Selling (Somewhat) Magic Goods in Arknights

[Paracsus]

I might actually just recall this chapter and slightly revise it. I am also unhappy with how clipped the dialogue feels in this, so I will consult someone to help me with this. It will be a while though.

 

[Paracsus]

Just wanna apologize to everyone who's been waiting. Internship's been beating my muse and motivation like how the Viltrumites were taking it after Allen released Battle Beast.

I'm almost done with the next chapter, and will write the interlude soon. Expect the first within a few days, and the next (hopefully) a few days after that.

 

[Tenno]

Just wanna apologize to everyone who's been waiting. Internship's been beating my muse and motivation like how the Viltrumites were taking it after Allen released Battle Beast.

I'm almost done with the next chapter, and will write the interlude soon. Expect the first within a few days, and the next (hopefully) a few days after that.

Click to shrink...

It's fine, man, we can wait. Just do what you can.

 

[Paracsus]

Cutting Contracts

The call took a moment to connect. Arno stood near the edge of the street with his back to the cart, watching the morning traffic pass by in a slow, steady rhythm. He rubbed his thumb along the side of his phone once before lifting it properly to his ear when the line clicked.

"Good morning, Lady Yuhsia," he said. His voice was steady, but quieter than usual. "Sorry for calling this early. I wanted to speak to you before things got too busy."

Lin answered without delay. "It's alright. I heard about what happened." There was a brief pause before she continued, more gently, "Are you and Niko alright? Neither of you are hurt, are you?"

"We're fine," Arno said. "No injuries on either of us, thankfully." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "It could've gone worse. But at least Niko and I came out okay."

"I read the initial report," Lin replied. "It sounds like you handled it as well as anyone could have."

Arno gave a small, almost dismissive exhale. "I handled what was in front of me," he said. "That's about it."

There was a short silence between them, not uncomfortable, just heavy with the understanding of why he had called in the first place. Arno shifted his weight slightly and glanced back at the cart before continuing.

'It's still strange that the elegant, young lady from all the way back then was actually such a highly esteemed ojou-sama.' Arno internally joked.

When the news of the coffee first came out, the pretty Zalak lady once again made a trip to the cart. The difference was that she came with a handful of what seemed to be attendants. It took much negotiating and convincing on Arno's side to firmly say that he cannot exclusively sell the new product to her organization, else people would riot when they find out it's only sold exclusively.

Needless to say, a revision to the contract was made in order to include the new product to the list of items that will be sold together with the original stock.

A revision that was short lived due to the recent attack.

'I still don't even understand how news of the coffee spread so fast. It hasn't even been three days!'

(Unbeknownst to Arno, Charlie was seen by one of his patients drinking the coffee and was asked where it came from. When Arno's name left the hospital helper's lips, the fastest written report in all of recorded Terran history was made then and there. It simply spread like wildfire and Lin's phone and email was flooded with requests stemming from all over the Association.

The poor girl was barely able to enter her office that morning before she was grabbed by the Rat King's men, shoved into a car, and was debriefed on what was happening. She herself also went to the cart more often as it was on her way home from the office.)

"I'll get straight to it," he said. "Due to recent events, I think it would be best to end our contract because Niko and I will be relocating. I'm sorry."

"Where is she, by the way?" Lin softly asked. "How is she doing after all of this?"

"She's here at home. This whole thing took a lot out of us, especially her. So I'm letting her sleep in today."

Lin didn't respond immediately. When she did, there was no frustration in her tone, only concern. "I'm glad that neither of you got injured. But why do you need to end the contract? Is it because of the incident?"

"Yes," Arno answered. "It changed things.There are so many eyes on us now. Since we foiled the last attack, we had to consider the possibility of it happening again, even with the LGD patrolling more frequently. I don't want people getting hurt over something like this. I'm just glad that those thugs attacked before we could actually open; therefore, nobody got caught in the crossfire."

"I understand why you feel that way," Lin said quietly. "But you don't have to deal with this by yourself. There are ways to handle it without ending the contract completely."

"I know," Arno replied, his voice a little softer. "I just have to think about what's best moving forward for Niko, myself, and the cart."

Lin stayed quiet for a few seconds. When she spoke again, her tone was careful but steady. "Then look at it another way. Apply to join the LYEA. It would give you real protection so you're not facing everything alone. You'd have better protections against things like this, as well as be privy to measures against being heckled by other businesses. If you were to come under our umbrella, you would also be subject to incentives and benefits as well."

Arno let out a long breath and stared down at the cracked pavement. "I thought you might bring that up."

"If so, then that means you are aware of what we can do to help you. Will you join us?" she asked, calm but clearly waiting for his answer.

"I can't do it," he said gently, no edge in his voice. "I've gone over it in my head before, way before any of this started. It's not just the forms or the meetings. It's what happens after. Once I sign on, the cart doesn't run the same. There are rules I have to follow, people I have to answer to, approvals I need for things I used to decide on the spot. Some of it makes sense for bigger operations, but it changes the things that matter most to me. That being my freedom to do what I like, as well as my independence."

