Ana stays beneath the violet advertisements as the contract activates. The bartender clips a soft neon badge to their jacket and guides them behind the counter.
The Bartender
First lesson: learn the regulars, learn who pays clean, and never let a delivery customer rush you.
A compact delivery case seals with a chirp. The bar’s dispatcher AI links it to Ana’s identity, placing the route beside their intervention record and a quiet municipal person-of-interest marker.
Mara
I’m Mara. That’s Jace. We’ll be around for a while, if you want city advice or just company.
Jace
The noodle stall across the avenue is cheap, the transit gates are not. Also, avoid anyone offering instant fame.
Between orders, the bartender introduces regulars by their usual drinks and habits. Mara and Jace linger at the booth, answering questions about districts, work, and crowded neighborhoods.
The Bartender
Your first run is to the clinic tower three blocks east. Want me to show you the route, or are you ready to make your own impression?
✓ Quest Accepted
Deliver the case to the clinic tower.
+ New Item Acquired
Neon badge
“Sure let’s go”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)