Joshua looked at the ecstatic warrior across the desk. K'Vash-9 was physically still, but the air around him thrummed with the focused energy of a predator who had just successfully tested his weapon.
"You have your $1,200 Victory Marks, K'Vash-9," Joshua said, feeling the weight of the 65 SP in his System budget. "Now, we execute the next tactical move."
Acquire Concept Transfer (G-Rank), Joshua commanded mentally.
[ACQUISITION CONFIRMED. COST: 50 SP. BALANCE: 15 SP.]
[INSTALLING: CONCEPT TRANSFER (G-RANK)...]
This time, the download was less painful and more like opening a massive, meticulously organized flowchart in his mind. He didn't just understand data; he understood how to build intellectual bridges using metaphor, analogy, and cultural touchstones.
"Before we commit your capital, we must acquire your Terran Identifier," Joshua explained, pulling up the brokerage account application. "In the Finance Conflict Zone, you cannot participate under the designation 'K'Vash-9.' You require a legal, civilian name for all transactions."
The warrior's posture stiffened. "This is a flaw. My designation defines my history and rank. To change it is to betray my honor and erase my victories."
[CLIENT BARRIER DETECTED: IDENTITY INTEGRITY (CULTURAL AVERSION TO NAME CHANGE). SEVERITY: HIGH.]
This wasn't just bureaucracy; this was a deep-seated cultural block. If K'Vash-9 felt his new name was a betrayal, the entire foundation of the "Tangible Honor" metaphor would crumble.
Joshua activated the Concept Transfer skill and instantly reframed the problem.
"A Terran name is not a permanent designation," Joshua explained, his voice smooth and authoritative. "It is an Armor Set. When you engaged in the data vault duel, you did not use your T-Rank combat armor, did you? You wore civilian clothing to move undetected by their sensors."
K'Vash-9 considered this, his four eyes moving rapidly. "I wore a disguise to defeat their passive detection systems. Yes."
"Exactly," Joshua affirmed. "Your T-Rank name, K'Vash-9, is your Ceremonial Armor. It is for defining your lineage and personal history. The legal name you adopt now is your Scout Armor. It is a low-profile, functional set of plating designed specifically for navigating the Terran market's passive detection systems—the bureaucracy."
"So, this name is a Tool of Subterfuge," the warrior concluded, the concept settling perfectly into his strategic mind.
"It is a high-grade tool of anonymity and compliance, essential for entering the Conflict Zone," Joshua confirmed. "It allows you to move your capital armies without alerting the enemy to your true rank."
"Understood," K'Vash-9 rumbled. "Then the Scout Armor must be efficient. It must be short, and it must retain the intent of my designation."
Joshua opened a clean document. "Your race is the K'Vash. Your designation is 9. What is the core intent of your personal identity?"
"Dominance. Discipline. Swift, uncompromising victory."
Joshua typed a name and looked at the warrior.
"Your Scout Armor will be Victor Stone. 'Victor' signifies your objective of dominance. 'Stone' signifies the discipline and uncompromising durability of your species."
K'Vash-9 ran the name through his internal filter. Victor Stone. Short. Authoritative. Anonymously Terran.
"Victor Stone," K'Vash-9 tested the name, the sound still guttural, but the intent now focused. "I accept this armor set."
[TASK COMPLETE: CRITICAL IDENTITY BARRIER RESOLVED VIA CONCEPT TRANSFER (G-RANK).]
[GOOD DEED ACHIEVED: CONCEPTUAL ALIGNMENT AND LEGAL IDENTITY ACQUIRED.]
[SYSTEM POINTS (SP) AWARDED: +10]
[CURRENT SP: 25]
Joshua felt a surge of professional pride. 25 SP. The G-Rank skill was worth every point. He had solved a cultural crisis that would have derailed weeks of integration work in less than five minutes.
"Excellent, Victor," Joshua said, using the new name seamlessly. "Now that you are wearing your Scout Armor, we can access the Strategic Conflict Zone. We must deploy your capital immediately. Where do you wish to initiate the first engagement? Stocks, bonds, or real estate?"
Victor Stone, the T-Rank warrior, is ready to invest his $1,200. With the Concept Transfer skill now online, Joshua can explain anything.