"It doesn't have to take over everything," Lin said. "You'd still run the day-to-day the way you always have in how you deal with customers. The Lungmen's Young Entrepreneur Association is there to protect small businesses like yours, not to control them. A lot of members keep things personal and hands-on; the association simply exists to make sure people like you can continue without getting pressured by big names in the industry."

"Maybe some surface parts would stay the same," Arno said. "But Niko and I will lose our freedom in how we decide what goes on the shelves, and to whom. I know that you mean what you say, Lady Yuhsia, but I am not so naive to believe that you and the powers that be will be so laissez-faire when it comes to my products. Especially because of my products, in fact."

Lin didn't cut in. She let him finish.

"I know it sounds stubborn," he added after a pause, quieter. "It probably is. But I'd rather walk away completely than let it turn into something that doesn't feel like ours anymore. I want to do this my way, and I don't want Niko to get drowned out by corporate politics since she's still at such a tender age."

The line went quiet for a longer stretch this time.

"You've made up your mind," she said finally. There was a small note of disappointment under her usual calm.

"I have," Arno answered. "I'm sorry. I know your group has always been fair and straightforward in our dealings. This isn't me rejecting that, or you."

"I know," Lin said softly. "You wouldn't have called if you were just walking away from us."

She let out a small breath on the other end. "I just wish we'd seen how fast this could blow up. We could have put better safeguards in place from the beginning. Or at least, tried convincing you earlier."

Arno shook his head a little, even though she couldn't see. "That's not on you. You made a clear deal that mostly worked out in the end. The trouble came from people outside the agreement who decided that they wanted a slice of the pie."

"Still," she said, "it left you and Niko to handle the fallout on your own. That wasn't how it was supposed to go."

"I was always going to handle whatever came," he said plainly. "That hasn't changed."

Lin let the words sit for a moment.

"If you ever change your mind about joining the LYEA," she said after a short pause, "or if things become difficult while you are still in the district, call me. The offer remains open. There is no pressure and no time limit. You and Niko will always be welcome if you decide it suits you. Even if you prefer not to join formally, if you need assistance with information, contacts, or speaking to the appropriate people, the line is always available."

Arno nodded once to himself, though she could not see the gesture. "I appreciate that," he said. "More than I can express right now. Thank you, Lady Yuhsia."

A brief silence followed. It was the sort of quiet that occurs when both parties recognize the conversation has reached its conclusion, yet neither moves to end it immediately.

Lin spoke again, her tone a touch softer. "Take care of yourself, Arno. And please look after Niko. If anything arises, if either of you requires assistance, you know how to contact me."

"I will," he answered quietly. "And you take care as well. I know Lungmen demands a great deal of your time."

A faint breath came through the line, subtle but present. "It does," she replied. "That is why conversations like this one are not easy."

Arno offered a small, tired half-smile that did not carry into his voice. "Perhaps. Still, thank you for everything. For handling matters fairly from the beginning."

"You earned that fairness," she said plainly. "The rest was simply business conducted correctly."

The line remained quiet for another moment.

"Goodbye for now, Arno." Lin said. "Goodluck, Arno. And please, call me Lin."

"Goodbye, Miss Lin."

The call ended with a soft click.

Arno stood just outside the cart, phone lowered in his hand, eyes fixed somewhere past the street without really focusing on anything in particular. The morning had already started picking up again. People were moving through their routines, conversations blending into the usual background noise, as if nothing had happened a few days prior.

Inside, Niko had already woken up and was combing her hair. She was doing her own routine when she heard Arno talking to someone and asked what was going on.

"They didn't sound mad," she said after a while, her voice carrying through the open door.

Arno glanced back at her. "They weren't."

She hesitated. "Are they… okay with it? With us leaving, I mean? They were one of our best customers…"

"I think so." he said. "They seemed like they really wanted me to stay, but understood my reasons."

"That's good. I hope things are fine on their end too, and that Miss Lin doesn't work herself too hard."

Arno shrugged and walked back into the cart to prepare breakfast.

He hoped so too.

---

Exusiai rounded the corner at a brisk pace. She spotted the cart right away and let out a loud, relieved breath the moment she saw Arno and Niko talking out front.

"Arno! Niko!" she called out, waving her arms. "Hey, hey! I came as soon as I heard! Are you guys okay? Like, really okay? I heard there was shooting and everything and I just had to get here ASAP!"

She skidded to a stop in front of the cart, eyes wide and scanning both of them up and down as if checking for hidden injuries. Her halo glowed a little brighter than usual, the way it did when she was worked up.

"I mean, I know you're tough and all, but a shooting? In this sleepy little street?" She leaned forward, elbows on the counter, voice dropping just a little but still full of that familiar Exusiai spark. "The guys at Penguin Logistics were talking about it this morning and I almost dropped my whole delivery stack. Sora told me what she read online and I was really scared. I ran over here as fast as I could when deliveries finally died down. Are you guys okay?"

Arno paused mid-wipe and offered a small, tired smile. "We're both fine, Exusiai. No, we didn't get hit. Can't say the same for the other guys though."

Exusiai let out a dramatic sigh of relief, slumping against the counter like all the worry had suddenly drained out of her. "Okay, okay, good. That's super good. But still… shooting? Guns?" She shook her head, red hair bouncing. "I just got suuuuper worried!. You guys are just selling coffee and nice stuff. You shouldn't have to deal with that kind of mess."

