Schadenfreude doesn't work when you are the one suffering the consequences, voting with an explicit negative result in mind is how you get flaming during future votes, and makes the quest less enjoyable in for everyone.
You won't have your Schadenfreude no matter the result, if this vote wins and we get a positive result, then it won't be Schadenfreude, if we get a negative result, all we'll get is flames and blaming the voters that voted for it, including you in this case, if it lose, you still won't have the Schadenfreude you somehow think would happen. No winning scenario for you there.
That kind of attitude is how you get the MC committing sepuku and the quest imploding, never trust the logical side of voters, particularly when the results are clearly demonstrating that you are wrong on that, if you actually don't want it to win, then stop voting for it for once, you have no right to say that we shouldn't fear it winning when you are part of the reason it almost is, yet you continue to pretend your vote isn't explicit trolling at this point.
We already have about the amount of voters we get at the end of a normal low stake vote already, the situation is too close to pretend it cannot change on a whim, and most voters do not come back and change their votes, ever.
The thing is, I'm not opposed to a Claw or even a general Head-adjacent social. Reading it could be very interesting, but we are, quite possibly, literal irl years away from the point at which the in-quest situation could allow for that to happen.
The thing is, I'm not opposed to a Claw or even a general Head-adjacent social. Reading it could be very interesting, but we are, quite possibly, literal irl years away from the point at which the in-quest situation could allow for that to happen.
Exactly, he gave us the card to call him in case we have taxes related problems, so let's use it when we have taxes related problems, we don't have any now, and are still a mook, so not wasting the time of the tax collector that is so out of our league it's not funny seems like a great idea.
But see, I didn't vote for it, so schadenfreude is my small consolation if the vote turns up in flames. Admittedly a part of me is curious about the result, so I am taking a Binah-like stance on the Agnus vote.
But see, I didn't vote for it, so schadenfreude is my small consolation if the vote turns up in flames. Admittedly a part of me is curious about the result, so I am taking a Binah-like stance on the Agnus vote.
I will say this, I genuinely do want to call Angus at some point because I too am curious about him and C Corp in general. However, we have his phone number and not Dexter's, who I also want to catch up with, so the Claw can wait in my opinion.
Yeah, I think I'll stay on the safe side of things. I am curious too, but not that curious to call the claw who gave us what I presume is not his personal but rather work number for purposes of asking tax-related questions
I am divided on Dexter vs Mai. So, coinflip it is.
"How about this one?" Mai asks with something approaching cheer; she twirls around in a mint green dress kind of like Parvati's, looking eerily like her sister if one ignores the fact her hair is even longer and bound more artfully than just a bun.
You mull over the question for a moment before shaking your head. "I don't know, it just doesn't fit you as much. Maybe it's because I'm used to seeing you in miniskirts and dress shirts, though."
"Hm, fair enough." She idly plays with a sleeve before gliding back into the cabin. Her voice is still audible over the rustling of cloth: "I was just curious how it feels like, but it really isn't me. How about this?"
Mai returns wearing cargo pants and a camo shirt, a faint grin playing around her lips. You give her an appreciative nod while she looks herself over in the mirror.
"I didn't expect you to be like this on enough sleep," you can not help but comment once it is your turn to put on outfits for her to judge. Neither of you is picky about these things, but there is a lot to choose from here.
A breathy chuckle sounds from outside. "I get like one day off every three months, you bet I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can." Meaning that she sleeps till noon, eats a big brunch, and then goes out to enjoy herself in one way or another. In this case that means taking you up on your offer and dragging you through various shops.
You do enjoy the trip as much as she does, but it really is a big change. "Fair enough. I guess you have no real chance to get a better job?"
"Not really. Here, try that dress next." She hands you the piece but keeps talking as you change: "It's kind of hard to stand out being a clerk, I can bust my ass however much I want and still get treated like dirt. But the money is good enough so I'm not complaining. Could be worse."
"Like what?"
"Dunno, being a Rat?"
You are not sure what to say to that. She is not wrong but it still feels like she pokes fun at you. Or maybe she never put it together and went for the first thing she could think of.
Silence descends for a short time; you focus on smoothing out the purple dress and step outside, barely spotting how Mai's contemplative expression smoothes out. She gives a thumbs up that you have to agree with after looking into the mirror. It is nice enough and you decide to treat yourself to it. Your wardrobe grows bit by bit to the point you have several full sets of clothes by now.
That odd, contemplative mood keeps Mai until you leave the store, though; you notice her momentary frowns while scanning the area for threats. There is a scarred woman looking your way, but she quickly looks away upon realising she was spotted.
"How's being a Fixer like?" Mai finally asks over lunch. "Parvati doesn't really talk about it."
The unexpected question gives you pause for long seconds. You do not really have the words to describe it easily; being a Fixer is everything you ever wanted to be, the one dream you refused to give up on. But the general sentiment you heard from others is that they find it more of a chore, not to mention a dangerous one. Maybe you would even think the same if your life had been different.
