[Aerith Tower: Quest Hall]
The portal shimmered shut behind Arlo, and the flickering energies of the HUB reoriented around him. For a moment, he just stood there, breathing deeply, his heart still hammering as if Gabriel's mace was inches from crushing him. The sharp contrast between the deadly quest and the relative calm of the HUB made his nerves hum with tension.
"Back in one piece," he muttered, half-expecting his legs to give out.Rubbing a hand over his face.
The memory of Gabriel's relentless assault flashed in his mind, and he shook it off.
His eyes scanned the bustling area. Not far from the portal platform, Aria leaned casually against a column, her ever-present composure intact. She watched him approach with a raised eyebrow.
"Done already?" she teased, folding her arms.
Arlo kept his trademark grin plastered on his face.
"Quest complete," he said simply, his tone nonchalant. "Did you doubt me?"
Aria smirked. "Not for a second. But seeing you in one piece does wonders for my nerves." She exhaled deeply. "Well, don't just stand here. You need to report in."
"Yeah, yeah," Arlo interrupted, raising his hands. "I know the drill."
Together, they walked to the central hall, where the receptionist desk was aglow with data screens. Arlo approached the sleek-haired receptionist, who barely glanced up from her holo-display.
"Name?" she asked."Arlo Leeroy," he answered, tapping his fingers on the counter.The receptionist's eyes flicked over the data.
A few more taps later, she looked up. Her fingers danced across the surface, pulling up his profile. Her eyes flicked to the data, then back to him. "Congratulations. You've met all the requirements. You're now an official Pioneer."
She tapped one final command, and a small holographic card projected itself into his hand. The ID displayed his name, rank, and a status marker reading [Active].
With a second flash, the Pioneer ID data seamlessly integrated into his BrainLink. A soft chime echoed in his mind as his interface updated, adding a glowing [Official Pioneer] emblem alongside his existing data. It wasn't just a title—it was access to a whole new level of Quests, perks, and, inevitably, dangers.
[Pioneer Identification Card]
Arlo Leeroy
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Pioneer Rank: D - Rank
ID No. : 0-2000-1321
Quest Completed: 1 - C Rank / 2 - D Rank / 1 - E Rank / 0 - F Rank
The weight of the moment hit Arlo. He stared at the card, thumb brushing over the glowing letters. "Finally."
"Congratulations," Aria said, a warm smile breaking through her usual cool demeanor. "You deserve it."
"Do I?" Arlo muttered. He pocketed the card and rubbed his neck. "Could've gone smoother. Could've been fewer casualties." Aria's smile faded. "You did what had to be done. More people lived because of you. Celebrate that."
"Maybe later." Arlo glanced toward the sprawling concourse beyond the receptionist's desk. "I need a nap before my next existential crisis."
Aria chuckled. "Then get some rest. You've earned it. But don't think I'll forget—we're celebrating soon. No excuses."
"Maybe another day, then," Arlo relented, exhaling. "If I'm still breathing." She grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."
.....
The pair rode through the HUB's vibrant neon corridors in Aria's hovercar. The smooth hum of its engine felt like a lullaby to Arlo's frayed nerves. He slumped in the passenger seat as stars and data projections danced across the tinted windows.
"Where to?" Aria asked.
"Northern Commercial District, 18th Astra Street—Battle Brawler Club," Arlo replied, tapping his forehead lightly. "Need to check on Link's Health First."
The hovercar glided to a halt in front of the club, its chrome exterior gleaming under fluorescent lights. Before Arlo stepped out, Aria tilted her head. "I'll send you an email about our celebration. No bailing."
Arlo smirked. "I'd never dream of it." He hopped out, tossing her a lazy salute before the doors slid shut behind him. The hovercar zipped away, leaving Arlo standing at the entrance as he rubbed the tension from his shoulders.
=================================================
[Battle Brawler Club: First Floor]
Arlo pushed through the double doors of the Battle Brawler Club, the sharp scent of antiseptic mingling with the faint hum of machinery inside. His steps quickened as he made his way to the Pokémon Center nestled on the first floor. The bright lights cast a sterile glow on the waiting area, where a few trainers sat with worried expressions, clutching Pokéballs close.
At the counter, a nurse with a professional yet warm demeanor looked up from her terminal. "Good evening. How can I help you?"
Arlo pulled out his Luxury Ball, its polished surface gleaming even under the harsh lights. "My Rockruff needs immediate medical attention," he said, voice steady, though a flicker of concern crossed his eyes.
The nurse's expression softened with understanding. "We'll take good care of him," she assured, taking the Luxury Ball with a practiced hand. "Please have a seat. It may take some time."
"Thank you,"Arlo murmured, retreating to one of the rigid chairs in the lobby.
