Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by
Guild of Gamers: The Card Master
Chapter 07: Invitation
— Quest Section —
What should he do about the Piper of the Swarm?
Reveal it to the PRT. It's too dangerous to be fucking around with (White)Summon the Piper, but have it act as an 'independant' cape (Red)Summon the Piper, but have it only use its rat control power (Blue)Summon the Piper, but have it become a 'villain' and infiltrate the Merchants (Black)Bro, I ain't touching that. (Green) (38%)
– Charles 'Charlie' Barnes (Corvo) –
As I type away, filling in mind-numbingly boring data, I frown to myself. I can't really think of a good way to use the Piper. Nothing I come up with doesn't feel like I'm not one Thinker away from being up shit creek without a paddle. In a world where there's an entire classification of people who just fucking cheat when it comes to deductions, assuming I can either hide my connection to him or hide his full powers just doesn't work out for me.
It sucks to have a wasted card, but for now I just don't have the power or influence to pull off revealing that I have an actual Master ability. Yes, the ability to trade rats for control of whatever villain I want is great but I get to do that once before the Birdcage shouts begin.
The work here is laughably easy, but it makes sense. They wouldn't trust real work with a pair of fresh interns. These cases are utterly boring but very mundane. Nothing special, nothing worth talking about but the type of case that makes up most of the work they do. Actually classified stuff isn't going to be given to the new guy (and girl). Still, with my powers this work isn't nearly as mind-numbing as I expected.
Yes, I'm physically filling in decade old data into a rather slow system, but mentally I'm following my three active summons. [Foul Watcher] is patrolling, [Banehound] is with the fake Corvo who is currently aurafarming. He's a PRT trooper with a whole ass university degree in the Dramatic Arts. It takes all types, I suppose. What this mainly means is that I can follow the more interesting life of 'my' first patrol. Stopping the occasional Merchant or ABB thug. [Floodhound] is in the Wards HQ, because they want to test my range and control when it's split multiple ways. Can't find out that my summons go wild far if I lose focus when they're next to a civilian, and no other Ward is actually at the HQ at the moment. They're either off work, on patrol, or just somewhere else.
So, what is Floodhound doing? He's watching TV. Which means I can watch TV while I work. Yes, working the buttons is a bit of a mess with a dog made of water but I manage. It's good practice of keeping him 'solid'. He doesn't actually 'shed' water much when he moves, especially when he's trying not to and he can be surprisingly firm despite his liquid state. Glenn agreed it was a good practice method because the only thing at risk is a very replaceable TV remote and it's showing that my summons can do fine-handling while I'm nowhere near them.
Apparently, my multitasking is enough to qualify for a minor thinker rating. Not the cool, basically mind-readers or prophet kind but enough for a Thinker 1 at least.
"Time for a break," Lisa says, getting my attention. "Want a coffee?"
"Yeah, that'd be great. Lemme just finish this file," I say. I hate leaving things half-done. Just means I have to pick up a half-finished job later and that's just a pain in the ass. I can never remember where exactly I left of, or what I was supposed to be doing next. Better to just finish each piece in one go.
I won't deny that having an extremely attractive coworker makes the day go by smoother, even if we've both been busy with our own work. I'm a faster typer than her, and I think that mildly annoyed her but she tried to hide it.
Finishing up the case file, I rise with a stretch, checking my watch. It's probably the most expensive thing I own, since Dad has a whole thing about the importance of having a good watch. I pointed out that I could check the time on my phone and I think I came close to being outright disowned from his sheer disgust.
…I do kinda like my watch, now. It just feels more classy than pulling out my phone. He can have a stick up his ass sometimes, but he does know his stuff. I'm never going to admit that to him, but I can admit it to myself at least. Besides, it's not like I can ever wear it to Winslow so it's nice to be in an environment where some nice accessories aren't just a screaming neon sign saying 'rob me, pretty please'.
By the time I'm done, Lisa has already made me my drink and as I thank her and take a sip, I pause to myself. How the fuck did she know my exact drink of choice? It's not like she just made Dad's drink for me since he likes his drinks bitter as fuck and I have a sweettooth. I've not had a drink here yet. If this was a month in and she'd seen me making my drinks, that'd be one thing but she met me… the watch says two hours ago.
Lisa gives me a look I can only call challenging as she watches me put down my drink.
"Thanks," I say, seeing her lips twitch in barely hidden smug amusement. This is bait. I've known Emma far too long to fall for that. She has the same 'go on, say something' look Emma has when she wants to boast. I am immune to smug girls, my ability to ignore my problems and social situations is too powerful.
"So, what made you decide to intern here? Following Daddy Dearest?" Lisa asks, sipping her own drink lazily.