Shaking off those musings, you shrug at Mai. "It's okay. The pay is good and the hours are better than what you have, but I have to keep risking my life and fight for it to stay that way. Risk and reward, basically. Why do you ask?"
She offers a thoughtful hum in response. "I wonder on occasion if I should do it like sis and become a Fixer. But I don't know if I can do it. Parvati is stronger than me. The only weapon I ever held is my pocket knife."
"I can't tell you either way," you deflect the implied question carefully. "It's not something I can decide for you, I mean. I like being a Fixer but that's just me. I never actually asked Parvati what she thinks about it either." You leave a short pause to sip your drink and think; there are various sorts of Fixers, though all of them have to do some amount of fieldwork. "Maybe you could get a practice weapon and try how it feels to wield?"
You both know this is not the same as actually wielding steel and spilling blood, though a part of you scoffs at how squeamish Mai appears. Almost sheltered. Another part wonders why you even care about not doing wrong by her; maybe it is that Parvati would be upset if your encouragement led Mai to getting herself killed?
"Maybe," she allows before putting on a catty smirk. "I can just imagine stabbing pesky customers, that might at least cheer me up."
You share a little chuckle over the joke and finish your meals. Mai does seem more chipper than she did at the start of your outing by now; she nudges your shoulder on the way out. "And thanks for taking me. I was a little worried when we moved in with you, but it all turned out much better than expected."
You just wave it off with a smile; this is just another flavour of the conversation you had with Parvati before. "No problem. I'll remind you of it when I harvest your organs tonight." The dry tone draws a quiet snort from her and you are on your way.
As enjoyable as that afternoon is however, it has to end eventually. Days return to normal as you get back to work, though you feel like Mai is acting a bit less hesitant around you. Maybe you will take her out the next time she is free, too. Though you quickly reconsider your idea to offer being her target dummy when you see with how much gusto she stabs her new practice sword at the shadows. It may make for good practice, but you can live without the bruises.
The next three weeks pass by right quick as you complete more jobs as usual. Most with Parvati, some with others entirely. You make sure to stay away from Harumi as best as you can and watch her carefully on the one occasion you do have to work with her.
Then, in the middle of June, you get a letter informing you of becoming Grade 6. Just reading the words sends a pulse of manic energy through your body; it makes you giddy to know you are another step closer to your goal. Parvati cheers when she sees it and even Mai brings up the energy for a thumbs up and a tired smile. Not only does this mean you got another step done however, it also means Jett bumps up your pay to keep you on.
"Well, colour me impressed," Giano comments when you take the news to her a day later. "You're making good time there."
She is leaning back in her leather chair, the bar you met in more upscale than what you are used to; it feels weird to fit in here, though the ambience is nice enough. Giano swirls a glass with some sort of alcohol, a motion you do not dare repeat for fear of spilling yours. Nonetheless, her praise seems genuine even with the usual smirk still in place. You nod.
"It feels like yesterday that I got my license and now we're the same Grade. Well, I know you're still stronger than me by a mile." You take a tiny sip that burns going down your throat and elaborate into the expectant silence: "You've been Grade Six for over two years if I remember correctly. Even if you don't focus on being promoted, you must have improved your augments and the experience alone puts you ahead of me." The mere thought of how much money Giano must have earned working for Hana for that long boggles your mind.
The woman herself cracks a proper smile and lets you stew a moment longer to take a sip of her own. "Passing grade, overconfidence will get you killed in this job. Funny thing that, isn't it? That someone like you would ever have to worry about having too much confidence."
"I'd call it ironic, but yeah."
She huffs and puts the glass down. "Same thing. Though you're not completely right either, I'm probably moving up to Grade Five soon. There's only so long you can be diligent enough to stay in Hana without being promoted."
"Oh, congratulations... I guess?" You are not entirely sure how Giano feels about the impending promotion, but at least she does not seem upset. The redhead shrugs.
"I'll take it. But it's beside the point," she changes the subject while pointing at you. "You're still serious about applying for Hana?"
"I am."
These two words feel so simple, but there is a whole lot behind them today; reaffirmation of the path you set, another large step on the way to your goal, and the expectation of hardship.
Giano sizes you up hawkishly in response before giving a curt nod. "Okay. Then let me remind you here: once you're in Hana, you got both the best resources any Fixer can have and the highest authority a Fixer of your Grade can have. It's all at your disposal, but so is the responsibility. The moment you wear the uniform," she emphasizes with a motion down her white-clad body, "you represent Hana Association. When the Association tells you to jump, you ask how high and where to. Failure is not an option, you either persevere or die trying. Do you still want to apply?"
Her sudden intensity has you taken aback; the questions are intimidating but so is her discerning gaze. There is no pressure behind it like with Maria or the Claw, but somehow it feels no less heavy; Giano is the one who saw you make your first step, she was there since the start. Since before Gyeong-Hui, Dexter, or even Parvati.