Niko poked her head out from inside the cart, looking a little shy but clearly glad to see the Sankta. "Hi, Exia… We're really okay. Arno took care of it."

Exusiai brightened a little when she looked at Niko, like she'd just remembered something. She reached into her bag and pulled out a couple of apples, a bit scuffed from being carried around but still fresh.

"Hey, here," she said, holding them out. "Grab one. They're good, I swear. And you too," she added, glancing at Arno as she set the second one on the counter. "Don't make it weird, I brought enough."

Niko didn't hesitate in taking one. "Thanks!" She chirped.

Exusiai gave a small nod, then rested her hands on the edge of the counter, her energy settling a bit.

"…Look, if you need anything, just tell me," she said. "I mean it. I can drop by more, keep an eye out, help you pack if it comes to that. Whatever."

She paused, glancing between the two of them.

"I just don't like hearing stuff like that happen and not doing anything about it," she added, more casually this time, even if it didn't fully hide the concern. "You guys are… you know. I like coming here. It'd suck if this place just disappeared. The peeps at the warehouse like you guys too, y'know?"

Arno nodded, though it took him a second longer than it should have. He knew what he needed to say eventually, but the words didn't come now. Not with her standing there, trying so hard to keep things normal.

"Thanks, Exusiai," he said instead, keeping his voice even. "It means a lot."

Niko glanced between them, her grip tightening slightly around the apple in her hands. She looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn't. Her shoulders dipped just a little, and she stayed quiet.

Exusiai didn't seem to notice the shift, or maybe she chose not to press it. She smiled again, a little softer this time.

"Anytime," she said. "And if those guys even think about coming back, you tell me first, okay? I'm serious. I can be here fast. Like, really fast."

She gave a small, playful point toward Arno, like she was trying to keep things light, but her tone carried more weight than before.

"Just… don't handle everything on your own."

Arno gave a short nod. "I'll keep that in mind."

There was a brief pause after that. Not quite awkward, but not as easy as it had been a few minutes ago. Exusiai shifted her bag up on her shoulder, glancing at the counter, then back at the two of them.

"I'll drop by again in a few days," she said. "Same time. I'll bring more of these if you want."

Niko gave a small nod. "Yeah… okay."

Exusiai rubbed the back of her neck, letting out a small, uneven laugh. "Sorry if I came in a bit loud," she said, her voice softening a little. "I just… really needed to see you guys for myself. You're important to me, y'know? When I heard there was shooting at the cart, I almost dropped everything I was carrying."

Arno nodded, though there was a slight delay before he answered. "Thanks, Exusiai. We're alright."

Niko stayed quiet beside him, still holding the apple with both hands. She glanced up at Exusiai, then looked down again, clearly a little overwhelmed by the Sankta's energy.

Exusiai leaned lightly against the counter, her usual bright bounce settling into something more focused. She looked between the two of them carefully, as if double-checking they weren't hiding any injuries.

"…So," she started, her tone turning more serious, "I heard there was a shooting this morning. Like, actual gunfire. Not just some loud argument."

Arno didn't answer right away.

Exusiai tilted her head, studying his face. "Which kinda brings me to the next question," she added, now a bit more giddy. "You have a gun?"

There was no accusation in her voice, just honest surprise and a large degree of excitement.

Arno let out a quiet breath. "Yeah," he said simply. "I do."

Exusiai's eyes widened. She blinked once, twice, then straightened up fully, wings giving a little flutter. "Okay… that's not what I expected when I started coming here for coffee and snacks. You? With a gun?" A small, excited grin started to creep onto her face despite the worry still lingering in her eyes. "What kind is it? Is it a pistol? Revolver? A bazooka?!"

"It wasn't something I planned on using," Arno continued with an even tone, if a bit sarcastic. "But they didn't leave me much choice. And if it was a bazooka, do you really think the block wouldn't be in ruins?"

Exusiai nodded quickly, her expression shifting back to serious for a moment. "Yeah… I figured it wasn't just for show. You used it because you had to, right?"

"I did."

A short silence followed. Exusiai shifted her weight from one foot to the other, arms loosely folded. "Were they really that bad? The guys who came after the cart?"

Arno's face stayed mostly unchanged. "They came prepared. Tools, and one of them was ready to use Arts."

Exusiai's brows drew together. "They even had Arts!? That's nasty business, right there.." She paused, then her eyes lit up again with that familiar gun-enthusiast spark. "But… okay, okay, I have to ask. Can I see it? Your gun, I mean. Please? Just a quick look?"

Arno raised an eyebrow.

Exusiai leaned forward eagerly, her halo glowing a little brighter. "Come on, Arno! I'm super careful with guns, I promise! I work with mine every day at Penguin Logistics. I know all the safety rules. I just really, really want to see what you used. Was it an automatic like mine? Does it have a good grip? I bet it's something practical, right? Something you can draw fast?"

She was practically bouncing in place now, her worry mixing with pure excitement. "Pretty please? I won't touch it if you don't want me to. I'll just look. I love hearing that kind of stuff!"

