Peter hid William in a small ravine and went to the beach bar. His double was not there, but he found Jack’s doppelganger. It turned out that wolfkins—a species William could pass for—were not unheard of on Balsara, the true name of the planet. Many such traders had come in the past from nearby planets, and some had been trapped there by the Cultivators’ takeover. William could pretend to be one of them.
Gifting the werewolf ten ounces of gold to be able to rent a place to live, Peter left him in Jack’s care and returned home, resting all day to recover from the stress of the hunt.
On Monday and Tuesday, Peter went far away into their hated rivals'—Yalevard— reservations. He hunted powerful monsters to gain two levels, but it was a slow grind. Meanwhile, Regina and her friends had advanced their vaccine project. The information that a dose of the new one could improve the failures of the old type was something Ariana pretended to think about herself accidentally, and Melinda was very happy about it.
Tuesday evening, when Peter returned home, eager to shower and have some intimate moments with Regina, a whisper attracted his attention.
“Psst!” Marius beckoned him from behind a large tree.
“What do you want?” Peter blurted curtly, indisposed to see the man. Marius had caused him only problems.
“Giving you a heads up. I’ll come with you on Floor Three and join you for the next challenge.”
Peter almost fainted from the shock, the blood going up his head. “How do you know?”
The man winked. “Regina insisted on investing in the new business… The cash is welcome, by the way. If you want to invest—”
“No, thanks. And let me guess, you asked Regina how she got the money and squeezed the truth out of her?”
“Squeezed? I couldn’t stop her from talking,” Marius grinned. “How big a hero you are, and how cool are her powers. Let’s cut to the chase. I know we’re sucked into some spacious parallel multifloorverse.”
“It’s called a tower.”
“Call it sweetie if you like, I don’t care. I offered my help, and she said yes. I took a gig with your school as a guard. For cover, you know how these things work.”
Trying to calm himself, Peter banged his fist into the tree a few times, then turned toward Marius with fire in his eyes, yet speaking coldly.
“Mind your business and stop stalking us.”
“Stalking?” Marius jerked back, frowning. “Your mouth speaks weird words, but all I hear is bonding. Kid, you don’t know how Cajun families are, but I’ll tell you: people stick together. I’m coming to protect you.”
“Are you any good at fighting?” Peter asked.
“You’re kidding me?” Marius scoffed. “I was in the special forces. You saw my driving and my crab maga. I did well against that werewolf, didn’t I?”
“You mean Krav Maga.”
“Crab is the improved version. You become a shell, using your limbs to parry. All those geese and barely a scratch.”
No class. Shut up. “Fine!” Peter raised his hands in the air, mixing exasperation with surrender. “But you will obey me to the letter. Do we understand each other?”
“Aye, captain,” Marius mimicked a sailor’s salute, continuing with patting Peter’s back. “You’ll see, it’ll be fun to hang around together.”
No. We need to keep all this a secret. I don’t trust Marius more than I trust Kostel.
How’s the werewolf? Peter asked, deciding to change the subject.
Wednesday morning, when they arrived on Floor Three, students were allowed to form parties and go forage or hunt on their own for longer distances as long they stayed within the safe zone marked on a map they received. Even better, they were allowed to stay over the Thursdays if they wanted. A smaller group of security and teachers were to take care of the camp’s safety.
In the evening, Peter beckoned Kostel. The plump guard approached sheepishly, fidgeting his meaty fingers.
"Hope you're not mad at me, man," Kostel said. "I heard Melinda gave you a shot."
"I’m OK. Do you want to earn fifty ounces of gold?"
"S-sure," Kostel said, looking around before lowering his voice. "You want me to kill someone?"
"Geez! No. The new hire and I will do some monster hunting starting tonight. I want you to cover for us if someone asks our whereabouts. Say you sent us on patrol, whatever."
"OK," Kostel said, forwarding his hand.
"What do you want?" Peter frowned.
"The money?"
"It's the half you never gave me from the reward," Peter sneered. "You get to keep it."
"B-but—"
"Or would you rather want Melinda to find out it was me who really saved the day?"
