Ludvik

Perched upon an excess wooden crate, Ludvik fiddled with the lock in his hand, a pin inserted as he sometimes levered it and or pushed, occasionally shaking his head in festering frustration. It was the simplest type of lock, one commonly seen on houses, but Roman had made sure the boy could understand and open every lock he'd ever see. Ranging from electronic locks, deadbolt locks, to even combination locks, Ludvik learned them all.

While the locks were an excuse as to where they went, Roman did like the idea, so he adapted and bought box locks of various kinds. One that he was supposed to go through before the day ended, he began to regret his decision on that point.

And through various experimentation, he had found out a few interesting points.

While unlocking the more complicated locks gave him more experience, it was typically more efficient to work on the lower leveled ones. Despite the lesser experience, the rate of which he could open them far surpassed the former, allowing him to gain nearly a third more of what he would get if he opened a difficult one.

Although, granted, it had given him a quest.

[Entry to a thief]

Objective

-Open Fifteen Novice Level Locks (5/15)

Bonus Objective

-Open Ten Intermediate Level Locks (1/10)

Reward: One of Clubs, 10 Lien, 50 XP, 100 Class XP

Bonus Reward: ?

He lightly frowned, One of Clubs, that was a term he didn't know nor could he even guess. As for the experience points, it seemed like even the levels of classes and his own were separated into two categories.

He roughly grasped the remaining contents, each quest would portray both an objective and bonus objective, with the latter tending to be more difficult than the former. It usually meant a more promising reward, at least, that what he hoped for.

That is precisely the case! Each quest will be outfitted with both an objective and bonus objective, the reward for the latter will roughly equate to double the worth than the former, so make sure to do them whenever the opportunity arrives!

It made sense, it was an easy enough task, but what if he managed to finish the objective before finishing the bonus objective?

As long as you have the intent of clearing the bonus objective, the quest won't be classified as finished, it would temporarily be placed in halt until you express the will of marking the quest as finished. You of course have the power of rejecting the option of doing the bonus objective.

Ludvik hummed, that was a tidbit of knowledge that was good to know. That would prove useful if not at least handy to have. The clicking sound of the lock opening forced the boy out of his thoughts, a smile grew on his face as he tossed it to the side, one down and a lot more to go.

[10 XP Earned!]

The notification disappeared as fast as it popped up, it was something he had done within his settings, he had been given the option of having a notification disappear automatically within the first five seconds or vanish once his mind had completely read the message. It was something that Ludvik, who had previously suffered in the hands of the screen, found useful.

[Lock Picking Leveled up!]

Ludvik watched in near marvel as his hands' movement became more proficient, his senses and instincts growing sharper, as he could feel when to push and move, even if by just a bit it increased the speed of the process. It was nearly magical, as if he had gained days of training within that moment.

Further motivated, he grabbed a handful of locks from the pile and began to work on one, a combination lock, with quick pace. With a light click as his fingers spun on the dial, and two more in sequence, he had opened the combination lock. By far it was the easiest and favorite to do, granted it only provided half as much experience points.

[5 XP Earned!]

But any bit of progress was worth it.

As he continued, the small stature of Neo sat next to him, looming over him as she occasionally played with her scroll. She remained silent, unlike her typical self, and watched him open the locks, sometimes quick, sometimes unbearably slow.

Eventually, she stretched her palm as Ludvik grabbed a lock, although hesitating for a moment, the boy still handed her the lock in the end. It was one of the more difficult ones, he had wanted to see what a leveled up version of [Locking Picking] would look like on an intermediate lock. But in the end it ended the mercenary's palm.

And as he did, he watched in shock as her fingers were but a blur to him, in a matter of seconds in a way he couldn't understand how. The appearance of the lack was of a small yet long silver cylinder, complicated mechanics inside that had the sense as if every move was a tick, it disturbed his senses and made it difficult, and yet Neo had been able to do it. Effectively outperforming him.

Now he felt what Roman did, and his shock was clear on his face as Neo showed a reminiscing smile, one that discomforted Ludvik more than her amused curled lips or taunting smirk. A bold sentence appeared in front of him.

[I used to do it a lot, lockpicking when I was even younger than you.]

