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It didn't take long before he spotted the familiar red painted door of Kuo Chao & Co., Gunsmiths and Importers, the gleam of rifles and revolvers catching in the display window. The shopfront stood out proudly amid the brick buildings, its signage painted in gold trimmed letters.
As he approached, he could already hear the faint click of metal and the deep hum of tools from inside. He dismounted, hitched Morgan to the post, and stepped up to the door. The smell of gun oil, brass, and powder greeted him the moment he entered.
Inside, the store was beautifully kept. Glass cases lined the walls, each displaying pristine rifles, revolvers, and shotguns. Decorative rifles hung behind the counter, each engraved with ornate patterns. The shopkeeper, a well dressed Chinese man in his fifties with sharp eyes and neatly combed hair, looked up from polishing a Schofield revolver.
"Good morning, sir," he said in fluent English with a slight accent. "Welcome to Kuo Chao & Company. My name is Chu Ling, you can call me Mr. Chu. What can I do for you today?"
Caleb tipped his hat respectfully. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chu. Name's McLaughlin. I'm lookin' to expand my collection a bit, maybe trade up for somethin' with a little more punch. Need some recommendations as well if you have any."
The man's eyes flickered with mild curiosity. "Of course, Mr. McLaughlin. You've come to the right place. We take pride in offering only the best craftsmanship and imports. Now, what exactly did you have in mind before I could recommend you something?"
Caleb leaned slightly on the counter. "I was thinking of buying a new repeater to upgrade my firepower. I've been usin' a Lancaster for some time, but I figure it's about time for an upgrade to a newer repeater maybe."
Kuo's eyes glimmered with professional pride. "Ah, a discerning customer. Come follow me, I believe I have just what you're looking for."
He led Caleb to a display where several rifles were mounted on a velvet stand. "This," he said, gesturing, "is the Litchfield Repeater. This model is our newest arrival. Powerful, accurate, and quick to cycle. A favorite among seasoned marksmen. Comes with reinforced internal mechanisms, custom polished sights, and a hand carved walnut stock. Slightly heavier than your Lancaster, but with more punch."
Caleb whistled softly, picking it up and testing its weight, before then ran his hand along the barrel, admiring the craftsmanship. "Fine balance. Smooth lever action too. Feels good as well."
"You have a good eye and hand Mr. McLaughlin," Chu Ling said approvingly. "I can tell you've seen your share of battles and you're no stranger to firearms."
"You could say that. Let's just say I've had my fair share of practice." Caleb smiled faintly, remembering his countless gunfights through the plains and valleys of New Hanover, Lemoyne, and Ambarino.
"The price for this beauty is 145 dollars," Chu Ling said plainly. "And for an additional 50 dollars, I can include a full tuning, improved rifling, improve the custom sights, cleaned bore, and a short scope. Worth every cent, I assure you."
Caleb thought for a moment, then nodded. "I'll take it. And while I'm here, might as well pick up several box of high velocity rifle cartridges, a few split point bullets, and several boxes of express rounds."
"Very good," the gunsmith said, moving efficiently to gather the ammunition boxes and putting in at the counter.
"I have other things that might possibly interest you mister," Chu Ling continued. "For sidearms, might I recommend the Mauser Pistol or the Semi Auto Pistol, both recent imports, refined and fast."
Caleb chuckled. "Very tempting'. I've already got myself a good Navy revolver and she's treated me well. But pistols, I have heard of it, I buy one of it each then."
"Fine choice mister, the total would be 460 dollars," Kuo said knowingly, "then I assume you would like several boxes of rounds for it? And also would you like some improvements made on it?"
Caleb nodded decisively. "Yes I would like several boxes of rounds. As for the improvemente, no for now."
As Chu Ling began doing some improvements onto the Litchfield Repeater according to what Caleb have paid, then taking a Mauser and Semi Automatic Pistol each, putting them with all of the ammunitions neatly, while waiting Caleb's gaze wandered across the shop's ornate interior.
There were custom engravings on the wall, depictions of dragons, phoenixes, and Chinese calligraphy that he assumend roughly have the meaning of "Precision, Honor, Protection." It reminded Caleb that even in this Western frontier, culture blended and thrived in unexpected corners.
When everything was finally complete Chu Ling called for Caleb, telling him that in total everything was 695 dollars and he gave him 20 percent discount, making it to 521 dollars and 25 cents.
Caleb hearing that smiled and thanked Chu Ling, before then counted out the money he took out from his satchel, and handed it to Chu Ling.
The gunsmith counted them swiftly, then smiled and bowed slightly. ""It's been a pleasure doing business with you. If you ever require custom engraving or modification, please return. Kuo Chao & Co. always welcomes skilled marksmen. I hope your purchases brings you both safety and victory."
Caleb returned the bow with a grin. "I'll remember that. Thank you, Mr. Chu."
He left the shop with the Litchfield Repeater slung over his shoulder and the ammo alongside the two pistols packed neatly in his satchel which immediately goes to his system inventory. Outside, Morgan nickered softly, sensing his good mood. Caleb gave her neck a few pats. "You and me, girl, we're gonna fit right into this city."
He mounted up, took a slow look around the bustling streets, the ornate buildings, the noise, the movement, and smiled faintly. Every step of his plan was falling into place. He was establishing himself quietly, efficiently, without drawing the kind of heat Dutch would later bring down on their heads.
As everything that he had planned for the day was finished, and with still plenty of daylight left before the sun dipped below the skyline of Saint Denis, Caleb figured it was time to put the rest of his afternoon to good use. The errands, the purchases, the upgrades, all part of the groundwork. But now came the next layer, reputation.
