28 First mission 1

For lunch, Xander headed to the downtown restaurants where mercenaries tended to go and eat when they returned from the field.

Although it wasn't as high end as the restaurant he had his breakfast in, it was still good enough since it was spacious and there was live music performance. He immediately sat down by a table he was ushered to by one of the waitstaff, and ordered their specialty dishes for entree, main course, and dessert.

Of course, as he was waiting, it seemed like he was just enjoying the view of the table towards the live music performance happening on the stage close to him. The lady in red dress was singing a classic song by Evelyn Bates, Coming Closer to You.

Oh smile, beautiful you

Let your worries fade away

Come, join me in the room

Let's sing, let's dance, be happy with you

So smile, lady Fortune, she coming closer to you

Closer to your hearts

Closer to your minds

Washing everything of its stains

Making sure of the sunny days ahead

....

The lady's voice was quite angelic, hitting the right notes while managing to create her own rendition twist at the end of the song. As she finished the song, a lot of the members of the crowd clapped, some whistling at the lady. The latter smiled and bowed to them, before beginning another catchy tune, Simple Dreams. By the end of the song, the appetizers were served to Xander's table, in which he began to taste and slowly dine to while drinking the house special draft beer. Similarly, other people on their respective tables were eating and talking to each other as well, loud and sometimes with infective laughter.

The lady in a red dress, as well as the pianist, immediately switched their songs to a somewhat low-key and background type, creating a festive atmosphere. Xander, just finishing his appetizers, felt his watch vibrate. He opened it up, and saw the notification from the MCGD Corporation, officially making him a mercenary. What was surprising was that the rank mentioned in the message sent was that he was delegated to C+-class, skipping 7 ranks at once. Xander pondered for a bit, and realized: Ah, the research paper. These people sure work fast, Xander mumbled and began eating the main course that was just delivered to his table.

_________________________________________

Around the world, the scientific and magic research community was in an uproar once again. They were just reeling with the paper released by the mysterious Gold D. Roger concerning elemental hierarchy, and another revolutionary paper pops out!

Proving the theory of elemental conversion into physical matter!

Proving the idea of immaterial elements being converted into material elements!

Two theses at once, shaking the perspective of magicians, scientists, and researchers.

The first thesis focused on providing multiple factors of why the theory is actually a law of the ordered system: Elemental propagation, the existence of magic beasts and sprites, as well as multi-dimensionality of elements! Heavens, the idea of multi-dimensionality of elements was posited centuries ago, but was never clearly proven... until this paper!

The paper actually gave concrete results and details on the multi-dimensionality of elements! Not only that, but the paper also indirectly proved one of the conjectures concerning elemental propagation: Why is the whole universe not choking on elemental particles? That's because they follow the law of attraction, condensing in the area where they are abundant, causing these particles to manifest into physical phenomena!

This gave rise to a lot of implications; one of which is the creation of planets, of life in general in the universe! Nebulas in the starry skies, are they amalgam of elements, slowly condensing to form a planet? Has Eteria formed the same way? Then how about an human baby? Is sperm and an egg really just that? Was there a significant increase in elemental concentration in the womb of the mother? What happens then to the body of the mother, does their elemental particles travel to where the sperm and egg fused at? How about the natural minerals produced in the ground, are the type of metal produced totally random, or should there be a specific ratio of elements alongside the metal/earth element? Can one synthetically produce metals? Can rare materials be created this way? How about stronger alloys?

Heavens, the first paper done by this Homer Simpson...it was the combination of 3 theses in one! The second one was quite impactive as well but in the field of magic artifact and weapon creation, as well as health care. It also proved the previous paper by Gold D. Roger and Therault concerning elemental suppression and supplementation, and gave a new perspective on elemental representations, and how it can bring legendary magicians and above to new heights.

Think about it: If you could convert life and death elements, elements considered to be immaterial, into physical objects, and fashion them as sort of a health drink, or even medical pills? A drink that can slowly revitalize your organs, a pill that can heal cancer and another that can heal diseases, a pill that can allow your body to clot quickly and produce the necessary blood, a drink that can heal internal injuries... and it's not just limited to pills! Think of topical creams, of body lotions or even moisturizers! The pharmaceutical benefits it would bring!

The interest parties, rich families, governments, and scientists, however, noticed a glaring name on the paper: Co-author, Xander Cloverfield.