Although the words were merely that, words, it felt as if they held hidden emotion. Perhaps she lived in the streets like him, an orphan, until she got grabbed by Roman and taught the ways of a thief. That's what he had always assumed at least, and yet, her rare moment of emotion told a different story.

Like a switch, her melancholiness evaporated as she grinned, crossing her legs as she leaned in towards Ludvik.

[Awww, what, worried about me?]

His concern for her was obvious, or at least enough for her to notice. Ludvik fidgeted in some uncomfortableness but nodded, surprising Neo as her eyes widened a bit, "This is the first time I've seen you sad, so yeah, it makes me worried."

A red hue streaked across Neo's face, even as she attempted to keep her teasing smirk on her face, it was clearly failing. In the end, it was her turn to fidget as she uncrossed her legs, a few more words popped up in his vision.

[I see.]

The two sat in silence, Ludvik confusingly blinking before grabbing the lock he had been working on. He had said the truth, so why had she reacted that way? Unless he said something he shouldn't have. He thinned his lips before opening his mouth, he closed it, what could he say?

Inwardly sighing, he continued working on the locks.

000

Neo

Dangerous. Very dangerous.

He was but a mere four years her junior and he was proving to be more charming in the passing days, when his growth spurt strikes and his confidence rises, the amount of women that fall will be endless.

And if she wasn't careful, she would be able to count herself within the group.

From a ragged orphan who relied on thievery to live, to being taught by both Roman and Neo. While his hand to hand combat skills were… there, he had proven himself to be determined and willing to continue.

She nodded to herself, as if she had just proven her previous claim, he was dangerous to all women or at least would be.

Glancing at the boy, she leered over his shadow in silence once again, his fingers moved albeit with some hesitance and slowness, but they were proficient, it only took a few minutes to unlock it. Still too slow.

'He's improving fast, father than Roman at least.'

Whether or not Roman was willing to admit, Neo had been the one to instruct him on lockpicking, it was her forte after all. Roman was talented, slow, but talented.

But in comparison to the boy, he seemed lackluster, which was something in of itself. Maybe Ludvik would be the next greatest thief, at least, she hoped. The face on Torchwick would be funny at least.

She reached her arm over his shoulder, grinning as she felt the sudden shift of shock on the boy, his body jumping a bit as she slid her hand over. She pushed her aura, willing her semblance to activate as a sentence was strung before him.

[Although the clicks of the lock are to be noted, some are silent, some are purely the sense of touch, and some others are to deceive you. Don't rely on it too much. Be precise, there's a pattern to manufactured locks, there's always a pattern.]

It was times like these she wished she could speak instead of forming words in the air, the reaction she would get out of the adolescent was one she could only fantasize and cackle in her mind about.

For now, Neo was content with his subtle reactions, it was fun teasing him, always so timid.

The boy turned to her, and instead of the largue crimson hue of a blush she expected, he held relief in his eyes. It seemed that due to their earlier conversation and her reaction, he felt that he had done something wrong.

"…"

'Dangerous. Cute but very dangerous.'

This line of thought was repeated again, the innocence of Ludvik was one she grew to cherish, he managed to somewhat maintain it even after their little argument in the forest. But once again, that held a purpose, she would stand by it.

Once again, she continued to watch, the boy refocusing on the lock in hand and she grew increasingly amazed. His movements once again sped up, the efficiency improving as he seriously listened and felt with his senses. Soon, it didn't take a dozen or so minutes to unlock, he did it with half that time.

He was improving.

"Neo!" Just as she resumed to observe the silver eyed teen, Roman stood by the entrance of the warehouse, as Neo turned he gave a gesture to her and she tilted her head. What did he want to talk about?

Hopping off the crate she and Ludvik sat on, Neo left the boy and walked towards Roman, without all the large crates and containers of dust it was much easier to maneuver around. She did a good job, heh.

Arriving next to Roman, they viewed the setting sun, not quite dying the sky in an orange hue but leaving traces of pinkish strawberry. It was nearing the time, after midnight, that's when they would leave.

"The leader of the White Fang decided to send one of their higher ranking Faunus." Without pleasantries or smugness, Roman told Neo outright, he was taking it seriously. An uncharacteristic trait from the man.

Neo hummed, it was a clear sign that the leader didn't trust them, which was expected. A mercenary and a thief weren't exactly a duo one would have faith on, especially with their not so famous reputation.