He needed standing, a clean, public face in the city of vice and civility. A man who could walk among the upper crust without the smell of gunpowder and outlaw dust clinging to him. And for that, there was no easier or more legitimate way to earn that sort of respect than through bounty hunting. Nothing made the law look friendlier to your name than doing its dirty work for them.
He stroked Morgan's neck thoughtfully as he mulled it over. "We've got time, girl. Let's make ourselves known a little."
The mare gave a light snort in agreement, or so he liked to imagine, before Caleb swung himself up into the saddle once more and turned her westward. The plan unfolded clearly in his head, start small, build a name, get recognized by the Saint Denis Police.
To truly infiltrate the upper echelons of Saint Denis and catch Bronte's eye, he needed a reputation. Not just as a lucky gambler, but as a man of capability and consequence.
If he managed to bring in a few bounties alive, and he would, because he always preferred alive, he'd build a reputation for efficiency and precision. Combined with his poker winnings, it would create a compelling profile. People would start talking. And if people talked enough, the whispers would eventually reach Bronte himself.
Bronte's world was one of money, influence, and control, the high society of Saint Denis revolved around men like him. And if Caleb could catch Bronte's interest, if he could get invited to the Grand Korrigan and play poker among the city's richest bastards, then the doors would start opening one after another.
Money, information, connections, all the tools he'd need to prepare for the inevitable downfall Dutch would one day bring upon the gang.
Every move he made wasn't just for himself. It was for Mary-Beth, for those who could see the truth, that the outlaw life was fading, dying, and that Dutch's brand of pride would only hasten that end.
He pulled lightly on the reins, guiding Morgan through the bustling streets of the west side of Saint Denis. The cobblestones gleamed faintly in the afternoon sun, the sounds of carriages and trams filling the air. The scent of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the ever present city smoke.
He passed elegant lampposts and flowered balconies, heading toward a familiar landmark he recalled clearly from his past life memories, the Saint Denis Police Station.
He remembered it perfectly. It sat just south of the tailor shop, directly across from the grand façade of Théâtre Râleur, the cabaret known for its eccentric performers and evening crowds.
Even in daylight, the theatre looked alive, its posters advertising dancers and comedians who'd soon light up the stage. The sight of it always made Caleb chuckle. A cabaret across from a police station, he thought. Saint Denis in a nutshell.
The police station stood proud and orderly, a clean brick building with white trimmed windows, the blue and gold emblem of the Saint Denis Police Department proudly displayed above the entrance. It was a stark contrast to the chaos that usually hid behind its walls.
Caleb dismounted and hitched Morgan to the post outside, giving her an absent pat on the neck. "Wait here, girl. Won't be long."
He straightened his hat, brushed the dust off his coat, and took a long look at the grand building before stepping through the double doors.
Inside, the air was cooler and smelled faintly of ink, paper, and gun oil. The reception area looked almost identical to how he remembered it from the game, a polished counter separating the officers from the public, where behind is the jail cells and the chief of police table.
The officer behind the counter looked up immediately. He was a man in his late thirties, clean shaven, wearing the crisp blue uniform coat and black custodian hat of the Saint Denis police.
His accent carried a slight southern lilt as he called out, "Afternoon, sir! What brings you here today? You here to report a crime you witnessed, or are you here to confess to one?"
Caleb chuckled softly and waved both hands in mock defense, slipping into his Acting Skill with ease. His grin was warm, disarming. "Now, hold on, officer, name's McLaughlin, and I promise I ain't here to report nothin' or confess to somethin' I didn't do. I came to ask if you folks have any bounties available. Figured I could lend a hand in keepin' the streets clean."
The officer blinked, then broke into a hearty laugh. "Well, why didn't you say so, Mister McLaughlin? Here I was thinkin' we'd be fillin' out paperwork for a stolen mule or a drunken brawl. Bounties, eh? You got the look for it."
Caleb tipped his hat politely. "Appreciate it."
The officer gestured to the left side of the room, Caleb's right. "If you're lookin' for bounty posters, you'll find 'em posted right over there. Chief put up a new batch this mornin'. Mean bunch, every last one of 'em."
"Much obliged," Caleb said, giving a short nod. He turned on his heel and walked toward the wall lined with notices. The wooden board was cluttered with flyers, missing persons, wanted posters, and patrol announcements. But five sheets stood out, freshly tacked to the board, each bearing the bold black heading: WANTED – DEAD OR ALIVE.
He studied them carefully, his sharp eyes scanning the names and crimes.
Five outlaws, five stories. The rewards ranged from 100 to 300 dollars, depending on the severity of their crimes. Arson, murder, train robbery, armed assault, and gang leadership, every single one of them had blood or fire in their trail. It was a rogues' gallery of the worst Lemoyne had to offer.
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 6/10
- Luck: 8/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 4)
- Rifle (Lvl 4)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 4)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 3)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 3)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 3)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 3)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 2)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 1)
- Crafting (Lvl 3)
- Persuasion (Lvl 3)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 4)
- Teaching (Lvl 2)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 10x10x10)
- Acting (Lvl 3)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Treasure Hunter (Lvl MAX)
Money: 1,623 dollars and 71 cents
Inventory: 103,846 dollars and 72 cents, 7 gold nuggets, 58 gold bars, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 Colm's Schofields, land deed (Parcel), 1 Mauser, & 1 Semi Auto Pistol
Bank: -