Xander Cloverfield again! Four years ago, he was listed as a co-author by Ryan Therault, crediting most of the complicated aspects of the paper to him; according to the investigation done, this kid was just 3 years old at that time!

Now, four years later, he co-authors two papers that have a significant impact on both economic, scientific, and political fields!

For the past half a day, these people have been attempting to locate the contact number Xander had, wishing to form a relationship with him, or even entice him to join their respective groups and countries. Even both Xander's parents attempted to contact their son; after all, the sudden bomb drop was too surprising and too impactive! However, only a prerecorded voice message could be heard from the other side.

"If this is mom and dad, I'm busy in my lab, will talk to you next week. If it's urgent, send a message to one of the guards."

"If this is the Eta government or some government of another country wanting to collaborate or invite me for my expertise, please contact my parents if you are the former, and contact the Eta government if you are the latter. Once you have discussed rental remuneration to my government, you can discuss my professional fee with me."

"If this is some group of rich people, or ancient families with lots of influence, or maybe some random group that is trying their luck, whether you want to befriend me, curse me, kill me, or strike a deal with me, please follow me on my social account in SeeMe. Send me a DM and go straight to the point."

"If this is some magic artifact maker, scientist, or magic researcher attempting to contact me because you have questions, please follow me on my social account in SeeMe. For urgent inquiries, contact my parents, since they said I shouldn't talk to strangers older than me alone because they might kidnap me and sell my organs."

Upon hearing the pre-recordings, both couldn't help but cry silently before smiling wryly. Their son is truly a handful. They had no choice but contact their respective families to control the situation. Immediately, news about Xander's involvement in the papers was at its minimum.

_____________________________________

In an unknown area, Eteria.

A man was reading the papers written by Xander, sitting comfortably by his chair looking out into the crashing waves on the seaside.

The man, after finishing the papers, drank his coffee and grinned, before laughing out loud.

"Homer Simpson, huh? It seems someone really did transmigrate beside me! I wonder what this person wished from God... It would be great if I could steal it, hehe, HAHAHA!" His laugher echoed in the whole villa before silence descended again.

The man, regaining his calm, called for his attendant.

"Jarvis, immediately investigate the identity of this Homer Simpson; leave no stone unturned! Also, place Xander Cloverfield under Level 2 priority. Although the Cloverfields' influence on the planet as well as their hidden power cannot be underestimated, this person seemed to be mentioned in papers that cause a commotion. However, do the monitoring of this person secretly."

"Yes, milord."

"Hmm...wait."

"Yes, milord?"

"Change the priority level of Xander Cloverfield to Level 1. At the same time, assign someone from the Immortal group to monitor and investigate him discreetly, and leave no trace. At the same time, if possible, set up a meeting between him and me."

"Yes, milord. Your will shall be done." The attendant immediately left, vanishing from the villa.

The man sat down and tapped on the oak table in front of him, before muttering,

"If it is what I think it is, this fellow transmigrator of mine would be a difficult opponent."

"Oh well, we shall see then."

_____________________________________

Of course, Xander's family's protectiveness couldn't be matched by that Homer Simpson's.

Immediately, after signing Homer Simpson as part of the contractors of MCGD corporation, the company immediately publicized a post welcoming Homer Simpson as a member of their company. Upon further scrutiny, other people and companies realized that he was only working as a free contractor, smirking at the low attempt done by MCGD.

Even the documents that Xander submitted an hour ago was quickly leaked, detailing how he just signed up as a mercenary.

A lot of mercenaries were magicians and they were techies too. They began searching for Homer Simpson in the F-class mercenary list. After a few minutes of searching, they couldn't find him. A lot of mercenaries were initially confused before realizing a possibility: Could he be directly admitted to the mercenary with a higher rank?

Immediately, they began scouring the lists. F+, E, E+, D, D+, C, C+... bam! they found his name on the very last entry for C+ mercenaries: Homer Simpson. Upon clicking, mercenaries were able to view the recorded information available. As a rule, only mercenaries with a rank higher than the target mercenary can view their information. There were several B rank and above mercenaries in the restaurant Xander was currently in

Age:26

Sex: Male

Sexual orientation: Both male and female

Height: 2.2 meters

Color: Light brown

Number: 093-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXX

Specialty: Magic Artifact crafting, Magic researcher

Cultivation: Unknown

Known abilities: Undisclosed

Power level: Undisclosed

...