The fact that they sent one so straightwardly, it was a cause of concern, and although the White Fang didn't need their permission it was common courtesy so as to inform them to expect a new personal with a given reason. They had obtained neither, merely his name and when to expect him.

But if that was it, then Roman would've grumbled and complained but he would otherwise have stayed placate.

"Adam Taures, rising star of the White Fang I heard, also a hard ass. Skilled with that Katana of his, he'll probably be a match for you." Neo pouted at this, as if her pride had been struck by Roman's words.

She kept her 'silence' as Roman leaned against the metal sheeted wall, "The Branwen Tribe and the White Fang working together, now why would they do such a thing. Surely the latter can't be that mistrustful of us so as to spend enough to invoke the help of the bandits."

Neo tilted her head, when Roman put it in that way, then Neo would have to agree. Although troublesome, it wouldn't be too hard to transport all of the dust, just time consuming due to the travel.

Her eyes reached the workers, or at least those who remained awake, most others decided to get a night of sleep before their departure. Was it the workers? But if that was the case, then they would've only been given a deduction in pay if one of them died, so as to motivate them to protect them.

Sure, it could be one of the reasons, but not the main one, there was something missing.

As she continued to think, her eyes widened a bit, coming to the same revelation as Roman. To send a man of that level, then it must've been because they were expecting someone and it didn't take long for Neo to guess who, The Spider.

Can one man really fend off a criminal empire of that level, with those he didn't trust? No, they were missing something, but what?

[The Spider, they're planning something, something more than just killing us off.]

Roman nodded.

"Not only The Spider, the White Fang too, they're making a move. But on what, Mistral?" Roman mumbled, eyes narrowing, yet for as much as he thought, it seemed as if he couldn't come to a conclusion.

[Things are getting dangerous.]

Her eyes glanced at Ludvik, as much as would refuse to say it, he had grown on her. From a mere toy, apprentice to mess with, to a boy she found amusement in, it was like getting rid of her favorite puppy. She simply wouldn't.

Roman chuckled, smoothing out parts of his hair as he stared at the fractured moon.

"We can get him out of here, after the mission, maybe give him to a nice family, make sure he's safe. As fun as it is teaching him about thievery, he isn't cut for this line of work, nor should he be. He can lead his own path." Roman softingly spoke, his true thoughts causing Neo to feel a mix of emotions.

Eventually, she settled for a smug filled reply.

[Heh, afraid that he'll become a better thief than you?]

"Ha, perhaps when he has more muscle than a twig, he has a long way to go until he can challenge me for the throne of thief. Aura can only do so much for him, he still needs control, both in body and aura. His semblance also needs to be unlocked." Soon, the topic of conversation was switched, Roman shaking his head as he proclaimed.

[Semblance? I thought you were against those.]

It was just a common thing Neo had always thought of, unless Roman's semblance was smugness and spite, then she had never seen him use or even mention it all that much, which she doubted he even had one..

Roman shrugged, "Not against, just don't have a particular use for them. Never unlocked it either, and the only way to obtain one is through chance or an emotional moment, which would mean dangerous enough to make me lose my cool, no thanks."

Neo expression flickered into a grimace, she could account for the emotional part, almost too well. Roman coughed his throat, hurriedly changing the subject once more, "Plus, a semblance represents a person, what's mine going to be, turning all objects I touch into gold?"

Neo lightly giggled at the image.

"I do wonder though, if even getting attacked by a Grimm didn't awaken the brat's semblance, what will?" Upon seeing Neo's expression of curiosity and mischief, Roman cleared his throat again and mumbled.

"Forget I said anything. Just remember to be here for when he arrives, around midnight."

Neo smiled her smug smile, twirling the parasol in her hand. She was glad to see the nerves of Roman loosen a bit, even if it was for a moment, she hated seeing him stressed, overthinking and analyzing the tiniest of details for what could possibly be a dead end.

Allowing the silent Roman that stood by the entrance to remain, she skipped her way towards Ludvik, the boy being too busy to notice the added presence that was approaching. Neo hummed in thought, her eyes twinkling with a certain something.

During her time as supervisor, she had managed to pick up on a few interesting pieces of rumors. Some that were interesting, and others not but it gave her a certain idea. Didn't Adam Taurus hate the Schnees?