"Fine," the guard groaned. "Can't you add a little bonus?" he continued imploringly. "An ounce or something? She has expensive tastes… the restaurant bills are killing me.”
“You already spent all that money on restaurants?”
“No, man, I sent some home for my... err... old parents.”
"Fine. An ounce per every night you cover for us." Inside him, Peter’s soul burnt with pain. He was throwing away daily what he considered a fortune not long before. Yet, he tried to comfort himself with the thought he would get more money.
"Great, thanks!" Kostel beamed, rushing to shake Peter's hand.
Ten minutes later, the group left the base. It consisted of Peter, Regina, Marius, Naomi, and Ariana, with Shredder coming too because no one was left in the camp to take care of him. They walked and arrived at the rendezvous point half an hour before the deadline.
"We're early," Peter said. "That'll allow me to put Marius up to speed."
"I'm all ears," Regina's uncle nodded. "So… Monster hunting on your own for an extra buck, right?"
"It's a bit more complicated," Regina said.
"We're going to a place that can build things that look real and can hurt you out of nothing. There are challenges, and if they are cleared, there are great rewards."
"Hm…" Marius pondered, grabbing his chin. "Is it risky? I don't want you to be in danger, princess," he told Regina. “Are you sure you want to—"
“I am," she nodded energetically. “We’re not doing this only four ourselves. There are secrets in the fog, secrets that will help everybody.”
"Then I’m ready to help," Marius said.
"Be prepared; things are about to get weird," Peter said. "A few… allies from a parallel Earth will join us in a few minutes. They’re on the... shorter side. About five feet tall, maax.”
“Like midgets— sorry... what was the non-offensive word... little persons?”
“Nope. In their world, Napoleon unleashed a virus that killed every person taller than him, and humanity became shorter. A century later, Hitler conquered the US. Their hundred-dollar bill has Adolf on it."
“I see…” Marius widened his eyes. “That’s good news—”
“How are Nazi good news, praytell?” Peter asked, crossing his arms, expecting some stupid comment.
“Remember that envelope I gave you? It had that that kind of money. Can I have it back?”
“Nope. I throw it away,” Peter lied. Technically, it was still their money, as he had confiscated it more or less lawfully. At least, it was compensating for some of the expenses.
“Bummer…” Marius sulked.
How do you know?
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Kostel?
Just let it out.
Geez! Is he trustworthy?
What’s the bad news?
"There was a change," Peter said. "One of the people is not coming; the Rougarou will take his place."
"Woof!" Shredder barked, sniffing the air.
"They're here," Ariana said.
Two silhouettes riding a small hovercraft appeared from behind a dune, the doppelganger and the werewolf, the latter wearing a pair of shorts as a sole vestment. William was almost twice as tall as Peter Two.
"Hi," the werewolf said after Peter Two cut the engine. "I'm Will. Sorry, I'm staying in my werewolf form, but changing to human drains my Mana a lot."
"OK, this will be difficult; we’ll need a lot of trips," Peter said. “Who’s going first?”
"No need," his double said. "That bead I use remembers locations. I'll make us a portal to the shrine, and you go exploring from there. Just give me a second to pick the Mage class."
Like the previous week, Peter Two injected himself with the class shot. Marius looked confused, but Peter decided he would eventually catch up with the avalanche of information by himself. Soon, a portal appeared, and after passing through it, they arrived in the depths near the shrine. It was only a ruin now, with the stones lying horizontally on the ground.
"Take the crown, baby, just in case some monsters appear while I’m exploring," Peter extracted the monster-repelling item from the storage. "I’m supposed to search southward, right?"
"Yeah. Let me know when you find it, and I'll make another portal," the look-alike forwarded the glass bead.
"This place is creepy," Marius grimaced.
Peter Warped southward. He didn't have the patience for more explaining, and there was work to do. He advanced a few miles, in several jumps, inspecting the landscape. Only one thing looked out of the ordinary, a patch of light on the ocean's floor. When he approached, he got a notification:
Select a type of challenge to proceed: Haunted Graveyard, Arena, or School.
He retreated, and the message disappeared.
A minute later, they were all looking at the bright spot.
