on his feet, ready to continue carrying the crates.