Heh.

000

Adam

Humans.

A parasite that lived among the world, a parasite that clung to life and festered like a rash, a rash that only grew with greed. Bypassing reason and their pathetically weak selves, they claimed the occupation of leading race, thinking themselves as better.

They were avaricious leeches, unstatiable in their act of so called justice. Bringing down those that they called friends and allies, families even, and for what? Material gain, and or status over the minority?

They were divided with every action they took, opposing one another simply for the fear of being incorrect, for being weaker, for being lacking. An inferior race that climbed to the top, that's what they were.

They were the parasite Adam sought to get rid of. And so if it took working with them to accomplish his dream, having the Faunus as a whole obtain a lofty position above their lesser, then so be it.

So as he flew in the Bullhead, his figure sitting and leaned back against the hard and dark interior, he calmed his emotions, controlling them. His hatred remained, but he wouldn't allow his anger to endanger Faunus.

"Sir, we've arrived." The pilot's muffled voice came over the intercom.

Adam lip's subconsciously tightened, sighing as he stood up. With a raised fist, humming and coated with a low crimson hue, he sharply struck, sending a light vibration and bang to resound within.

Within moments, the hatch of the Bullhead opened, allowing wind to blow and enter like water streams, swallowing all that was inside. It pushed back his crimson hair, his clothes flapping as he pulled out a certain amethyst colored gem from the dust compartment of his sheath.

He pinched the top, crack, and dust covered his gloved palm. He placed the remaining gravity dust to its original spot, not only was it expensive but it was also something that was widely useful.

Smothering the dust upon his untainted hand, soon crumbs of light purple glittered, and without any delay he jumped. Free falling and diving through the clouds, and then, he pushed his aura forward to his palms.

In the starry night sky, lit a humble purple glow, seemingly twinkling like all the other stars in the night. Adam closed his two palms, afraid of having the gravity dust leave him. It was tricky yet simple to use, once imbued with aura they would gain properties of gravity for a period of time that depended on quality and quantity of aura.

It was easy to see why the demand far outstripped the supply. Even Adam had only been able to get his hands on a few handfuls throughout his years.

Almost gliding, Adam approached a section outside of Wind Path, far from the warehouse. It almost seemed like he was hanging onto an invisible yet constantly moving rope that swirled in repeated motions. It made for a confusing sight.

Yet, Adam didn't care, his train of thoughts were directed towards the preceding task, how he would handle the humans. There were approximately a dozen and a bit more Faunus that were sent to work, ranging from the ages of roughly fifteen to thirty, nearly none bar a few exceptions had any combat experience.

His only allies were a thief and a mercenary and a supposed group of bandits, led by Raven Branwen of all people. As much as he hated to say so, he was outmatched, simply by Raven if rumors were to be believed.

But a person like Roman and his attention sick puppy, Neo, was driven by cash. That was assured. And as for the latter, she simply followed the man. Have a grip on the thief and you have a grip on the psychotic murderer.

Feeling a little eased, he portioned some of his aura, cutting off a minor flow that was targeted at the fragments of the dust. It caused him to falter within the air, but he eventually stabilized as he 'drove' faster at a separate location from Wind Path. Close, but far enough to not be visible.

Scenery of green came into view, the calling of the birds and shifting air, they pushed past his body as he prepared himself. His body slowly came closer to the ground.

Dropping onto the patch of grass, Adam buckled his knees, taking the impact of the fall with the sole of his boots, leaving a slight ache. The pain would fade in mere minutes, it wasn't worth expending his aura more than he has already.

Just as he thought this, a clap echoed within the vicinity, Adam's expression almost settled into a sneer, two figures coming within the shadows of the trees. They had waited like they were supposed to at the very least.

"What an entrance, a cape would really bring the scene together in my opinion. Like those superheroes in children's comic books, a real inspiration." Roman mockly praised, Neo nodding beside him, failing in hiding her amused gleam.

Adam furrowed his eyebrows at the mockery, but he held his tongue, he would tolerate them until the mission had been completed.

"Give me a report, what has transpired during your stay here." He then ordered, dusting off the nonoperating remains of the gravity dust, it could only be used for so long and the effects wore off.

