There's absolutely no way I can tell him I've been traveling to worlds where the concepts of fantasy and reality are bent, or that I need to learn whatever I can about fantasy world logic in order to survive during secret missions. The fact that they're secret keeps me from getting the kind of help I need to actually achieve the missions, but at the same time even if it was allowed I don't think I could bring myself to involve my friends into something potentially dangerous. I'm left wondering what to say, but also I wonder why don't they recruit people like Peter in the first place. He would absolutely ace any world without issues since he's been playing RPGs and sci-fi games since he was a kid.
"It's nothing, really. I never gave them a fair chance and now I'm stuck in the game. And here I thought I could maybe learn a thing or two from you, maybe even try different games. But if it is too much, then maybe I should just take a pottery class or something."
"A-ha! I knew it! You're having trouble with Tasha! That's why you're looking for something to spend your time on."
"Actually, it's the opposite."
"Don't tell me... she likes fantasy games!? I knew it from the time you introduced us she was a keeper! Unlike Marla who doesn't even bother gaming with me anymore." Marla just shrugged at Peter's remark. I'm not a relationship guru or anything like that, but even I can tell they have issues.
"So, will you help me?"
"Alright, so the first thing you should always do is search for tips and tricks online, then watch some gameplay streams and..."
"That would spoil all the fun."
"You're right, dammit! It's been so long since the times internet wasn't a thing and you had to find everything out by talking with your friends or reading magazines I completely forgot the joy of learning," Peter scolded himself, then began his explanation. "fantasy games share elements, such as some form of magical energy and physical energy too. Since you mentioned elves and undead then it is fair to assume the game is about the two sides of immortality."
"What?" I ask dumbfounded.
"What I just said. Elves are immortal, but undead are immortal too, you know... being not dead and all that."
"I didn't think of that." I admit.
"Let me guess, you play as a human who lost his parents to the undead and you're on a travel to find help from the elves."
"Something of the sorts." I knew he would have a different perspective than me, but he's actually genius. I'm starting to wonder why didn't I ask him for help the minute I was assigned as a field agent.
He asked me many questions about the game, such as how did the character level up and what kind of items I had at my disposal. I tried to tell him as much as I could about Lithurien without hinting it might be real in any way and Peter just went with it explaining basic things.
"What about your party?"
"You know I don't like throwing parties."
"A party is a team of companions with the same objective. It is the most important thing in any RPG."
"I see, well... it's just a magician and me, a swordsman I think."
"That's not a bad composition, does the wizard know healing magic?"
"Yes."
"Even better! Then it means your job as a swordsman is to bait enemies towards you." Peter nods like it was the most obvious thing.
"But, they'll kill me!"
"Think of it this way. Mages are comparable to a person using a firearm, their DPS is insane but that only works if they have a clear line of sight. By luring enemies to your position you're keeping them away from the mage who's dealing all the damage and you're also placing the enemies in a single spot. That will make Area of effect spells way more effective. Not just that, as long as the healer is alive there is still hope for the swordsman no matter the enemy." Now I see why Loraina insisted on me staying out of her way. I guess this is common sense for people in fantasy worlds, but I never gave it a thought and assumed she was being mean like always. Guess riding horses isn't the only thing I needed to learn.
Peter always stays up late playing videogames which is why I was left with nothing to do in the morning, but since I was technically on the clock I decided to make the most of my time and practice my swordsmanship with one of the many swords Peter has laying around as decorations. I went with one big enough to look cool, but not so heavy I couldn't wield with one hand.
Peter's backyard has an actual forest in it and I went deep enough people couldn't see me practice. I waved the sword in the air performing the same movements I've picked up so far. I'm nowhere near a professional, but it's only a matter of time until I get there.
"Technique and repetition, that's all." I wipe the sweat of my forehead then I take a look at the fitness app on my phone. Oddly enough, the app crashed and I have no clue why. Maybe I went over the limits of what was humanly possible and it couldn't deal with it. I chuckle at the silly thought, then head back to grab something to eat. Peter was up and ready for another session of horseback riding. I'm not thrilled, but at least I can now get up on the horse without falling. It took all day and the following morning for me to reach a point where I can confidently say I can ride a horse.
"It was fun, thanks for everything." I say to Peter as he accompanies me to my car and then I realized I failed to notice he was quieter than usual.
"I need to ask you a question. It's fine if you don't want to answer, just don't lie to me. Okay?"
"Sure." Despite being privy to secrets the general population must not learn I'm not fazed by questions since not answering is my second language.
"Are you a spy?" He asked with a straight face.
"I'm not," I would laugh at his question, but he's being serious. "why do you ask?"
"Because shortly after you arrived my AI home assistant informed me a device broke through my firewalls and forcefully connected to my network. I thought it was a coincidence, but the bandwidth was strained all the time except for the times when we were riding."
"It wasn't me." I shrug.
"So, you're not aware of any device that could have done it?"
"Of course not." My confirmation makes him relax and he went back to being the Peter I know. Good thing I'm not a spy, only an agent at the otherworld affair department at the FBI.
"I know you always refuse when I try to give you anything, but this armor was made for you," He said as he handed me a heavy case. "the horse was also raised for you and..."
"Thanks for the armor, it will look cool on my place. You can keep the horse, though." I thank him and then leave.
Just like he said, I would usually refuse any gifts from my friends. They are all successful in their fields to the point where I look like I'm struggling. I can't deny I've been tempted more than once to just accept gifts like money, cars or even property. They're so rich it wouldn't make a dent in their savings. I only ever accept the kind of heartfelt gift I could buy for myself if I wanted and they know it. However, this armor is different since it was tailored for me and it could save my life during my missions. Besides, I've looked up the price of armors at the customs department and it's insane to buy one from other worlds.
I regret not asking Peter for help sooner. Just knowing half of what I now know would have sped up things considerably, but regret is wisdom coming late.
The next day I show up in the office ready to go back to Lithurien and prove I can now ride a horse. Also, I was looking forward for the paperwork I would need to fill at the customs department to include my new armor to my inventory. However, the moment I showed up at the I noticed something was off.
"What is this?" I ask Nora who waited for me outside the office along with Thompson.
"It's an internal affairs investigation." She replied and Thompson added.
"They're auditing everything. The director said we're free to go home until further notice."
"Is there something we should be worried about?" Asked Nora as she directed me a suspicious glare.
"Of course not, maybe it's just because we are a new division." I reply, though I've been with the bureau for years and never seen something like this ever happen.