His mind raced despite his outward calm. Link had taken a direct hit from an archangel and burned through every ounce of energy he had. This wasn't just another battle injury, it was a brutal reminder of how close they had come to death.
Minutes stretched into an hour. Arlo tapped his foot impatiently, the rhythm syncing with the beeping monitors behind closed doors. The wait gnawed at him, each second a reminder of his inability to heal Link himself. He checked his BrainLink notifications, scanning the scrolling text for anything useful to distract him.
When the doors finally swung open, the nurse emerged alongside an Audino guiding a trolley cart. Link lay on it, eyes half-lidded but alert. Relief flooded Arlo's chest as he rushed over.
"He's in good health,"the nurse began, her tone professional but kind. "Given the extent of his injuries, he needs a few days of complete rest and a diet rich in nutrients to recover fully."
Arlo crouched, resting a hand on Link's head. The Rockruff's tail gave a weak wag, a shadow of his usual energy.
"You hear that? You'll be back to chasing shadows and biting ankles soon enough," Arlo whispered.
The nurse, observing his gentle touch, softened her tone. "Pokémon like him—they give everything to protect their trainers. Make sure you do the same for him."
Arlo managed a smile, though his thoughts churned beneath the surface. His clown's control kept his face serene, masking the tangle of worry and gratitude. "Thanks for everything. I'll follow your advice."
She nodded, satisfied. "Take care. He's lucky to have you."
As they exited, Link perched on his shoulder, Arlo's thoughts turned to rewards fitting for his loyal companion. The little guy had earned more than a pat on the head. His eyes gleamed with determination.
"You've earned something special, buddy,"he murmured.
With renewed purpose, Arlo ascended the stairs to the second floor, where Shannon's workshop could be found.
...
[Battle Brawler Club: Second Floor - Breeder Department]
Arlo navigated through the lively second floor of the Battle Brawler Club, the Breeder Department, scanning for a familiar face. It didn't take long. Shannon's signature dark purple hair, tied back in a loose ponytail, stood out among the crowd. She was hunched over a workbench, adjusting dials on a specialized blender for Pokéblock creation.
"Ms. Shannon!" Arlo called, waving as he approached.
She looked up, her violet eyes lighting up with recognition.
"Arlo! Long time no see. And Link!" She knelt, extending a hand.
Link barked happily, tail wagging as he leaned into her touch.
"You've grown, haven't you?"Shannon said, rubbing behind Link's ears. "So, what brings you here today?"
Arlo grinned, scratching the back of his head. "I wanted to thank you for those Pokéblocks you made. They worked wonders for Link's growth."
Shannon straightened, hands on her hips, her face glowing with pride. "Told you they'd be worth it. Look at him, he's practically bursting with energy."
Link barked again, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"But," Arlo added, his tone shifting, "I need to cancel my current order."
Shannon's brow furrowed. "Cancel? Why?"
"Because I've been doing well lately. Earned a lot of credits on my recent quest," Arlo explained, "and I want something more customized something specifically for a Rockruff."
Shannon tapped her chin thoughtfully. "You're talking about species-specific Pokéblocks? Those don't come cheap."
Arlo asked, "I'm ready to spend. How much are we talking?"
"A batch for ten days will run you about a thousand credits," Shannon replied.
"Done,"Arlo said without hesitation. "Can you whip up a batch now? I want to reward Link for everything he did during our mission."
Shannon's smile widened. "Half an hour, tops."
.....
The wait passed quickly. Arlo watched Shannon work, fascinated by her precision as she combined specialized ingredients with flawless technique. When the customized Pokéblocks were done, he transferred 1000 credits through his BrainLink. Shannon handed over a neatly packed box, her smile warm.
"Thank you, Shannon. You're the best," Arlo said sincerely.
"Anytime, Arlo. And take care of that brave Rockruff of yours," she replied.
After their goodbyes, Arlo made his way to the train station. The ride from the commercial district to his residential area was smooth. He leaned back, watching the futuristic city blur past.
Finally, he arrived at his apartment—the Quantum Cube, a high-tech minimalist dwelling.
Inside, Arlo placed the box on the kitchen counter and opened it. The Pokéblock had an earthy aroma, a mix of minerals and herbs tailored to a Rockruff's unique dietary needs. He carefully filled Link's bowl, adding fresh berries and a splash of vitamin syrup for extra nutrients.
Link sniffed the bowl, his nose twitching as he caught the delicious scent. He gave a happy bark and dug in, his tail wagging furiously.
Arlo watched, a smile tugging at his lips. "Eat up, buddy. You earned it."
Satisfied, he ordered a chocolate cake online for 50 credits as a final treat. When the delivery drone arrived, he opened the box, cut a slice, and placed it before Link. The Rockruff devoured it with relish before yawning widely.