"It asks us what type of challenge we want. One must be about fighting zombies, the other about a Combat Arena, and the last choice is a school. That must be the safer option."
"OK," Marius said."I'm perfectly fine with a safe choice."
"We choose the School Challenge," Peter said toward the light.
School Challenge confirmed. The team is now evaluated.
Peter Hillden: Charisma 50. Accepted.
Shoot, I forgot about it! Peter repressed to facepalm. Fortunately, his memory slipped after investing his free points to raise the stat.
"I see a blue text. Is this normal?" Marius asked.
Marius Gallant: estimated Intelligence: 62, estimated Charisma 56. Accepted
What? Marius's smarter and more charismatic than I am? This is a malfunction, right? Peter was honestly disappointed in the scanning.
Regina Gallant: Charisma 60, Intelligence 60. Accepted.
That's my girl.
Ariana Brunner: Intelligence 56. Accepted.
Naomi Smith: Intelligence 75. Accepted.
William Ding-Dong: Charisma 61. Intelligence 50 Accepted.
What kind of name is that?
Shredder the Warg. Charisma 90. Accepted.
Yeah… Pups are charismatic…
Calculating Challenge. Please wait.
"You think it will build a school here?" Ariana asked.
"Why not? It built a Minoan town and a megalithic Nazi shrine after all," Regina said.
"What?" Marius asked.
The patch of light grew, enveloped them, and suddenly, they were in another place.
The teleport had brought them in a hotel suite, a penthouse with amazing views. The building stood on tall concrete pylons, as large as the ones on drilling platforms, stuck in a majestic river, which flowed underneath before falling into the ocean below in a waterfall at least a thousand feet high; they could hear its rumble as a permanent background. Behind and to the right and left of the hotel was a town, sitting on a plateau overlooking the sea. Other similar waterfalls interrupted the urban landscape here and there.
There were several moons in the sky or maybe planetoids. Two had disappeared beyond the horizon after their arrival, but another appeared soon afterward. All except one were covered in cities, forests, mountains, and seas, all visible to the naked eye. The exception had a megalopolis over all its surface.
Peter sat on a bed's edge, his head between his hands, looking into nothingness. Regina massaged his shoulders, trying to raise his morale. It didn't help. The notification they received ten minutes prior still haunted him.
School Challenge issued. Type: Field Trip. Thematic: School of Real Life.
As the group's most senior and experienced member, Marius Gallant has been designed as your team’s leader. You have been transported into a luxury hotel on Floor Six, in the main town of the Residential Planet. The room has been paid for.
Quest: The darkest secrets of the Cultivator sect that rule you are on the top floor of the highest building in town. Steal them before Saturday morning (Floor Three Camp time). Failure to complete the objective within the deadline will make you ineligible for the final tier challenge.
Rewards: TBD. Your performance will be evaluated and awarded accordingly. Bonus prizes will be granted for creativity.
Warning: This is NOT a simulation. Proceed with caution.
I should have known nothing is simple within the fog.
No, he isn’t… The fog is stupid, that’s all. But yes, it would be best if he also had a class. We can’t afford freeloaders. However, we must brief him without my double finding out about you.
Good idea. "Pete, you're familiarized with this place, right?" Peter asked.
"Yeah, I’ve been to some parts of the city," the doppelganger nodded.
"Take someone, scout that building, and make us a report about what’s in it. Meanwhile, I'll brief Marius about the whole situation."
"There’s no hurry," Marius said. He was resting on a couch, looking relaxed. “I’ll take care of it later… OK, that’s a good idea. Go for it,” he said after Peter winked at him frantically.
"I'll come," William, the werewolf, said. "Just a sec…"
Under their eyes, the beast was replaced by a handsome dark-haired man in his late twenties with golden-brown skin and curly hair. Peter had to give him some clothes because all he had on him were the shorts. Soon afterward, the werewolf and Peter Two left the room.
Who the hell is Helene? Peter asked, starting to feel dizzy.
Fuck…
"So?" Marius asked. "Anything I should know?"
