Level up!

Cool I leveled up!

Disappointingly that was the only good news. The jeep didn't make it very far as the engine died a terrible death. The rattling of metal against metal grated on my ears as I pulled in after the trucks but I guess I shouldn't complain since I was lucky enough that it managed to get me to the resting point.

I leaned back into the seat when it finally came to a full stop. I was once again covered in blood and grime, some of it mine and most of it from those assholes that I kicked out of the car. My injuries have already healed over but now I have stains and holes in my new clothes!

Dammit!

At least I leveled up from the quest so that soothes the irritation of my ruined clothes somewhat. Maybe there's a trick to getting blood out of clothes. I think I can sew the holes up with my sewing kit but—.

"Oi! Kid!"

"Hm?" I looked up from my damaged clothes to find Leith and…shit I really need to learn their names, blonde girl and short guy racing over to me.

I was barely out of the jeep before short guy was lifting me up and practically swinging me like a rag doll. "Are you hurt? Are you injured?! Sweet Oum your covered in so much blood!"

"P-Put me d-down-n!" The guy was shaking so much that if I had been injured, he probably would have made it worse. Also being lifted up like I'm some kind of child feels so demeaning.

…Ah, wait. I am a child.

"Put him down Dun!" The blonde woman shouted at short gu—I mean Dun. "You're gonna hurt him more."

"Oh, shit you're right!" Dun almost shouted as he dropped me none to gently and began to apologize. It was probably hilarious and a bit awkward how overboard he was going with it from an outside perspective, but I didn't have an outside perspective so 'ill just settle on being sore and dizzy.

"Don't pay to much attention to him." Leith said with an exasperated look towards Dun. "He has a thing about kids."

"…So, he likes touching young boys?" It's hard to contain the teasing as I say it, and even harder to maintain the nonplussed look as the three of them freeze up from the out of left field comment. Blondie was the first regain herself as she covers her mouth to restrain the chuckling followed by Leith.

"Don't say it like I'm some kind of pedo!" He was actually shouting this time as he practically shoved a wallet in my face with a picture of numerous kids with similar features. "I just can't help but be worried! I got five younger siblings back home! It's instinct to be worried about a kid like you! And you two can shut up!" He pointed an accusatory finger at the two of them.

Blondie just ignored him and walked over and without an ounce of shame pulled up the shredded parts of my shirt that had the most blood. "You must be lucky as hell to not get a scratch on you despite all this blood."

"They were bleeders." I say a bit lamely, trying to make it not such a big deal. I don't know how I'm gonna be able to explain to them that I heal injuries like Wolverine otherwise.

Blondie just snorts. "I'll bet. But it's good to see that you're fine."

"Thanks…uhhh." I trail off Blondie gives me a look before smacking her forehead.

"Right, sorry. Never introduced myself before now but the names Sandy." She pleasantly greets which I return.

"You know kid," Leith spoke up. "You really saved our asses back there, so, thanks."

"N-No problem." I try to wave off as I feel my face heat up slightly from the praise. "I'm just glad it worked out. Thought I was gonna be thrown off the car a few times." I scratched the back of my head as I slightly blush at the praise. I wasn't unused to praise nor was I overly humble to say that they could have done it but it still felt good. "Actually, speaking of cars, do any of you know how long the repairs are gonna last?"

"That's not really our area of expertise." Dun said awkwardly. "You'd have to talk to the boss about that. She should be at the front truck, though she probably wants to meet you already."

"Really?"

Sandy snorts and slaps me on the back. It stung a bit but wasn't enough to move me. "Kid, you just saved the caravan like Tan Cruise. Of course, she's gonna want to meet you."

I just shrugged and turned back to the jeep and reached in to grab both the junk shotgun and the pistol. I try to hand it back to Leith but the guy refuses it and pushes it back to me. I try to push him to take it since it is his but he explains that it actually belongs to the company and is easily replaced since weapons like it are usually lost in bandit attacks.

Not willing to argue further over a free gun I just shrug and hang on to it. I didn't have a holster but the junk shotgun did have a rather old sling on it so I could sling it around my back while I held the gun in my hand.

All around us the people were running around doing all kinds of tasks around us. There was a small group that seemed to be made of the caravan's mechanics that was yelling at people that were running back and forth with items from the trucks. Another group was building tents and a fire pit while a perimeter was set up by those with guns.

At the center of it all was a woman that I would describe as a trucker lady. She was pretty tall, though not the tallest with a rather heavy frame. I wouldn't describe her as fat as her arms looked well-muscled but at the same time skinny or petite are words that would never be applied to her, actually she kinda reminded me of Pam from that show Archer. The only difference was that she had some minor wrinkles around her face along with grey hair, that I didn't know if was from natural hair color or from age, that made her look like a real veteran in this business.