"More or less. Dad's always wanted one of his kids to follow him into the legal career and it isn't going to be my sister. Might as well dip my toes in and see how I like it, before making any big decisions about college, right?" I ask with a shrug. "Worst case I waste a spring and I'm out of here by the time the summer holidays come around. Either way, it looks good on a resume."
"Fair point," Lisa agrees easily, even with a knowing look in her eyes. There's something off here and she's not even trying to hide it. Another PRT agent? Dad didn't say anything but would he even know?
"And you? Looking to become an attorney?" I ask.
"I think I've got the skills, and moral flexibility, to thrive in this career," Lisa admits shamelessly. I snort, well aware that my dad thrives on toxic relationships and cheating partners. Sure, I've no doubt that Carol takes more 'moral' cases but my dad is a divorce lawyer. His job is to take the other guy for all they are worth.
When I was a kid, a homeless looking dude tried to attack my dad with a knife while we were out on the boardwalk. He got taken down by a passing patrol, and for ages I thought nothing of it. It's Brockton Bay. Turns out he was the ex-husband of one of my dads clients who got hit with a divorce settlement so bad he lost his car, job and home. To be fair, his substance abuse played a large part in him losing that (and had led to the divorce to begin with), but I am well aware that my dad will literally take the shirt from the backs of his opponents.
"But I'm guessing you're looking at a more heroic path than being a divorce lawyer," Lisa continues, making me choke on my drink slightly. "No, I'd say you're more like Mrs Dallon than Mr Barnes. Criminal cases, not helping cheating wives take their husbands money instead of just their dignities."
"That's a bold statement for someone who met me two hours ago," I point out. It's also bold to say about one of the partners of the law firm you're a fresh intern at, to that partner's son. She's very confident I won't mention anything to my dad because he'd kick her out without a moment of hesitation if she was insulting him behind his back, PRT or not.
"Just a feeling I'm getting. I'm good at reading people," Lisa brags. "And you don't seem the type to spend your time dealing with the drama of being a divorce laywer."
"You're not wrong. Relationship drama isn't fun, whether it's yours or someone else's," I admit. "I'd rather my work be doing more than increasing the numbers in someone's bank account, mine or anyone else's."
"Like I said, heroic," Lisa teases. "You're even saving my poor fingers from having to type all those files in by myself."
"Truly, a man of the people," I say, raising a toast to my heroics. Despite her blatantly knowing that I am Corvo, the conversation moves on to more mundane topics with our work hours, the work we have ahead of us and just office gossip that I've missed. Our chat is interrupted by Carol leading in a client, talking fairly animatedly for a stern woman like her.
The client is stylish as fuck, in a very nice and expensive looking suit, but who wears a fedora anymore? Well, I can't deny that she pulls it off.
"Huh," Lisa mumbles, frowning slightly as she watches them go into Carol's office.
"'Huh', what?" I ask.
"Mrs Dallon is very eager to get that client. She's new, not one of the existing clients, but from their conversation I'd say she's looking for a law firm on retainer. Must be very wealthy to have the firm make Brandish play host. They wouldn't normally have her do it because she hates being paraded around as their hero lawyer, but even she's playing along," Lisa mumbles to herself.
Okay, yeah there's something up with this chick. She picked all that up from five seconds of seeing them walking past the break room?
"Which means we should get to work, right?" I ask, getting a nod from her as we down our drinks.
"Yeah, we don't want to look lazy if some bigshot client is around," Lisa agrees, sounding a little off-center as we head back and get to work. Not wanting to cost Dad's firm any clients, I ignore the focus up as the minutes tick by. Lisa gets called away to help with something else, leaving me tapping away at the keyboard.
When I hear footsteps approaching, I just assume that Lisa is done with whatever she's working on and ignore it, focusing on my work. This proves a mistake as the footsteps approach my desk rather than Lisa's. The figure blocking my light makes me turn to them, a snarky retort on my tongue before it dies as the 'client' stares down at me.
"Hello. Can I help you? This is just the intern's office-" I start, switching to my best polite tone that I occasionally have to use when meeting one of Dad's clients for whatever reason.
"Charles Barnes, correct?" she asks, but continues before I can confirm her question. "Fortuna Bianchi. Your work ends in forty-three minutes. Your father was supposed to be giving you a ride home, but he'll call soon and explain that he's been held up and tell you to get a taxi. Don't bother. There will be a car waiting outside. I'll be waiting, and you'll be dropped off at home, safe and sound."
"And why would I take a ride from a strange lady I met today?" I ask, letting a little of my annoyance slip. Despite her apparent power, she doesn't seem to mind my lip as she smirks slightly.
"Because it'll be worth your time. You don't want to waste the Piper, but can't find a way to safely use it. I can help with that," Fortuna explains, my blood running cold. Does every fucking woman I meet know all my secrets at a glance?