"Oh you know, a little bit of this, a little bit of that." Roman shrugged, his grin curving as Adam glared from his visor, the intensity being enough to be felt through the material. The two males stared at one another, not even a minute and the two clashed.

[Picking on a little boy, isn't that considered bullying Roman?]

The late teen with the multicolored eyes tapped her cheek in thought, it seemed like a casual question but it was a strike at Adam.

Once again, Roman lifted his shoulders, waving at her with a smile, "I'm just teasing. So far, all seventeen of your Faunus workers remain, each within one of the trucks, letting them outside would prove dangerous if a Grimm were to attack."

"Oh, and speaking of the trucks, they're for transportation, all black and armored, only the best for this mission. Of course, you could've voiced your own opinion on the vehicle if you were here earlier, but now we only have an hour or two before we have to meet up with the Branwen Tribe."

Adam glared again, knowing the man, the costs were something Roman would no doubt force on the White Fang. Yet he could only sigh, the vehicles could be used to ensure the safety of the Faunus to some degree, so it was fine.

Whether this was a serious thought or merely to lower his temper, it was both.

[Reason: Adam arrived with Gravity Dust and not on a truck like planned because he was talking with The Spider, they're making a move on The Branwen Tribe. Deciding to share the Red Velvet Bar 50/50, and in exchange they would get Roman and Neo and 50% control.]

Seeing that Roman would let the matter drop, Adam took a deep breath, containing his anger as he clenched and unclenched his fists before replying, "A certain matter has caused me to depart late, so I was forced to use a quicker approach to arriving."

Roman glanced at Neo, the latter mimicking the former's movements and shrugging casually, Roman turned back to Adam, "Don't blame us if anything goes wrong because you weren't here, come on, they're waiting for us a few miles up ahead."

Nodding, Adam followed and reached an area to what seemed like a line of trucks, perfectly straight and matched with the shadows of the night, occasionally gleaming from the moonlight. It would do just fine as camouflage, at least long enough to complete the task.

"Alright, we should head off now, the sooner the better." Just as Adam commanded, walking towards the lined up trucks, a flow of words appeared before him, startling him for a moment.

[Actually, there's one more person we're waiting for.]

'What?'

Although a bit disgruntled, Adam begrudgingly nodded, thinking of it as nothing more than a Faunus. No one else besides the three of them were supposed to be here anyways, so that only left one of his own kind.

Roman nodded, walking towards the trucks as he waved at Adam to follow.

"Come, come, you can tell me all about your adventures, maybe if your leader is a cutie? Can't tell much from a robotic voice, now can I?" Roman chuckled, drawing a growl from Adam as he stepped with his hand to his hilt.

Roman blinked.

"...Or not."

Neo twirled her parasol, the light colors mixing in lush motion, her smile towards Adam sent a small chill. It served as a warning, a warning Adam accepted. Even he held a form of doubt if he could kill her without obstructions, much less walk away unscathed.

With a snort, Adam continued, Neo's smile lingering before skipping off. Adam made sure to take note of their closeness.

As the two arrived, Adam slid his right across the side of the vehicle, at least Roman remained truthful. Adam leaned against it, smiling a bit in content as he faintly heard the free chatter inside.

"So… what do you think he's doing?" Adam glanced at Roman, who turned to Neo, he received a simple hum and a shrug. They seemed to have a habit of doing that, whether it was because of Adam or not, he didn't know.

"Really, you think he's doing that?" Judging by Roman's expression, it seemed like he had received one of those messages from Neo. So she can select those who can see her constructs, how terrifying.

"No, he can't be, he's so young. Plus, the only females he's seen are from… well, you and the Faunus." Neo made a proud smirk, hands to her hips as she puffed up her chest, Roman almost looked disappointed.

"..."

Adam ignored them, wishing the Faunus would hurry up.

Fortunately, it didn't take long for Adam's request to be met. Out of the darkness came a boy, white hair disheveled, piercing alluring silver eyes, and facial features that were covered by a swirling black and white mask.

His eyes grew wide. White hair, silver eyes.

His mind flashed, to a point where he wore ragged and dirty scraps that could barely be called clothes, his frame small and starved, small azure eyes staring up at a man in white. His sneer was emboldened by aged lines, his eyes, pure and almost silver as they looked down on the boy with a condescending gleam.

