He Who Fights with Monsters, #1
He Who Fights with Monsters
by Shirtaloon
Contents
98. The Point of Money and Power
Overview
The grand astral expedition departs without Jason, who bids Cassandra farewell and avoids escalating Thadwick. Director Arella, remaining behind, rewards Jason’s discreet political acuity with an Awakening Stone of Judgement and promotes him to three-star iron, expecting leadership while elites are away.
Jason then unites factions at a large, informal barbecue, signaling his growing social influence outside traditional power structures.
Summary
On a chaotic Adventure Society campus, adventurers and Ustei prepare to depart for the astral expedition. Jason navigates the crush of auras using Farrah’s training, meets the Gellers and Mercers, and shares a tender farewell with Cassandra. He pointedly avoids provoking Thadwick, wishing him well rather than engaging.
After the caravan rolls out, Vincent approaches Jason. Jason correctly infers that Director Arella kept dissenters from the expedition to consolidate authority while the city’s major powers are away. Vincent brings Jason to Arella’s office, where Arella and Deputy Director Genevieve Picot commend his discreet handling of the lumber mill affair and the incriminating recording of the so-called adventurers he killed.
Arella presents Jason with an Awakening Stone of Judgement, citing his demonstrated discernment and usefulness amid staffing shortages. She then promotes him to three-star iron on the spot, clarifying expectations that he take leadership roles if crises arise during the expedition’s absence.
That evening, Jason hosts a large, informal barbecue in the park district with Adventure and Magic Society attendees, their families, and locals. Norwich Norwich supplies drinks, and Jessica (Madam Landry) helps expand the grilling setup. Arella and Genevieve attend, observing the lively tri-ball match and Jason’s talent for mixing social strata, underscoring his growing, unconventional influence within the city.
Who Appears
- Jason AsanoBids farewell to Cassandra, defuses Thadwick, receives an Awakening Stone of Judgement, promoted to three-star iron, hosts a unifying barbecue.
- Elspeth ArellaAdventure Society director; keeps Jason in the city, rewards his discretion with a Judgement stone, and promotes him, expecting leadership.
- Genevieve PicotDeputy director; supports Arella’s decisions and attends Jason’s barbecue, observing his social influence.
- Cassandra MercerShares an affectionate farewell with Jason before departing on the expedition.
- VincentAdventure Society official who escorts Jason to Arella and discusses contract expectations.
- Thadwick MercerConfronts Jason about meddling; Jason pointedly avoids escalation.
- Danielle GellerEfficiently directs expedition logistics and helps organize Geller departures.
- Humphrey GellerSays goodbye to Gabrielle; exchanges joking barbs with Jason before leaving.
- Gabrielle PellinShares a tender goodbye with Humphrey; surprised by Jason and Humphrey’s banter.
- JonahMocks Humphrey lightheartedly during the expedition send-off.
- Norwich NorwichDistiller who supplies the barbecue with drinks, reinforcing Jason’s community ties.
- Jessica (Madam Landry)Helps secure extra grills, enabling Jason’s large, inclusive barbecue.
- Clive StandishLeads the mixed tri-ball team at the barbecue, representing cross-guild camaraderie.