"Big day tomorrow," Arlo murmured, scooping Link into his arms.
He carried him to his bed, tucking him in gently. "Rest up, champ."
Link snuggled into the blankets, his eyes drooping shut. Arlo, exhausted from the day's events, slumped onto his own bed, staring at the ceiling.
He exhaled deeply, the weight of everything finally catching up to him.
"We survived,"he whispered to himself, a mixture of relief and anticipation swirling in his mind.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he had earned his rest.
=================================================
[Quantum Cube Apartment Complex: Arlo's Room]
Bright morning light pierced through the blinds, stirring Arlo from a restless sleep. He groaned, stretching as the lingering soreness from his last quest reminded him just how close he had come to meeting an untimely end. The scent of dust and faint traces of gunpowder still seemed to cling to his clothes. His stomach growled—loud enough to make him chuckle at his own body's relentless demands.
"Alright, alright,"he muttered, rubbing his eyes. "Food first, existential crises later."
He padded to the kitchen and, in a practiced rhythm, cracked eggs into a sizzling pan alongside strips of bacon. The simple, comforting aroma filled his small apartment, grounding him in the mundane. As he devoured the breakfast, the events of the past few days played like a highlight reel in his mind. He'd survived the impossible, leveled up, and earned the status of an Official Pioneer ID. But survival only raised new questions, especially now that his protection from the Pioneer Association was set to expire.
After a hot shower, Arlo collapsed onto his couch, a towel slung lazily over his shoulders. He leaned back, eyes half-lidded, pondering his next move.
"Freedom or security," he whispered to the empty room. "Do I risk it solo or join a guild?"
The HUBNet browser blinked into existence as he scrolled through articles and forum debates on the pros and cons of guild membership. His search yielded thousands of opinions, ranging from helpful insights to flame wars of egos.
[Pros of Guild Membership]
Community and Social Interaction: Guilds offer camaraderie, a network of allies, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger than oneself. This could be a break from Arlo's current one-man-army style.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Complex quests would no longer be a Herculean task; shared strategies and coordinated efforts could make success far more achievable.
Resources and Support: Guilds often pooled rare items, crafted potent charms, and provided mentorship from experienced pioneers.
Exclusive Perks and Events: Guild-only missions and powerful rewards could give him an edge in future quests.
Motivation and Purpose: Rankings, challenges, and structured goals would add purpose beyond simple survival.
Arlo nodded. "All that... sure sounds useful. No more staring at my danger intuition bar like it's the edge of a knife."
But the Cons glared back at him from the screen:
Commitment and Expectations: Regular participation wasn't optional. Many guilds demanded contributions and adherence to strict protocols.
Drama and Conflict: Power struggles and leadership disputes could turn a haven into a battlefield of egos.
Politics and Hierarchies: Favoritism and being passed over for promotions often left talented members feeling sidelined.
Loss of Autonomy: His personal goals could be overshadowed by collective objectives. Freedom to choose missions and act independently? Severely curtailed.
Arlo sighed, tapping the screen.
"Great. Just what I need. Virtual office politics with swords and mana."He leaned forward, rubbing his temples. Joining Aria's guild seemed logical. She had already proven reliable, and their partnership had led to triumph. But could he trust the structure to respect his independence?
He pulled up her guild's dossier: [The Trailblazer Guild]
Recently established but already carving out a reputation, this guild was unlike the sprawling, bureaucratic collectives that filled the HUB. They focused on quality over quantity. Every member of Trailblazer was an accomplished pioneer, handpicked not for obedience but for ingenuity, skill, and resolve. Their quests weren't run-of-the-mill contracts; they specialized in missions others wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole.
Arlo smirked, scrolling through the list of notable members—half of whom were top of their respective fields in the making.
"Yeah," he muttered, "definitely not your neighborhood adventurer's club."
The guild's specialization in dangerous, high-stakes quests was enticing. But excitement aside, he knew better than to jump in blindly. Negotiating terms of autonomy would be critical. As much as the perks tempted him, he refused to be shackled by rules that didn't align with his freedom-first philosophy. The Trailblazers might respect individuality, but they were still a guild with objectives. That meant someone else called the shots, and Arlo wasn't keen on being told when to jump and how high.
"Freedom versus perks..."He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe I can have both. A rogue with benefits." A grin played across his lips at the thought.
=================================================
The light of the morning sun warmed Arlo as he sat cross-legged on his couch, his eyes scanning the glowing interface of his BrainLink. He navigated to Link's status window, curiosity simmering after the brutal trials they had faced together. The Link's profile loaded with a satisfying chime.