Within that moment, anger surged within Adam, a tempest was being brewed, like an uncontrollable tidal wave that could not be controlled. In a matter of seconds, his hand found itself near his hilt, drawing his blade with decisiveness.

But just as he found the edge of his katana gleaming under the moonlight, a single pointed and closed parasol met his gaze, the holder, Neo staring directly at his form. Gone was her daunting smugness, her typical grin dashed away and replaced with a light tight frown, her eyes narrowed as a single message lined up before Adam.

[Move, and I'll kill you.]

Adam found himself sweating, the transaction of action and personality being too quick for him, yet he stayed his ground and growled, his blade shone with cold crimson light. Neo's parasol opened wide with its frilly patterns turning slowly.

The air was tense, and Adam only blinked when the form of the child shattered into pieces, it was but a mere illusion of the woman. Was the existence of the boy just that, an illusion? Or was she testing him, seeing his reaction to the boy, and did that implicate that they held an actual Schnee?

A cheerful chuckle with a dissuading tone intervened, Roman walked and stood between the two, his palms outstretched as he spoke, glancing from Adam to Neo and back, "Hey, hey, no need to get into a lover's quarrel you two, we can all be pals here, can't we?

With a grunt, Adam stepped back, Neo reciprocated as Roman sighed. The latter male turned to Adam, "Sorry about that, she likes to play pranks like these, wanted to see how'd you react to a random kid coming. Never knew you hated children as much as me, maybe we're more alike than we thought, eh?"

Adam scowl deepened, it had barely been a few minutes and yet he already knew full well why Roman and his partner were as infamous as they were. Irritating and deceiving, one would lose their temper rather quickly with the two of them.

Rotating her parasol over her shoulder, Neo pouted at Roman but didn't send a message, or if she did, then Roman didn't react.

"No? Okay then, you can bring Little White out Neo." With Roman's encouragement, a surrounding spot above the truck shattered like a glass plane, and with it appeared the small figure that had previously walked towards him before.

Those damn glimmering colored eyes, shining with awfully concealed fear, the boy fidgeted, nearly shuffling back as his azure eyes met his gaze.

"Don't worry about him, we picked him up during our mission. He knows enough so he won't be of any detriment. As for him being a Schnee, he's not."

Roman casually explained, not too worried as he yawned. He turned towards Roman, eyes questioning, the man once again did the casual motion, "As far as I'm aware, Little White isn't a Schnee. Doesn't look like them at least besides the toothpaste theme."

Adam stared at Roman before nodding.

Little White, it was most likely a nickname they had given him, he didn't know whether that was for the mission or because that was the actual name he had been given. But as long as he wasn't a real Schnee, then it didn't matter either way.

With an aura boosted jump, he caught onto the side of the truck and lunged himself onto the roof of the vehicle, now standing and looking down at the masked boy. Adam merely grunted and sat, the boy continued to look at him, as if assessing him, and also sat.

He had chosen the very forefront of the line, so as to see anything that may be in the front, but now he was stuck with a Schnee lookalike or bastard. Great.

"Alright boys, let's get a move on, wouldn't want the pretty bird to get prissy with us!" Roman's voice shouted, causing the engines to rumble and the vehicle to slightly shake. From the corner of his view, Roman waved at him before entering the side of the truck besides the driver at the front.

As for Neo… Adam frowned, she had completely disappeared from the midst of his sight. Although mischievous, she was a very dangerous woman, and he had already completely lost her. Not a comforting thought.

He shifted his potion, back turned to nature, his face facing forward. Better to be safe.

000

Ludvik

Scary.

That was Ludvik's first impression of the Faunus, a term specifically taught to him as to not upset said man, known as Adam. Yet, as Ludvik glanced at him, the collected and restrained vicious aura that wrapped around the man, he couldn't help but sight.

'So cool…'

He had seen the red haired figure stand up to Neo, standing toe to toe, and the display left Ludvik in admiration. Anybody who could stand up to Neo, even if he was going to attack 'him,' deserves some level of respect.

Of course, that didn't mean Ludvik felt comfortable with being near the man, in fact, he felt the direct opposite. He had nothing to do, his locks had all been unlocked by himself, granting him two levels and the satisfaction of completing the quest.