Niko couldn't help but let out a tiny giggle at how quickly Exusiai had gone from worried friend to enthusiastic gun nerd.

He could relate, honestly.

Exusiai noticed and grinned wider, though she tried to tone it down a bit. "Sorry, sorry! I know it's serious. I'm still really worried about what happened to you guys. But… guns are kind of my people's thing, and knowing you had to use one is making me super curious." She clasped her hands together in front of her chest, giving him her best pleading look. "Just a tiny peek? For me? I brought apples and everything!"

She leaned in a little closer, eyes sparkling with genuine interest and leftover concern. "Come on… don't leave me hanging like this. Show me?"

The Sankta stayed right there at the counter, clearly not planning to drop the topic anytime soon, her wings twitching with anticipation as she waited for his answer.

Arno looked at her for a long moment, clearly weighing how to respond.

Exusiai didn't let up. Her voice turned softer but still carried that eager energy. "I won't make a big deal out of it in front of other customers or anything. I just want to see what kept you and Niko safe. That's all. Please, Arno?"

Arno shook his head slowly but firmly. "No, Exusiai. Not today. Not out here in the open."

Exusiai's shoulders slumped dramatically for a second, but the disappointment only seemed to fuel her determination. Her wings gave an agitated little flutter as she straightened up again, refusing to back down.

"Aww, come on!" she pleaded, her voice rising with excitement. "Just a quick look! I promise I'll be super careful. I've handled way more guns than most people in this city. You know I'm safe with them!"

"That's not a fair comparison and you know it." Everyone knew that if you were a Sankta, you almost surely had access to a firearm. Either that, or insanely rich.

"But it's true though!"

When Arno remained unmoved, she leaned even further over the counter, her halo glowing brighter. "At least tell me what model it is! Is it a pistol? A compact semi-auto? Or something older, like a revolver? Oh man, if it's a revolver I'm gonna lose it. What caliber? Or is it a shotgun like what those Executors use!?"

'I really need to look up what Executors are. They sound scary…' Arno's brain conjured up an image of a Terminator or Judge Dredd with angel wings and Halos, armed to the teeth and ready to destroy some ne'er-do-wells.

(While tracking down a certain tax-evading girl, Federico sneezed. The sound alerting said girl of his presence and she ran off, causing the hunt to begin anew.)

She was talking faster now, her hands gesturing animatedly. "And where did you even get it? Notarial Hall doesn't exactly hand out carry permits to random cart owners. Did you know someone? Was it through the black market? Or… wait, did you have it smuggled in? How can you even afford something like that? Good guns are hard to find, you know? Laterano Executors would be at your doorstep if you did!"

Exusiai paused only long enough to take a quick breath before continuing, her eyes wide and sparkling with pure gun-nerd passion. "Did you modify it yourself? Better sights? Extended magazine? Custom grip? A drum mag?!" Arno couldn't help but snort at that last one, which only further ignited the apple-haired girl in front of him.

"Come on, Arno, you can't just say you have a gun and then clam up! I need details! How did it handle? Was the recoil easy to control? Did it feel good in your hand? Any jams? Tell me at least that much!"

Niko peeked out from behind Arno, trying and failing to hide a small giggle at how intensely Exusiai was begging.

The redhead noticed and immediately turned her pleading gaze toward the girl as well. "Niko, help me convince him! Just one little detail? Pretty please? I brought fresh apples and everything; that has to count for something!"

She turned back to Arno, clasping her hands together in front of her chest and giving him her best wide-eyed, hopeful look. "Please? I'm dying here! Just the model name? Or where you got it from? I swear I won't tell a soul. Cross my heart and hope to get shot with rubber bullets!"

Exusiai stayed firmly planted at the counter, wings twitching with barely-contained excitement. She showed no signs of giving up, her worry about the shooting now thoroughly mixed with an almost childlike obsession over the weapon that had protected her favorite coffee cart. Her bright eyes stayed locked on Arno, waiting expectantly for any scrap of information he might be willing to give.

Arno let her go on until she ran out of breath. By the time she finally paused, he was already looking away, weighing the situation in his head.

Niko leaned a little closer from the doorway and whispered, "She's not gonna stop, is she?"

"No," Arno said under his breath.

Exusiai immediately pointed at them. "Hey, I heard that."

Arno exhaled quietly and rubbed the back of his neck. He glanced at the street, then back at her, then toward the cart again. There was a moment where he looked like he might just shut the whole thing down.

"…Alright," he said at last. "But not here."

Exusiai froze, then lit up so fast it was almost jarring. "Wait—seriously?!"

"Come on," Arno added, already stepping out from behind the counter. "Just for a minute."

He led her a short distance along the side of the cart, out of the direct line of sight from the street. It wasn't far, but it was enough. Niko stayed by the doorway, watching with open curiosity, her chin resting lightly against the frame.

Arno checked the street once, more out of habit than anything else, then reached into his coat.

Exusiai leaned in immediately, already on her toes.

When the rifle came out, he kept it in both hands at first, angled down, controlled.

Exusiai gasped at the piece before her.

"…Whoa."

The confusion lasted maybe half a second before it flipped into something else entirely.

"Oh, that's weird," she said, eyes lighting up. "That is really weird."