The list continued on, which was quite weird when Xander submitted it. Why did they need so much private information? So they could suggest the best type of missions for me to take? Or for his future employers? Why did they need my sexual orientation, Xander wondered. Although he wasn't hiding it, he liked both girls and guys. This world was quite different from his previous one; in that world, countless wars were launched because a group of people couldn't handle what other people's preference was in the bedroom, or in their relationship for that matter.

In Eteria, no issues exist; there wasn't even a need to label them. Hell, for all they care, you fall in love with a sprite and call it a union ordained by heaven. They, however, draw the line on non-human transforming beasts. Absolutely no bestiality allowed on this planet, no good sir.

Anyhow, Xander's smartwatch began vibrating, showing multiple notifications from representatives of groups, companies, and families who wanted to invite him for lunch, dinner, visit their compound/office/island, etc. Immediately, Xander rolled his eyes at all these and removed all messages, before setting his number as non-contactable unless he initiated the contact first.

However, he did remember the numbers of notable groups and listed them in a note in the smartwatch. After fiddling for a while, he resumed finishing his dessert, before paying calling the waiter to pay for the bill. He noticed that there wasn't any service charge, so he gave his own tip of 150 Etas, which is considerably large since his meal was roughly around 800 Etas.

He headed outside and realized through his perception that there were a few inconspicuous people trailing him. At this, Xander thought of an idea and began moving out and about in the city, going to the dark alleyways and places where there were a lot of people. After a few minutes of twists and turns, he arrived at the MCGD headquarters and headed to the Mission Building. He couldn't sense anyone else following him.

Upon entering, however, Xander was surprised; there were a lot of mercenaries in the lobby of the building and quite a few stopped their conversation and looked at him. Xander kept his stoic face as he moved to the next floor, specifically, the floor for C missions issued.

When he left the lobby, the mercenaries were in a frenzy.

"Wait, wasn't that the new mercenary? The one upgraded to C+ class?" A man in brown attire asked.

"Yeah, I think his name was Homer Simpson? He just registered to be mercenary two hours ago, and his documents were quickly processed!" A rookie wearing a green shirt said, his face confused and a bit jealous.

"Ha, rookie! Don't you know who he is?" Another mercenary approached the guy in a green shirt.

"Um, no. I work in a car cleaning service. Should I know who he is?" the guy in green retorted, causing the mercenary that called him rookie to be speechless.

"You... nevermind then, you wouldn't understand his greatness then, and the favor he just gave to magicians at Legendary class and above." That same mercenary just shrugged and walked away, leaving the two.

"Eh? Now I'm curious. I am a Master-8, close to becoming a Legendary magician. What did he do?" The green guy turned to look at the man in brown.

"Joseph, this man wrote 2 revolutionary magic research papers and posted them last night, and it sent every business and government all over the world for the past half a day into a frenzy.

His 2 papers had so many implications on future pharmaceutical, military, and economic benefits! At the same time, it caused a stir even in the scientific field, as his papers actually gave concrete observational data and replicable methods for others to study! Not only that, but his first paper can also be considered a 3-in-1 paper: he proved that elements, in fact, exist in multiple dimensions! At the same time, he also proved the theory of Elemental propagation as a universal law! And lastly, the theory of elemental conversion into the physical matter was a universal law as well!

But wait, that's just the first paper. Only scientists in the field of chemistry, mathematics, and physics would be interested in it. It was the second paper, supposedly made to supplement the first paper, that caused an uproar." At this point, the man in brown broke out in excitement. After all, he was a refined scholar who just applied to be a mercenary to earn some pocket money.

"So what's with the second paper then? Come on Bron, don't leave me hanging." Joseph asked, his interest piqued. Although he wasn't that smart on the research aspect, he knew the theories mentioned since they were taught in his elective classes such as Elemental Research IV in college.

"He frickin' managed to prove that immaterial elements can be, in fact, converted into material elements, while still retaining their functions!" Bron said excitedly, his small beard quivering slightly.

"Huh? So how does that help legendary magicians and higher?" Joseph was confused. Okay, how does that involve legendary or higher magicians then?