Unfortunately, he couldn't see the rewards or bonus rewards, merely the fact he had done it and leveled up twice throughout it. Unless…

'Uh, System, can I use you without using hand movements or speaking?'

Of course Host! Merely using your mind is sufficient enough to use the System, be it inventory, quests, stat adjustments, skills, or any related function of the Gamer System!

Ludvik inwardly nodded, relieved.

'What about using a skill, would that be noticed?'

It would entirely depend on the skill the host wants to use, something like [Theft] or [Interdimensional Passage] would obviously be seen by their nature, but skills such as [Picklocking] or [Thief's Observation] wouldn't.

Enlightened, the gamer system host nodded and glanced at Adam, inwardly muttering 'Thief's Observation'

Just as he finished saying the skill, a small tab appeared before him.

Name: Adam Taurus

Networth: ?

Ludvik couldn't really say he was disappointed, he was using a level one skill on a person that was far above him. Was that something that affected [Gamer's Observation]? Or was it simply applicable to all beings, low or high?

The skill, Thief's Observation, is not affected by the status of an entity or strength. It can be used on all forms of life, be it creatures, plants, and or even inanimate objects.

Well, that was handy to know, especially the part where it can be used on more than just people. Something to test out later he supposed.

Ludvik shifted in his spot, the road was bumpy and the leaves that splashed against his face like thick wind wasn't a comfortable sensation. And yet, despite the condition, Adam remained unaffected, sitting still without a single change.

Flashes of verdescent green passed through, occasionally swaying or slapping onto Ludvik's thin mask. Ludvik held his hands up, crossing them to block the incoming branches and leaves. Adam grunted at the sight, almost as if finding the boy's performance a mere clown's show.

The boy steeled himself, lowering his hands ever so slightly, as if bracing himself to face the wrath that was mother nature. Adam grunted, almost chuckling as he advised, "If you're that bothered by the branches and leaves, just lay down and grab onto the truck. It should block some, if not all, of the annoyances."

Ludvik hesisted, remembering Adam's previous actions towards 'him,' and what could've been his death. But now that Adam knew he wasn't this 'Schnee' didn't mean he wouldn't attack him? Especially after his clash with Neo?

A particularly thick branch slammed against the side of Ludvik's head, finally convincing him with a low hiss of pain as he adjusted himself, keeping a single eye on the unmoving Adam who watched with a mixture of amusement and contempt.

Ludvik breathed a sigh of relief as his chest softly landed on the steel and almost pulsating-like roof of the onyx truck, he breathed in the free cold air, rushing past his body and clothes even in his position, he almost felt relaxed.

Almost, even the exhilaration couldn't help him forget about the man who almost stabbed Neo's fake projection of him. It was almost as if he could feel the cold blade held against him, causing him to shiver.

The rest of the ride consisted of Ludvik gripping the side of the truck, faced down as the two males maintained their silence, whatever inaudible chatting he and Adam could've heard was drowned out by the ruffling leaves and pushing air.

It was until a few minutes, if not even more than that, did the multiple vehicles come to a stop, haliting before a certain group. Ludvik peaked from overhead, his silver eyes glimmering as he counted twenty, twenty one if he considered the woman that stood in the front.

The large white skull-like headwear caused him to draw his eyes away, he couldn't look straight at it, it looked eerily familiar to the one he had killed but larger and thicker. It brought unwanted memories and phantom aches through his mind and body.

But, they all looked tough, not just the one that stood at the forefront. Half of them were strapped with leather jackets, molded iron plates on their shoulders, held together with tight bands around their body. They looked ragged, not someone who Ludvik could compare to in appearance to Neo and Adam.

As for the other group though, they wore more fitting styled clothes to the woman in the front, neat, clean, and similarly themed, they each wore a thin white and black mask resembling that of different Grimm. Unlike their leader though, they in fact did not wear skirts that exposed their pale milky thighs.

"..."

Ludvik pointedly ignored his intrusive thoughts, calling within his mind the skill [Thief's Observation]

Name: Raven Branwen

Networth: ?

[Thief's Observation leveled up!]

Ludvik grinned a bit, for a moment he wondered if it would have any effect on the skill now that it had leveled up. Once again, he tried

Name: Raven Branwen

Networth: ?

