“Yes, that does sound impressive, but what’s the catch? How much will this cost me? Also, I was sort of hoping to maybe try to get a flying augment or some other sort of movement upgrade.”

“Let’s just call it a sign-on bonus. Also, trust me, you don't want a flight skill or augment. All you'll be able to do for the first few years is hover off the ground a little bit. Honestly, you’ll be only the second player to receive this implant, which is saying something, and I’ll be able to install the standard kill switch as well—”

“The what!?” Alan exclaimed.

“Well, in our line of work it’s best to have some easy way to get out of capture, so we don’t divulge any information. Trust me, you don’t want to get captured by an enemy faction without a kill switch. It will simply let you restart at your respawn point quickly and easily,” Phantom calmly explained.

“Now, that may be, but I’m not sure if I like the sound of this, as it sounds like you’ll be able to activate it at will.”

“Yes, well, if you’re knocked unconscious during a mission, I’ll need to activate it, won’t I?”

“So, wait, you’ll be coming along with me on missions?”

“Weren’t you listening earlier? I’ll be following along through the cybernetic eye implant. I’ll be what I suppose you’d call your handler for most missions. Also, even if I were to betray you, which I promise I won’t, you could disable the implant while at your Home Base. I wouldn’t be able to kill you over and over again, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Alan narrowed his eyes, glaring at Phantom, then slowly mulled over his options. He doubted that Phantom would let him go on missions or be his Squire without this implant. After about a minute, he finally said, “Alright, fine, I’ll agree to the implant, but only on two conditions.”

“Alright, and what’s that?” Phantom inquired.

“First, tell me why you distrust AI so much. You clearly have some issue with them, and as I have one basically living in my head, I think I deserve a clear answer on this.”

Phantom frowned, then replied, “I wish I could, but I don’t think you’re ready for this information. I promise to explain it to you after the war for Earth is over, and you reach the rank of Knight within the guild.”

“What? Not ready? So I’m ready to fight and spy for you, but not ready for some warning or information that could possibly be quite relevant to me?” Alan cried out.

Phantom once more closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When they opened again, his pupils were red. He said in an ominous tone, “No, you are not ready. You are a foolish young man with no clear concept of right or wrong, whose whole world has recently been upturned. Trust me when I say that this information could get your planet annihilated, and not just in the Game, but in real life as well.