"You dolt! Don't you know about Life and Death elements? If they could materialize it and began to sell it in different products, such as weapons, healing salves, creams, and pills, wouldn't you buy it?? It's like a disposable weapon and a life-saving item! And according to what was written in the paper, only legendary magicians and above can do the process of materializing immaterial elements!" Bron almost snapped at Joseph's idiocy but decided to explain it still to him nonetheless.

"Oh... Oh my god, the numerous applications for it... I can see why there's the hype." Upon hearing it, Joseph broke into a cold sweat; after all, such a prestigious person would seem to come from no simple background!

"That's why everyone was surprised to see him join the mercenary group under MCGD. I mean, why bother in the first place? He would have better deals and benefits from other powerful groups sending invitations to him."

Joseph pondered for a moment and then shook his head, confused as well. He wanted to suggest that maybe he joined the company because he was bored of research? Or could it be a form of vacation for him? But he feared if he voiced this out, other fellow mercenaries would beat the crap out of him.

Of course, Xander didn't have any idea about the uproar he had caused in the lobby. Even if he did, he wouldn't care.

After a minute, he reached the 9th floor. The area was as large as the lobby, but it was less crowded than the other floors he saw on the way up. The elevators here actually used Gravity Element, which was actually a derivative of earth/metal element.

Gravity element, in actuality, was formed from combining concepts of space to that of earth/metal and falls under the Physics Series of elements. This includes repulsion (air and space), cohesion (water, earth/metal, space), attraction (gravity, and air), Friction (Water/Air/Fire/Earth & Metal/Wood, and Space) as well as other physical aspects, such as magnetic force, electric force, electromagnetic force, radiation, weak force, strong force, etc.

Pity though, those that had talent in these elements never passed the Master class and stayed there for the rest of their lives, and dedicated themselves in other fields of research and development such as computers, physics, mathematics, and chemistry. One reason is that they couldn't seem to harness the power of space; their thoughts as researchers and magicians should be boundless and willing to explore different possibilities, but upon learning that their element was one of those in the Physics series, majority of them, often or not, stopped their magic cultivation and began scientific research.

Upon stepping outside the elevator, he was greeted with opulent decor, with a clear view of the outside due to full-pane glass, numerous couches and tables to sit and relax, as well as discuss with fellow mercenaries.

In the middle of the floor, a round counter was present and there were 4 attendants dutifully doing their job entertaining the mercenaries' questions and requests, as well as mission submissions. In the middle of the counter, a 1.5-meter diameter transparent tube was present, with 4 doors placed.

Xander had read about this in the information the System got: This was the central chute that transported the evidence the mission usually required to the designated facility for checking and confirming. The process usually takes no more than an hour, and the fast being 10 minutes.

Of course, this is usually for missions such as delivering items, gathering rare materials or hunting magic beasts, or even normal animals. If the mission involved a specific client requesting like, let's say, "Find me a magic beast child" or "Create this specific artifact/item" or "Help me with XX problem, direct payment", these types of missions were fully paid by the client, and MCGD only takes a fee from the poster of the request, usually 3 times the price of that of the same ranked request.

He approached one of the empty counters and the attendant behind immediately greeted him with a smile.

"Hello, welcome to the Missions building. My name is Aria. This seems to be the first time you came here, meaning you probably just registered. May I ask for your Mercenary ID to verify your membership as well as direct you if you are in the proper floor?" Aria eloquently spoke, her voice steady and calm.

Xander nodded in reply and spoke,

"Yes, I'm newly registered. My Mercenary ID is 093-XCV3-556K-299Z-QS0W-08A. I received a notification that my application was completed, and proceed to the C+ class floor of the Missions building." Xander then showed the letter that he received from MCGD, upon which, Aria was quite stunned.

She immediately inputted the mercenary ID in the terminal and immediately released a 'validated' sound. Aria smoothened her expression before saying,

"Alright, everything seems to be in order. In the mercenary group, you have an option to be referred with an alias. Would you like to choose an alias? Please note, every time you would receive a mission, you will be called by your alias from then on, even the employers of the mission would only know you by this alias."

Xander thought for a moment, before speaking, "Lonely Maker. This is my selected alias." Aria inputted it in the form that appeared on her console and nodded when it was accepted.

"Alright, with your code name done, you can now accept missions. You only need to present this proof of mercenaryship to the employer if its a direct-hire, or come here and submit the mission items." Aria immediately printed out the membership card of Xander, but after it printed and materialized, she froze.

"A...an obsidian mercenary card..!"