"Yo Boss!" Dun shouted and the woman turned to us letting me see that she was smoking a cigar. My nose scrunched up at the smell of the burning tobacco, which I didn't know if was from my own enhanced senses or if Remnant's variation was more pungent. All I knew was that I didn't care for the scent.

"You three idiots. It's about time you got over here." Her voice was loud and boisterous and carried over the distance with no problem as she spoke to the three around me. "Was wondering if I had to start writing letters home because you all fell out of the truck again."

"Don't add me in with them Boss." Leith waved off. "Sandy and Dun were the ones that fell out last time."

"We were pushed! Why do you insist we fell out!" Sandy said through grit teeth as she punched Leith in the shoulder. Leith just laughed it off though he was gripping his shoulder a little bit too tightly. "Sorry Boss, we were just grabbing the kid. You know, the one that helped drive them off, literally in most ways."

"Really?" She rolled the cigar in her mouth as she looked me up and down. For a brief moment I felt like was being judged before she let out a hearty laugh and walked over to me and slapped me on the back. Like hard enough that I nearly fell over and now there's a stinging sensation on my skin even though I'm physically stronger than her. "Well now. I guess I gotta thank ya kid!If its within my power than I'll do what i can to make it happen. No one messes with my minions." I heard the faint indignant grumbles from the three 'minions' behind me but ignored them in favor of thinking of what I wanted when my stomach rumbled.

"I get first in line for food." I insisted getting another laugh out of her and another slap on the back (Seriously! What does she have for hands?! Wooden paddles!?)

"First in line he says! Sure, kid you can go first when they call for food." She waves it off like it's nothing. Well, it might be nothing to her but I get first dibs at food. After knowing the taste of an actual meal after surviving off rations for days I will take what food I can.

Hunger is the enemy!

...wait actually. "Actually, can I ask something?" I asked 'Boss' before she could walk away. (No one's told me her name). "What are you all going to do with the wrecked stuff that was left behind?"

"What, you talking about those junk cars?" I nodded. "Well, we were just going to leave them. It's all made of scrap anyways and we don't really have the time to see if there is anything valuable in them or how to even scrap it and transport it. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, uh, I was just wondering if I could have them?" I explained. They might not be able to do anything with them but if I stored them in my inventory and looked at them later, I'm sure I could get something out of them.

'Boss' just shrugs. "If you can find one that still works, I don't mind you taking it with us so long as it fits. You got till morning tomorrow though because that's how long until we head out."

Yes!

"Enthusiastic one ain't ya." Boss said with a smirk.

Shit! Did I say that out loud?! "I have no idea what you mean." I denied before scurrying off at the laughter of the boss.

Those vehicles weren't going to collect themselves and I needed to get back before the food was done.

~grumble~

"I wonder what they are making?"

-0-

I never really paid attention but the caravan people and I really did a number on these vehicles. Bullet holes were all over the body of the vehicle and strange liquids were leaking all over the ground. I have no idea if its liquid dust or if the fluids are different on remnant but I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to be green.

"All righty then. Let's see what you got." I said as I put on my headphones and pulled some tools from my inventory and dug underneath the hood. Now my knowledge on cars before everything was piss poor I would admit, only understanding the basics but as I continued to work things slowly started to make sense. Some parts were thrown out as they were either to damaged or to rusted to keep while others were stored into the inventory.

Tires were a must as thankfully the Junkrats all used the same kind of off road tire for all the vehicles they had not counting the motorcycles. Oh! I also found a fully intact motorcycle during my scavenging and picked it up. From what I can tell it's a pretty good machine though there were a few things that needed to be replaced with actual quality parts and to fix the front wheel which is the only damage it has.

While I was working I thought back to the whole ordeal with the bandits and the two new things added to my repertoire as a Gamer. The two skills [Instinct] and [Mind's Eye(False)]. Both skills specifically stated to be from the nasuverse and implied to be apart of whatever race I was, which isn't really in the way of figuring that mystery out much due to the fact that both skills can be applied to anyone regardless of species, so long as they have the talent to earn them or be born with them.

But at least I now know why I can actually fight so well. When in combat a newbie will generally freeze up and hesitate or second guess themselves. Their movements would be sloppy, unrefined as they try to figure out the best way to do something. I know that the weapons master class that I have smoothed a lot of those wrinkles out but I doubt even it could get rid of that hesitation. No, only those that have been specifically trained or those that inherently trust their own skills wouldn't hesitate, which I guess is the beginning of the [Mind's Eye] skill, and have the [Instinct] to know how to attack.

But anyways, the fact that I have these two skills means I'm some kind of phantasmal species, which is pretty interesting. Phantasmal beings in the Fate universe are both dangerous and powerful in many cases.

