After signing the contract, Leo found himself being handed over an unusual-looking device and a metallic CD by Captain Kid.
The device resembled a mix between a headset and medical equipment, with small magnetic nodes arranged along its structure.
"This," Kid began, gesturing to the device, "is the information pack I promised. But instead of simply reading it like a regular data file, you'll need to use these specialized modular electromagnetic plugs. Once attached to your head, they'll transmit the data directly into your brain via electromagnetic propagation."
He paused briefly, allowing Leo to examine the equipment.
"This method of information transfer is standard for military-grade encryption. It prevents unauthorized access by ensuring the data can only be deciphered through this specific device. Every message classified above a certain encryption rank on Terra Nova is delivered in this format," Kid explained, pointing out the key magnetic nodes Leo would need to position on his temples and the back of his head.
Leo inspected the CD as Kid continued, "This disk contains both your unique passkey and the encrypted message. When you're ready, slot it into the device, and the data transfer will begin. However," Kid's voice grew serious, "be aware that the CD can only play the message twice before it self-destructs. Pay close attention, Leo. Absorb every detail and make notes on anything critical. You won't get a third chance."
Leo gave a firm nod, acknowledging the gravity of Kid's words. "Understood, Captain. Thank you."
Captain Kid extended his hand, and Leo grasped it firmly.
Clap.
For a brief moment, their eyes met. Kid's usual sharp demeanor softened as a faint smile crept onto his face.
"The MP promised in the contract will be credited to your account by the end of the day," Kid continued. "Additionally, upon landing, you'll receive one resurrection token. Take it to a cloning facility, and you'll be able to recreate Ben Faulkner without issue."
Leo nodded in gratitude, his expression serious as Kid turned on his heel, ready to depart.
But just as he began walking and took a couple steps, Leo's voice cut through the moment, stopping him in his tracks.
"Captain… one more thing."
Kid turned, his brows slightly raised. "What is it?"
Leo hesitated briefly, choosing his words carefully. "During my meditation earlier today, I noticed something… strange. It felt significantly more difficult than yesterday. There wasn't any obvious reason for it. Do you… have any idea why?"
The question lingered in the air, heavy with uncertainty as Kid froze for a moment, his expression carefully neutral, though Leo detected a flicker of something—concern, perhaps—crossing the Captain's face.
"You had trouble meditating?" Kid repeated, his tone quieter now, edged with genuine confusion as he turned fully to face Leo again.
For a moment, they stared at each other, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging between them.
Kid's sharp eyes studied Leo's face carefully, searching for any hint of suspicion or malice in his expression. But there was none. Leo's gaze was steady, his brow slightly furrowed with genuine confusion, not accusation. And even his previous tone had been curious, uncertain even, but never confrontational.
That was the key detail that allowed Kid to remain composed. If Leo had suspected foul play, his voice would have been sharper, his stance more aggressive, and his question would have been framed differently. But Leo wasn't even close to connecting the dots. He had no idea that Kid had subtly sabotaged his training regimen the previous day—just enough to cause strain without raising alarms.
A minuscule tweak in the mana flow readings of the equipment was usually imperceptible to most players, but apparently Leo had caught on.
Not fully, but he knew something was off.
'He doesn't know the full picture,' Kid thought, maintaining his calm exterior. His brief moment of hesitation fading as his mind raced to construct a plausible explanation. He allowed a slight shrug to roll across his shoulders, feigning ignorance.
"Meditation can be… unpredictable, Leo," Kid said, his voice smooth and measured. "Sometimes, it's not about external factors but internal ones. Fatigue, mental distractions, or even residual stress from intense activity the day before can make the process more challenging. Your body might just be adapting to the increasing load of your abilities."
Leo seemed to consider this, his expression softening slightly as he nodded along. Kid pressed on, reinforcing his alibi.
"Take some time to rest tonight. Clear your mind before your next session. Sometimes a little reset can work wonders. But if the problem still persists, do let me know and I'll send a ship engineer to check your meditation room"
Kid offered a small, reassuring smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. Leo accepted the answer without further probing, giving another thoughtful nod.
"Yeah… maybe you're right. Thanks, Captain."
Kid turned once again, this time walking away without pause. But deep down, he couldn't shake the faint edge of unease creeping up his spine. Leo might not suspect anything now, but Kid knew one thing about Leo Skyshard: he wasn't someone who ignored inconsistencies for long. If Kid wanted to keep his secret buried, he'd need to tread carefully in the days ahead, or the notorious assassin that claimed the lives of entire armies within the game, could very easily sneak into his quarters and claim his life for messing with him instead.
'Holy shit…. Why did I ever decide to mess with this freak?' Kid wondered, as he recalled some of Leo's most infamous moments within the game world and reminded himself that he was not a sane man to be around.
Leo Skyshard, despite the amiable and composed facade he presented to the world, was, at his core, a cold and calculating predator. Behind those sharp eyes and calm demeanor lay the mind of a man who could dismantle an opponent—physically, mentally, and strategically—without a flicker of hesitation.
If Captain Kid ever slipped—if he ever let even the faintest hint of his sabotage become apparent—he knew exactly what awaited him.
Leo wasn't the kind of man to let betrayal slide. No, Leo Skyshard didn't believe in mercy for those who tried to undermine him. He would unravel Kid piece by piece, exposing every weakness, exploiting every vulnerability, and, when the time came, ensuring that Kid would regret ever crossing him.
And hence he needed to be careful.