D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

--- Kat ---

"Hang on… how come this is only worth one favour token?" asked Lily with narrowed eyes. Kat raised an eyebrow, unsure of why Lily was even asking, until her girlfriend continued on. "Kat did a much easier task for TWO tokens before, and this is… well it's literally the end of the world,"

Miznark made a 'so-so' gesture and shrugged. "Eh I can't say. I don't have the clearance to know what that previous mission was. At the same time, this mission isn't worth one token, it's worth THREE. It's just that you also have three demons participating in the contract so you get one each and trust me, three tokens for one contract is a massive amount.

Though… two tokens for what sounds like a solo mission? That contract must have been crazy… well that or it was so tailored made that only Kat could possibly complete it, but that's probably even crazier,"

*Hehehe* "I see, that does make sense… I imagine if we fail whoever gets called in next will be offered those three tokens?" asked Kat.

Miznark nodded. "Indeed, you'd probably still be paid a cut of whatever Kamiko was getting if this was just a normal mission, but you'd definitely get no favour tokens for your efforts. It's not that we don't appreciate the attempt… but those things are VERY valuable. Something many people in my department forget because we're dealing with them so often.

"Remember, many demons go their entire lives without seeing even a single one. It's normally easier to earn the money for whatever rare service the token would provide… though admittedly that's sometimes impossible. Knowing you've already been given two and seem likely to receive a third? Don't take them for granted. Use them only for things that matter… assuming you haven't wasted them already,"

*Well the first one was used on something that mattered the MOST so it's all good.*

[Naw… that's very sweet. I'm glad you agree. I was a bit worried you'd think it was a waste. I mean… it was just to turn me into a beastkin.]

*Lily. Those tokens gave you the gift of magic. Something that was massively important to you. That's not even touching on the fact that it bound is together forever. I cannot even conceive of a more worthwhile cause.* "Yes well, I've used one but it was definitely worth it," said Kat aloud.

Miznark seemed to raise a non-existent eyebrow but chose not to comment on Kat's statement. It really wasn't his business what Kat had used it for. If he was more familiar with the two, or had properly read up on the dimension he probably could've guessed. Alas, he was a touch lazy with read the non-essential information.

In the grand scheme of things something like this probably doesn't matter… but it may also be why Miznark kepts getting sent on the worst jobs.

"Is there anything we should know about Hunter… um Hunter 23HX443" asked Kat. "Um, the big one would be… is there anything we can call that isn't… well that? Is that offensive?"

Miznark once again made a 'so-so' gesture. "Traditionally you're meant to use their full name and designation… practically? Most people just refer to one of the unnamed as 'Hunter' treating it as their name. Or, well, her name in this case. Did I mention 23HX443 is a woman?

It's not super relevant, she does still have the best marks for the job… though quite a few people said it made more sense for another girl to be part of the 'friend' group.

"Ok… what was I saying? Right anything you should know… well, I don't know too much about 23HX443 myself. It really depends how traditional she is for her clan. We don't write that sort of stuff down because we know it can get them in trouble with their families if they aren't quite as 'on-board' with their traditions as the rest of the family is.

I know personally of two that took up names when they weren't yet allowed, though neither of them is 23HX443.

"Ok… right… so… for ultra traditionalists? Normally they'll still put up with 'Hunter' or 23HX443 as acceptable short-hands for their names. Whatever you do, don't reduce 23HX443 down to HX, or 23 or some other diminutive because it's seen as very rude. It's why 'Hunter' is the standard go to 'nickname' for the lot of them unless there is multiple on a mission.

"Ok… ok… what else. Feel free to question them on their hunting and tracking methods. They don't take offence at others not understanding them… but they can be a bit elitist about it. Expect 23HX443 to explain it in a rather snobby manner if you do ask, but don't take it personally. It's how they were all taught after all… so a lot of them don't even notice.

"Ah but maybe don't point it out? I've heard of some of them getting mad at that. Still, reports do say that asking those sorts of questions and just allowing the Hunter to talk is a good way to connect with the team. Make them feel included instead of just the tracker that was added onto the team,"

"I'm sensing they don't make too many friends," added Kat.

Miznark winced and said, "You're right but not for the reason you might think. The clan… tends to frown on more intimate friendships before you earn your name. They will… discourage it heavily. Pretty much as far as they can push things without getting into legal trouble if I'm honest. Not a great look… and a number of my colleagues think it helps prevent proper social development,"

"Yeah… I'm liking this clan less and less," mumbled Kat.

"Nobody really likes them," said Miznark. "They just have powerful backers that have been around for a long time. If they try to weigh in on things? Then people like me, people like the kids? They lose. I'm sure you're thinking about some sort of rebellion and those have happened in the past…

"But things also go back to normal pretty quickly, with 'stricter' punishments. Or more accurately old rules that had slowly stopped being enforced start being used a lot more liberally. It presents an odd dilemma. Conditions get better over time… and if we just leave them be it's theoretically better…

"But sometimes the rebellions need to happen. Sometimes they do end up getting some concessions. Actually one of those concessions were the number names. Before you were just 'Hunter' with no delineation. Not even a number. Just, a 'Hunter' amongst many.

So… yeah try not to start any crusades you really aren't powerful enough for it,"

*Sounds like someone who needs a hug.*

[They clearly need a lot more than one… but would giving them those hugs cause problems for them if their clan finds out? What if one of them is watching instead of, or alongside Nira?]

*Ah… yeah ok. So we put operation 'All the Hugs' on the backburner until we get confirmation it's just Nira watching.*

[So we're definitely doing this then?]

*I don't see any other option. Kamiko is probably going regardless of what we do and it's to literally save the world. I wouldn't turn that sort of offer down even if it didn't come with a favour token. That means I'd be only one token short of having enough for Callisto, Vivian, and Sylvie. Um… I mean, we'd need three more so that we can make an offer for your parents as well.*

[Don't worry… I have a suspicion that they'd turn the offer down. Just a feeling. I could be wrong though, so we can always ask.]

*Sure, just keep it in mind I guess. In other news, what about your books? Are you going to some of them along to study while we're on the contract?*

[I'm really not sure. It depends on how often we have the chance to rest I guess. As much as I want to take them… I think perhaps not? Maybe I spend the rest of the today, and as much time as I have tomorrow and the next day writing down the most important notes and then keeping that with me? Not perfect, but I'd be pretty happy with it. Though actually… how long is the mission?]

*Good question.* "One last, or, hopefully last question Miznark. How long is mission likely to take us?"

"I'd estimate between one and two weeks. We don't have an exact location for the drake, but once you get close enough it'll be much easier to track, especially with 23HX443 to help you with that.

It will really depend how long it takes you to get close, and if the drake simply tries to flee from you instead of trying to be sneaky or better yet, coming straight to you for the right," explained Miznark.

"Is it likely to just… go right for us?" asked Kat.

"Fifty-fity I'd say," commented Miznark. "You'll be powerful sources of pure demonic energy… a particularly tasty meal if it thought it could get away with it… though even highly corrupted a drake has some animal cunning. So the 'if it could get away with it' is the real sticking point,"

"I see," mumbled Kat.