Though I don't really feel all that different. You'd think there would be some mental alterations, the phantasmal beings of the nasuverse usually have a rather warped mindset.

That's because you were born with a human mind before being put in your body.

Your identity won't change so easily because of a new body.

Oh! Hey TARI. Good to see your still around. How have you been?

I have been well Kane.

It's a pleasure to speak to you again.

And the feeling is returned. But if you wouldn't mind, can you at least tell me if I'm going to go all crazy inhumane monster at some point.

You are you.

You have not changed since we met.

…Ok. That's a relief. I believe you. You've never led me wrong.

[+5 Rep] TARI (10/100)

By the by, you wouldn't happen to be willing to tell me what my race is…would you?

Apologies, but that's not happening.

Huh. Figures.

The rest of my time was spent working through the various parts and vehicles with my music playing in the background. Idle conversation between myself and TARI filled the empty air. By the time that I had stopped and checked my scroll it had been four hours!

Where did the time go!? Did I seriously get so lost in taking every vehicle I came across apart that I didn't notice that the sun was close to setting! I didn't even pay attention to the level up notifications as I now had 17 levels in mechanical engineering and increased my craftsman job level to 14.

"I think I could actually repair that bike if I had the time and tools." I mutter as I slammed the hood of a buggy. The bike in my inventory could definitely become my mode of transport as it seemed to have the most attached and unaltered parts. But then again… It only took a second as the stripped buggy in front of me sinks into a golden portal in the ground. "Never know when you need another vehicle and I bet I could actually increase my levels by practicing on it...or make a super vehicle."

Satisfied with my haul I make my way back to the camp. The sun was beginning to set and the closer I got the more I could smell the delicious scent of food in the air. I definitely didn't run at the prospect of food despite the trip back to the camp feeling much shorter than when I left.

When I return there is a stark difference between the camp when I left and the one, I am walking into now. Portable lambs were spread around the area and even hanging from trees to illuminate that area as the sun began to set. Large sections like benches were set around a pit that already had a fire going while off to the side was a skinny man stirring a rather large pot. The trucks each had their hoods propped up while there was a pile of tools and spare parts sitting off to the side.

"Hey kid! Your just in time!" I turned to where the voice was and saw Dun waving from beside the pot as a line formed behind him, yet no one was grabbing anything to eat.

"What are you guys standing here for?" I asked as I walked over to the line of people. Many of the ones behind the familiar trio having mixed expressions of boredom and minor impatience.

"We're waiting for you dummy." Sandy spoke up. Her fingers were restlessly drumming against an old plastic bowl as a spoon twirled in her fingers. "When Boss told Gurney, the cook, that you asked to be first he refused to serve anyone so now we're here standing in line. Bout to send someone off to find you."

"You guys really waited for me?" I received nods to my question. I looked over at the spread of food before me, all of it things that would go well with a hearty stew that they either brought along or probably hunted themselves if the scent of blood in the air indicated anything.

It smelled pretty good for what was probably standard traveling rations and the people were really getting antsy now that I was here… "I don't know I'm not feeling too hungry right now. Maybe I'll wait a little longer." I laid the sarcasm on thick with each word but that didn't stop the mutinous looks that some of them had.

"Yeah, no." Leith was not having it as he pointed at me with his spoon. "Quit being a smartass and grab a bowl. I'm starving."

Ok, ok. Without further ado I walked over and grabbed a bowl from a pile and stepped up to the pot. A rather skinny looking guy stood there with a blank expression and just nodded to the pot of stew in front of him with a stack of bread loaves on the side.

…Ugh, great it's filled with that.

Keeping my face neutral I grabbed a large chunk of bread and dumped it into my bowl followed by a good portion of stew that I made sure to stir it for the most…optimal amount before leaving to sit on one of the benches around a large bonfire.

I looked at the bowl in front of me with disappointment and hunger as I broke the bread apart within it.

The thing was filled with goddamn tomatoes.

Yuck!

Not tomato paste or tiny little bits but large and gross tomato chunks.

'Slurp!' I mean its still pretty good but its annoying to have to dig around the large red chunks to get to the other vegetables and meat.

I'm perfectly fine with ketchup and tomato paste and even those small diced tomatoes in salsa but I just can't stand raw tomatoes or large tomato chunks!

At least the bread is acting like a filler.

"Somethin' wrong?" I looked over at a buff bald man who was sitting on another bench across from the trio, who were each sparing me glances while they devoured their food.

Sandy sat up and gulped down a mouth full of stew. "Yeah. You're glaring at that bowl like it insulted you."

Ah. "Sorry. It's just…tomatoes are kinda gross." I say a bit lamely making them laugh.