She leaned closer without hesitation, head tilting as she tried to make sense of it. "That's not any model I've seen. Where'd you get it, Arno?"

Arno didn't answer.

Exusiai reached out instinctively, then paused just long enough to glance at him for permission.

He didn't pull it back.

She took it from his hands carefully—but without any of the earlier restraint she claimed she'd have. The moment it was in her grip, her entire posture changed. She adjusted her hold, tested the weight, brought it up slightly to eye level, completely absorbed. She even put herself in a proper shooting stance, aiming the rifle at the floor.

"Oh, this is nice," she said immediately. "Heavier than it looks, but balanced more on the front. That's good for dealing with recoil and accuracy. That's really good."

Her thumb brushed along the side of the receiver. "There's no Arts integration at all. None. How are you even firing rounds out of this thing?"

She squinted, running her gaze along the barrel and the simple iron sights, clearly trying to make sense of the design.

"It's like the person who made this was still figuring out how a semi-auto should work, but they somehow nailed the rugged, yet comfortable design anyway. Everything feels solid, like it was built to last. Again, the balance is a bit front-heavy compared to what I'm used to, but it doesn't feel bad. If anything, it feels…old school."

Her thumb brushed lightly along the side of the receiver, tracing the smooth, unadorned metal. "There's no Arts integration at all. Not even a tiny conduit or stabilizer channel. How do you even make this thing fire? No dust chamber, no Arts circuit, nothing… It's running completely on pure mechanics? How does it activate the originium in the cartridge, then? That's so weird."

Her wings flickered with excitement. "Most guns I see these days have at least some Arts tech to help with recoil or cycling. This one just… doesn't. It feels heavier than the lightweight models everyone carries around Laterano, but the way it sits in the hand and against the shoulder is actually pretty nice once you get used to it. And the top is smooth with no rails or parts that I can see that allow attachments… Is it only good for mid-range?"

'I have the toolkit in the cart, as well as all the possible attachments and parts that can be put on this thing to attach on my own leisure. But I'm not gonna tell her that or she'll never leave!' Arno remarked internally.

Exusiai turned the rifle over carefully, inspecting the slide and the ejection port with intense curiosity. "I've never seen anything like this before. Not in any catalog, not on the black market, not even in the weapons carried around by the people back home. It looks like something from way back when firearms were still new inventions. The whole design is so… simple, but reliable-looking at the same time."

She glanced up at Arno, eyes sparkling with excitement and a hint of disbelief. "Where did you even find something like this? It doesn't look like anything made in Laterano. How does it shoot? Is the trigger pull heavy? Does it cycle smoothly, or does it feel rough because there's no Arts assistance? And seriously, how many rounds did you put through it? Oh, don't look at me like that, even as foreign as this thing is to me, I can tell it's well-used and cared for!"

Exusiai stayed close, still carefully holding the unfamiliar pistol, her wings twitching with barely-contained enthusiasm as she waited eagerly for Arno to answer. She clearly had no intention of handing it back anytime soon.

Until, with a serious and disbelieving look towards the weapon in her hand, she asked an important question."

"How does it even fire? I'm trying, but I can't seem to push my arts into it…"

"It doesn't use Arts," Arno said.

Exusiai looked up at him like he'd just said something ridiculous.

"…You're kidding."

"I'm not."

She looked back down at the rifle, then back up again, then down one more time.

"That's insane," she said, and there was zero doubt in her voice. "That's actually insane."

She shifted her stance and brought it a little closer, examining the details more closely now. "So it's all internal. Purely mechanical feed, ignition, discharge… that means it doesn't care about interference, right? No disruption, no signal messing with it, nothing?"

"No Arts… no Originium interaction at all?" she asked, quieter now, like she was trying to piece it together properly. "So it's not acting as a staff. There's no resonance, no activation trigger… then how does it even fire?"

"It uses a different system. As well as different ammo."

That caught her attention.

"Different ammo? What's it made of? Is it expensive?" She got a coy look on her face. "Can you teach me?"

Arno refused to elaborate further, only giving her a slight smirk. Exusiai huffed.

"Fine, be that way." She went back to examining the gun.

She shifted her grip again, more careful now, like she was handling something unfamiliar instead of something she already understood. Her thumb tapped lightly along the side, almost like she expected to feel some kind of response that never came.

"So there's no Arts output, no catalyst, no user input beyond pulling the trigger…" she muttered, thinking out loud. "Then the projectile has to be self-driven, like everything you need to get the pointed end down range is in the cartridge…But how?"

She adjusted the rifle against her shoulder again, testing the feel of it with a bit more intention. "And it still hits that hard? No enhancement, no Arts amplification?"

"It does what it's built to do," Arno said.

Exusiai glanced at him, then back at the rifle. "Yeah, but most weapons here rely on the user to make up the difference. This thing can…It can be used by anyone if what you're telling me is true!"

She turned it slightly, studying the construction again. "And it's held up after all this time? Full impact, repeated use, no feedback issues?"

"No issues."

"No cracks, no misalignment, nothing shifting out of place?"

"No."

She let out a low whistle, clearly impressed now. "That's soooo cool..."

There was a brief pause where she just looked at it, taking in the weight and how everything fit together without the usual signs she was used to.

