It has been a few days since my arrival at Kuo Kuana. Days spent on a repetitive and boring job as an unskilled worker, moving crates from point A to point B. Many others are stuck in the same situation as me, but I don't know if I should take comfort that the rest are older than me.
But those are side thoughts. I also used that time to take notes about the strange blue window that appears every time I call out with the word 'Status'. I did try other names, but it didn't work, but I was glad that I could bring out the window with mental command as my roommates were looking at me as if I was crazy for muttering alone too much.
But in summary, the little window gives a general overview of myself. However, with nothing to compare to, I can't say if my stats are good or bad. According to a loose memory, I should be able to observe others' stats, but no matter how many times I tried, not a single window popped up beside my own.
I even tried on objects, to no avail. However, on a good note, those small tests also helped me to rediscover my night vision. It wasn't like I could turn it on and off at will, but since it felt so natural, I never took notice of it.
Shaking my head, I drop the two crates next to the small mountain of stacked goods and turn around to grab the next pair. It is a good thing I wear a sleeveless shirt since it helps with the heat but at the cost of the rough surface scraping against my exposed skin.
After another round, I sit atop of the crates and let out a long-drawn sigh. Is not exhaustion but boredom that caused me to stop working and watch the jungle city.
A distinguishable shape of a big man with animal traits carrying two crates approaches me. "You are quite strong for someone of your size." He lightly jokes as he places the crates on top of the pile.
I roll my eyes. Compared to him, I look like a toddler in size. He kinda got the genetic lottery at being a bear faunus. "These crates don't weigh that much, people are just over dramatic."
He chuckles and flexes his right arm to show off his strength. "We are talking around 50 kg on average and you can carry two every run. Not only that, but you don't look tired, even someone as myself needs to rest after a couple of runs."
He brings up a good point. I don't get tired when working, but I'm sure it has to do something with the stamina stat.
"They pay for the number of crates." I tap the crate under me.
The rest of the workers can only carry one besides the big man in front of me. I haven't seen another who could carry two crates. My strength stat must have come into play as well, since I don't remember being able to carry more than my entire weight before. At most, it would have been half.
He agrees with a nod. "Mmhm, the supervisor is happy that things are moving faster, but I can't say the same for our friends over there."
The faunus uses his thumb to point at the others who are giving me ugly looks, not like I blame them. There are a limited number of ships coming and going every day. My strength and stamina take a bigger share of the job and, in consequence, their payday is affected.
I spend a few seconds sharing looks before I shrug. "They need to suck it up, but even with the extra pay, I can't even afford a small room. I probably would need to work for months to afford a single month's rent. I checked the notice board at the shelter and that isn't even taking food expenses into account…"
I'm broke in simple terms, that's including the small amount of lien the guard lady gave me days ago out of pity.
Besides, most of my day's wage is spent on a decent meal at the end of my shift. I am practically living with a one meal per day diet plan.
"You just got a bit unlucky here, but at least you are in Menagerie and not the other kingdoms. We faunus must help each other after all."
"You are right. It could be worse. I could have ended as a slave or sent to work on those miserable mines. So you know anything else I could work for a better pay? Moving crates is a simple job, but this isn't for me."
"Construction worker, if you don't mind a foreman endlessly screaming at you, farm work if you don't mind the smell. Or maybe join the fisherman crews if you have the guts to go out there. They are always looking for people." He points at the smaller boats on the other side of the port.
His options don't sound that bad, but between having a shitty boss or 'going out there', as he refers to it. I would pick the last option many times over.
"Do you think they would let me get free fish from them?" My mouth waters from the idea. Besides better pay, the free fish is a big perk to satisfy a craving and no longer worry about food. Killing two birds with one stone.
"No idea, but it wouldn't surprise me if they do."
I clap my hands as my ears flap with excitement. "Where do I sign up?"
The bear faunus burst out in laughter and pointed at the same spot as before.
I won't leave without claiming my paycheck, no matter how small it is. I did some work and I expect to get paid for it.
Of course, the supervisor wasn't pleased about leaving so soon but didn't object and paid me the corresponding amount for my work, all added to the blue plastic card. When I get more money, I will make sure to buy a fancy digital wallet.
