Children of The Spheres

Chapter 2: The Deal

"Found a buyer," Jace announces, arms crossed over his chest as he leans back in his chair, the old wood creaking under his weight. His dark, slightly unkempt hair falls across his forehead, and his eyes flicker with that usual mix of sly confidence and hidden trouble.

We're alone in our cramped apartment, carved into the lower levels of Isenhold's mountain. The walls are a patchwork of metal panels and insulation, barely keeping out the cold, with a faint scent of rust and machine oil lingering in the air. Shiro's working in the deep mines today, leaving me alone with Jace.

"A buyer?" I echo, skepticism threading my voice. "You didn't even know what it was two days ago. Now you've got someone willing to pay for it?"

He shrugs casually. "I've got connections, Ander. People who pay big for rare tech—especially unique stuff like this."

I glance at the chip on the table between us, then back to him. "Who's the buyer? And why drag me into this?" This isn't his usual game. Jace usually works alone for these kinds of things.

He leans forward, the grin fading from his face. "I need someone I can trust to watch my back. This buyer isn't local—off-worlder, big credits. But that means bigger risks. They might decide to take the tech and leave me dead in an alley."

I frown, recalling the times Jace took me under his wing, teaching me and Shiro how to survive down in Isenhold's lower levels. Despite our age difference, we've always looked out for each other. He was like the older brother I never had, and I knew he felt responsible for me after my parents disappeared, even though he was in the same exact boat.

I take a deep breath, weighing his words. "And you really think I'm the best pick for that? I'm just a kid, Jace. Not exactly intimidating."

He smirks, tapping his fingers on the table. "That's precisely why I want you. They'll underestimate you. Nobody expects the kid to cause trouble until it's too late. Besides, you're sharper than most people I know."

I study him for a long moment, then the chip—a thin, rectangular aug with polished edges traced by delicate violet circuitry forming angular lines. The RedLine Biotech logo is subtly etched into the metal. Memories of sleepless nights, Shiro's cough echoing in the cramped apartment, and the endless grind in the mines all fuel the growing desire for change. This chip could change everything—could get us killed too.

I meet Jace's gaze, searching for any hint of doubt. But his eyes are steady, filled with a determination that mirrors my own buried hopes. The thought of leaving Isenhold, of escaping the endless cold and the mine's suffocating darkness, tugs at something deep within me.

"What about Shiro? He won't like this."

"Shiro doesn't have to know," he replies smoothly. "Come on, Ander. We've all fantasized about getting out of this frozen wasteland. Don't you think it's worth the risk for a chance at life? Not just survival?"

I look at the chip again, and sigh. "Fine. I'm in, but we're doing this my way—no dumb risks."

His grin returns, a genuine warmth reaching his eyes. "Deal."

Jace moves to his worn backpack in the corner, rummaging for a moment before pulling out a small metallic case. With a flick, he opens it to reveal a Veridian LX-7 hand cannon. The weapon's matte-black surface absorbs the light, giving it an almost shadowy presence. Sharp lines cut across the frame, and the name is engraved along the barrel.

My eyes widen at the sight. "Where the hell did you get that?"

"Lifted it off a bounty hunter passing through," he says nonchalantly. "Guy didn't even notice until he was back on his ship."