"I don't even know what to call this," she admitted. "It looks like a regular rifle, but it doesn't behave like anything I've trained with."

Arno watched her for a moment before speaking. "It is called Remington Model 8."

She repeated it quietly, like she was committing it to memory. "Remington… Model 8…"

Exusiai shook her head with a small grin. "Yeah, that doesn't mean anything to me. Still sounds cool, though."

She lowered it slightly, but didn't hand it back right away. Her expression had shifted again. The excitement was still there, but it had settled into something more thoughtful.

"…You actually used this," she said, glancing up at him. "Not just carrying it around for show."

"I did."

She held his gaze for a second, then nodded once. "Can you show me?."

"Maybe next time." Arno deflected.

"Seriously though," she added, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "this might be the strangest gun I've ever seen. And I've handled a lot."

There was a small smile on her face, but it didn't fully cover the concern underneath.

"If things are getting bad enough that you had to rely on something like that," she continued, quieter now, "don't just deal with it by yourself, okay?"

She didn't push it further than that. She just let the words sit there between them.

Back at the cart, Niko had long started playing on Arno's phone, all of the gun mumbo-jumbo flying over her head.

After another handful of minutes Exusiai handed the Remington Model 8 back to Arno with obvious reluctance, her fingers lingering on the grip for just a second longer than necessary. She let out a satisfied sigh, though her eyes were still bright with fascination.

"Alright… I'll give it back," she said, a playful pout on her face. "But only because you let me look at it. That thing is seriously one of the weirdest and coolest guns I've ever held. No Arts, no dust chambers, just pure mechanical work. I still can't believe how solid it feels."

Arno took the pistol and carefully tucked it back under his jacket. "You were gentler with it than I expected," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.

Exusiai grinned. "Hey, I know how to treat a good gun when I see one. Even if I don't understand half of how it works." She took a small step back, brushing her hair behind her ear as her wings settled. The excited energy was still there, but she seemed to remember why she had come running in the first place.

"Thanks for showing me, Arno. Really. I know you didn't have to." Her tone softened. "And… I'm glad you and Niko are okay. I mean it."

Arno gave a small nod. "We're managing. It could have been worse."

Exusiai glanced toward the street, then back at him. She shifted her weight, clearly not quite ready to leave yet.

"Look," she said, her voice turning a little more serious but still warm, "if things stay rough around here, or if you ever feel like letting me take another look at that mystery gun of yours… just call me, okay? I'll come straight over. No questions asked. I can even bring more apples or snacks if that sweetens the deal."

Arno considered her for a moment before replying. "I'll think about it. But don't get your hopes up too much. I don't plan on taking it out again anytime soon."

Exusiai gave him a bright, hopeful grin anyway. "That's fine! Even if you just want to talk or need help because there's more creepers, call me. Day or night. My number hasn't changed."

She waved lightly at Niko, who started paying attention after hearing the Sankta move. "Take care of each other, you two. And Arno? Don't be a stranger. Use my number if you need anything. Promise?"

Arno exhaled softly, the smallest hint of a tired smile appearing. "I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for coming by, Exusiai. And for the apples."

The alley fell quiet once more.

Arno tucked the Remington Model 8 back under his jacket with practiced care. He stood there for a moment, listening to the distant sounds of morning traffic, before turning to head back toward the cart.

Niko was still standing near the doorway, the apple Exusiai had given her held loosely in both hands. She stared down at it, turning it slowly between her fingers. Her usual quiet cheerfulness had dimmed noticeably. Her shoulders were slightly hunched, and she didn't look up right away when Arno approached.

Arno paused beside her. "You okay?"

Niko gave a small nod, but it lacked conviction. After a few seconds, she spoke softly, her voice carrying a somber note. "We didn't tell her."

Arno looked down, the earlier fun energy dissipating at the grim reminder.

"We didn't tell Exusiai that we're leaving," Niko said, her gaze still fixed on the apple. "She was so happy to see us… and she even brought apples because she was worried. She said she'd come back in a few days with more. She looked really excited about the gun, too."

Her voice grew quieter. "She thinks we're just going to keep being here. Like nothing's changing. But we're going to leave soon, aren't we? And when she comes back… we won't be here anymore. Or if we are, we'll have to tell her then."

Niko finally looked up at Arno, her eyes reflecting a mix of guilt and sadness. "It feels kind of bad. She was really nice to us. She came running all the way here because she was scared we got hurt. And we just… didn't say anything about moving away."

She lowered her gaze again, thumb tracing the smooth skin of the apple. "I know we have to go. It's safer that way. But… I wish we could have told her. She's going to be sad when she finds out. And maybe a little mad that we didn't say anything today."

Arno placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It wasn't the right time," he said quietly. "She was already worried enough. Telling her right after everything that happened this morning would have made it heavier for her."

Niko nodded slowly, though the somber expression didn't fully leave her face. "Yeah… I guess so."

She took a small bite of the apple, chewing thoughtfully for a moment before speaking again. "Still… next time she comes, we'll have to tell her the truth. Right?"

Arno looked out toward the street where Exusiai had disappeared. "Yeah. But don't worry. If you wanna spend time with Penguin Logistics, we can stay there for a whole day before we go. And besides, we have their numbers! We can just call them when they're not busy."

