Despite being bombarded with questions, Ali simply shook his head. He literally knew nothing about his woodworking teacher except for the man’s trade and the single display of his ability, both of which he didn't share with his companions. Beyond that, Ryu’s past and background were unknown to him. He, like the others, was puzzled by this development. When he turned towards Aok, the man appeared as if he was expecting this to happen. He walked up but the man shook his head.

  “There are some things none of you should know unless it’s absolutely necessary.” Aok gestured for the group to sit back down. “Let’s get back to the assignments. I still have two more before you five can decide what to do. I'm sure getting out of here is more enticing than hearing about Ryu's backstory.”

  Ali watched as Aok produced a small box. The box would fix his hands if he held his palms side by side. In terms of appearance, the box matched the jewelry boxes people kept in their homes. He helped Ryu make a few as they were simple and some poor soul was always trying to impress a woman. What puzzled the teenager was the symbol at the top of the lid. He thought deeply as to where he had seen it before but he was coming up blank.

  Maybe I'll recall where I've seen it later.

  “This box has a very special function but only the person assigned to it will be told of the function. I cannot reveal much beyond that but I can promise you that it’s a rare opportunity that isn’t available to everyone. If you’re willing to take a leap of faith, then this box can be yours.”

  As soon as Aok put the box on the ground, Qeday flew to it and hovered above it.

  Does the symbol seem familiar? The whelp took a closer view of the lid. I feel I have seen it before.

  I know what you mean. I just cannot remember where I have seen it before. Do you think I should take it?

  I’m just here to satisfy my curiosity. You do you, Ali!

  For the last assignment, Aok took out a scroll from his back pocket. He spread the scroll out, revealing an interior map of some building.

  “One person will infiltrate this building with me. The building has two levels and a basement. We have a few tasks that require us to explore most of the interior so we expect to encounter plenty of patrols.” Aok stood up. “Those are the five assignments. You five can work out who gets what.”

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Ali took a moment to go through the options. The gem seemed the lowest risk of the five. As such, the reward for completing it was likely small as well. Conversely, a simpler task meant more free time on the streets which could be a reward in itself. The third task required diplomacy which wasn’t his strong point. Therefore, the first and third were definitely off his list.

  Do I want to take a gamble with the small box?

  Unable to recall where he and Qeday last saw the symbol, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to take a chance. He might regret his decision later but the box simply didn’t get his attention. For whatever reason, he wanted the two riskier assignments. The tavern one seemed interesting because he knew Aok wouldn’t send them to their deaths. He expected one of them to find a way to achieve the end objective.

  What if diplomacy is needed for this as well? I can’t possibly talk my way out of the situation, right?

  With doubt creeping in regarding the tavern task, the teenager turned to the final task of infiltration with Aok. The idea intrigued him because he had never seen any of Aok’s abilities except for the one that got them into the faction territory. The man was such an enigma that none of them could even begin guessing what his abilities were. In addition to him and Ryu, even Lorn had kept her abilities a secret, save for that one time when she acted in the tunnels. At times, Ali wondered if Aok and Lorn shared a similar ability. It wasn't such an absurd idea as there had been cases of partners sharing abilities. What Lorn used in the tunnels did feel somewhat similar to how Aok got them past the guards.

  “I will take the small chest.” Miniya was the first to make her opinion heard. “It doesn’t sound dangerous and I think this will suit me just fine.”

  The teenagers were fine with the matter as none of them had any interest in the box. Once Miniya walked away with the box, the remaining four debated on who should do what. Belen and Kurata were more or less forced into the second and third tasks due to their better diplomacy skills compared to Ali and Kamis. Belen got the first pick so she went with the tavern.

  “Alright, I’ll go and convince them we are worth the effort!”

  Ali smiled at the act put up by Kurata. His companion was great at this sort of thing which was likely also why his combat skills had been suffering. Kurata belonged more in an indoor environment than the frontlines where combat was expected.

  “I’m no good with infiltration so I can do the gem delivery,” said Kamis.

  Ali always appreciated the straightforward attitude of Kamis. He could always trust his friend who had gone through a lot with him. Even now, the bulky teenager covered his back.

  “Alright, I’ll work with Aok to complete the infiltration! They won’t even know we went inside.”

  Having already relayed the task to Tian and Mika, Ali waited his turn to get briefed on his assignment. Everyone lined up in the order of the assignments so he had to be the last to get to Aok. The briefing all took place inside the only closet in the building that Aok managed to clean up and make into his office.

  Finally, I get to leave this building and get some fresh air.