"I guess a kid still a kid." Leith chuckles, making the others laugh a bit harder when i flipped him off. The other people that join us around the fire spare them some looks as they sat down but don't say anything. "Even if he can throw a grown man."

"Its best if you eat them." Dun chastised with a mouth of his own stew. "Lack of food is no joke. Never know you won't get your next meal so you gotta eat what you can."

But they are so gross!

"Lay off the kid Dun." Sandy comes to my defense. "If he doesn't want them, he doesn't want them."

"I'm just saying."

"We're just lookin out for the kid." The bald guy said with an appeasing tone. "Although I guess its rude of me to go telling him what to do without even introducing myself. Sorry young man, everyone around here calls me Archie, and thanks for helping with the bandits." The bald man reaches out with his free hand for me to shake as he introduces himself.

"I'm Kane, and your welcome." I respond, returning the handshake.

Archie nods and gives me a smile. The benches are now full and the air is filled with chatter as everyone has grabbed their food. Even with the tree's blocking the way you could tell that the sun was in its last few minutes before dipping under the horizon, leaving just the faintest bits of purple and orange touching the tree line. Portable lamps and heaters were turned on, making the area warm and comfortable.

It was almost like I was back at the bar with JD and the waitstaff, listening to the customers talk, laugh, and complain about random things. It's kinda entertaining sifting through the random conversations to find the more amusing ones. For instance, one of the drivers is asking around because he wants to ask this guy out that works in a café or something close to where we are going to unload in Mistral. Another is already drunk and is trying to arm wrestle a guy that is twice his size and One of the women here is actually talking about cosplay of all things.

"So, Kane," The voice of Leith draws my attention away from my eavs—information gathering practice. "What exactly are you doing out here? Not that I'm judging but most kids would be swinging some stick trying to impress one of those hunter prep schools than being out here in bumfuck nowhere."

I swollow a mouthful of stew. "I'm actually on my way to Mistral for the upcoming festival." I answer truthfully, I mean there was really no reason to hide anything. "A friend of mine, the guy who ones the bar in the town you picked me up in,"

"JD?" Sandy supplied and the others nodded along showing they knew who he was.

"JD suggested that I sign up for the festival's amateur music contest. I'm hoping to get some money or to at least get my name out there."

"That ole sonnuva bitch suggested that?" The smell of tobacco hit me before her voice did and I turned around to see Boss standing there with her own bowl in hand and minus her cigar. She walked over and sat down on the same bench as Archie, effectively putting herself between us. "You must have some skill if he thinks you can play on that stage."

"He did teach me how to play my instruments." I replied, though I left out how long he was teaching me. "As well as singing and how to put a song together."

"Oh really?" Boss sounded impressed as she looked me over. The others seemed to be as well as they were each giving me looks. "Been a long while since he taught anyone."

"You know I thought I saw you with a guitar." Sandy provided thoughtfully. "But I didn't think you were some kinda superstar in the making."

"Can you play something for us?" Dun blurted which earned him a punch in the arm from Sandy. She isn't really much stronger than the average fit woman but from Dun's pained expression I have a feeling she hits harder than normal.

"Don't be rude idiot." She chastised the short man. "You don't just ask that out of the blue!"

She looked like she was about to apologize when one of the others around the fire, a girl from the sound of the voice, must have listened in on our conversation. "Our little savior knows how to play music? I want to hear!" And like that it only snowballed from there. On voice became two, two became three and so on. Pretty soon the entire camp was asking me to play something.

Everyone was talking all at once, catching me off guard. I opened my mouth to respond when a loud whistle pierced the air, hurting my ears. I looked over to see Boss with two fingers in her mouth. "Everyone quit your shouting." Her voice was even louder than normal and carried over the silence as she chastised the gathering of adults. "He can't respond if you talk over him." She then turned to me, silently asking the question for the group.

"Sure, I don't mind." I spoke. This might actually be good for me. I really haven't had much experience playing for groups and this would be good enough practice for me, and I didn't really see any reason for me to refuse.

Placing my bowl to the side I ignored the cheers and excited chatter as I walked back to the truck that I rode in on, idly wondering how Boss was able to whistle like she did. She did finger and thumb but I remember people doing it with their pinkies. Was it like this?

Pfft!

No that's not right. Maybe…

Wheeew…

That's not right either. Whatever. I was already at the truck and remembered that I inventoried all my things during the attempted raid so I they wouldn't be stolen or damaged. Thank the System that none of the trio noticed that they were missing at any point, that would have been awkward to explain. Sneakily I put all my stuff back where I had it before except for my guitar.

The walk back felt just a bit shorter as I strummed the cords on my guitar, testing the strings to see if they were still properly tuned, which they were much to my satisfaction.