Thirty minutes later, Marius sighed and rose from the couch, staring at the sky with arms crossed. "Any good reason you kept all these secrets from us?" he asked Regina. "You know we’re meant to be here for you, princess."
"Yes, Uncle Marius, but… honestly… what could you all do except worry?”
Instead of replying to her, Marius looked at Peter. “Ask me: what was your job in the army?”
Peter rolled his eyes but obeyed. “What was your job in the army?”
“I was special—”
“Forces?”
“God forbid,” Marius crossed himself. “I was in the Special Special Forces, where the smart guys go. No push-ups or shit, just fun. This stays between us. It’s classified," Marius walked his eyes around, putting his index over his lips.
"Wooof!" Shredder barked, prolonging his usual sound.
“Now ask: what was your job in the Special Special Forces,” Marius continued.
“You were a driver?” Peter tried to skip a step.
“Kinda. I was a heist driver.”
“What?”
“Well… Let me tell you the full story. While in the army, I was stationed in one of those boring places. Nothing happened. Then, I befriended Min Joon, Regina’s father. A logistics officer. Unbeknownst to me, he was in the special special forces.”
“Papa was in the spe—”
“Yes, princess, but don’t tell him I told you. The secret must be absolute. He’ll deny it anyway. He noticed how gifted I was at driving and recruited me. Taught me the Crab Fu, sorry Crab Maga and everything.”
“Papa is Korean. They’re like born with martial arts knowledge,” Regina said.
“Wow!” Naomi exclaimed. “So that’s why I’m so good at it? I have some Korean heritage.”
Naomi’s good at martial arts? Didn’t look so in the village.
Who would have guessed? “Err… Marius… And what about the heists?”
“The secret secret service is all about righting the wrongs. Min Joon hacked some databases and downloaded a list of politicians taking backhand money.’
“Why do you need a list for that? They all do it,” Peter shrugged.
“Not all, only ninety percent,” Marius said. “Anyway, I, Min Joon, and another guy, whose name I won’t reveal, hit the banks or storages where the crooked people kept their valuables. In total, we did ninety-nine heists.”
“You did ninety-nine heists together with my dad, Uncle Marius?” Regina gasped.
“Yes, and all successful,” the man said with pride. “We never killed anyone; we used only tasers and rubber bullets. Do you realize how lucky you are to have me now?”
“Quick question: what happened to the money you stole?” Peter asked.
“We kept it but swore to use it for good causes. That’s how we started our company. It helps people to transport their valuables safely and contributes to the economy.”
“I see…” Peter sighed. What are the chances Regina’s father swindled Marius and they stole money for real?
Let’s roll with it.
“As the most qualified, senior, and smart team member, I expect you to follow my orders. To the letter!” Marius said, staring at Peter and paying him back with the same words.
“Sure, boss,” Peter rolled his eyes.
Yeah… and to us… We need to find the cultivators' secrets, and the fog helps.
"The System asked if you want a class," Peter relayed the message.
"I'll think about it… I like the multiclass injection stuff better. Question: who among you brought phones? Hands up."
Everybody raised their right hand. Shredder barked, shaking his head.
"Good boy. This is a special operation. No phones. Turn them off, take the battery out, and put them in there," Marius took a laundry sack from the closet. After the items were in, he tied the sack and gave it to Peter, who put them into his spatial storage.
"Noooo…." Ariana wailed.
Marius ignored her. "Regina and Peter will take the upstairs bedroom, you girls, the one downstairs. Shorty and the werewolf will sleep on the couches here. I'll take the balcony," he pointed at a chaise lounge on the terrace.
"Woof!"
"Take your pick," Marius leaned forward to pet the warg.
"We're back," Peter from Two announced, opening the door. William waved his hand, following the shorter man into the room. As soon he was inside, he undressed until only his shorts remained and switched back into his beast form.
"So?" Marius asked.
"Our target is the Central Bank, a few blocks away. There’s a lot of security," Peter’s doppelganger finished his expose in seconds.
"Time to do some scouting on my own. You kids stay put," Marius said, rising.
"There's a giant pool downstairs," William said. "Can—"
"Give Peter your phones and stay within the hotel," Marius said curtly and left.