"Are you with the PRT?" I ask, ready to call my summons or cast a spell.
"Somewhat. I am not a member of either the PRT or Protectorate, but I am connected to them. I'm here on behalf of Chief Director Costa-Brown," Fortuna answers simply. I go to respond but she holds up a finger. "Check your PR group chat."
Pulling out my phone, I open the chat Glenn made just in time to see a new message appear. Glenn excitedly explaining that the Chief Director is loving the pre-debut PR campaign, and called personally to inform them she'd be watching my career with interest. Glenn might dress silly but he isn't a fool, and he's high enough on the totem pole to know his own boss. So, either she's telling the truth or she can have someone impersonate Rebecca Costa-Brown.
"The organisation I represent has an interest in your career and growth, Corvo. All I am asking for is a simple conversation," Fortuna continues, before holding out her hand. "Don't respond now, we have a matter of seconds until Brandish notices my detour and panics. I'll be outside. Tell her I was asking about your family, and seemed pleased. And… five, four, three, two, one…"
As she finishes counting with an almost impish smile, Carol enters the intern's office with a frown on her face, politely ushering Fortuna away. This is the life I've entered, I guess. What a fucking mess. I'm half tempted to contact the PRT but… how did she know about the Piper when I've never summoned the card?
My entire plans could be at risk until I work out the answer to that question.
"Charles, a word, please," Carol says as she passes the office again, leading me to her office where she sits down with a hefty sigh. "What exactly was that about? Miss Bianchi is a very powerful businesswoman, and shouldn't have been anywhere near you."
"She was asking about my family. She… seemed pleased enough, but I don't really know what she wanted," I 'admit'. Carol sighs again, removing her blazer and placing it on the back of her chair. "Who even is she?"
"The head of a European business empire that is looking to move into America. It's about more than just the firm. I don't know why she'd pick Brockton of all places as her headquarters but this could bring some much needed resources into the city and there's a lot of people breathing down my neck to make sure it goes well," Carol admits, rubbing her shoulder. "She's never met your father, or even asked about him. She knew who you were?"
"By name," I agree.
"Well, despite the unexpected twist, it seems to have gone well enough. I don't know why she's interested in you, she shouldn't have any way of knowing about your… extra-curricular activities," Carol says, lips pursing. "Hopefully you won't have much reason to interact with her again, but just be polite and helpful if she seeks you out again, and tell me the moment you're free. What a day."
Almost absently, she undoes the top button of her shirt. It's not enough to even hint at anything beyond showing a little cleavage, but it gives her an entirely different look from her usual stern, professional look.
"Will do, Mrs Dallon," I agree easily.
"Thank you. Lisa says you're doing good. You can return to your work," Carol praises. I give her a smile, trying to keep my eyes from wandering as she leans back in her chair. As I turn to leave, a call distracts us both and I answer it.
I'm entirely unsurprised to hear my father on the other end, apologising for the inconvenience but telling me to get a taxi home, recommending a good, safe service.
I won't be needing it.
Returning to my workspace, I see Lisa already there with a befuddled look on her face. Something has her so distracted she outright jumps at me entering before composing herself, giving me a smile and getting back to work.
Sitting down, I start typing, glad my multitasking works even when I'm very distracted.
First Green Choice Chosen. Three Green Cards granted. One Green -aligned Land granted.
[Woodland Cemetery]
Provides Green and Black Mana.
"They never found the body of young Josu, or that of his murderous sister."
—"The Fall of the House of Vess"
Hey, why wouldn't my wizard's tower and haunted mansion have an equally haunted cemetery?
[Trollhide] - Green
Effects: Enchants a target, increasing their attack and defence and granting them regeneration
And just like that, I have a source of healing. The most valued power in existence.
[Lurking Green Dragon] - Green
Type: Dragon
Effects: Flying
"Territorial. Scary. No further notes."
—Volo's field notes
But who gives a shit about healing when I have a motherfucking dragon?!
[Elegant Entourage] - Green
Type: Elf Druid
"Terribly sorry, but this is a private party, and your name isn't on the list."
A dragon, healing and a pair of sexy twin elves in revealing dresses armed with giant halberds. Sure, Armsmasters halberd is nice but does it come with a pair of elven armcandy? The Elegant Entourage look like Arwen and her twin sister walked off the pages of Fellowship and into a nightclub.
…I'll admit, knowing I can summon a dragon does give me a little more confidence in going to see Fortuna.
But not that much.
Ugh, if she's half as powerful as I think she is, turning her down isn't really an option, is it?
– Later –
Getting into the back of the very fancy black Mercedes limousine with tinted windows, I spot my host sitting patiently, gesturing for me to take a seat.