"Alright, I'm ready." I said as I sat down. I barely was able to make myself comfortable before people once again started shouting at me to play one thing or the other.

"Play Twin Loves!"

"Play Heavy Whispers!"

"Do you know The Change by Rail Cats?!"

The problem is that I don't even really know these songs! There are a few that I listened to with JD but according to him those were older songs! I have little if no reference to actual songs other than those ones small ones made decades ago!

"I actually have some songs that I wrote that I'd like your opinions on?" I force my voice through the cacophony of requests despite the nervousness I felt from the peer pressure. When I did the requests died away and it became awkwardly quiet for a moment. Did they not want to listen? I mean I know the quality of the songs because people back on earth love them, but that change the fact that people were judging me right now for them. Maybe I shouldn't. Maybe I should just play something they know. Maybe—.

"I'd love to hear one of your songs." The voice of Dun breaks me out of my downward spiral of anxiety and peer pressure. "You're going to perform them at the Summer Festival, right?"

"You were playing that guitar very well earlier." Leith joined in and he sent a meaningful look to the rest of the people gathered.

"Oh! That means we get to hear them before everyone else right!?" Sandy piped up. The excitement in her voice was enough to sway a few of them before it slowly spread amongst the crowd.

Those three! Hyping the crowd up for me. They are such nice people!

Without the numerous people pressuring me with their requests I was just now realizing how much my heart was beating in my chest. My emotions swirled around in a weird mix of anxiety, expectation, and giddiness at the thought of performing. But I wasn't going to let any of that mess with me. Without a moment of hesitation, I began to strum the instrument in my hands before I lost the nerve to perform. This was just a small contained group after all whereas the festival is supposed to be filled with people and broadcast around the world. If I couldn't perform here, how was I gonna be able to perform on stage?

I just have to imagine that I'm back in the booth with JD.

"Alright. This is called 'Roll Away Your Stone'." I announced as began plucking away at the strings of my guitar. I didn't have any backup instrumentals for the song so I had to improvise and add a few more chords into the mix while tapping the body of my guitar, a way of playing simply referred to as fingerstyle.

Music: Roll Away Your Stone

By: Mumford and Sons

Roll away your stone, I'll roll away mine
Together we can see what we will find
Don't leave me alone at this time
For I'm afraid of what I will discover inside

As they listen to the sound of my guitar the crowd around me slowly smile as they listen to the music.

'Cause you told me that I would find a hole
Within the fragile substance of my soul
And I have filled this void with things unreal
And all the while my character it steals

"Darkness" is a harsh term don't you think?
And yet it dominates the things I see

They don't out right dance but out of the corner of my eye I can see their bodies moving to the rhythm. Feet tap, hands clap, heads bob as they soak in the music.

It seems that all my bridges have been burnt
But you say that's exactly how this grace thing works.
It's not the long walk home that will change this heart
But the welcome I receive with a restart

"Darkness" is a harsh term don't you think?
And yet it dominates the things I see
"Darkness" is a harsh term don't you think?
And yet it dominates the things I see

I see them get lost in the sounds as they try to hum along. There's no real cohesion between them but that doesn't stop them from enjoying themselves.

Stars hide your fires
These here are my desires
And I will give them up to you this time around
And so I'll be found
With my stake stuck in this ground
Marking the territory of this newly impassioned soul

Hide your fires
These here are my desires
And I will give them up to you this time around
And so I'll be found
With my stake stuck in this ground
Marking the territory of this newly impassioned soul

But you, you've gone too far this time
You have neither reason nor rhyme
With which to take this soul that is so rightfully mine

With the last stroke of my guitar the group around me erupts into applause. It wasn't some grand on their feet kind of cheering but they were definitely animated and vocal about their appreciation.

"Not bad kid." Boss barked out the compliment as she clapped her hands the loudest. "Is that what you're planning to play at the festival?"

I thought about it, my idle hands pulling the chords once more, not to any particular song but to continue to fill the air with wonderful sounds. Mumford and Sons was a great band but I wasn't sure if that's what I wanted to perform on stage. I know my opinions are amateur at best for planning but it just didn't feel right to open with that kind of song for my debut. No, I needed something a bit more…loud. Something that will let me set up residency in their minds.

"No," I responded after a moment of thought. "Something else. I don't know which but I'll figure it out. I have more songs, maybe I'll pick one of them based off the crowds favorite."

Without another word Boss nods her head and waves me off. The crowd of caravan travelers clamor with excitement as I start strumming once more.

This is going to be great practice for the festival.