I currently have 283 lien to my name and a single room costs around a thousand lien.
Waving my goodbyes, I run towards the other side in search of a better job.
I watch the island beaches shrink in the distance as entertainment before turning my attention to other fishing boats sailing in different directions. Some are bigger or look more advanced with their automatic nets while ours everything is manual, but watching the small number of them leaving creates a doubt.
I step closer to the captain, who is on the steering wheel, and tap his shoulder to get his attention. "It might be a bad time to ask, but why don't many pick this job?"
It didn't come as a surprise that many fishermen are cat faunus. If I have a craving for fish, they also have it as well.
He looks at me confused and turns to the rest of his crew, who were stifling their laughter. "It is a bad time to ask that now, kid. But let me humor you, we need to sail into deep waters, outside of the hunter's patrol routes."
"And unlike those bastards from Atlas, we don't have a battlecruiser to escort us, or at least a boat capable of defending itself." A shirtless guy steps up.
"So if we get attacked by a Grimm…" The captain trails off, making me pale as I look at the distant shores of Menagerie, becoming less visible by the second.
"We are dead." Another crewman finishes for him.
I fail to swallow all my nerves and regrets. "I'm starting to reconsider."
However, the rest of the crew only burst out laughing as the captain patted my back. "HA! Don't worry, a small boat like ours gives us an advantage. The Grimm would rather attack big ships that make lots of noise. We have to be really unlucky for those monsters to notice us."
His words are a bit reassuring, but there is something I need to know first. "Just when was the last grim attack?"
He raises three fingers. "This year alone, we only lost three ships."
Everyone else nods in silence.
Should I be worried that three ships were swarmed or glad that it was only three ships? We are almost half a year away from New Year's eve.
Is already too late to back out and being all gloomy and scared would only paint a target on me and the fishermen. "Just teach me what to do."
"Well, it's pretty simple. Just throw this net as far as you possibly can and slowly pull back." The leader demonstrates. The net submerges into the sea before he drags it back with both hands. However, when the net is closer, his face turns into a deep frown.
It is self explanatory why he is upset.
"Nothing." He sighs in disappointment.
"It is a matter of perseverance." Another crew member tries to cheer up until he pulls his own empty net.
The captain hands me his net. "Your turn. Just throw and pull."
With the net in my hands, I plant my left foot in front of my body, point my shoulder in line with my non-existent target and use my right foot to help me with my throw along with my body. The fishing net travels some distance before landing on the sea and going down.
One guy on board whistles in surprise at the distance of my throw before focusing on his own work.
I pull my fishing net but it steadily becomes heavier to pull, I would have thought that being able to carry heavy crates might have helped, but those were inanimate objects and I am sure that the fish trapped in the net are fighting back with all their might to not become food.
I plant both feet on the deck and pull the rope with both hands, slowly but steadily making progress. My brief fight didn't go unnoticed as one of the faunus quickly came to my aid and together we finally pulled out the net packed with fish splashing and trashing, hoping to escape.
[Fisherman job unlocked!]
[Fisherman level up!]
[Novice Fisherman level 2!]
Wait what?
"Wow kid, I envy your luck." The man who helped me pats me on the back and takes me away from the sudden windows, which quickly disappears from my eyes.
"No way, he actually got a full net?" Another one approaches with his empty net.
"You don't catch full fishing nets?" I ask, my head tilting to the side in confusion.
"Is a rare sight around these parts, to be honest, unless we are reckless enough to sail into deeper waters." He points to the north where we can only see more empty sea and probably infested with the creatures of darkness.
"Just bring the cooler." The captain orders.
One of the men brings a big container where we empty the fishing net into and close it before any fish tries to escape.
"Ready to go again?" The older man grabs my shoulder and gives me an encouraging smile.
I chuckle and grab the fishing net and position myself to throw it again.
[Fisherman level up!]
[Novice Fisherman level 3!]
And obtain the exact result with the exception that it was slightly easier than before.
I have a hypothesis already forming in my head. It is a shame that I didn't bring the notepad to take notes, but my memory will have to do. There is some correlation and I need a couple more tries to be completely sure.
Much time later, we return with a deck packed with fish of all sizes and species. The sun is almost gone, but thanks to my natural ability, the time change isn't an issue and neither for the others as there is little artificial illumination and can still work without it.
