97. Integrity is Sexy

Jason, exhausted after killing men in Old City, visits Farrah, Gary, and Rufus. They recount the gods’ appearance at Jory’s clinic, with Dominion asking after Jason, and reveal a massive astral-space expedition led by Danielle Geller. Jason has been explicitly excluded, but he chooses restraint, viewing it as a test of maturity.

Jason then admits he killed five adventurers earlier that day. He explains the contract trail that led him to evidence of staged fergax sightings and Thadwick Mercer’s involvement, culminating in an ambush he survived and recorded.

Jason meets Thalia Mercer at the Mercer manor and presents recordings: Jerrick’s guilt and corroborating evidence of the scheme. He proposes a quiet resolution—Adventure Society notified discreetly; Lindover compensated; Clementson’s takeover preparations reversed; Dean protected; and Jerrick struck from the rolls—arguing public exposure would only entrench Mercer power and harm innocents.

Thalia tests Jason with her silver-rank aura; Jason stands firm, warning there are limits to what he will accept. Thalia agrees to his terms and to chastise Thadwick, planning to place blame on Clementson. Jason accepts, insisting on restitution and restraint over retribution.

Later in the park, Jason records a message for home before Cassandra joins him. They affirm their relationship, discuss her departure on the expedition, and joke about future plans. Cassandra mentions the elusive thief and a near-capture foiled by mysterious black-clad attackers, highlighting the political undercurrents Jason distrusts.