"So, what is this about?" I ask, unable to control my curiosity and, admittedly, annoyance. "Who are you? Who do you 'represent' and what do you want with me?"
"If she's annoyed by my bluntness, she doesn't show it as she smiles softly.
"I am Contessa, Fortuna is my real name, no last name. Bianchi is just a cover," Contessa admits softly. "I am the most powerful Thinker in the world. This is not idle boasting. I, and the organisation I represent, are singlehandedly keeping this world from falling into anarchy. The PRT stands because of my work, the Unwritten Rules are followed because I kill those who make sure nobody who breaks them lives to set an example. I suppose you could call us a secret society, aimed at ensuring the world keeps turning and doesn't fall into utter chaos, despite the Endbringers and villains doing their best to ruin it."
"That's two answers. You forgot the third," I say, trying not to show that her boasting hit harder than I'd like. She just smiles at my answer.
"I've told you what I want, for now. The Piper of the Swarm. I want you to summon him and give me control of him," Contessa answers plainly. "I want you to join the forces keeping this world in one piece. If knowing you're saving billions of lives isn't enough of a payment, my organisation can ensure that your career as a hero is a truly meteoric one. We could have you said in the same breath as the Triumvirate before you even graduate from the Wards. Fame, wealth, women, power. We can give you all that and far more, in exchange for your cooperation."
"And what would my cooperation entail?" I ask, knowing she means more than just one summon.
"Enchanting people of our choosing for specific missions, at the moment. Your power is still growing and so will your use to us. You're already strong enough to be valuable to us, but as your power grows, so will your pay," Contessa admits plainly.
"What do you want Piper for?" I ask.
"His ability to master people is complete in a way that no other Master ability is. I will use him to ensure that problematic actors can't destabilise society further. His rat control is equally useful, as he can communicate with them. His range can cover a small city. I have access to ways to increase that range to far, far more, giving us a million pairs of eyes and ears," Contessa admits instantly. "As he remains a part of your power, you'll be paid for his work."
"Paid how? I'm the son of a lawyer, vague statements about fame and fortune don't mean much on paper," I point out.
"Ten million a month, with any bounties he claims being paid into a private Numberman account. My organisation will pull the strings to ensure your Wards career is as smooth as can be, with your PR success only increasing until you're a household name across the world. Access to a Mover who can teleport you globally at will," Contessa offers. "As a signing on bonus."
I won't deny… she makes a good argument.
"We are not heroes, Charles. We're the power behind the throne, keeping the kingdom safe. In time, I hope I'll be able to inform you of the true enemy, that our organisation was formed to face, but as you are now, that would lead to disaster. All I can tell you is that Earth Bet is living on borrowed time if nothing changes, and I believe you can help tip the odds back in our favour," Contessa continues, dropping that nightmarish statement like it is nothing. "But I can tell you are still not convinced in how powerful my organisation is. Don't worry, I expected that. Sleep on it. Inform Glenn about your new cards, and tomorrow I will send one of our agents to get your answer. I believe you've heard of Alexandria?"
"And if I say no?" I ask, the stubborn teenage rebellion bubbling inside my chest despite the insanity of today. A fucking Triumvirate hero is one of their agents? I'll believe it when I see it.
"Nothing will happen to you. Your family will be fine. The world will keep turning. Our war against the biggest threat to humanity will continue. Your Wards career will continue, finding regional success, no doubt, and nobody will ever believe you if you speak of what you heard today," Contessa admits with a shrug as the car pulls up. This isn't my house, being in the ass end of bumfuck nowhere. It's a miracle, or power fuckery, that we haven't been bothered yet in such an expensive car. "Door me, Charles' bedroom."
Staring in surprise, I glance at the… hole that just formed in the center of the car, clearly showing my room on the other side.
"As I said, sleep on it," Contessa says, gesturing to the portal to my bed. "Good evening, Mr Barnes."
"Good evening, Miss Bianchi. I'll give your offer the consideration it deserves," I say, rising and taking the hint as I step through the portal and land on my bed, watching it blink out of existence behind me.
What the fuck.
Messaging Glenn about my new cards, I ignore the wild buzzing of the group chat at the idea of me being a healer and having a dragon (because everything is cooler with dragons despite Lung ruining the image slightly), I lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling in shock.
Whomst the fuck is Contessa? If Alexandria really comes along tomorrow…
— Quest Section —
What should Charlie do?
Accept Contessa's offer.Refuse Contessa's offer.Contact the Chief Director and inform her of this meeting.
Author's Note: When Lisa's power worked on him, you probably should have seen this coming. No Blank, the funny hat lady shows up. I've had MCs somewhat work with Cauldron before, but I've never had one actually join the organisation.
Written: 08/04/2026