A few weeks before the festival.
Inside the tavern, Brandon sat at the counter as the familiar bartender entertained him.
Smith was wide eyed as he looked at Brandon.
"You want to climb the organization's rankings?"
"Yeah."
"Why…?"
"I need more people like you. People who won't hesitate to get their hands dirty."
"...I see."
Brandon knew he couldn't bring any people from the Academy with him once he became a Primordial member.
What he needed were people from the underground channels of society.
But all he could access were the public taverns of the Twilight Syndicate.
He needed an invitation.
An invitation to enter the syndicate's main circle.
Which is why he needed to climb the ranks.
To get the syndicate's attention.
"There's one thing you can do."
"Tell me."
Snap!
Smith snapped his fingers.
Brandon rolled his eyes in response.
Clink!