-0-

Dear Journal,

After the incident regarding the bandits, it was pretty much a smooth ride all the way to the main city. Over the course of the journey, I played my guitar and sang as much as I could. That nervousness I felt when I first performed for the caravan went away a little bit each day and the affirmation of it helped to ease what anxieties I had. Currently with all the playing that I have done I have reached the next level of my skills, going from an amateur to a moderate performer, though my skill in the guitar is better than my singing by just a little bit. The reason I believe for the amount of experience that I'm getting is most likely due to the performances. Its not as much as learning from JD but still greater than doing it on my own, leading me to the theory that I learn things faster by either being directed or actively using.

Anyways, other than the travel I have recently begun thinking of projects that I can do with the assorted scrap and car parts that I have. Whenever I look at them in my inventory my brain actually sees what I can do with them, supplying me with ideas, and making me a little pissed that I can't start hammering away at it. I really need a forge or something. As much as I like riding around with the caravan, I don't plan on sticking around with them forever. Once my all terrain motorcycle (or car, I'm planning on building both) is done I am off to explore more of remnant.

Speaking of the caravan I learned a bit more about the world of Remnant. Specifically, the corporate business side of things…or at least a small part of it. It took some research on my scroll and talking to the caravan people to learn as much as I could. You see, people like Boss, Archie, and the Trio were actually paid very well as members of the delivery caravan. The presence of Grimm and bandits lead to an increase in priority for the many shipping and delivery industries throughout the kingdoms, which lead to higher wages. Many immediate routes for delivery between the kingdoms are avoided for one reason or another due to the dangers that are there, leading to whatever transportation service to either armor up and fight through or to find an alternative longer route, leaving many places without supplies for extended periods of time. Places like Menagerie have it the worst as they are such a smaller and more isolated community that they have to survive without support from any of the other kingdoms for months. The nation itself has limited fertile land so it can't set up many farms and instead rely on what they can from the sea, but they can't survive off fish forever. It also lacks an actual airport, meaning that any aerial deliveries they get from outside the kingdoms will never be enough which leaves the only way they can receive any supplies is by ship, which is a problem due to the sea Grimm that infest the area. But this isn't Menagerie's problem alone.

It wasn't really delved into all that much in the show but Remnant is an absolute nightmare in terms of societal structures. Sure, everything is fine on the surface but if you actually take the effort to look you notice that the kingdoms are basically a house of cards waiting to fall at the slightest breeze. The kingdoms are built on a unified front with each one providing a necessity to the others, relying on the others to an extreme amount.

Mistral has the largest amount of land mass out of any kingdom and exports the most lumber and cultural items and is capable of feeding itself to a degree, but it's a powder keg waiting to explode due to the divide between classes and the militant force used to keep it that way. It's only a matter of time before rebellion incites and a civil war breaks out that draws the Grimm.

Vale has an excessively specialized industry revolving around food. They are basically the bread basket and salad bowl of Remnant. Their food products are shipped to every kingdom and their business is supported in return; however, they have no standing army. Instead, they rely on Hunters and mercenaries to protect their kingdom while leaving its inner and walled defenses to the control of the police. In the case of an invasion they would be unable to hold territory.

Atlas has a powerful military and exports massive quantities of dust and tech everyone relies on to the rest of the kingdoms. Their contributions like the scroll, the CCT Towers, and many more are world changing; however, they are completely unable to feed themselves. From what I remember their citizens are cold and unfeeling to the problems outside their floating city and won't do more than the bare minimum to appear helpful to others. Their foundation is weak and will fall apart if they are left on their own. An army marches on its stomach after all and the other kingdoms feed that stomach.

Vacuo is Vacuo. There is no governing body or industry to the kingdoms name. The only power is the Academy that creates huntsman while everything else is nothing more than lawless gangs. It truly is a 'strong rule the weak' kind of place.

The thing is none of these places are self-sufficient. I'm sure they could survive by themselves but they are seriously lacking in terms sustainability and would basically be on life support rather than thriving. Should even one kingdom fall the others will suffer, especially if one of the towers fall.

Seriously, just thinking about those idiotic towers irritates craftsman in me.

…Anyways the Kingdom of Mistral is only a day away and I'm both anxious and excited to get there.

-0-

-One Week Later-

The caravan truck lurches to a stop for the final time. After the bandits there was no real problems along the way other than the occasional Grimm attack, though those were considered par for course on these kinds of trips even if they seemed more frequent this time around.

I did level up to 28 due to those attacks and no one got hurt so there aren't really any down sides.

I hoped out of the back of the truck with my bag on my back and my guitar in my hand and looked around at the various people that I've gotten to know offloading the contents of the trucks into a warehouse.

"MMMH yeah." I stretched as I stepped out. I turned and looked at the trio as Dun and Sandy jumped out of the truck bed while Leith began to unpack the boxes. "Glad we finally made it."

"Yea-umph! Yeah." Dun heaved a box that Leith handed to him. "It was fun riding with you while it lasted."