[Link] Rockruff ♂
Level: 18
Type: Rock
Species: Puppy Pokémon
Nature: Adamant
Potential: Elite
Abilities: Own Tempo
Movesets: Play Rough (Egg move), Tackle, Leer, Sand Attack, Double Team
A grin tugged at Arlo's lips. "Level 18, huh? You've been putting in work."
His fingers danced in the air as he created a mental note in the system to review potential Technical Machines (TMs) for Link. "Protect, Fire Fang, and Thunder Fang should cover some weaknesses," he mused aloud. "Gotta give you some coverage, buddy. We'll do it later when I'm not broke."
Satisfied with Link's progress, he closed the status window and shifted to his inventory. The digital space flickered as the Fragment of Creation appeared before him.
The description shimmered with an aura of infinite potential:
[Fragment of Creation 1% [Phantasy]]
Consumable, Material
Description: The fragment of creation has the power to create absolutely anything imaginable, transcending boundaries to create concepts, existence, reality, and even Totality itself. This creative power knows no bounds: it can create out of nothing, transform one thing into another, conjure up comic-book images, bring a dead person to life, duplicate anything, and manufacture essentially anything they desire on an infinite scale. But due to being fragmented, it can only create an equivalent percentage. Only by accumulating more fragments of creation can one do more.
Effect: Creation 1%
Arlo leaned back, his heart racing. "Unlimited power... and I only have a single percent?"
He frowned, his mind racing through the implications. With this fragment, he could theoretically create anything, revive the dead, forge realms, bend time itself but it would be like trying to build a skyscraper with a handful of bricks.
The conversations he had overheard between Aria and the Guildmaster of the Sacred Order clicked into place.
"This is it. The real endgame loot that I heard."He rubbed his hands together, the possibilities swirling like galaxies in his mind.
A memory surfaced based on the information from the Lord of the Mysteries and the Circle of Inevitability. His eyes gleamed as the pieces connected.
"The sefirot isn't just stability," Arlo whispered, recalling the intricate symbolism. "It's the key to becoming a Great Old One."
His mind raced with the implications. The sefirot was the cosmic glue binding unimaginable power together. Without it, even a Sequence 0 could only mimic the strength of a Half-Great Old One, no matter how many paths they mastered or how vast their Uniqueness.
In the novel, Uniqueness was essential, but it wasn't enough. A true ascension to Above the Sequence was only possible by attuning to the sefirot of a pathway. Power without structure was chaos. Potential without a foundation was ruin.
His lips curled into a wicked grin, the thought blossoming like a stormcloud of ambition.
"I don't need to find one,"he whispered, his voice thick with hunger for discovery. "I can make one."
The idea of crafting his own sefirot—one beyond the mythical sefirah castle, beyond the constraints of existing power hierarchies—thrilled and terrified him.
But the thought sobered him as quickly as it had ignited. His grin faltered as a cold truth settled in his gut.
"If I can make a sefirot... so can someone else or other impossible things."
His fingers curled into a fist. The Fragment of Creation was a double-edged blade. He wasn't the only one who could wield it. And if he wanted to stand at the top of this brutal hierarchy, he would have to race against time and adversaries far more cunning and ruthless than he dared imagine.
"First rule of survival: never let them know what you have." His voice was a whisper, but it carried the weight of a declaration.
He closed his inventory, the glow of the fragment fading from his mind's eye, but its presence burned behind his thoughts.
"More fragments," he whispered. "I need more pieces if I want to forge something beyond even the sefirah castle. A whole sefirot, built from creation itself."
The weight of his ambition settled in his chest, equal parts exhilaration and dread.
Arlo closed the inventory, the fragment's glow fading. His breath steadied as he resolved to gather as many fragments as it would take. There would be risks—great old ones—but if he played his cards right, he could wield a power that transcended gods.
He smirked, rubbing the back of his head. "No pressure."
****************************************************************************
Author's Note:
And with that, we've reached the final chapter of the first arc of Arlo's journey as a Pioneer! I want to take a moment to sincerely thank all of you for your support, whether you've been following since the beginning or just recently joined the adventure. Your encouragement, feedback, and enthusiasm have meant the world to me, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
That said, I'll be taking a short break from posting to properly plan and write the second arc of Arlo's journey. I want to ensure that the next part of the story is better, with new worlds, challenges, and twists that will keep you all hooked. Quality storytelling takes time, and I want to do justice to the world and characters I've built so far.
Once again, thank you all for being part of this journey. I'll see you next time when we dive into the second arc of Arlo's adventure in the HUB and beyond! Stay tuned, and until then happy reading!
A special shout-out to Laeulus, Akira890, SnorlaxLord, Khirigaya_kazuto, Caydin_Klups, Paracide_xd, Victor_gonzales_768, Grow94, Dany_Frost, makoto_light, Eric_9506, and Amarjit_Boruah for the power stones and your continued support, I really appreciate it!