Niko gave a small nod, though her expression remained a little somber, but some cheer returned. She took another slow bite of the apple, chewing thoughtfully.

"Okay," she said quietly. "I'd like that."

The two of them stood together in the gentle morning light filtering into the cart. For now, the familiar routine of preparing snacks and playing gamescontinued, but the quiet understanding between them lingered ; the knowledge that their time in this district was coming to an end.

Arno placed a hand on Niko's head for a brief moment, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"We'll figure it out," he said softly.

Niko leaned into the touch just a little before pulling away to help set the small table. Outside, the district carried on as usual, unaware that the little piece of that alley that has been the center of attention lately will soon vanish.

---

AN: If people are wondering why I'm adding these little sections on Lin, my beta reader is a huge Lin fan. And I'm doing this for him since he asked.

It's still difficult for me to write his character, but I don't mind. I like to think I'm learning while having a bit of fun with her.

 

[Paracsus]

I keep forgetting to put this at the bottom of chapters, but kindly leave a comment or even an extra chapter if you can. I love it when the thread gets some engagement. But nothing toxic please.

Thank you.

 

[Despacitoleo]

We gotta kill those coffe shit heads i swear niko was nearly hurt

 

[Everdistant Eternity]

Huh, Arknights guns are 50% originium mumbo? That's weird.

 

[HGieokk]

Glad to see this back. And gosh, Exusiai is such a sweetheart, it's a bit sad to imagine her disappointment (.

I think the biggest shift here is going to be the slow fallout when the city realizes that their best fuel is suddenly gone. That's… way bigger than people realize. A shift like this- from people who have gotten used to this level of convenience - is very jarring. And very dangerous.

I, for one, just hope nobody from Penguin Logistics is caught in the fallout.

 

[DystopianFjord]

Are they leaving Lungmen entirely? Or just moving to a different part of it.

 

[Paracsus]

Are they leaving Lungmen entirely? Or just moving to a different part of it.

Click to shrink...

They're leaving entirely.

 

[Paracsus]

Huh, Arknights guns are 50% originium mumbo? That's weird.

Click to shrink...

It's because firearm technology never really took off due to a handful of factors which include:

1. Terrans are a lot more durable than humans, so I imagine they simply made stronger and stronger crossbows or melee weapons, instead of gunpowder.
2. Firearm technology was only developed by ONE race of people, being the Sankta. And even then that knowledge was never shared, and still under lock and key to this day.
3. Due to the existence of Arts, what's really the point of shooting a small lead ball down range when you can do the same with a fireball?
4. Back to the durability part, small firearms don't really do a lot of damage. It's only when the R6 operators came with much stronger caliber weapons were when the Terrans who were attacking them really started to panic.
5. Originium is almost in everything. I just assume that they simply chose to run off that instead of developing black powder.

There has only been one named Terran operator do far that has also not needed the special Sankta arts needed to use guns, and that's Jessica. But that's why I said that you have to either be one of the angels or extremely rich to be able to have guns. Jessica's weapons are custom designed and engineered to be able to work with Originium bring the propellant and without Arts activation. The bullets themselves are VERY expensive, how much do you think it would take to have it specially built for you to that degree?

 

[SomeoneSomewhereSomehow]

My brain has been scorched by Team Fortress 2. Whenever I read "apples", I hear the Sniper's voiceline saying it. Whenever I read a section where a character is in pain, the Soldier's voiceline "Pain is WEAKNESS leaving the body!" repeats in my head.

Huh, Arknights guns are 50% originium mumbo? That's weird.

Click to shrink...

From what I understand, guns in AK are all Originium-powered. The guns, and the bullets are both Arts wands, essentially, with etchings and circuits that have to be activated very delicately by the operator. This means that, usually, only Sankta can use them proficiently due to [COMSEC REDACTED] [COMSEC REDACTED] [COMSEC REDACTED] [COMSEC REDACTED], thus making them naturally proficient at the Arts needed to make them work. Other regular folks not [COMSEC REDACTED] have much more difficulties with the extremely precise Arts needed to activate them correctly.

From what I've heard, they are closer to weak-ish railguns (sometimes very much NOT weak) powered by Arts than actual chem-propellant weapons.

If anything, Exusiai here isn't treating this with as much gravity as it should be treated. Chemical-propellant firearms would be a massive game-changer for essentially any faction out there, as well as bring scrutiny from Laterano.

Terrans are a lot more durable than humans, so I imagine they simply made stronger and stronger crossbows or melee weapons, instead of gunpowder.

Click to shrink...

I don't think that most Terrans are actually augmented enough to actually fully resist even small calibre firearms with their skin and muscle alone. Armored footsoldiers wearing plate or heavy mail (with AK's likely originium-boosted material sciences) would be, though. Heavy suits and shields are enough to stop all but the largest rifle rounds.

Due to the existence of Arts, what's really the point of shooting a small lead ball down range when you can do the same with a fireball?

Click to shrink...