"Oi. Try not to drop it on your foot." Leith admonished as he pushed another box forward for them to take. "But yeah. I'm gonna miss riding around with you. It'll be boring without your music Kid."

"My name is still Kane." I said blandly. This had been a recurring thing after the first day where they refuse to refer to me as anything else except 'Kid'.

"Not here it isn't." Sandy interjected as she came back from delivering a box. "Do you know where you need to go? If I remember it all starts later today."

"I have someone that I have to meet before the actual contest so I figured that would be a good starting point." I responded. We were actually cutting it close with the timetable due to the damages done to the trucks on the first day but managed to make up the time. Apparently, there was something with the engines and their dust stores and we didn't need to swap out the dust canisters nearly as often and instead just powered through without stop. I really need to look into the mechanical engineering of Remnant because dust based tech is really outstanding. "Other than that, I'm gonna enjoy myself with the rest of the festival."

"I wish we could go with you." Sandy sighed as she slumped over a box. "I remember going to the festival when I was younger. Its amazing during the day when the Sakura trees are in bloom and it only gets better at night with the lanterns and fireworks."

"I hear ya." Dun leans on the gate of the truck bed with Sandy. "I'm meeting my siblings after work to watch the fireworks. Oh! Just a suggestion," He looked like he had an epiphany. "I suggest hitting the food stalls in the western section. They are usually the best."

"Noted."

Leith dropped a box in front of Dun, making him jump at the loud sound. "I doubt we'll be able to come see you." He apologizes. "There's too much to do and we won't be done until close to nightfall and that's after the music contest ends."

"A real shame I know." The smell of Tobacco hits me fore she arrives and I and the others turn to see Boss walking over to us. Getting to know her a bit more led to the discovery that she actually owns this transportation company, or at least her family does. Being the youngest daughter in her family, she leaves most of the office work to her elder siblings while she manages some of the caravans. "Every one's a bit sad to see you go and even more wanna go and cheer you on when you get on stage, but the wheels on this machine ain't stoppin' for anyone it seems." Her voice was a bit miffed as she took an inhale from her cigar and blew it out to the side. "The ones upstairs want everything organized and accounted for, standard procedure after a bandit raid and impromptu vehicle repairs."

"Ah man," Sandy slumps even further down. "Can't you as for us boss? We can do it all tomorrow. I want to enjoy the festival and hear the Kid play." She wined like a child but from the faces the men of the trio, and more than a few listeners from the caravan, they were hoping as well.

"The schedule is already set. There's nothin' I can do. You'll just have to watch on the TV. Now get on back to work." She lightly ordered and the rest of the caravan groaned but complied with her orders.

Boss however wasn't done and put her arm around my shoulder and lead me off towards the front gate. I waved good bye to everyone and received waves in return before letting Boss maneuver me through the facility.

…

…

…

"You're not taking me to an abandoned closet, are you?" I said it during an inhale of her cigar, making the older woman practically choke on the smoke and turn into a coughing fit. It took a lot of effort to beat down the laughter in my chest at the coughing and glaring mess Boss became and I had to look away because I was sure that if I met her eyes I would break down. I heard her muttering, calling me a 'cheeky shit' and a few other things as she marched me to the gate.

It was from here that I could see the most beautiful views since I first came to this world. From what I remembered of the show Mistral was a declining nation filled with corruption and poverty but you never would know from how it looks.

The city was quite literally built into a large mountain with tunnels and buildings carved into it. The entire city looked like it was practically designed to work around the natural formations of the mountain. Water flowed down the mountain and in-between the buildings making it look like a fantasy version of ancient Asia, specifically China and Japan.

"First time in the Kingdom?" Boss asked. I must have had a look on my face because there was a small smirk on hers.

"Yeah." I admitted as I took out my phone and positioned it just right, trying to get everything in the shot. "Can't say I've ever seen anything like it."

Boss nods. "Mistral is the most beautiful of all the kingdoms," Her smirk slips and is soon replaced with a frown. "But it's a shit show if you look deep enough. Normally it wouldn't sit right with me sending a kid as young as you out into the kingdom but something tells me you'll be fine, and if I hadn't seen what you did with them bandits, I would have kept you close by with one of the boys. So, I want you to promise me that you'll stay safe and not trust anyone while you're here." She spoke with more seriousness than I had ever heard from her these past seven days.

"I can only promise I'll try." She looked at me for a moment before letting out a sigh and a shrug.

"Guess that's the best I'm gonna get." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a white card and handed it to me. It was a business card with her name (Which was Tula) and personal contact information.

"I'm not interested in booty calls." That one got me a slap upside the head, though I didn't mind.