Occupation: Branwen Tribe Leader

Small Secret: ?

At that moment, the woman, who was presumed to be their leader, locked eyes with him from afar. Fiery cold crimson bore down onto glittering fearful silver, the soles of the mask revealing blood pools that drowned Ludvik's senses. For but a second, he felt just like back then, heft under the bloodied claw of the Grimm.

Ludvik insitvely lowered his head, shuffling away from the viewing position, the windy night caused him to tremble, the cold sweat that flowed from his pores caused parts of his clothes to become saturated. That gaze, it was the exact same as back then, the same sensation as back when he left the Red Velvet Room.

He grimaced behind his mask, but soon his features relaxed, even if she was here and recognized him, even if she was the cause of the gaze back then, there was nothing to worry about. The worst thing that could be possible was her knowing his identity, their tribe were the owners of the Red Velvet Bar.

And yet, he felt uncomfortable when remembering the piercing red eyes, emotions unknown to him that hid behind them.

Suppressing his thoughts, he turned to Adam, the one man who also shuffled to look at the woman besides him. Although hidden behind the visor, his stiff posture was obvious to see, his clenching of the steel of the truck made discernible by the white knuckles on his fist.

'Is he afraid, or angry?'

Ludvik didn't know the answer, but he kept his silence, hiding his presence behind the top of the massive truck, ear out in the wind as the door on Roman's side opened, beside it a familiar woman seemingly materialized out of thin air.

And just as she did, a man dropped from the roof of the vehicle, it was Adam. Ludvik turned to the location the aforementioned previously was, only to find him gone. He hadn't even noticed that the man jumped.

For some reason, as the three stood before the woman and tribe, he had an inkling that the woman was almost amused as they did so.

"It's been some time, Raven, missed me?" Roman grinned his usual grin, cane in hand as he stood a meter apart from the woman. Even Ludvik could tell that the man's casual personality had been somewhat suppressed and strained due to her.

"Not long enough." Was her straight reply, not hiding her displeasure.

Ludvik hadn't ever seen Roman's expression falter so fast before. He hid a smile as Roman laughed dryly, even his charisma couldn't break the leader of the tribe's icy characteristics.

"Well, then I suppose we better complete this mission, right?" Roman hummed with a raised eyebrow, Raven merely nodded as Adam interjected, "In that case, then I suppose we can split into groups of two."

'Groups of two, why?'

Ludvik wasn't the only one who held his eyes onto the red haired man, and using the momentum that he held, Adamc continued.

"It'll speed up the process, two groups, one with Roman and I and the other with Neo and you. We'll take the Faunus with us, should make it easier on you."

Enlightened, Ludvik inwardly nodded, Adam seemed to care a lot for the faunus, even going as far as suggesting such a plan. On the plus side, by doing this, he ensured the safety of his own kind by acting as if it was a gesture of kindness.

Roman twirled his cane and shrugged, "I suppose that would speed up the traveling, making us split the 'weight' and forces, dangerous though. Don't get me wrong, it's doable, just a bit dangerous."

"Plus, you forgot one person."

As Roman said so, he turned his head to the roof of the truck where a specific person laid, where Ludvik laid. He gulped, for some reason, he didn't have a good feeling about the man's look. The wink he did as the white haired boy peeked out didn't comfort him at all.

Roman's lips curled into a smug smirk, amusement clear as he opened his mouth, but before he could speak the cold and demanding voice of Raven spoke before he could.

"I'll take him."

'…eh?'

000 000 000

AN

As for the extremely later and short chapters, those are due to the finals that are coming closer and closer like a guillotine. After this, I'll be able to post like I usually do, perhaps. Can't wait to finish those insufferable assignments…

So for now, bear with it.

Oh, and if you want to chat with me and a bunch of other great authors, then feel free to enter the discord server 'owned' by Shiro and company. Be warned, stupidity, degeneracy, and porn are guaranteed

discord .gg/wd3tUYWVCd

Hmm, possible Neo romance? Not what I expected either. Food for thought, food for thought indeed. I'll decide some time later I suppose. Even if I decide to go that route, it won't affect the two pairings that were already decided. Also, it wouldn't be happening instantly or within the next chapters, because I at least want him to be, you know, older.

That's all, have a great day everyone!