Arts aren't exactly for everyone all the time. Not everyone is as good as everyone else with Arts, and mass Arts can be very very dangerous to foster without sufficient control. Having an army with an "I kill you" button at their fingertips is dangerous, but an army with the "I kill you" button locked behind the armory's doors and the harsh realities of logistics is much less dangerous when in rebellion.

Back to the durability part, small firearms don't really do a lot of damage. It's only when the R6 operators came with much stronger caliber weapons were when the Terrans who were attacking them really started to panic.

Click to shrink...

I don't think Terrans are that much stronger though. Firearms are still firearms, they have the muzzle velocity to pierce skin. I think the real issue is from the chemical composition of gunpowder somehow having a missing component that isn't widely available to them.

Originium is almost in everything. I just assume that they simply chose to run off that instead of developing black powder.

Click to shrink...

If I remember correctly, something in Endfield mentioned that Terra likely did once have deposits of organics like petroleum, but they were converted into Originium once exposed.

The reason why gunpowder wasn't developed is likely due to how civilization is forced onto mobile cities, and the general geography. Gunpowder used charcoal, saltpeter and sulfur to be produced. Charcoal seems pretty easy to make, but sulfur and saltpeter are the big bottlenecks imo. Sulfur needs volcanic activity and Saltpeter can be found in decaying organic matter. The former can be tough to stock up on if you can't stick around forever for extended mining operations, and the latter can be impossible to find if Originium hogs all the organics before saltpeter can form.

 

[Azartial]

Reading this is always such a breath of fresh air. The chapters feel complete whenever they come out and always leave me feeling joyful at reading a new one. Keep up the good work. This is really good.

 

[Paracsus]

My brain has been scorched by Team Fortress 2. Whenever I read "apples", I hear the Sniper's voiceline saying it. Whenever I read a section where a character is in pain, the Soldier's voiceline "Pain is WEAKNESS leaving the body!" repeats in my head.


From what I understand, guns in AK are all Originium-powered. The guns, and the bullets are both Arts wands, essentially, with etchings and circuits that have to be activated very delicately by the operator. This means that, usually, only Sankta can use them proficiently due to [COMSEC REDACTED] [COMSEC REDACTED] [COMSEC REDACTED] [COMSEC REDACTED], thus making them naturally proficient at the Arts needed to make them work. Other regular folks not [COMSEC REDACTED] have much more difficulties with the extremely precise Arts needed to activate them correctly.

From what I've heard, they are closer to weak-ish railguns (sometimes very much NOT weak) powered by Arts than actual chem-propellant weapons.

If anything, Exusiai here isn't treating this with as much gravity as it should be treated. Chemical-propellant firearms would be a massive game-changer for essentially any faction out there, as well as bring scrutiny from Laterano.


I don't think that most Terrans are actually augmented enough to actually fully resist even small calibre firearms with their skin and muscle alone. Armored footsoldiers wearing plate or heavy mail (with AK's likely originium-boosted material sciences) would be, though. Heavy suits and shields are enough to stop all but the largest rifle rounds.


Arts aren't exactly for everyone all the time. Not everyone is as good as everyone else with Arts, and mass Arts can be very very dangerous to foster without sufficient control. Having an army with an "I kill you" button at their fingertips is dangerous, but an army with the "I kill you" button locked behind the armory's doors and the harsh realities of logistics is much less dangerous when in rebellion.


I don't think Terrans are that much stronger though. Firearms are still firearms, they have the muzzle velocity to pierce skin. I think the real issue is from the chemical composition of gunpowder somehow having a missing component that isn't widely available to them.


If I remember correctly, something in Endfield mentioned that Terra likely did once have deposits of organics like petroleum, but they were converted into Originium once exposed.

The reason why gunpowder wasn't developed is likely due to how civilization is forced onto mobile cities, and the general geography. Gunpowder used charcoal, saltpeter and sulfur to be produced. Charcoal seems pretty easy to make, but sulfur and saltpeter are the big bottlenecks imo. Sulfur needs volcanic activity and Saltpeter can be found in decaying organic matter. The former can be tough to stock up on if you can't stick around forever for extended mining operations, and the latter can be impossible to find if Originium hogs all the organics before saltpeter can form.

Click to shrink...

Well, that's how I understood why blackpowder muskets never took off. Too late to retcon it now.

Also, I know Exusiai should be taking this more seriously, but she's just not a very serious person in the end, so I think this fits how she'd act.

Meanwhile, if this was Executor, Lemuen, Insider or even Spuria...Yeah, they'd immediately call the equivalent they have to Spetsnaz to try and..."liberate" the firearm.

Thank you for crlorrecting me on this, though. I talked with other people and consulted the wiki when writing this. I guess I just misunderstood how it actually fit into place.

 

[Radial]

To add to that, Jessica is extremely rich.
She's the youngest daughter of Raytheans CEO, and the company reverse engineers guns as one of their business.
Despite how meek she seems she is basically a rich girl turned merc.

 

[Paracsus]

Can someone help me with something? Apparently, mods can move this whole thread, likes and comments as well, to a different section. Can someone walk me through the process??

 

[Paracsus]

Reading this is always such a breath of fresh air. The chapters feel complete whenever they come out and always leave me feeling joyful at reading a new one. Keep up the good work. This is really good.

Click to shrink...

Thanks bud.