Our boat had rows of people waiting for us at the port and as soon as we secured the boat, everyone started shouting and yelling prices and quantities. Every single one of them were interested buyers.
Menagerie is heavily reliant on imports coming from all the kingdoms that are willing to do business with them. So it wasn't a surprise how fast all the fish we brought to the docks sold out in less than an hour and left many wanting.
The people aren't starving but they are close to one market disruption to go into food deficit if what the captain said holds any truth, not a good situation to be in which is also the reason they are always looking for more hands which translated in a much better pay than my little job as a cargo boy on docks. From a measly average of fifty lien per day to a whopping 300. Even with the potential risk, it is worth it. Besides, I got the great perk of free food. The standard is one per person, but since I was the reason for such an excellent catch, they found it fair to give me more.
"Comeback tomorrow kid!" Everyone waves me a goodbye and I reply to the gesture with my free hand as I happily walk towards the market with my bag full of fresh fishes.
I am tempted to eat it raw, but the fish bones would be atrocious to deal with the guts and the next day I would stink of rotten fish.
With those limited options, it is clear to me where to go next.
The market, which I don't know the name of, but that detail doesn't matter since it is very close and I can see it from a distance.
Even with the broken moon up in the sky, the market is still buzzing with activity. Though it mainly comes from the food stands and open restaurants and the reasons are kinda obvious as it is the time for everyone's work shifts to end.
Business strategies.
I was caught by surprise to see an actual human, but it isn't like they banned humans from visiting Menagerie, if my memory serves me right. They have a slogan saying 'Come as you are'.
Probably that's the only reason I choose to approach his place rather than the other stands with faunus working in them.
Once close, I see his features much better, and he is a rather old person with gray short hair and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.
"Can you teach me how to prepare and cook this?" I bring up my bag.
The older human leans closer and becomes surprised for a moment, but quickly composes himself.
"That's a good catch you got there." The man points at my bag with his knife. "I will teach you if you give me half."
I have a weak lingering feeling that he might be overcharging me, but I don't have anywhere or anything to store them. Better get some use of it rather than letting them spoil. "Deal."
I grab three fish and place them on his counter, the fishmonger quickly grabbing them and placing them on ice before storing them with the rest.
He hands me a bloodied and stinky blue apron and gestures to me to enter his workspace. Then he brings out a much smaller fish, which he slowly makes a cut on the stomach and starts gutting, occasionally snapping his fingers to keep me focused on his work.
He grabs a cleaver and removes the tail and head. Pushing those parts in a bucket under his counter.
"Now is your turn." He hands me his knife and his meat cleaver. Taking one step back to open up space so I can work on his cutting board.
I place all my fish on the cutting board, a sidelong glance to my right, and the older man has a stern gaze on me, waiting for me to continue.
Feeling the pressure, I grab the knife and cut the belly of the first fish and start gutting it with my hand. Then change to the cleaver to chop the head off and tail, following his example.
[Cook job unlocked!]
[Novice cook lvl 1]
And the small notification window makes its appearance once again and confirms my hypothesis that I can learn new jobs if someone teaches me the basics. The infamous job system if those memories don't fail me. I can imagine the next couple of weeks will be quite busy expanding my horizons and learning new jobs. But I didn't level up as soon as I unlocked the new job compared to the fisherman, so maybe it has a different escalation.
My thoughts are cut short as the fishmonger steps in and checks my work. "Is not bad for a first try, but you took more time than necessary and you didn't scrape all the fish innards look here…"
He digs one finger and pulls out a small red organ, which I fail to recognize.
"I will do better with the next one." I grab the next fish.
"We will see." He says as he wipes the blood and broken bits on his apron.
I grab the second fish and follow the same steps.
[Cook level up!]
[Novice cook lvl 2]
And there it is.
The experience growth has to be different for each job, but I need to unlock more jobs to be fully sure.
I wonder if it is the same for crafting and building.
But first things first, when I return to the shelter, I will take a long shower with loads of soap.
Gutting is a messy endeavor.
AN: Apparently in some games gutting and filleting fish counts towards the cooking skill tree, same with normal meat too.