"It's shit like this that only makes me more worried." Boss grumbled. "That's my contact number. If your ever in the area and need a ride somewhere for just a bit of work you call and I'll do my best to hook you up. We have trucks going in and out all across the kingdom so we'll help some way."

I looked at the info and added it to my scroll before handing back the card. "Thanks. I'll make sure to call if I need to get anywhere."

Boss nods with a smile. "Now, do you need me to call you a taxi or do you have someone to pick you up."

"I got my own way around." I did. That motorcycle that I picked up after beating the Junkrats was now fully operational after I replaced the tire. All I needed was the address and I would be off to the festival.

"Alright. We'll be watching the concert. Knock'em dead." With a pat on the shoulder Boss turned around and walked back into the shipping facility, letting the gate close behind her and blocking me off from going back in.

Looking around I walked down the street and pulled out my scroll and quickly texted JD that I arrived in the city and was making my way to the festival. It's no doubt that he was worried if I got here and I figured that sending a text would be pretty considerate.

Shoving the scroll back in my pocket I turned down a wide alley between the buildings and walked around until I found a conspicuous spot. I then ducked into the small area that hid itself from view of the street.

"Alright, first things first." I reached into my inventory and pulled out the Gatcha token that I received from driving off the bandits a week ago. I couldn't just use it earlier as I was constantly surrounded by the Boss and her subordinates.

With a slight bit of pressure, the token snapped in half, followed by a flash of golden light.

Acquired!

Aerial Drone

"It's bare bones! But quality bare bones!"

A high-tech drone with no offensive or defensive capabilities. It does hover very well.

"It's a drone." I said aloud as I bent down and picked the machine up. It was spherical in shape with lines on the sides that I suspected opened up for some reason. I couldn't see any form of propulsion or exhaust but there was a rather large eye on the front with multiple camera lenses inside. Looking at it, I was sorely tempted to take the thing apart to see how it ticked but restrained myself because I had no idea if I could put it back together if I did. "Ok, this looks like the on button." I pressed a small portion on the top that looked like it should be pressed.

The little orb hums for a second and a soft glow emits from the cracks inside. The sides of the ball shaped device extend outwards making it sort of resemble a tie fighter in shape. It then lifts from my hand and floats in the air…just, doing nothing.

"Ok?" I poke and prod at the little floating camera, trying to figure out how it operates. It takes me a few minutes but I was able to find a port on the back side which looks like it is meant to have something plugged in. "Uh TARI? I don't think I have anything that plugs into this. NO! Wait! Never mind I think I found it." Surprisingly enough it has the same charging ports as my scroll.

The drone runs on Dust infused batteries much like the Scroll.

It should run with all Remnant based electrical wiring.

Seriously? Well, that's nice to know. Now if only I had a sort of instruction manual.

It should be voice controlled or controlled through an outside device.

"Hope it's a decent voice control. I remember a few back on earth that sucked." I commented as I looked at the little thing dead in the eye. I pulled out my scroll and looked through the options and spotted an 'unknown' device attempting to connect. I agree and hear a ding a brief moment later followed by the drone zeroing in on me. I raise a brow as I watch it, and then move my scroll from my right to my left side and then in circles, all the while the little thing maintains center on it. "So its using my Scroll as a reference point. Let's try the voice control next."

"Go to the edge of your range upwards." I ordered. I frowned as it didn't respond but then started to move at a leisurely pace upwards and then stopping. "Is that seriously it's limit? Descend and float to the end of your range forward." I commanded and the drone obeyed before stopping. "Seriously?! What kind of range is 15 feet (4.5meters)?! Get your ass back here!"

The little drone floated back to me and hovered just in front of me. I ran it through a few more tests and found a few things that made up for the shit range. The first was that the little drone had a very high quality camera and microphone. After sinking it to my scroll I had it so some test recordings and maneuver around the space as I spoke random lines and when played back found only minimal drop in quality no matter the distance and location from me. The second was the bright as fuck light that blinded me when I turned it on followed by a night vision camera. The final thing was that whatever was used to keep it afloat (I suspect small gravity dust engines) ran silently, as in there was no coming off in the background when I played back videos.

"I have no damn idea what I'm supposed to do with you." I eyed the little drone and pressed a finger to it and pushed it away only for it to leisurely float back into position. "But I'll figure something out."

With a snap of my fingers the little drone was swallowed by a rising golden portal before said portal widened and descended, revealing the scrapyard looking motorcycle that I fixed up. A flick of my wrist as I accessed my inventory and a pair of sunglasses formed from golden motes of light in my hands which I then put on my face and mount my bike.

'I bet I looked so cool doing that!'

With a quiet thrum of the dust engine I pulled out of the alley way and into the streets, maneuvering through traffic and on my way to the festival.