You get why she asks, too. Few people are willing to just throw their lives away in order to see the job done. You retreated more than once when a mission got too dangerous. This will not be an option with Hana, but still.
Exhaling softly, you meet her gaze head-on. "If I can't do this much, then I'm never reaching my goal anyway. So yes, I still want to."
"Your goal?" she questions with a quirked brow, red hair idly twirled around a gloved finger. "And what would that be?"
"Becoming a Color."
The silence that follows feels heavy; a fire roils in your gut, having flown into those three words. You are faintly surprised she would even want to know but put the feeling aside in favour of meeting her gaze. Giano does not react at first, countenance akin to a statue... before snorting. She breaks into soft chuckles and swoops up her glass in a single, fluid motion. It comes so fast that a glob of alcohol sloshes up and into the air, only to be caught seamlessly before she takes a long sip.
You figured she would laugh at you, anyone would. Maria did not but she is a weirdo. Nobody else knows it yet, even Parvati never asked. Maybe she understood it anyway, but you can not say.
Giano allows herself a final huff and places the mostly empty glass down. The ice cube inside clinks in the quiet, adding a note to the soft music playing.
"So you're insane," she judges with clear amusement. "And maybe even insane enough to make it. I'd need to look into how this works exactly, but I can see Hana Association putting you on the path to becoming a Color. It won't be easy, but if you survive? Who knows. If you do, I can claim that I scouted a Color." She laughs about her own joke while your own lips quirk up.
"Something like that, yeah." You take a sip of your own, well aware she does not believe in it yet. One day she will, but that is still some time off. And as much as you want to keep your head in the clouds imagining such a day, you have your work cut out for you. "So Hana. What do I have to expect?"
"Hrm." The sound rolls in her throat as she studies you from head to toe. "A grueling test for one. I can't tell you what it is because I don't know. Sometimes I feel they randomise them to make sure the applicants can deal with anything. It could be search and destroy, it could also be information gathering. Heck, for all I know they could make you inspect a Workshop. And just to be clear, my contract forbids me from giving you any details about my own test."
You nod in affirmation, already having suspected something like this. Giano leans back and makes a dismissive motion. "But that is for later. Right now you should consider when to apply."
"How so?" you ask back in confusion. A part of your application is already written on your desk at home.
Giano rolls her eyes at that. "You haven't even finished your augment suite," she answers. It is not even a question, she knows as well as you do. "And you need the coverage unless you get lucky with your assignment. Another thing to consider is your resume; giving it some more time gives you the chance to pretty it up some more. I'd even help you out a bit to get some shiny Urban Legends on there, maybe an easy Urban Plague if it comes up."
You were about to retort, but hesitate to mull it over. As much as the prestige and the money tempt you, Giano has a point. You also wonder if she may talk about her own experiences from applying the moment she hit Grade 6. Either way, even at the same Grade she is still your senior and you value her advice.
"Is there any upside to applying right now?" you ultimately ask. Giano needs a moment to think through the question before nodding.
"Assuming you make it, that will give your reputation a nice boost from the get-go. You can also try to get a few simple jobs to start out with, management is somewhat understanding of needing some time to get ready for bigger assignments if you make it in that early. And, of course, you get all the sweet benefits and generous pay months earlier."
She pauses there to go over her recounting, then nods. "That is about it. Do you feel ready to do it in a week or two?"
You have no idea and shrug faintly. "Do you think I can do it?"
"Not how that works," Giano shoots back while wagging her finger at you. "If you want to get the job done, you have to make the call."
Because of course it can not be easy. You sigh and nod, then take another burning sip and think.
You have learned a lot over the last year, both from your teacher and in the field. Your augments are not covering everything yet, but you have all the basics: strength, dexterity, perception speed, reaction speed, endurance, and so on. You can throw decent punches and kicks even if your Lucerne hammer is taken or destroyed, not to mention your Galeforce Ring.
At the same time, you do not know what sort of task awaits. Giano says it could be anything. And even that requires your application to be accepted. Thinking back to the Thorns, the Index followers, and recently the Highlight Heroes, you have a few impressive things on your resume alongside a consistent 92% success rate on your work with mostly Urban Myths and infrequent Urban Legends. Is this enough?
Are you ready to take the plunge? View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai0Ra_NqEQ0 [] Yes Ciel will apply for Hana Association and, if accepted, go through the initiation test within a few weeks.
[] No Ciel will take a few months to earn money for more augments and do a few more difficult jobs for their resume. -Ciel's Wealth changes from "Afloat" to "Okay"
-Ciel's Fixer Grade changes: 7 -> 6
-Mai transitioned from Contact to Characters (Others)
Silence descends for a short time; you focus on smoothing out the purple dress and step outside, barely spotting how Mai's contemplative expression smoothes out.
Another part wonders why you even care about not doing wrong by her; maybe it is that Parvati would be upset if your encouragement led Mai to getting herself killed?
